The newsletter was hitting spam for a lot of people, so I needed to make some changes!

Going forward, in the email, I'll be featuring a more curated list of events for the current week. If you'd like to see a bit more as well as next week's events, you can find those in the weekly events list on my website.

If you like to plan ahead even further or want to see the full list of events, you can become a premium member and see all 250+ events over the next few months.

Instead of all of the links in the email, I've added in a couple new sections to give you ideas on other things to do around DC that aren't as time sensitive.

Valerie

IN THIS ISSUE:

🍑 Your favorite summer produce, ranked
🧁 Local closings: Josephine & Petit Cerise say goodbye
🐟 The best thing I ate this month (and where to get it)
🧊 Free ice cream party, LGBTQ+ history walk, and Game Night on the Water
🎨 Sip & paint press-on nails, Korean food tour, and an upcycled fashion swap
📖 Black Books Matter Fest, rooftop matchmaking, and the Recess Picnic returns

Give your opinion, and check back next week for the results.

Last week, I asked: What's your favorite fresh summer fruit or veggie? You responded:

• Peaches (50%)
• Tomatoes (25.5%)
• Corn (12.8%)
• Strawberries (11.7%)

🍲 Ethiopian restaurant Lalibela has moved again. Previously at the corner of 14th & P NW for 23 years, they moved to 7th Street NW in Shaw in 2019, and have recently moved to Georgia & Upshur NW in the old Safari DC space.

🚪 Petit Cerise, the popular French bistro-inspired restaurant in Mount Vernon Square from the Dabney team, will be closing on August 24.

🧁 Josephine, the gluten free bakery and cafe located in Bethesda, is closing Thursday, July 31. They are looking for new space.

🌮 The place with my favorite spicy margarita in DC, Chicatana, suffered a fire last month and is fundraising to provide for their staff and rebuild.

🥯 The Queer Eye cast was recently spotted leaving Call Your Mother in Eastern Market. They are currently filming a new season in DC.

This month, I ate something I never thought I would be able to eat again.

The best thing I ate in the past month is the Chuenh Paa sa Moun Pai from Thip Khao.

It's a deep fried catfish dip in a spicy fish sauce with lots of freshness from lemongrass, cilantro, and mint. The broth soaks into the catfish while it still remains crispy. The flavors are bright and light, and it's just a delight to enjoy.

When I had to go gluten free years ago, I assumed I couldn't eat this again since it's deep fried, and I was so sad that I avoided going back to Thip Khao. I decided to go back, and to my absolute JOY, I saw that it was gluten free! Now I want it every day.

😋 What is the best thing you ate this month?

It can be something that blew your mind or just hit the right spot. Reply and let me know to be featured and share the love for a local DC restaurant, or a recipe you made.

Looking for something specific? Check out these options:

• ​Museum parties & happy hours​
• ​DC farmer's markets​
• ​DC-area BARK Ranger programs​
• ​Summer event series​

✨ Premium subscribers: Access the full list of 250+ events here.

• 🌲 It’s the 100th year of tradition with the Chincoteague Pony Swim! See ponies make their annual swim to Chincoteague Island, plus auction and carnival shows on Wednesday 7/30-Thursday 7/31. Price not stated.
• 🧠 Teens, here's your chance to learn to DJ with DJ Quicksilva at a free summer camp where you can mix, scratch, and create your own sound! Wednesday 7/30. Free.
• 📖 Only in DC: Stories of Our City is your chance to hear hilarious and heartfelt tales from six women across six generations about life in the capital. Wednesday 7/30. $36.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Get ready for a sweet treat at the Free Ice Cream Party with free scoops, a DJ, and good vibes for all ages! Wednesday 7/30. Free.
• 🏞️ Join a Summer Food Foraging walk in the Anacostia Watershed and discover nature's hidden snacks with friends - just bring comfy shoes and a water bottle! Wednesday 7/30. $25, $35, and $45.
• 📜 This LGBTQ+ history walk lets you tour historic & long-gone sites from 1970s Pride like gay bars, bookstores, and places of activism through West Dupont and P Street. Wednesday 7/30. Pay what you can, registration required.

• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Get ready for a night of fun with Langston After Dark Pt.3: Range Night Block Party where you can enjoy unlimited range balls and a live DJ at the historic Langston Golf Course. Thursday 7/31. $47+.
• 🕺 Join Story Tapestries for a cultural celebration through Cree powwow dance, movement, and music, led by Miss Chief Rocka from Frog Lake First Nation. Thursday 7/31. Free.
• 🤓 Get ready for a night of prizes and yelling out bingo at for Miriam's Kitchen! Thursday 7/31. $8+.
• 🕺 The AdMo Vibe Summer Concert Series is BACK with a DJ set, mural meet & greet, and giveaways - plus a special appearance by Slapshot! Thursday 7/31. Free.
• 🤓 Get ready for an epic evening with Game Night on the Water Part 4 - a Jeopardy-style game night on a sunset cruise with music, networking, and good vibes! Thursday 7/31. $51.84.

