This weekend is the finale of World Pride, with a ton of events happening across the area. I've included many in today's list, but there are way too many to fit in this email.

You can see the official list of World Pride events here, and there are plenty of non-official events happening as well. QueerTalkDC put together a list to check out as well.

But, there are a ton of other things happening this weekend too if you're looking for something a little different!

Valerie

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

Last week, I messed up the poll, sorry about that! Check back next week for the responses!

I want to ask a favor: will you provide some (anonymous) feedback on the newsletter? I want to make it worthwhile for you, and your insight will really be helpful to do that.

Looking for something specific? Check out these options:

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

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!

LATE SUMMER HOURS 🌆

• 🌲 You asked, and National Arboreturm listened! Their opening hours has been extended until 8PM all summer! Some exclusions apply. Now through Saturday 8/30. ​
• 🌲 You can now enjoy sunset walks, lotus blooms, nature art, and wellness sessions at Kenilworth Gardens after 5, until 8PM! Starting tonight 6/4 until Sunday 9/7. Free.
• 📜 Still love streetcars? See the launching of a new streetcar S.T.E.A.M series at the Trolley Museum every Friday 6/13-8/29.

DISCOVER SUMMER WITH YOUR KIDS 🌞

• 🍲 Sign up for the summer reading program and enjoy a free ice cream treat while supplies last! Thursday 6/5. Free.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Spend sunsets at the Anacostia Library enjoying ice pops, chalk art, beach games, good music, and street chess! Wednesday 6/4. Free.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Mount Pleasant Library is closed, but the summer goes on! Come for ice cream, chalk art & giveaways. Saturday 6/7. Free.

• 🖼️ The Phillips Collection features an art exhibition honoring poet and activist Essex Hemphill’s work through creations from artists inspired by his legacy. On view now until Sunday 8/31. $20 general admission.
• 🖼️ Dalí Museum's latest exhibition features a collection of contemporary Spanish artists with landscapes that once inspired Dali’s imagination. Now until Tuesday 10/28. Free admission.
• 🌈 Watch this free comedy night with LGBTQIA+ comedians, featuring talks on life, love, and identity. Wednesday 6/4. Free.
• 🖌️ Rework vintage classic cassette tapes through painting pop-art style and mounting. Wednesday 6/4. $13 on 2 for 1 deal.
• 📖 Listen to Ashlyn Harris talk about her “soccer champion turned activist and entrepreneur” journey today 6/4. $40.
• 🎈 It’s street fest at Union Market District! Find immersive art installations, live performances, dance parties, and punk circus shows. Now to Sunday 6/8. Free.

• 📖 Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is in town to discuss her memoir and leadership journey at Sixth & I. Thursday 6/5. $15.
• 🧠 Learn pottery by hand over four weeks at Sio Ceramics. Every Thursday 6/5 until 6/19. $350.
• 🎭 Summer flicks at Downtown DC is back running! Come by Franklin Park for free Thursday movies until 10 PM. Thursday 6/5 to 6/26. Free.
• 🌈 Join this LGBTQ+ paint and sip experience this Thursday 6/5. $27.
• 🌈 Prep your Pride OOTD with rhinestones and glitter sunglasses! Decorate a free pair (or bring your own accessory). Thursday 6/5. Free.
• 🖌️ Not up for the parties? Join this cozy crafting group to share creative projects, socialize, and swap supplies. Thursday 6/5. Free.
• 🌈 Learn more about queer Latinx literature from National Book Award winner Justin Torres in conversation with Lupita Aquino. Thursday 6/5. Free.
• 📖 Meet artist & activist Tourmaline and get a signed copy of her new book on Marsha P. Johnson. Thursday 6/5. $40.

• 🕺 Come to the Nats game and see Natasha Bedingfield perform live after for FREE with game tickets. Friday 6/6. 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+
• 🖼️ Unprecedented is a pop-up exhibit inviting participants to submit artifacts representing their post-2024 election experience, to be displayed during the June ArtWalk. Friday 6/6. Free.
• 🍲 Afro Bahia Fest lets you enjoy Bahian cuisine like Moqueca and Acarajé, Brazilian drinks, and dance to Samba Reggae music. Friday 6/6. $55.
• 🌈 An official World Pride event! DC’s High Heel Party returns with drag acts, DJs, fierce heels, and three city blocks of celebration. Friday 6/6. Free.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Enjoy complimentary ice cream treats from Omni Hotels’ Scoop Social ice cream truck in DC this Friday, 6/6. Friday 6/6. Free.

• 🌈 Catch the boat parade at the Wharf for more entertainment, celebrations, and fireworks at 9 PM! Saturday 6/7. Free.
• 🎈 Enjoy live music, pony rides, face painting, games & more at this family-friendly summer fest. Saturday 6/7. Free.
• 🍲 Learn cooking as art at this immersive vegan crabcake and wine pairing class. Saturday 6/7. $97.
• 🛍️ Shop from 15+ local artists, snag art discounts and enjoy free workshops at this indoor market. Saturday 6/7. Free.
• 🌈 The official World Pride Parade is next week! See ornate floats and grand marshals celebrating LGBTQ+ history and DC's queer neighborhoods. Saturday 6/7. Free.
• 🛍️ Score deals at Capitol Hill’s yard sale before heading to the World Pride festivities right after! Saturday 6/7.
• 🎈 Right after the WorldPride Parade, head to Penn Ave post-parade for closing concerts, a Family Zone, food trucks, beverage gardens, and more! Saturday 6/7. Free.
• 🌈 It’s a packed weekend of PRIDE celebration: drag Zumba, bedazzle stations, mending labs, and a fierce vogue dance party at Anthem Row. Saturday 6/7. Free.
• 🕺 Chill with live jazz or dance to DJs with wine, enjoy street eats, and photo ops at Sandlot Anacostia’s wine social. Saturday 6/7. $45.
• 🎈 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.
• 📖 Listen to the story of DC’s legendary hatmaker Vanilla Beane in a special talk with artist Benjamin Ferry, who painted her. Saturday 6/7. Free.
• 🍾 There’s live music, food trucks, wine, and a tattoo artist - all day at Sugarloaf! Come by until 5:30 PM this Saturday, 6/7. Free.
• 🧠 Enjoy & learn free fishing basics at the fishing derby this Saturday 6/7. Free!
• 🛍️ Don’t miss the annual RiverFest & Craft Show in Occoquan! Runs Saturday 6/7-Sunday 6/8. Free admission.
• 🏰 In the Garden features Black poets and gardeners reflecting on community and the legacy of green spaces preserved at Tudor Place’s historic garden. Saturday 6/7. Free.
• 🖌️ Free crafts for grown-ups with a creative side! Saturday 6/7. Free.

