Summer's making its exit, and this year it's taking its sweet time about it. Labor Day doesn't land until Monday, September 7, the latest the holiday can possibly fall on the calendar. So consider this your extended invitation: one more long weekend to squeeze every last drop out of the season before pumpkin spice takes over.Whether you're planning a lazy Labor Day brunch, a proper backyard cookout, or one final trip to the pool before it closes for the season, there's no shortage of ways to send summer off right. Here's where to eat, drink, and play for the last long weekend of the season.

Break out the apples and honey, the High Holidays are showing up early this year. Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, begins at sundown on Friday, September 11 and runs through nightfall on Sunday, September 13, kicking off the Ten Days of Repentance that lead into Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, beginning at sundown on Sunday, September 20 and ending the night of Monday, September 21.Rosh Hashanah is the sweet one, apples dipped in honey, round challah, and the sound of the shofar calling in a new year, all in hopes of tipping things toward a good one. Yom Kippur is the solemn one, a full day of fasting, reflection, and atonement that closes out those ten days before everyone gathers to break the fast together.So to everyone celebrating, L'Shana Tova, here's to a sweet 5787. Whether you're hosting, headed to someone else's table, or just here for the apples and honey, here's everything you need to know to celebrate well this year.Baked by Yael: Baked by Yael is offering a High Holidays Collection for Rosh Hashanah. They have put together a menu of High Holiday favorites including High Holiday Challah, Handcrafted Challah Board, Honey Cakepops, and more. To pre-order, click here.Call Your Mother: Call Your Mother’s High Holiday catering is officially live! They have a variety of options for guests to enjoy including the new Apples + Honey B&W cookies and so much more. To place an order, click here.Each Peach: Each Peach’s kitchen is preparing homemade dinners featuring unique, comforting dishes, ready to heat and serve. Each meal serves a generous 4-6 people. You can also choose to have Each Peach wine experts pair a bottle of wine to your meal (color of your choosing). Orders must be placed by September 8 for pickup on September 11.Manischewitz: As the Jewish New Year approaches, Manischewitz is highlighting the traditions behind the foods that bring families together year after year, from apples and honey to gefilte fish and horseradish, tzimmes, noodle kugel, and homemade soup with matzo balls. The 135-year-old heritage food brand is celebrating with a "Back to Basics" campaign focused on the meaning behind these holiday staples and how they continue to connect generations around the table. This year, Manischewitz is also introducing new ways for families to celebrate, including Heat & Serve Tzimmes, Frozen Rugelach, and a new Homemade Soup Line designed to bring classic holiday flavors into today's kitchens.Prescription Chicken: Prescription Chicken is offering a variety of Rosh Hashanah packages and goodies to help make this year even sweeter. Offerings include The Sweet New Year Package ($72), Gluten-Free Expansion, A La Carte Offerings, and Gluten Free Apple Cinnamon Cakes. Pre-orders are available now and delivery begins September 9th or via pickup. To place an order, click here.Silver & Sons BBQ: Silver & Sons BBQ has all the classics you need to celebrate Rosh Hashanah. Highlights include Challah, Smoked Brisket with Tomato Stew, Potato Kugel, and more. Pre-orders are available starting Tuesday, August 18th. 

Turns out you don't need a week to reset, just the right 30 hours. I headed back to Salamander Resort in Middleburg, Sheila Johnson's Forbes Five-Star estate in Virginia horse and wine country, for a quick escape that somehow felt like a full-blown vacation. The room, the pool, dinner at Harrimans, a spa day, and a little detour into town for wine and coffee, I packed the whole reset into a single overnight, and I'm already plotting my way back.Read the full recap of our stay at Salamander here.

Every chef has one, the review that still stings years later. So I built a series around it. Welcome to Roasted, where I hand DC's best chefs their funniest, meanest, most unhinged reviews and let them read them out loud, then talk back.First up: Chef Victor Albisu, the guy behind Taco Bamba's sixteen locations across the Mid-Atlantic and Nashville, and the brand-new Electric Bull steakhouse just opening in his hometown of Vienna. He sat down to face the internet's harshest critics, and let's just say he did not hold back.Watch the full series here, here and here..

Summer Ready? The DMV certainly is. Farmers’ markets are starting to overflow, chefs are loading menus with peak-season produce, grills are firing up, and suddenly every meal feels like a good excuse to stay out a little longer. This is the season!  Tomato salads that actually taste like tomatoes, sweet corn in everything, berries on the menu and long lunches that somehow turn into dinner. No judgement. Honestly, this is one of the best times of year to eat around the region.Here at TheListAreYouOnIt.com, we’ve rounded up the can’t-miss bites, menu changes and dining experiences to help you eat your way through summer in the DMV.- Make a night of it with a show + a great pre or post-theatre meal with our theatre + dining guide here- This week’s list of The List’s favorite beverages is right here- From festivals and pop-ups to patio parties, restaurant events, and summer food happenings around the region, we’ve got those covered here- Looking for outdoor dining? Check out our Patio Pleasures + Up On The Roof roundups featuring patios, rooftops, courtyards & outdoor dining spots all across the DMV.So much more summer deliciousness below:MARK YOUR CALENDAR: Lucky Plum Ice Cream Shoppe: Award-winning pastry chef Rochelle Cooper is celebrating the relaunch of her ice cream brand with a one-day pop-up at La Collina’s window on August 29 from 11:00 a.m. until sold out. Guests can sample a variety of flavors with $4.00 scoops before taking home Lucky Plum’s signature oversized 26oz Pint. Made without eggs, heavy cream, soy, or gelatin, the ice cream has a smooth, light texture. After the pop-up, pints will be available at La Collina and The Duck & The Peach, as well as online; lacollinadc.comTasting Menu at Ometeo: Chefs Gabe Erales and Kaelin Ulrich Trilling are teaming up for Discover Oaxaca, a one-night-only dining experience on September 3. The 5-course tasting menu will celebrate the cuisine of Oaxaca using ingredients sourced directly from the region, with each dish highlighting scratch-made moles. 2 seatings are available at 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.; ometeotexmex.comNational Burger Week: National Harbor’s annual Burger Week returns September 12–18, with more than a dozen restaurants offering specialty burgers and deals throughout the waterfront destination. Participating spots include Walrus Oyster & Ale House, Fogo de Chao, Succotash, Cadillac Ranch, Redstone American Grill, McCormick & Schmick’s, and more, with options ranging from Black Angus beef and turkey to seafood. $1 from every designated burger purchased will benefit Susan G. Komen, with National Harbor donating up to $1,000.00 in support of its work to end breast cancer. The week wraps up on National Cheeseburger Day, September 18; nationalharbor.comWe Rescue 26!: DC Food Rescue's annual WE RESCUE! fundraiser returns on September 17 at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, bringing together volunteers, community partners, and local businesses for an evening celebrating the organization's impact. The zero-waste event will feature food and drinks from more than a dozen area restaurants, an open bar, a silent auction, and a program honoring Kate Urbank and DC Food Rescue's continued work fighting food insecurity across the region; givebutter.com/c/we-rescue-26Pro-Choice & Pro-Carbs: Baker Jill Nguyen is bringing together some of D.C.’s beloved bakers for a day-long bake sale at Maketto on September 20, with 100% of proceeds benefiting the DC Abortion Fund (DCAF). Split into morning and afternoon sessions, the fundraiser will feature baked goods from local cookbook authors, recipe developers, and bakery veterans, along with music, coffee, drinks, raffle prizes, silent auctions, family-friendly activities, and exclusive merchandise. Ticket and bake sale proceeds will support DCAF’s work providing financial assistance to people seeking abortion care; dcabortionfund.orgTaste America: The James Beard Foundation’s Taste America series returns on October 5 at 7:00 p.m. at The LINE DC for an intimate multi-course dinner celebrating the