Editor’s note: DCist suspended our daily events guides in mid-March. But we’re bringing back weekday and weekend posts with ways to have virtual fun. We’ll be focused specifically on digital offerings from D.C.-area artists, musicians, fitness instructors, and others. (Want us to know about a virtual event? Submit them here.) And don’t forget about our guide to free movies, audiobooks, art, and other offerings from area institutions.
FRIDAY, MAY 22
REAL LIFE SIM CITIES: If creating your own city, what would you want in it? How could community be fostered? The Goethe-Institute, DC Public Library, and the Form Function Studio are hosting a series of lectures to open conversations on urban planning to broad, diverse audiences. This online lecture is an introduction to how design helps shape our cities, communities, and connections. (4 p.m., FREE)
LIVING ROOM TUNES: Log off from work at 4 p.m. and tune into Living Room Sessions, a virtual concert series by Sixth & I and DCist. This week Annie Stokes, a local self-described “dark Americana songstress,” will enchant with her music. She has released an EP and two albums, and is working hard on a fourth project. Relax in your living room as she performs from hers. (4 p.m., FREE)
LET’S CONSPIRE: What’s a conspiracy theory and why do people believe in them? Psychology professor Brian Sharpless is talking conspiracy theories through history, how conspiracy theories are defined, and what we know about people who buy into them. Does that include you? Either way, tune in for this virtual Profs & Pints session. (7 p.m., $12)
SATURDAY, MAY 23
WHISKEY TOUR: Virginia Distillery Co. and the Whiskey Library is bringing their favorite whiskies to you on Saturday night with a virtual tasting. Participants buying tickets get to taste whiskies from four different casks, an information sheet, and a gift from Virginia Distillery Co., all available for curbside pick-up from Wardman Wines in Brookland. A portion of ticket sales will go towards Friends & Family Meal, a non-profit providing support to hospitality workers in D.C. (8:30 p.m., $35)
PUT A RING ON IT: Since its publication in 1813, Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice has constantly been retold, remixed, and rewritten (even adding zombies). DC Public Library is encouraging readers to pick up either the original novel or one of its written retellings and join in for an online discussion on their Twitter page. (2 p.m., FREE)
GET GROUNDED: The constant inundation of news causing you anxiety, outrage, or sleepless nights? You might be emotionally inflamed, says psychiatrist Lise Van Susteren, M.D., and writer Stacey Colino. The two will be discussing their new book Emotional Inflammation and giving tips on how to become more grounded during turbulent times. The talk is part of a Politics & Prose virtual series and, in lieu of ticket prices, the bookstore is asking for donations to support its programming. (1 p.m., FREE but donations appreciated)
SUNDAY, MAY 24
YOGA TIME: Lighthouse Yoga Center is trying something different this week: a two-hour-long Sivananda yoga class. All levels are welcome for the lengthy class (which will include breaks). Be prepared for chanting, breathwork, sun salutations, and readings of inspirational quotes from the yoga style’s founder. (8:30 a.m., $20)
DEATH AWARE: It’s only natural to think often about death and dying. Founder of Death Positive DC and a local end-of-life doula Sarah Farr is hosting a virtual Death Cafe to help people talk about death. The discussion will focus on raising awareness of death and talking about it in positive and empowering ways. It’s recommended to grab some dessert, coffee, or tea and settle in. The event is free but donations are appreciated to support Rhizome, an arts community gathering place in Takoma. (12 p.m., FREE)
OLD FASHIONED: You may not be able to order one at the bar at the moment, but H Street’s Copycat Co. is teaching a workshop on how to make the perfect bourbon Old Fashioned at home. The Zoom cocktail class will explain the proper technique, history, and understanding of the ingredients. Several variations of cocktail kits are available for purchase for pick-up or delivery. (3 p.m., $20-$90)
MONDAY, MAY 25
DANCE IT OUT: Rendezvous Dance Studio in Rockville wants you to get off your couch and dance it out. Sweat alongside their Zumba instructors as they take the lead on a fun, totally virtual dance routine. No prior dance experience is required. Just get up, get loose, and have fun. (6:30 p.m., $5)
GEEK OUT: Get your nerd on this Memorial Day with Geek Nite Out. This geeky group will be hosting a virtual movie screening of Marvel’s Captain America. Wear some red, white, and blue; grab a bowl of popcorn; and join in on the fun. The movie will be streamed on either Amazon Prime or Disney Plus. (8 p.m., FREE)
THE RIGHT ANSWERS: Red Bear Brewing’s Monday night trivia is back—virtually, of course. The five rounds of trivia will happen over Zoom, but you’ll still have a chance to win a prize for pick-up from NoMa’s Red Bear. Grab a virtual team and study up. The top three teams at the end win. (7 p.m, $10)
