Weekend Buzz: Aug. 6, 2025
Great local events this weekend! Meet your neighbors at a Falls Church Forward community potluck, or join with them – and the City Council – in a Play Day celebration of what's new and cool at Berman Park. Have you registered for a fall program from the Recreation and Parks Department? Have you gotten your Bocce team together for the DC Bocce League? There's a family day at the Library of Congress and dancing on the Georgetown Waterfront. Plus, much more in local education, film, music, arts, and theater. Enjoy!
Meet the Neighbors at a Community Potluck!
Falls Church Forward Summer Potluck
Gather with old friends and make new ones at our annual FCF potluck event.
Falls Church Forward is hosting a Welcome New Neighbors Summer Potluck for new and longtime residents on Sunday, Aug. 10 from 4–6:00 p.m. (Rain date: Aug. 17). Come enjoy good food, meet your neighbors, and learn more about our growing Falls Church community.
This year’s theme is “Local & Seasonal” — we invite you to bring a dish that celebrates summer ingredients, highlights local produce, or simply reflects what you love about this time of year. No need to overthink it — fresh fruit, baked goods, and picnic-friendly favorites are all welcome!
Whether you’ve lived here for years or just arrived, we’d love to see you there!
Location: near Lincoln Ave. and Greenwich St. We’ll follow up with the exact location closer to the date.
For questions, message: evan.vahouny@gmail.com.
To RSVP go here.
See below for our recent profile on Falls Church Forward:
Christopher Jones
Local Recreation
Berman Park Play Day
Berman Park, 236 Irving St., Monday, Aug. 11, 6-7:00 p.m.
Playground enthusiasts, get ready for Berman Park Play Day! Celebrate the grand re-opening of the park's playground and the new pedestrian crosswalks.
Don't miss the fun!
🧊 Free Kona Shaved Ice
✂️ Ribbon Cutting
👪 Community Speeches
🌟 Music, Bubbles, and Fun!
City Council will attend this City event.
See below for our recent story on Berman Park:
Christopher Jones
Register for a Fall Recreation and Parks Program
Fall 2025: City of Falls Church, Recreation and Parks
Registration Opening Dates: Residents: July 31; Non-Residents: Aug. 7, 10:00 a.m.
Register Online at: fallschurchva.gov/register
The fun doesn’t stop when the leaves start to fall. Our Recreation and Parks fall program brochure is packed with something for everyone, including dance, cooking, technology, and sport programs like tennis, pickleball, fitness, and more. New classes this season include Junior Engineers, Stix n’ Snacks Cooking, and camps over winter break, like Global Explorers camp and an Animal Planet camp.
- Registration for Senior Center membership programs opens Thursday, Aug. 14, for City residents and Thursday, Aug. 21, for all others. Don’t miss out!
Make Haste and Form a Bocce Team!
DC Bocce League ~ Summer '25 at Pinstripes
Pinstripes, 1064 Wisconsin Ave. NW. August 12, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Weekly until Sept. 23.
Join us for the DC Bocce League – Georgetown, Tuesdays at Pinstripes event! Get ready to have a blast at Pinstripes in Georgetown, where the fun never ends. This in-person event will kick off on Tuesday, Aug. 5, at 6:30 p.m.
Whether you’re a seasoned bocce player or a beginner looking to try something new, this event is perfect for you. Gather your friends, form a team, and compete against other enthusiastic players in the heart of Georgetown. With its lively atmosphere and friendly competition, you’re guaranteed to have a fantastic time.
Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to connect with fellow bocce enthusiasts and enjoy a thrilling evening of sport and camaraderie. Mark your calendars and get ready for an unforgettable experience at Pinstripes in Georgetown. We can’t wait to see you there!
Visit Event Website. For more info go here.
Local Education
Did You Read That Piece?
New Yorker Discussion Group
Mary Riley Styles Public Library, Upper Level Conference Room, 120 N. Virginia Ave. Thurs. Aug. 7, 2-3:00 p.m. Virtual. Ages: Adults, 18+.
