What to See, Hear, & Do Around Town: Museums, Theater, and Summer Fun
Summer is here! And with it, so many fun & exciting ways to celebrate the season. The best way to soak in the sunshine? All these springtime activations:
MUSEUMS:
Marcela Hazan x Smithsonian American History Museum: Marking the centennial of Marcella Hazan’s (1924–2013) birth, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History has received a donation from the family of the influential cookbook author and legendary teacher of regional Italian cuisine in the United States and United Kingdom. Hazan is widely known for her six cookbooks on the cuisines of Italy, published between 1973 and 2004. Her husband Victor Hazan, an authority on Italian food and wine, and son Giuliano, a chef and cooking teacher, donated 20 of her specialized Italian cooking tools, including a passatelli press, garganelli pasta comb, a mattarello for rolling out pasta, her wood cutting board, lasagna pan and her cotton apron to the museum’s food history collections. The donation also includes a selection of her recipe notebooks, written in Italian, that will be housed in the museum’s Archives Center. Hazan immigrated to the United States from Cesenatico, Italy, with her husband in 1955, and they made their home in New York City where she opened a small cooking school in her apartment in 1969 and published her first cookbook, The Classic Italian Cookbook, in 1973. Hazan was the recipient of numerous awards, including the International Association of Culinary Professionals Lifetime Achievement Award (2004), Cavaliere della Stella della Solidarietà Italiana Award (2003) and the James Beard Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award (2000).Constitution Avenue NW, between 12th and 14th streets; americanhistory.si.edu
I’ll Have What She’s Having at CJM: The Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum is pleased to announce the special exhibition “I’ll Have What She’s Having”: The Jewish Deli, on view at the Museum through Sunday, August 18, 2024. The exhibition, organized by the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, explores how American Jews imported traditions, adapted culture, and built community through the experience of food. In addition to showing how Jewish deli forged an entirely new, quintessentially American cuisine by combining Central and Eastern European dishes with ingredients abundantly available in the United States, the exhibition traces the larger arc of the Jewish experience in the US during the twentieth century. Find out more information here.
Folger Library: The Folger Shakespeare Library has launched a new program called Imprints in Time, the inaugural show in the new special exhibitions gallery. Drawn entirely from the peerless collection of Dayton Ohio Ohio-based collectors Stuart and Mimi Rose, Imprints in Time offers a chance to see a curated display of books and manuscripts that document some of the greatest achievements of writing and creativity across many centuries. Stuart Rose is a widely regarded collector of rare books and manuscripts, and the 52 works on display at the Folger represent the breadth of his collection, covering topics including science, religion, philosophy, literature, and history. More info here.
Subversive Skills, Sublime: Fiber Art by Women at the Renwick: The thirty-three artworks in Subversive, Skilled, Sublime: Fiber Art by Women, now open at the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Renwick Gallery, piece together an alternative history of American art. Accessible and familiar, fiber handicrafts have long provided a source of inspiration for women. Their ingenuity with cloth, threads, and yarn was dismissed by many art critics as menial labor. The artists in Subversive, Skilled, Sublime took up fiber to complicate this historic marginalization and also revolutionize its import to contemporary art. They drew on personal experiences, particularly their vantage points as women, and intergenerational skills to transform humble threads into resonant and intricate artworks. Book visits here.
Mother Earth Exhibition at Meridian International Center: The Mother Earth exhibition is drawing importance to real realities that we are facing in this climate crises. The exhibition Mother Earth considers these pressing issues through the vision of women artists. Ranging from drawings, paintings, textiles, works on paper, and photographs to sculptures, installations, and videos, the featured works harness the power of art to evoke emotions, spark conversations, and inspire meaningful action. By confronting this uncomfortable truth through artistic expression, together we can foster a deeper connection to the environment, a greater sense of urgency to protect our natural world, and a more holistic vision for a sustainable future. More info here.
Capital Brutalism at National Building Museum: The National Building Museum has opened a provocative new exhibition, Capital Brutalism. Capital Brutalism pairs beautifully with another new exhibition, Frank Lloyd Wright's Southwestern Pennsylvania (located just across the Great Hall) which presents both realized and unrealized projects from the famed architect. Learn more here.
New Worlds: Women to Watch 2024: Now open, the exhibition New Worlds at the National Museum of Women in the Arts highlights the work of 28 visionary artists from around the globe who reimagine past, present and alternate realities at the National Museum of Women in the Arts. Works by the 28 artists featured in New Worlds: Women to Watch 2024 explore these ideas from perspectives that shift across geographies, cultural viewpoints, and time. Learn more here.
