The 36 best things to do in D.C. this weekend and next week (2024)

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Phillips After 5: Party with Pride at the Phillips Collection

The Phillips Collection’s monthly museum after-hours party is back for June with a Pride edition of Phillips After 5. In addition to a chance to peruse the galleries, this Party With Pride will feature a drag performance from Citrine the Queen and live music from locally based jazz and soul collective Black Folks Don’t Swim? Republic Restoratives Distillery will offer samples including its limited-edition Civic Pride vodka, and the Bread Furst cafe will serve summer staples like miniature crab and lobster rolls as well as Orange Crush co*cktails and Aperol spritzes. 5 to 8:30 p.m. $20; free for members.

D-Day Anniversary Commemorative Concert at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial

It’s been eight decades since what was, at the time, the largest amphibious invasion in history. In honor of the anniversary, the U.S. Army “Pershing’s Own” Brass Quintet will perform a sunset concert at the monument honoring the invasion’s leader. Seats are limited and first-come, first-served. In case seats fill up, bring picnic blankets to enjoy the concert from the grass. Before the concert, a volunteer docent will lead a free tour of the memorial. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Free.

Melodies of Liberation: Jazz Ball for the 80th Anniversary of D-Day at the Embassy of France

In celebration of the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the liberation of Paris, the French Embassy is hosting a jazz ball with reenactors and champagne. At 7 p.m., the festivities begin with a reenactment of the Normandy landings, and at 8 p.m., D.C.-based band Veronneau starts playing American swing, French classics and “jazz manouche.” For those lacking the requisite dancing skills, professional teachers in period dress will guide your hopping and jiving. During the band’s intermission, documentary filmmaker and Smithsonian lecturer Paul Glenshaw will speak on how jazz came to France. Tickets include a welcome glass of bubbly, and additional drinks and eats will be available for purchase. Period dress is encouraged; otherwise, co*cktail attire will do. Guests must be 21 or older to attend. 6:30 to 10 p.m. $20.

Washington Ballet’s Dance for All at CityCenterDC

The ballet is offering free outdoor performances this weekend, with a program of classic pas de deux and high-energy contemporary works by choreographers on the rise. Seating is first-come, first-served starting at 6 p.m. 6:30 p.m., through Sunday. Free.

Pink Pony Pop at Wonderland Ballroom

The name of this Pride-week dance party was inspired by a Chappell Roan song, which tells you exactly what to expect on Wonderland’s dance floor: “queer pop alllll night long.” 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Free.

Moth StorySlam: ‘Guts’ at Miracle Theater

The storytelling and performance group is hosting an evening dedicated to “guts” — having them, spilling them, singing about them (vis-à-vis Olivia Rodrigo’s sophom*ore album). Contestants will prepare five-minute stories about moments of boldness and courage to share from the stage. Tickets are required, but seating is not guaranteed and available on a first-come, first-served basis. 7:30 p.m. $15.

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Riot: The Opening Party at Echostage

There are events earlier in the week, but Pride doesn’t really get started until the official opening celebration, which fills the heralded Echostage. The party’s lineup features Sapphira Cristál, the runner-up on the most recent season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” and a dozen local kings and queens, including King Molasses, Jaxknife Complex and Mari Con Carne, and veteran DJs like Ed Bailey and WessTheDJ. 9 p.m. $47-$50.

World Ocean Day at the National Museum of Natural History

The world’s oceans should be at the front of our minds every day — after all, they cover more than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface. But if a special event forces us to think about the impact of the oceans, and the creatures that live in them, so much the better. Head to the Smithsonian’s Natural History Museum to learn about all aspects of the seas: Talk to scientists who study animals from jellyfish to whales, learn about conservation efforts in the Chesapeake Bay and find out about the effects of artificial reefs. Watch the Sant Ocean Hall’s giant globe to learn about warming patterns and changing weather. Families can arrive early for a “Play Date” with hands-on activities and art. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free.

‘Subversive, Skilled, Sublime: Fiber Art by Women’ Open House at the Renwick Gallery

Humble materials like cotton, felt and wool turn into masterpieces thanks to the skill of the 27 artists in the Renwick Gallery’s “Subversive, Skilled, Sublime: Fiber Art by Women.” The show includes woven tapestries, rugs, sewn quilts, twisted and bound sculptures, and more pieces that run counter to stereotypes that pigeonhole fiber art made by women as menial labor or domestic work. The exhibit runs through January 2025. But on June 7, an open house will allow visitors to mingle with featured artists L’Merchie Frazier, Consuelo Jimenez Underwood, Lia Cook, Ed Johnetta Miller and Susan Iverson to discuss their pieces in the show. You can also drop in for gallery talks from the Smithsonian American Art Museum curator team. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free; registration online encouraged.

