The A-Z Adventure Guide to Summer in D.C.

Warm weather in D.C. means it’s time for adventures. Outside to inside, 21 and over to family-friendly, there’s at least one letter for you. Here are 26 adventure suggestions. From dressing up as fantastical creatures, kicking off the outdoor concert season, testing out your trivia knowledge, sipping on wine or laughing at others, there’s something for everyone. We can say everyone because everyone likes ice cream. Even if you’re lactose intolerant, there are dairy-free options. 

A is for Awesome Con

6.3-6.5

D.C. pop culture extravaganza brings the largest collection of nerd culture appreciation to the Washington Convention Center in early June. Highlights include Shang-Chi himself Simu Liu; “Breaking Bad” and “The Mandalorian’s” Giancarlo Esposito; and “Lord of the Rings,” “The Goonies” and “Stranger Things’” Sean Astin. But the celebrities aren’t what makes Awesome Con, well, awesome. The cosplaying is what makes Awesome Con worth the ticket. Prices start at $40. Various times. Walter E. Washington Convention Center: 801 Mt Vernon Pl. NW, DC; awesome-con.com // @awesomecons

B is for Broccoli City Festival 

5.7-5.8

The festival that started out as a one-day concert at The Bullpen bar has evolved into a true festival, with two days of sets from hip-hop’s biggest names (21 Savage, Ari Lennox, Rico Nasty and way more), a one-day conference, career expo and 5K. Celebrating 10 years, Broccoli City has become a reliable kickoff to the outdoor music festival season. $109-$499. 1 p.m. RFK Festival Grounds: 2500 Independence Ave. SE, DC; bcfestival.com // @broccolicity

C is for Capital Jazz Fest

6.3-6.5

From the Capital Jazz Fest site: “Each year in June, tens of thousands of music lovers from throughout the country flock to the suburbs of Washington, D.C. to attend ‘the jazz festival with soul.’” Guess when the 2021 Jazz Fest occurred? September. Stupid Covid. Guess when the 2022 Capital Jazz Fest occurs? June 3-5. We’re getting back to normal. Multiple locations; capitaljazz.com 

D is for Drive-in Movies 

There are a few silver linings of the most recent pandemic. Very few, but few nonetheless. One of them is the expansion of drive-in movies. They weren’t extinct before Covid but when most outdoor film screenings were canceled in 2020, drive-ins reminded people it’s actually great to watch a giant screen inside your parked car. 

Union Market drive-in. Photo courtesy of EDENS.

E is for EU Open House

5.14

One of the benefits of living in the District is being surrounded by places owned and operated by other countries. One of the only times you can enter most of these buildings is EU Open House Day. The annual, at least before Covid, event allowed locals to take a glimpse into other cultures. Each embassy is quite different and presents some of the more interesting aspects of their respective cultures. Free. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Multiple locations; events.euintheus.org // @euintheus

F is for Capital Fringe

7.11-7.24

Theatre isn’t exactly a spring or summer-specific activity, but the Capital Fringe Festival is definitely adventurous. The D.C. creative community has benefitted from the annual festival since its first edition in 2006. The 2022 version will be the first in-person since 2019. We’re intrigued for 14 days of brand-new works made and performed by D.C.’s finest thespians. Multiple locations; capitalfringe.org // @capitalfringe

G is for Old-School Gaming

Human interaction is quite nice. Having a game helps that human interaction. From board games to pinball, here are five places in D.C. featuring games that make conversing a bit easier. 

