This midsummer weekend features all the charm of a D.C July. Unique opportunities to celebrate culture and build community β worth it, no matter the humidity.
Each week, we list some ways to get engaged in the city β whether thatβs protesting, organizing with your neighbors, or testifying before your councilmembers. This isn't an exhaustive list; share your events and trainings with us at 51st.news/submit-events.
For more ways to get connected, check out our resources roundup; and for more to do around the city, don't miss our Weekend Events post.
ONGOING
Seven Days in D.C. From Sunday, June 28, through Saturday, July 4, organizers from across the U.S. are gathering in D.C. to run counter-programming to the America 250 / Freedom 250 celebrations. The weeklong series will feature panels, demonstrations, performances, and more, all with the goal of encouraging direct participation in a free democracy. Stop by Black Cat for a comedy night or punk show, learn how to lobby in Congress, or learn about protest as art. You can find the week's full schedule here.
TUESDAY, JUNE 30
Free DC Ward 4 Team Meeting & The Last Battlefront screening β° 6 - 8:30 p.m. π Christ Lutheran Church (5101 16th St. NW) Ward 4 Free DC team members are getting a treat at June's monthly meeting; they're screening the documentary The Last Battlefront: Quest for the Vote in Washington, D.C., which tracks the major turning points in history to understand D.C.'s struggle for statehood. Following the screening, Derek Musgrove, one of the authors of Chocolate City: A History of Race and Democracy in the Nation's Capital, will lead a brief conversation. Get there early for a potluck and popcorn from 6 to 6:30 p.m.
Film screening: The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson β° 6 - 8:30 p.m. π RSVP for location Cap off Pride Month with a free screening of David France's film that investigates the death of Marsha P. Johnson, a trailblazing queer activist. There will be snacks and discussion following the screening.
RFK Memorial Stadium Community Webinar β° 7 - 8 p.m. π Virtual The Office of Planning is hosting a webinar to walk through the draft of the RFK Campus Master Plan. They'll share an overview of the current plan and show how community members and stakeholders can give feedback when the public comment period opens. RSVP here.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1
Federal Worker Happy Hour β° 6 - 8 p.m. π Aslin Beer Garden (1740 14th St. NW) Federal Unionist Network's DMV Hub is linking up with Free DC for a night of solidarity-building among rank-and-file members. Stop by to learn about upcoming events and how to build community with fellow feds and contractors. You can RSVP here.
Free DC Virtual Campaign Orientation β° 7 - 8:30 p.m. π Zoom In case you missed it, it's a pretty exciting time for D.C. local politics! If you're unsure where to plug in, Free DC hosts monthly campaign orientations for new members; you'll learn what attacks D.C. is facing, how we can fight back, and where you can best direct your energy. RSVP here.
Creators for Democracy: A Civic Festival β° Starts at 5 p.m.; July 1 - 2 π MLK Library (901 G St. NW) This two-day festival is meant to showcase the D.C. creatives who are inspiring community and civic engagement through their work β be it food, fashion, music, and more. Hear from podcasters, newsletter writers, community organizers, and more creators who are working to democratize storytelling. All sessions are free, and you can reserve a spot here.
SATURDAY, JULY 4
We the People 250 March on Washington β° 12 p.m. π TBD The Seven Days in D.C. movement is wrapping with a March on Washington, bringing together local and national organizations. Together they'll be rolling out a 700-foot We the People banner, signed by tens of thousands of supporters throughout the country who have participated in similar acts of resistance against Trump 2.0. (While the march is open to everyone, organizers note that it's "geared toward" adults, given the risk of violence from federal law enforcement.)
This piece has been updated to remove the Takoma Park Fourth of July Parade with Free DC, as it has been cancelled due to heat.
Colleen is a 51st co-founder and a former DCist reporter. Her work has appeared in NPR, Street Sense Media, and The Washington Post. She currently lives in New York, where she's pursuing an MFA.
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