Opera in Concert: Verdi’s ‘Otello’ at the Kennedy Center

The National Symphony Orchestra is capping off its 2023-2024 season with two performances of “Otello,” led by Gianandrea Noseda (who is completing his seventh season as the orchestra’s maestro). The performances will feature D.C. natives Aaron Crouch and Christian Simmons, plus Choral Arts, the University of Maryland Concert Choir and the Children’s Chorus of Washington. Friday at 8 p.m.; Sunday at 3 p.m. $30-$115.

‘Pride in Print: The Washington Blade’s Journey’ at Dupont Underground

The subterranean Dupont Circle venue is celebrating the nation’s oldest continually running LGBTQ+ newspaper, which was founded in 1969. The exhibition journeys through the decades, showcasing the Washington Blade’s growth from a small local paper to a nationally recognized news source by reporting on and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through June 22. $10.

A Night on the Farm at Common Good City Farm

You don’t have to leave the city for a harvest dinner surrounded by fruits, veggies and blooms: Common Good City Farm in LeDroit Park will host a co*cktail hour and seated dinner in June as its biggest fundraiser of the year. This ticketed event, dubbed A Night on the Farm, begins with farm-themed drinks and light bites from 5 to 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. You can buy tickets to either event or both; the co*cktail hour is $50 per person, and dinner is $85 per person or $150 for two. Chef, food justice advocate and Howard University alum Galila Daniel will prepare a vegan Ethiopian feast featuring dishes like duba wot (berbere-stewed sweet potato), shiro (spiced chickpea puree) and key misir (spicy red lentils), with honey wine, espresso martinis, and Ethiopian coffee and tea to drink. 5 to 8 p.m. $50-$150; $450 for a private table for six diners.

First Friday Art Walk in Dupont Circle

The monthly art walk around the Dupont neighborhood features a mix of exhibits: an opening at the Embassy of Portugal’s art gallery, the debut of four solo exhibitions at IA&A at Hillyer, a night of Pride-inspired still-life drawing at the Washington Studio School and “Pride in Print” at Dupont Underground (see above). While you’re roaming, drop into the Heurich House’s 1921 biergarten to make some posters for Saturday’s Pride Parade, flash back to the ’90s and early ’00s by crafting with rainbow scratch art, and sample Pride-themed adult beverages, including Red Bear’s Bottoms Up and Anxo Pride Cider. 6 to 8 p.m. Free.

Gottmik at Crush

Gottmik shot to fame as the first trans man on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and is currently competing on “All Stars” Series 9. Catch a performance, and maybe pick up some ultra-stylish makeup tips, as Gottmik performs at one of 14th Street’s hottest new bars. Performance “10 p.m.-ish.” $5.

The Queer Music Rock Show at Metrobar

You don’t often see drag performances mixed with live music, but the two should combine to great effect at Metrobar’s Queer Music Rock Show. Head to the Metro-themed beer garden for the lush emo-pop of D.C.’s Pretty Bitter and indie “sad dream queen” Ari Voxx, alongside performances from queens including Ruth Allen Ginsburg and Evry Pleasure, while DJ Jugs handles the beats. 7 p.m. Free.

Jason and Alicia Hall Moran’s ‘Family Ball’ at the Kennedy Center

Pianist-composer Jason Moran and singer-actor-composer Alicia Hall Moran, spouses and often collaborators, are intrigued by the idea of physical space as artistic context. But the space that the Morans re-created for their multimedia production “Family Ball” is a completely different sort of expressive: It’s their Harlem living room. “Family Ball” is a hybrid of a theatrical and concert piece. More to the point, though, it’s the Morans’ love letter both to each other and to the life and creative practice they share — and how those things overlap. 7 and 9 p.m. $29-$79.

Step Afrika!’s ‘The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence’ at Arena Stage

As it celebrates its 30th anniversary, Step Afrika! — which specializes in stepping, the percussive dance style popularized at Black fraternities and sororities — will bring its landmark work “The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence” to Arena Stage for a multiweek run. The production pairs dance with images from Lawrence’s “The Migration Series,” his famous 60-panel suite of paintings about the movement of millions of African Americans from South to North in the 20th century. In addition to new costumes, this iteration of the dance will feature images from “Migration Series” panels at New York’s Museum of Modern Art and the Phillips Collection in Washington; previously, only panels from the latter were represented. Through July 14. $12;$10 for seniors and students with ID.