Enjoy reading The New Yorker but wish you had someone to chat with about it? Drop into the monthly New Yorker Discussion Group to share your thoughts on what you’ve read in a variety of articles. The group meets on the first Thursday of the month from 2-3:00 p.m. on Zoom.
Article to be determined. This program will be held in-person at the library and via Zoom. Please email (see below) to request a Zoom invite.
For more info go here.
Local Film
The March and The Bus
National Gallery of Art, East Building Auditorium, Saturday, Aug. 9, 2-4:30 p.m.
Part of Onward! Highlights from the Flaherty Film Seminar.
The March, also known as The March to Washington, is a documentary by James Blue that captures the preparations and events of that historic day in 1963 when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his “I Have a Dream” speech. The film was made as part of a series of films created by the United States Information Agency (USIA), founded by President Dwight Eisenhower in 1953, meant to promote American policies in foreign countries. (James Blue, 1964, 35mm, 33 minutes)
The Bus is a recently restored documentary filmed by Haskell Wexler in 1963 as he traveled cross-country to the March on Washington on a bus with the San Francisco delegation, photographing and conversing candidly with the participants the whole way. (Haskell Wexler, 1965, DCP, 62 minutes). Restored by the UCLA Film and Television Archive with funding provided by the National Film Preservation Foundation.
Join us after the screening for a discussion with film curator Richard Herskowitz, in person. A past programmer of the Flaherty Film Seminar, Herskowitz is currently completing a book on the work of documentary filmmaker James Blue.
Event is free but register here. For more info go here.
Sunset Cinema at the Wharf!
The Wharf DC, 760 Maine Ave. SW. On Thursdays through Aug. 28, come to Transit Pier at The Wharf to enjoy the following free outdoor movies. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m.
August 7: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
August 14: Pitch Perfect
August 21: Ferris Bueller's Day Off
August 28: La La Land
Movies take place at Transit Pier at The Wharf, 970 Wharf St. SW. Learn more about different ways to Get to The Wharf. Movies begin at 7:30 p.m. Limited adirondack chairs available on a first-come first-served basis starting at 7:00 p.m. You may bring a blanket or folding chairs to this event. Closed captions available upon request. Please see the movie attendant on site or email here (below) to make the request.
This event is family-friendly — all ages welcome. Dogs on a leash welcome. You must be 21+ to consume alcohol. Waterside bar Cantina Bambina serves up cold Pacifico and mixed drinks throughout the movies. Outside drinks are not allowed.
You may bring in food from any Wharf restaurant. Stageside kiosk Union Pie offers hot and fresh pizza throughout the show. Whether you're craving a Cuban sandwich, a hot and sweet pizza, or chips and guac, our Wharf restaurants have something special for everyone.
In the event of inclement weather, event status updates will be posted on the Sunset Cinema event page on The Wharf Facebook page.
For more info go here.
Summer Movies on the Lawn: "Iron Man" (2008)
Library of Congress
Library of Congress, Thomas Jefferson Bldg., Southeast Lawn, 10 1st St. SE. Thursday, Aug. 7, 8-10:00 p.m.
Join us for a screening of “Iron Man” (2008). After being held captive in an Afghan cave, billionaire engineer Tony Stark creates a unique weaponized suit of armor to fight evil.
Part of the Library’s eight annual “Summer Movies on the Lawn,” this series showcases iconic films from the Library’s National Film Registry and will be presented on Thursday evenings at sundown on the southeast lawn of the Library’s Thomas Jefferson Building, located on the corner of 2nd Street SE and Independence Avenue.
No tickets are required, but visitors are encouraged to arrive early as space is limited. Visitors must stay with their items on the lawn at all times. Guests may bring their own blankets, chairs, food and beverages, but alcohol is prohibited.
