Things to Know in DC

Anacostia Park is being reimagine, and NPS wants your feedback through August 30.

There are 3 concepts they want your input on, including two that move Anacostia drive back from the water to make it safer for pedestrians and recreation, restoring some natural shoreline, and changing Pope Creek back into a creek instead of being routed underground.

I know that they are not native, but I would love to see cherry blossoms planted along the river.

Things to Eat in DC

​Almeda Restaurant in Petworth is closing, with the last day of service Saturday, 8/31. Highly rated, well reviewed, and featured in the Michelin Guide, they are shutting their doors due to financial strains.

I wrote about them in this newsletter several months ago, and I highly recommend to go before they close. The meals were delicious, inventive, and beautiful, and the service top notch.

If you’ve been, they are raising funds for their laid off staff members. Little Food Studio will move back across the street into their old space.

It’s a tough environment for restaurants and bars right now. I’m not going to pretend to know the answer, but they’re feeling really strained. A video highlighting U Street staple Dukem’s troubles went viral, and Omari’s Agave Lounge has announced they’re closing at the end of September if things don’t turn around. July saw longtime staples Commissary, BLT Steak, and Corduroy close, along with newer DC Corazon.

If you enjoy a restaurant or bar, support it before it’s too late.

ICYMI

Things to Do in DC: Next 4 Weeks

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This Week

• Jack White is playing a surprise show at 9:30 Club. You need to pre-register in order to buy tickets before Friday at noon. As of the time of writing, the link is not live, so check out their Instagram for more info. Tuesday 8/27. $106.
• You can soon watch films, webseries, and television content by and/or about people of African descent at the 2024 DC Black Film Festival. Now through 8/25. $15+.
• The largest Latin dance event in DC is coming up! DCBX16 features workshops, group dances, and the chance to see professional Latin dancers. Now through Monday 8/26. $50+
• Join the new Sophie dance party with pop up drag performance to honor the dance music icon, Sophie at DC9. Friday 8/23. $15.
• Watch the world-class MMA action at the 2024 Professional Fighters League (PFL) Playoffs. You can catch a match at The Anthem. Friday 8/23. $24 - $610.
• The National Book Festival is back, including James Patterson, Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing), Tomi Adeyemi (Children of Blood and Bone). Saturday 8/24. Free.
• Arrive early to the Nats Park for Opera in the Outfield where you’re allowed to sit in the literal outfield while enjoying a broadcast of the Washington National Opera’s recent performance of Turandot. Saturday 8/24. Free.
• DC Rawhides is a same-sex country western dancing event held every other week at Eastern Market. Catch the last event of the summer! Saturday 8/24. Free (donation suggested).
• ​Roller Derby. What more needs to be said? Saturday 8/24. $18.
• ​Wow Indonesia Festival is the biggest Indonesian festival, featuring cultural performances, big name Indonesian musicians, and delicious food (I sampled some during a preview, it’s worth checking out just for the food). Sunday 8/25. Free.
• Spend a fun morning trek and join the search for America's forgotten fruit at the Paw Paw Hunt! Make sure to pack some water bottles and light snacks for the road. Sunday 8/25. $30+.
• More sweet music coming your way for Women’s Equality Day Power Up Concert at the Kennedy Center featuring Marina Arsenijevic, Betty, and Sweet Honey in the Rock. Sunday 8/25. $50.00 – $150.00.
• If you're looking for a detailed stellar experience, Prof & Pints’ NASA's Next Big Thing will show updates on the current advancements of space with new scientific results and images! Tuesday 8/27. $17.

Next Week

• Ladies, make new female friends at a Sip & Social, featuring pop up permanent jewelry and candle making. Thursday 8/29. $20. sponsored
• Put your game face on for the Nova Open Tabletop Wargaming Convention. They have a whole slew of everything gamers would enjoy from some of the world's largest miniatures tournaments to casual learn-to-play events, to charity painting classes, and much more. Wednesday 8/28-9/1. $67.
• ​DC Jazz Fest is coming up on Labor Day Weekend. Wednesday 8/28-Sunday 9/1
• Support your favorite wrestler or just come for the summer action at New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Wednesday 8/28 - 9/1. $25+.
• The best magicians from all over the country are joining us for a magical Labor Day weekend at the Capital Hilton for the DC Festival of Magic. Event runs for three nights Friday 8/30-Sunday 9/1. $15+.
• ​Maryland’s oldest jousting tournament is not about knocking off an opponent, it’s about collecting little rings with a jousting stick thing. Check out what they’ve been doing for 157 years. Saturday 8/31. Free.
• Celebrate the holiday weekend with the ultimate party experience - The R&B Bar Crawl Labor Day Weekend. Saturday 8/31. $10+.
• If you love a good exercise with a twist, Eastern Market Main Streets is hosting a walking tour featuring historic sites, charming shops, delicious eateries, and the rich culture of this area in Washington, DC. Saturday 8/31. Free.
• Look out for a free orchestra performance on Labor Day Weekend at the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol and get the chance to see your favorite classical artists with the Grammy-winning guitarist Sharon Isbin. Sunday 9/1. Free.

Further Out

• Go on an exhilarating ride through political absurdity at Soft Power musical, a faceoff between Chinese and American exceptionalism. Daily until 9/11. $69 - $105.
• The DC State Fair highlights the city’s agricultural, culinary, and artistic talents. You can compete in categories like best chicken egg, best honey, best homebrew, and pie eating. Register for contests by 8/16. Event is Saturday 9/7. Free.
• Up for a social joyride? DC's only car-free social bike ride will be happening with a 20-mile excursion including 14th Street Bridge & Memorial Bridge, live music, and events. Passes include fully stocked rest stops, car-free streets, access to Finish Festival, and mechanical support. Saturday 9/7. $79.
• ​Survivor Rock Creek’s next game is coming up on September 7, and we’re waiting for their casting decisions for Season 14!
• The fall concert series Jazz in the Heights kicks off on Sunday 9/8. Free.
• Sober morning dance party Daybreaker is back in DC at the National Building Museum, bringing collective joy to start your day off right. Thursday 9/12. $20+.
• Dress up as your favorite character at the Library of Congress’ Film Costume Ball. This super popular event requires you to enter a lottery for tickets, so register now! Thursday 9/12. Free.
• ​Clayfest celebrates everything clay! This festival in Brookland showcases DMV potters and ceramic artists. Sunday 9/15. Free.
• Rapper & actor Common and DJ Pete Rock are going to fill the 9:30 Club on their tour for their album The Auditorium Vol 1. Sunday 9/15. $75.
• Pop signer UPSAHL is performing at Howard Theatre. Wednesday 8/25. $22.
• If you like history and wine, buy your tickets not for the Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tour at Mount Vernon. This sells out early every year! Enjoy tastings from Virginia wineries on the lawn of Mount Vernon. Fri 10/4-Sun 10/6. $60+.