Pride celebrations get underway across the D.C. area this weekend, with festivals and parades from Leesburg to Takoma. Celebrations of America’s 250th birthday will shut down streets outside the National Archives and take over the National Gallery of Art. Outdoor concerts, movie screenings, markets and happy hours beckon everyone to celebrate the weather. This is a weekend to explore museums with admission charges, put on a sundress for a good cause, celebrate one of D.C.’s greatest go-go bands, or sample a new or spicy cuisine you haven’t tried before.
Thursday, June 4
Party with Pride at the Phillips Collection
June’s Phillips After 5 soiree is a full-on embrace of Pride, with a performance by drag star Vagenesis, puppetry with Penny Pancakes and Paige O’Malley, music from pop and R&B singer Be Steadwell, and storytelling with drag king Dr. Torcher. Visitors can make sparkling phone charms and headbands for Pride celebrations, learn about art during pop-up curator talks, and dance to DJ Duchess. 5 to 8:30 p.m. phillipscollection.org. $20.
Movie Nights in Adams Morgan: Sing-along ‘Hamilton’
Amid all the hype about America’s 250th birthday, here’s how to get closest to the Founding Fathers and the room where it happened: A sing-along screening of the “Hamilton” musical outdoors on the soccer field at Adams Morgan’s Marie Reed Recreation Center. These weekly viewing parties take place amid the hustle and bustle of the neighborhood’s nightlife, with nearby restaurants often offering takeout specials if you’re hungry and want a movie backdrop for an after-work hangout. Films begin 20 to 30 minutes after sunset. Free.
Extended summer hours (and happy hour) at the National Gallery of Art
There’s nothing like meeting friends outside after work on a warm evening, especially when you can catch up over a charcuterie board and a glass of wine, or a carafe of sangria, depending on how many friends are joining. The National Gallery of Art’s extended summer hours in the Sculpture Garden let you trade a busy restaurant patio for a much larger, greener space, with the bonus of picnicking while surrounded by art created by Louise Bourgeois, Alexander Calder and Roy Lichtenstein. The garden is open until 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, except during Jazz in the Garden programs on select Fridays. Happy hour, which runs from 5 to 7 p.m., includes $9.50 glasses of wine, $29 pitchers of sangria, and beers and seltzers from $9 to $10.50. There’s food for grazing, including $10.50 charcuterie boards and $9.50 salads, although you’re welcome to bring your own food. Wednesday through Saturday through Sept. 5. Free.
Making gay history at Congressional Cemetery
Capitol Hill’s Congressional Cemetery is famous for its “Gay Corner,” which includes the graves of many icons of the American gay rights movement, such as Frank Kameny, a government employee who sued after being fired for his sexual orientation in 1957, and Leonard Matlovich, an Air Force veteran who was discharged after revealing his sexuality in 1975. To kick off Congressional’s Pride events, the cemetery’s speaker series hosts historian Eric Marcus, founder of the “Making Gay History” podcast. Marcus’s presentation is followed by a guided tour of LGBTQ graves. 5:30 to 8 p.m. congressionalcemetery.org. $20.
Motion Party Hike at the Marvin Gaye Recreation Center
Run clubs run rampant in the city, but a hike club? Join the Hike Crew, a D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation event partnering with Arena Stage and other organizers, for a guided, beginner-friendly, three-mile hike that takes about 45 minutes. Along the way, hikers will identify wildflowers and native flora. The adventure begins at the Marvin Gaye Recreation Center, accessible via the Blue Line, and music and conversation will carry the group to the finish line. And the finish line is less finish line and more dance floor: The evening ends with a line-dancing party, just with hiking boots instead of cowboy boots. Bring your kids and dogs. 6:30 p.m. Free; RSVP requested.
