FRIDAY, JUNE 19
THE HISTORY OF JUNETEENTH: Friday is the anniversary of the day that the Union Army rode into Texas to reinforce the Emancipation Proclamation which freed all formerly enslaved people — two and a half years after it was originally signed. Juneteenth is a time to celebrate, reflect, and learn. Join the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History for an entire day of online programming. There’ll be music from vocalist Rochelle Rice, workshops about how to trace ancestors, storytelling, and recipes from Sweet Home Cafe. (All day, FREE)
Click here for a full list of Juneteenth events and protests.
LIVING ROOM SESSIONS: Unwind on Friday night before heading into the weekend with Living Room Sessions, Sixth & I and DCist’s weekly concert series. This week, D.C. native Knyves Escobar will be whisking you away with her original R&B and cello music. The event is free but donations are appreciated and will be shared equally between the artist and the national collective Black Mama’s Bail Out. (4 p.m., FREE)
DRIVE ON IN: It’s movie night! And this time, you can leave your couch. Historic Savage Mill in Maryland, about a 40-minute drive from D.C., is hosting a drive-in theater all summer. Ticket scan-in will be contactless and guests are asked to remain in their cars for the movie to ensure safety for everyone. This Friday, the showing will be the 1996 comedy Happy Gilmore. Pop a bag of popcorn, put some blankets in the backseat, and drive on up. (8:30 p.m., 8600 Foundry St., Savage, Md., $10)
GUEST OF HONOR: You are invited to a special dinner party with Busboys and Poets. This week’s virtual meal features CEO of Busboys and Poets Andy Shallal in conversation with historian Ibram X. Kendi, founder director of American University’s Antiracist Research & Policy Center. In July, he’ll be leaving D.C. to become the founding director of Boston University’s Center for Antiracist Research. (6 p.m., FREE)
SATURDAY, JUNE 20
DYE IT: Learn how to use materials already in your kitchen to dye plain cloths (maybe even your mask!) with Rhizome DC. The natural dyeing class will teach you how to make a dye bath with black tea and print with yellow onion skins. You’ll be surprised at the beautiful patterns you can make! (2 p.m., $15-$25)
VIRTUAL PORCHFEST: Rhode Island Avenue Main Street’s Porchfest is going virtual, so you can enjoy the community event from the safety of your home. Log on for a full day of performances, including Gracious Me Duo and BRASSIE. While the event is free, the Venmo accounts of performers will be provided for tips. (12 p.m., FREE)
GET SWEATY: Sweat with Pride this year. Join DC Fray and Balance Gym for a special Pride workout from home. All you need is your laptop and workout gear. Get ready to have some fun! This one-hour workout is appropriate for all levels. (11 a.m., $5)
SUNDAY, JUNE 21
CARTOONING: Grab your sketchbook and get drawing! Fantom Comics is hosting an afternoon of drawing at home. Whether you’re drawing your favorite characters or your own original story, you can do it among other artists during this Zoom drawing session. Don’t forget to show off your creation. (3 p.m., FREE)
LOOK TO THE PAST: 2020 is clearly going down in history as a most memorable year, but in this Politics & Prose Live! discussion, take a look back in time to the 21st century’s first decade. From 2000 to 2010, America saw the enormous technological and economic disruption. Join historian Garrett Peck as he talks about what the past reveals about our current state. (3 p.m., suggested donation of $5-$10)
THE LONGEST DAY: Join Dragon’s Breath Yoga for a special online summer solstice yoga class. This class is a Yin Yoga practice focused on grounding sequences and mindfulness. In solidarity with Black Lives Matter, all earnings from the class will go toward Critical Exposure, a D.C.-based organization that trains youth to use photography for educational equity and social justice. (5 p.m., $25)