Billiards

Bedrock Billiards: 1841 Columbia Rd. NW, DC; bedrockbilliards.com // @bedrockdc

Board games

Board Room: 1737 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; boardroomdc.com // @boardroomdc

Mini bowling + more

The Eleanor: 100 Florida Ave. NE, DC; 931 Ellsworth Dr. Silver Spring, MD; eleanordc.com // @theeleanordc 

Pinball

Lyman’s Tavern: 3720 14th St. NW, DC; lymanstaverndc.com // @lymanstavern

Shuffleboard + more

The Boardwalk: 507 7th St. NW, DC; boardwalkbardc.com // @boardwalkbardc

H is for Hirshhorn Museum

We shot our cover at the Hirshhorn for a reason. Yes, the Yayoi Kusama exhibit is worth your time, but there’s more to the Smithsonian devoted to modern and contemporary art than great Instagram stories and TikTok videos. Here are five reasons to visit the museum and sculpture garden. Independence Ave. + 7th Street; hirshhorn.si.edu // @hirshhorn

Through 11.27

“One With Eternity”: Yayoi Kusama in the Hirshhorn Collection
We need to acknowledge the biggest reason the Hirshhorn will be one of the busiest museums on the National Mall this summer. Tickets for the popular exhibit are being distributed a little differently than they were in its first run in 2017. This time passes are distributed on the Hirshhorn’s plaza every open day beginning at 9:30 a.m. until all the day’s passes have been claimed. This prevents a secondary ticket market for a free art exhibit. This is a good thing.

5.3

“I have something to say”: Advocating for human rights through artmaking. Laurie Anderson in conversation with her collaborator Mohammed el Gharani and Kweku Mandela Amuah
“Laurie Anderson: The Weather” is quite a different experience than “One With Eternity.” 

Anderson’s work is massive, taking up nearly the entire second floor of the Hirshhorn. Instead of a tiny Infinity Room, you’re swallowed in giant, all black galleries. It’s extremely political and full of pieces that lean into uncomfortable conversations. This event focuses on the subject of one of the galleries, Mohammed el Gharani, who was detained at Guántanamo Bay from 2002 to 2009. Free. 6:45-7:45 p.m. 

5.21

Hirshhorn Ball
Yet another welcome return to normalcy. The 2022 ball theme is pop art. The artist-honoree is Kaws. The emcee is Pussy Noir and the musical guest is Dan Deacon. If you know about pop art or Kaws or Pussy Noir or Dan Deacon, you’re intrigued. If you’re unfamiliar, the ball is an early evening event held in the Hirshhorn outdoor sculpture garden (less Covid to worry about) honoring a pop artist you can find on hip kids’ shirts and on toy shelves. The event is hosted by one of D.C.’s finest drag queens with music from one of Baltimore’s best performance artists/musicians/party starters. $250+. 6:30-10 p.m. 

5.25

“Sam Gilliam: Full Circle” opens
Looking for something a little different? Gilliam’s abstract works are not nearly
as overwhelming as Anderson or Kusama. His work is also extremely D.C.: All of it was made within three miles of the Hirshhorn. 

6.3

Laurie Anderson presents Lou Reed’s “Drones” with Stewart Hurwood
Caution: Do you like it loud? Anderson and Lou Reed were married when he passed in 2013. The couple were together for 21 years and if you followed either of their works, you wouldn’t really know it. That has changed since Reed has left this plain. This event is part of the year-long celebration of Reed’s 80th birthday and is an extension of the annual D.C. audio art festival Sound Scene. Once again, it will be loud. Free. 4-7 p.m.

I is for Ice Cream*

Warm weather means ice cream. Here are some places to get ice cream. In no way is this a definitive list, just what we like in the order we like them as of this writing. Sometimes you want something fancier, sometimes you want McDonald’s soft serve. There is no wrong type of ice cream. 

*We’re including gelato. 

