Rock Creek Park

Your guide to summer fun amid Washington's natural splendor.

Photo: Fritz Hahn/The Washington Post

Weekend best bets

Jazz in the Garden concerts and the opening of area pools and water parks mark Memorial Day weekend.

Photo: Astrid Riecken/for The Post

We meet again

Critic Tom Sietsema revisits 13 restaurants in the Spring Dining Guide. How do they fare this time?

Photo: Joseph Victor Stefanchick for The Post

Nightlife Agenda

Check out a burlesque act, a floating nightclub, or take a first listen of Daft Punk's new record.

Photo: (Photo by Matthew Girard)

 
 
The hot list
When you want a new place, look here: Check out the bars and restaurants that opened recently.
Eat like the Obamas
Have you been to all the restaurants where the first family has dined? See what lures the president.

Going Out Gurus

GOG BLOG

'Frances Ha,' 'Fast & Furious 6 and other new movies

'Frances Ha,' 'Fast & Furious 6 and other new movies Image

In this week's new movies, Dominic (Vin Diesel), Brian (Paul Walker) and friends return for more action-packed, death-defying scenes in "Fast & Furious 6," and "Frances Ha" is a hit with critic Ann Hornaday.

Continue Reading »

 

Other Guru Features:

 

Events for Today May

  • Sat 25
  • Sun 26
  • Mon 27
  • Tues 28
  • Wed 29
  • Thurs 30
  • Fri 31

Today's Editors' Picks

  • Burlesque-A-Pades Beach Party - Miscellaneous Event
    Can't make it out to Rehoboth, Dewey or Ocean City this weekend? There's no need to worry about missing the sun and the sand, because the World Famous Pontani Sisters are bringing a "Beach Blanket Bingo" vibe to the Howard Theatre. The well-known burlesque dancers are the stars of the "Burlesque-a-Pades Beach Party," a revue that mixes magic, comedy, vaudeville acts and lots of dance routines featuring swimwear, grass skirts and other exotic costumes. Buy tickets in advance to save $5. (We'd still temporarily unfollow Instagram friends heading for the shore, though.)
    The Howard Theatre | Washington, DC
  • Delaplane Strawberry Festival - Miscellaneous Event
    It's no coincidence that strawberry festivals fill the latter part of May. That's precisely when you'll finally find the sweet, seedy berries on the vine at local farms, if only for a brief, brilliant month. At Sky Meadows State Park, the strawberry season kicks off with the 20th Delaplane festival, featuring fruit, sweet sundaes, strawberry shortcake and family activities including an antique car show and games.
    Sky Meadows State Park | Delaplane, VA
  • Strawberry Jubilee - Miscellaneous Event
    Great Country Farms marks strawberry season by opening its sizable berry patch to the pick-your-own crowd. Also on the vine for this two-day festival: Pie-eating and tart-tossing contests and a Diaper Derby and hayrides for kids.
    Great Country Farms | Bluemont, VA
  • Celebrate Hawai'i - Miscellaneous Event
    Grammy-nominated singer Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom headlines the weekend of activities celebrating the 50th state with a concert Saturday at 5 p.m. Throughout the weekend there will be lectures and demonstrations highlighting Hawaii's discovery by Polynesian seafarers who navigated (a process called wayfinding) the Pacific Ocean using stars, birds and even kites. There will also be hula dancing, lei making, film screenings and storytelling.
    National Museum of the American Indian - Smithsonian Institution | Washington, DC
  • Karmafest 2013 - Miscellaneous Event
    Lectures, yoga, workshops, a performance by the Baltimore SDIY Group and more.
    Oregon Ridge Park | Cockeysville, MD
  • Wild Encounters - Miscellaneous Event
    A herpetologist shares his collection of live frogs, toads, lizards and snakes from around the world.
    Black Hill Regional Park | Boyds, MD
  • Ryan Conner - Performing Arts
    Presented by Cool Cow Comedy.
    Workhouse Arts Center | Lorton, VA
  • Harmonica for Beginners Part 2 - Miscellaneous Event
    A workshop on playing the instrument.
    Capitol Hill Arts Workshop | Washington, DC
  • Master Class - Miscellaneous Event
    Flutist Clair Chase leads a master class for students and music lovers. At the Coolidge Auditorium.
    Library of Congress - Thomas Jefferson Bldg. | Washington, DC
  • Virginia Grand Military Band - Music Event
    Performing music by Sousa, Shostakovich and Fillmore. At the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center.
    Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center | Alexandria, VA

