Things to Do

Culture Vulture

A compilation of interesting—and, most important, free—lectures, cultural events, and more throughout the week.

Monday, June 29
If you’ve outgrown the kickball field and overthrown the softball diamond, it might be time for a new after-work sport. The Monday Night Mall Field Hockey pickup league meets weekly at the Smithsonian Metro. Male and female twenty- to fiftysomethings are invited to bust out their old sticks and take part in the fun starting at 6 PM. Read more and join the Yahoo group here.

Tuesday, June 30
Fans of the Beach Boys and Safaris should check out the DC-based surf-and-rockabilly band Monsters From the Surf’s twilight summer concert tonight at the Brookside Gardens in Wheaton. The show is free and runs from 6:30 to 8. Preview the music here.

Wednesday, July 1
Afro-Cuban salsa and mambo music takes the stage at Rossyln’s Party at the Plaza. Head to the lobby of Rossyln Plaza (1611 N. Kent St., Arlington) after work for the sounds of Sin Miedo, free dance lessons, and drinks. The weekly event runs from 5:30 to 8 and will be canceled only if there are severe thunderstorms. Call 703-276-7596 for more information.

Thursday, July 2
Has the recession halted your European adventure plans? Pretend you’re there with “Kodachrome Culture: The American Tourist in Europe” at the National Geographic Museum. This exhibit, which opened last Thursday, features photographs of American vacations overseas during the postwar boom years. We won’t fault you for drooling a bit over the Spanish beaches or Italian cafes. Free.

Friday, July 3
Artomatic’s Art in Fashion: Celestial Bodies event promises to be a great time. This indie-art extravaganza celebrates costume and fashion design, drag, dance, hair design, tattoo art, mime, body piercing, and more with a runway show, musical performances, side-stage demonstrations, and an after-party. In true carnival spirit, the public, meant to be part of the spectacle, is invited to dress as creatively as desired. Click here for the complete schedule. 8 PM to 2 AM.

Saturday, July 4
It’s Independence Day! Check out our Fourth of July Package for ideas on everything from where to watch the fireworks to great picnic foods.

Sunday July 5
Cap off a weekend of celebrating all things American with a free guided tour of the places that make our city so great. Join guides on a walk through the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and more as guides recount local history. Tours begin at 10 AM and 6 PM at the corner of 15th Street and Constitution Avenue, Northwest, by the Department of Commerce building. Visit dcbyfoot.com for more information.

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Sarah is the Editor-in-Chief of Washingtonian Bride & Groom, and writes about weddings, fashion, and shopping. Her work has also appeared in Refinery29, Bethesda Magazine, and Washington City Paper, among others. She is a Georgetown University graduate, lives in Columbia Heights, and you can find her on Instagram at @washbridegroom and @sarahzlot.