Father’s Day is this Sunday, June 15, and there are plenty of ways to say thanks to the man who raised you besides just a card—though one of those never hurts. Here are a few culture-focused ideas for celebrating your pops, from opera to comedy to art exhibits.
Morning-meal fun isn’t just for moms. This Sunday, treat your father to some soulful tunes with his soul food at the Hamilton’s gospel brunch, featuring a buffet of Southern specialties, a complimentary mimosa or Bloody Mary, and a performance by the Gospel Persuaders ($40 to $50; 10 and 12:30). The Howard Theatre also offers a buffet brunch with music from the Harlem Gospel Choir ($35 to $45; doors open at 11:30).
If jazz is more your dad’s speed, take him to this Friday’s installment of Jazz in the Garden, which features blues fusion pianist and Maryland native Deanna Bogart.
Indulge his hippie side on Saturday, when country legend Willie Nelson comes to Merriweather Post Pavilion. The show also features Alison Krauss and Union Station and Kacey Musgraves, so there’s something for country fans of all ages.
Americana buffs will want to head to the National Museum of American History on Saturday, when the original manuscript for Francis Scott Key’s “Star-Spangled Banner” goes on display to mark the 200th anniversary of the flag’s raising at Fort McHenry.
For the opera-loving patriarch, the Kennedy Center presents the world premiere of An American Soldier, an opera by Huang Ro that tells the true story of Chinese-American soldier Danny Chen’s time in Afghanistan. $30; June 13 and 14.
Tim Russert’s book Big Russ & Me: Father & Son: Lessons of Life was published ten years ago, and to mark the occasion, Russert’s son Luke—also a journalist—will be at Politics & Prose on Sunday to talk about the book and the legacies of his father and grandfather.
The Crime Museum celebrates Father’s Day all weekend with a look at famous sports-related crimes throughout history. The first 50 fathers to show up accompanied by one or more of their children get a free money clip. Friday through Sunday.
For those who prefer their crimes fictional, Signature Theatre presents Cloak & Dagger, a “screwball musical comedy” whodunit that spoofs 1950s film noir. $40 to $94; June 12 through July 6.
Now playing at E Street Cinema is Chef, which stars Jon Favreau (who also wrote and directed) as a big-name chef who quits his restaurant job and attempts to revitalize his career and life by opening a food truck with the help of his ex-wife and son. Rolling Stone calls the film “the perfect antidote to Hollywood junk food.”
Both Mom and Dad will enjoy “Summer of 69,” a new show from husband-and-wife team Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally—provided they have a tolerance for raunchy humor, that is. The Parks and Recreation costars team up for the musical comedy show, coming to DAR Constitution Hall on Friday. $37.50.
Also on the comedy front is the Capital City Showcase, a variety show offering performances by local comedians, musicians, and more. Saturday’s installment at the DC Arts Center featuring funny men Dylan Meyer, Shahryar Rizvi, and Mikey Larrick. And Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse has two shows by Nate Bargatz, whose comedy career was inspired by his magician dad and who has appeared on Comedy Central and Late Night With Conan O’Brien. $20; Friday and Saturday.
If you and your dad have always connected over sports, the World Cup is going on all weekend. Take him to one of these watch parties and bond over cheap beer and your love of America (or whatever team you’re rooting for).