Highlighted Events: Sun, May 26

  • Distrikt of Columbia: A Boat Party on the Potomac - Bar/Club Event
    A floating nightclub: That’s the general idea behind California electronic music collective Distrikt's first cruise on the Potomac. The three-hour tour features a half-dozen DJs spinning house and funky tunes, including local heroes All Good Funk Alliance, an open bar and circus-style performances. Given Distrikt's reputation for throwing packed day parties at Burning Man, it's safe to say it's going to be pretty intense. And good. (They're taking over the multi-level Cherry Blossom boat, which looks like a paddle-wheeler, so multiple DJs can play at the same time.) The boat leaves the Alexandria City Marina promptly at 7 p.m., and returns at 10, followed by an after-party at U Street Music Hall. You have to get tickets in advance, so don't slack.
    Alexandria City Marina | Alexandria, VA
  • Daylight - Bar/Club Event
    An evening of house music, rare grooves and dance classics with DJ Divine and DJ Source.
    Liv | Washington, DC
  • Celebrate Hawai'i - Miscellaneous Event
    Grammy-nominated singer Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom headlines the weekend of activities celebrating the 50th state with a concert Saturday at 5 p.m. Throughout the weekend there will be lectures and demonstrations highlighting Hawaii's discovery by Polynesian seafarers who navigated (a process called wayfinding) the Pacific Ocean using stars, birds and even kites. There will also be hula dancing, lei making, film screenings and storytelling.
    National Museum of the American Indian - Smithsonian Institution | Washington, DC
  • Strawberry Jubilee - Miscellaneous Event
    Great Country Farms marks strawberry season by opening its sizable berry patch to the pick-your-own crowd. Also on the vine for this two-day festival: Pie-eating and tart-tossing contests and a Diaper Derby and hayrides for kids.
    Great Country Farms | Bluemont, VA
  • Delaplane Strawberry Festival - Miscellaneous Event
    It's no coincidence that strawberry festivals fill the latter part of May. That's precisely when you'll finally find the sweet, seedy berries on the vine at local farms, if only for a brief, brilliant month. At Sky Meadows State Park, the strawberry season kicks off with the 20th Delaplane festival, featuring fruit, sweet sundaes, strawberry shortcake and family activities including an antique car show and games.
    Sky Meadows State Park | Delaplane, VA
  • National Men's Chorus and Brass - Music Event
    A Memorial Day concert of patriotic music, with organist Paul Skevington.
    St. Luke's Catholic Church - McLean | McLean, VA
  • Hot Society Sunday Afternoon Dance - Bar/Club Event
    At the Spanish Ballroom.
    Glen Echo Park Spanish Ballroom | Glen Echo, MD
  • The Connection - Miscellaneous Event
    Shirley Clarke's version of Jack Gelber's play.
    National Gallery of Art | Washington, DC
  • United States Navy Band Commodores - Music Event
    At the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.
    Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center | Chantilly, VA
  • Memorial Day BBQ Extravaganza - Miscellaneous Event
    Grilled barbecue oysters and other foods, drinks, a photo booth and more.
    Jack Rose Dining Saloon | Washington, DC

Highlighted Events: Mon, May 27

  • Happy Hour at Fiola - Bar/Club Event
    Sample classic Italian cocktails for $5, or eight different Italian wines for $6 per glass.
    Fiola | Washington, DC
  • Veterans Memorial Day Readings - Miscellaneous Event
    Wreath-layings and presentations from the Veterans Writing Project. At the Burke Theater.
    U.S. Navy Memorial and Naval Heritage Center | Washington, DC
  • Grandsons Jr. - Music Event
    The local roots-rock band performs a special Memorial Day show.
    Jammin' Java | Vienna, VA
  • Ride 2 Recovery Memorial Challenge - Miscellaneous Event
    More than 200 injured veterans participate in a 325-mile ride on hand cycles, recumbents, tandems and traditional road bikes.
    Sheraton Crystal City Hotel | Arlington, VA
  • Memorial Day at the Soldiers' Home - Miscellaneous Event
    Includes a wreath laying ceremony, a guided tour of the United States Soldiers' and Airmen's Home National Cemetery and more.
    President Lincoln's Cottage at the Soldiers' Home | Washington, DC
  • Memorial Day Concert - Music Event
    By the U.S. Air Force Concert Band
    Arlington National Cemetery | Arlington, VA
  • LoanShark - Miscellaneous Event
    A film following the life of a loan shark.
    McFadden's Restaurant and Saloon | Washington, DC
  • Memorial Day Ceremony - Miscellaneous Event
    Sponsored by the Great Falls Freedom Memorial Committee, featuring a Marine Corps Color Guard, patriotic songs, remarks by retired Marine Corps Lieutenant General Norman H. Smith, and a reading of the names and bell-ringing for each of the 25 residents of Great Falls who have fallen in service to our Nation. The ceremony concludes with a wreath-laying by local dignitaries and raising of the flags by Boy Scout Troop 55.
    Great Falls Library | Great Falls, VA
  • Memorial Day Ceremony - Miscellaneous Event
    A ceremony at the cemetery and a procession departing from Shiloh Baptist Church at 801 Sophia St.
    Chatham Manor | Falmouth, VA
  • National Memorial Day Parade - Miscellaneous Event
    Participants include Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III, Iraq War veteran and Dancing with the Stars season 13 winner J.R. Martinez, actors Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna and others.
    Constitution Avenue Between Seventh and 17th Streets NW | Washington, DC

