WASHINGTON — The dog days of summer in the DMV are in full swing, but just because it's hot and humid out there doesn't mean the fun has to stop. Here are some ways to enjoy the season this weekend. Come winter, you might be missing these long, sunshine-filled days - make the most of them!
If you're trying to pretend the summer's over altogether - we have a couple of events for the season-haters out there, too 😉
Every week, WUSA9 is giving you the details on at least nine local activities to check out in your off time. We'll give you three ideas (and, sometimes, a bonus item or two) every week each in D.C., Maryland and Virginia. Have any more events you think your neighbors should know about? Email the time, place and description to bashford1@wusa9.com.
DC
- Recurring; Friday, July 22 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- District Dogs Training, 3210 Georgia Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20010
- Admission: $15 per dog
Bring your pooch to a pool party they won't soon forget! Everyone deserves to splash around a bit in the summertime and a furry family member is no exception. Plus, bond with other doting dog moms and dads!
"At our Bark Park, your pups will cool off in our doggie pools, splash pads, and sprinklers with plenty of water so they can romp as hard as they want!"
- Saturday, July 23, from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.
- Hard Rock Cafe + Various Venues, 999 E Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20004
- Admission: $10.99
OK - if you're sick of summer, here's your chance to catch a break! Don your favorite ugly sweater, hunt down some spots that still have a few Santa hats in stock, and you'll be all set for this D.C. bar crawl.
"The feeling of Christmas should never go away and we are happy to celebrate it yet for another time of the year," organizers shared. "Get access into all the best bars with exclusive VIP drink specials that our participating bars have to offer. Everyone will be dressed up and amped up to celebrate Christmas in July!"
- Sunday, July 24 at 12 p.m.
- The Washington Ballet Coleman Round Studio, 3308 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016
- Admission: $10 (reservation recommended)
Take part in this unique fitness event taught by professional ballet dancers and reward yourself with a few sweet treats after the workout comes to an end.
"Sarah Steele, an artist with The Washington Ballet and founder of SteeleSculpt, is taking her virtual low-impact, high-burn workouts live with a fun in-person fitness event. Come feel the burn with a 60-minute class led by Sarah and the SteeleSculpt team, plus hang around for free goodies including coffee and treats from @sweets_by_sam, chair massages by @highkeyblance, and Under Armour and Stakt Mat giveaways. @totidanceapparel will also be popping up for shopping."
- Sunday, July 24, 2022 at 11 a.m.
- Organizers say early arrival is encouraged due to the limited number of tables
- The Bullpen, 1201 Half Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
- Admission: Starting at $25
The Black Greek Festival is back and hosting its popular, annual event: the Brunch Olympics!
The Black Greek Festival is an organization that promotes unity and celebrates the Divine Nine, which includes the historically-Black sororities and fraternities of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Delta Sigma Theta, and Zeta Phi Beta, Alpha Phi Alpha, Phi Beta Sigma, Sigma Gamma Rho and Iota Phi Theta. However, organizers welcome all - including those who are not Greek - to attend and join the fun.
"D.C.'s best Food Trucks will be there serving a variety of food options including Surfside Taco 🌮" the description reads. Plus, find bottomless mimosas for $25 until 2 p.m. and a full bar.
MARYLAND
- Friday, July 22 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- National Harbor Boulevard, Oxon Hill, MD 20745
- Admission: Free; pay-what-you-wish encouraged
Spend a romantic evening on the water Friday night, overlookng the Potomac as you listen to sounds of the symphony at the National Harbor in Prince George’s County. "The concert concludes with the University of Maryland’s Fight Song: go Terps!"
- Saturday, July 23 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., with some activities ending at 6 p.m.
- Olney Theatre Center, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney, Maryland
- Admission: Free
This fun-filled free event features activities, eats and drinks all day long in Olney. From a brewery to food trucks featuring crepes and Caribbean bites, there's no need to eat ahead! Plus, get your game on with a little bit of volleyball, Jenga, temporary tattoos and other festivities.
There's also a unique market to stop by; a props sale, right outside the costume department outside the theater.
"Looking for a one-of-a-kind piece? . . . shop for a chance to purchase furniture or other unique pieces that have been handled by actors and featured on stage at Olney Theatre Center!"
- Recurring; Sunday, July 24 at 10 a.m.
- 100 South Maple Avenue, Brunswick, MD
- Admission: General at $84, Advanced at $84, Senior at $84, Military at $76, Student at $84
Talk about a Sunday Funday: this event kicks off with a guided six-mile mellow kayak or canoe tour on the Shenandoah and the day ends with beer and bites. What could be better?
"Participants paddle the mellow wilderness-surrounded Shenandoah River and then enjoy a craft beer tasting along with a personal artisan pizza."
VIRGINIA
- Friday, July 22 8 p.m.; Saturday, July 23, 8 p.m.; Sunday, July 24 at 2 p.m.
- Synetic Theatre, 1800 S Bell Street, Arlington, VA 22202
- Admission: Starting at $25
"Romance, magic, and hijinks take center stage when one of Synetic’s original 'Silent Shakespeare' productions returns for the first time in nearly a decade," the description reads of this festive weekend showing.
"This fantastical production was honored with nine Helen Hayes Award Nominations when it was first produced in 2010, taking home the award for Outstanding Ensemble and Outstanding Resident Play. Since then, the production has performed to great acclaim in 2013 and 2015, and toured Mexico for the 2014 Festival Internacional."
- Saturday, July 23, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Arlington Rooftop Bar & Grill, 2424 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22201
- Admission: Starting at $19.99
If you're looking for a little more fun in Arlington before the evening, how about a whole bunch of margaritas and mimosas to cool off?
"Part Bar Hop, Part Delicious Cocktail Celebration! Features 4 Bars & Restaurants! Hard Seltzer, Hand Crafted Margarita & Mimosa Specials!" organizers shared.
- Sun, July 24, 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Lost Boy Cider, 317 Hooffs Run Drive, Alexandria, VA 22314
- Admission: Starting at $10
Here's one more option for our neighbors missing the holiday season - a family-friendly outdoor showing of the beloved classic, Elf! Treats will be available to purchase on-site and the bar will stay open. Organizers invite all to feel free to bring blankets or your own lawn chair and enjoy the magic of Christmas in July.
Plus, looking for a sweet new hobby to pick up this weekend? Learn the art of decorating with frosting, sprinkles and fondant at this Chantilly cake shop!