Things I'm Talking About

• The heat has broken! It may be a bit rainy through this weekend, but at least it's not 102 degrees and more in line with the average temperature this time of year.
• Kenilworth's lotus flowers should be in full bloom right now, though I haven't been yet this year. The Lotus & Water Lily Festival is coming up on 7/18-19, but you can miss the crowds by going early when they open on other days.
• Bethesda-based Olympian David Hearn is facing a federal indictment after allegedly pulling on the lining of the reflecting pool.
• Washingtonian did an article about the unlicensed food trucks on the Mall and the difficulties in regulating them.
• I announced the cat crawl on social media for October 3, so welcome to new people!
  • It is scheduled for October 3. Exact times and other details are TBD.
  • If you live in the Petworth area, you can fill out this form to apply for your cat to be a stop. Please note that the exact route will be decided based on cats submitted, and not every home can be included, and if you are on the route, you will need to reply to my emails and provide some additional cat info in order to be included.
  • I'm looking for volunteers! To those that have applied, I will be reaching out to you next week.
  • I am also looking for sponsors. I loved doing this in May, but it isn't without costs.
  • Tickets are not yet available but I'll be letting people know via this newsletter and the app once they are.
  • If you participated as a guest or a cat in May, I'm open to any and all feedback! Thank you to the hosts who already provided feedback, it's been really helpful in planning this next one.

Valerie

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

Last week, we asked: What's your favorite item for the grill? You responded:

• I'm not watching (58.6%)
• At home or at a friend's (25.7%)
• At a local viewing event (not the Mall) (12.9%)
• On the Mall (2.9%)

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: Copycat Company

"Sooo good! I love their cocktails and dan dan noodles!" Austin

Location: 1110 H St NE
​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 who should be featured and why, and share the love for a local DC restaurant.

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• 🖼️ The National Museum of Women in the Arts is staying open until 8pm with free admission and you can drop into art-making activities, gallery talks, and collection tours all day. Perfect chance to explore their exhibitions without rushing and maybe discover your new favorite artist. Wednesday 7/8. Free.
• 🖌️ Local artist Kathleen Cole (whose work shows up on DC traffic boxes and in art-o-mat machines) is teaching a shrink film flower and butterfly-making class at MLK Library’s Labs. Wednesday 7/8. Free.
• 🕺 The DC Punk Archive Summer Rooftop Concert Series brings local bands Pinkhouse, Buko Buko, and Bed Maker to the fifth floor of MLK Library for an outdoor show that’s been running for 12 years. Wednesday 7/8. Free.
• 🍾 Catch the Nationals take on the Astros at their first-ever NARUTO Day and score a commemorative Naruto x Nationals jersey just for buying your ticket. Wednesday 7/8. $34+.
• 🖌️ DIY Sip & Paint at Southwest Neighborhood Library is a self-guided painting session for adults with soft drinks and music. Wednesday 7/8. Free.
• 🖌️ Hang out with the Crochet Kingpin for an evening of stitching and conversation inspired by Sam Gilliam’s work at The Phillips Collection. Whether you’re a total beginner or already deep into your fiber projects, yarn and hooks are provided, plus you’ll get refreshments and a chance to see Dwayne’s work in progress. Wednesday 7/8. Free (reservation required).

• 🎭 Watch "Clueless" under the stars on the Library of Congress lawn for this free outdoor movie night. Bring your own blankets, snacks, and friends for this '90s classic that's now in the National Film Registry. Thursday 7/9. Free.
• 🌐 The Japanese Star Festival at Hillwood lets you write wishes on colorful paper strips, make lanterns, and picnic under the stars while listening to traditional koto music. You can explore the gorgeous Japanese garden, try origami and calligraphy, and even stargaze with telescopes if the weather cooperates. Thursday 7/9. $20.
• 🖌️ Learn the Japanese art of kintsugi by intentionally breaking your own ceramic vase and then mending it with gold while reflecting on your own resilience. It’s a hands-on way to explore how your cracks and challenges can become part of your strength. Thursday 7/9. $70.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Funny Farm Pop-Up Comedy is an outdoor stand-up show at a community farm in Northeast, with around six DMV comics performing and BYOB encouraged. Thursday 7/9. $10.
• 🕺 Two electronic music legends are bringing back their magic at the Paul Oakenfold and The Crystal Method’s co-headlining show. This is their first major tour together in over 20 years, so if you’re into trance, big beat, and electronica, you won’t want to miss it. Thursday 7/9. $57. *
• 🍾 Sofar Singles is a laid-back evening where you can catch live music from two surprise artists at a surprise location while meeting new people in the room. Grab a drink, enjoy the show, and see where the night takes you. Thursday 7/9. $31+.