5. Dolcezza: 904 Palmer Alley NW, DC; 1704 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; 7111 Bethesda Ln. Bethesda, MD; more locations; dolcezzagelato.com // @dolcezzagelato

4. The Creamery Union Market: 1309 5th St. NE, DC; thecreamerydc.com //
@the_creamery_at_union_market

3. Moorenko’s Ice Cream: 720 C. St. SE, DC; 8030 Georgia Ave. Silver Spring, MD; moorenkos.com // @moorenkos

2. Pitango: 1841 Columbia Rd. NW, DC; 413 7th St. NW, DC; 4901-A Fairmont Ave. Bethesda, MD; pitangogelato.com // @pitangogelato

1. Thomas Sweet: 3214 P St. NW, DC; thomassweet.com // @thomassweeticecream

J is for Juneteenth 

2022 is only the second year Juneteenth is a federal holiday (Juneteenth falls on Sunday, June 19 with federal observance on Monday, June 20). Celebrations are yet to be announced but if it’s anything like last year, spend Juneteenth at Prince George’s County’s Juneteenth celebration, Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, the African American Civil War Memorial or the Washington National Cathedral. 

K is for Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens 

In a city blessed with thousands of acres of National Parks, Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens may feel like the most D.C. It’s extremely accessible from bike paths and via car. It’s open almost every day of the year. It’s far enough from the National Mall to attract mostly locals. Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens: 1550 Anacostia Ave. NE, DC; nps.gov/keaq 

L is for Lulu’s Winegarden 

Warmer weather means more outdoor imbibing. Lulu’s was appealing before the pandemic and got a little better thanks to their streetery. What was my favorite happy hour off U Street has become my go-to since they’re welcoming to kids and yet also appeal to those who prefer a child-free existence. The back of Lulu’s is why it’s making this A-Z guide. If you want/need a mini-oasis, this is your best outdoor wine bar bet. Lulu’s Winegarden: 1940 11th St. NW, DC; luluswinegarden.com // @luluswinedc

Lulu’s Winegarden. Photo courtesy of location.

M is for Murals

Look around. They’re everywhere. We featured more than 20 excellent D.C. murals in our December 2021 issue and we barely scratched the surface. Annual fests like D.C. Walls brings in artists from around the globe to make this place a bit brighter. Check out our interactive mural map. 

N is for Night Monument-ing 

You know when it’s best to take your out-of-town friends around to visit well-known monuments and statues? When the fewest people are out and about looking at those monuments and statues. That’s the night. From dark to when it’s not creepy is the best time. See as much as you can in a different setting. This is also just good life advice. 

O is for Outdoor Beer Gardens 

This is a no-brainer. It’s way more fun to drink outdoors when the weather is nice and not because you’re doing your best to avoid a potentially life-altering disease. Outdoor beer gardens in D.C. were popular well before 2020 and their relevance has only increased. Here are five of our favorites. 

For a photo with the Elizabeth Taylor mural in the background

Dacha Beer Garden: 1600 7th St. NW, DC; dachadc.com // @dachashaw

For the rooftop beer garden hidden off Georgia Avenue

Denizens Brewing Company: 1115 East-West Hwy. Silver Spring, MD; denizensbrewingco.com //
@denizensbrewing

For the train watching/good for kids

Dew Drop Inn: 2801 8th St. NE, DC; dewdropinndc.com // @thedewdropinndc

For the people watching

Garden District: 1801 14th St. NW, DC; gardendistrictdc.com // @thebeergarden

For the sports fan

The Midlands Beer Garden: 3333 Georgia Ave. NW, DC; midlandsdc.com // @midlands_dc

Dacha Beer Garden. Photo by Brandon Chen.

P is for Capital Pride

6.10-6.12

Yet another return to somewhat normalcy, this year’s Capital Pride theme is ReUnited. It kicks off June 10 with their official opening night party at Echostage featuring SYMONE, winner of season 13 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” The next day is the massive block party, the massive parade and a night two party at City Winery. The gigantic festival and concert takes over Pennsylvania Avenue between 7th and 3rd from noon to 10 p.m. The first gay pride in D.C. was in 1972. 50 years later, this year’s Capital Pride will be quite a bit bigger. Multiple locations; capitalpride.org // @capitalpridedc

Q is for Quiz Nights

In a city that attracts the cream of the crop (at least when it comes to SAT scores and debate team captains), quiz nights in D.C. are a bit more competitive than pretty much everywhere else in America. Here are five of our picks. Our picks have absolutely nothing to do with the kind of trivia you’ll compete in. 