city’s culinary community. The evening brings together TasteTwenty chef Christian Irabién of Amparo Fondita, Julie Cortes of Kayu, and James Beard Award nominees Danny Lee and Scott Drewno of The LINE DC and Fried Rice Collective, with wine pairings accompanying the collaborative menu. Tickets are $200.00 per person, and the event is open to guests 21 and older; jamesbeard.org/events/taste-america-washington-dcYottem Ottolenghi at Sixth & I: Celebrated chef and author Yotam Ottolenghi will appear at Sixth & I on October 8 at 7:00 p.m., discussing his latest cookbook Simple Too. In conversation, Ottolenghi will explore his philosophy of bold, approachable cooking and share recipes designed to make flavorful meals feel effortless; sixthandi.orgSnallygaster: The District's beloved craft beer festival returns October 10, taking over 4 blocks of Pennsylvania Avenue NW with 450+ beers from 175 breweries around the world. Along with rare pours and appearances by renowned brewers, guests can enjoy cider, wine, cocktails, live music, food from 25+ vendors, a Shop Made in DC makers market, games, and family-friendly activities. Tickets go on sale July 7 at 10:00 a.m., with proceeds supporting Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food & Agriculture and its mission to build a more equitable regional food system; snallygasterdc.comOyster Wars: Oyster Wars returns Sunday, October 11, bringing together oyster farmers, acclaimed chefs, and seafood lovers for an afternoon celebrating East Coast oyster culture. Guests can taste freshly shucked oysters from 10 farms spanning Maryland, Virginia, Rhode Island, and Maine, alongside dishes from chefs including Kyle Bailey, Gabe Erales, Manuel Perez, Seng Luangrath, Reid Shilling, and more. VIP entry begins at 2:00 p.m., with general admission from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., and a portion of ticket proceeds will benefit the Oyster Recovery Partnership and its Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts. Early Bird tickets are $90.00 for VIP and $70.00 for general admission; thesaltline.comSHUCK IT! Oyster Festival: The 13th Annual Georgetown Shuck It! Oyster & Beer Festival returns on Saturday, October 17, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Tony & Joe's Seafood Place in Georgetown. Guests 21+ can enjoy all the local oysters and local beer they can handle, plus live music from Johnny Spanninato & The Value Leaders and The Yachtsmen, all while supporting the Oyster Recovery Partnership and its efforts to restore the Chesapeake Bay's native oyster population; georgetowndc.com/event/shuck-it-beer-and-oyster-festival/Chefs for Equality: One of DC's premier culinary fundraisers returns October 19 with this year's "United Plates of America" theme, bringing together top local chefs, mixologists, and restaurateurs for collaborative dinners benefiting the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. Hosted across six venues, the event features chef-driven dinners, cocktail pairings, and a new dedicated cocktail experience at Silver Lyan. Tickets are on sale now; chefsforequality.org NEW & NOTEWORTHY: New in the Palisades: Hospitality veterans Prady Rana and Bhakti More will open N.H. 48 Indian Kitchen in DC’s Palisades neighborhood on September 3, bringing the regional flavors of India to MacArthur Boulevard. Named for National Highway 48, the route connecting Delhi and Mumbai, the restaurant draws inspiration from the home cooking, regional cuisines, and roadside dishes found along the journey; nh48restaurant.comAggiorna!: Fabio Trabocchi’s downtown pasta house reopens this week following a brief summer closure for extensive renovations. The nearly decade-old restaurant has received a top-to-bottom refresh, including new flooring and tile, updated artwork, tabletops, and flatware, welcoming diners back to the refreshed space; sfoglinapasta.comOysters Raise Funds: Clyde’s Restaurant Group is partnering with Pangea Shellfish Company to support the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, with $4.00 from every bag of oysters sold donated to pediatric cancer research. Participating restaurants include Cordelia Fishbar, Rye Street Tavern, Old Ebbitt Grill, and all Clyde’s locations; clydes.comWellness Arrived: Miami-born wellness café Pura Vida Miami has opened its first location in DC in Logan Circle, marking the brand’s 3rd DMV location and 55th nationwide. The café offers Pura Vida’s full all-day menu of breakfast, wraps, bowls, salads, sandwiches, high-protein plates, smoothies, coffee, matcha, and seasonal specialties, with both indoor and outdoor seating. Designed as a neighborhood gathering space with the brand’s signature airy, greenery-filled aesthetic, the Logan Circle outpost is open Monday through Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; puravidamiami.comKareem’s Kitchen Lands: Kareem’s Lebanese Kitchen will open its 1st Maryland location at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg on August 24, bringing the Eido family’s generations-old Lebanese cooking traditions to the area. Led by 3rd-generation Chef Rachid Eido, whose background includes the Four Seasons and restaurants throughout the Washington region, the menu features handmade mezze, shawarma, fresh-baked pita, Farrouj, slow-cooked Lamb Mouzat, and other family recipes, plus a Maryland-inspired crab hummus created for the new location. Kareem’s first opened in Naples, Florida, in 2018, and its Maryland debut brings Eido back to a region where he built much of his culinary career. An official ribbon cutting with tastings, restaurant tours, and a chance to meet the family will take place September 1 at 11:00 a.m.; kareemskitchen.comA Beautiful Australian Wine Passport: Beauty is bringing 6 weeks of Austrian wine, tastings, travel stories, and interactive programming to National Landing from September 4 through October 16. Inspired by owner Zena Polin’s recent wine trip to Austria, the celebration kicks off with a tasting featuring Austrian wine importer and expert Klaus Wittauer, along with the launch of the Beauty Austrian Wine Passport. Throughout the promotion, guests can earn entries toward a magnum of Weingut Steininger sparkling wine by tasting and purchasing Austrian wines, attending events, listening to Austrian-focused episodes of Beauty’s When You Just Want a Glass of Wine podcast, and more. September’s Bellezza Wine Club will also spotlight bottles selected during Polin’s trip, giving guests a deeper look at Austrian grapes, winemakers, and regions; beautychampagneandsugar.comWhat To Do With All Those Tomatoes: The Fountain Inn is leaning into peak summer produce with a new seasonal menu featuring dishes like Gazpacho “Ajoblanco” with green grapes and roasted almond, Scallop “Ceviche,” Burnt Tomato Salad with stone fruit, and Basil & Burrata Caramelle. For something heartier, there’s Stuffed Bobo Farms Chicken with ratatouille, followed by summery desserts like a Stone Fruit & Banana Tart or Chocolate Baked Alaska; fountaininndc.comFrom Chicago, With Love: Husband-and-wife duo G. Bradley Shorten and Meg Schmitt are bringing a new neighborhood bar to Dupont Circle inspired by Midwest hospitality and Italian-American comfort food. The menu centers on tavern-style pizza and scratch-made pasta, with Schmitt lending her cheesemaking expertise to house-made ricotta, mozzarella, and stracciatella. Classic cocktails, Italian wines, and local beer round out the experience; lamernadc.comWorth the Trip: America's longest-running soda fountain has officially reopened following a 4-year restoration of its historic Fredericksburg home. Dating back to 1869, the beloved landmark returns with its restored lunch counter, classic soda fountain favorites, nostalgic sandwiches, hand-mixed sodas, and milkshakes, while Executive Chef D'Andre Sykes brings a fresh perspective to the kitchen. The revitalized space also features local artisan goods, with a new downstairs concept, Section 7, set to open later this year; goolricksfxbg.com NOT NEW, BUT NOTEWORTHY:Industry Update - F&B Alert: The Dupont Circle Hotel has appointed Shaun Henesy as its new Director of Food & Beverage, overseeing The Pembroke, Doyle Bar, and Doyle & Co. Henesy brings more than 15 years of luxury hospitality experience, with a background spanning Forbes Five-Star resorts, boutique hotels, Michelin-caliber culinary programs, and high-volume operations. Throughout his career, he has worked alongside acclaimed culinary talents including Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Eric Ripert, Geoffrey Zakarian, and Michael Schulson. In his new role, Henesy will focus on evolving the hotel’s dining experiences while strengthening their connection to the Dupont Circle community; doylecollection.comA Little Birdie Told Me (Brunch Alert): Weekend brunch is on at Little