FRIDAY JULY 9
HOMEGROWN: Friday is the first day of HOMEGROWN, a spoken word performance made in collaboration with local established poets and residents from wards 7 and 8. The event uses tactics from storytelling to hiphop and verse to “[celebrate] local spoken word artists and the resilience of D.C., its people, and our communities.” The show is presented by THEARC Theater, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, and Spit Dat — and directed by Alina Collins Maldonado. (THEARC, 8:30 p.m.; $5-$10)
SMOKE & BARREL: Another reopening: start your weekend by heading to Smoke & Barrel, one of the latest D.C. establishments to reopen after closing during the height of the pandemic. The Adams Morgan joint will have its doors open with plenty of BBQ: both vegan and meat varieties. (Smoke & Barrel, open at 4 p.m.)
LIZ MIELE: Stand-up fans can head to Northern Virginia to catch Liz Miele’s standup show at Arlington Drafthouse. You may know her from Comedy Central and her new book, Why Cats Are Assholes. The show is limited to 25% capacity for coronavirus precautions. (Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse, 7:00 p.m. or 9:30 p.m., $20.00)
SATURDAY JULY 10
DANCE PLACE: On Saturday, Dance Place is hosting the livestream of Exquisite Frame, “a performance series presenting work by DMV-based movement artists that leverages the precarious potential of the digital platform.” The show will be the final installment of a three-part series that premiered in the 2020-2021 season. (6:30 p.m.; FREE)
FLAG RAVE: On Saturday, tout your flag for the 10th annual Flag Rave at Karma DC. Partygoers (21+ with valid ID) are encourage to bring their flag and represent at this day party with live DJs. (Karma DC Live Music Venue, 3 p.m.-9 p.m, $20+)
ROSEBUD BAKER: In-person comedy is back. Rosebud Baker takes the DC Improv stage this weekend. Baker has a new podcast, Devil’s Advocate, and has made appearances on Comedy Central. Only general admission tickets are still available. (DC Improv, 7 p.m. or 9:30 p.m., also Thursday and Friday, $25+)
SUNDAY JULY 11
DECADES, TODAY: On Sunday, Decades DC is hosting their regular AfroCode day party. The event offers “non-stop music, dancing, and good vibes” with a mix of hip-hop, AfroBeats & Soca. Pro-tip: Avoid the cover charge by reserving your ticket for between 3 p.m.-4 p.m. (Decades DC, 3 p.m.-9 p.m., FREE to $60)
DRAG QUEEN STORYTIME: This Sunday, head to Unity Park in Adams Morgan for the family-friendly Drag Queen Storytime. The event welcomes kids of all ages and aims “inspire a love of reading, while teaching deeper lessons on diversity, self-love and an appreciation of others.” If you can’t make it — don’t worry: There’ll be follow up events on August 8 and September 12. (Unity Park, 11 a.m.; FREE)
HOT ANYONE SUMMER: DC Fray and National Landing are teaming up to bring you their first-ever in-person fitness event. Summer Crush features a “fitness sampler” with three 20-minute classes from your favorite local #FitFluencers. Expect yoga, dance, a HIIT workout, a live DJ, and swag. (Metropolitan Park at National Landing, 8 a.m.-11 a.m.; $35)
ARTS MARKET: On Sunday, Dupont Underground is hosting Dupont’s Basement, a subterranean arts market. Stop by to browse and purchase your “fancily strange and unique” finds. (Dupont Underground, 12 p.m.-5 p.m., FREE)
PUNK THE CAPITAL: This weekend, The Hut (the alternative performance venue in Anacostia) is offering an in-person screening of Punk the Capital. The documentary follows the origins of the District’s punk rock era — and the filmmaker, James June Schneider, will be present for a Q&A afterwards. (The Hut at Anacostia Arts Center, 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; FREE)