New summer happy hour at Jack Rose Dining Saloon
Frozen Maker’s Mark banana coladas and strawberry margaritas are among the new cocktails on Jack Rose’s summer menu, and the Adams Morgan whiskey bar is hosting a special rooftop happy hour with $10 drinks and half-price snacks as a way to introduce the menu to the public. 5 to 7:30 p.m. Free admission.
Friday, June 5
Spirit of Independence Festival at the National Archives
Think of the Spirit of Independence Festival as the beginning of the official countdown to the Declaration of Independence’s 250th birthday. Just as Constitution Avenue is closed on July 4 for the National Archives’ annual reading of the Declaration, plus live music and the annual National Independence Day Parade, it’s being closed Thursday, Friday and Saturday on the first weekend of June for a multiday, family-friendly party in front of the National Archives building.
The daytime events are free, though timed entry tickets are strongly encouraged. Friday’s “Stars and Stories Fest” mixes historical reenactors, face painting, Disney music and genealogy research. Saturday begins with Yappy Hour, welcoming dogs and humans for giveaways, music, caricatures and a “Patriotic Pooch” costume contest, and also highlights a Salute to Service program featuring military bands, hands-on activities and the display of a helicopter from the Vietnam War. All these events take place outside the Archives, which will be open as usual; Visitors who want to see the Declaration, Constitution and other documents receive admission to the Archives museum when they reserve tickets to the Spirit of Independence Festival. Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free.
Music in the Meadow after hours at the U.S. National Arboretum
Sirius Company’s fusion of sultry R&B and smooth go-go kicks off the Music in the Meadow concert series at the National Arboretum, where bands play in the shadow of the National Capitol Columns in the Ellipse Meadow — one of the most beautiful settings you’ll find in D.C. Food trucks, including DCity Smokehouse, Timber Pizza, Plant Based Joy and Lattimore’s Funnel Cakes, will be on hand if you need picnic supplies. (BYO blankets.) Gates open at 5:30 p.m.; concert from 7 to 9. $28.52; Free for children 12 and younger. No tickets will be sold at the door.
Lucky Danger’s Mahjong Social Club’s first anniversary
The wildly popular mah-jongg party at Chinatown’s Lucky Danger is celebrating its first anniversary by inviting everyone over to play mah-jongg. While reservations usually fill up in advance, this Friday is first-come, first-served, with a 30-minute time limit for games. (You’re playing 13-piece Chinese mah-jongg only.) Single players will be matched with other groups. Drink specials are offered all night, while Les the DJ provides an appropriate soundtrack. 5 to 10 p.m. Free.
Sail into Summer at the Yards
For some people, nothing says “summer” like slipping on a pair of boat shoes and cueing up the smooth grooves of Steely Dan and Christopher Cross. The Yards welcomes yacht rock fans back to the lawn on the banks of the Anacostia, where tribute band Got Yacht performs for a crowd wearing captain’s hats (free while supplies last), picnicking with food from neighborhood restaurants, and sipping rosé from District Winery. 6 to 8 p.m. Free.
Caribbean FilmFest at AFI Silver Theatre
In honor of Caribbean Heritage Month, the D.C. Caribbean FilmFest returns to AFI Silver. The slate of films includes plenty of documentaries, including “Reggae Girlz,” about the scrappy Jamaican women’s football team with a Bob Marley soundtrack; “Agridulce,” which focuses on the Dominican Republic music style bachata; and, on closing night, “Carnival: They Can’t Steal Our Joy,” which traces the colorful Caribbean festival tradition. Musicals, crime dramas and classic films round out the selections, and the festival includes filmmaker Q&A sessions and an opening reception sponsored by the embassies of Barbados and Guyana. Through June 11. $8-$14.
Night Market at Brookland Arts Walk
Mix handmade art, backgammon, coffee, tea and freshly baked goods, and you’ll get a Jomeh Bazar. The lineup of pop-up businesses is quite diverse, and as you walk through Brookland, live poetry readings and music from a DJ will provide the soundtrack while local artisans share their work. This new evening market series will feature baklava, chai, herbs and even books sold by a long list of vendors. 5 to 9 p.m. Free.