Birdie every Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with playful twists on brunch classics. Highlights include Cacio e Pepe Biscuits ’N’ Gravy, Honey Butter Chicken with johnny cakes, lemon custard-filled Sourdough French Toast, the brisket-topped Birds Nest, and a BLT Benny with dill hollandaise; littlebirdieva.comIt’s a Bargain?: Chef Ryan Ratino and Hive Hospitality’s new steakhouse is now DC’s only certified Kobe Beef restaurant and one of a select number in the country. To celebrate, guests can experience premium Kobe Beef from Japan for $35.00 per ounce, a significant drop from the $100.00+ price often seen elsewhere; oxandolive.comAnise-Hyssop Ice Cream? Tell Me More: Maison Bar à Vins is celebrating late-summer ingredients with new dishes including Heirloom Tomatoes with whipped feta and raspberry vinaigrette, Miso Caesar with cured duck egg, and Squid Ink Campanelle with Maryland crab and fra diavolo. For dessert, the team is churning anise-hyssop ice cream in-house, using herbs harvested straight from the restaurant’s patio garden and serving it with blackberry and green Chartreuse; maisondc.comNew in Bethesda: Husband-and-wife team Raymond and Amy Yu have opened Sushi Masato, a new family-owned Japanese restaurant in downtown Bethesda bringing Michelin-trained expertise and traditional Japanese techniques to the neighborhood. The restaurant will open on August 19, offering nigiri, sashimi, specialty rolls, seasonal seafood, and 3 omakase-inspired tasting menus priced at $58.00, $78.00, and $98.00 per person; sushimasato.comLunch & Breakfast, Now at Marcus DC: Executive Chef Anthony Jones has debuted breakfast and lunch service at Marcus DC, bringing his exploration of the Black diaspora and his Southern Maryland roots to the restaurant’s daytime menus. Breakfast highlights include M’s Chicken & Waffles and the Banneker Breakfast Plate, while lunch brings dishes like Shrimp & Grits, a Shrimp & Lobster Roll, Crispy Coconut Rice with grilled salmon, and Jones’ family-inspired Thunder and Lightning salad with summer tomatoes and cucumbers. Breakfast is served 7:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by lunch from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; marcusdc.comBaklava French Toast Sounds Good (Brunch Alert): The Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, Falcon & Fig, is now serving weekend brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Executive Chef Ahmed Ibrahim’s new menu puts a Mediterranean and Middle Eastern spin on brunch favorites with dishes like Baklava French Toast, Salmon Benedict, and Mediterranean Avocado Toast, alongside signature tapas, cheese and charcuterie boards, wines, and handcrafted cocktails; falconandfig.comOmakase at Oribu: Oribu has introduced a new chef’s omakase experience showcasing seasonal seafood through the restaurant’s signature blend of Japanese craftsmanship and Mediterranean influence. Priced at $145.00 per person, the tasting is tailored to guests’ palates and preferences, with courses evolving around the day’s finest offerings; oribudc.comSacre Sucre & Their Pizza: The Fells Point bakery and café is turning dinner into a new tradition with Pizza Nights every Wednesday and Thursday. Guests can dig into artisan pizzas made with naturally fermented dough alongside wine, cocktails, and Sacre Sucré’s signature desserts. Pizza Nights will run through the end of October, with the possibility of becoming a permanent offering; sacresucre.comDolcezza x Rye Bunny Super Sundaes: Dolcezza has partnered with Rye Bunny on 2 limited-edition Super Sundaes available August 10 through September 6, featuring playful sweet-and-savory combinations made with produce from Virginia's Fireside Farm. Choose between the Olive Oil-Basil Sundae with Jimmy Nardello pepper jam and chocolate-eggplant sauce, or the Shiso Sundae with crème fraîche soft serve, caramelized rhubarb, and benne seed crumble. Rye Bunny is now open seven days a week; ryebunny.comNamak Launches a $40 Family-Style Sunday Feast: Namak is serving a weekly Sunday Feast, a $40.00 family-style spread from Executive Chef Lindsey Flowers featuring smoked lamb shoulder, saffron rice with barberries, whipped tahini, and green harissa, all served at once. Pair it with a cocktail like the Effendi or a house-made soda, and save room for baklava ice cream or sumac brownie for dessert. Available Sundays from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.; namak-dc.comLate Night Munchies: Late night just got a lot more interesting at Anju, the modern Korean spot from chef Angel Barreto and restaurateurs Danny Lee and Scott Drewno. The trio is bringing back its late-night menu Thursday through Saturday, with food service running 9:00–11:00 PM and drinks pouring until 11:30 PM. On the drink side, expect $5 draft Ichiban and the $10 "Shoot Your Shot" pour with your choice of mezcal, Jameson, bourbon, rye, soju, or Fernet, plus a $13 draft-and-shot combo. Food keeps it delicious with Korean fried chicken, ramyun-spiced fries, and a bulgogi cheesesteak piled with caramelized onions, provolone, and pepper relish. 1805 18th Street, NW; anjudc.com Power Lunch (Lunch Alert): Restaurateur Ashok Bajaj and Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Cardona have introduced weekday lunch at Rosselli, bringing a refined Italian midday menu to downtown DC. Served Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the new offering features house-made pastas, antipasti, panini, and seasonal entrées, with highlights including the Tenderloin & Caramelized Onion Panino, Linguine alle Vongole, Rigatoni al Forno, and Burrata Pugliese. Paired with Italian wines by the glass, the new lunch service is designed for everything from business meetings to leisurely afternoons; rossellidc.com

I love when I get to sit down with Daniella Senior, because it means she’s up to something new again, and it’s always delicious. Daniella is a good friend, and she’s also one of the very few female restaurateurs not just in DC, but in the entire country, building an actual hospitality empire.Her story starts at 13, launching a catering business in the Dominican Republic, and it hasn’t slowed down since. She’s a Culinary Institute of America grad and a Certified Sommelier who trained under Eric Ripert at Le Bernardin, ran operations for José Andrés at Zaytinya, and served as regional director for Richard Sandoval Restaurants before striking out on her own. In 2016, she founded Colada Shop, now seven locations deep across the DMV. In 2017, she opened the Michelin-starred Bresca. In 2019, she launched Serenata at La Cosecha Market, which evolved into Elegancia earlier this year. She’s a Forbes Next 1000 honoree, a James Beard Women’s Leadership Fellow, a Culinary Ambassador for the U.S. Department of State, and one of the most vocal advocates I know for women and minorities in this industry.And now, her newest concept: Bar Nuestro, opening at Urby in Navy Yard, a Latin-rooted, European-inspired bistro that, true to its name, is meant to belong to everyone who walks through the door.I got Daniella behind the counter to talk about how one concept leads to the next, what actually goes into opening a restaurant before anyone ever sees the dining room, and why she decided to let all of us watch this one come together in real time.Behind the Counter With Daniella SeniorHow did the evolution of Colada Shop lead you to open Elegancia, and now Bar Nuestro?Colada Shop was the beginning of everything for me. It was the moment I trusted myself fully, my instincts, my background, my voice, and built something that reflected who I am and where I come from. Once that trust was there, it became easier to imagine what else could exist inside that same spirit. Elegancia let me explore a different side of hospitality, something a little more elevated and cocktail-driven, while still holding onto the warmth and culture that started it all. Bar Nuestro feels like the next natural step in that evolution. It’s Latin-American roots meeting European inspiration, a bistro that’s both nostalgic and contemporary, built by a team that’s grown alongside me. Each concept has taught me something that made the next one possible.What is the spirit and vision behind the ecosystem of restaurants and bars that now make up 5C Hospitality Group? What are its core values?5C Hospitality is a platform for everything I believe hospitality should be: culturally driven, community-rooted, and grounded in real storytelling. The vision is to grow thoughtfully, without losing the spirit that defines each concept. At the core, it comes down to joy, warmth, and a sense of belonging. I want every space we build to be a place where people feel seen and cared for, whether that’s a guest walking in for the first time or someone on our team who’s been with us for