Jul
30
Sun
Kids World Weekend at Franklin Park @ Franklin Park
Jul 30 @ 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

The DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID) is excited to announce an immersive celebration of youth and learning: Kids World debuts at Franklin Park for three fun-filled days: Friday, July 28, through Sunday, July 30. This action-packed weekend will be free and open to all and will feature a variety of creative pop-ups, hands-on activities, playful installations, and more to entertain and educate young visitors and their families. Attendees can expect to dive into the worlds of literacy, health and fitness, creativity, science and nature, and entrepreneurship.

Franklin Park will offer multiple activities and installations for children ages 3 to 15.

“Franklin Park is a favorite downtown destination for locals and visitors of all ages, and we love seeing families and kids reveling in downtown’s largest green space. With Kids World, the park will be filled with a variety of engaging activities, curated by some of downtown’s most kid-friendly partners, that appeal to all of the senses and make space for kids to gather, learn, and have fun,” said BID President and CEO Gerren Price. “This will be an unforgettable weekend, and one that shouldn’t be missed.”

The dynamic programming of Kids World is being developed by the BID and partners, including event sponsors the DC Public Library FoundationBeyond the Book, and Events DC, plus the DC Department of Parks and RecreationPlanet WordTurning the Page, and others. Franklin Park will be filled with interactive exhibits, play spaces, and learning opportunities. Activities will be focused on young people ages 3 to 15, but there will be plenty of options to keep attendees of all ages active and engaged. The full schedule of programming is available online at downtowndc.org/event/kids-world.

Highlights include:

  • Storyland story time with special guest appearances

  • Pop-up children’s bookstore

  • Hands-on science, nature, art, and craft projects

  • Teatime with Paddington Bear

  • Stuff-your-own-bear station

  • Meet and learn from kid entrepreneurs

  • Superhero workouts with Black Panther, Wonder Woman, and Spiderman

  • Rock out with youth bands, singers, dancers, and other performers

  • Dance party with DJ Princess Christiona

  • Trackless train rides

  • and much more!

All Kids World spaces and activities are free and open to the public. Select events have limited capacity and require pre-registration — visit eventbrite.com/e/kids-world-2023-tickets-676188256277 to view those events and reserve your free pass.

Citi Taste of Tennis @ La Vie Restaurant
Jul 30 @ 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

 Citi Taste of Tennis, the Official Player Party of the Mubadala Citi D.C. Open, returns to the Nation’s Capital on July 30th from 7-10 p.m. Guests will be treated to an unforgettable evening of amazing cuisine prepared by some of D.C.’s finest chefs and served by top tennis stars at La Vie Restaurant located on the Southwest Waterfront in The Wharf.

Tennis Channel’s Nick Monroe will host the event and Chef Kevin Tien will serve as the headline Chef. Nick and Kevin will be joined by a number of special guest players who will participate in an exciting cooking demonstration on the main stage.

A wide array of cuisine will be available from Citi Taste of Tennis’ all-star lineup of acclaimed chefs, including: Kevin Tien (Moon Rabbit), Bader Ali (Gerrard Street Kitchen), Patrice Cleary (Purple Patch), Alessandra Begggiato (Dolci Gelati), Jassi Bindra (Amrina The Woodlands), John Mooney (Bidwell), Scheyla Acosta and Chef Mac & Chef Pinke (Flavorture).

To add to the excitement, guests will be treated to a live performance to dance the night away. Attendees will also enjoy an assortment of interactive sponsor experiences provided by CitiBarbados Tourist BoardZonin ProseccoVossChef Works and Volkl.

Tickets are $250 each and group packages are available.

Aug
2
Wed
AdMo Vibe @ Kalorama Park on Columbia Road, NW
Aug 2 @ 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

AdMo Vibe is a series of free, outdoor concerts featuring local musicians in Kalorama Park on Columbia Road, NW in Adams Morgan. Concerts will be held on Wednesdays in August.

AdMo Vibe is the ultimate setting for a family night out, date night, relaxing evening in the park, or solo adventure. The bands will be playing various genres of music including folk, pop, country, classical, rock, jazz, and more. Participants can picnic with takeout from a local restaurant, enjoy good vibes with neighbors and friends, and visit an array of shops and boutiques just steps away before or after the performances.

CONCERT SCHEDULE:

– Wednesday, August 2 from 6-7:30pm: Darcy Dawn (Country)

– Wednesday, August 9 from 6-7:30pm: Emma G (Pop & Soul)

– Wednesday, August 16 from 6-7:30pm: Justin Trawick and the Common Good (Bluegrass, Rock, Reggae and Hip-Hop)

– Wednesday, August 23 from 6-7:30pm: Washington Metropolitan Gamer Symphony Orchestra (Video Game Music!)

