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Thursday, June 4: Those nostalgic for the ’80s should check out the screening of Back to the Future at Tingey Plaza, behind the Department of Transportation building in Southeast DC. The film is part of the ’80s Outdoor Movie Series. For more information on the series, click here. Films start at sundown, which is about 8:45 PM.
The Phillips Collection throws another of its fun Phillips After Five events this evening. Artist Tom Russotti hosts an evening of games, while New Orleans jazz musicians play as a prelude to the Duke Ellington Jazz Festival. Cash bar. Admission is by donation. Things get rolling around 5.
Friday, June 5: Tonight marks the kickoff of the Duke Ellington Jazz Festival. This tribute to one of Washington’s music legends is now in its fifth year. Local and international jazz artists converge to play concerts at venues around the city. This year’s festival is themed Celebrating New Orleans, and you can get a full schedule and tickets (many of the events are free) here.
Sweetgreen, a salad-and-frozen-yogurt shop, hosts Bon Appétit editor-in-chief Barbara Fairchild at its Dupont Circle location (1512 Connecticut Ave., NW). Tickets, $35 a person, include a signed copy of the Bon Appétit Fast Easy Fresh cookbook as well as samples of salads and appetizers. The event runs from 5:30 to 7:30. For more information and to purchase tickets, call 202-387-9338.
Afro Blue, an a cappella group, sings at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden for its weekly Jazz in the Garden series; get there at 5 or earlier to snag a seat.
Saturday, June 6: The second annual Food & Wine Festival at National Harbor focuses on artisanal, organic, and sustainable products. Proceeds benefit the Erikka A. Hayes Foundation, which helps socially disadvantaged people get work in the food-service industry. For tickets ($65 per person), schedules, and more information, call 443-716-2800 or visit foodandwinenh.com.
Looking for a little social introspection this Saturday night? Address: Unknown, a Nomadic Theater and Georgetown University collaborative theatrical production, explores themes of home and homelessness through the voices of DC natives struggling with these issues. The performance is at the Atlas Performing Arts Center in Northeast DC. General-admission tickets ($5) available here. 8 PM.
Design junkies, don’t miss out on the last weekend of the Foodjects Exhibit’s heavy dose of innovative industrial wares. Browse cheeky mugs and futuristic dining utensils courtesy of the Spanish Embassy at the ultramodern home-furnishings store Apartment Zero (406 Seventh St., NW) from 11 to 6 on Saturday and noon to 5 on Sunday. The best part? This beautiful break from the DC humidity will cost you precisely zero dollars. Call 202-628-4067 for more information.
Sunday, June 7: At DC’s Dupont Circle FreshFarm market (1500 block of 20th St., NW, between Massachusetts Ave. and Q St.), Spanish chef Quim Marqués makes paella in conjunction with Jaleo’s annual paella festival. The demonstration starts at 11, and free samples will be given out.
Find ferris wheels, funnel cake, fireworks, and more at Celebrate Fairfax, Northern Virginia’s largest annual community-wide celebration. With live concerts, carnival rides, food halls, and even laser tag, there’s fun to be had for everyone. Adult tickets start at $12, and basic children’s admission is $5. Country-music fans, take note: Phil Vassar (of “Just Another Day in Paradise” fame) will perform at 3:30. Click here for directions to the event grounds.
New Orleans expats and Cajun-music aficionados alike will be happy to hear that tickets are still available for Wolf Trap’s 20th annual Louisiana Swamp Romp. If you’ve been craving that electric zydeco sizzle or are just in the mood to explore a new musical genre, purchase tickets ($25) here.
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.