Pride kickoff party at the Roost
The Roost launches a drag-queen-inspired cocktail menu with such drinks as the tropical Hoot and Holler (inspired by local drag queen Tara Hoot) and the fizzy House of Violet, a mix of tequila, dragonfruit and butterfly pea for color. The party features DJ Jet Hayes and ticket giveaways to see upcoming shows by Big Freedia and Dorian Electra. 7:30 p.m. Free.
Storytelling Comedy Show at Big Bear Cafe
Six comedians will share (true) stories behind Big Bear Cafe’s rustic brick walls that organizers promise “you won’t hear anywhere else.” Comedians Jenny Cavallero, Badar Tareen, Jamie Mack, D Lo, Chris Sintentos, Mahmoud Jaber, and Rola Z., will perform upstairs in an intimate setting. Outside food or drinks aren’t permitted but the cafe will be open before the show’s start time. 7 to 8:30 p.m. $25.
Kim Coletta, John Davis, Chris Richards at Art Sound Language
If you’d rather hang out and listen to music at an incredibly cool record store on Friday night than pack into a crowded bar, head for Chevy Chase. Former Washington Post music critic Chris Richards, his former Q and Not U bandmate John Davis, and Jawbox bassist/DeSoto Records co-owner Kim Coletta are the DJs for the evening. Bring your own refreshments. 6 to 9 p.m. Free.
WiFiGawd at the Black Cat
D.C.’s own WiFiGawd celebrates his latest album, a deluxe edition of last year’s “The Dynasty,” with a loaded bill at the Black Cat. The uber-prolific rapper-producer has been one of the underground’s favorite and most influential talents for years, with an uncanny ability to find his pocket, no matter who’s behind the board crafting woozy, in-the-red productions. He’s joined by equally influential Atlanta rapper Key, canvas-expanding Philly punks Soul Glo, D.C. hardcore act Sluggo and Black Rave Culture DJ Amal. 8 p.m. $26.40.
‘Sun Ra: Do the Impossible’ at Woolly Mammoth
We’re still a few weeks away from the annual Home Rule Music Festival, but the festivities are getting underway with a screening of “Sun Ra: Do the Impossible,” a documentary about the cosmic jazz legend and Afrofuturist, presented in conjunction with local jazz organization CapitalBop. A reception and discussion of Sun Ra’s music and influence follows. 7 p.m. $10.
Saturday, June 6
Block Party at National Gallery of Art
The largest public program in the history of the National Gallery of Art takes over the East and West buildings, the Fourth Street plaza and the Sculpture Garden for a full day of artsy activities. Visitors can help artists create collaborative murals, make their own portraits or zines, listen to marching bands and steel drum musicians, build sculptures with Lego, participate in family yoga, and learn more about the museum’s collection with pop-up talks about featured works. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free.
Dupont and Kalorama Museum Walk Weekend
Members of the Dupont Kalorama Museums Consortium open their doors to the public with no admission charge on Saturday and Sunday as part of the group’s annual Museum Walk Weekend. The Phillips Collection, America’s first modern art museum, is the star, with works by Vincent van Gogh, Mark Rothko, Sam Gilliam and Ellsworth Kelly on display in its permanent collection, and pop-up talks and a family play area throughout the weekend. (Note that its current exhibition, “Miró and the United States,” requires the purchase of a ticket, but other galleries are open.) Other highlights include “Pickets, Protests, and Parades: The History of Gay Pride in Washington” at Dupont Underground, an arts space in the streetcar tunnels under Dupont Circle; and “Wilson’s Washington, America’s Struggle: Race and Civil Liberties in the Capital” at the Woodrow Wilson House, which tells the stories of Washingtonians in the early 20th century. The National Museum of American Jewish Military History and Anderson House are also participating. Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free.
Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington: ‘Soul Divas’ at the Lincoln Theatre
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington will probably have the crowd dancing in the Lincoln Theatre’s aisles, thanks to a program that includes Whitney Houston’s “How Will I Know,” Patti LaBelle’s “Lady Marmalade” and Diana Ross’s “I’m Coming Out.” This tribute to iconic “Soul Divas” also honors Tina Turner, Donna Summer, Aretha Franklin and D.C.’s own Roberta Flack. Saturday’s performance is ASL-interpreted. Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 5 p.m. $32.50-$78.40.
DC Print Fair at Eastern Market
Prints of all stripes — lithographs, hand-carved woodblock prints, screen prints, etchings, letterpress, modern fine art — are featured at East City Art’s annual festival inside Eastern Market’s North Hall this weekend. In addition to browsing works by 25 artists, ranging in size from note cards to posters, visitors can take part in hands-on printmaking activities from Capitol Hill Arts Workshop and programming with Pyramid Atlantic and the Washington Studio School. Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free.
Pride Family Day at the Smithsonian American Art Museum
Works by LGBTQ+ artists inspire hands-on crafting and coloring sheets at the Smithsonian’s annual festival, held in the Kogod Courtyard. The D.C. Different Drummers Marching Band and GenOUT, the youth chorus of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, are featured performers, alongside Les the DJ. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free.
Loudoun Pride festival at Ida Lee Park
Loudoun Pride turns five this year, and the day-long festival in Leesburg really has something for everyone. There’s music on two stages, including DJs and pop cover bands, as well as drag performers for both families and grown-ups. Try ax throwing, smash up a rage room, bounce through an obstacle course or be amazed by a wandering magician. Adults can sip local beers and wines, while kids can get their faces painted before enjoying ice cream and lemonade. Noon to 6 p.m. $5.
Pride Month beer release at Lost Generation
Lost Generation Brewing celebrates Pride with a pair of new products on Saturday: Audacity to Exist, a blonde ale brewed with strawberries, and Passionfruit Mojito Seltzer, where the name speaks for itself. Get a first taste during the Eckington craft brewery’s release party, which also features drag performances, DJ Scorpio and food vendors. The best part: All proceeds from the new beverages benefit the Capital Pride Alliance. Noon to 3 p.m. Free.
Woodmoorstock in Silver Spring
Adams Morgan and Petworth have filled their streets for Porchfest concerts in recent weeks. Now, it’s the suburbs’ turn to rock. The fifth Woodmoorstock brings more than 80 bands to 14 stages around the leafy driveways and cul-de-sacs of the Silver Spring community, as well as food and beverage trucks. (Also, unlike some other festivals, Woodmoorstock has public bathrooms and features them clearly on its map.) Pro tip: Park at Montgomery Blair High School rather than circle looking for parking. Noon to 7 p.m. Free.
U.S. Soccer doubleheader at Wunder Garten
The World Cup begins in less than a week, but the U.S. Men’s National Team still has a final warm up game against Germany before the results start to count. Meanwhile, the U.S. Women’s National Team is finding its groove before next year’s 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil. Both teams play Saturday — the U.S. men against Germany at 2:30, the U.S. women against Brazil at 5:30 — and NoMa beer garden Wunder Garten is showing the matches back-to-back, with drink specials and games, while also giving away a pair of tickets to the World Cup. Admission is free, though an optional ticket purchased through local sports league Volo includes two beers and extra perks. Doors open at noon. Free-$16.50.
Picnic Day at the Kreeger Museum
It’s Picnic Day in the Sculpture Garden at the Kreeger Museum. Pack your berries, charcuterie boards, chips and whatever else belongs in your picnic basket, plus a blanket and a few friends. If you forget the snacks though, don’t worry, refreshments will be available for purchase. Kids can take part in scavenger hunts throughout the day, and guided tours of the garden will be offered. The museum asks guests to leave chairs and glass bottles at home. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free.
