Celebrate Solstice Saturday with the Smithsonian
The Smithsonian is hosting a bevy of events on the first Saturday of the summer. The National Air and Space Museum is offering a variety of events, including a free planetarium show, the chance to use solar telescopes, and a special exhibition of artifacts from Apollo 11. At night, you can also head to the Solstice Star Party, where you’ll have the opportunity to use the historic 16-inch reflector telescope. There’s something just for teens as well—check out the Hirshhorn’s live music and arts festival featuring D.C.-area teen artists. And if you’ve ever wanted to stargaze on the National Mall, Hofstra University will have 25 telescopes set up on the Mall, a planetarium show, and the chance to meet astronomers. The Arts and Industries Building is the festival’s hub and will have programming all day, with workshops and artist talks from 10 a.m.-4:15 p.m., as well as performances from 7 p.m.-11 p.m.
Various locations and times, Saturday, through midnight
Or hear some hip-hop on the Mall
The annual America Now festival will explore America’s relationship with hip-hop music and host a variety of workshops throughout the day, as well as an evening full of live music. The workshops range from mixtape and analog technology workshops to beat making. There will also be a dance party on the National Mall, featuring DJ Adrian Loving, DJ Ayes Cold, and Les the DJ. Afterwards, check out some live music in the Kogod Courtyard, and enjoy a mix of reggae, dubstep, electronica, hip-hop, and go-go music. There are a few rules about what you can and can’t bring into the fest: See the policies here.
Workshops at the National Museum of American History: Saturday, 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m., RSVP online for priority seating
Live music: Kogod Courtyard, Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery, Saturday, 6 p.m.-12 a.m., recommended 18+
Catch a free concert
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser is hosting the second annual District of Pride concert on Saturday. There, you can see performances by LGBTQ+ artists from all across the city, including the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, Batalá Washington, DJ Tezrah, and many others. Though the show is open to all ages, organizers note that there will be some “adult content.”
Lincoln Theatre, Saturday, 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m.-10 p.m. show
Taste some draft mead
Baltimore meadery Charm City Meadworks is hosting a tasting of its draft mead at The Wharf this weekend. Their mead—a type of honey-based alcohol—comes in flavors like basil lemongrass, raspberry coconut, and blackberry lime.
Anchor Marina Ship Store, Saturday, 1 p.m.-4 p.m.
See a stand-up comedy show
This Sunday, the Wonderland Ballroom is hosting another free comedy show. It features some of D.C.’s best comedians, with a few new folks being added to the setlist as well.
Wonderland Ballroom, Sunday, 8 p.m., 21+