NOTE: On Wednesday, August 23, Because Science will be hosting a free science + music themed activity during the event in Kalorama Park. Details: At Because Science, we celebrate the intersection of science and art, which includes music! Stop by and make your own instrument to take home. We’ll also have fun sound demos to help you “see” sound. All activities are free and hosted by your neighborhood science nerds at Because Science at 1759 Columbia Road, NW. Adults and children are welcome to participate. The activity is best suited for kids over 5. More details can be found here.

For a limited time, Adams Morgan restaurants will be offering specials before, during, and after the concerts. These to-go style meals are perfect for a picnic in the park. Visit admodc.org/admovibe for a complete list of restaurant specials!

Aug
3
Thu
Jazz @ Met Thursdays @ Met Park
Aug 3 @ 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Did someone say live music, delicious food, and drinks? The inaugural season of Jazz @ Met, produced by the National Landing BID, DC Jazz Festival and Amazon, has a weekly lineup of jazz artists.

Starting June 15 through August 17, doors will open to guests every Thursday at 4 PM and music starts at 5 PM. The year’s lineup includes:

WHEN: Every Thursday from June 15 to August 17 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM

WHERE: Met Park (South Fern Street, Arlington, VA 22202)

Aug
4
Fri
Movies @ Met Fridays @ Met Park
Aug 4 @ 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Grab your popcorn and relax on the lawn at Met Park for a weekly outdoor movies series, produced by the National Landing BID.

Come anytime after 6 PM to pick up occasional swag and grab a bite to eat at one of the participating food trucks or pack a picnic. Movies will begin at 7 PM.

 

WHEN: Every Friday this summer at 7:00 PM

WHERE: Met Park (South Fern Street, Arlington, VA 22202)

Rockin’ at the Ridge Concert @ City Ridge Great Lawn
Aug 4 @ 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Get ready for the ultimate soundtrack to summer with City Ridge’s summer music series, Rockin’ at the Ridge. Every Friday, kick back and relax on City Ridge’s Great Lawn to enjoy live music, beer, wine and fun in the summer!

Guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn or beach chairs. Beer and wine will be available for purchase throughout the event. While at City Ridge, guests can also stop by Wegmans and Tatte Bakery & Cafe for additional bites and refreshments.

WHEN: The concert series will run every Friday from 6:30 to 8:30 PM from June 2 through August 25

WHERE: City Ridge’s Great Lawn (20 Ridge Square NW, Washington, DC 20016). Hourly parking is available on-site.

HOW: Guests can register for FREE here. More information on the artist line up and event details can be found here.

ABOUT CITY RIDGE: City Ridge is a brand new community located along bustling Wisconsin Avenue, with 690 apartment residences, CAVA’s new corporate headquarters, and Wegmans and Tatte Bakery & Cafe. For more information on City Ridge, its incoming retailers and residential offerings, click here.

Aug
6
Sun
Heist Summer Series @ The Wharf DC’s District Pier
Aug 6 @ 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Heist is excited to announce the return of its Summer Series, marking its comeback with an all-day extravaganza for three sun-soaked Sunday Fundays, launching on July 23. Following its incredible success at the Kennedy Center in 2021, the iconic nightclub that was the first to take over a national monument is at it again with the first day-club to pop up against the scenic backdrop of The Wharf DC’s District Pier and Dockmaster Building. The day party will have a number of food options to pair with your sips, including a flavorful taco stand featuring mojito chicken, carne asada and carnitas fillings.

The Wharf’s District Pier and Dockmaster Building will be the playground for some of the District’s top DJs and theatrical performers delivering bottle service as the sun shines and yachts float by –  evoking the legendary day parties in St. Barths and St. Tropez. From House Music to Top 40, the music is sure to rock the waterfront. Ten VIP tables each week will be available for purchase (starting at $1,000) and boast views of the Potomac, while general admission starts at $30.

The event will be open rain or shine on August 6 at 2pm. To browse the full menu, reserve a table and pre-order bottle service, please visit https://www.heistsummerseries.com/. Food will be available for purchase on site.

Bourbon Steak’s Tiki Throwdown @ Bourbon Steak patio
Aug 6 @ 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Bourbon Steak’s Tiki Throwdown is back! Showcasing esteemed past and present Bourbon Steak bartenders battling it out to be crowned the ultimate mixologist, this epic throwdown will take place on the Bourbon Steak patio from 4-7pm on Sunday, August 6th.