Restrooms are available in the James Madison Building located at 101 Independence Ave. SE. Please be advised, visitors must navigate U.S. Capitol Police security screening to enter the building to use the facilities. Restrooms in this building are fully accessible. Themed snacks and drinks will be available for sale before the movie begins.
Accommodations: Request ADA accommodations five business days in advance at (202) 707-6362 or ADA@loc.gov.
For more info go here.
Local Music
Maverick City Music
w/ Blessing Offor
Wolf Trap, Filene Center, 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna. Wednesday, Aug. 6. Gates Open: 6:30 p.m. Show Begins: 8:00 p.m.
Maverick City Music’s Grammy-winning blend of gospel, R&B, and contemporary Christian music promises an unforgettable evening of reflection and spiritual connection. Formed to transcend boundaries and expand gospel music, Maverick City Music creates a space for audiences to truly belong with inspirational anthems like “Promises” and “Jireh.” Maverick City Music
Please note: Ovations Restaurant will be closed for this performance.
Tickets: starting at $62.50 (incl. fees).
For more info go here.
Lyle Lovett and his Large Band
w/ Asleep at the Wheel
Wolf Trap, Filene Center, 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna. Thursday, Aug. 7. Gates Open: 6:30 p.m. Show begins: 8:00 p.m.
Get ready for a Wolf Trap honky-tonk! Lyle Lovett, a country music icon, returns for a dazzling live experience with his Large Band. The trailblazing Texan’s eclectic repertoire and greatest hits — including “If I Had a Boat,” “She’s No Lady,” and “Here I Am” — showcase his diverse blend of storytelling and captivating sounds. Western swing torchbearers Asleep at the Wheel kick off the night with odes to Hank Williams, Bob Wills, and more. Lyle Lovett
Tickets: starting at $55.50 (incl. fees).
For more info go here.
Albert Cummings
Capital One Hall, Tysons, Va., The Vault, Aug. 10. Doors Open: 7:00 p.m.
Albert Cummings, the esteemed blues guitarist and singer-songwriter, recently achieved the coveted #1 position on the Billboard Blues Album Sales Chart with his latest album, Strong. This monumental achievement underscores the album's widespread acclaim and its deep connection with fans and critics alike. Released on February 16, 2024, through Ivy Music Company, Strong is a tour de force of blues, rock, and soul that showcases Cummings' exceptional talents. Recorded at the renowned Ocean Way Recording Studio in Nashville, Tennessee, and produced by Grammy-winner Tom Hambridge, the album features 12 tracks that capture the essence of Cummings' raw emotional energy and virtuosic musicianship.
The new album is available on streaming services worldwide here. Strong embarks on a musical journey through life's peaks and valleys with songs that resonate with listeners' experiences of love, loss, and redemption. Cummings' soulful vocals and fiery guitar solos are complemented by Hambridge's expert production, making Strong a standout release in the blues genre. Cummings is also proud to announce the second leg of his nationwide tour, bringing the vibrant energy of Strong to live audiences across the country. The tour will feature performances at some of the most iconic music venues, offering fans a unique opportunity to experience Cummings' latest music in a dynamic live setting.
For ticket info go here.
Summer Passport Music Festival
at Creative Cauldron
Creative Cauldron, 127 E. Broad St. Through Sept. 14.
Featuring some of the most talented and diverse musicians in the metro area and beyond, this annual series, now in its 14th year, is one of the most popular events of the Creative Cauldron season. The concert series offers musical styles for every taste: latin, jazz, blues, folk and world music. Presented in a cozy club format that's been described by one of our frequent performing musicians as, “one of the best listening venues in the DMV.”
Next Up:
Lena Seikaly "Ella Sings Duke"
Creative Cauldron, 127 E. Broad St. Friday Aug. 8 at 7:30 p.m.
A celebration of two of the greatest artists of the jazz age Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington. D.C. native Duke Ellington is considered "America's Beethoven" for his timeless compositions; Ella is the incomparable vocalist of the 20th Century. Lena Seikaly is the master jazz vocalist bringing to life the music of the greats. For more on Seikaly, go to: www.LenaSeikaly.com.