For the cider fan

Capitol Cider House: 3930 Georgia Ave. NW, DC; capitolciderhouse.com // @capciderhouse

For the local brews

City-State Brewing Company: 705 Edgewood St. NE, DC; citystatebrewing.com // @citystatebrewing

For the neighborhood bar aficionado

Looking Glass Lounge: 3634 Georgia Ave. NW, DC; thelookingglasslounge.com // @lookingglasslounge

For the outdoors fan in Edgewood

Metrobar: 640 Rhode Island Ave. NE, DC; metrobardc.com // @metrobardc

For the outdoors fan in NoMa

Wunder Garten: 1101 First St. NE, DC; wundergartendc.com // @wundergartendc

R is for the RAMMYS

7.24

R is the toughest letter in our roundup. Do we go with D.C.’s best and most useful trails (Rock Creek Park)? What about a hidden gem most tourists never visit (Roosevelt Island)? While those natural beauties are must-visits in spring and summer, they’re pretty well-known. We’re going with D.C.’s annual food awards, the RAMMYS for our R. 

Every year the RAMMYS does a fine job letting foodies and non-foodies know about dishes they might enjoy. Think of it as an all-local MICHELIN Guide. And since we’re kinda sorta returning to normal, we think it makes more sense to shine a light on deserving restaurants and bars. We did a ton of outdoor exploring over the last two years and not a ton of indoor dining. Allow this year’s RAMMY nominees to help plan your next outing. $325. 6 p.m. Walter E. Washington Convention Center: 801
Mt Vernon Pl. NW, DC; therammys.org // @ramwdc

S is for Stand-Up 

D.C. comedy fans have a fantastic national club. Attending a show at The DC Improv, whether in the main room or the Lounge, is exactly what you want when you attend a stand-up show. The ceilings are low, all attention is focused toward the stage and the booking is consistently professional. It’s the kind of club you could attend with no knowledge of who’s going up and love it. It’s the kind of club that veteran performers like Todd Glass rave about. 

Until the pandemic, a really great option for acts that couldn’t sell-out four nights of shows at the Improv was Big Hunt. Sean Joyce and the folks at Underground Comedy gave a home to some of the best up-and-coming comics from across the country. Unfortunately, Big Hunt is no longer with us, another victim of the pandemic. 

But Underground Comedy never really stopped. They may have lost their biggest venue, but they’ve consistently filled Room 808, Reliable Tavern, The Wonderland Ballroom and Eaton since shows were slowly reintroduced in mid-2021. This spring the first venue of their very own, Hotbed, opened in the old Songbyrd space. 

Similar to the Improv, Hotbed has low ceilings, all attention is focused toward the stage and the booking is consistently professional. 

Since the comedy industry isn’t here, we’ll never be New York or LA when it comes to comedy. But with places like Hotbed, we’re getting a great farm system for up-and-comers not yet big enough for the Improv but still very much deserving of a first-class venue. 

DC Improv: 1140 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; dcimprov.com // @dcimprov

Hotbed: 2477 18th St. NW, DC; hotbedcomedydc.com // @hotbedcomedy

Reliable Tavern: 3655 Georgia Ave. NW, DC; reliable-tavern.com // @reliabletavern

Room 808: 808 Upshur St. NW, DC; room808dc.com // @room808dc

Wild Days at Eaton: 1201 K St. NW, DC; wild-days-dc.com // @wilddaysdc

The Wonderland Ballroom: 1101 Kenyon St. NW, DC; thewonderlandballroom.com //
@thewonderlanddc

Lafayette Wright performing at Hotbed. Photo courtesy of venue.

T is for Tattoo 

Looking for a way to remember your adventure? How about making the memento part of the adventure? Get a tattoo, the tchotchke that lasts a lifetime. Read T is for Tattoo for more.