Tributes to Prince

June 7 is the birthday of Prince Rogers Nelson. He’s being remembered at multiple venues today. Junie Henderson, who sings and plays guitar just like Prince, is paying tribute by performing songs from the “Purple Rain” soundtrack and film, as well as other hits from the Purple One’s extensive discography, during the All-Star Purple Party at the Bethesda Theater. (8:30 p.m., $40.) At Love People Records in Kensington, DJ Dredd — the creator of D.C.’s legendary “Prince vs.” dance parties — is spinning an all-vinyl set and showing off some of his collection of rare Prince music and memorabilia. (6 to 9 p.m., free.)

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Capital Pride Parade

When the Capital Pride Parade takes to the streets on Saturday, it will be on a new route — a straight shot down 14th Street NW, instead of the winding path through Logan and Dupont circles. It will also finish with a new ticketed event: a tea dance featuring DJs and drag queens on Pennsylvania Avenue NW, the site of Sunday’s Capital Pride Festival. For information on where to watch the parade, where to eat and drink, and where to take your kids, check out our parade guide. 3 p.m. Free.

Official parties: Pride Rewind and Pride Under the Sea

After the Capital Pride Parade, there are dueling “official” Pride dance parties. Pride Rewind is “the Official Sapphic Queer Dance Party,” taking over the Square food hall downtown for DJs, live performances, vintage Nintendo games and a pop-up bar from As You Are. (8 p.m. $35; $20 for ages 18 to 20.) At Echostage, it’s Pride Under the Sea (nautical lewks encouraged), with a live performance by dance-pop star Slayyyter, plus DJs and special guests until 4 a.m. (10 p.m. $60-$80.)

Pride on the Pier at the Wharf

The annual waterfront celebration presents eight hours of DJs, a live broadcast of the Capital Pride Parade on a big screen and a drag show, and is capped by a fireworks show at 9 p.m. 2 to 10 p.m. Free.

Disco in the Dupont Underground

While the Capital Pride paradegoers squeeze through crowds aboveground, sink down to Dupont Underground’s tea dance. DJ Solstik will lay down a set of throwback 1970s and 1980s mixes with modern house and dance beats for three hours. The party could provide a sun break with similar vibes for patrons of the nearby 17th Street Block Party. 1 to 4 p.m. $15 in advance; $20 at the door.

Music in the Meadow at the National Arboretum

Outdoor concerts proliferate in the summer, from community parks to stages on the waterfront. But there might not be a more beautiful setting than the National Arboretum’s Ellipse Meadow, the broad, grassy plain where the National Capitol Columns sit like some great Greek ruin. The Friends of the National Arboretum are the hosts of Music in the Meadow, an after-hours event that’s perfect for a date-night picnic. Virginia indie-folk band Wylder provides the soundtrack while PhoWheels sells food and drinks, though guests are allowed to bring their own snacks. Note that the Arboretum closes at 5 p.m., and ticket holders will only be allowed to enter the Ellipse Meadow and the National Herb Garden. (And since this is D.C.: In case of rain, the concert will probably take place on Sunday.) 6:15 p.m. $25 suggested donation; pay-what-you-can tickets available. Free for children younger than 13.

Tinner Hill Music Festival at Cherry Hill Park

The Blind Boys of Alabama, fresh off their sixth Grammy win, headline the 30th Tinner Hill Music Festival dedicated to celebrating Black history in the Falls Church neighborhood. In addition to the music, there are three villages; “artist village” has paintings, photography and jewelry for sale; “kids village” offers a “pooch petting party” and an instrument petting zoo; and “relaxation village” provides yoga, massages and hanging hammocks. There’s also a beer garden and bites available for purchase. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. $30; $10 for students; free for children 11 and under.; $55 for VIP seats in a tented area.

Arab-American Comedy Festival

Founded in New York to combat post-9/11 discrimination against Arab Americans, this comedy festival is celebrating its 20th birthday with a 10-month national tour that ends at the Kennedy Center this weekend. The headliners — Dean Obeidallah, Maysoon Zayid, Mohanad Elshieky, Laura Laham, Majdy Fares, Rola ZZZ and Go Remy (of “Arlington: The Rap” fame) — take to the stage at Terrace Theater for an evening of laughs and a celebration of comedy that crosses boundaries. 7:30 p.m. $35-$75.

Grow the Garden Party at the National Arboretum

Enjoy a picnic party in celebration of the Washington Youth Garden’s expansion featuring garden activities, live music from East of the River Steelband, a natural dye and floral jewelry demo with local artists Arrin Sutliff and An-Phuong Ly, crafts, and face painting. Bites are available from food truck vendors Paste & Rind Cheese Co. (picnic boxes), Ana’s Twist (empanadas) and Jarabe Gourmet Pops (ice pops), but you can also bring your own lunch. Free. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Find Your Story Festival at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library

D.C. Public Library’s writers festival returns with a new theme: There’s No Place Like Home. Through three workshop sessions and author talks, the festival explores how to write about place. Workshops include topics such as travel writing, the characters that add a sense a home and whether “home is where the heart is.” There’s also an open mic hour at 1 p.m. with local poets Regie Cabico, Insahee Chanda and Reg Ledesma. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free.

