Late September in the Neighborhood: Rock in Rock Creek Park, sing ‘Wicked’ at Levine, and more

A mini update to our monthly events roundup because there’s a lot of cool stuff happening this week.

A Carnegie Science neighborhood lecture at the Earth and Science Laboratory on Broad Branch Road. (Carnegie Science photo)

Carnegie Earth and Planets Lab’s Neighborhood Lecture Series

We have neighbors who like to invite people over for lemonade, cookies, and conversation about the cosmos. The Carnegie Earth and Planets Laboratory (5241 Broad Branch Road NW) is known for its world-renowned research – and its neighborhood lectures. The next lecture on Thursday, September 25th is two talks in one, with post-doctoral fellows presenting on star and planet nurseries and “forbidden” gas giants. To attend in person, RSVP here and show up as many as 30 minutes prior to the 6:30 p.m. start time for the cookies. To watch the lecture live online, register here.

Celebrate Rock Creek Park Day

The national park in our backyard is 135 years old, and Rock Creek NPS is celebrating on September 27th and 28th with activities at the Rock Creek Nature Center and Planetarium (5200 Glover Road NW). This year’s theme is punk rock, and Saturday’s events lineup even includes a live performance by DC band Truth or Dare. Scientists from the Carnegie Earth and Planets Lab will be there too, not to perform but to inform anyone interested in geology and planetary science. Or, join rangers for hikes and enjoy films in the planetarium. And on Sunday, the dog people are invited to the Nature Center for “The Ultimate Doggie Rock Party.”

Picnic at Peirce Mill

Which we recommend any day. But from 4 to 7 p.m. on September 28th (the rain date), Carly Harvey, DC’s “Queen of the Blues,” will be there to serenade the picnickers.

Wicked sing-along at Levine Music

Let’s add musical theater to our punk and blues lineup. The music school at 2801 Upton Street NW is hosting “an afternoon of joy, energy, and community” on the 28th, and you’re welcome whether you’re a long-time fan of Wicked or new to its songs. RSVP here.

And, you could really shred.

We’re talking about documents, of course. Deal Middle School’s community shred on September 27th is part school fundraiser, part excuse to finally do something about those piles of paper. Stop by between 9 a.m. and noon.