Sponsored by Local Thrift and The Falls Church News-Press.
Tickets: Tier One: $30; Tier Two: $25; Live Stream: $15.
Table for Two (Includes two cups of wine): $90.
Table for Four (Includes bottle of wine): $180.
For ticket info go here.
Founders Groove
Summer Concert Series
Founders Groove, Founders Row, 110 Founders Ave., Falls Church. Every Thursday Night, 6:30-8:30 p.m., through Aug. 14.
This event is all about celebrating creativity, community, and of course, grooving to some awesome tunes. Join us for an evening filled with live music, delicious food, and fun family vibes. Grab your friends, some folding chairs, and come dance the day away with us at Founders Groove!
Upcoming Musical Line-Up:
- August 7 - Mardi Gras Kings (New Orleans, Cajun)
- August 14 -Ty Sherwood (Country)
For more information, visit www.foundersrow.com.
Glen Echo: Summer Concert Series
Glen Echo Park, Bumper Car Pavilion. All concerts are free. Dancers are welcome. Free parking. Rain or shine. Shows: 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. Through Aug. 21.
RSVPs preferred, not required. Limited seating available — feel free to bring folding chairs. Beer, wine, soft drinks, and snacks for sale in Bumper Car Pavilion courtesy of Praline. Bringing your own alcohol is not permitted.
Upcoming Concerts:
August 7 | Kiti Gartner & the Drifting Valentines
August 14 | Justin Trawick and The Common Good
August 21 | James Bazen Big Band
RSVP for FREE Summer Concerts! (RSVPs preferred but not required.)
For more info go here.
Summer Concert Series at The Wharf DC
Rock The Dock!
The Wharf DC, 970 Wharf St. SW. Every Wednesday evening through Labor Day.
Rock The Dock 2025 Lineup:
At 7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays through Labor Day, come to Transit Pier at The Wharf to enjoy free live performances by these talented local artists:
Upcoming Shows:
August 6: The JoGo Project (Go-Go/Funk)
August 13: DuPont Brass (Big Horns/Electric Soul)
August 20: Uncle Jesse (90s Pop)
August 27: Pink PaLiSh (Funk/Soul)
- Every concert begins at 7:00 p.m.
- Learn more about different ways to Get to The Wharf.
- Limited bench seating and tables and chairs are available on a first-come first-served basis.
- This event is family-friendly — all ages are welcome. Dogs on a leash are also welcome. You must be 21+ to consume alcohol.
- Waterside bar Cantina Bambina serves up cold Pacifico and mixed drinks throughout the concerts. Outside drinks are not allowed.
- Don't forget to visit the DC Lottery tent on Transit Pier to spin the prize wheel to win cash and DC Lottery swag.
- You may bring in food from any Wharf restaurant. Stageside kiosk Union Pie offers hot and fresh pizza throughout the show. Whether you're craving a Cuban sandwich, a hot and sweet pizza, or chips and guac, our Wharf restaurants have something for everyone.
- In the event of inclement weather, event status updates will be posted on the Rock The Dock event page on The Wharf Facebook page.
For more info go here.
Local Arts
"Layers" at Falls Church Arts
Mark your calendars! “Layers” will be opening with a meet-the-artists reception at Falls Church Arts on Friday, Aug. 15. See our preview here:
Christopher Jones
Follow That Docent!
First Thursdays: Come Look with Us
National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, 800 G St. NW. Thursday, Aug. 7, 5:30 – 6:15 p.m. Free. Registration Suggested.
Need to wind down after work? Let the National Portrait Gallery's educators share their favorite portraits with you. Participants will spend time slowing down, looking closely, and engaging in a conversation about artworks in the galleries.
The Portrait Gallery strives to provide programs that are accessible to all visitors. If you have questions about the accessibility of this program, or if you would like to request real-time captioning (CART), sign language interpretation, or any other accommodations, please contact npgeducation@si.edu. Two weeks' advance notice is appreciated for requesting accommodations.