U is for U Street 

There’s no one must-visit place on U Street. The block/neighborhood means something different for everyone. Events like Funk Parade are a wonderful introduction to locals and tourists alike. The once-annual parade returns to U Street this May 7. The one-day event is now a weeklong celebration of D.C. culture with a Funk Parade beer release kicking off the festivities and a 2nd Line mural walk on May 4. Multiple locations; funkparade.com // @dcfunkparade

V is for Virginia Vineyards

Time for a day trip. For better or worse, a trip to a Virginia winery is as much about the scenery as is for the grapes. When heading to hike or just wander Shenandoah, consider one of these five wineries on your way in or out. 

Chapelle Charlemagne Vineyards: 13453 Crest Hill Rd. Flint Hill, VA; chapellecharlemagne.com //
@chapellecharlemagne

Early Mountain: 6109 Wolftown-Hood Rd. Madison, VA; earlymountain.com // @earlymountain

Fox Meadow Winery: 3310 Freezeland Rd. Linden, VA; foxmeadowwinery.com // @foxmeadowwinery

Linden Vineyards: 3708 Harrels Corner Rd. Linden, VA; lindenvineyards.com // @lindenvineyards

Rappahannock Cellars: 14437 Hume Rd. Huntly, VA; rappahannockcellars.com // @rcellars

Rappahanock Cellars. Photo by Brandon Chen.

W is for Water

Yes, water. We’re using W for water because whenever we think about warm weather in D.C., water is there. From swimming at Banneker to doing everything else (canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, taking a boat tour, etc.) in the Potomac, we’re a city that loves water. Read Taking the Plunge: Scuba Diving 101 for more.

X is for Malcolm X Park 

It’s not Malcolm X Park on a map. It’s technically Meridian Hill Park but it’s Malcolm X Park to every D.C. resident I’ve ever met. The 12-acre public park is used for lounging, meet-ups, frisbee, running, wedding photo shoots, little kids’ soccer practice, picnics and more. It’s a gorgeous piece of land, beloved and well-used by residents from throughout the District. It’s a fine representation on how to best use public spaces. 16th St.+ W St. NW, DC; nps.gov/places/meridian-hill-park

Boxers in Malcolm X Park. Photo by Andrew J. Williams III.

Y is for Yards Park

Warm weather means baseball. Warm weather really means going to a baseball game. Going to a baseball game is just an excuse to enjoy the warm weather. So regardless of your Nationals ticket status, a trip to Yards Park is a worthwhile warm weather adventure. If you haven’t been to the area since the pandemic, well, it offers quite a few more options. While you may have stayed away, seemingly every area restaurant group has set up shop. Here are five suggestions for your next Yards Park visit.

D.C.’s OG microbrewery

Bluejacket: 300 Tingey St. SE, DC; bluejacketdc.com // @bluejacketdc 

Kid-friendly kiddie pool 

The Yards Park: 355 Water St. SE, DC; capitolriverfront.org/yards-park // @yardsparkdc

Oysters while looking at the Anacostia

The Salt Line: 79 Potomac Ave. SE, DC; thesaltline.com // @thesaltline

Pre-game fast casual

RASA: 1247 First St. SE, DC; rasa.co // @rasa

Pre-game outdoor pizza

Nicoletta Pizza: 301 Water St. SE, DC; nicolettapizza.com // @nicoletta_pizza

Z is for Smithsonian National Zoological Park

One of the safest Smithsonians open over the last few years, the zoo, like most everything else in this guide, is returning to some normalcy. Well-attended annual events like Brew at the Zoo (May 26) and the recent Easter Monday tradition are good reasons to visit the lions and tigers and bears. Need another good reason? This is a free Smithsonian Institution. Smithsonian National Zoological Park: 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; nationalzoo.si.edu // @smithsonianzoo

Brandon Wetherbee