Stir-Crazy Radar: June Issue

As we enter yet another month of social distancing regulations, many social events once enjoyed in the real world have made the migration to online. Artist showcases, concerts, museum tours and even Pride events are coming to you live this month on your couch. Check out the latest iteration of Stir-Crazy Radar.

6.1-7.30

Stretching Arms
Print and digital publication A Women’s Thing is featuring four female artists in the virtual exhibition “Stretching Arms.” This exhibition highlights artworks that provide reflection, empathy and self-compassion to viewers while establishing a community that transcends the isolation we are all currently faced with. Free to attend. www.awomensthing.org // @awomensthing

6.10

Our Time is Now
Stacey Abrams, who rose to national recognition during the 2018 Georgia gubernatorial election, joins Joy Reid for a virtual conversation via Sixth & I. Tune in to educate yourself on how to end voter suppression laws and empower yourself and community to take back the vote. A link to the program will be sent two hours before it begins at 7 p.m. Tickets $10. Receive a signed copy of Abram’s book. Our Time is Now with your ticket for $33. www.sixthandi.org // @sixthandi

6.11-6.13

Homefest
In honor of their annual campout Domefest, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong will stream a unique digital music festival cleverly dubbed “Homefest.” Enjoy live music virtually by Pigeons Playing Ping Pong and other artists still to be announced. Tickets start at $34.99. www.domefestival.com // @domefestofficial

6.12

Covert Couch Challenge
The International Spy Museum is invading your home for family game night. Play with just your household, or invite friends and family to join from their own homes as you race to complete missions packed with code cracking, spy gadgets and disguises. The challenge takes place from 5-6 p.m. Tickets are $10 per household. www.spymuseum.org // @spymuseum

6.12 & 6.19

Union Market Drive-In
The drive-in at Union Market is back for its eighth season. Watch great films from the convenience of your car. There is a $15 parking fee per car, and advance purchase is highly recommended. For social distancing reasons, no walk-ups, bike-ups or picnickers are allowed. All guests must be in their vehicle at all times. All films are shown with open captions. Friday, June 5 film TBD, The Secret Life of Pets on Friday, June 12 and  Men in Black on Friday, June 19. Lot opens 7:30 p.m. and closes promptly at 8:30 p.m., film begins 8:45 p.m. www.unionmarketdc.com // @unionmarketdc

6.13

Quarantine Olympics
DC Fray knows you’re bummed about the cancellation of the 2020 Olympics, and they are too. So, they’ve decided to bring the gold home to you! Participate in teams of two to four players to conquer a quarantine scavenger hunt, flip cup, a brainiac trivia challenge and pong relay. Teams of two cost $30 to register, three players cost $36 and four players cost $40. Games begin at 12 p.m. www.dcfray.com // @dcfray

6.13 & 6.20

Porch Fest
Rhode Island Avenue Main Street is bringing the annual Porch Fest indoors. Livestream the two mini-festivals straight to your living room from 12-4 p.m. Everyone who joins is encouraged to donate to their Small Business Relief Fund. www.riamainstreet.org // @riamainstreet

6.17

Democracy with David Litt and Ilana Glazer
American political speechwriter and author of the comedic memoir Thanks, Obama: My Hopey Changey White House Years David Litt is joining Broad City star Ilana Glazer for a virtual conversation on the evolution of our democracy and what that means for you. A link to the program will be sent two hours before it begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10.  Receive a signed copy of Litt’s new book Democracy: In One Book or Less with your ticket for $34. www.sixthandi.org // @sixthandi

Live from the Living Room
Be Steadwell joins a multitude of other artists for Strathmore’s Live from the Living Room series. This D.C.-based singer-songwriter recontextualizes the modern love song throug jazz, folk and acapella. Mark your calendar for this free online concert at 7:30 p.m. www.strathmore.org // @strathmorearts

