The summer rhythm is beating across the District as stages, parks, dance floors, and neighborhoods fill with the music, food, culture, and community gatherings that make the DMV come alive this time of year.
Use this handy city guide to plan your week 🗓️
Some Highlights:
Beat Ya Feet Festival (6/11 - 6/14)
Celebrate DC’s homegrown dance culture with battles, workshops, performances, and more ways to experience the art form that helped shape generations of local creativity (various venues, $15+)
FIFA World Cup Fan Zone on the National Mall (6/11 - 7/19)
The National Mall will transform into a World Cup watch party HQ with live match screenings, food, music, activities, exhibits & more as part of America’s 250th anniversary celebration (various start times, free)
CrazySexyCool: The TLC Musical (6/12 - 8/9)
This new musical brings the story of iconic R&B group TLC to the stage, tracing their rise to superstardom through the music, friendships, challenges, and chart-topping hits that defined a generation (Arena Stage, multiple showtimes, $83+)
EAT250 City-Wide Culinary Festival (6/14 - 6/28)
In celebration of the nation’s 250th, 100+ restaurants, chefs, embassies, museums, and cultural institutions will come together for this citywide restaurant week exploring how migration, tradition, and cultural exchange have shaped American food. See participating restaurants here and upcoming events here
United Football League Bowl with a Halftime Performance by 50 Cent (Saturday)
The United Football League wraps up its season with the DC Defenders facing off with the Louisville Kings, bringing together the league’s top teams for its championship game (3p, $21+)
ACTIVITIES + EXPERIENCES
MULTI-DAY EVENTS
6/10 - 6/12
Black Sports Business Symposium - Blackburn Center at Howard U. | 9a - 6p, $105+ for a pass
6/11 - 6/14
DC/DOX Film Festival
Multiple locations, $17 for individual screenings / $225+ for a pass
Documentary festival featuring 100+ works from around the world
6/12 - 6/14
Soccer Celebrations at Franklin Park
Multiple start times, free
Family-friendly watch parties with youth soccer activities, food vendors, music, & more. Celebrations will also be held at Tingey Plaza from 6/19 - 6/21
6/13 + 6/14
Stars and Smiles Foodie Festival - 137 National Plaza in National Harbor, MD | 11a, $15+
TUESDAY
SirDavis Cocktails at Katsumi - 6p - 9p, free
Hot Spur: Queer Line Dancing - Dew Drop Inn | 7p - 10p, $13
WEDNESDAY
The Art of Bourbon Pairing ft. Arthur Wheeler Spirits - Barbouzard | 6p, $145
Ticket includes 4 pours of spirits from Arthur Wheeler, a Black-owned, MD-based brand, and 8 chef-curated tasting bites
Rooftop Pool screening of “Sinners” - Hedy’s Rooftop, 9p - 11:30p, $31
Wine & Gruyere Grilled Cheese Cooking Class - Cookology Culinary School | 6:30p - 8:30p, $136
Golf Social at X-Golf Nats Park - 6p - 9p, free
THURSDAY
Crabs ‘N Crush Cocktails Feast at Tiki TNT - 2 hour seating windows at 5p, 6p, + 7p, $109
Ticket includes a dozen crabs & sides
FRIDAY
Dap is a Love Language: Exhibition Reception - THEARC | 5p - 8p, free
Multi-media art exhibit exploring the dignity of DC neighborhoods
Union Market Drive-In Screening of “Iron Man” - 7:30p, $25 parking fee / free to sit outside
Sundress DC Fundraiser Gala ft. Raheem DeVaughn, Front Porch Live, & More - 5p, $109+
Rock the Dock at The Wharf ft. The Warped Band - 5p - 9p, free
Outdoor music event series
SATURDAY
R&B x Rosé Picnic: National Rosé Day - The Parks Historic Walter Reed | 2p - 9p, $82+
AfroSoReal Presents: BLACK MUSIC MONTH’S Artist Competition - DC9 | 7:30p, $20+
Will have a special guest performance by KingPen Slim
Washington Blade Pride on the Pier - The Wharf | 4p - 9p, free
Body & Soul Dance and Wellness Experience - VIDA - Yards | 1p - 3:30p, $34+