Merry Pin’s second anniversary
Merry Pin, D.C.’s destination for crafts, art supplies and classes, is celebrating two years in business by doing what it does best: Inviting the community in for some crafting fun. Help add to a communal window display, do some DIY printing or iron-ons, or bring the kids for a story time reading of “A Flash of Color and Light,” a children’s book about glass artist Dale Chihuly. Happy hour runs from 1 to 5 p.m., and free cake and bubbly are served at 3. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Free.
Island Vibes Luau at Atlas Brew Works
Atlas Brew Works’ Anacostia taproom might be your go-to spot for IPAs and crisp pilsners, but for one afternoon, you can say “aloha” to tiki drinks and a pig roast. Owen Thomson, the one of the rum-loving bartenders behind U Street’s legendary Archipelago and the Lost Island cocktail pop-up, is visiting Atlas to mix up some fruity, boozy drinks while Mechos Dominican Kitchen prepares a traditional pig roast. DJ Tony T of the Pug spins yacht rock and party jams. 3 p.m. until last call. Free.
Spicy Food Fest at Solace Outpost Falls Church
Attention capsaicin addicts: Solace Brewing’s Spicy Food Fest brings all kinds of products from the higher reaches of the Scoville scale to Falls Church. Whether you prefer your heat from hot sauces, chili crisp, salsa or numbing Szechuan peppers, it’s on the menu, alongside beers from local breweries, and entertainment from local bands. Oh, and did we mention that Solace is unveiling a Belgian ale barrel-aged with ghost peppers and scorpion peppers? 1 to 5 p.m. Free.
June Open House at the Living Room
The Living Room in Mount Pleasant is a collective founded by locals Ray, Adriana and Cee to create a neighborhood third space for gathering and making art a part of everyday life. While the space regularly offers drop-in hours, the June Open House is designed as an official yet casual opportunity to stop by, work on your creative projects with no limits or contribute to collaborative ones in progress by the community. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free.
Mini Art Market at Ceremony Coffee Roasters
If you like coffee and art, this one’s for you. Grab a latte, espresso or whatever caffeinated drink you prefer and browse seven vendors at Ceremony Coffee Roasters’ third art market. Local DJ Cece Brown will spin her favorite summer tunes, while visitors can get their portrait drawn, shop ceramics and browse handsewn plushies to add to their collection. Despite the name, the vendor lineup feels anything but mini. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free.
Sunday, June 7
Wonderland Sundress Festival at Wonderland Ballroom
Over the past two decades, Wonderland Ballroom’s Sundress Festival has become one of D.C.’s most unusual and most beloved ways to welcome summer. The barrier to entry is wearing a sundress — comfy, breezy attire that’s perfect for hanging out on a warm afternoon and flatters a multitude of body types. Sure, there are some people who make the most of the occasion: On Wonderland’s Instagram page, owner Rose Donna recalls a man who matched his dress to the flowers in his flowing hair and beard. But it’s hard to be self-conscious about your outfit when everyone dancing or drinking beers next to you is wearing basically the same thing.
Sundress Fest started as a low-key party on the Columbia Heights bar’s patio, but has gotten so popular that, last year, despite closing 11th Street NW between Kenyon and Lamont streets to make room for a stage, bars and food trucks, there was still an hours-long wait to enter. This year, the block party is twice as big, stretching up 11th from Irving to Lamont. DJs Raci, O’s Cool, Eskimo and Retrospect will be spinning for the be-dressed crowd, including a tribute to Prince. (If you have a purple sundress at home, Prince’s birthday is the perfect occasion to wear it.) As always, proceeds go to a local charity — D.C. Central Kitchen is the beneficiary again this year. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. $25; $100 for a skip-the-line pass with three drink tokens and a koozie.