Attend a van Gogh Talk!
The Art, Life, and Letters of Vincent van Gogh
National Gallery of Art, East Building Auditorium, 4th St. & Constitutional Ave. NW. Sunday, Aug. 10, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Part of Modernist Visions.
Vincent van Gogh’s own words offer deep insights into his paintings. Through almost two decades of letters, senior lecturer David Gariff explores Van Gogh’s references to specific paintings, his broader views on art, life, religion, and nature, and his aspirations as an artist.
Free event but register here. For more info go here.
Enjoy a Local Art Rave!
Dupont Market Artisan Fair
By ArtRave
Dupont Market Artisan Fair, 1913 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Saturday, Aug. 9, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
By ArtRave.
Shop local art, fashion, plants and more at ArtRave Dupont Market on Saturday, Aug. 9! Unique finds from D.C.’s vibrant creative community.
For more info go here.
Textile Paintings
Meet the artist this weekend! ~ The Reston Art Gallery, 11400 Washington Plaza West, Reston. Artist Reception, Aug. 10, 2-4:00 p.m. Through Aug. 31.
For more info go here.
Historical Photography
Meserve Collection Highlights: Modern Prints from Mathew Brady’s Portrait Negatives
National Portrait Gallery, 8th St NW & G St. NW. Through 2028.
Photographer Mathew Brady (c. 1823 –1896) may be best remembered today for his role in producing a remarkable visual record of the Civil War (1861–65). Yet he initially gained fame as a portrait photographer more than a decade before the war began.
Among Brady’s most popular offerings were small, card-mounted photographs known as cartes de visite. Modestly priced, they fueled the rapid growth of a mass market for photographic portraiture from the time of their introduction in the United States in 1859. Brady’s studios produced thousands of glass-plate negatives from which countless prints were made.
In 1981, the National Portrait Gallery acquired more than 5,400 Brady studio negatives. Originally assembled as part of a larger collection by amateur historian Frederick Hill Meserve, they offer an extraordinary pictorial index of the prominent figures of the Civil War era. The exhibition includes nine modern prints from Brady’s original photographic negatives. Portraits of Abraham Lincoln, Mary Todd Lincoln, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Ulysses S. Grant, and Emma, Queen of Hawai‘i are featured, along with an original, glass-plate negative and one of Brady’s wooden storage boxes.
For more info go here.
IMPRINT 2.0
Tephra ICA and Tephra ICA at Signature
Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art, 11850 Freedom Drive, Reston. Through August 30.
On June 10, 2005, the Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE) opened its doors in its Reston Town Center, Market St. gallery with IMPRINT: The Artists from a New Town, exhibition. Inspired by Robert E Simon’s belief that the arts are at the core of a thriving society, this exhibition highlighted artists whose early experiences in Reston were shaped by — and contributed to — the town’s collective spirit of community, creativity, connection, and artistic expression.
Twenty years later, GRACE, now Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art (Tephra ICA), continues to embrace Simon’s belief that the arts are an essential component of a well-rounded life.
IMPRINT 2.0 revisits the inaugural exhibition, exploring the continued careers of artists Maggie Booth, Adam Grossi, Elizabeth Kendall, Pete Petrine, Marco Rando, and Yumi Janairo Roth. This new iteration will feature painting, sculpture, ceramics, drawings, photographs, and video and will be on view in both Tephra ICA’s main gallery (July 17–August 10) and satellite gallery, Tephra ICA at Signature (July 17–August 30, 2025).
RSVP Here. For more info go here.
Susanne Kamalieh
New Paintings at Idylwood Studios.
Idylwood Studios, 7617 Idylwood Rd., Falls Church, (Idylwood Presbyterian Church, upper level). Through August 16.
Idylwood Studios — where art creates community — is delighted to welcome Susanne Kamalieh’s work to our walls!
For more info go here.