years. Hospitality is an art, but it only works if the people behind it feel supported. I lead with empathy and honesty, and that’s the foundation everything else is built on.How do you maintain each concept’s unique identity while still communicating the same core values?Every concept needs its own soul. Colada Shop, Elegancia, and now Bar Nuestro all look and feel different, they have different energy, different menus, different design languages, but they’re all built from the same values underneath. That’s intentional.As we’ve grown, we’ve made very deliberate choices about our people, our spaces, and how we show up in each community, so that growth never feels generic. I think of it like family: everyone has their own personality, but there’s a shared way we treat people and a shared standard we hold ourselves to. Protecting that soul is just as important to me as expanding it.Bar Nuestro is your most recent project. What’s the vision you have for it?Bar Nuestro is meant to feel like exactly what its name means in Spanish: “our bar.” A place that belongs to the neighborhood as much as it belongs to every single patron that comes through its doors. It’s a Latin-rooted, European-inspired bistro opening at Urby in Navy Yard, where our Culinary Director, Claudio Foschi, and Executive Chef, Harper McClure, will bring together classic European technique with vibrant Latin flavor. The design, led by Shawn Hausman, draws from mid-century Latin America, retro charm, warm textures, playful color, so the space itself tells the same story the food does. I wanted to build somewhere people can have a lively night at the bar, share plates with friends, or sit down for a celebratory dinner, all in one room that feels rooted in heritage and refreshed for today.How does Bar Nuestro complement your other concepts?Each concept speaks to a different part of who I am, and Bar Nuestro fills a piece that felt missing. Colada Shop is our everyday joy, approachable and rooted in Cuban identity. Elegancia is a more elevated cocktail experience. Bar Nuestro sits in its own lane: a full neighborhood bistro with a global spirit, blending European technique with Latin heart. Together, they reflect the full range of how I think about hospitality, from a quick café moment to a celebratory night out, but they’re all speaking the same language of culture, connection, and community.You’ve been sharing many behind-the-scenes decisions leading up to the opening of Bar Nuestro on Instagram. Why did you decide to pull the curtain?This goes back to the literal meaning of “Bar Nuestro” in Spanish, as I mentioned before. People are genuinely curious about what goes into opening a restaurant, and they deserve to see it, even before we open its doors. So much of what guests experience on opening night comes from hundreds of small, unglamorous decisions made months in advance. I wanted to invite people into that process, not just the finished product. It also felt true to who I am as a leader. I try to be clear, consistent, and present, and sharing the real process, including the messy parts, extends that same honesty.What are some of the decisions that people tend to overlook, but are crucial to opening a hospitality operation?People see the final dining room and the finished menu, not the hundreds of decisions that got us there: how we costed every dish, how we built the labor model before hiring anyone, and how we chose vendors we could actually rely on when supply gets unpredictable. Design decisions like Shawn’s retro-modern vision for the space take just as much planning as the food does. None of it is glamorous, but it all determines whether a restaurant can stay open and take care of its people once the doors are open.What do you wish people knew more about these behind-the-scenes decisions, and what do you hope they take away from this content, as well as from Bar Nuestro once it opens?I wish people understood that a busy restaurant isn’t the same as a successful one. Hospitality is an art, but survival is math, and every behind-the-scenes decision is someone trying to make that math work without losing the heart of the place. What I hope people take from the content is a little more appreciation for everything that goes into building a space like this, and a little more connection to it before they’ve even walked through the door. And when Bar Nuestro opens, I hope they feel exactly what the name promises: that it’s theirs too, a place rooted in heritage, built with intention, where they feel like they belong.To find out more about Daniella and her concepts visit, here.

Summer drinking season in the DMV looks a little different than the rest of the year. Wine lists get lighter and colder, spritzes return to every cocktail menu in town, frozen drinks make their comeback, and bartenders start leaning into seasonal ingredients like berries and herbs and tomatoes from local farms. Even beer gardens and breweries shift into warm-weather mode with seasonal pours and outdoor events.Here at TheListAreYouOnIt.com, we’ve rounded up all the can’t-miss cocktails, happy hours and summer sipping events happening around the DMV right now.- Make a night of it with a show + a great pre or post-theatre cocktail or dinner with our theatre + dining guide (here)- This week’s list of The List’s favorite food finds is right here- From cocktail pop-ups and wine tastings to brewery events + summer beverage happenings around the region, we’ve got those covered here- Looking for outdoor sipping season? Check out our Patio Pleasures + Up On The Roof roundups featuring patios, rooftops, courtyards & outdoor cocktail spots all across the DMV.So much more glass-raising goodness below:MARK YOUR CALENDAR Snallygaster: The District's beloved craft beer festival returns October 10, taking over 4 blocks of Pennsylvania Avenue NW with 450+ beers from 175 breweries around the world. Along with rare pours and appearances by renowned brewers, guests can enjoy cider, wine, cocktails, live music, food from 25+ vendors, a Shop Made in DC makers market, games, and family-friendly activities. Tickets go on sale July 7 at 10:00 a.m., with proceeds supporting Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food & Agriculture and its mission to build a more equitable regional food system; snallygasterdc.comOyster Wars: Oyster Wars returns Sunday, October 11, bringing together oyster farmers, acclaimed chefs, and seafood lovers for an afternoon celebrating East Coast oyster culture. Guests can taste freshly shucked oysters from 10 farms spanning Maryland, Virginia, Rhode Island, and Maine, alongside dishes from chefs including Kyle Bailey, Gabe Erales, Manuel Perez, Seng Luangrath, Reid Shilling, and more. VIP entry begins at 2:00 p.m., with general admission from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., and a portion of ticket proceeds will benefit the Oyster Recovery Partnership and its Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts. Early Bird tickets are $90.00 for VIP and $70.00 for general admission; thesaltline.comChefs for Equality: One of DC's premier culinary fundraisers returns October 19 with this year's "United Plates of America" theme, bringing together top local chefs, mixologists, and restaurateurs for collaborative dinners benefiting the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. Hosted across six venues, the event features chef-driven dinners, cocktail pairings, and a new dedicated cocktail experience at Silver Lyan. Tickets are on sale now; chefsforequality.org NEW & NOTEWORTHY: Oktoberfest Starts in September: Atlas Brew Works is celebrating the release of its seasonal Festbier with 3 days of Oktoberfest festivities across its DMV taprooms September 10–12. The celebrations kick off at Atlas Navy Yard on September 10, followed by Atlas Alexandria on September 11 and Atlas Bridge District on September 12, with $5.00 Festbier pints, $9.99 6-packs, discounted beer, live Oompah bands, and limited-edition Festbier steins. Bridge District will also serve a special Oktoberfest menu featuring brats, sauerkraut, and giant pretzels. The 6.1% ABV Festbier, a lighter and hoppier take on a traditional Oktoberfest beer, is also available at all three taprooms; atlasbrewworks.comA Manhattan with a Pittsburgh Twist: Pittsburgh-based Wigle Whiskey has released a ready-to-serve Manhattan that brings Pennsylvania rye back to the classic cocktail historically built around the regional whiskey style. The bottled cocktail combines Wigle’s Pennsylvania rye with Little City Sweet Vermouth, a New York-made vermouth crafted with 53 botanicals, and can be served simply over ice with a cherry. At 34% ABV, the 750 ml bottle is priced at $35.00 and features notes of cherry, bitters, and charred orange. It is available at Wigle’s Pittsburgh locations and online for shipping within Pennsylvania