Thursday, August 21
MUSIC: Local singer songwriter Justin Trawick’s The Nine series has been going on for a few years now. Every couple of months, he gathers eight of his buddies to play short sets—it’s kind of like battle of the bands, except there’s no battle and no real bands, just a lot of good music. Check it out at the Hamilton. Tickets ($15) are available online. 6:30 PM.
JENGA: Love Jenga but don’t find it challenging enough anymore? Try keeping that block tower intact while under the influence of some delicious craft beer. Head to Penn Social’s Jenga Tournament, hosted by Lost Rhino brewery, to see how good you are at it. Free. 6 PM.
STORIES: Ever think the women of Sex in the City were just a little too calm, cool, and collected? (No? Okay, fair point.) Either way, the women of Awkward Sex and the City are not that—at all. They’ll be at Bier Baron, sharing their most ridiculous and awkward sexual experiences. You’ll laugh, you’ll cringe, you’ll thank your lucky stars you aren’t them. Tickets ($15) are available online. 8 PM.
Friday, August 22
CORNHOLE: We’re reaching the tail end of summer, which means you’ve had plenty of time to practice your cornhole skills at Nats games and various cookouts. Put them to the test at Penn Social’s cornhole tournament, hosted by Anchor Brewing (of Anchor Steam fame). It’s not too often you get most of the brewery’s beers on tap all the way out here on the East Coast, but that’s Beer Week for ya. Free. 6 PM.
POOL: Capitol Skyline hosts Swim at Your Own Risk, a fashion label launch/pool party. Karla Colletto launches her swimwear collection, and there’ll be drink specials, a deejay, some modeling, and, of course, swimming (if you’re willing to risk it). Free. 7 PM.
ART: The Art Museum of the Americas hosts Art After Dark, a party that showcases the museum’s current photography exhibitions and its outdoor garden. Outdoor projection art will be shown on the building’s walls, and there’ll be live music, raffles, a deejay, performance artists, and food trucks. Best of all, drinks are included with admission. Tickets ($50) are available online. 9 PM.
Saturday, August 23
EAT: Arlington’s Big Buns burgers is holding a barbecue to celebrate its eighth anniversary. There’ll be a deejay, various lawn games, and a “limited edition” burger (woohoo!). During the promo you can snag a burger and a beer for $12. Spaces can be reserved online. 1 to 4 PM.
DANCE: Deejay Will Eastman, the dude behind U Street Music Hall, takes the boards at his own club for Bliss, a dance party he’s been hosting for many, many years. Part of why it’s popular: The whole thing is free if you show up early or RSVP in advance. Free before 11 PM or with RSVP; $10 otherwise. 10 PM.
MORE DANCE: Speaking of dance parties, Liv hosts Crankparty, which at the very least has an excellent name. The party will feature EDM, drum ’n’ bass, hip-hop, and lots of sweaty people on the club’s two floors. There’s an open bar for the party’s first hour. Tickets ($10) are available online. 10 PM.
#COOL: Capitol Standard Magazine hosts #SummerCool, hashtag included, which is how you know it’s cool. Head to the parking lot of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church for deejays, food trucks, local arts and crafts vendors, games, a kiddie pool, and a 30-minute fitness boot camp, which will make you feel really hot and sweaty—a.k.a. the opposite of #SummerCool. Free. 1 to 5 PM.
Sunday, August 24
MUSIC: The Smithsonian American Art Museum hosts Pleasure Curses, a DC electronic music duo, who blend ’80s music with today’s tunes. They’ll be at Luce Unplugged, a series where local artists choose art to talk about, then play a set of music. Party on a Sunday, guys. Free. 1:30 PM.
HISTORY: Dumbarton House is throwing a Dolley Day party to celebrate Dolley Madison (James Madison’s wife), who happened to stop by Dumbarton House while fleeing the White House as the British marched on Washington back in 1814. The whole fleeing thing doesn’t sound too fun, but the party does—it features make-your-own-sundae stations, a “Dolley cake” for you to eat, and lots of games on the house’s lawn. Free. 1 PM.
Know of something cool going on around town? E-mail Jason Koebler at jasontpkoebler@gmail.com, or find him on Twitter.