For our recent article on Susanne Kamelieh's People's Choice Award, see below:
Christopher Jones
Check Out Falls Church Arts' All-Member Show (M-Z)
Final Weekend! ~ Falls Church Arts, 700-B W. Broad St. Through August 10.
For a preview of the show, see our recent article below:
Christopher Jones
For a story on the People's Choice Award-winner of the show, see our article here:
Christopher Jones
Jessica Caso
Rare Bird Coffee Roasters, 230 W. Broad St. Now Showing: "Côte d’Azur Mon Amour." Through September 28.
Artist Statement by Jessica Caso: Through my lens, I invite you to wander with me through the sunny streets of Nice, the tranquil shores of Eze, and beyond. It's not just about the sights; it's about the feelings they evoke – the joy, the excitement, the wanderlust. Join me on this walk through "Côte d'Azur Mon Amour," where each snapshot is a love letter to the timeless charm of the Riviera. Email: jessicacaso@gmail.com. Website: https://jessicacasophotography.com/.
For more info go here.
NEITHER/NOR:
Traci Reynolds & Liz Johnson
Just Opened! ~ Fenwick Gallery at Fenwick Library, 4400 University Dr., Fairfax. Through Sept. 5.
Neither/Nor is a collaborative exhibition between Traci Reynolds and Liz Johnson, both MFA candidates in George Mason’s College of Visual and Performing Arts. Working with handmade paper and photography, the artists consider the gendered body as an in-between, non-conforming, unruly space. The gendered body — one that is perceived, shaped, disciplined, and transformed by normative standards and societal expectations — can at turns be seen as dangerous and vulnerable, alluring and repulsive, something to be feared and protected. Like pressing against a fresh bruise, both artists revel in the discomfort and subversive pleasure of this uncertain space.
In a series of photographic self-portraits, Ripe and Rot, Liz Johnson works with decaying fruit as a collaborator. Balanced and braced against her body, the fruit sometimes collapses under its own weight or is crushed by powerful limbs. Johnson uses these organic materials to navigate a complex terrain of fertility, time, and bodily transformation—not seeking an answer, but embracing entropy.
Traci Reynolds’s work, Raise, presents another view of the body (particularly the trans and non-gender-conforming body) as a site for deconstruction and reformation. This large-scale, abstracted, handmade paper sculpture is built through an intense process of beating fiber into pulp, molding and shaping each sheet, and imbuing the still-wet paper with hair and latex—symbolic forms of identity, protection, containment, and kink. Drawing from studies of the abject and the genre of body horror in film and manga, Reynolds’s paper forms are in continuous flux between beauty and the grotesque, tearing and repair, and containment and eruption.
Neither/Nor is on view in Fenwick Gallery through September 5, 2025. Visit masonexhibitions.org to learn more.
For more info go here.
Vivian Browne: My Kind of Protest
Special Exhibition
The Phillips Collection, Goh Annex and Sant Building, Floor 3. Through Sept. 28.
Drawing upon previously unknown works and archival findings, this exhibition recovers the depth and variety of the more than four-decade career of Vivian Browne (b. 1929, Laurel, FL; d. 1993, New York, NY). The exhibition features paintings, prints, and works on paper across seven bodies of work, as well as ephemera that highlight Browne’s pioneering activism and influential teaching career. Browne was a founder of the Black Emergency Cultural Coalition, an organization that fought for Black representation in New York museums; a member of SOHO20, one of the first women’s art cooperatives in Manhattan; and a professor at Rutgers University (1971–92). Her signature approach to color and form challenged the neatly defined categories of abstraction and figuration, and art and politics, revealing a more nuanced approach to art-making that is part of Browne’s unique contribution to 20th-century art of the U.S.
For more info go here.
Local Theater
Play On!
Show Opens Tuesday! ~ Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington. Aug. 12, 7:30 p.m. Runs: August 12 - October 5.
A delightful musical based on Shakespeare’s comedy Twelfth Night, set to the syncopated soundtrack of Duke Ellington’s greatest hits.
