DC Happenings

DC Weekend Happenings: The ABCs

I won’t harp on the heat too much, but let’s just say I’m probably going to make my plans this weekend around the availability of air conditioning.

Not sure what you are going to get into this weekend? Here are some fun ideas:

Artomatic
Feeling a need to connect with your artsy side? Take a trip over to Crystal City to check out Artomatic, a month-long art festival featuring more than 1,000 artists on 10 floors of an old office building scheduled for demolition. It is completely free for the public and there is something for everyone with visual and performance art, as well as music, film and fashion exhibits. Art is available for purchase, too. The show ends on SATURDAY, June 23rd, so check it out while you still can! Plan your visit.

Alexandria Food & Wine Festival
Head over to John Carlyle Square in the Carlyle District of Alexandria to sample fares and libations from local restaurants and other vendors. The event itself is free, but tickets are needed for food and wine samples. A ticket book is $20 and entrance to the wine garden is $10. The event is Saturday from 12:00 – 5:00 pm, rain or shine.

BYT Local Tourist Series: Nat Geo
Who doesn’t want to party in a museum after hours? Join Brightest Young Things and National Geographic as they partner to present you with exclusive after-hours access to the museums exhibits, Titanic: 100 Year Obsession; Samurai: The Warrior Transformed; Big Cats & More. Peruse exhibits while noshing on food, sipping beverages and taking in some TED-style talks, music performances, and “rare” Nat Geo footage. It sounds like it has the potential to be a bit overwhelming, but all in all, looks like a great time. Tickets are $20 advance purchase and $25 day of – you can purchase them here.

Corcoran Free Summer Saturdays
Available all summer, patrons can check out the Corcoran exhibits for free. The museum will also be running gallery tours, workshops, demonstrations, and performances.

What are your can’t-miss events for the weekend?

 


 

 

Picasso’s Got Nothin’ on You!

I’m always on the lookout for new, unorthodox things to do in DC. New York may be the city that doesn’t sleep, but DC is the city that will never bore. From street performances, to art installations, to jazz in the sculpture garden to Screen at the Green – there is always something unique happening in our nation’s capital.

The newest kid on the block? ArtJamz Paint in the Park! Every Thursday in June, ArtJamz invites anyone and everyone with a creative inkling to pick up a paintbrush and be inspired by the city’s great outdoors that is Farragut Square Park. For $30, future picasso’s receive a 16×20 stretch canvas on which to paint your creation, an easel and of course, all of the materials you’ll need to assuage your creative juices, acrylic paints, brushes, etc. Top it off with live music from the Golden Triangle Summer Concert Series and your inner artist will practically jump onto the canvas!

Purchase your tickets in advance online to snag your spot. Blankets and chairs are recommended!

If Thursday’s don’t work for you, check out some of ArtJamz studios sessions!

Don’t worry if you have no natural artistic ability – just get out there and have some fun with friends! Live music, sunshine and good people are all you really need to have a great time!

 

No Plans Tonight? Check out Trina Turk for BR!

DC ladies looking for something to do tonight?

Head over to the Banana Republic in Georgetown at the corner of Wisconsin and M Street (3200 M Street, NW) at 5 pm to be one of the first to view the new Trina Turk for Banana Republic Collection in stores. Online sneak peeks were available for Gilt Groupe members and Facebook fans, so I can confirm that there are some majorly fabulous pieces available for purchase. Trina Turk’s signature bold colors and prints paired with Banana’s classic silhouettes is a match made in fashionista heaven. As most designer collaborations go, the prices are higher than what you would typically see in Banana, but that is to be expected. The 60 piece collection is said to be inspired by Palm Springs, read: deco inspired, bright colors and prints.

Use your Banana, Gap or Old Navy card for any purchase of $100 or more and you can score a free limited edition Trina Turk bangle.

The store event starts at 5 pm and shoppers can enjoy complimentary refreshments while they shop. Cocktails and shopping? Two of my favorite things – I’m in!

The Pentagon City Banana Republic is also hosting an in-store event. To see where else they are hosting events, click here.