Highlighted Events: Tues, May 28

  • Happy Hour at Fiola - Bar/Club Event
    Sample classic Italian cocktails for $5, or eight different Italian wines for $6 per glass.
    Fiola | Washington, DC
  • The Fortress - Miscellaneous Event
    A screening of a film about a crew that arrives in a village in the mountains of Azerbaijan followed by a Q&A with the director.
    West End Cinema | Washington, DC
  • Bunohan - Miscellaneous Event
    After fleeing a fight, a Muay Thai kick-boxer goes into hiding and his stepbrother, an assassin, is hired to kill him.
    West End Cinema | Washington, DC
  • Is This Art? Guided Looking - Miscellaneous Event
    A museum staff member discusses art.
    Smithsonian American Art Museum - Smithsonian Institution | Washington, DC
  • Storytime on the Lake: Dragonflies - Miscellaneous Event
    Guests ride a pontoon boat, hear a story and watch for dragonflies. Best for ages 3 and older.
    Black Hill Regional Park | Boyds, MD
  • Rockville Regional Youth Orchestra - Music Event
    At the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre.
    F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre | Rockville, MD
  • Container Gardening with Succulents - Miscellaneous Event
    Guest plant desert-like gardens in a shallow dish.
    Brookside Gardens | Wheaton, MD
  • The Jam Cellar - Bar/Club Event
    Every Tuesday, Lindy Hoppers take over the beautiful Josephine Butler Parks Center near Meridian Hill Park for DJs, dance lessons and occasional live bands.
    Josephine Butler Parks Center | Washington, DC
  • Tuesday Night Jams - Music Event
    A relaxed night of free music, featuring local band Lucky Dub.
    Tryst Coffeehouse and Bar | Washington, DC
  • Takoma Station Tavern Jazz Jam Session - Music Event
    For those who live a bit closer to Maryland, the Tuesday night jam sessions at Takoma Station Tavern are your answer for weeknight jazz. The historic music venue has hosted the weekly sessions since October 2010, with a rotating roster of musicians led by bass player Raymond Magic and emceed by Takoma Station's own Lydia Williams.
    Takoma Station Tavern | Washington, DC

Highlighted Events: Wed, May 29

  • Happy Hour at Fiola - Bar/Club Event
    Sample classic Italian cocktails for $5, or eight different Italian wines for $6 per glass.
    Fiola | Washington, DC
  • Selecting Native Trees and Shrubs - Miscellaneous Event
    A slide program featuring information on native plant species growing in the area.
    Brookside Gardens | Wheaton, MD
  • Adoption from China - Book Event
    A lecture and book signing with British-Chinese broadcast journalist Xinran. At the Jefferson Building, Whittall Pavilion.
    Library of Congress - Thomas Jefferson Bldg. | Washington, DC
  • Andree Aelion Brooks - Book Event
    Will discuss her book "The Woman Who Defied Kings: The Life and Times of Dona Gracia Nasi" a biography of a wealthy Renaissance-era woman who helped Spanish Jews and Moors escape the Inquisition. At the Madison Building, Mary Pickford Theater.
    Mary Pickford Theater | Washington, DC
  • Workplace Violence Prevention Seminar - Miscellaneous Event
    Speakers explore active shooter situations in the workplace and explain what workers can do.
    Howard Community College | Columbia, MD
  • Lunchtime Tour of the Conservatory - Miscellaneous Event
    A guided tour with information on exotic plants.
    U.S. Botanic Garden | Washington, DC
  • Imperial China, Tereu Tereu, May Tabol (of Pree) - Music Event
    Since 2007, Imperial China has been one of D.C.'s most exciting and aggressive live bands. Their abrupt tempo changes, full-body grooves and prolific use of samples and loops (which made the band seem much larger than a trio) gave their performances a hyperkinetic, theatrical feel. Wednesday's show at the Black Cat will the band's final performance. Doors open at 8 p.m.
    Black Cat | Washington, DC
  • Wine Tasting: Burgundy - Miscellaneous Event
    Sample wines from Maison Joseph Drouhin of France.
    La Maison Francaise - Embassy of France | Washington, DC
  • Graceland Screening - Miscellaneous Event
    A screening of the new show starring Daniel Sunjata, Aaron Tveit and Serinda Swan includes a Q&A simulcast with the cast.
    AMC Tysons Corner 16 | McLean, VA
  • Planting for Pollinators: Welcoming Hummingbirds, Bees and Butterflies to Your Home Garden - Miscellaneous Event
    Visitors learn about pollinators and how they contribute to the environment.
    Department of the Interior Museum | Washington, DC

