I can't believe that summer is over, but here we are. I know we'll get some more hot weather, but I can feel the days getting shorter, and it makes me sad.

It does mean it's more comfortable outside to get out and explore. Lots of outdoor things to do in today's update!

Valerie

Things to Know in DC

The top event of the year is here: select DC pools will be open for dogs to go swimming on Saturday! The annual Doggie Day Swim invites your dog in for a swim after the pools are closed for humans. It is only open to dogs with a DC dog license.

I've gone in the past, and water dogs like poodles, labs, and goldens have the time of their LIVES!

If you are a human looking to swim at an outdoor pool, 2 DC pools are still open: Hearst & Oxon Run. Usually all pools are closed after Labor Day, but they're extending these this year. I hope this is a successful trial and they'll keep them open longer in the future!

Can't make it to Doggie Day Swim? The Hinckley Hilton usually does a dog swimming event later in November .as a fundraiser for Humane Rescue Alliance in their heated pool.

Things to Eat in DC

Apple picking season has started! Honeycrisp and Gala apples are in season now, check your local farms for what varieties they have, as some hybrids or less popular varieties will also be ripening.

I like FT Valley Farms, and they update their website with the varieties that are currently ripe. I went in mid-October last year and there were a TON of different varieties that were ripe, but look out for your favorites.

When buying them at your farmer's market, ask when they were harvested just to make sure they're from this season, as apples in cold storage have a long self life.

ICYMI

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Things to Do in DC: Next 4 Weeks

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This Week

• Spend an insightful Sunday with Next Gen and learn about Inner Circle fundraising strategies, the giving circle model, and trust-based philanthropy projects. Wednesday 9/4. $7.
• A special meetup is coming up for Wii game players at the dance studio near the labs! On Cii Cii Wii Night, you can play Wii gaming activities, virtual tennis, or socialize in the usual meetup activity. Thursday 9/5. Free.
• Take out your phone cameras and download the free iNaturalist app to join the Anacostia River BioBlitz and help document the biodiversity of our watershed! If you like taking pictures and have a great interest in nature, you will enjoy documenting the species of plants, mushrooms, and animals you find in your backyard or anywhere around our watershed. Thursday 9/5 - Sunday 9/8. Free.
• Crispus Attucks Park kicks off its end-of-summer movie series with Jaws, now that the weather has cooled down a bit. Friday 9/6. Free.
• Bring your pup to the pool for DC's Doggie Day Swim at 4 pools across DC. Saturday 9/7. Free.
• The DC State Fair highlights the city’s agricultural, culinary, and artistic talents. Watch competitions in categories like best chicken egg, best honey, best homebrew, and pie eating. Saturday 9/7. Free.
• A dedication ceremony will be held at Walter Pierce Park to honor 8,428 African American and Quaker Washingtonians laid to rest here in the 19th century. Reminisce their names and stories with music, messages, and refreshments! 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.
• The lost Last Supper sculpture has announced their upcoming viewings, with one a month this fall. I made a video about it earlier this year. First one is Sunday 9/8. Free.
• Plan ahead: If you want to go to NGA's A Night in Paris next week, enter the lottery by Thursday 9/5 at noon.

Next Week

• Commemorate 9/11 with a contemplative soundbath near Yards Park. Wednesday 9/11. 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.
• Get spooky with a Friday the 13th themed terrarium workshop at PlantHouse in Alexandria. Friday 9/13. $13.
• National Academy of Science's beautiful building is open for a 1924-themed speakeasy night for cocktails, conversation, and science discovery. Price includes drinks. Friday 9/13. Free.
• Create your own arrangement at the Flower Potluck, and learn a bit about flower arranging. Saturday 9/14. $10+.
• Proud dog parents can enter their dogs into the Celebrate Petworth Dog Show in the best dressed, look-a-like, and coolest trick categories. Saturday 9/14. $25.
• ​Clayfest celebrates everything clay! This festival in Brookland showcases DMV potters and ceramic artists. Sunday 9/15. Free.
• Award-winning cellist Johnny Walker & friends will be performing a free concert at the peaceful Tregaron Conservancy. 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.

Further Out

• Paint your own version of La India's "Liego La India" album cover using watercolor techniques at Paint & Sabor together with Guatemalan Watercolor Artist, Jemely. Materials will be provided. Monday 9/16. $45.
• Support the National Arboretum at their annual fundraiser! Socialize, eat, drink, and enjoy dinner under the stars and full moon in the National Herb Garden. Tuesday 9/17. $350+.
• Gather your friends and test your Housewives knowledge for the Bravo TV Trivia Night at Johnny Pistolas. Wednesday 9/18. Free.
• Experience a game show, learning experience, and comedy in one event with Wrong Answers Only, an interactive science-comedy show led by a science expert. Chris Duffy will be there along with 3 guests and 1 mystery comedian! Thursday 9/19. $17+
• For all the foodies and culinary fanatics! Discover hidden gems, menu specials, and food artistry at the 11-day Dine All Night event featuring artistic special menu items. Thursday 9/19 - Sunday 9/29.
• Give back to the community while spending time being active outside at the Dumbarton Oaks Park volunteer morning. Saturday 9/22. Free.
• Are you having trouble growing on social media? Join me for an influencer workshop where you will refocus your efforts and come up with a plan to improve your content and reach. Sunday 9/22. $20.
• Experience bioluminescence and fluorescence live on a magical Mushroom Night Hike with naturalists Ana Ka’ahanui, Matt Felprin, and Mycologist Serenella Linares. Registration is free, but prepare $6 for the parking fee. Wednesday 9/25.
• Ready for Theatre Week in DC? Theatre Washington is bringing back their annual celebration of the local theatre community with low prices and more options to experience the theatre vibe! Festival events start as early as Saturday 9/21/24 but officially start Thursday 9/26/24 - Sunday 10/13/24. $20+
• Pop signer UPSAHL is performing at Howard Theatre. Wednesday 9/25. $22.
• ​Thrift the Runway fashion show showcases sustainable fashion, and gives your the opportunity to pick up some thrift finds. Friday 9/27. Free.
• 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+.