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For Your Weekend: Smithsonian Solstice Celebration, World Cup Watch Parties

By Sophia Barnes and Cordilia James • •

It's official: Summer's here! Here are some fun things to keep in mind:

-- Outdoor movies are one of the best parts of a D.C. summer. This weekend's offerings include "La La Land," "Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory," "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" and "The Iron Giant."

-- Have some frugal fun with our Free & Cheap Things to Do in D.C. guide.

Community Connections

Creating World Peace
Friday, 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., Navy Yard

Join Buddhist nun Gen Demo for a talk on how promoting peace within can be a positive force across the world. Tickets cost $12 unless you're a member of the Kadampa Meditation Center.

Patuxent Wildlife Conservation Tram Tours
Weekends through Aug. 30, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., Patuxent Research Refuge

Local

Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia local news, events and information

Washington Capitals 2 hours ago

Rangers finish off sweep of the Capitals, move on to the 2nd round of the NHL playoffs

Israel-Hamas War 3 hours ago

Israel-Hamas war protest at George Washington University grows to 200; university barriers dismantled

Hop on the free 30-minute tram tour to see animals in their natural habitats. Check the weather before you go: Tours are cancelled for thunderstorms, heavy rain or heat indexes over 100 degrees.

RiverPalooza 2018
Various dates through August 25

The Potomac Riverkeeper Network is hosting several boating trips along the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers through summer. Trips range from culturally-based tours, fishing trips and overnight paddles. Register in advance; costs vary.

Juneteenth Community Picnic & Resource Fair
Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Marvin Gaye Park

Black business owners and artisans will have tables alongside community organizations sharing information about community resources.

Smithsonian Solstice Saturday
Saturday, all day, various locations

The Smithsonian is pulling out all the stops to celebrate summer 2018! Several Smithsonians are extending their hours, including the National Zoo (9 p.m.) and the Hirshhorn (midnight).

Kids can enjoy games, crafts, activities including dressing up a llama (3:30 p.m., American Indian Museum), paper orchid making (5:30 p.m., Natural History Museum) and screenings of movies shot in D.C. (various times, Anacostia Community Museum). The National Air and Space museum will delve into the astronomy of the solstice with a day and night of activities. In the evening, the Enid A. Haupt Garden, Moongate Garden, National Museum of African Art, Freer Gallery and Museum of the American Indian will all host live music after dark.

Blagden Open Air Market
Sunday, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Blagden Alley

The coffee shop La Colombe is hosting an open-air market of vintage retailers, local artists and java.

Stories of Scottsboro Today
Sunday, 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Busboys and Poets Shirlington

Dr. Tawnya Pettiford-Wates, artistic director of the Conciliation Project, will lead a panel of experts discussing the injustice nine young black men faced in Depression-era America.

World Heritage Festival
Sunday, June 24, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Silver Spring

Enjoy cultural performances from around the world while trying ethnic foods, buying fine art, crafts, and more. This free family friendly event also has a kids zone with games and activities throguhout the day, so it's something everyone can enjoy.

Pike and Rose's "The Beach"
Open daily, Rockville

Now open for summer, a parking lot at Pike & Rose has transformed (via 250 tons of sand) into a staycation destination. Check out our preview here:

This summer, 250 tons of sand will transform a parking lot at Pike & Rose into a staycation destination.

Parties and Food

Lyft Recess
Friday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., NoMa

Enjoy free (!) beer and snacks, classic music from the '80s and '90s and games at this throwback party. Bring five non-perishable food items for entry into a raffle with prizes including Chia Pets and an old school Game Boy.

26th Annual Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle
Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., downtown

Sample tons of barbecue as cooks from across the country battle it out to make the best smoked or grilled meats in America. There's also a lineup of live music including the Plain White T's, plus cooking demonstration and exhibits. Tickets for adults start at $12.50, and some Giant food stores are giving out discounts.

Neon Paint Party
Saturday, one hour sessions from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Dupont Circle

ArtJamz is flicking on the blacklights and allowing guests to paint the walls neon! Tickets cost $15 and come with a beer or wine.

Men Who Cook
Saturday, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., University of District of Columbia

Enjoy an open bar and good food at this event, which benefits scholarships and community projects in the D.C. area. As of this writing, tickets are going for $45.

Annual North Carolina Society Seafood Festival
Saturday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Hill Center

Tickets start at $40 for non-members, which seems like a good deal for oysters, crabcakes, seafood boil, pork shoulder, beer, wine and sides. Go hungry!

America Now! Solstice Edition
Saturday, 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., downtown

One of the main draws of the Smithsonian's all-day soltice celebration, this party will feature free, fun history talks, a scavenger hunt and a "speakeasy happy hour" at the Museum of American History. At 8:30 p.m., you can hop in a free pedi-cab to the Smithsonian American Art Museum, which is set to host a beer garden and block party. The night ends at the National Portrait Gallery (which shares a building with the American Art Museum) with music from Ruby Velle and Soulphonics and rapper and producer Oddisee.