• 🤝 March & rally with voices from around the world to help defend gender, racial, and LGBTQ+ equality. Sunday 6/8. Free.
• 🌈 This afterparty starts at 4 AM and features renowned DJs Kitty Glitter on the main floor and Shane Marcus on the rooftop. Sunday 6/8. $86.
• 🤝 Goodz 4 Gaza organizes hot food, handmade art, clothing, henna, games, and a mutual aid fundraiser to support Palestinian families. Sunday 6/8. $15.
• 🤸 Do yoga & sound healing under the 75-foot columns of the National Building Museum. Sunday 6/8. $36.
• 🎭 Watch the 1927 silent sci-fi classic “Metropolis” with a thrilling live score by organist Cameron Carpenter. Sunday 6/8. $31+

• 🖌️ Join a floral designer to make your own flower crown! Tuesday 6/10. $82.
• 🖌️ Chill & explore floral watercolor art at this guided, relaxing art night. Tuesday 6/10. Free.
• 🍾 Sample five unique wines featuring big global flavors plus small bites! Wednesday 6/11. $15.
• 🤓 There’s bingo fun on the lawn & under open skies on Wednesday 6/11. BYO blanket! Free.
• 🍾 This Summer Soirée features a swing dance & live jazz evening in Old Town Alexandria’s courtyard, with more than 200 young professionals you can connect with. Thursday 6/12. $50 solo / $80 couple.
• 🏞️ Step off the grid in a mindful 3-mile trail experience, featuring philosophical questions & meaningful dialogue. Thursday 6/12. Free.
• 🌲 Need a chill afternoon recommendation? Enjoy the scenery at Hillwood's gardens and mansion, head to the Lunar Lawn for the picnic competition, then watch a screening of "A League of Their Own." Thursday 6/12. $20.
• 🕺 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.
• 🍾 R&B, poetry, wine, and sunset - all in one experience. Don’t miss the fest next Saturday 6/14! $40.
• 🍲 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.

• 📖 Matchmaking Maria knows the swipe fatigue of dating apps, so she’s offering no-nonsense dating advice on Tuesday 6/17. $25.
• 🖌️ Inspired by the Folger’s “How to Be a Power Player” exhibit, you can make a Tudor ruff and DIY your own regal ruff. Wednesday 6/18. Free, no tickets required.
• 📖 Sit down for a grown-up story time with award-winning drag queen Tara Hoot. Friday 6/20. Free.​
• 🎈 Solstice Saturday lets you explore the Smithsonian museums late into the night, with special programming for the longest day of the year. Saturday 6/21. Free.
• 🎈 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.
• 🍲 Love BBQs? Go to the biggest BBQ festival in DC! With over 100 free food samples, BBQ competitions, $50,000+ in prizes, more pitmasters, and the Giant Corks to Caps 21+ Oasis. Saturday 6/21-Sunday 6/22. $21+ (note: super popular & always packed, but fair warning: it tends to be more "meh" than memorable)
• 🧠 You can create natural dyed fabrics using plants & natural dyeing techniques with herbalist Meaghan Thompson-Moore. Thursday 6/26. $23.
• 🕺 Experience the historical dance that would have been performed at Marquis de Lafayette's Grand Ball in Philadelphia in 1824, now in Hillwood’s Lunar Lawn on Thursday, 6/26. Pay what you can.
• 🤝 Wonder what DC looks like without traffic? We’re reclaiming the streets at Capitol Hill for fitness classes, family activities, and more! No cars on #OpenStreetsDC. Saturday 6/28. Free.
• 🤸 Flow beat by beat to R&B beats from the 2020s! Reserve your spot for Saturday 6/28. Free.
• 🍲 Find authentic Ghanaian food on traditional dishes served in Asanka bowls + afrobeats on Saturday 7/5. $40.
• 🕺 Join the crowd for the 5th Annual All-American Country Summer Nights and enjoy country swing lessons, live Americana music, BBQ, and wine at Bull Run. Bring your boots! Saturday 7/12. Early bird @ $25 for individuals; $40 for two!
• 🍲 Here’s another wine & taco party with 25+ wines & bottomless tacos! Or just come to ask wine pros anything. Sunday 7/20. $66.
• 🌲 It’s the 100th year of tradition with the Chincoteague Pony Swim! See ponies make their annual swim to Chincoteague Island, plus auction and carnival shows on Wednesday 7/30-Thursday 7/31. Price not stated.
• 🖼️ Don't miss on this free or $2 entry to TWO museums: Josiah Henson Museum & Woodlawn Manor. Now through Monday 9/1. 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.