IN THIS ISSUE:

🌳 DC may drop $1M in tree fines for the Commanders’ owner
🚀 Rocket launch could be visible over DC tonight (finally)
🍲 Restaurant Week extended + K-pop bake sale at Maketto
🎶 Jazz fest, free gelato, and lots of cultural festivals

Things I'm Talking About

🌳 DC Council is going to waive $1 million in fines for Commanders' billionaire owner for chopping down heritage trees.

🚀 A rocket is being launched tonight (weather permitting), and should be visible from DC. It has been cancelled the last 2 nights due to cloud cover, so fingers crossed.

🥝 Pawpaws, our most northern tropical fruit, are starting to ripen, and I found my first on the ground this week. Yum!

🍎 Martha's Table is accepting applications for a free youth trip to New York City.

🥪 Grand juries in DC are declining to indict people charged in the recent crackdowns, including the sandwich thrower.

🪧 I am not the best source for news about the DC occupation. If you're looking for up to date ways to get involved, Organize DC is probably the best source of events.

Valerie

Give your opinion, and check back next week for the results.

Last week, I asked: Do you feel safer in DC now than you did 2 weeks ago? You responded:

• No (I live in DC proper) (62.3%)
• No (I live outside of DC) (21%)
• Yes (I live in DC proper) (7.2%)
• I haven't been in DC since the federal actions started (5.8%)
• Yes (I live outside of DC) (3.6%)

That's 83.3% no, 10.8% yes, 5.8% unknown.

🍲 DC Summer Restaurant Week has been extended through August 31st for many restaurants.

🤫 Hill Prince is closing, and re-launching on Labor Day as Hush Harbor, which sounds like it will be phones-free.

💜 H-Street favorite Maketto is holding a K-Pop Demon Hunters bake sale on August 30. While you're there, buy some merch to support two staff members detained while walking home from work.

🍸 Wholesale alcohol sale orders to restaurants were down 40% last weekend, according or a redditor.

Tried & True features your favorite go-to restaurants that have been around for a while and serve you consistently good food.

This Week's Feature: Catrachitos

"Catrachitos on 14th and Buchanan! Super friendly, really inexpensive (the veggie burritos are $8.50) and they have a variety of authentic Honduran food! They are the best burritos I’ve eaten in DC. Honestly get them like once a week lmao" Selena

Location: 4608 14th Street NW
​Website​

😋 What is your favorite tried and true restaurant?

Where do you find yourself going back time and time again? Reply and let me know to be featured and share the love for a local DC restaurant.

Looking for something specific? Check out these options:

• ​Museum parties & happy hours​
• ​DC farmer's markets​
• ​DC-area BARK Ranger programs​
• ​Summer event series​

✨ Premium subscribers: Access the full list of 250+ events here.

• 🎈 DC Jazzfest will happen over Labor Day weekend, and you’ll be seeing Grammy-winner Lalah Hathaway plus more talent across Wharf, Anthem, and Arena Stage. Wednesday 8/27-Sunday 8/31. Free.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Ready to refresh your puzzle collection? Swing by OMP Puzzle Exchange for a quick and fun swap session—just make sure your puzzles are complete! Wednesday 8/27. Free.
• 🕺 Ready to feel the rhythm? Join the Wednesday Night Drum Circle at El Secreto de Rosita for a lively evening of Brazilian beats and music. All levels are welcome, so grab your drum or use one there and let's make some music together! Wednesday 8/27. Free.

• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Get ready to rally with your community at the Labor Day Rally w/ Free DC event. Thursday 8/28. Free.
• 🖌️ Ready to unleash your inner artist? Join the Drop-In Origami activity at MLK Library for a fun origami session with beginner-friendly patterns on Thursday 8/28. Free entry.
• 🎈 Reconnect with the community at the Cleveland Park Night Market on Thursday 8/28. Free entry.
• 🕺 Get ready to laugh at Comedy Night at Immigrant Food featuring talented immigrant comedians! Thursday 8/28. $13.
• 📖 Unlock the secrets of the most exclusive museum in the U.S. tucked away inside the Department of Agriculture. Thursday 8/28. Free.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Get ready to grab the mic and sing your heart out at the final Adult Summer Camp: Karaoke Night - it's the perfect way to wrap up summer with friends and neighbors! Thursday 8/28. Free.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Get ready to catch feelings and flags at the Capture the Flag: 30+ Dating Mixer where flirty debates and playful games make for a fun, no-pressure night out. Thursday 8/28. $19.
• 🖌️ Discover the art of Kokedama at REWILD Capitol Hill and create whimsical moss balls for Casey Trees. Join this laidback workshop on Saturday 8/28. $55.