DMV THEATER:
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical at Olney Theater: The Olney Theater is in production for their new musical. Says Olney Theatre Artistic Director Jason Loewith, “The music of Carole King shaped my childhood, and the story of her challenging ascent as one of the premiere songwriters of her era lends this jukebox musical a greater sense of drama and joy than most." You can purchase tickets here and the show runs through August 25th.
The Colored Museum at Studio Theatre: Studio Theater is showing ‘The Colored Museum’ on their main stage this summer. The Colored Museum is a provocative and seriously funny tour of eleven “exhibits”—toxic narratives about Black American experiences. From confrontational to aspirational, morbid to triumphant, Wolfe’s satiric sketches target America’s most pernicious stereotypes of Black culture, looking to retire outdated exhibits and make room for the future. This innovative environmental production immerses the audience in George Wolfe’s 1986 classic about the grief, madness, and hope of Black life. Buy tickets here now through August 11th.
LET'S GET INTERACTIVE:
King Tut's Tomb: An Immersive Experience: “Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures,” the most in-depth and historically accurate recreation about King Tut and his treasures ever mounted, and it has never previously toured in Washington, D.C. Produced by Exhibition Hub and Semmel Exhibitions in partnership with Fever, this hands-on experience offers guests the chance to explore ancient Egypt with unprecedented detail and scale, mirroring Egyptologist Howard Carter's discovery right in Washington D.C. Find out more info here.
OUTDOOR CONCERT SERIES:
Admo Concert Series: Adams Morgan is hosting a concert series this summer including Jazz, rock and bluegrass bands. Local businesses will also be offering deals the night of the concerts. Find the full lineup here.
Alden Summer Sunday Concerts in the Park: Due to the renovation of McLean Central Park, The Alden at the McLean Community Center’s Summer Sunday Concerts in the Park will be held at Lewinsville Park this year. The free concerts will be presented on the porch of the historic house in the park at 4 p.m. on Sundays through July 28. The park is located at 1659 Chain Bridge Rd. Featured artists include Backtrack vocal, and more. More info here.
Free Concert Series at Strathmore Square: Strathmore is making your tuesdays a little bit better with their tuesday evening music from the square. On the second and fourth Tuesday of each month enjoy family-friendly music and activities on the square. strathmoresquare.com
Colorburst Park Summer Series: Dance under the stars with live music in Colorburst Park. With concerts through August 29, there’s plenty to enjoy! More info here.
Rock the Dock Series: The Wharf has kicked off it's summer series and you can kick back on Transit Pier for free concerts featuring local bands playing a variety of genres such as R&B, Country, Pop and more (Wednesday nights 7:00 - 9:00 PM). wharfdc.com
Reston Concerts on the Town: Reston Concerts on the Town featuring Sip & Stroll occur every Saturday at the Reston Town Center Pavilion, through Aug. 24, 7:30-10:00 pm. Concert lineup includes:
July 27 - The Reflex (80’s tribute)
August 3 - Sam Grow Band + DJ (Country)
August 10 - Three Sheets to the Wind (Yacht Rock)
August 17 - Right On Band (Disco)
August 24 - Magic! + DJ (Reggae Fusion)
Jazz in The Garden: Jazz is officially back in the DC Sculpture Garden for summer. Musical performances include jazz, Latin fusion, zydeco, and more. The concert series will run through August 9. More info here.
Tunes in the Triangle: Milian Park is bringing a summer concert series to their events with new voices. Enjoy concerts now through August 14. More info here.
OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHTS:
Sunset Cinema Movies: A great movie night is taking place this summer at the Wharf. Enjoy a wide range of fan-favorite movies showing on the big screen (Thursday nights 7:30 - 9:30 PM). Full lineup here.
Bethesda Movie Night: Enjoy free films in Woodmont's triangle this summer in Bethesda. Enjoy classics like Men in Black and Battle of the Sexes. More info here.
Smithsonian Summer Movie Series: Come to the Zoo for an unforgettable cinematic experience! Introducing Summer Film Nights at the Zoo, a free outdoor summer event series set to dazzle and entertain. To see the full summer movie lineup, look here.
Cabin John Movie Nights: Bring your blankets and lawn chairs to the Village Green at Cabin John. Enjoy movies like top gun maverick and more all summer long. More info here.
The Drive-In at Union Market: The Drive-In at Union Market is back for the 12th season. Get ready for a blend of movies and munchies with concessions. From street food to Michelin-starred fine dining, experience it all at Union Market District. Bring your chairs and blankets for a cozy picnic-style set up in front of The Market. No tickets are needed to watch on Neal Place. More info here.