6.18

Creative Writing Workshop
Strathmore’s final iteration of its creative writing workshop series, “Drafting the Personal Essay”will be hosted by Seema Reza. Author of the poetry collection A Constellation of Half-Lives and memoir When the World Breaks Open, Reza encourages the use of the arts as a tool for reflection, self-care and communication, particularly among the military population struggling with emotional and physical trauma. A Zoom link will be emailed to participants prior to the event, registration closes 30 minutes before the session begins at 7 p.m. Free to attend. www.strathmore.org // @strathmorearts

6.20

Overflow Wine and Music Festival
The Overflow Wine and Music Festival has moved online. The inaugural event will have a lineup of local musicians and talks from local wineries and distilleries. Wine sellers, restaurants and crafters originally slated to be at the in-person event will be linked to the festival website so that patrons may still have access to their goods. Donations to support local charities through this event are appreciated but not required. www.stmarysnaacp.org // @overflowwinefestival

6.21

Guided Chocolate Tasting
This Father’s Day, join River-Sea Chocolates for a virtual guided tasting session pairing River-Sea chocolate with your favorite spirits. Participants will receive a tasting kit that includes individually wrapped mini chocolate bars and palate cleansing crackers. Choose from the 11 a.m., 2 p.m. or 5:30 p.m. slot. Tickets from $25.99. www.riverseachocolates.com // @riverseachocolates

6.24

Live from the Living Room
The Billboard-charting string player and vocalist Chelsey Green  fuses traditional techniques with R&B, pop, soul, hip-hop, jazz and more. Don’t miss her Live from the Living Room concert, starting at 7:30 p.m. www.strathmore.org // @strathmorearts

Playwriting: Nuts and Bolts with Craig Lucas
Arena Stage is hosting a variety of masterclasses online focused on playwriting, acting, stage management and design scheduled through August. This month’s masterclass is taught by the award-winning playwright Craig Lucas. Lucas will provide the nuts and bolts of conceiving a new play and strategies for mapping your work. This class will be hosted on Zoom, and runs from 5-8 p.m. Free to attend. www.arenastage.org // @arenastage

Ongoing

Art in Progress
The Torpedo Factory Art Center is highlighting different artists with an interview and demonstration in “Art in Progress.” Episodes air every Thursday at 7 p.m. on the Torpedo Factory Facebook page. www.torpedofactory.org // @torpedofactory

Capital Pride Reimagined
As all in-person gatherings are still unsafe to hold, Capital Pride is hosting Pride 2020 Reimagined. The new lineup includes ongoing monthly programs, such as virtual talks and dance parties, and potential events scheduled for the fall depending on social distancing requirements in the future. www.capitalpride.org // @capitalpridedc

DC Fray’s Virtual Community
Social distancing is hard, but it doesn’t have to be boring. Beat the struggles of isolation by connecting with others through shared experiences and fun virtual community events every day of the week with DC Fray. Check out their Monday Power Hour Socials, Tuesday Trivia, Wednesday Bingo, Thursday Book Club, Friday Quick Hits Trivia and more. Prices and times vary. www.dcfray.com // @dcfray

Drag Brunch
Every Saturday, DC Drag Brunch and DJ India will be hosting a virtual brunch starting at 11 a.m. Bring your drink of choice and your favorite brunch foods and join the party. Tickets $10.
www.dragshowbrunch.com // @dcdragbrunch

Eye to I: Self-Portraits from 1900 to Today
As we spend more time alone, we might learn more about ourselves. One way people have always expressed themselves is through self-portraits. The exhibit Eye to I was on display at the National Portrait Gallery through August 2019, and now lives online on Google Arts and Culture. www.artsandculture.google.com 

Giant Panda Cam
In our absence, animals at the zoo are living their best lives. The news is full of penguins touring exhibits and eels video calling patrons. The National Zoo has live Panda Cams, where you can watch giant pandas Tian Tian and Mei Xiang as they play and run around. www.nationalzoo.si.edu // @smithsonianzoo

Rise, Rhyme and Read Online
Everyone’s favorite restaurant-bookstore-stage hybrid has gone virtual to host music, movement and storytelling activities on their Facebook Live. “Culture Queen” will lead the program promising to bring joy and inspiration to families. 6 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays, and 10 a.m. on Saturdays. Free to attend. www.busboysandpoets.com // @busboysandpoets

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