Monday June 22
Doing its part for the American Documentary Showcase, National Geographic Live! screens America’s Lost Landscape: The Tallgrass Prairie at noon today. The film explores the human and geographical impact of the domestication of North American fields. Following the screening, there’ll be a discussion between the director of the film, the president of National Georgraphic Television, and others on sustainable agriculture of the future. Free. Call 202-857-7700 for more information. 1600 M St., NW.
Tuesday June 23
For those looking for a little real-life Blue Planet, the giant-octopus feeding happens at 11 AM at the National Zoo. Go on, indulge your inner marine biologist.
Wednesday June 24
It’s community night at the International Spy Museum. Click here to gain free access to all things undercover. 5 to 9 PM.
In the mood for something not so covert? The Humanities Council of DC hosts Conversations on Great Streets, a panel discussion among former DC mayors Marion Barry, Sharon Pratt, and Anthony Williams on the transformations our city has undergone in the past 30 years. It’s held at the Historical Society of Washington from 6 to 8. Free, but reservations are required.
Thursday June 25
Local aspiring musicians take the stage at Zoo Bar Café’s popular Open-Mike Blues Jam. If you’re looking for a wallet-friendly way to inject some jive into your night, this cover-free concert is the place to be. 8:30 PM.
Friday June 26
Eastern Market’s original historic building is back and better than ever. (See our sneak peak of the renovations here.) The DC institution, which burned down in April 2007, has finally finished renovations and officially reopens for business today. Cut out of work early and spend the afternoon perusing the food stalls with the newly added comforts of central air and in-house restrooms.
Saturday June 27
What do African-American oral expression, Latino music, and Welsh culture have in common? They’re all available for exploration at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. Spend the day wandering from tent to tent on the National Mall, and stay through the evening for concerts and storytelling sessions. General hours for the festival, which begins Wednesday, are 11 to 5:30. Click here for the complete schedule and visitor information.
Sunday June 28
Stretch it out with Olympics gymnastic team coach Lucy Bowen McCauley at Rossyln’s weekly Gateway to Fitness event. This free exercise class runs from 9 to 10 AM at Gateway Park, located just off Key Bridge.
When it’s finished, cross over into the District for the Georgetown Flea Market. Held every Sunday from 8 to 4 in the yards of Hardy Middle School (1819 35th St., NW), it’s a paradise for bargain hunters. Visit georgetownfleamarket.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.