• 🖌️ Get creative at Press and Sip where you can design your own set of press-on nails with all the materials and guidance you need. Friday 8/1. $44.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Get creative and eco-friendly at the summer mending swap where you can upcycle your clothes and swap items with others - plus, enjoy some tasty bites from Chef @jarensajerk. Friday 8/1. Free.
• 🍲 Go beyond Korean BBQ in this food-focused walking tour of Annandale. You can sample traditional Korean foods and maybe explore more of their hidden culinary gems. Friday 8/1. $89.
• 🌐 Celebrate Swiss National Day with a festive outdoor bash featuring food stations, open bars, and live Alphorn music - it's like a Swiss party right in DC! Friday 8/1. $60.54 - $97.88.
• 🤓 Game Night-ish is where karaoke and a music battle happens, plus classic games like Connect 4 and Uno - all with a twist of unapologetic Big Black Energy! Friday 8/1. $13+
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Remember the joy of recess? Relive it with line dancing, double dutch, and more at the Recess Picnic at Alethia Tanner Park. Friday 8/1. Free.

• 🍲 Join the Austrian Summer Wine Festival for a fun afternoon of tasting 15 unique Austrian wines, perfect for wine lovers and explorers alike. Saturday 8/2. Free.
• 🤸 Experience tranquility at Unfolding the Lotus: Meditation in Nature w/ Downtown Dharma, where you can relax and connect with nature in the beautiful Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. Saturday 8/2. Free.
• 🤝 Join the Paddle for Paws event for an afternoon of kayaking, paddleboarding, and a fun reception, all to support Lucky Dog Animal Rescue. Saturday 8/2. $50 Participants, $25 Adult - No Paddling.
• 🛍️ Legendary Monarch Novelties is having a sidewalk sale for quirky carnival oddities and vintage finds on 14th Street, all while supporting a local cause. Saturday 8/2. Free.
• 🖌️ Get your hands dirty and unleash your creativity at the Ceramic Turtle Workshop where you can craft your own unique stoneware turtle masterpiece! Saturday 8/2. $50 for members, $60 for non-members.
• 🧑‍🍳 Ready to roll up your sleeves and make some delicious Korean sushi rolls? Join the Gimbap Making Workshop with Lisa Nho and learn to craft these tasty treats while exploring Korean cuisine. Saturday 8/2. $43.66.
• 🕺 Recharge your mind and body with the Joy of African Movement series, featuring dance styles like Capoeira and Hip Hop at the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art. Saturday 8/2. Free.
• 📖 Join the Black Books Matter Fest for a day of inspiring author talks, kids' activities, and a vibrant local vendors market - all celebrating Black authors and community. Saturday 8/2. Free.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Join us for a relaxed rooftop evening at the Match and Meet: Golden Hour Edition where singles aged 45-65 can connect over a drink and popcorn, with matches curated by Matchbox's relationship science. Saturday 8/2. $40.

• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Ready to refresh your accessory options without spending a dime? Check out the Accessory Swap at MLK Library where you can trade your gently-loved pieces for new-to-you treasures. Sunday 8/3. Free.
• 🧠 Take a breather and join the Growing Self-Compassion Workshop at the beautiful Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, where you'll explore self-kindness through engaging discussions and interactive journaling. Sunday 8/3. Free.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Lesbifriends in the Park is all about hanging out with good vibes, games, and snacks in the company of Black queer women and nonbinary folks. Sunday 8/3. Free.
• 🍲 Enjoy and exploration of flavors at Tango Pastry's menu tasting event where you can taste Argentine sweet and savory delicacies with fellow foodies. Sunday 8/3. $47.
• 🤓 Get ready for a fun afternoon at the August Puzzle Palooza where you can swap your favorite puzzles and meet fellow puzzle enthusiasts at the Board Room! Sunday 8/3. Free.
• 🍽️ Enjoy an unforgettable night at The RAMMYS 2025 where you can celebrate the best of DC's restaurant scene with great food, drinks, and entertainment. Sunday 8/3. $395.

🤫 Psst! I couldn't fit everything in this issue. See more events happening this weekend and next week.

⚡ More events. More access. Zero FOMO.

Our premium subscribers get the full event list (250+!), weekly updates, and VIP access to exclusive Not Bored in DC events.

​👉 Upgrade to Premium here​

Know of something cool happening? Submit an event for consideration!

* Items marked with an asterisks contain affiliate links (for which I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you) or sponsored. Events are featured based on if I find them interesting and think others will too, regardless if they are affiliate or sponsored.