DJ Leonce at Flash

A nightclub can be more than just a place to spend a late night, have a few overpriced drinks and make some regrettable decisions. In a proper club environment, the communion of the DJ with the dancers, wall-flies and trainspotters can create a cultural happening, if only for those few hours. Atlanta DJ-producer Leonce considers the construction of club culture on “System of Objects,” his first full-length album and one that is influenced by and titled after sociologist Jean Baudrillard’s book of the same name. 10 p.m. $30.

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Capital Pride Festival and Concert

The main event Sunday takes place on Pennsylvania Avenue NW, where the Capital Pride Festival and Concert shuts down America’s Main Street. The festival features 300 exhibitors; multiple beer gardens and food courts; and three stages of entertainment, including Emmy/Grammy/Tony winner Billy Porter, ’80s pop group Exposé and “RuPaul’s Drag Race” star Sapphira Cristál. Noon to 10 p.m. Free.

Go-go on the Rooftop at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library

Go-go is the official music of D.C., and the D.C. Public Library is home to the Go-go Archive, which documents and preserves the history of our homegrown funk. That’s why it’s only natural for the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library to host an annual concert series dedicated to the past and future of go-go on its spacious rooftop. Through the end of June, different artists are featured every Sunday afternoon, starting with E.U., the band that took go-go national with its 1988 hit “Da Butt.” Veteran artists Still Familiar and MAB 2.0 open the afternoon, while DJ Big John keeps the grooves flowing between bands. Be warned: These concerts were very popular last summer, with capacity filling well before headliners took the stage. Arrive early to make sure you get in. Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. through June 30. Free.

Doechii’s Swamp Ball at Trade

Possibly the most anticipated musical event of Pride finds future hip-hop star Doechii — who’s gone viral with “What It Is” and opened for Doja Cat — performing a free show at Trade, the comfortably cramped 14th Street bar. There are no tickets. It’s first-come, first-served. Get. There. Early. Doors open at 2 p.m., and music and performances begin at 9. Free.

High Side Tiny Beer Fest

High Side’s Tiny Beer Fest is something of a misnomer: At least 45 craft beers, ciders and meads are available for sampling, three ounces at a time, during the Fairfax beer bar’s outdoor festival. Look for offerings from Pittsburgh’s Dancing Gnome, Chicago’s Dovetail and Scotland’s Holy Goat while listening to DJs, playing lawn games and snacking on Asian street food. Start polishing your corniest puns for the so-bad-it’s-good Dad Joke Contest, which rewards the best/worst joke with a trophy and a $100 gift card. VIP tickets include early admission and rare beers. 1 to 5 p.m. $45-$60; $5 for designated drivers; free for ages 18 and younger.

Anxo’s seventh anniversary

Seven years ago, Anxo opened its cider production facility and tasting room on Kennedy Street in Brightwood Park. To mark the anniversary, Anxo is pouring all ciders and co*cktails for $7 on Sunday, and setting up a grill for the return of Anxo smashburgers. Noon to 5 p.m. Free admission.

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LGBTQ+ Law Trivia Night at Sudhouse

Test your knowledge of LGBTQ+ law and influential whistleblowers in honor of Pride Month with the National Whistleblower Center and other LGBTQ+ wonks. Topics range from the Supreme Court to LGBTQ+ pop culture, and the winners and runners-up get small prizes. The game takes place in between two “mingling” sessions. 6 p.m. $5.

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Sunset Sounds at Alethia Tanner Park

NoMa’s Alethia Tanner Park is a hot spot for summer movies, and this week, it becomes a go-to for tunes, too. Concert venue Songbyrd Music House is a partner in this venture, which finds bands playing in the grassy park on Tuesday evenings through the end of July. The series begins with tributes to Black Music Month, kicking off with the brass-driven R&B and go-go of the Experience Band and Show. Food trucks are available each week, though picnics are also welcome. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Free.

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Lost City Books Summer Salon at the Line Hotel

The Adams Morgan bookshop’s new quarterly reading series features local and visiting authors at the Line Hotel’s mezzanine. Eat, drink and mingle with fellow book lovers between talks from authors such as Jonny Teklit, Johannes Lichtman (“Such Good Work”), Mecca Jamilah Sullivan (“Big Girl”) and Nina MacLaughlin (“Wake, Siren: Ovid Resung”). 7 to 9 p.m. Free.