• 🕺 Above & Beyond at Echostage is a trance and progressive house show from one of electronic music's most enduring acts, known for uplifting messages and crowds that sing along. Friday 7/10. Free. *
• 🎈 New York Circus Project is bringing acrobatics and aerial stunts to Woolly Mammoth as part of their month-long celebration of DC’s diversity. Grab free water, snag a photo at the themed booth, and catch some impressive circus acts. Friday 7/10. Free.
• 📜 Head to Lincoln Park for Mary McLeod Bethune’s 151st Birthday Celebration and spend the morning honoring this incredible educator and activist with kids’ activities, a scavenger hunt, live music from Uncle Devin Band, and a wreath-laying ceremony. It’s a meaningful way to learn about someone who shaped American history while hanging out in the park. Friday 7/10. Free.
• 📜 Sleep over at the American History Museum and take an all-American road trip through the galleries, complete with I-Spy games and a chance to become a presidential candidate. Perfect for families with kids 8-14 who want to celebrate the country’s 250th birthday in style. Friday 7/10-7/11. $130-$150.
• 🍲 Spend your Friday night hunting for rare vinyl records, sipping wine, and shopping vintage fashion at Vino & Vinyl at The Spice Suite. DJ Biggs37 is spinning all night while you browse records from local shops, grab cocktails, and catch a wine tasting (6:30 PM to 7:30 PM only, so get there early!). Friday 7/10. $7.
• 🖌️ Make your own artist trading cards with colorful papers and acrylic paint markers in this hands-on workshop led by artist Molly McCracken. Drop in anytime during the two-hour session, create cards to trade or keep, and all materials are provided. Friday 7/10. Free.
• 🖌️ Spend your evening getting hands-on with bonsai planting and drinks at PlantHouse in Alexandria. You’ll pick your own tree, learn proper planting techniques from the experts, and take home a living creation you actually know how to care for, plus you can grab a drink while you work. Friday 7/10. $31+.
• 🎈 If you’ve ever wanted to experience a little bit of Wyoming in DC, COWPIE 2026 is your night. Head to Eastern Market for country dancing under twinkling lights, mechanical bull riding, live Western entertainment, and Wyoming-inspired food and drinks all celebrating Wyoming’s birthday and America’s 250th. Friday 7/10. $29+.
• 🖌️ Spend your summer evening making collaged photo frames from vintage culinary magazines at Bold Fork Books. Cut, rip, and glue your way to a food-focused work of art while sipping a free summer beverage and connecting with other creative folks. Friday 7/10. $17.
• 🎭 The Drive-In at Union Market is back with Iron Man on the big screen, plus you can grab everything from street food to fancy eats before the show. Watch from your car or bring blankets for a picnic setup right in front of the market. Friday 7/10. $25 for car; free for walk-in.

