FRIDAY JUNE 18
FAMILY & COMMUNITY DAY: On Friday, join the Cardozo Education Campus for their first-ever Juneteenth Family and Community Day. The event is the culmination of their Juneteenth Jubilee Week, will be held outside on the campus, and will offer families ways to honor the history and experiences of Black communities in the United States. (Cardozo Education Campus; 4:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.; FREE)
NATIONAL CATHEDRAL LIGHTING: Join the Washington National Cathedral as they mark the beginning of Juneteenth weekend. At the Juneteenth Lighting for Freedom and Justice, the Cathedral will light the west façade of their building and “celebrate this joyous day of liberation and work towards a just and equitable world for all.” (The Washington National Cathedral; 9 p.m.; FREE)
SWINGERS CLUB (THE OTHER KIND): This weekend, indoor golf venue Swingers is debuting, promising a twist on the 1920’s British ‘crazy golf’ fad in the District. Expect your classic mini golf game, but with street food vendors, bars (with 35 handcrafted libations), and live DJs. (Swingers; 12:30 p.m. – midnight; $19 – $24)
SATURDAY JUNE 19
SÜNDOWN: This Saturday, head to Flash Nightclub & Bar’s rooftop for a combination of hip-hop and R&B with electronic dance music. The Florida Avenue bar is hosting the LA-based duo Vindata for their “SünDown: Juneteenth Celebration”. The party is 21+. (Flash Nightclub & Bar; 4 p.m.-9 p.m.; $25 – $30)
SOUL FOOD: This weekend, Goodies (the regional custard favorite) and Historic America tours are joining forces for a food-friendly walking tour through Alexandria. The event uses historical landmarks to discuss the “invaluable contributions of African American culinary innovation and tradition to the creation of American cuisine.” The event ends with an outdoor meal. (Carlyle House Historic Park; 1 p.m.-3 p.m.; $95)
BLACK WORKERS & WELLNESS: On Saturday, ONE DC is hosting a soft re-opening of Black Workers & Wellness Center in Anacostia. The center will host space for the community to “organize for racial and economic justice through popular education, direct action, and worker-owned economic alternatives.” And after five years of fundraising for the space, it’s time to celebrate. (ONE DC Black Workers & Wellness Center; 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; FREE with donations recommended)
OPEN MIC: Head to Malcolm X on Saturday for a Juneteenth open mic and jam session from Art is + Empowerment (the event business owned by local DJ, poet, and artist Artis Jones) . Expect live music, food, and local vendors — and a celebration of local artists. (Malcolm X Park; 3 p.m.-7 p.m.; FREE)
JUNETEENTH RUN & RIDE: Get some fresh air and endorphins by joining in the District’s Juneteenth Run & Ride. On Saturday, participants can sign up to run a half marathon (along the entirety of the Civil War Defenses of Washington Trail). If a half marathon isn’t for you, come back on Sunday to choose between a 6.19-mile, 18-mile, or 65-mile bike ride. (The 10K run option on Saturday is sold out.) (1820 Erie Street SE; 6:19 a.m.; FREE)
SUNDAY JUNE 20
DESSERTS FOR DADS: On Saturday, visit Hook Hall on Georgia avenue while they host a fathers day event with Park View Farmers Market. The Desserts for Dads & Kids Sing-along will feature desserts (from Here’s The Scoop or Baked by Chanice), an early sign-a-long, and, the regularly programmed market with produce and hot foods from local vendors. (Hook Hall; 10 a.m.-2 p.m., free entry)
VIRTUAL 5K RUN: This Sunday is the last day to complete the fifth annual Sunset Run for Refugees to commemorate World Refugee Day. Most years, the event features a course that ends with a candlelight vigil at the Reflecting Pool on the National Mall — but this year, like in 2020, the event has gone virtual. (FREE with donations encouraged)
