Summer in the DC is one of the most exciting times of the year. The warm weather and more hours of sunlight mean all-day festivals and outdoor events. From jazz concerts and folk festivals to free outdoor performances and food truck extravaganzas, DC has plenty for you to enjoy this summer. Check out these 8 things to do in Washington and soak up all the city has to offer.
Pride Parade
The city’s annual Pride festival is slated for another huge turnout. Pride in the nation’s capital is one of the best in country, with events beginning on June 6th and culminating with a festival, concert, and sunset dance party on June 9th. The Opening Party on Friday, June 8th will feature entertainment by DJ Honey, Vanessa Vanjie Mateo (Rupaul’s Drag Race), and many more. Party here until 3:30am, but be sure to get some rest because Saturday’s events include the “Crack of Noon” Pride Brunch, the Block Party, and the Parade. Save a little energy for Sunday when the Festival, Concert, and sunset dance party wrap up this year’s Pride.
DC Jazz Festival
Since 2005, the DC Jazz Festival has been a staple summer event for locals, with performances taking place across the city in more than 20 different neighborhoods. New partnerships with City Winery, which will host five nights of live Jazz music during the festival, and The Wharf, where the capstone DC JazzFest concerts will take place on June 16th and 17th, have made this event a must this year. Check out the full lineup here.
Georgetown Sunset Cinema on the Waterfront
If you live in Georgetown, you surely already know about Sunset Cinema. For those who aren’t familiar with it, it’s the neighborhood’s annual showing of outdoor movies on Tuesday nights during the summer. This year’s theme is Out of Office, featuring movies about vacations and trips. Live elsewhere and don’t want to trek to Georgetown? Check out all the outdoor movie options in DC this summer here.
By The People Festival
A four-day event taking place all over DC, the By The People Festival highlights international arts and dialogue through interactive visual art installations, dance performances, speakers, and more. It’s put on by Halcyon in association with the Smithsonian, ARTECHOUSE, and many other DC organizations. Back by popular demand, the event is only in its second year, be sure to get out there and see what all the hype is about.
Catch a Nationals Game
Opened in 2008, the Nationals have one of the newest stadiums in the MLB. Take advantage of your city’s new venue and go see a Nationals game. Head to the neighboring Navy Yard, along the Capitol Riverfront, for pre-game brews and food at The Bullpen before heading into the new stadium and watching your team take on
Truckeroo
Speaking of The Bullpen, it’s also home to the annual Truckeroo, a unique food truck festival that brings people together over tasty grub and live entertainment. This free event features 10-15 of the hottest local food trucks, and offers live music, alcoholic beverages, and activities. You don’t want to miss this one.
Capital Fringe
Truly a festival for local artists, this event gives back between 60 and 70% of proceeds to the artists themselves. In all, the festival has given over $2 million back to DC artists, and intends to keep it up in the coming years. See live musical performances by local artists, visual art displays, theater performances, and so much more. This event runs from July 9-28 and public transportation provides easy access to the heart of the festival.
Live From the Lawn
Need a low-key night? Head to Strathmore arts center and sprawl out while you enjoy a live music performance on the lawn. The fun happens every Wednesday in the summer, starting on July 10th and running through August 28th. This year’s lineup features Band of Us, Miss Tess & The Talkbacks, and more. Best of all, the concerts are always free! Grab some food and drink and head out to the lawn at Strathmore; all performances start at 7pm, but get there early to snag a spot on the lawn.
Don’t live in DC yet? Check out our apartments for rent and move in just in time for these summer events.
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