MONDAY, JULY 13
HUG A TREE: Take a breather from work and commune with nature at the U.S. National Arboretum, now open from 1 to 5 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Though all buildings, most restrooms, and some roads are closed, you can still walk along Holly Spring Road and appreciate the magnolias. There’s a limit to 200 cars at a time, so be prepared for a potential wait. (Opens at 1 p.m., FREE)
MEET YOUR MUSE: Social circles are smaller these days, so consider spending some quality time with your muse during this three-session evening course from Smithsonian Associates. “Where’s My Muse? Flexing Your Creative Muscle” will help you get started on creating art. Bring a pen and a point of inspiration—a photo, poem, memento, or similar—and mixed media artist Sharon Robinson will lead you through three, 2.5-hour sessions on plumbing your creativity. (6:30 p.m., $120)
MORE: Celebrate the Art Experience (Washington Art Museum Meet Ups Group, 3 p.m., FREE), Doc Roundtable: Trailer Night Women in Film & Video (Women in Film & Video, DC, 6:30 p.m., FREE)
TUESDAY, JULY 14
I’M ON A BOAT: Do these 90-degree temps have you hankering to get out on the water? Rent a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard from Boating in DC and observe our fair city while afloat. Locations include the Key Bridge Boathouse, Fletcher’s Boathouse, the Wharf Boat House, and Thompson Boat Center; reserve your craft online before setting sail. Bring a mask and prepare to social distance while on the dock. (Ongoing, $16 -$25 per hour)
GOT ANTIBODIES?: Do a good deed and get tested too. The Red Cross is offering COVID-19 antibody tests for blood donors. With blood and platelet donations in urgent demand, this offer is for a limited time. Go here to find a drive near you or to make an appointment to give. (Ongoing, FREE)
MORE: Herbal Medicine Program (Maryland University of Integrative Health, 7 p.m., FREE), We Have a Situation: Stories about things that go wrong or get out of hand (Story District, 7:30 p.m., pay what you can)
WEDNESDAY, JULY 15
THE HILLS ARE ALIVE: Hillwood Estate, Museum, & Gardens is again open, so make an online reservation and spend an afternoon wandering the rose garden, pet cemetery, and Marjorie Post’s home. Face masks and social distancing are required. (Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., adult ticket is $18)
FELT FERNS: If your green thumb is sorely lacking, consider taking this virtual Made in DC Felted Succulent Class. In 90 minutes, learn how to make a mini needle-felted cactus that will never betray you by shriveling up and dying. Register ahead of time to get your materials and get ready to learn the art of needle felting via Zoom. (6 p.m., $50)
TEA TALK: If you’re ready to dive deep into a virtual conversation on intimacy, gender norms, and misconceptions, check out Planned Parenthood’s online event Spill the Tea. Join researcher, educator, and mental health professional Chanel Jaali Marshall as she leads the chat on creating a fulfilling, healthy, and safe sex life. (6:30 p.m., FREE)
MORE: Master the Job Interview Online Workshop (City of Alexandria Workforce Workforce Development Center, 1 p.m., FREE), Films at the Stone: Jumanji (8:30 p.m., FREE)
THURSDAY, JULY 16
ART APPRECIATION: Virtually tour American University Museum’s exhibition The Spiritual Plane by Yuri Schwebler, then join curator John James Anderson and AU Museum Director & Curator Jack Rasmussen for an online gallery talk. Hear about the conceptual artist who turned the Washington monument into a sundial and learn more about his work. (Disclosure: American University holds the license for DCist’s parent company, WAMU.) (12:30 p.m., FREE)
SPY FAMILY: Get ready for a twist on game night with The Covert Couch Challenge from the Spy Museum. Complete mini-missions, decode messages, and don disguises during this hour-long challenge, recommended for ages 6 and up. (5 p.m., $10 per family or group)
NATURE 411: Celebrate the weekend almost upon us by logging on for Virtual Explorer Trivia Night from the National Geographic Society and District Trivia. Photographer, writer, and filmmaker Ami Vitale along with founder and CEO of Outdoor Afro Rue Mapp will host the event, regale you with stories, and ask Nat Geo-inspired Qs. Register online solo or with friends and get ready for two rounds of trivia during this 45-minute event. (7 p.m., FREE)
FRIENDSHIP 101: Great friendships can sustain you through tough times and make life sweeter, but what does it really take to maintain life-long relationships? Call Your Girlfriend podcast hosts and authors Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman will discuss their friendship and their new book, Big Friendship: How We Keep Each Other Close in this Sixth & I virtual event. Writer and artist Mari Andrew will moderate. (7 p.m., $31 includes book purchase)
MORE: Virtual Movie Night: A Man Named Pearl (American Visionary Art Museum, 6:40 p.m., FREE), Is Statehood Possible? (Historical Society of D.C., 7:30 p.m., FREE)
