There tends to be a lull in fun things around 4th of July as locals head out of town or focus on barbecues with friends & family, but we’re back to a lot of cool things coming up.

In my broadcast channel, some people wanted more embassy events. I included an option in here, but I’ll be honest, embassy parties are not my favorite things, so that item is more of an FYI than a recommendation. Trying to give y’all what you want!

Valerie

Things to Know in DC

For the last few years, I went to McKee-Beshers to see the sunflowers, and really enjoyed wandering around and exploring the different fields.

HOWEVER, I would not recommend them again.

On 4th of July, I saw that they had posted a photo of some fields in bloom but didn’t publish the locations, so we decided to go to try to find them. They switch up the crops grown in the different fields, so it can be different year over year.

We went down one path for ~2 minutes, and ended up COVERED in ticks. Lil Mikey had at least 40 on him (thankfully it was easy to see because he has white fur), and we came away with some on us. With the risk of Lyme disease, it’s not worth it.

If you insist on going, wear bug spray that deters ticks, leave your dog at home, and only go to the middle parking lot because that has a the field of sunflowers right by the parking lot (they’re still a few weeks away from blooming).

But again, I would not recommend it.

ICYMI

Things to Eat in DC

I’ve been on a mission to find the best spicy margarita in DC ever since my old favorite, BKK Cookshop, closed in March.

So far, the leading contender is the spicy margarita at Salazar. Not cheap ($15), but they give you muddled jalapenos and will make it to your preferred spice level.

I’m not prepared to declare them the best in DC, but in this heat, I wanted to give you real time updates on this important piece of investigative journalism.

Things to Do in DC: Next 4 Weeks

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This Week

• Catch John Wick 4 at the Franklin Park sunset movie series. Thursday 7/11. Free.
• ​Shakespeare in the Garden is performing A Midsummer Night’s Dream (appropriate) in beautiful Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, and it’s the only time you’re allowed to bring a picnic into the gardens. Dependent on the weather (rain or high heat), but scheduled for 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.
• The Northern Virginia Thai Street Food and Culture Festival happens twice a month on select Sundays in Manassas. Lots of food, vendors, and activities. Sunday 7/14. Free.

Next Week

• 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.
• ​Stargaze at the National Cathedral, in collaboration with the Air & Space Museum. Telescopes provided! Friday 7/19. Free.
• 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.
• Nalls Produce is putting on a Watermelon Fest in Alexandria where you can enjoy a slice of peak-season watermelon. Saturday 7/20. Free but charity donation suggested.
• The German Wine Society is hosting their summer Potomac Wine Cruise. Expect to taste ~10-12 different wines. Saturday 7/20. $79.
• If you’ve always wanted to be fancy at an embassy, there’s a garden party being hosted at the French embassy by an events company. Saturday 7/20. $109+.

Further Out

• The final Cleveland Park Night Market of the season features artisan local vendors. Thursday 7/25. Free.
• ​Summer evening hours at National Arboretum mean you can explore until 8 PM as the day’s heat cools down. Friday 7/26. Free.
• The Jollof Festival has chefs competing for the best Jollof rice, and you can sample it and vote. Saturday 8/3. $35-45 for tasting tickets.
• Enjoy yoga and a drink at DC’s best summertime bar, Island Time. Island Yoga features vinyasas overlooking the marina and a tiki drink. Wednesday 8/14. $25.
• ​Uncorked Wine Festival is coming to Nats Park, letting you taste over 100 wines and non-wine beverages. Saturday 8/17. $75+.
• Love a red wine but looking for something cooler in the summer? Check out the chillable reds wine tasting at The Roost to find your new favorite. Sunday 8/18. $45.