events calendar, hidden history, restaurants not to miss, and ways to enjoy the dmv
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Things to do in DC ๐งโ๐คโ๐ง embassy open houses, museum parties, & puzzle swaps
Published 12 months agoย โขย 7 min read
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Two big headlines:
Biggest news is that ICE agents allegedly targeted DC restaurants and food delivery drivers yesterday. There are reports of DHS and ICE personnel visiting many local restaurants, and I know of one bar that cancelled an event yesterday out of caution due to the activity. A source told WUSA9 that they are planned for the DMV area over the next 2 weeks.
Last week, it was announced that the Washington Commanders announced plans to relocate to RFK Stadium in DC. Now, the deal needs council support. Chairman Phil Mendelson has been discussing some of his considerations, and Ward 7 Councilmember Wendell Felder discussed his support as the councilmember whose ward includes RFK Stadium. Some Councilmembers, like Brianne Nadeau, have come out against it.
Valerie
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Give your opinion, and check back next week for the results.
What's your favorite fresh summer fruit or veggie?
Last week, I asked: What's your favorite iconic DC food? It was a tie! You said:
Halfsmokes (34.5%)
Mumbo sauce (34.5%)
Jumbo slice (31%)
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Peek inside the beautiful homes of Capitol Hill this weekend
Step inside 11 homes never featured on the house tour before and enjoy historical character. Mostly built in the late 1800s, you'll find original details like stained glass transoms, pocket doors, and Victorian wall coverings while also learning about the history of the homes.
Did you go to one of these? Reply and let me know how it was!
Know of something cool happening? Submit an event for consideration!
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๐ผ๏ธ The exhibit on five influential Civil War-era couples is ending in May. Come see their historic portraits painted by Mathew Brady before they're gone. Now through Sunday 5/18. Free.
๐ผ๏ธ See portraits of 19th century US presidents and a rare ambrotype Lincoln campaign pin at the National Portrait Gallery exhibit. Open for viewing until Sunday 6/8. Free.
๐ค Join the after-hours wordplay fun! Plus karaoke and drinks on a late-night museum visit. Wednesday 5/7. Pay what you can.
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๐งโ๐คโ๐ง If youโre looking for love or friendship, try this new alternative to speed dating while playing board games. Thursday 5/8. $30 early bird; $35 regular.
๐บ See this free outdoor Afro-Colombian concert live with La Manga (women artists) and on-site free books at Lamont Plaza! Thursday 5/8. Free.
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๐พ Try foraged cocktails from easily foraged plants like dandelion and elderflower and join the foraging trivia game! Friday 5/9.$25.
๐ญ Union Market's Drive-In returns for its 13th season! Park your car for $20 or bring a blanket to watch from Neal Place for free. Friday 5/9. $20 parking fee per car.
๐งโ๐คโ๐ง Meet new people in a no-pressure singles event, featuring a Singles Bingo and the Matchbox app for real-time matchmaking. Friday 5/9. $12+
๐๏ธ Want to try pottery? Learn the basics of centering and shaping clay using a tabletop mini wheel in this practice-only class. Friday 5/9. $85.
๐บ Katt Williams returns with his unfiltered honesty and humor for his Heaven on Earth Tour. Friday 5/9 - Saturday 5/10. $99+*
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๐ฒ DC Veg Restaurant Week features participating restaurants with plant-based dining specialties, special vegan menus, discounts, and culinary events. Saturday 5/3 until 5/10. $50+
๐ฒ Itโs World Migratory Bird Day, and the Smithsonian's National Zoo has exhibits and activities to help you support bird conservation efforts! Saturday 5/10. Free.
๐ Travel Europe without leaving DC during this open house of EU embassies. Explore European culture, diversity, and food! Saturday 5/10. Free.
๐งโ๐คโ๐ง Want to go to the embassies but don't have anyone to go with? Join The DMV Adventure Crew for the EU Embassy Open Houses. Saturday 5/10. Free.
๐ Mark your calendar for this Spring Festival! Itโs a free, family-friendly event with carnival games, storytime sessions, a petting zoo, and many food options! Saturday 5/10. Free.
๐พ Missing the old 70s? Put on your retro prom dress and explore art from the 1970s at the National Gallery. Hurry, the lottery for free entry has opened already! Saturday 5/10. Free.
๐ผ๏ธ This Fine Arts Festival gathers 120 top artists over the country to showcase their artworks. Saturday 5/10 - Sunday 5/11. Free.
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๐ค Got old puzzles youโre tired of? Bring them to swap for new puzzles! Just make sure the pieces are secured in bags or the boxes are taped shut (painter's tape, please). Sunday 5/11. Free.
๐คธ If you've ever wanted to play ultimate frisbee but didnโt know where to start, WAFCโs Learning League is a beginner-friendly program with structured 5v5 games, skills training, and guidance from experienced players. Sunday 5/4 until 6/8. $55 with pay-what-you-can options.