Highlighted Events: Thurs, May 30

  • Happy Hour at Fiola - Bar/Club Event
    Sample classic Italian cocktails for $5, or eight different Italian wines for $6 per glass.
    Fiola | Washington, DC
  • Maymont and Lavender Fields - Miscellaneous Event
    Guests travel to Richmond for a lavender class, lunch and a tour of the Maymont Estate and gardens.
    Green Spring Gardens | Alexandria, VA
  • Nerdettes - Performing Arts
    Cherokee Rose, Gigi Holliday, Cherie Sweetbottom and Mourna Handful read in the nude.
    D.C. Arts Center | Washington, DC
  • Local Leaders: Doug Fabbioli - Miscellaneous Event
    The co-founder of Fabbioli Cellars to speak.
    Morven Park | Leesburg, VA
  • Din Tao: Leader of the Parade - Miscellaneous Event
    In celebration of Asian American Heritage Month, a screening of the true story of the Chio-Tian Folk Drums and Arts Troupe in Taichung, Taiwan.
    West End Cinema | Washington, DC
  • Ilaria Andreoli - Book Event
    A Kluge Fellow at the Library of Congress will discuss illustrated books of the 15th and 16th centuries. At the Jefferson Building.
    Library of Congress - Thomas Jefferson Bldg. | Washington, DC
  • Princeton: A Search for Answers and Marjoe - Miscellaneous Event
    Screenings of the two documentaries as part of the "Searching for the Seventies: The DOCUMERICA Photography Project" exhibition. At the William G. McGowan Theater.
    William G. McGowan Theater - National Archives | Washington, DC
  • Small Business Forum - Miscellaneous Event
    Information on how to market a business online.
    Bethesda Country Club | Bethesda, MD
  • Mayor Gray's Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Evening Celebration - Miscellaneous Event
    A night of performances featuring Some Never Really Get, the Dave Tauler Music Group and more.
    Lincoln Theatre | Washington, DC
  • Tree People - Miscellaneous Event
    A tree-related art project using clay. Best for ages 6-12.
    Brookside Nature Center | Wheaton, MD

Highlighted Events: Fri, May 31

  • Happy Hour at Fiola - Bar/Club Event
    Sample classic Italian cocktails for $5, or eight different Italian wines for $6 per glass.
    Fiola | Washington, DC
  • Scott C. Johnson - Book Event
    A long-time Newsweek foreign correspondent will discuss his memoir "The Wolf and the Watchman: A Father, a Son, and the CIA"
    Politics & Prose Bookstore | Washington, DC
  • DC Queer Theatre Festival - Performing Arts
    Six ten-minute plays that have LGBT themes are staged.
    Flashpoint | Washington, DC
  • Tango Visions - Exhibit
    Area artist collective Pintores Argentinos 7 on display. Works address the Tango, which originated in Rio de la Plata and spread globally.
    Embassy of Argentina | Washington, DC
  • Soundclash - Bar/Club Event
    A long-running night of vintage reggae, ska, rocksteady and dub is a laidback party.
    Marx Cafe | Washington, DC
  • Becky Shaw - Performing Arts
    As the saying goes, the road to hell is paved with good intentions. A well-meaning couple in Gina Gionfriddo's witty Pulitzer finalist play learns that the hard way after setting up a straight-talking friend and a seemingly vulnerable co-worker. Alyssa Wilmoth Keegan, who wowed in Studio Theatre's "Contractions," and Will Gartshore star in the area premiere of the off-Broadway hit.
    Round House Theatre | Bethesda, MD
  • Happy Hour at Boundary Road - Bar/Club Event
    Boundary Road offers drinks after work, then becomes late-night destination for beers, shots and gourmet bar food.
    Boundary Road | Washington, DC
  • Hora Feliz - Bar/Club Event
    Oyamel's happy hour features discounted margaritas, beer and tacos.
    Oyamel | Washington, DC
  • Happy Hour at Cafe Soleil - Bar/Club Event
    A happy hour that offers the taste of summer all year long.
    Cafe Soleil | Washington, DC
  • May 2013
  • Jun 2013
  • Jul 2013
  • Aug 2013
  • Sep 2013
  • Oct 2013
  • Nov 2013
  • Dec 2013
  • Jan 2014
  • Feb 2014
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