EXPERIENCES:
Fitness at the Fountain: National Landing has a new outdoor fitness program for this summer called Fitness at the Fountain. The two-month summer workout series continues is at Water Park (1601 Crystal Drive, Arlington) with sessions including yoga, kickboxing and more. The series will continue through August 26 in collaboration with local National Landing fitness studios. More info here.
The city’s hottest sidewalk sale - Mid city dog days is back: The annual sidewalk sale is back this august 3 from 11am-4pm where you can find unique good from around the area. More info here.
Mubadala Citi Open: From July 27 through August 4th, watch the best players in the world compete at the Mubadala Citi Open. As you watch tennis enjoy eats from Michelin-starred chefs and restaurants such as The Dabney, Gravitas and more. mubadalacitidcopen.com
Sundeck Summer Reads at the Yards: The Yards is hosting a new summer series called Sundeck Summer reads where you can gather on the sundeck on Wednesdays to enjoy dj sets and complimentary books to read. You can also enjoy happy hour deals. theyardsdc.com
Folger’s Free Summer Programming: The Folger has just announced its slate of free summer programming for the months of July and August, 2024. From a Cuban salsa night to Arab poetry and music, from an inclusive, neurodivergent-friendly dance class for families to the return of the Folger Book Fair, and much more. More info here.
Gardening Workshops at Halley Rise: Halley Rise, Northern Virginia’s largest, has a busy summer of outdoor gardening events and workshops for you to enjoy at The Farm! From Growing in Small Spaces 101 to yoga to bouquet making, there's something for everyone. Info here.
Sunday Funday at The Wharf: The Wharf hosts beats and brunch every Sunday this summer from 3-6pm. Enjoy music like blues, R&B, and more. Reserve here.
Dancing on the Waterfront: Dancing on the Waterfront is a free weekly outdoor dance class with the Potomac as your backdrop! This event takes place in Georgetown Waterfront Park, where participants of all ages and skill levels gather to embrace the joy of dancing. Every week, a DJ will spin a mix of music, blending various genres and beats. From salsa to square dancing, bachata, country line dancing and kizomba, you’ll get to try an array of dance styles. Info here.
Sea Table: Discerning connoisseurs can partake in an extraordinary sensory experience as LOUIS XIII Cognac and Petrossian Paris unite to present an exclusive tasting event aboard the luxurious sailing vessel, Cru Classé. The experience will be hosted by Michelin award-winning Chef Troy Knapp, the owner of Sea Table D.C., who will be joined on this charter experience by LOUIS XIII Cognac and Petrossian. This exceptional guided tasting experience is tailored for up to six guests seeking the pinnacle of luxury on the scenic local waterways of the nation’s capital for a two-and-a-half-hour exclusive journey. Available from June 1 through October 2024, this luxurious adventure costs $65,000. Info here.
Riverdale Artisan Market: The Riverdale Artisan market is back for the summer. Enjoy locally crafted fresh goods, artisanal crafts and live music at monthly markets from May to October. Markets will be held on the last Saturday of each month, featuring a variety of local vendors offering everything from paintings and jewelry to vintage clothes and even ice cream. More info here.
Perch Putt at the Watermark Hotel: Putt into spring with the re-opening of Perch Putt. The 18-hole putt putt golf course located at The Perch – a 2.5 acre sky park has reopened. The Perch offers guests rounds of golf with live entertainment accompanied by a Greyhound and a double-decker bus that have been converted into food trucks, including a new addition this year, Bap-Bowl. Rhum Rhoost, a vibrant tiki bar, will also be serving special festive drinks for Easter, including Peeps Hot Chocolate and mimosa buckets. perchputt.com
Whitlow’s on Water: The guys who brought DC’s only pedal party cruise boats, the Potomac Paddle Club, and only floating tiki bar party boats, the Potomac Tiki Club, will be back on the water for the 2024 season with a 48-passenger Tiki Boat in collaboration with iconic DC and former Clarendon bar, Whitlow’s. The 50-foot floating bar, Whitlow’s on Water, will sail from Georgetown Harbour and Navy Yard beginning St. Patrick’s Day weekend 2024. Whitlow’s on Water will have an 18-foot U-shaped bar surrounded by stool seating. The vessel will be fully covered allowing cruises in all kinds of weather. It will have two televisions, an on-board bathroom and plush seating couches. Find out more info here.
