Enjoy Hillwood after closing time on August 5. The inaugural After Hours event at the museum and gardens includes performances by jazz and Go-Go band The JoGo Project, lawn games, textile crafting, demonstrations, a chance to chat up a curator, and more. See ice cream made the old-fashioned way. Peirce Mill’s annual demonstration returns on August 8, and […]
What you’ll find at District Fringe, the indie theater festival now underway at UDC
It’s live. It’s independent. Sometimes, it’s even free. District Fringe, the indie theater festival that’s now in its second season, has one week of shows under its belt and two more performance-packed weeks to go. Ticketed shows typically cost $15. Staged readings of works by some up-and-coming playwrights are $10. And most events at the […]
July in the Neighborhood: Fringe theater festival, Christmas in July market, movie at the park
July is jam-packed with extra-local fun. And a note to our newsletter subscribers: Most of these events might look familiar, but if you read to the end you’ll be rewarded with new Girl Scout-sponsored activities, open to all, and right here in the neighborhood. Celebrate Tanabata, Japan’s star festival. According to legend, two lovers, separated […]
Parks and people in Berlin and Copenhagen, and my renewed appreciation for what we have in DC
by Marlene Berlin One of my daily jaunts in Rock Creek Park last week was a delightful hike along Valley Trail north of Military Road. It began to rain, which for me is a happy occurrence. I enjoyed the activity and the surroundings but my head was also full of thoughts, mostly of the parks […]
A local dad and kids’ business can do something about the bag of batteries in your junk drawer (Sponsored)
This article is sponsored by Student Union Junk Removal of Chevy Chase. by Collin Harris Somewhere in your home, there’s probably a bag. Maybe it’s in the kitchen junk drawer, or on a shelf in the utility closet. Inside: a tangle of old phone chargers, a laptop that gave up the ghost in 2021, some […]
More things to do in June: Violins and pickleball in our parks
One of the joys of walking neighborhood streets and trails is the unexpected encounters along the way. Here’s just one example: A year ago, our editor-in-chief heard the faint strains of violins while on a hike in Rock Creek Park. Following the sound, she eventually stumbled upon a violin concert at Picnic Grove #13. You […]
June in the Neighborhood: A toy swap, children’s concert, yoga in the park, Create by the Creek, and more
Spend a fun day at Forest Hills Park. Thanks to Van Ness Main Street’s Good Clean Fun initiative, June 6 is a day of service, community and music, with an all-ages cleanup, a community toy swap, and a performance by Grammy-nominated children’s music artist Mamá Elena. Create a work of art at Peirce Mill. Artists have been inspired by […]
The 2026 District Fringe festival at Van Ness-UDC includes programs for up-and-coming playwrights and young audiences
After its successful inaugural festival in July 2025, District Fringe is returning to Van Ness this summer with new plays and initiatives. District Fringe recently announced the festival dates (July 10 through 26, Wednesdays to Sundays) and the performance lineup (see the news release below). The performance schedule and online box office should arrive at […]
The spring bird migration brings out the birdwatchers in Rock Creek Park
by Marlene Berlin Hikes through Rock Creek Park in recent weeks have featured several encounters with fellow hikers sporting field glasses and all sorts of fancy cameras and accessories. They are birdwatchers on the lookout for migratory birds, especially warblers. Many are recording their sightings and photos here. “Spring migration turns Rock Creek Park into […]
May in the Neighborhood: Embassy tours, pop-up artisans market, historic trades festival, Hillwood movies
Van Ness Main Street celebrates 10 years. The organization’s May 2 anniversary party is “A Taste of Van Ness Main Street.” Sample some local restaurant specialties while enjoying music performed by Tracey Cutler and the UDC JAZZAlive Trio. The event also honors neighborhood business leaders and volunteers. Local embassies are opening to the public. May 2 is Passport DC’s […]