Thursday, May 15
FASHION: I wouldn’t normally recommend you spend your day at a Macy’s, but their American Icons event actually sounds pretty cool. There’ll be two live deejays, a fashion show, free food, a photo booth, and free mini-makeovers. I have no idea what the scene will actually be like, but if you’re already in the area, it might be worth stopping by. Free. 5:30 PM.
BEER: The Heurich House Museum is one of the lesser-explored old houses in DC, but now you have a good excuse to check out the former home of DC’s most famous brewer, Christian Heurich. History & Hops is bringing 3 Stars Brewing Company to show off their newest brews, and your ticket includes a guided tour of the house and three full beers. $30. 6:30 PM.
Friday, May 15
BIKE: It’s bike to/from work day—find a group who is headed on your commute and ride with them, then afterwards, bike to Georgetown’s Malmaison for their Bike From Work Day happy hour, for a (potentially sweaty) evening of discounted drinks with your fellow two-wheeled warriors.
BURLESQUE: Black Cat hosts Le Funk, a ‘70s-inspired burlesque night—that means big afros, disco balls, bell bottoms, and shiny outfits (to start with, at least), and, as the name suggests, a much funkier overall experience than you’re probably used to. $12. 8:45 and 11 PM.
DANCE: Dance Place hosts Step It Up DC, a night of arts and crafts, step dancing performances, and dance classes at the Brookland Artspace Lofts and the Edgewood Arts Center. You can learn a bit about how to dance, but you’ll also get to watch how it’s done by professional dancers and troupes. $12. 6 PM.
FASHION: Long seen as stodgy and lame, DC’s style scene has really stepped it up over the past oh, 10 years or so. With that boom has come a host of fashion startups—check out some of the ones focusing on men’s clothing at The Huxley, where five companies will be showing off their wares at a special happy hour. Check out the link for more information about each company and what to expect. Free. 5 PM.
Saturday, May 17
HORSE RACE: You have three options for watching the Preakness Stakes this weekend. You could head up to Baltimore, where you can be part of the infield madness, catching a concert by Lorde, Nas, Switchfoot, and others. Or, you could stay close by and go to Acadiana, which is serving crab-cake sliders, Maryland fried-chicken, strawberry shortcake, and Black Eyed Susan-themed cocktails and screening the race on a big screen. Finally, you can head to the Brixton’s rooftop, which probably won’t be as crazy as Preakness itself, but will definitely be a little messier than Acadiana—dress like a “southern belle” or a “gentleman” and sip on mint juleps and cheap draft beers all afternoon.
Preakness infield: $60 to $90. 8 AM.
Acadaiana, Brixton: Free. 2 PM.
ART FIGHT: Super Art Fight has gotten big enough to take over Black Cat’s main stage. If you’re not familiar, it’s kind of an improv artist deathmatch—the audience spits out suggestions for what to paint or draw, artists draw it, announcers yell about it, and a giant wheel of doom screws everything up last minute. It’s pretty nuts. $15. 9 PM.
DRINK: Men and women are invited to wear and donate bras at DC’s Bra Crawl—if you’re not used to the drill by now, you haven’t been paying attention. You’ll hit up seven Dupont Circle bars with hundreds of other people, enjoy $3 beers and drinks at each bar, and proceeds will help benefit the Avon Breast Cancer Foundation. $30. 2 PM.
Sunday, May 18
COMEDY: The Capital City Showcase is moving to Sunday this month but still features the same great mix of local comedians and bands. As usual, it’ll be at Adams Morgan’s DC Arts Center, where five comedians will perform standup and one band, The Mercy Alliance, breaks up the proceedings with some tunes. $10. 7:30 PM.
POOL: It’s not really all that warm outside, but it’s officially rooftop pool party season—Adult Swim begins at the Capitol Skyline Hotel, where you’ll probably be spending many a weekend afternoon. It might be too chilly to get in the water, but you should be able to grab a few drinks, show off your (very early) summer body, and catch some rays. Free. 1 PM.
SHOP: DC Flea will be indoors at Marvin, where you can find all sorts of antiques, crafts, clothes, and genuinely good deals. If nothing else, it’s an excuse to grab a fancy cocktail on Marvin’s outdoor deck. Free. 1 to 6 PM.
Know of something cool going on around town? E-mail Jason Koebler at jasontpkoebler@gmail.com, or find him on Twitter.
