Monday, July 2: Take advantage of the unusually lovely July weather and head to Fort Reno Park (Nebraska Ave. and Chesapeake St., NW) to catch the king of DC rock, Ian MacKaye, formerly of Fugazi and currently of the Evens. MacKaye and his Evens partner, Amy Farina, play stripped-down postpunk. 7:15. Free.
Tuesday, July 3: On the eve of the Fourth, you may be looking for something to do to celebrate this fine country of ours. And what could be more all-American than . . . female Jell-O wrestling? All right, I’m not sure if it’s patriotic, but it’ll definitely be a heck of a good time. The Adams Morgan club Asylum (2471 18th St., NW; 202-319-9353) hosts the Star-Spangled Slam-Her, in which wrestling contestants vie for $500 in cash prizes. To participate, ladies need to show up in a costume of a wrestling persona based on a patriotic character or theme. God bless America. 7 pm.
In case Jell-O wrestling is a tad too much for you, celebrate the fact that you probably have the next day off of work—by hitting the bars. One way to do that is to join the Midtown Liberty Bar Tour. The bar crawl offers specials at 11 bars near the Farragut North and West and Dupont Circle Metro stations from 5 pm until midnight. Things get started at Mackey’s (1823 L St., NW; 202-331-7667). The cover is $10 if you bring two cans of food for local charity Bread for the City; $12 otherwise.
A good time can also be found at the Clarendon Ballroom (3185 Wilson Blvd., Arlington; 703-469-2244), which is hosting the annual Independence Eve Bash starting at 5 pm. DJs and a cover band will be playing. Doors open at 5 for a rooftop party; admission is $5 until 7 pm, increasing as the night goes on.
Wednesday, July 4: Fireworks time! If you’re not braving the Mall, check out our guide on where to get the best views.
Going to see the Nationals play at RFK is a favorite pastime of mine, but the area’s Minor League games can be just as much fun. Tonight the Potomac Nationals (Pfitzner Stadium, 7 County Complex Court, Woodbridge) face the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. (Have you heard a better team name than that?) You can get a tickets-and-picnic package; packages are $20 per adult and $17 per child 12 and under, and the picnic starts at 5 pm. After the game, the stadium will host fireworks. Get tickets online at potomacnationals.com.
Thursday, July 5: Things are sure to be slower around town this weekend, so if you’re in the area, why not take advantage of the lighter crowds by taking in a play? Check out our section of theater reviews, including our critics’ thoughts on Dead Man’s Cell Phone, The Witches of Eastwick, and more.