๐๏ธ Join this guided kayak tour on Mallows Bay, home to the largest shipwreck ghost fleet from World War I. Opens Sunday 5/11 until 10/26. $85.
๐ Learn Cold War history from the perspective of Georgetown women who influenced politics, espionage, and journalism. Sunday 5/11. $30+*
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๐ Best-selling authors Martin Reeves and Tom Friedman talk about the unexpected origin story of the โlikeโ button and its role in society today. Monday 5/12. $10.
๐ Have you ever been to an ice cream social? Meet founder Pooja and taste sweet flavors from the book Malai Ice Cream Party! Wednesday 5/14. $39+
๐ค Itโs ditch the cars and bike to work day! Stop by Franklin Park for a free morning coffee, treats, and live music. Thursday 5/15. Free.
๐ง Thai Astrology connects how your homeโs layout and birth weekday influence your life, relationships, and finances. Join this interactive feng shui workshop! Friday 5/16. Free.
๐ To support the preservation of the site where Lincoln wrote the Emancipation Proclamation, Bourbon & Bluegrass is a celebration at President Lincolnโs Cottage featuring live bluegrass, bourbon tastings, and a laid-back lawn party. Saturday 5/17. $50+
๐ฒ Thereโs a free coffee and natural wine tasting on seasonal selections at the National Mall on Saturday 5/17. Free for coffee; $10 for natural wine.
๐ง Bored with your ordinary glasses? Let Rain Young teach you how to paint, embellish, and design it just how you want it. Saturday 5/17. Free.
๐ธ See historical exhibits, markets, and live performances celebrating the African Diaspora at the Anacostia River Festival. Saturday 5/17. Free.
๐ฐ Come to Brookland and tour beautiful homes and gardens starting at noon. Advance tickets are sold out; a limited number of day-of tickets will be available starting at 7 AM. Sunday 5/18. $35.
๐ฒ Secure your tickets for this walkaround wine tasting + breakfast taco party & taste over 25 spring wines! Ask wine experts, find your new wine favorite, and snag retail discounts. Sunday 5/18. $66+
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๐ผ๏ธ This is an after-hours art party like no other. The NWMA Nights Bash features circus performances, late-night gallery, cocktails, art-making, "uncanny" dress-up, prizes, and spotlight tours. Wednesday 5/21. $25.
๐ฝ๏ธ Join Common Good City Farm for an open-air farm spring dinner and farm-to-table meals prepared by Chef Kay of Shaleafaโs Kitchen. Thursday 5/22. $54.
๐ Listen to this interesting talk on red-light district history and how Murder Bay was known as Hookerโs Division during the Civil War. Thursday 5/22. Free.
๐ As part of WorldPrideโs 50th anniversary, Opera on Tap DC is a night of bold, beautiful music celebrating LGBTQ+ composers, librettists, and stories. Thursday 5/22. Free admission!
๐ญ Kick off the Cinematery series with a screening of "Jaws" & bring a blanket to enjoy this classic thriller! Friday 5/23. $10.
๐บ There are live & diverse jazz performances at the Garden every Friday starting in May! Advanced passes available a week before event, or get their limited day-of passes. Friday 5/23 to 7/11. Free.โ
๐คธ Mindful mornings at The Square is a free and popular morning yoga session that runs out fast. Reserve your spot quick. BYOM. Saturday 5/24. Free.
๐ผ๏ธ The Faces of Civil War Nurses traveling photo exhibit debuts this May, showing portraits and personal stories of women who served as nurses during the Civil War. Saturday 5/24. Free.
๐ Spend Memorial Day weekend at Maryland Plant Fest to find rare tropicals, local makers, and a book signing with plant stylist Hilton Carter. Saturday 5/24-Monday 5/26 Free.
๐ Come to #CapHouseFest to salute the legacy of Sam โThe Manโ Burns with an all-day music fest. Saturday 5/24. Free; $25 suggested donation.
๐ฒ Curious about garden-to-table flavors? Stop by the Botanic Garden to try seasonal fruits, herbs, and vegetables in an interactive tasting table. Wednesday 5/28. Free.
๐บ Asia After Dark is an after-hours salon featuring artists storytelling through performance of dance, theater, and public art. Get tickets now before they run out. Friday 5/30. Free.
๐ With World Pride coming, join the celebration of 2SLGBTQIA+ Indigenous artistsperforming through music, poetry, film screenings, and talks on gender, indigeneity, and media. Friday 5/30. Free.
๐ Enjoy unlimited craft beer tastings from 15+ DC craft breweries and shop from 30+ artisan ceramicists, jewelers, and woodworkers! Itโs one big celebration of DCโs makers and brewers. Saturday 5/31. $45.
๐ Join or watch the curry cook-off from neighborhood restaurants on Cleveland Park Day! Expect community fun, live performances, and a pet fashion show. Saturday 6/7. Free.
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.
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