July is here, and while the city tends to wind down, there are still plenty of things to do around the city (and beyond). Whether you want to stay in the air conditioning or get some sun, check out my top things to know, eat, and do in DC.

Another note: last week was my one year anniversary of creating my Instagram account. It is WILD to me that it has grown so much and has attracted so many interesting people who want to learn about new ways to connect with their city. THANK YOU for finding Not Bored in DC and being a part of it all!

Valerie

Things to Know in DC

The lotuses are in bloom at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens!

This is the best peak bloom in DC every year, and I’m partnering with Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens to lead a nature walk through the park this Sunday.

If you’ve never been, you’ll be amazed by the lotus flowers, and I hope you come away loving the boardwalk as much as I do. It’s a great way to meet new people, stay active, and explore what is truly a hidden gem in the middle of the city.

​Join us on Sunday, July 7 at 9:00 AM. Spots are limited, RSVP required!

ICYMI

Things to Eat in DC

Indigenous chefs shared their favorite recipes at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival this past week, and you can find the recipes on the festival website.

With wheat not being native to the Americas, the majority (if not all) of the recipes are also gluten free!

Things to Do in DC: Next 4 Weeks

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This Week

• You can drink beer and learn lockpicking at Board Room in Dupont. Absolute beginners welcome. You can borrow their tools to learn for free or purchase a lockpick for $25. Wednesday 7/3. Free.
• With the 4th of July, people will be heading out to see the fireworks, with the biggest display on the Mall. Metro announced free fares after 5 PM on July 4th to make it easier for you to enjoy.
  • Barracks Row will be attempting to break a Guinness World Record for “the largest human image of an ice cream cone” after their 4th of July parade.
  • The biggest fireworks display will be on the Mall, starting at 9:09 PM.
  • For something more low key, the AFRH (fka Old Soldiers Home) opens up it’s lower grounds, where you can view the Mall fireworks from a distance and without the crowds.
• Peach picking season is starting! FT Valley Farm in Sperryville kicks off their pick-your-own-peaches season this weekend. If their peaches are like their apples, it’s a fun way to spend a day! Saturday 7/6.
• ​AfroAmp, and Afrobeats & Amapiano festical, is at Culture in Ivy City. Saturday 7/6. $25
• Lotus flowers are getting close to peak bloom, so don’t miss the walk at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens led by yours truly! Sunday 7/7. Free.

Next Week

• If you like to be surprised, join a blind wine tasting at Maxwell Park in Mt Vernon. Monday 7/8. $20/flight.
• ​Profs & Pints discuss medieval sex, from the holy to the profane, at Penn Social. Tuesday 7/9. $16.
• Catch John Wick 4 at the Franklin Park sunset movie series. Thursday 7/11. Free.
• ​Friday Night Fishing teaches you how to fish—for free! Join Anacostia Riverkeepers on Fridays. If you are an adult who wants to “actively fish,” you will need a DC fishing license. Fridays July 12-Sept 6. Free.
• Riggs Park is hosting their annual Art Crawl this weekend, with music, vendors, yoga, face painting, and balloons. Friday & Saturday 7/12-13. Free.
• ​Riverpalooza continues with a Shenandoah snorkel, mussel, and paddle trip. Friday 7/12. $38-65.

Further Out

• Catch some fun live pop music with Ariana and the Rose and Bright Light Bright Light performing at DC9. Wednesday 7/17. $15.
• The US Botanic Garden’s Summer Evening Hours will have it’s second late night event of the summer, with food and (non-alcoholic) drink available for purchase as you wander around the gardens. Thursday 7/18.
• Come back to the Botanic Garden for Connecting with Plant Music, a program discussing how technology translates the biodata of plants into ambient music. Saturday 7/20. Free (pre-registration required).
• The Lotus & Water Lily Festivalat Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens has fun for adults and kids. The festival highlights the culture around lotuses as well as the natural world of Kenilworth. Friday-Sunday, 7/19-21. Free.
• The German Wine Society is hosting their summer Potomac Wine Cruise. Expect to taste ~10-12 different wines. Saturday 7/20. $79.