Guests will get the opportunity to take a front row seat for this boozy battle with local bartenders going head to head as they demonstrate building their signature craft cocktails. Guests will sample each contending beverage while enjoying passed tropical bites, and the results will be in their hands, with their votes determining the reigning champion of the night.

The competitor line up will feature Bourbon Steak’s Head Bartender Engidawork Alebachew, who will be defending his home turf by showcasing his “Fano” cocktail. Engi will be competing with industry experts, Jamie MacBain from Diageo Hospitality, Duane Sylvestre from Campari Group, Torrence Swain from Mezcal El Silencio and Greg Long from Allegory. Please see more details on each contender below.

Tickets are available for $100, with a 10% donation benefitting local charity Worthy Mentoring.

 

____

Contenders:

Engidawork Alebachew
Defending his home turf & representing Bourbon Steak at the Tiki Throwdown is Lead Bartender, Engidawork Alebachew, who will be showcasing his “Fano” cocktail.

Originally from Ethiopia, Engi had previously studied bioengineering before taking his place behind the bar at Bourbon Steak in 2010. Engi quickly realized his love for hospitality, engaging with guests and creating mixology magic, and embarked on a new career. Today, Engi leads the exciting cocktail program at Bourbon Steak creating innovative libations like the wagyu washed Yo, You Got Beef?!.

Duane Sylvestre
Hailing from the Campari Group, Libation Wizz, Duane Sylvestre, will return to Bourbon Steak to whip up his “Selassie” cocktail and protect his former title as Lead Bartender!

With 25+ years of beverage hospitality experience, Duane has an insatiable desire to learn and teach, believing that “raising the tide” for his industry peers benefits the entire food, beverage, and hospitality community. Prior to joining The Campari Group, Duane served as USBG DC Chapter President and led the award winning beverage program at Bourbon Steak.

Jamie MacBain
Coming in hot is The Potion Professor, Jamie MacBain, ready to throw it down at Bourbon Steak with his “Spirit Animal” cocktail and defend his former title as Head Bartender!

A 30-year industry veteran, leader and educator, Jamie has worked at some of the most popular dining establishments in the nation’s capital, including Bourbon Steak. Jamie was also the past president of the DC Craft Bartenders’ Guild, and is currently the DC/MD/DE On Premise Manager for Diageo Hospitality Partnership at Enthuse Marketing Group.

Torrence Swain
Introducing Torrence Swain, The East Coast Cocktail Crusader who will be battling it out at the Tiki Throwdown with his “Malvado Dorado” cocktail and flexing his prowess as former Bourbon Steak Head Bartender!

Well versed in spirit knowledge, education and cocktail creation, Torrence Swain is a seasoned industry professional, having represented esteemed D.C. restaurants including Bourbon Steak and Farmers Fishers Bakers. Torrence is now a leader in the spirits industry, serving as East Coast Director of Sales for Silencio Holdings.

Greg Long
Introducing our fifth and final beverage battler ready to flex his “Right By the Beach (Boiiiii)” cocktail at the Tiki Throwdown, Bourbon Steak’s former bartender, Greg Long!

A true cocktail aficionado, Greg started his journey at Bourbon Steak, where he bartended for four years. He then plied his trade at Dante in New York, before returning to DC and calling Allegory home, where he’s whipping up some of the best, most creative cocktails in the country.

Tiki Throwdown @ Bourbon Steak patio
Aug 6 @ 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

On Sunday, August 6th, Bourbon Steak will host a Tiki Throwdown, where former Bourbon Steak bartenders will join Head Bartender Engidawork Alebachew in a cocktail competition, battling it out to be crowned the champion. In addition to sampling each cocktail creation, guests will enjoy Bourbon Steak delights like the Duck Fat Fries and Prime Steak Burger, music from a live DJ and more. The event will be held from 4 to 7pm, with tickets available for $100, with a 10% donation benefitting Worthy Mentoring.

Guests will get the opportunity to take a front row seat for this boozy battle with local bartenders going head to head as they demonstrate building their signature craft cocktails. Guests will sample each contending beverage while enjoying passed tropical bites, and the results will be in their hands, with their votes determining the reigning champion of the night.

The competitor line up will feature Bourbon Steak’s Head Bartender Engidawork Alebachew, who will be defending his home turf by showcasing his “Fano” cocktail. Engi will be competing with industry experts, Jamie MacBain from Diageo Hospitality, Duane Sylvestre from Campari Group, Torrence Swain from Mezcal El Silencio and Greg Long from Allegory. Please see more details on each contender below.

