It's Memorial Day Weekend this weekend, which means:

• ​DC public pools open on Saturday, and will be open on weekends through June 21 (plus Memorial Day on Monday)
• ​Anacostia Park's roller skating rink starts offering free skate rentals on Memorial Day through Labor Day
• ​Rolling to Remember (aka Rolling Thunder) is on Sunday, with bikers going from the Pentagon to the Capitol (with road closures)
• Pride Month starts on June 1, with World Pride celebrations going on already
  • Want to get involved? The Pickets, Protests, and Parades exhibit at Freedom Plaza is looking for monitors to help visitors and act as a safety presence.

DC tends to be quiet on Memorial Day Weekend, so it's a good time to go to those places that you generally avoid because they're too busy or too hard to get a reservation for.

Valerie

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

Last week, I asked: Which do you prefer to swim in? You said:

• The ocean (38.5%)
• A pool (34.4%)
• I'd rather not swim (12.5%)
• A lake (10.4%)
• A (clean) river (4.2%)

Public humanities programming is under threat.

When local history programs end, stories go untold.
When cultural programs vanish, communities lose connection.
When funding disappears, we all feel the impact.

That’s why the Mellon Foundation is stepping in with a bold lifeline: a $50,000 challenge grant to support humanities councils, including the DC, Maryland, and Virginia Humanities Councils. And here's where you come in—every dollar you give right now will be matched.

✅ That means $50 becomes $100.
✅ $250 becomes $500.
✅ And every donation fuels local programs that preserve our history, empower communities, and keep lifelong learning alive.

This newsletter frequently highlights the free and low cost events that the DMV Humanities Councils put on to help us know our communities better.

💥 But with $65 million in federal support cut, they’re in emergency mode.

Give today & support more events.
​👉 Donate now HumanitiesDC​
​👉 Donate now Maryland Humanities​
​👉 Donate now Virginia Humanities​
​

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!

• 🖼️ 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. $22+.
• 🖼️ There’s an opening reception to celebrate the works of local artists at the Hill Center Galleries. Wednesday 5/21. Free.
• 🛍️ Find more dog-focused products and cute items for your furry families at the dog social party. Wednesday 5/21. Price not stated.

• 🖼️ Get inside DC’s private art collections during Transformer’s 18th annual Collector’s View. Thursday 5/22, 5/29 to Saturday 5/31. $75.
• 📜 Get a rare look inside two of DC’s most elegant historic mansions from the early 20th century. Thursday 5/22. Free.
• 📖 Listen to this interesting talk on red-light district history and how Murder Bay was known as Hooker’s Division during the Civil War. Thursday 5/22. Free.
• 🎈 As part of WorldPride’s 50th anniversary, Opera on Tap DC is a night of bold, beautiful music celebrating LGBTQ+ composers, librettists, and stories. Thursday 5/22. Free admission.
• 📖 Don’t miss the final installment of the Artists at Work Speaker Series with photojournalist Oliver Contreras discussing visual storytelling. Thursday 5/22. Free.
• 🛍️ The Cleveland Park Night Market is lighting up the neighborhood again! Stop by for artisan vendors & handmade goods on Thursday 5/22. Free.
• 📖 You’ll love this fun reading preview party with pop-up tattoos, tropical mocktails, and 5-for-4 book bundles! Thursday 5/22. $12.

• 🎭 Kick off the Cinematery series with a screening of "Jaws" & bring a blanket to enjoy this classic thriller! Friday 5/23. $10.
• 🎈 Summer is in, and so are the pools! All 22 outdoor pools and 32 spray parks across DC are opening. Get free food, join giveaways, and be at the ceremonial first splash of the 2025 season. Friday 5/23. Free.

• 🖼️ 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.
• 🎈 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.
• 🕺 Come to #CapHouseFest to salute the legacy of Sam “The Man” Burns with an all-day music fest. Saturday 5/24. Free; $25 suggested donation.
• 🤝 Looking for volunteer work? Help preserve Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens with invasive plant removal and park stewardship activities. Saturday 5/24. Free.
• 📜 Listen to the story of Civil War soldier Martin Swick, as told by his descendant, at the historic Lee-Fendall House. Saturday 5/24. $13.
• 🖼️ If you love museums and need buddies to go with, the Lonely and Introvert group loves going on museum exhibits with friends around DC. Saturday 5/24. Free.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Ever tried walking & matching with singles your age? This walk & talk is a matchmaking event for people in their 20s and 30s. Saturday 5/24. $15 women; $25 men.
• 🖼️ Exposed DC features local photographers who have documented the region's story, and it's being added to the DC Public Library's collections. Celebrate the launch of the collection and view over 300 of the images. Saturday 5/24. Free.
• 🕺 Join this walking rom-com adventure, hearing stories about first dates throughout Mount Pleasant with the Folger. Saturday 5/24-Sunday 5/25

• 🏞️ Missing nature with all the festivals? Go on a 3-mile walk on scenic trails of Lake Artemesia, ending with a yoga flow session led by experienced instructor Devyn. Sunday 5/25. Free.
• 🖼️ Find out the philosophy of friendship through masterpiece arts with artsies from Philosophy explained through Art group. Sunday 5/25. Free.
• 🤝 Watch (and listen to) the huge Rolling to Remember (Rolling Thunder) motorcycle demonstration in remembrance of POWs and MIAs, and raise awareness for veteran mental health struggles. Sunday 5/25. Free to watch.

