MONDAY, JULY 27
ROAD TRIP: If you just need to get out of town, head south to George Washington’s place. Mount Vernon’s grounds and museum are open, as is the first floor of the mansion. Get your timed ticket and reserve a mansion tour before leaving home. Don’t forget your mask, social distancing rules are in effect! (Mount Vernon, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, adults $20)
STREET SCAVENGE: Find the magic in your own D.C. neighborhood with this scavenger hunt from the Historical Society of Washington. You’ll search for historical plaques, patterns in the street names, and local wildlife—and hopefully get a whole new appreciation for where you live. Share your finds on social media and tag the Society’s Twitter, Instagram orFacebook if you’d like. (Ongoing, FREE)
MORE: PURE BARRE PARKING LOT POP UP (Pure Barre Pentagon City, 6 p.m., FREE), The Korean War & The Korean War Veterans Memorial (Washington D.C. History & Culture, 8 p.m., FREE)
TUESDAY, JULY 28
SPOOKY SCARY: If you’re in the mood for a good fright this week, you’re just in time for DC Shorts’ new virtual film festival Summer Chills, featuring nine short horror films. Expect sendups of genre tropes, psychological thrillers, monster movies, and more. (Available through Aug. 2, $12)
SUN SALUTATIONS: Roll up that yoga mat and head on down to the National Harbor for some outdoor exercise. Enjoy an hour-long class and some fresh air as Cathy Valentine leads you through poses under the Capital Wheel Pier Tent. Make sure to bring your own water and a face mask, too. (Capital Wheel Pier Tent, 7 p.m., FREE)
SHOUK FLAVORS: Running out of dinner ideas? Check out this virtual cooking class from Sixth & I: “Jewish Flavor: From Shouk to Table.” Chef Vered Guttman will cook up a summer meal showcasing her favorite flavors from the shouk, including quick pickled eggplant; ceviche tabbouleh salad; and okra, oregano, feta salad. Get the recipes and shopping list here ahead of time. (7 p.m., $6)
MORE: D.C./Virginia’s 20th Annual Diversity Employment Day Career Fair (City Career Fair, 11 a.m., FREE), Beyond Breath – An Introduction to SKY Breath Meditation Washington DC (Art of Living Foundation, 7 p.m., FREE)
WEDNESDAY, JULY 29
FLOWER POWER: Enjoy one of D.C.’s best outdoor spaces by taking a trip to Kenilworth Park. Now open with social distancing rules in place, you can explore the ponds and spot song birds out for a spin. Go early to beat the heat and crowds, and catch the nightbloom flowers in their full glory. (Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens, open 8 a.m.-4 p.m., FREE)
GARDEN AFTERNOON: Form a “pod” of four to six friends, make a free reservation, and spend three hours outside (with WiFi!) at The Heurich House Museum’s Castle Garden. The museum has designated areas for small groups to gather at least six feet from each other and all walkways. You’re welcome to bring food and drink, blankets, and umbrellas—note that Heurich House’s indoor spaces (including bathrooms) are still closed, and no food and drink is available to purchase on site. (Heurich House Museum, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 2 p.m.-5 p.m., FREE)
HITCHCOCKIAN HOUR: Join poet Sharon Dolin as she discusses her new book, Hitchcock Blonde: A Cinematic Memoir, with author and poet Kim Addonizio. In this virtual Crowdcast event from Loyalty Bookstore, the pair will discuss pop culture, poetry, and personal relationships. Order your book ahead of time when you RSVP or grab it after you hear these writers talk film and fiction. (6 p.m., FREE, book purchase $28)
MORE:Public Speaking Made Easy (Lone Star Toastmasters of Washington, D.C., 7 p.m., FREE), Pitching for Freelancers (D.C. Writer’s Salon, 8 p.m., $35)
THURSDAY, JULY 30
DINNER CONVERSATION: One small way to help families feel more connected—especially during the pandemic? Having dinner together. During this week’s Anacostia Community Museum’s #TakeTimeThursdays, Anne Fishel, PhD, will discuss the importance of family dinner, and how talking things over at the table can help to find common ground and forge connections. (2:30 p.m., FREE)
SHARE OUR STREETS: Learn about biking around the District during this Sharing the Streets virtual event from the Sierra Club. Kori Johnson, DC Community Engagement Manager of Safe Routes Partnership, will discuss making our city safer and more equitable for all. (5:30 p.m., FREE)
BYO BLANKET: Miss venturing out to Wolf Trap? Well, now you can have a Picnic in the Park, prepared by Wolf Trap’s chef and caterers. Dine under the tent on the Ovations deck or head to the Meadow to enjoy your meal. Dinner includes a Caribbean jerk chicken breast or a Caprese panini. Be sure to reserve ahead of time. (6 p.m., $35)
MORE: Story Tapestries Virtual Family Game Night (Story Tapestries, 6:30 p.m., FREE, Donations Accepted), Diversity in Business & Why it Matters (Dr. LaVerne Adams, IAW DC President, 7 p.m., FREE)