Followed by a social at the penthouse pool
The District Cup - West Potomac Park Field #4 | 11a - 4p, $165+
Charity polo tournament
After-Hours Ice Cream + PJ Drive - National Children’s Museum | 5p - 7p, $20
Will have free ice cream, DIY slime making, a pajama donations drive, & more
Hip-Hop Soundbath - Eaton Wellness | 2p, $50
Library of Congress Family Day Celebrating 250 Years of American Fashion - 10:30a - 3:30p, free with required registration
Books and Blankets in the Park - Anacostia Park Skating Pavilion | 1p - 5p, free
Family-friendly reading event with story time, snacks, free culturally-relevant children’s books
Rhode Island Ave Porchfest - 12p - 5p, free
Crawl-style live music event with bands playing on the porches of homes & local businesses
Smoke & Stitch: Cigars and Custom Suit Fittings Bespoke Experience - Morton’s the Steakhouse | 4p - 7:30p, free
Frank Family Vineyards & 4 Ocean 5-Course Wine Pairing Dinner - 6:30p - 9:30p, $150
SUNDAY
Plot Twists and Prosecco Book Club Soft Life Reading Party - Takoda Navy Yard | 2p - 4p, $18
CRUSH ::: World Cup of Wine Tasting Experience - Lulu’s Winegarden | sessions at 12p + 2p, $66
Ticket includes unlimited wine tastings & bottomless breakfast tacos
Freestyle DansFit Dance Fitness Experience at the Wharf - 12:30p, $20
Rosé on the River: District Winery’s Annual Rosé Party
District Winery | 2p - 5p, $115
Pink-attire rose & wine tasting party, ticket includes passed hors d’oeuvres, food stations, DIY crafting, & more
PARTIES + MIXERS
WEDNESDAY
R&B Wine Down Wednesday Happy Hour with $40 Unlimited Wine - Vortex | 5p, free
NBA Finals: Game 4 Watch Party at Lucky Bar | 7p - 11p, free
THURSDAY
ACT XXIV - THURSTDAY TAKEOVER - Thurst Lounge | 8p - 1a, free
LGBTQIA+-friendly at a Black-owned lounge
FRIDAY
Chasing Sun-Sets - La Vie | 5p - 11p, free until 7p with RSVP
Sunset Social: A Tribute to Male RnB Groups - Kache | 7p - 9p, free
Live performance by FREEMAN, the talented male vocal group currently on tour with Jill Scott as background vocalists
Drunk N Love R&B Party - Ivy City Smokehouse | 9p - 2a, $18+
FIRSTWEDANCE vs JRIPSET DC vs Texas Soundclash - Culture | 10p - 3a, $20
Strand Friday - Strand Nightclub | 9p - 1a, free
SATURDAY
Missing Ingredient: DC presented by BeenBlackin - 12 Stories | 9p - 2a, $35
Bisexual Pride Party - Mixxed | 10p - 2a, $10
HBD CULTUR FM - Ai Warehouse | 9p - 3a, $32+
Ran to Atlanta: Nothing But ATL Hits Day Party - Lucky Bar | 4p - 9p, free
High Notes (DC) ROSÉ WEEKND - Realm | 4p - 10p, $41
Complimentary rosé until 5p
LET ME ROCK! Black & Brown Alt Dance Party - Saint Ex | 9p - 3a, $23+
Amapiano To The World - SOST | 10p - 2a, free
S & L : The Soirée Series - Urban Roast - The Wharf | 3p - 9p, $13
SUNDAY
The R&B GROUP Chat - Everyday People | 2p - 6p, free
BRBN: National Bourbon Day Celebration - Dirty Habit | 3p - 8p, free
ORANGE PRINT SUNDAY: A Larry June Day Party - WILD DAYS | 4p - 9p, $15
No Aesthetic Block Party - The Parks at Walter Reed | 4p - 9p, free
Private Waters Rooftop Pool Party - Location given to attendees | 5p - 10p, $41+
CONCERTS + SHOWS
TUESDAY
Summer Walker: Still Finally Over It Tour
with Monaleo
CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore, MD | 7:30p, $81+
6/11 - 6/14 + 6/23
Jill Scott
The Theater at MGM National Harbor in MD | 8p, $275+
FRIDAY
Dave Chappelle
CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore, MD | 7:30p, $78+
42 Dugg & Babyface Ray: 4 The Trenches Tour
The Fillmore in Silver Spring, MD | 8p, $52+
Michael Colyar, Carl Anthony Payne II & Hamburger
Bethesda Theater in MD | 8:30p, $50+
6/12 - 6/14
Red Grant
Baltimore Comedy Factory in MD | multiple showtimes, $31+
SATURDAY
Father
Union Stage | 10p, $27
Scotland Juneteenth Opening Night ft. Hezekiah Walker
Bethesda Theater in MD | 7p, $60+