Aspiring songwriter Vy comes to swinging 1930s Harlem to make it big. But when she discovers the doors of opportunity are closed to women, she disguises herself as a man to pitch her songs to Harlem’s hottest composer, the Duke. However, when her tunes attract the attention of Cotton Club performer Lady Liv, the object of the Duke’s affection, Vy-Man is swept up in a swinging tempest of love, mistaken identity and jazz.
If music be the food of love, then Play On’s timeless classics "Take the 'A' Train," "Mood Indigo" "I Got it Bad and That Ain’t Good" and "It Don’t Mean a Thing," combine with stunning dance to make for a joyous feast in a fun and fresh take on a beloved comedy.
"Charming, enchanting, laugh-out-loud funny… this show is quite the revelation." ~ What’s On Stage
- Running time: approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission.
- Content Warnings: This show will contain strobe and lighting effects, loud noises, theatrical haze and herbal cigarettes. Contains adult themes around gender/sexuality/sex.
- Recommended for ages 8+. Signature does not admit anyone under 6.
For more info go here.
Everything is Wonderful
Opens this Friday! ~ Theatre on the Run, 3700 S. Four Mile Run Dr., Arlington. All performances at 8:00 p.m. Runs: Aug. 8 - 23.
By Chelsea Marcantel.
When an Amish couple’s two sons are killed in a car accident, the family struggles to maintain their faith and cling to their way of life. In an act of unfathomable forgiveness, they take in Eric, the wayward young driver of the car. But Eric’s mistake cracks open the family’s dark history and brings back their eldest daughter, excommunicated five years earlier. Miri finds her family in shambles, the man who killed her brothers living in the barn, and the man who drove her away intent upon marrying her younger sister. Without a way forward, this insular community must seek to heal the deep wounds of the past, forcing everyone into a new kind of reckoning.
This is the same venue as our production of City of Conversation.
Trigger Warning: Everything is Wonderful contains content that may be distressing to some audience members, including themes of death, grief, and sexual trauma.
For more info go here.
Kinky Boots
The Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe Street, Alexandria. Thursdays – Saturdays: 8:00 p.m. Sunday Matinees: 2:00 p.m. Through August 16.
Music and Lyrics by Cindy Lauper. Book by Harvey Fierstein. Directed by Kevin Sockwell. Choreographed by Michael Page. Music Directed by Aimee Faulkner. Produced by Amber Champ and Eleanore Tapscott.
Based on a true story, Kinky Boots follows young Brit Charlie Price, who abandons his family’s shoe factory to live with his demanding girlfriend in London. After the unexpected death of his father, Charlie returns to the struggling factory and finds it's up to him to figure out a way to keep the business alive. Enter Lola, a fabulous drag queen, who gives Charlie the idea to create ladies’ shoes for men. Soon, the factory is turning out “kinky boots” under the supervision of Charlie and Lola, but can this scheme actually work? And can these two extremely different men find a common ground and become real friends?
Tickets: $36 Reserved Seating.
Estimated: 2 hours 30 minutes with intermission.
For more info go here.
Apropos of Nothing: A Comedy
Final Weekend ~ Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church St. NW. Thursdays - Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. Sundays at 3:00 p.m. Select Mondays and Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m. Through August 10.
Playwright: Greg Kalleres. Director: Ray Ficca.
Owen confesses, apropos of nothing, that he’s in love with his best friend’s wife. But it’s just “a passing phase,” he tells him. “Forget I even said it.” Unfortunately, no one can. And now that it’s out there, everyone’s lives are suddenly turned upside down. With the help of a precocious millennial, all parties are soon forced to examine their lives and relationships for the first time. In a comedy about love, irony, and cliche, five friends struggle with… well… love, irony, and cliche.
Tickets: Adults: $54. Seniors (62+): $44. Students/under 25: $44. Single tickets incur $5 service fee per ticket.
