Arts & Entertainment
High camp fun
No, we mean real camp — as in summer fun for kids. Here are a few of the region’s offerings
(Image courtesy of Rollins)
Imagination Stage, part of Artisphere (1101 Wilson Blvd.) in Arlington, has many summer camps for children of all ages, starting at 4 and going all the way through high school. There is the Arts Explorer camp for children ages 4 and 5. Children ages 6 and 7 can go to the Arts Adventure camp. The other camps are either four weeks long or a week-long flex camp. There’s also a Filmmaking Camp for children grades five to 12 that last either one or three weeks and dance camps. For more information, visit imaginationstage.org.
Beauvoir, the National Cathedral Elementary School, (3500 Woodley Rd., N.W.) has multiple summer programs for different age groups from ages 3 to 11 that run throughout the summer. Costs of the camps vary program to program. Brown bag lunches and snacks will be provided for all-day campers and half-day campers will receive snacks. Children are encouraged to dress comfortably and sock and tennis shoes are required. For more information, visit summer.beauvoirschool.org.
Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (545 7th St., S.E.) puts on a summer program called “Island Arts Adventure,” which is two week sessions that run from June 20 to Aug. 12 for children ages 5 to 13. Each session is divided into morning and afternoon camps. In the morning, the campers will focus on an island such as Indonesia or Hawaii and then the afternoon camps are more recreation based. Campers must have turned 5 by June 1 and completed a year of kindergarten or equivalent education. For more information, visit chaw.org.
The Corcoran Gallery of Art has a camp for children ages 5 to 16 called “Camp Creativity.” The camp is divided into four age groups. The groups for children 5 to 10 meet at the Georgetown campus (1801 35th St., N.W.) and the other groups meet at the gallery’s downtown campus (500 17th St., N.W.). Studio A has campers experimenting with a variety of materials as they investigate themes in art. Studio B allows campers to explore a variety of artists and themes while developing their artistic skills. Studio C has campers concentrating on skill development and they get to try out things like fashion illustration and cartooning. Studio D has campers building their skills in figure drawing, digital photography and fashion illustration. Campers can be signed up for one to eight weeks. Prices vary based on age and session. For more information, visit Corcoran.org.
TIC Summer Camp (4620 Dittmar Rd.) in Arlington is a technology- and sports-based camp for children 7 to 16 at three locations. The technology choices are programming, robotics, web design, animation, filmmaking, digital arts and digital music. All campers get a sports period each day and their choices are soccer, basketball, gymnastics, dance, team handball, street hockey, ultimate frisbee, flag football, softball, capture the flag, volleyball and crazy games. Campers can also choose drama or tennis for an additional cost. Campers are expected to provide their own lunch. There are four sessions throughout the summer starting June 20. The base tuition is $820 per session. For more information, visit ticcamp.com.
Woodland Horse Center (16301 New Hampshire Ave.) in Silver Spring has two summer camps available this year. There’s the Pony Pals Summer Camp for children ages 5 to 7 and the Horsemanship Summer Camp for children ages 8 to 15. Horsemanship campers get two riding lessons, horsemanship lessons, interactive lectures and do arts and crafts. A two-week sessions costs $760 and the first session starts June 13. Pony Pals are given a daily riding lesson, horsemanship lessons, interactive lectures and do arts and crafts. A single week costs $380 and the first session starts June 20. Both camps will have special activities such as pizza day and water games day. For more information, visit woodlandhorse.com.
Jonah’s Treehouse (2121 Wisconsin Ave., C-1 Level) has a summer camp for children ages 3 to 6 that runs from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Registration is done by week with a different theme each week. For more information, visit jonahstreehouse.com.
The Studio Theatre Acting Conservatory (1501 14th St., N.W.) has summer workshops for young actors ages 12 to 17. The Young Actors Ensemble will run from June 27 to July 21. The curriculum includes theater games, pantomimes, improvisations, ensemble work, monologues and scene study. Actors acquire better skills in concentration, observation, response and interplay. Placement auditions are June 18 so instructors can better develop individual students to their fullest potential. The program costs $550. Scholarships are available. For more information, visit studiotheatre.org.
Cleveland Park Club (3433 33rd Place, N.W.) has a summer camp that runs from June 13 to Aug. 12 for children ages 5 to 9 and counselors-in-training ages 11 to 16. Campers participate in a variety of activities including stilt-walking, tumbling, kickball and chalk drawing. Camp prices vary based on session and membership in the club. For more information, visit clevelandparkclub.org.
Friday, July 24
The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center hosts Trans Discussion Group from 7-9 p.m. via Zoom. The Trans Discussion Group is intended to provide an emotionally and physically safe space for trans people and those who may be questioning their gender identity/expression to join together in community and learn from one another. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Saturday, July 25
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center will host Black Lesbian Support Group at 11 a,.m. Join the DC Center and the Beta Kappa Chapter of the Beta Phi Omega Sorority for a peer-led support group devoted to the joys and challenges of being a Black Lesbian. For more details, visit the Center’s website.
Sunday, July 26
“Nellie’s DC Drag Brunch” will be at 12 p.m. at Nellie’s Sports Bar. Come get served like a queen by a queen. Join Sapphire Blue, Deja Diamond and their team of amazing drag performers for the most fun you’ll have all weekend. Tickets are $58.51 and are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, July 27
The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center will host Queer Book Club at 6:30 p.m. This month’s selection is “Uncomfortable Labels” by Laura Kate Dale. The meeting will be held via Zoom.Email [email protected] for details.