13th Annual Crab Cake Competition
Sunday, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., Ivy City SmokeHouse Tarvern & Market

It's all about the certified Maryland crab at this festival, which also benefits culinary students by funding scholarships. An $85 ticket gets you noms and samples of the crabcakes from chefs at Kaliwa, Lucky Buns, Himitsu and other delicious restaurants. Some beers and wines are also included.

Rock the Boat - Bollywood Edition
Sunday, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Georgetown Waterfront

Join DJ BIKS for an evening of Bollywood dancing on the Potomac. Early bird tickets are $15.

Pupusa Fest
Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Columbia Heights

Pony up $5 for two tasty pupusas and a drink. You'll also find zumba, games for kids and music.

Art, Exhibits, Comedy and Music

"Watching Oprah"
Ongoing

If you love Oprah, you'll love the exhibit devoted to her at the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

The exhibit "Watching Oprah: The Oprah Winfrey Show and American Culture" debuted last week and will remain open through June 2019. Here's a look at what you'll find:

NBC Washington
NBC Washington
These are the chairs from "The Oprah Winfrey Show" set.
National Museum of African American History and Culture
The exhibit opens by placing Oprah in historical context, with a whole room of photos and artifacts on the civil rights movement, women's movement and the media landscape in Oprah's early days.
NBC Washington
This huge bow was on a car Oprah gave away on the "You get a car!" show in 2004.
NBC Washington
On the day Oprah gave away hundreds of cars, each person in the audience was given a small gift box to open. They thought one person would find car keys inside. But keys like these — with a special Oprah keychain — were in every single box.
NBC Washington
This is the suit Oprah wore for the 2004 car giveaway.
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Oprah at a Miss Fire Prevention contest in Nashville in 1971. She was the first black contestant to win. She told the judges she wanted to become a TV journalist like Barbara Walters. She later said she hadn't prepared that answer; it came to her in the moment.
NBC Washington
Oprah wrote this journal entry at midnight on Sept. 8, 1986, hours before her show debuted in national syndication. "I keep wondering how my life will change," she wrote.
National Museum of African American History and Culture
An ad for TV news Oprah was on in Nashville in 1975.
NBC Washington
Oprah bought these Stuart Weitzman heels for $750 to wear on her first "Tonight Show" appearance, in 1985.
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Oprah was born in Kosciusko, Mississippi, on Jan. 29, 1954. The exhibit looks at the world as she grew up.
NBC Washington
Oprah wore these size 10 Calvin Klein jeans when she announced on the air in 1988 that she had lost 67 pounds. She pulled out onto the stage a red wagon full of 67 pounds of animal fat. To lose the weight, she ate no solid food for four months.
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Oprah's childhood diary, circa 1970.
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Oprah's high school student ID card in 1967.
National Museum of African American History and Culture
This is Oprah's high school scrapbook, circa 1971. On this page, she wrote about "My First Jobs" and "The Influentials" in her life.
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Oprah reading the news on WVOL-AM radio in Nashville, circa 1973.
National Museum of African American History and Culture
An ad for Oprah as evening news anchor in Nashville in 1975.
National Museum of African American History and Culture
The exhibit seeks to explain and explore what a cultural phenomenon Oprah's show was for decades, said Lonnie G. Bunch III, the museum's founding director. "I thought it was really important to find ways to help people understand how central African-American culture is to all of us. And I thought, who better than Oprah Winfrey? Here is somebody that all American listen to and find fascinating. The issues that she's raised really shaped us as a country," he said.
NBC Washington
This tote bag promoted Oprah's show in 1980.
National Museum of African American History and Culture
This room of the exhibit pays tribute to black women who Oprah said paved the way for her.
National Museum of African American History and Culture
The exhibit tracks Oprah's development into a national star.
NBC Washington
This is the desk Oprah used at Harpo Studios in Chicago. If you look closely, you can see a photo of her longtime partner Stedman Graham.
NBC Washington
Here's another view of Oprah's desk. On the right are notecards that simply say "OPRAH" at the top in capital letters.
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Here are on the chairs on Oprah's set.
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Oprah started her own company and became a billionaire.
National Museum of African American History and Culture
On the left are some of the chairs Oprah's audience sat in.
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Oprah for vice president? Here's a novelty pin with the suggestion.
NBC Washington
Oprah wore this Vera Wang gown at the Legends Ball in 2005.
NBC Washington
Oprah used this card to prepare for an interview with Tom Cruise in 2008 at his home in Telluride, Colorado.
NBC Washington
Oprah began donating to humanitarian causes in South Africa in 1980. This was a uniform at the boarding school for girls that she opened in 2007.
NBC Washington
A wall in the exhibit lists every episode of Oprah's show. It ran for 25 seasons, from Sept. 8, 1986 to May 25, 2011. They made 4,561 episodes.
NBC Washington
President Barack Obama awarded Oprah the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013. "In her story, we are reminded that no dream can be deferred when we refuse to let life's obstacles keep us down," he said.
NBC Washington
This was Oprah's script for the finale of her show. Go here to see video from inside the exhibit.

