Hope you’ve all recovered from a nice Memorial Day weekend. Whether you stayed at home and are keen to get out, or hit the town every single night and are ready to keep it going, there’s plenty to go around.
TUESDAY, MAY 28
NATURE BOY: DCist has already highlighted a few of the events tied to the Walt Whitman 200th birthday celebration, and on the 28th, Colony Club will host District Lit’s celebration of the famed poet with readings from local published writers. (Colony Club, 7 p.m., FREE)
GREEN THUMB: For those of you that are both DIY-enthusiasts and plant lovers, the Lemon Collective is giving a chance to literally elevate your plant game with a build-it-yourself plant stand. The event promises all the materials you need to raise your interior decorating skills. (The Lemon Collective, 7 p.m.-9 p.m., $40)
SAFE PLACE: Baltimore singer and writer Shawna Potter knows what it’s like to battle sexism and harassment—it’s been a throughline of her music with her band, War on Women. Those learnings are at the heart of her new book, Making Spaces Safer, that serves a guide to for others looking to provide a warm and welcoming spot that’s inclusive. Potter’s House will have a launch party to celebrate the release of the book, while offering up some tips on what you can do to help. (The Potter’s House, 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m., FREE with registration)
MORE: The Chris Mitchell Experience (The Mayflower Hotel, 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m., $44), Circa Waves (DC9, 8 p.m.-11 p.m., $15), Bring Your Own Vinyl (The Graham Rooftop, 6 p.m.-9 p.m., FREE with registration)
WEDNESDAY, MAY 29
NEVER SAY DIE: As part of their Capitol Classics Series, Landmark West End will show the 1985 classic Goonies on the big screen. I’m a firm believer of seeing a movie in a theater (distraction free is the way for me), so grab a big bag of popcorn and let some pure cinema wash over you. (Landmark West End, 7:30 p.m., $12.50)
ROCK ON: Aussie rockers Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever, or Rolling Blackouts if you’re nasty, put on one hell of a show last fall at Black Cat, and are absolutely worth checking out. But don’t just take my word for it: Their debut album released last summer, Hope Downs, received nearly universal acclaim from critics, with a 84/100 on Metacritic. Don’t miss your chance at seeing one of the most fun indie rock bands out there right now. (U Street Music Hall, 7 p.m., $18)
YOU SWING ME ROUND: If you’re looking for a good excuse to breakout your dancing shoes, Capital City Swing has been throwing a series of swing dance classes. You can drop in to the final beginner’s lesson on Wednesday, which could make for a truly wholesome date activity. The event will be soundtracked by the dulcet tones of the Corner Pocket Jazz Band. (Dumbarton House, 8:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m., $11)
HONOR THE GREATS: If, like me, you’re still in mourning over the loss of David Bowie, Gyspy Sally’s is hosting a tribute to not only the Thin White Duke, but also the late great Lou Reed. Featuring local musicians, sounds like there’ll be plenty to call ground control about. (Gypsy Sally’s, 8 p.m., $13)
MORE: Pineapple Collective’s Fourth Birthday (Take Care, 7 p.m.-9 p.m., $25), Underground Comedy (The Big Hunt, 8 p.m.-10 p.m., FREE with registration), Spunk: Three Tales by Zora Neale Hurston (Signature Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $85)
THURSDAY, MAY 30
BE MY PUDDIN’: Union Market’s latest Test Kitchen will turn southward for some New Orleans inspiration. Chefs Toyin Alli, owner of Puddin’ DC, and Jennifer Jones, of the blog Cosmopolitan Plated, will walk participants through preparing and cooking bread pudding. Wine is included, so drink up and get baked. (Union Market, 7 p.m.-9:15 p.m., $60)
I SPY: Critically acclaimed by Esquire, Vogue, NPR, and the New York Times, American Spy is the focus of this month’s Girls’ Night In DC Book Club. Set during the peak of the Cold War, the novel focuses on Marie Mitchell, an intelligence officer who soon finds herself tasked with undermining a Communist president. You know, just the typical spy stuff. Framebridge’s D.C. retail space will open its doors for what’s sure to be a great conversation, plus snacks and giveaways. (Framebridge, 7:30 p.m., $10)
USE YOUR VOICE: If you’re looking to get more involved in advocacy beyond just retweeting and liking, the YWCA’s #BeyondtheHashtag event will offer up advice on how to better have meaningful conversations around hot topic issues. (YWCA, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., FREE with registration)
MORE: An Evening of Rare Chamber Music by Mexican Composers (Mexican Cultural Institute, 6:45 p.m.-8 p.m., donation preferred), David Gray Washington (The Anthem, 8 p.m., $55), Southern Culture on the Skids with Jumpin’ Jupiter (Hill Country BBQ, 8:30 p.m., $16)
