Thursday, June 28
FASHION: Join Meghan from District Sparkle as she launches
Giving Labels a Meaning, a venture that’ll
sell accessories and clothes from local designers, with a portion of the
proceeds going to children’s
advocacy charities. Today’s inaugural event at the Hillyer Art
Space costs $15 to get in and features include cupcakes and
other sweets, plus the chance to buy vintage and brand new
clothes from a host of designers. With any luck, it’ll make the
question “Who are you wearing?” mean something. Tickets are
available online. 7 PM.
MUSIC: Head to Beacon Hotel’s rooftop for
Art Soiree, to enjoy the classical piano stylings of
Christian Dallas Blakely before giving in to
DJ Fotifo when things get a little crazy. Tickets ($10) are available online. 5 PM to midnight.
Friday, June 29
FOOD/DRINK: I’m pretty sure the only reason
poutine—French fries topped with gravy and cheese—hasn’t caught on yet
is because of a massive
cultural aversion to all things Canadian. That makes sense, but
give our neighbors to the north a break—the stuff is delicious.
In honor of Canada Day (which is actually Sunday, but
whatever), Rhino Bar will be serving up all-you-can-eat poutine with
an open bar and blaring music, of course, from 7 to 10 PM. $25.
DANCE: Check out Policy’s
H.A.R.D. Skin dance night for the latest in
house, electronic, and dubstep music. Proceeds from the event will go to
finding a cure for
scleroderma, a disease that turns your skin hard and can lead
to lung failure. Tickets ($20) are available online. 6 PM.
WINE: With no waterslides and not even a wave pool to speak of, it’s unclear why Crystal City decided to call a park with some pretty
fountains a “water park.” We’ll forgive the false advertising this time: Check out
Wine in the Water Park, a night featuring vinos curated by the Washington Wine Academy, food from Jaleo, and the musical stylings of
DJ Adrian Loving. Free. 7 PM.
Saturday, June 30
CLOTHES: Summer exists so you can show off, so why wouldn’t you wear the brightest colors you can? The Vapiano in Bethesda is hosting
Tangerine Tango Swap Saturday, where your old duds will magically turn into new (to you) pieces through the magic of sharing. Be sure to bring stuff that
stands out—any bold colors will do. $10. Drop-off from 1 to 2:30 PM; swap from 2:30 to 4 PM.
MUSIC: It’s not quite the Fourth, but Independence Day falls on a Wednesday this year (REALLY, FOUNDING FATHERS?). The
Great American Festival is taking over the National Harbor Waterfront with three stages of bands and deejays, lots of booze, and fireworks. Bands
include Ozomatli and Eve 6, whom you are probably surprised still exist. Tickets ($40) are available online. 3 PM.
CULTURE: The
Smithsonian Folklife Festival is in full
swing, so head to the Mall to learn more about and experience Creole,
Native American, and Hawaiian culture. There
will also be events celebrating rap and gospel music, tattoo
art, and lots more. There’re things to do all weekend, but the
best thing to do is to show up and see what’s going on. Check
the website for the full schedule.
Sunday, July 1
BEER: Port City Brewing Company has expanded
its tasting room, and you’re the ones who get to take advantage. Get a
brewery tour, including a flight of all
Port City has to offer for just $7, then fill up your pint with
whichever one you prefer. The Big Cheese truck will hawk its
wares, and
Justin Trawick will play two sets of his catchy tunes. Free. Noon to 6 PM.
AMERICA: Trying to cross things off the bucket list? Red Palace’s
All-American Burlesque Circus features a combination you’ve never seen before—stunts, burlesque, and deep burning love for America. Now you can’t say
you’ve never been to the circus . . . or a patriotic burlesque show. Tickets ($10) are available online. 8:30 PM.
