FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
VIP DINNER: Busboys and Poets is continuing its special virtual dinner series this Friday with a very special guest: American novelist Alice Walker. The Color Purple author will be in conversation with Busboys and Poets CEO and Founder Andy Shallal. Beyond her prolific writing, Walker is also known for her activism. Don’t forget to order some food, kick up your feet, and tune in for an engaging conversation. (6 p.m., FREE)
ON THE FRONT PORCH: Creative Suitland Arts Center is hosting a virtual porchfest through all of August. The Front Porch Concert Series will feature a wide array of free live music and family-friendly entertainment by local artists via livestream. On Friday, tune in for soul singer-songwriter Jenna Camille. (7 p.m., FREE, donations accepted)
DINE OUT: Celebrate Black-owned businesses this week by participating in the DC Black-Owned Restaurant Sweepstakes. Organized by Feed the Malik blogger Anela Malik (who has contributed to DCist), HalfSmoke, and charity events startup Raise Nation, participants who visit a participating Black-owned establishment and scan the QR code are eligible to win prizes, including gift cards and basketball jerseys. The sweepstakes goes through August 16, so Friday is a great day to get started and dine. Participating restaurants can be viewed here. (All night, prices vary)
SATURDAY, AUGUST 8
ADVENTURE TIME: UP Adventure, a yoga and wellness studio, is hosting a group hike session. Participants will hike with an experienced guide through Whiteoak Canyon in Shenandoah National Park and then cool off with a refreshing swim in the waterfalls on the way down. The trip will take all day, so plan accordingly. Masks will be required when group members are within six feet of each other. (Meet at 8083 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, Md., 7:30 a.m., $35)
DON’T WINE ABOUT IT: Sound smart the next time you order a bottle of wine. Food and Wine magazine’s 2019 Sommelier of the Year Erik Segelbaum is joining the Smithsonian Associates for a virtual event on the wines of France and Italy. He will talk navigating wine lists, pairing wine and food and more for wine lovers. (4 p.m., $65-$75)
HARD TIMES: Let’s face it: These are hard times. Allow the Keegan Theatre to shine some light on the situation with actress/singer Chani Wereley in this livestream performance of Werely’s solo cabaret Hard Times. Donations for the show will go to support For the Gworls’ Rent and Gender-Affirming Surgery Fund, which accepts applications from Black, transgender people nationwide. (8 p.m., $5 suggested donation)
SUNDAY, AUGUST 9
SKETCH IT OUT: Grab your sketchbook and join the Del Rey Artisans for an afternoon of drawing outside. Participants can drop in any time during the afternoon to join others outdoors to draw still life, figure, and architecture subjects in their sketchbooks. A review of finished works will take place at the end of the meet-up. All participants are asked to maintain distance and wear masks. (St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub, 2300 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, Va., 1 p.m., FREE)
SIP AND PICK: Grab a glass and then pick some flowers. Valley-Ho Farm is teaming up with Mazzaroth Vineyard to allow you to enjoy a glass of wine as you peruse the farm’s flower fields. A ticket grants entry for up to six people as well as one wrapped bouquet of flowers you can pick yourself. Wine will be sold by glass and bottle. The farm is spacious so there’s enough room to spread out from others and enjoy yourself. (7800 Picnic Woods Road, Middletown, Md., 6 p.m., $15)
THEATRE TIME: Join the Rorschach Theatre for a unique series of performances. Klecksography 2020, an annual event, is going virtual to bring together more than 50 artists who will be creating work inspired by a local visual art project. Tune in for short plays and films that showcase the talent of D.C.’s emerging artists. The YouTube link will be available to all, but participants are encouraged to pay what they can. (7 p.m., FREE, donations accepted)
CAN I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION: They’ve had months to come up with new material, so now join them for an exciting variety show. Eight local comedians, musicians and dancers will be putting on a socially-distanced outdoor show this Sunday titled Pay Attention (To Us). The free show will take place at the Wheaton Town Center and participants are encouraged to grab food from nearby restaurants before heading over. (Wheaton Town Center, 7 p.m., FREE)