• 🎭 It's hot ghoul summer! Head to Congressional Cemetery's Summerween Comedy Show for an evening of laughs with local comedians in their air-conditioned chapel. Come early to explore the grounds, grab a drink, and catch a killer lineup featuring Griefcat (my fave), Violet Gray, Kade Wonders, Jelani Wills, Maddie Pickens, and host Dana Fleitman. Saturday 7/11. $20.
• 🖌️ Drop by this calligraphy workshop to see beautiful hand-lettered envelopes from the Washington Calligraphers Guild’s 50th Anniversary contest, then learn techniques from the experts and try it yourself. You’ll get to see work from everyone from elementary students to adults, all inspired by the theme “Great Beginnings.” Saturday 7/11. Free.
• 📜 Step back in time at Fort Stevens Day where you can experience the only Civil War battle fought in DC through living history demos and ranger talks. Perfect for history buffs and curious families who want to learn something new together. Saturday 7/11. Free.
• 🧠 Spend your Saturday morning doing Pool Pilates on a rooftop with a DJ, cold plunge, and wellness vendors. It’s the kind of summer day that feels good for your body and your mood. Saturday 7/11. $66+.
• 🖌️ Bring the kids to The Phillips Plays and explore how Jacob Lawrence created his famous Migration Series one color at a time, then make your own artwork using the same technique. There’s also a creative play area with blocks, books, and games if you want to stick around and hang out. Saturday 7/11. $20.
• 🎈 We the Woolly: Remixing 250 is a month of free programming at Woolly Mammoth Theatre. This performance is by the New York Circus Project. Saturday 7/11. Free.
• 🧑‍🍳 Learn how Bird Friendly Coffee makes it from farm to cup with Tony Barnett of Chesapeake Coffee Roasters at this hands-on tasting workshop. You’ll explore different brewing methods, pick up tricks for identifying flavor notes, and discover what makes sustainable sourcing matter. Saturday 7/11. $25.
• 🍾 Dance Club at DC9 is an LGBTQ+ BIPOC+ late-night dance party built around DC’s own selectors and the city’s dance floor culture. Saturday 7/11. $15.
• 🏰 Library Day at President Lincoln’s Cottage is a free day on the grounds of Lincoln’s actual summer residence in Petworth, with crafts, games, and access to the site’s galleries. Registration is required. Saturday 7/11. Free.
• 🤸 Spend your Saturday morning doing forest bathing at the US National Arboretum, a guided practice where you slow down and soak in nature through your senses. Your guide will lead you through three reflective “invitations” to notice different parts of the gardens, and you’ll end with a small tea ceremony to wrap it all up. Saturday 7/11. $39.

• 🖌️ Pick out a vinyl record and your favorite paint colors, then spend an hour creating something totally unique at this DIY paint your own vinyl record workshop at Commonwealth Brewing Co FFX. You'll walk away with a one-of-a-kind piece of art plus a bonus DIY croc jiblet or charm bracelet. Sunday 7/12. $39.
• 🧠 Fermenting 101 is a hands-on workshop at Edgewood Community Farm where you’ll learn basic fermentation techniques and go home with two jars of your own homemade ferments. Everything is provided. Sunday 7/12. $20.
• 🌐 If you’re looking for an authentic Mexican rodeo experience, Gran Jaripeo Baile brings the energy with live bull-riding, traditional music from Cardenales de Nuevo León and Los Dos de Tamaulipas, and dancing that’ll keep you moving all day. It’s an all-ages event so you can bring the whole family. Sunday 7/12. $90.
• 🖌️ Always wanted to learn to draw but didn’t know where to start? Join artist Ava Bagley for an intro-to-art-level creation workshop where you’ll get guided through figure drawing and drawing from reference, with all materials provided. Sunday 7/12. $18.
• 🎈 We the Woolly: Remixing 250 is a month of free programming at Woolly Mammoth Theatre. This performance is by the New York Circus Project. Saturday 7/11. Free.
• 🖌️ Spend your Sunday morning getting hands-on with a matcha and green-themed floral workshop where you’ll learn modern floral design techniques and create your own arrangement in a handcrafted ceramic vase you get to take home. You’ll also sip an exclusive drink from Dimatchai and leave with new skills. Sunday 7/12. $150.
• 🤸 Start your Sunday right with free Pilates at the Bowen YMCA as part of Reservoir Recharge Wellness Weekends. This community series has something for everyone, from yoga and dance parties to meditation, all led by local wellness pros and nonprofits. Sunday 7/12. Free.
• 📖 Spend your Sunday afternoon in The Reading Lounge with Pretty Little Bookshelf, where you’ll get to hang out with other book lovers, chat with authors Roseanne A. Brown and Ronald L. Smith, and browse a curated selection from MahoganyBooks. There’s something for everyone here, whether you want quiet reading time, bookish games, or just good conversation about stories you love. Sunday 7/12. $5+.

🤫 Psst! I couldn't fit everything in this issue. See all the events happening over the next week!

• Majic concert
• summer reading
• sunset movie night
• new moon gong bath experience
• free concert series at Fort Totten

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* 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.