For ticket info go here.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
By William Shakespeare, A Synetic Theater production
Final Weekend! ~ Olney Theatre Center, Roberts Mainstage, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney, Md. Through August 10.
For over twenty years, in-the-know D.C. audiences have thrilled to the magic of wordless Shakespeare from Synetic Theatre, called by the Washington Post “the region’s premier troupe for physical theater.” Now, Olney Theatre Center introduces audiences to Synetic's thrilling, kinetic performances with one of their most acclaimed, groundbreaking productions! Love-drunk teens stumble upon a troupe of wannabe actors and find themselves caught in a war between the Fairy King and Queen… and that’s before one wily sprite intent on mischief-making sprinkles a little fairy dust. What could possibly go wrong?!
This playful adaptation of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream features Synetic’s trademark wordless storytelling and is the winner of two Helen Hayes Awards for Outstanding Resident Play and Outstanding Ensemble.
“Synetic reimagines one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays with wordless elegance. A decade after first attempting that delicate dance, this “Midsummer” still knows how to cast a spell.” ~ The Washington Post
Adapted by Ben Cunis and Paata Tsikurishvili. Directed by Paata Tsikurishvili. Choreographed by Irina Tsikurishvili.
Duration: 100 minutes, no intermission. Age Guidance: If this were a film it would be rated PG for some adult moments.
Buy Tickets. For more info go here.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
National Theater, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW.
Broadway’s Spellbinding Sensation Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is coming to a city near you on its first-ever North American Tour. Join the next adventure and experience the wizarding world like never before at this record-breaking hit and winner of six Tony Awards including Best Play. “It’s one of the most defining pop culture events of the decade” (Forbes).
When Harry Potter’s head-strong son Albus befriends the son of his fiercest rival, Draco Malfoy, it sparks an unbelievable new journey for them all — with the power to change the past and future forever. Prepare for a mind-blowing race through time, spectacular spells, and an epic battle, all brought to life with the most astonishing theatrical magic ever seen on stage. It’s a “marvel of imagination” (The New York Times) that will “leave you wondering ‘how’d they do that?’ for days to come” (People Magazine).
For more info go here.
Dance Along the Georgetown Waterfront!
Dancing on the Waterfront: Summer Series
Final Event! ~ Georgetown Waterfront, 3200 K St. NW. Tuesday evenings, 6-9:00 p.m. through Aug. 12.
Get Down in G'town!
Dancing on the Waterfront: Summer Series is a free weekly outdoor dance class with the Potomac as your backdrop! This event takes place in Georgetown Waterfront Park, where participants of all ages and skill levels gather to embrace the joy of dancing. Every week, a DJ will spin a mix of music, blending various genres and beats. From salsa to square dancing, bachata, country line dancing and kizomba, you’ll get to try an array of dance styles.
The Georgetown BID is partnering with Dancing on the Waterfront to offer a special weeknight series on Tuesday evenings this summer (schedule below). If you can’t make it on Tuesdays, check out Dancing on the Waterfront’s regularly scheduled classes, Saturdays through October.
2025 Dance Schedule
August 12: Make-up class! Line Dancing
Celebrate Baseball with the Family!
August Family Day: Celebrating Baseball
Library of Congress, Thomas Jefferson Building, Great Hall, 2nd Floor (LJ 200-E), 10 1st St. SE. Saturday, Aug. 9, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Part of Family Day.
The event is free, but tickets are required, and there may be special restrictions.
Take part in a fun-filled program celebrating America’s national pastime. Create your player persona by crafting a baseball card and explore items from the Library’s extensive baseball holdings. From 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., meet mascots from the Washington Nationals Major League Baseball team.
Each Family Day includes a creative activity, connections to Library of Congress collections, a chance to talk to staff experts, and a guide to using Library resources at home.
Request ADA accommodations five business days in advance at (202) 707-6362 or at: ADA@loc.gov.
For timed-entry tickets go here. For more info go here.
By Christopher Jones
Member discussion