• 🤝 Looking for a parade? The National Memorial Day Parade will be on Constitution Avenue at 2 PM. Monday 5/26. Free.
• 🎈 The BLK Queer Film Festival celebrates World Pride with 3 days of films, premieres, and talkbacks centering Black LGBTQ+ stories. Tuesday 5/27. Free.
• 🤝 If you’re looking for books to swap, this book swap bonanza by DC's Hobby Swap Collective is coming Tuesday 5/27. Free.
• 🎭 The 50th Pride anniversary in DC opens up a film festival of LGBTQ+ films from around the world at Alamo Drafthouse! Tuesday 5/27 to Wednesday 5/28. Free with $5 food & drinks voucher.
• 🍲 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.
• 🕺 DC’s Different Drummers is a jazz band headlining a free World Pride concert on Wednesday 5/28. Free.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Enjoy some casual chats over coffee with neighborhood friends at the library on Thursday 5/29. Free.
• 🕺 Catch this 75-minute punk rock circus show from New York Circus Project at Dock 5 this Thursday, 5/29. $50+
• 🎈 It’s street fest at Union Market District! Find immersive art installations, live performances, dance parties, and punk circus shows. Thursday 5/29 to Sunday 6/8. Free.​
• 🕺 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.
• 🎈 With World Pride coming, join the celebration of 2SLGBTQIA+ Indigenous artists performing through music, poetry, film screenings, and talks on gender, indigeneity, and media. Friday 5/30. Free.
• 🎈 Enjoy unlimited craft beer tastings from 15+ DC craft breweries and shop from 30+ artisan ceramicists, jewelers, and woodworkers! It’s one big celebration of DC’s makers and brewers. Saturday 5/31. $45.
• 🏰 Walk one mile through Dupont Circle to learn stories about its queer history and its past LGBTQ+ community. Saturday 5/31. Free.
• 🎈Glover Park Day is returning for summer to celebrate the neighborhood with food from local restaurants, games, vendors, and more! Saturday 5/31. Free.
• 🎈 Want to celebrate Pride with family? This Pride Family Festival has hands-on crafts, gallery scavenger hunts, story time, and live performances. Saturday 5/31. Free.
• 🏞️ Walk with amazing women for a chill but hot girl hike in Rock Creek Park on Saturday 5/31. Price not indicated.
• 🍽️ If you love food & conversations, join the Sunday Supper and see chefs serving cocktails, dinner, and dessert this Sunday 6/1. $275.
• 🍲 Sample the best of Del Ray at this annual food fest! Enjoy unlimited bites from Alexandria’s top restaurants + wine tastings if you upgrade for VIP access. Sunday 6/1. $13+

• 🕺 Come to the Nats game and see Natasha Bedingfield perform live after for FREE with game tickets. Friday 6/6. Free.
• 🍾 Catch the boat parade at the Wharf for more entertainment, celebrations, and fireworks at 9 PM! Friday 6/6 - Saturday 6/7. Free.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 If you’re looking for a party on World Pride, this music festival has prepared 3 performance stages for the ultimate global dance party experience. Friday 6/6-Saturday 6/7. $119+
• 🎈 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.
• 🕺 Get a free ticket to see Grammy-winning rap icon Nelly postgame at Nats Park! Friday 6/13. Free with game tickets.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Treat your dad to good food + outdoor fun with a community-style Father’s Day Cookout. Friday 6/13. Free.
• 🍲 With 200+ food vendors, 30+ live acts, giveaways, and a 21+ beer garden, this summer festival might be the biggest in the DMV! Come hungry and leave happy on Saturday 6/14. Free.
• 🍲 A big fan of food? Find hypefoodies like you at this massive outdoor food festival with over 40+ food and drink vendors serving you food & culture. Saturday 6/14. $14.
• 🎈 Home Rule Music Festival is a full day of celebrating DC’s music & culture with Go-Go legends, Afro-funk jazz, food vendors, and more! Saturday 6/21. Free admission.
• 🤝 Wonder what DC looks like without traffic? We’re reclaiming the streets at Capitol Hill for fitness classes, family activities, live entertainment, and more! No cars on #OpenStreetsDC. Saturday 6/28. 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.