and DC; wiglewhiskey.comScene and Be Seen: Chef Michael Mina’s flagship restaurant inside the Four Seasons Hotel Washington DC has unveiled its newly redesigned Bourbon Lounge, marking the restaurant’s first major renovation since opening in 2008. Inspired by Georgetown’s historic residential salons, the new standalone lounge pairs an intimate setting with inventive cocktails like the Bourbon Steak Rob Roy and Capital City Margarita and elevated bar fare including Mina’s signature Bone Marrow Burger, truffle popcorn, Wagyu skewers, and lamb kafta “pops”; fourseasons.comChersevani Pop Up Spritzes: Gina Chersevani’s Union Market pop-up “liquor lair” is serving the Sarti Spritz, the vibrant pink cocktail making waves this summer. Made with Sarti Rosa, the Italian aperitif brings flavors of Sicilian blood orange, mango, and passionfruit for a lighter, sweeter alternative to the classic Aperol Spritz. The Italian-inspired pop-up rounds out the experience with spritzes, Negronis, boozy soft serve, disco balls, and a soundtrack of ’70s Italian tunes, but true to its name, Not For Long won’t be around forever; unionmarketdc.com NOT NEW, BUT NOTEWORTHY: Sake Club at Perry’s: Perry’s latest Sake Club release explores “Effervescent, Unfiltered, & Unpasteurized: The Dynamic Side of Ginjo.” Curated by James Beard Award-winning Chef Masako Morishita and sake expert Devin Sparks, the $98.00 collection includes two 720ml bottles showcasing distinctive ginjo styles, with a premium sparkling nigori available as a $72.00 add-on. Members also receive 10% off their Perry’s check on pickup day, with boxes available September 2 from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m.; perrysam.comTheater Kids’ Cocktails: Kbird Bar is mixing craft cocktails, community events, and local art this August. In addition to weekly Wednesday trivia, guests can browse a vending machine stocked with pocket-sized artwork and handmade goods from DMV artists. The month's lineup also includes a fragrance lab social, board game speed dating, an artist auction reception, a gin and vodka tasting, and a book talk, making Kbird a lively neighborhood destination beyond the bar; kbirddc.comCool Off: The North America’s 50 Best Bars #42 spot has added two new frozens to the menu, perfect for sipping on its dog-friendly patio. The Aji Kiwi combines blanco tequila, kiwi, white pepper, whey, lemon, green chile, and cumin liqueur, while the Fresa Traviesa blends mezcal with smoked strawberry, morita chile, fennel, and lime; pascualdc.comTrilogy of Tonics: Kyojin is cooling things down with 3 new seasonal cocktails designed for summer sipping. The lineup includes the Matcha No Kaze ($21.00), a refreshing blend of herb-infused vodka, citrus, tonic, celery bitters, and matcha; the Scarlet Elixir ($20.00), featuring Cabernet, apple brandy, and amaretto; and the tropical Fifth Element ($20.00), crafted with rum, velvet falernum, passionfruit, orgeat, and citrus; kyojindc.comNot For Long Pop-Up Bar Opens at Union Market: Gina Chersevani has opened Not For Long, a limited-run Italian liquor lair inside Union Market built around the phrase "cogli l'attimo," seize the moment. Beverage Director Michael Saccone crafted a menu of Negronis, Spritzes, and an Italian Margarita, with seasonal soft serve and gelato to close things out, all under a disco ball spinning Italian '70s tunes. It's open now, but true to the name, won't be for long. Thursday 3–9 p.m., Friday 3–11 p.m., Saturday 12–11 p.m., Sunday 12–9 p.m. 1309 5th Street. NE. @NOTFORLONGDCSunset Sensations (Happy Hour Alert): Fiola Mare has introduced a new daily Sunset Happy Hour, available from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., featuring $12.00 cocktails and spritzes alongside a selection of the restaurant’s signature seafood bites. Highlights include the Lobster Donut, Wild Kampachi Amalfi-Style Crudo, and the Marina Platter, offering a taste of the Georgetown waterfront favorite at happy hour prices; fiolamaredc.com

Summer in the city just hits differently. The sun stays out a little longer. The sidewalks stay busy a little later. Suddenly there are outdoor movie nights projected onto giant screens, jazz spilling into sculpture gardens, and entire neighborhoods turning into open-air gathering spaces. This season the city is overflowing with activations and there's so many reasons to linger outside just a little longer before heading home.So here’s your guide to what’s buzzing this summer around the DMV, the concerts, exhibits, movie nights, pop-ups, festivals, and outdoor hangs making the most of these long warm nights.Looking to make splash? Check out our summer pool guide, here.The Great Outdoors:Snooze, You Lose: Dancing on the Waterfront: Dancing on the Waterfront: Summer Series is a free weekly outdoor dance class right on the Potomac. 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. Want to loosen up before you bust out those dance moves? Take advantage of happy hour in Georgetown. Tuesday evenings, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. through July 28. For more information, click here. Snooze, You Lose: Toned-Up Tuesdays at City Center: Level up your spring fitness routine with complimentary outdoor yoga and sculpt classes led by Corepower Yoga every Tuesday from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. through July 28, 2026. more information here. Snooze, You Lose: Sundeck Summer Reads: The Yards invites book lovers to trade screen time for turning pages at Sundeck Summer Reads, a free event series designed for readers of all kinds. Each week, The Yards Sundeck will transform into a literary paradise where guests can browse a complimentary library featuring 150 free books, discover their next favorite read, shop used books, enjoy hands-on activities and treat themselves to pop-ups from Yards retailers. You  are also encouraged to bring gently used books to donate to The Yards Community Library. Complimentary book tickets will be released on a rolling basis throughout the series, with tickets for the next week available July 9, July 16 and July 23. The event series kicks off on July 8 with a book signing with local journalist Marisa Kashino, author of “Best Offer Wins”. Other dates include Wednesday, July 15, Wednesday, July 22, Wednesday, July 29, and Saturday, August 1 from 10-11am: Kids' Day with Austin Graff. 355 Water Street SE; The event is free to attend, but registration is required. What a Show:AdMo Vibe: The Adams Morgan BID is bringing back AdMo Vibe, its free outdoor summer concert series, for four Thursday evenings of live music, dancing, and community gathering in one of DC's most vibrant neighborhoods. Held on Thursday evenings in July and August, AdMo Vibe invites you to enjoy live performances under the summer evening sky. This year's lineup showcases an eclectic mix of local talent, with a particular emphasis on soulful sounds, sing-along favorites, and genres that reflect the cultural richness of Adams Morgan and Washington, DC. For more information, click here. 2026 AdMo Vibe LineupThursday, July 30 - Sofa City, Pop & R&B CoversThursday, August 6 - North Cap Band, Pop & R&B CoversThursday, August 13 - Langston Hughes II, JazzThursday, August 20 - Downtown Tumbao, Latin JazzThursday, August 27- Rain Date Fridays at the Fountain: Step into the rhythm of summer at a free weekly concert series at Water Park, National Landing's outdoor food hall. Throughout the summer, guests can enjoy live music from soul and R&B to indie pop, jazz fusion and cumbia. Grab food and drinks from Water Park's lineup of local food kiosks, including Duke’s Grocery, Paradiso Pizzeria Pronto, Bird’s Eye Thai, Monstera, Pho Wheels, Spot of Tea, Queen Mother’s Kitchen, and more. Fridays from July 17 to August 21, 2026 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. Music begins at 6:00 p.m. Water Park | 1601 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA; Reservations are encouraged via Eventbrite.2026 lineup:July 24: Sing Steph (Soul/R&B)July 31: Marilyn Hucek (Indie Pop)August 7: Alex Hamburger (Jazz Fusion)August 14: Taisha Estrada (Latin jazz and soul)August 21: Chicha Morada (Cumbia Amped in the Park: Unwind to live music under the stars at Columbia, Maryland's Color Burst Park. Select Thursdays throughout the summer, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Through August 20th. For  the full lineup and for your free RSVP, click here. National Sculpture Garden - Jazz in the Garden: Jazz in the Garden returns on Friday evenings. This season’s theme, “American Sounds,” is a nod to the nation’s 250th anniversary. Travel across the country through music, exploring our many traditions—from Appalachian and Americana to Creole jazz, Hill Country blues, contemporary jazz, and more. Fridays through August 14 (except June 5 and July 3). Plus, special