Jazz in the Garden
Friday, 5 p.m., National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden

The Hendrik Meurkens Quartet is set to bring jazz harmonica and vibraphone to one of D.C.'s favorite outdoor concerts.

No Kings Collective presents CONGRUENT
Opens Friday evening; runs through July 1, H Street Corridor

Artists' collectives are coming together to showcase D.C.'s art culture. This exhibit opens at 6 p.m. Friday, then you can visit through Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

ARTECHOUSE
 All weekend, Southwest Waterfront

A one-of-a-kind experience from Paris has made its way to the District. Through June 30, art lovers have the chance to dance, celebrate and immerse themselves in the wonders of light.

Willian Avila
Willian Avila
Say goodbye to the cherry blossoms and immerse yourself in light! "Naked Eyes," brought to you by Nonotak Studio, is an art exhibit that lets visitors connect with sound, light and space.
ARTECHOUSE
This is the Paris-based duo's first solo exhibition in the United States. They are known for using custom-made technology to create geometric illustrations and illusions.
Willian Avila
"Naked Eyes" is compromised of four installations.
Willian Avila
"Naked Eyes" is in celebration of the International Day of Light, May 16. The day commemorates the anniversary of the first successful operation of the laser in 1960, by physicist and engineer Theodore Maiman.
Willian Avila
"This is the first time we merge video projection and static light fixtures together, and we are thrilled by this new challenge,” Nonotak Studio said in a statement.
ARTECHOUSE
The installation "Coma" features programmed moving headlights.
Willian Avila
Visitors are encouraged to sit and move within the installations. BASELINE, pictured above, is a horizontal LED light installation paired with sound and video projection on the walls.
ARTECHOUSE
"Zero Point One" is next-level. This particular installation uses the thinnest light source through a fiber-optic grid and is powered by lasers, creating a floating, 3D illusion.
ARTECHOUSE
Each "Zero Point One" line is controlled individually.
Willian Avila
Go here for ticket information. Note: The exhibit is encouraged for ages 12+ and is not recommended for people with light or photo sensitivity.
ARTECHOUSE
ARTECHOUSE is located between the Smithsonian and L’Enfant Plaza Metro stations at 1238 Maryland Ave. SW in D.C. Tag @NBCWashington in your pics when you visit!

DC Shorts Laughs! 2018
Friday and Saturday, 9:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m., Miracle Theatre

Enjoy live comedians and video shorts. Tickets start at $20.

Jazz in the Basement: The James Brandon Lewis Trio
Sunday, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Goethe-Institut Washington

This D.C. Public Library tradition is moving while the MLK Library is under renovations.

DIY Wood or Fabric Design Workshop
Various days and times, Alexandria

Sometimes DIY needs to start with a little mentorship, and that's where Anders Ruff Workshop comes in. The studio offers classes on making signs, frames, throw pillows and more. Most classes run about $65 for adults.

Sports and Sporting

World Cup Specials & Watch Parties
Various locations

The FIFA World Cup is on, and the D.C. area is hosting plenty of watch parties with food and drink specials, food trucks and more so you can soak up all the excitement. There's one extra family-friendly party happening this weekend at the Wheaton Sports Pavilion.

Waterfront Workouts
Saturday, 9 a.m., The Wharf

You can partake in a free yoga class each Saturday in June on The Wharf, courtesy of Yoga Factory. Bring your own mat!

World Cup Viewing Party with D.C. United Player
Saturday, 11 a.m., Mt. Pleasant Library

The library isn't spilling on which D.C. United player is set to appear at a viewing of the South Korea versus Mexico match, but we're excited to find out.

Chicks in Bowls DC Metro Meetup
Sunday, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Fairfax

Bring your own equipment and learn to skate from dedicated hobbyists. All skill levels welcome.

The Nationals
Friday, 7:05 p.m. — Ladies' Night
Saturday, 4:05 p.m. — Decade Night: The '70s and Pups in the Park (see below)
Sunday, 8:05 p.m. — Kids' Max Scherzer eye patch

The Nats face off against the Phillies this weekend.

Pups in the Park
Saturday, 2:30 p.m., Nationals Park

Break out your pup's Nats gear and bring them down to the pet-friendly section at the Nationals game against the Phillies. The game is set to start at 4:05 p.m.

Oneness Festival 2018
Saturday, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., Yards Park

Enjoy yoga (for adults and kids), vegan food and more at this outdoor festival. Tickets start at $25.

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