Salute to Go-Go: Backyard Band at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
This year marks the 50th anniversary of go-go. It’s also the 35th anniversary of Backyard Band, one of the most influential groups in the genre’s history, known for Anwan “Big G” Glover’s unmistakable growl, cranking jams like “Ruff It Off,” and an iconic cover of Adele’s “Hello.” To celebrate the pair of anniversaries, and mark African American Music Appreciation Month, the DC Library is hosting Backyard for a special performance with two sets. Previous go-go shows with groups like Rare Essence have hit capacity — yes, people dance at the library — so make sure you arrive early. 1 p.m. Concert from 1:30 to 4:30. Free.
Kitty Kat Ball at the 9:30 Club
A fierce collection of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” contestants from Season 18 on tour is heading to the 9:30 Club this weekend, led by All Stars Season 9 winner Angeria Paris VanMicheals. Expect more looks, lip-synchs and comedy for an all-ages crowd, but note that Season 18 winner Myki Meeks, who is appearing on other dates on the tour, will not be in D.C. 7:15 p.m. $63.85-$177.65.
Takoma Pride in Takoma Park
Everyone is welcome to march in the annual Takoma Pride Parade, which begins at 10 a.m. and proceeds a half-mile down Carroll Avenue between the Takoma Park-Silver Spring Food Co-Op and the intersection of Carroll and Laurel avenues. Arrive at 9 a.m. for DIY sign-making before joining in or just watching. Afterward, there’s a street fair with tables for local organizations and businesses, crafts, face painting, and food and drinks. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free.
Cleveland Park Day
The historic streetcar neighborhood is in full festival mode during its annual celebration, with three stages set up along the Connecticut Avenue shopping district and its pedestrian-friendly promenade. Throughout the day, there will be live music, dance and fitness classes, and a talent show for both humans and pets. The Park and Shop parking lot hosts a kid zone with face painting, a bouncy castle, obstacle courses and games, while an outdoor market features dozens of vendors, and bars and restaurants offer specials. Noon to 5 p.m. Free.
The Petworth Flea
Forty vendors will be selling vintage collectibles, clothing, trinkets, furniture and more at this first flea market organized by Petworth local businesses Lulabelle’s, Fia’s and Loyalty Books. Whether you’re a serious collector or just curious enough to wander through for a lap or two, there’s plenty to browse. Consider it a chance to skip the fast fashion and shop secondhand instead. And with six hours on the schedule, you don’t have to worry about getting there right at the event’s start — there’s plenty of time to stop by. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free.
Prince birthday celebrations
Prince Rogers Nelson was born on June 7, 1958, and it remains a day to honor and celebrate his music. Hyattsville’s Fireplace Records has dubbed it Purple Day, and features a “Sunday Service” set by DJ Shane, beginning at noon, before D.C.’s foremost Princeologist, DJ Dredd, takes over to show off some gems from his collection of Prince memorabilia and drop a set of Prince and Prince-related artists. (Noon to 4 p.m. Free.) In D.C., the roving Funset dance party drops anchor at Sandlot Downtown — a former Crunch Fitness near Metro Center that has been taken over and rejuvenated by the crew behind the Sandlot pop-up bars and cultural spaces, including a rooftop area. DJs Jahsonic, Adrian Loving and D. Painter honor Prince on the turntables all evening. (4 to 10 p.m. Free; RSVP requested.)
For the Record: A Love Letter to D.C. at Home Rule Records
When you combine a wine reception with a vinyl listening session, you get an event like this. Charvis Campbell, co-owner of Petworth’s jazz-funk-go-go (and more) beloved record store, Home Rule Records, invites guests to listen to the music that mirrors and shares the legacy of “Chocolate City,” the nickname given to Washington when it had a majority-Black population. The evening is a moment for locals, newbies and D.C. natives alike, to hear the cultural history of the music that makes D.C., and also is a companion event to Justin Weaks’ Woolly Mammoth Theatre production, “A Fine Madness.” 5 to 6:30 p.m. Free.