pre-show dance classes on June 12 and July 24. To give everyone an equal chance of getting passes to attend this popular program, registration is available through a lottery. The lottery takes place the week before each event, opening on Monday at 10:00 a.m. and closing Friday at noon. If selected, you’re welcome to register for up to four passes. Passes are required for ages 2 and up. For more information, click here. Tunes in the Triangle: Pack a picnic and get ready for another iteration of Tunes in the Triangle. Mt Vernon Triangle will break their free music series into A-Side/B-Side June and September segments to maximize optimal weather conditions. The June portion will be held in Milian Park, while the September session will be in Cobb Park. Don’t miss June’s all-star line-up of female vocalists. Wednesdays in June and September from 6:00 to 7:30pm. Free. RSVP here. Bethesda Summer Concert Series: Every Friday this summer, from 6:00-8:00 p.m., head to the corner of Norfolk & St. Elmo Avenues to enjoy a free outdoor concert, and food and drinks from downtown Bethesda restaurants. Just like in previous years, adult beverages will be available for purchase from local restaurants, and can be enjoyed within the concert site. Want to know who else to expect this summer? See the full line-up here. Through September 18, 2026.The Square Rockville Summer Concert Series: Longer days, warm nights, and live music under the open sky—summer is officially sounding better. The Square Rockville has announced the 2026 Summer Concert Series, bringing a lineup of live performances to The Square all season long. Grab your lawn chairs, picnic blankets, and dancing shoes. Whether you’re planning a night out with friends, date night, or a family-friendly evening, these concerts are the perfect way to enjoy summer at The Square. Fridays, through September 11. For a full calendar, click here.  Summer Concerts & Pop-Up Market: Art Place at Fort Totten is heating up for the summer with free fun for the whole family. On select Fridays throughout the summer, live music takes the stage in partnership with DC Fray, alongside pop-up markets, local shopping, fresh food and more. Summer Concert Series: New this year, Art Place is partnering with the Riggs Park Farmers Market to bring even more local vendors and fresh fare to the concert series. Select Fridays from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.June 26: THE BREAKAWAYSJuly 3: Too Much Talent BandJuly 17: Justin TrawickJuly 24: Love Joy GroupAugust 21: Fearless Eras (Taylor Swift Tribute)August 28: La Unica400 Galloway Street NE; All events are free and open to the public. For more information and to RSVP, click here.Snooze, You Lose: Art Place Pop-Up Market SeriesDiscover local creativity at Art Place’s new Pop-Up Market Series. Browse a curated collection of local vendors and artists offering handmade goods, artwork and one-of-a-kind finds while enjoying live music and offerings from homegrown Tz'ikin Café. Saturday, June 20 from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.Saturday, July 18 from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.5198 South Dakota Avenue NE; All events are free and open to the public. For more information, click here.See all the shows coming to town in our Theater Roundup, here.  Let's All Go to the Drive-In:Dive-In Movies at Hotel Zena: Float in the rooftop pool and catch a movie at Hotel Zena. Movies will be shown every Wednesday starting at 9:00 p.m. (weather permitting). Free for registered hotel guests. For attendees not staying at the hotel, passes can be purchased on Eventbrite for $30 per person, and include a bag of popcorn and a complimentary mocktail, or signature cocktail. Through September 9th. For movie line up and to book a pass, click here.The Drive-In at Union Market: The Drive-In at Union Market is back for the 14th season. It’s the perfect blend of movies and munchies with amazing concessions. From street food to Michelin-starred fine dining, experience it all at Union Market District. Get tickets to watch from the comfort of your car or bring chairs and blankets for a cozy picnic-style setup in front of The Market. No tickets are needed to watch on Neal Place. Once a month through October. See full schedule and purchase tickets here.Tysons Summer Programming: This summer, PenFed Plaza debuts its new large-format digital board, creating a new gathering place for outdoor entertainment at Tysons Corner Center. The screen will take center stage for the return of beloved family movie nights, kicking off Thursday, June 19 with Space Jam, followed by National Treasure on Thursday, July 17 and Cars on Thursday, August 21. The August showing will feature a special collaboration with PenFed Credit Union to bring the auto theme to life with added surprises and family-friendly fun. You are invited to bring a stadium folding chair or cozy blanket, gather with family and friends, and enjoy a summer evening under the lights on PenFed Plaza. Movie nights will continue into the fall, with additional showtimes to be announced soon. All showings are 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Museum Visits:Snooze, You Lose: Making Their Mark: The National Museum of Women in the Arts is presenting Making Their Mark: Works from the Shah Garg Collection, on view through July 26. The major exhibition features 80 works by nearly 70 influential women artists spanning from 1946 to today, highlighting the powerful role women have played in shaping abstract art. Drawn from the Shah Garg Collection, the show includes painting, sculpture, textiles, ceramics, and mixed media works exploring themes of identity, form, and artistic innovation across generations; nmwa.orgJack Boul Exhibit at Park Hyatt: Park Hyatt Washington, D.C. is showing a special year-long exhibit featuring monotypes by artist Jack Boul. Jack Boul (1927-2024) was a painter, printmaker, and sculptor whose work can be found in the National Gallery of Art, the Smithsonian, the Phillips Collection, the Library of Congress, and many other public and private venues. Born in New York, Jack Boul spent most of his life in Washington, D.C., as an art professor at American University. He was among the founders of the Washington Studio School. This special collection is curated by his son, David Boul. parkhyattwashington.com Camouflage: Designed to Deceive: Explore the world of camouflage and deception in a new multi-sensory, immersive experience at The International Spy Museum. The special exhibition, Camouflage: Designed to Deceive, examines the fascinating history of camouflage and its many secret connections to espionage. From its origins in the natural world to its contemporary applications in the battlefield and beyond, the exhibit explores the impact of camouflage on covert operations and intelligence gathering throughout history. The exhibit spans the intersecting worlds of science, design, military and political history, art, fashion, and pop culture. Utilizing real stories, artifacts, and immersive media, visitors will get an up-close look at how concealment has influenced espionage throughout time and why it remains essential in today’s digital world of surveillance. Tickets are available now for $15. Visitors can also add the exhibition to general admission for just $13. spymuseum.org Blacklisted: An American Story: This exhibit explores the Hollywood blacklist and the federal government’s loyalty investigations that upended thousands of lives during the Red Scare. Through powerful personal stories, rare artifacts, and film clips, the exhibition reveals how fear, politics, and identity collided—and what was lost when dissent was silenced. From the late 1940s through the 1950s, all three branches of government sacrificed First Amendment rights in the name of security. Freedoms of speech, association, and assembly came under fire. Hundreds of people lost their jobs, thousands resigned under duress, and many more stood by quietly, afraid of repercussions for their real or imagined political participation. On loan from Jewish Museum Milwaukee, the exhibition incorporates film, archival material, oral histories, costume, and photography to examine the shifting definition of what it meant then—and what it means now—to be a patriotic American, and who gets to decide. simpletix.com Museum of Illusions: Located in the heart of CityCenterDC, Museum of Illusions offers a visual, sensory, and educational experience that feels equally fun for kids, teens, parents, and adults. With more than 50 exhibits, it’s an easy indoor option for families looking for something engaging to do after camp or once the school day is done, especially since the museum stays open later than many traditional DC museums. It also works well for date nights or evening plans, given its central location near