• 🍲 Experience the Apothecary pop-up cocktail event and sip on ancient Chinese medicine-inspired cocktails in a one-night-only experience at AnyDayNow this Friday, 8/29. Free entry, just shoot them a DM to RSVP!
• 🎈 Get ready for a magical weekend at the DC Festival of Magic with mind-blowing illusions and comedy that'll leave you amazed! Friday 8/29. $55.
• 🕺 Get ready for an evening of incredible music and community at the free concert at Max Robinson Center featuring a mix of Go-Go, Jazz, violin, and cello - a perfect way to unwind and groove with friends. Sunday 8/29. Free.
• 🕺 See Ja Rule & Ashanti reunite for a one-night-only postgame concert after the Nats game. Friday 8/29. Free WITH game tickets.​

• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Ready to shake up your routine? Meet new friends at this Dinner with Strangers featuring a spontaneous dinner with strangers that lets you combat loneliness in a fun, no-gimmicks way! Saturday 8/30. $13.
• 🎈 INTERNATIONAL BARBECUE AND JERK FESTIVAL is back at Rosecroft Raceway! Indulge in Jamaica's famous jerk chicken, jerk pork, barbecue wings, ribs, and more. Saturday, August 30th. $13.
• ​Join this evening of fragrance, flame & folklore with Hemlock & Hearth, transforming the City-State Public House into a Southern Gothic-inspired sensory escape with hand-poured candles, seasonal craft pours, and immersive rituals. Saturday 8/30. Free admission, RSVP for exclusive discount!
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Spark & Stroll: Take 2 - Singles Walk and Mixer is a relaxed evening designed for queer women and sapphics 35+ to connect through a fun walk and mixer at City-State Brewing Co. Saturday 8/30. $30.
• 🎈 Get ready for the 3rd Annual DC Arab Culture Festival 2025 - a celebration of Arab and Arab American culture in DC! Saturday 8/30. $28.52.
• 🤸 Join the Beginners Zumba Class at the Park where you can dance, sweat, and have a blast with friends in a fun, energetic setting. Saturday 8/30. $5.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Love All Community Tennis & Empowerment Day offers free tennis lessons, group games, an empowerment panel, snacks, and music. Saturday 8/30. Free.
• 🌐 265 Fest is here! Join the celebration of Malawian culture with live music, art, food, and unique merchandise - don't miss out! Saturday 8/30. $23+
• 🖌️ Get your creative juices flowing at Crochet Creations with the Crochet Kingpin, where you can learn to crochet wearable art with artist Dwayne Lawson-Brown. Saturday 8/30. Free.
• 🕺 Celebrate African culture at KIDZAFEST featuring South Africa’s Mzansi Youth Choir and Uganda’s Ghetto Kids in a blend of theater, music, and dance. Saturday 8/30. $40.00+
• 🕺 Get ready to sashay into the fabulous world of drag at RuPaul’s Drag Race Werq The World Tour 2025 featuring Kim Chi, Vanessa Vanjie, and Jimbo. Saturday 8/30. $68.

• 🎈 Get ready for a full day of Afrobeats, Dancehall, R&B, and more at the AfroPlus Festival at RFK Festival Grounds. Enjoy live performances, food vendors, and exclusive merch. Sunday 8/31. Tickets start at $97.
• 🍲 Indulge in a FREE gelato at Amorino Georgetown - snap a pic, tag @amorinogelato, and enjoy a sweet treat on the house! Now through 8/31. Free.
• 🕺 Catch the National Symphony Orchestra's free Labor Day concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol - it's a family-friendly tradition you won't want to miss! Sunday 8/31. Free.
• 🎈 Ready to groove to the beats of Gunna, Asake, and Wizkid? Check out the debut of Afro Plus Fest at DC's RFK Grounds for a day filled with Afrobeats, hip-hop, soca, and more. Sunday, 8/31. $115+
• 🍲 Want to take your brunch game to the next level with foodies alike? Join the AfropolitanDC group for an Afrofusion Brunch Buffet and enjoy a flavorful fusion of Africa-inspired dishes and brunch classics. Sunday 9/31. Free admission.

🤫 Psst! I couldn't fit everything in this issue. See more events happening this weekend and next week.

⚡ More events. More access. Zero FOMO.

Our premium subscribers get the full event list (250+!), weekly updates, and VIP access to exclusive Not Bored in DC events.

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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.