Additionally, Bourbon Steak will be extending its general offerings, launching a new seasonal menu featuring delicious dishes inspired by and designed to be enjoyed during the summer months, including Lobster Cobb Salad, Gazpacho, Halibut, Corn Agnolotti Pasta, Tomato and Watermelon Salad.

*****

Engidawork Alebachew
Defending his home turf & representing Bourbon Steak at the Tiki Throwdown is Lead Bartender, Engidawork Alebachew, who will be showcasing his “Fano” cocktail.

Originally from Ethiopia, Engi had previously studied bioengineering before taking his place behind the bar at Bourbon Steak in 2010. Engi quickly realized his love for hospitality, engaging with guests and creating mixology magic, and embarked on a new career. Today, Engi leads the exciting cocktail program at Bourbon Steak creating innovative libations like the wagyu washed Yo, You Got Beef?!.

Duane Sylvestre
Hailing from the Campari Group, Libation Wizz, Duane Sylvestre, will return to Bourbon Steak to whip up his “Selassie” cocktail and protect his former title as Lead Bartender!

With 25+ years of beverage hospitality experience, Duane has an insatiable desire to learn and teach, believing that “raising the tide” for his industry peers benefits the entire food, beverage, and hospitality community. Prior to joining The Campari Group, Duane served as USBG DC Chapter President and led the award winning beverage program at Bourbon Steak.

Jamie MacBain
Coming in hot is The Potion Professor, Jamie MacBain, ready to throw it down at Bourbon Steak with his “Spirit Animal” cocktail and defend his former title as Head Bartender!

A 30-year industry veteran, leader and educator, Jamie has worked at some of the most popular dining establishments in the nation’s capital, including Bourbon Steak. Jamie was also the past president of the DC Craft Bartenders’ Guild, and is currently the DC/MD/DE On Premise Manager for Diageo Hospitality Partnership at Enthuse Marketing Group.

Torrence Swain
Introducing Torrence Swain, The East Coast Cocktail Crusader who will be battling it out at the Tiki Throwdown with his “Malvado Dorado” cocktail and flexing his prowess as former Bourbon Steak Head Bartender!

Well versed in spirit knowledge, education and cocktail creation, Torrence Swain is a seasoned industry professional, having represented esteemed D.C. restaurants including Bourbon Steak and Farmers Fishers Bakers. Torrence is now a leader in the spirits industry, serving as East Coast Director of Sales for Silencio Holdings.

Greg Long
Introducing our fifth and final beverage battler ready to flex his “Right By the Beach (Boiiiii)” cocktail at the Tiki Throwdown, Bourbon Steak’s former bartender, Greg Long!

A true cocktail aficionado, Greg started his journey at Bourbon Steak, where he bartended for four years. He then plied his trade at Dante in New York, before returning to DC and calling Allegory home, where he’s whipping up some of the best, most creative cocktails in the country.

Aug
9
Wed
AdMo Vibe @ Kalorama Park on Columbia Road, NW
Aug 9 @ 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

AdMo Vibe is a series of free, outdoor concerts featuring local musicians in Kalorama Park on Columbia Road, NW in Adams Morgan. Concerts will be held on Wednesdays in August.

AdMo Vibe is the ultimate setting for a family night out, date night, relaxing evening in the park, or solo adventure. The bands will be playing various genres of music including folk, pop, country, classical, rock, jazz, and more. Participants can picnic with takeout from a local restaurant, enjoy good vibes with neighbors and friends, and visit an array of shops and boutiques just steps away before or after the performances.

CONCERT SCHEDULE:

– Wednesday, August 2 from 6-7:30pm: Darcy Dawn (Country)

– Wednesday, August 9 from 6-7:30pm: Emma G (Pop & Soul)

– Wednesday, August 16 from 6-7:30pm: Justin Trawick and the Common Good (Bluegrass, Rock, Reggae and Hip-Hop)

– Wednesday, August 23 from 6-7:30pm: Washington Metropolitan Gamer Symphony Orchestra (Video Game Music!)

NOTE: On Wednesday, August 23, Because Science will be hosting a free science + music themed activity during the event in Kalorama Park. Details: At Because Science, we celebrate the intersection of science and art, which includes music! Stop by and make your own instrument to take home. We’ll also have fun sound demos to help you “see” sound. All activities are free and hosted by your neighborhood science nerds at Because Science at 1759 Columbia Road, NW. Adults and children are welcome to participate. The activity is best suited for kids over 5. More details can be found here.

For a limited time, Adams Morgan restaurants will be offering specials before, during, and after the concerts. These to-go style meals are perfect for a picnic in the park. Visit admodc.org/admovibe for a complete list of restaurant specials!