some of the city’s best food and drink destinations. For more information, click here.Capital Jewish Museum Anniversary: Celebrate the 150th anniversary of the historic synagogue at the heart of the Capital Jewish Museum. Uncover the history of the historic synagogue in a new permanent lobby installation, highlighting its dedication in 1876, its time as a commercial retail space, the 1960's effort to preserve and restore the building, and its three moves to avoid demolition. See guidebooks, artwork, and commemorative ephemera that reveal how Jewish Washingtonians marked America’s Centennial (1876), Sesquicentennial (1926) and Bicentennial (1976). Enjoy this rare opportunity to view “Freedom Road,” a 10x14-foot needlepoint tapestry created by the Washington Jewish community as part of the celebration of the American Bicentennial in 1976. Designed by artist Yankel Ginzburg, the piece depicts the parting of the Red Sea, celebrating the journey from bondage to freedom. Sixty-one crafters from across DC, Montgomery County, and Northern Virginia brought this vision to life. For more information, click here.Beverly Pepper Ten Monumental Sculptures: A solo exhibition of monumental works by celebrated American sculptor Beverly Pepper is now on view along the expanded New York Avenue Sculpture Corridor through June 1, 2027 Hailing from an era when women artists were routinely ignored, and where very few women worked in industrial materials, Pepper’s contribution is especially significant. That she managed to persevere and to thrive – with dozens of major public works and pieces in numerous international museums and private collections – is testament to her personal strength and the enduring power of her sculpture. In Beverly Pepper Ten Monumental Sculptures, Pepper (1922–2020) returns to weathering steel, a material she helped pioneer for sculptural use in the early 1970s.  In parallel with the outdoor sculpture exhibition, the National Museum of Women in the Arts will present Beverly Pepper: Earthworks, a showcase exhibition of work by Pepper. Beverly Pepper: Earthworks will include the inaugural installation of a film highlighting the global reach of Pepper’s land and architectural-scale works, paired with several smaller sculptures and maquettes. Challenging the perception of such work as the purview only of men, the show reveals Pepper’s ambitious approach to creating bold large-scale works in metal, as well as site specific and land art. On view from October 24, 2026 through April 25, 2027, the exhibition offers a unique opportunity for visitors to the outdoor sculpture project to gain a greater insight into the practice of this pioneering artist. More on Beverly Pepper can be found HERE. More on past installations of the New York Avenue Sculpture Project can be found HERE.Disco Ballston: In partnership with Insight Property Group, the Ballston Improvement District (BID) reveals a new pop-up art installation called Disco Ballston. Similar to the minds behind it, the installation focuses on a forward-looking approach to enhancing experiences for anyone interacting with Ballston, Arlington. Designed by local branding agency Design Army, you are invited to interact with the installation through a house and techno music experience via a scannable QR code on-site. This track, curated by DJ and producer Saeed Younan, is meant to blend bold visuals with electric sounds to create a truly immersive experience for those walking through. N Stuart Street & Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA.National Building Museum — "The Playground" New York design team Snarkitecture has installed an immersive play space made from plywood and scaffolding where kids (and let's be honest, adults too) can climb, dig, and move. Open through August 30th. $19 for adults, $16 for ages 1 to 17, free for infants. Penn Quarter. Where Else You'll Find Us:Old Post Office Clock Tower: The historic Clocktower at Waldorf Astoria DC once again welcomes the public, reopening one of the city's most unique—and free—observation experiences. Get the chance to take in panoramic views of the nation's capital from atop the landmark Old Post Office building, a hidden gem that has long been a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The Clocktower offers sweeping views of Washington, DC from more than 300 feet above the city, along with exhibits that explore the history of one of the capital's most recognizable buildings. Open to the public Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience: This virtual reality experience places you in Outer Space. Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, the experience takes you on a seamless journey through the cosmos, from dazzling galaxies to the edge of a black hole. Climb aboard powerful telescopes and uncover the universe’s greatest mysteries in immersive 3D. Ages 10+; ticket prices start at $29; 926 F Street NW; for more information, click here. Jeopardy Bar League Trivia at Water Park: Test your knowledge and compete with friends at Jeopardy! Bar League Trivia, the official interactive bar trivia experience inspired by America’s Favorite Quiz Show. Hosted live and designed for fast-paced fun, this weekly trivia night brings the excitement of the iconic game show into a social bar setting. Mondays at 7:00 p.m. Water Park | 1601 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA.Sandbox VR: Sandbox is a futuristic VR experience for groups of up to six where you can see and physically interact with everyone inside, just like the real world. Inspired by Star Trek’s Holodeck, these exclusive worlds let you feel like you’re living inside a game or movie, and are built by EA, Sony, and Ubisoft veterans. Located in City Center DC; citycenterdc.com Sloomoo Institute: A new slime experience will open its doors at Tysons Corner this summer. Spanning 17,000 square feet over two levels, this sensory, ASMR-driven wonderland invites all ages to walk on slime at Lake Sloomoo, slingshot, and play with never-ending textures. The new Sloomoo features slime-making classes where guests can learn how to make Sloomoo Slime from scratch, host private birthday parties, experience the expanded DIY Design Bar with over 4 million combinations, smell exclusive new floral scents, and play in the interactive installations. Tysons Corner Center.Hershey Super Sweet Adventure: Embark on an interactive journey complete with games, active play and family-friendly moments designed to spark imagination and connection for candy lovers of all ages. Visitors will celebrate the perfect combination in Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, uncover the delight that wraps Hershey’s Kisses Milk Chocolates, master the art of the Twizzlers Twists, experience the bold flavors of Jolly Rancher candies and more. For its East Coast debut, the experience will feature never-before-seen activations including a playful celebration of Bubble Yum Bubble Gum and an all-new grand finale experience where guests can personalize their own Hershey’s Milk Chocolate bar wrapper with a selfie and other fun options. Tickets for Hershey Super Sweet Adventure will be available starting at $19.99 per person. HersheySuperSweetAdventure.com 

We here at TheListAreYouOnIt.com love the sun. It doesn’t take much. Give us one warm weekend, a little humidity, and suddenly we are digging out swimsuits and looking for the perfect luxe lounger situation.And lucky for us, the DMV has seriously stepped up its pool game. From rooftop hotel pools with skyline views and cocktail service to wellness-inspired day escapes there are plenty of ways to spend the summer pretending you are nowhere near your inbox.Here are some of our favorite pools around DC, Maryland, and Virginia where you can book a day pass, staycation, cabana, or full-on sun-drenched escape this summer:Hotel Zena: An art-driven boutique hotel celebrating women’s empowerment, Hotel Zena features a stylish rooftop pool with skyline views and a relaxed bar serving cocktails and light bites.The Ven at Embassy Row: The rooftop pool at The Ven is one of Dupont’s best summer hangs. Tag Rooftop Bar & Pool serves spritzes, frozen cocktails, and casual bites with Embassy Row views.Omni Shoreham Hotel: A true DC classic. The Omni Shoreham has one of the city’s largest resort-style outdoor pools surrounded by gardens and greenery near Rock Creek Park and the National Zoo.YOTEL Washington DC: Deck 11 at YOTEL leans fully into rooftop pool party energy with skyline views, cocktails, DJs, and loungers made for all-day summer hangs.Generator Washington DC: The rooftop pool at Generator brings more laid-back European boutique-hotel energy with cocktails, loungers, and a younger crowd near Dupont Circle.Washington Hilton: This longtime DC hotel has one of the largest pools in town plus a separate kids’ pool. Big