Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday

Thursday, June 21: La Tasca (722 7th St., NW, near Gallery Place) is celebrating the first official day of summer with such specials as draft beer, sangria, and house wine for $3, $5 margaritas, and $2.50 select tapas.

Friday, June 22: The Alliance Française de Washington (2142 Wyoming Ave., NW; 202-234-7911) opens its doors for La Fête de la Musique, a traditional French celebration that marks the summer solstice with dancing and live music. From 4 to 6 pm, there’ll be an open stage for musicians and other acts; from 7 to 8, local indie rock band Bellman Barker performs, followed by soul/R&B singer Ne’a Posey from 8 to 9. From 9 to 11, there’ll be a DJ spinning Francophone and funk, as well as dancing, karaoke, and a cash bar. $10 for nonmembers.
 
The National Portrait Gallery (Eighth and F sts., NW; 202-633-8300) hosts a weekend film series focusing on the works of Alfred Hitchcock. Tonight at 7, it’s screening Strangers on a Train. The classic 1951 thriller is about blackmail and murder plans between a social-climbing psychopath and a famous tennis player. Historian Geoffrey O’Brien leads a post-screening chat. Free.

Saturday, June 23: The DC Caribbean Festival is a feast for the eyes—as well as the other senses. A parade of performers, floats, and fantastic and colorful Caribbean costumes kicks off at 11 am at Georgia and Missouri avenues, NW. Check out this photo set to get a sense of the sights. The parade ends at Barry Place near Banneker Field, where the festival takes place with concerts, food, and more. $10 for the festival; the parade is free.

The Black Cat (1811 14th St., NW; 202-667-7960) is hosting one of the summer’s silliest and most fun concerts, Run for Cover. Starting at 9 pm, local musicians team up in makeshift bands, don disguises, and take over the main stage to perform hilarious covers of rock songs. This year’s line-up includes Abbatite for Destruction, Revelation 88, Serious Moonlight, American Psychos, and Don’t Fear the Reefer. Any guesses as to what each will be covering? $10; proceeds benefit the Fort Reno summer concert series.

Van Dyck Park (3500 Old Lee Hwy., Fairfax) hosts Movies Under the Moon, free screenings starting at dusk. Tonight it’s everybody’s favorite ’80s romance/macho-nickname movie, Top Gun. Bring a blanket and remember the time when you found Tom Cruise attractive. Gates open at 6:30; screenings usually start at 8:30.

Sunday, June 24: The National Capital Barbecue Battle begins its second day. From 11 am to 7:30 pm, barbecue, bands, and more will rock Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, between 9th and 14th streets. Saturday’s hours are 11 to 9. $10 for adults; $5 for kids 6 to 12; free for ages five and under. Details can be found here.

Stroll around Northwest DC’s rapidly developing 14th Street area and check out an art project of creative installations throughout the neighborhood. SiteProjects DC commissioned works from local artists to be placed in outdoor areas along 14th between P and V streets—everything from a  “Shoe Tree” to a series of photographs pasted on a brick wall at the old Church of the Rapture at 14th and T. The full list of projects is here. Make an afternoon of it and stop for a drink or bite at Café Saint-Ex (1847 14th St., NW; 202-265-7839) or Busboys and Poets (2021 14th St., NW; 202-387-7638).

In the mood for pool? Head over to Dr. Dremo’s in Arlington (2001 Clarendon Blvd.; 703-528-4660). On Sundays, you can play for free until midnight.