Only a few more weeks of fun in the sun, so don’t hesitate to take advantage of it while you still can. With that in mind, we’ve got a bevy of fun stuff this week—from Democratic debate watch parties, to a musical open mic, several boozy tasting events, and another shot to see one of the greatest blockbusters ever made. All that and more below.
MONDAY, JULY 29
HA HA: In the mood for a laugh? Smith Commons will host free standup from local D.C.-area comedians with special happy hour prices all night long. (Smith Commons, 8 p.m.-11 p.m., FREE)
JOUONS: If you’re looking for a fun and interesting way to practice your French, this board game night at the French Alliance library will be right up your alley. There will be plenty of games to choose from (including Scrabble, Apples to Apples, and Codenames) in what’s sure to be a temps d’amusement (that’s French for good time). (Alliance Française de Washington DC, 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m., Suggested $5 donation)
SING-A-LONG: Union Stage will open its doors for an acoustic open mic night on Monday for all those looking to hone their musical skills or just have some fun. And there’s no better way to practice than on a stage as glorious as this one. Expect happy hour prices on pizza and drinks, too. (Union Stage, 6:00 p.m., FREE)
MORE: Union Market High Intensity Group Fitness Class (Union Market, 7 p.m.-8 p.m., $15), Live Music at Marvin: Elliot Jefferson (Marvin, 6 p.m.- 10:30 p.m., FREE with registration)
TUESDAY, JULY 30
JOYOUS: The Aesthetics of Joy founder and author of the new book Joyful Ingrid Fetell Lee will visit Framebridge to talk about said book and “harnessing the power of our surroundings to live fuller, more joyful lives.” That sounds like something we can get into. Lee will be in conversation with Framebridge CEO Susan Tynan. (Framebridge, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., FREE with registration)
DEBATE ME!: No, that’s not the scream of internet trolls you hear, but rather the call of the second round of the Democratic debates, which take place Tuesday and Wednesday. And if you’re so inclined to watch with a group, Hip-Politics is having a watch party for both nights of the sprawling debate. Happy hour drinks specials will last all night, with a debate-inspired menu too. (1015 Lounge, 6 p.m.-11 p.m., free entry with registration)
LITTLE BOXES: Tiny houses have long been an Internet phenomenon, but with the increasing cost of living in D.C.–sorry to get super real on y’all–it’s starting to become a really viable living option for some. If you’re interested in learning more about where and how to build one in D.C., this workshop that’s being held at the WeWork in Shaw is for you. (WeWork, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., $35)
BRICK: I don’t think it would be an over exaggeration to call Ben Folds a legend. A cross-genre talent, he’s bringing his piano-based skills to The Anthem on Tuesday. His opener will none other than punk mainstays Violent Femmes. (The Anthem, 8 p.m., $55)
MORE: Film Screening: The Messengers (True Reformer Building, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., FREE with registration), This is Not a Show! Live Too (Songbyrd, 7 p.m.-11 p.m., $15), Pose Viewing Party (DC Eagle, 10 p.m.-11 p.m., FREE)
WEDNESDAY, JULY 30
DRINK UP: Are you a fiend for mojitos? Cotton & Reed’s Summertime Bake & Take (that’s a lot of ampersands!) will teach you how to become a master of the mojito, while you bake fancy desserts inspired by the cocktail. (Mess Hall, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m., $50)
WHISK-Y: But if rum isn’t your spirit of choice, Morton’s Steakhouse will have quite a display and tasting menu of whiskey and chef inspired hors d’oeuvres for their Whiskey 101 class. Including selections from Macallan, Highland Park, and others, there’s something here that’s sure to satisfy both diehards and new fans alike. (Morton’s Steakhouse, 6:30 p.m., $99)
TIME KEEPS ON SLIPPIN’: An often unconsidered angle of public sculpture is time. Sure, we know that these pieces of art were built to last, but as with all things, the years can change sculptures. While it sounds like we just ripped a bong in the middle of our college dorm, these questions are always fun to consider—and are the subject of what’s sure to be an interesting discussion at the Hirshhorn’s Sculpture Garden on Wednesday evening. (Hirshhorn, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., FREE with registration)
MORE: Bring It On (Lot at First and Pierce, 6:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m., FREE), What DC Do You Live in? A workshop about gentrification, displacement, and race (Franklin D. Reeves Municipal Center, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., FREE with registration), RTR in DC: The Importance of Female Mentorship (WeWork Metropolitan Square, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., FREE with registration)
THURSDAY, AUGUST 1
DUH-DUN: Okay. Listen. I know we featured a screening of Jaws once already this summer, but it’s an endlessly rewatchable movie. And maybe if you missed out on the last one, you’ve been looking for a chance to see it again. The Library of Congress will screen it Thursday night if you’ve been itching for another go. Also showing at D.C.’s outdoor movie screenings this Thursday: The Capitol Riverfront Outdoor Movie Series is showing Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom; Movies on the Memorial has Captain Phillips; and National Harbor will screen Green Book. (Library of Congress, 8:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m., FREE)
BATTY: Ever looked up at the D.C. night sky and seen—believe it or not—bats? To learn more about the up to 8 (!) different species of bats that live in and around the D.C. area, the historic Tudor Place and Atlas Obscura will host a talk about these wildly misunderstood mammals and their role in our city. (Tudor Place, 7:30 p.m.-9 p.m., $27)
WALK IT OUT: Sometimes the best way to get in touch with your inner self is go on a walk. MindTravel knows all about the benefits of that and is returning to D.C. for their music-led guided walk around the Tidal Basin. Immerse yourself in the healing powers of nature, alongside a customized musical experience that’s sure to leave you refreshed and rested. (Albert Einstein Memorial, 7 p.m.-9 p.m., FREE with registration)
MORE:Community Open Mic (Loyalty Bookstore, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., FREE with registration), A Celebration of Local Food & Community with Patagonia DC (Common Good City Farm, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., $60), Terrapin (The Hamilton Live, 7:30 p.m., $15)