resort energy in the middle of the city.Arlo Washington DC: Modern and polished, Arlo’s rooftop pool and wraparound terrace offer a more elevated downtown lounging experience.Viceroy Washington DC: The Viceroy’s Hush Rooftop Pool & Bar delivers a calmer rooftop experience with strong cocktails, stylish loungers, and less of the all-day party scene.Hilton Washington DC National Mall The Wharf: Close to both the monuments and The Wharf, this rooftop pool is ideal if you want sightseeing and pool time in the same day.Hyatt Place Washington DC/National Mall: A convenient rooftop pool setup with easy access to museums and monuments for visitors trying to survive summer sightseeing season.Royal Sonesta Washington DC Dupont Circle: One of Dupont’s quieter pool scenes with plenty of seating and a more relaxed atmosphere for long summer afternoons.The Westin Georgetown: Tucked into a quieter courtyard setting near Georgetown and Foggy Bottom, this pool feels more peaceful retreat than party hotspot.InterContinental Washington D.C. at The Wharf: Luxury waterfront vibes with rooftop pool views overlooking The Wharf and the Washington Channel. Easy transition from pool lounger to waterfront dinner reservation.Rosewood Washington, D.C.: One of the city’s prettiest rooftop pool settings with Georgetown rooftops stretching around you and fireplaces adding ambiance once the sun goes down.Pendry Washington DC at The Wharf: The Pendry pool scene is polished and elevated with excellent cocktails, loungers, and major staycation energy.ROOST White House: Apartment-style accommodations plus a seasonal outdoor pool make ROOST a great option for quieter weekends downtown.Washington Plaza Hotel: One of the most iconic pools in downtown DC. The retro outdoor pool near Thomas Circle has been a local favorite for years and still feels very classic DC summer.Hyatt Place Washington DC/US Capitol: Near NoMa and Union Market, this rooftop pool gives you easy access to some of the city’s best dining while still getting your pool fix. Balian Springs: If your ideal summer pool day involves infinity pools, cabanas, cocktails, and fully pretending you have left the DMV entirely, Balian Springs is your move. The Alexandria destination has become one of the region’s buzziest luxury day escapes.MGM National Harbor: The pool complex at MGM National Harbor is true resort energy with cabanas, cocktails, loungers, and sweeping Potomac views.The Watergate Hotel: The rooftop pool at The Watergate is a polished luxury hotel pool scenes with sweeping cityThompson Washington D.C.: The rooftop pool at the Thompson in Navy Yard leans understated with a quiet luxury and excellent proximity to Nationals Park and The Yards.Penthouse Pool Club: One of the city’s few true pool club experiences. Expect rooftop daybeds, DJs, cocktails, cabanas, and all-day summer energy in Adams Morgan.Hyatt House Washington DC/The Wharf: Often overlooked but actually a great rooftop pool option with Wharf views and a convenient location for turning a pool day into a full waterfront evening.The Bethesdan Hotel: For anyone looking to skip downtown traffic, The Bethesdan offers a more low-key suburban resort-style pool day with plenty of space to lounge.Now excuse us while we aggressively reapply sunscreen, lean into Rosé All Day and pretend every pool day is technically a vacation.

Camp is wrapping up, the pools have a few good weeks left in them, and school is still just far enough away that nobody wants to think about it yet. That in-between stretch of summer can be the trickiest to fill, are we right? Too short to plan a big trip, too long to just wing it every day. We here at The List have thoughts on ways to keep DMV families busy for the next few weeks.Kids Eat Free with the Washington Nationals. Turn a Nats game into a free meal, kids 12 and under get a free hot dog, chips, and water, with vegetarian and gluten-free options available, at designated concession stands throughout the summer. Look for the Kids Eat Free kiosks by Sections 111 and 143, the Nats Snacks stand at Section 229, the Kids Eat Free stand at Section 320, and Arepa Zone at Section 148. Adults just need to scan their ticket with the child present before the end of the seventh inning.National Harbor Kids Day. Every Tuesday at 10:30 AM through August 25, families can head to the Plaza at National Harbor for free weekly educational programming that rotates just enough to be worth repeat visits. Expect interactive storytime with the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System, PBS KIDS activities with WHUT, meet-and-greets with Prince George’s County Police and Fire/EMS, history activities with George Washington’s Mount Vernon, and art exploration around the Wildlife Wonder Boat with the Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council.Good Kid-i-zen at Color Burst Park. This family morning of interactive games and crafts returns August 22 with a “Storybook Adventures” theme, turning favorite tales into interactive play and featuring the HCPLS Mobile Library. Story time meets playtime,  a great one for kids who’d rather act out a book than just hear it.The Playground at the National Building Museum. Open through August 30 in Penn Quarter, this immersive play installation by New York design team Snarkitecture is built from plywood and scaffolding and made for climbing, digging, and moving through. It’s part art installation, part playground, and unlike anything else in the city right now, and let’s be honest, the adults will want in too. Tickets are $19 for adults, $16 for ages 1–17, and free for infants.Storytime Studio at the Hirshhorn. Kids ages 0–6 and their caregivers are welcome for an hourlong blend of educator-led read-alouds, play, and art exploration at the Hirshhorn’s Storytime Studio. Sessions run Wednesdays at 10 and 11 AM on an ongoing basis, with Thursday sessions at 10 and 11 AM added through August. It’s free, no registration required, though capacity is limited and entry is first-come, first-served, so arrive early. It’s a genuinely lovely way to introduce the youngest kids to art and storytelling right on the National Mall.Bluey x CAMP: Bluey’s House. Every toddler in the DMV is currently obsessed with Bluey, and this fall you can walk straight into her world. Opening September 4 at CAMP in Tysons Corner Center, this life-sized, immersive walk-through of Bluey’s house lets families explore every room, play games from the show, dance in the playroom, climb a two-story pillow fort and cardboard castle, hunt for hidden details, and catch exclusive animations, before finishing with a meet-and-greet and photo op with Bluey and Bingo. Bluey-themed merch is available for purchase, and timed entry tickets go every 15 minutes.Ghost Tours. For families with kids old enough to enjoy a good spooky story, Ghost City Tours — the world’s largest ghost tour company, runs haunted history walks, paranormal storytelling, and haunted pub crawls across DC and surrounding cities, led by local guides who know the city’s legends best. A different way to learn DC history, with a chill down your spine.Old Post Office Clock Tower. Atop the Old Post Office building, now part of the Waldorf Astoria DC, this observation deck offers panoramic views of DC from more than 300 feet up, along with exhibits on the history of the landmark building. It’s open to the public Wednesday through Saturday, 9 AM to noon, one of the best views in the city, and it’s free.Sloomoo Institute. All ages, but especially slime enthusiasts, will want to check out this 17,000-square-foot, two-level sensory wonderland opening this summer at Tysons Corner Center. Walk across Lake Sloomoo, slingshot slime, take a slime-making class, build your own creation at the DIY Design Bar with over 4 million combinations, sample exclusive floral scents, and play through the interactive installations. Private birthday parties are available too. It’s the closest thing to a real-life ASMR video, and kids cannot get enough.Hershey Super Sweet Adventure. Making its East Coast debut this year, this interactive journey through the Hershey universe lets candy lovers of all ages celebrate Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, unwrap the story behind Hershey’s Kisses, master the Twizzlers twist, taste-test Jolly Rancher flavors, and experience an East Coast–exclusive Bubble Yum activation, ending with a grand finale where guests personalize their own Hershey’s Milk Chocolate wrapper with a selfie. For any kid who treats the candy aisle like a museum, this basically is one. Tickets start at $19.99 per person.However you fill these last few weeks before backpacks and bus stops take over again, the DMV has enough going on to keep everyone, kids and worn-out parents alike, entertained until the first day of school. Get out there and make the most of it.