Taste of Wheaton at Marian Fryer Plaza
This Montgomery County suburb is known for its stellar and diverse restaurant scene, serving up everything from burgers to tacos or Korean barbecue. The neighborhood’s 30th annual Taste of Wheaton food festival brings local restaurants together in one spot. You’ll get to try bites from the smorgasbord while enjoying live music and cultural performances at this family-friendly event. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Festival admission is free.
Vintage Styling Session at Golden Hour Collective
Ever bought something you loved but had no idea how to style? Golden Hour Collective, a new vintage store in the heart of Adams Morgan, is inviting its neighborhood shoppers to an expert styling session led by Stephanie of Thrift the District. Not only will you receive personalized styling advice and a private shopping experience while learning how to find pieces that fit your body type, personal style and wardrobe goals, but your ticket also includes a wine or nonalcoholic beverage, and a chance to socialize with fellow thrifters and vintage lovers. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. $8.
Tony Awards viewing party at JR’s
JR’s is D.C.’s capital of sing-along show tunes, so it makes sense that the Dupont Circle LGBTQ+ bar is also the place to go to watch the Tony Awards. Don’t forget about the day-long Sunday Funday specials, including $7 vodka Red Bulls and $4 Truly drafts. 8 p.m. Free.
Monday, June 8
World Ocean Day at the National Museum of Natural History
Regardless of whether a beach trip is on the agenda this summer, the National Museum of Natural History’s Sant Ocean Hall is the perfect place to celebrate World Ocean Day. Roam around the exhibit’s Conversation Stations, where scientists will explain coral reefs, marine sanctuaries and other topics between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration experts will be on hand from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to discuss the interactive visualizations on Sant Ocean Hall’s giant globe. The ocean celebration continues on Tuesday with an after-hours program geared to adults from 6:30 to 8:15 p.m. as zoologist Matt Girard talks about museum scientists’ efforts to build a DNA reference library for certain species of fish. Various times on Monday and Tuesday. Free, registration required online for Tuesday’s adult program.
Tuesday, June 9
U.S. Marine Corps Sunset Parades at the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial
A staple of summer for tourists and local residents since 1956, the weekly Sunset Parades at the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial are known for their pageantry. The 45-minute program features music by the United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps and a stunning display of synchronized movement by the Silent Drill Platoon, who march in unison while spinning and tossing their rifles, bayonets gleaming the sun, with nary a word. Tuesday performances in Arlington are more casual than the Friday night parades at the Marine Barracks in Southeast Washington: guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets, and no reservations are required. Tuesdays through Aug. 11 at 7 p.m., except July 7. Free.
Wednesday, June 10
Night of Expression at Busboys and Poets
Poets, musicians, storytellers and drag artists share the microphone and the stage at the Night of Expression, an annual Pride event at Busboys and Poets. This year’s featured performers include Be Steadwell, Charity Blackwell and Ricky Rosé, but members of the audience are encouraged to share their stories and talents, too. 7 to 9 p.m. $21.70.
150th anniversary of the Adas Israel Synagogue at the Capital Jewish Museum
The first purpose-built synagogue in D.C. opened in 1876, just in time for the nation’s 100th birthday, with President Ulysses S. Grant among those in attendance. The Adas Israel Synagogue building has been relocated twice since then, and currently sits as part of the Capital Jewish Museum. Learn more about the historic structure, its preservation and its future during an evening at the museum welcoming a new display about Adas Israel, and a commemoration of its legacy. 6 to 8 p.m. Free; RSVP required.
Amyl and the Sniffers at the Anthem
Want a raucous night out? Don’t overthink it: Pub rockers nonpareil Amyl and the Sniffers certainly don’t. The Aussie outfit churns out fuzzy riffs, straight-ahead rhythms and the snarls and come-ons of frontwoman Amy Taylor, offering the fizzy rush of their band’s namesake chemical. 8 p.m. $62.25-$90.95.
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