Things to Do

Things to Do in DC This Weekend (July 21-24): 90s Jams, Square Dancing, and a Beef Jerky Fest

Local artists, cartoonists, writers, and small press publishers return to St. Stephen’s on July 23 for the sixth annual DC Zinefest.

THURSDAY, JULY 21

MUSIC Loren Schoenberg, founding director and senior scholar of the National Jazz Museum, dives deep into the life and career of jazz legend and DC-native Duke Ellington with actual artifacts from his life archived by the American History Museum’s Duke Ellington Collection. Afterwards, Schoenberg, an accomplished saxophonist, will be accompanied by the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra Trio as he performs some of Ellington’s most-loved pieces. The event will be held in the National Museum of the American Indian’s Rasmuson Theater. $45, 6:45 PM

THEATER An adaptation of Washington DC Poet Laureate Dolores Kendrick acclaimed book, “The Women of Plums: Poems in the Voices of Slave Women,” hits Lincoln Theatre for a free showing courtesy of the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities and the Office of the Poet Laureate of the District of Columbia. This adaptation uses dance, music and visual arts to enhance Kendrick’s already compelling narratives of 19th-century slave women. Free, 7 PM

COMEDY Known for his roles in Think Like A Man and Ride Along, “Black America’s Favorite White Comic” Gary Owen makes his way to DC Improv July 21 through 24. Owen has won over audiences of all backgrounds with his frank and earnest delivery, as well as his experiences as a father and being in a biracial marriage. $35, 6:30 PM

FRIDAY, JULY 22

FILM The Wharf’s cutely named Dive In Movies series features a different aquatic-themed movie every Friday along the waterfront. Tonight, grab a blanket, some snacks and settle in for Dolphin Tale, based on the true story of a rescued bottlenose dolphin who lost her tail. Free, 8 PM

MUSIC Throw on your acid wash jeans and don’t forget some shoulder pads for No Scrubs, a nostalgia-fueled dance party at the 9:30 Club. DJs Will Eastman and Brian Billion are on a mission to play all the 90s jams that you love to hate, are embarrassed to love, and just plain love. Be on the lookout for Bell Biv Devoe, Oasis, Tupac, and more. $16, 9 PM

MUSIC It’s nearly impossible to pin down Sufjan Stevens. One moment he’s penning folk tunes inspired by the Bible and recording Christmas songs, the next he’s writing an experimental electronic album, then he’s performing stripped down, mournful tunes about the death of his mother. He’ll perform his many faces with openers Thao & the Get Down Stay Down at Wolf Trap’s Filene Center. $35-$65, 8 PM

 

SATURDAY, JULY 23

FESTIVAL Support your local DIY and small press community at DC Zinefest, returning to St. Stephen’s for its sixth year. While it’s free to get in, donations to cover the cost of the festival are accepted. Any extra money will be donated to We Are Family, which serves low-income seniors in the city. Free, 11 AM

FOOD Jerky enthusiasts, get excited: Brightest Young Things is teaming up with REI to present the first-ever Jerky Fest at Wunder Garten in NoMa, featuring beer, live music, and of course, enough chewy goodness to satisfy any jerky craving—even vegan jerky. Free, 12 PM

DANCE Enjoy a scenic sunset in the midst of some serious do-si-do-ing. The DC Square Dance Collective is taking things outside for a sunset square dance in Rock Creek Park at Peirce Mill. Even if dancing isn’t your thing, you can still set up shop on the grass for an outdoor picnic while listening to the string-band music. Free, 7 PM

SUNDAY, JULY 24

MUSIC If you love busting a move to house and techno music but also love getting a decent night’s sleep, all-day dance party The Sidewalk Ends is your ideal compromise. Enjoy the best in underground house and techno with plenty of food trucks and drink vendors to keep you going. $20, 12 PM