Tuesday, July 28
Center Bi+ Roundtable will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is an opportunity for people to gather in order to discuss issues related to bisexuality or as bi individuals in a private setting. Visit Facebook or Meetup for more information.
Wednesday, July 29
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.
Thursday, July 30
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.
Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breath work and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
a&e features
Summer in D.C. brings sports, Restaurant Week, festivals, and more
Summer in D.C. just hits different. Congress is out, school is out, the sun is out, thighs are out. With the skies clearing from Canadian smoke, here are a few ways to stay entertained.
Dining
Summer restaurant week: The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) is once again hosting Summer Restaurant Week, Aug. 18-24. This weeklong dining experience showcases the dynamic dining scene of the DMV, including 2026 RAMMY Award-winning favorites (the annual D.C. food awards show that took place June 29). Participating restaurants will offer three-course brunch and lunch selections for $25 or $35 per person, and three-course dinners for $40, $55 and $65 per person.
New Restaurants: A handful of new spots have opened, so the summer is a great time to check them out:
- Oribu: A new Mediterranean-Japanese restaurant in the Grand Hyatt hotel, which just underwent a remodeling effort. The sleek restaurant brings upscale charm, with dishes like Wagyu beef tartare with potato pavé and caviar.
- The Oak Room: A snazzy old-school American grill has just opened in Georgetown, alongside its sister upstairs supper club (Bernadette’s) restaurant, in the old El Centro space.
- Uchi: This showy Japanese sushi-forward chain has landed in Dupont with a chef’s tasting menu of favorites like fatty tuna.
- Kathmandu: Recalling the capital of Nepal, this warm, buzzy subterranean restaurant right in the heart of U Street brings spice, flair, and rare ingredients to its dishes (see: buffalo burgers) and drinks.
Sports
- Washington Spirit Pride Night OUT: On Sunday, Aug. 23, head to Audi Field for a massive, high-energy game following the exciting month of World Cup. The designated Pride Night OUT game promises boisterous crowds plus pre- and post-game community engagements.
- Washington Tennis Open – Now called the Mubadala DC Open, this annual tournament is only combined mens’ and womens’ 500-level tennis tournament in the world. The open is one of D.C.’s longest-standing sports traditions, and will take place at the Rock Creek Park Tennis Center July 25-Aug. 2. Naomi Osaka, Venus Williams, Ben Shelton, Frances Tiafoe, and others are expected to play.
Festivals
- Afro Plus Fest: This huge, three-day Afro-Caribbean Hip-Hop Festival brings together headliners Davido, Alkaline, and Wizkid, plus Tems and Ayra Starr. The event moves from RFK to the Northwest Stadium Complex for three days, Sept. 4-6.
- Capital Fringe Festival: Running from July 11-21, this massive celebration features dozens of live theater, comedy, dance, and boundary-pushing nighttime performances across multiple DC neighborhoods.
- The National Book Festival returns, with headliners like Cynthia Erivo, and Martin Scorsese. The one-day festival, Saturday, Aug. 22, brings together bookworms and word nerds under the theme “America 250: It’s Your Story.” There are talks, workshops, musical sessions and more.
- All Things Go: A three-day festival Sept. 25-27 at Merriweather Post Pavilion featuring Mitski, Hayley Williams, Brandi Carlile, MUNA, Zara Larsson, Ethel Cain, and many, many more artists. There are single-day and three-day tickets. Featuring and highlighting female artists, the festival has turned into a must-see for many LGBTQ audience members.
- Fuchsia Fest: The inaugural Fuchsia Fest is a new multi-day celebration created to celebrate LGBTQ community and expression, bringing together a mix of community gatherings, entertainment, and nightlife. The event takes place Sept. 18-20 and is hosted by Capital Pride.
Art and Music
- United We Dance: A high-energy rave with house, techno, bass, and festival music, on Aug. 1 at the 9:30 Club.
- The Fray. On Aug. 14, this American rock band famous for How To Save A Life is at Merriweather Post Pavilion.
- Kesha: Kesha’s high-energy The Freedom Tour comes to the D.C. area on Aug. 14 at Jiffy Lube Live.
- ALOK: On Sept. 3 at Lincoln Theater, ALOK (they/them) performs. The poet, comedian, and actor is putting on a new comedy show.
- 2charm, the emerging Australian electronic club-pop duo popular with the queer community, which blends hyperpop and dance music, comes to the Atlantis.
- Sapphic Dance Party: a vibrant, inclusive nightlife and social event designed specifically for queer women, lesbians, bisexuals, trans individuals, and nonbinary folks, at Atlantis on Aug. 21.
- Jazz in the Garden: The most quintessential of D.C. activities returns Friday evenings through Aug. 14. This season’s theme, “American Sounds,” is a nod to the nation’s 250th anniversary. Tunes themes range from Appalachian and Americana to Creole jazz, Hill Country blues, contemporary jazz, and more. Tickets are available through a lottery system a week before each event.
a&e features
Tickets on sale for chef Patrick O’Connell’s book launch event
Sept. 18 kickoff to feature José Andrés, Tom Sietsema
Acclaimed chef Patrick O’Connell is preparing to publish his new memoir, “Main, Middle & Gay” in September and he’s launching the book with an event on Sept. 18 at 6 p.m. at Lisner Auditorium featuring Chef José Andrés and former Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema.
Tickets for the event go on sale Tuesday, July 21 at Ticketmaster; prices start at $55.
O’Connell, who’s gay, is the pioneering Michelin-starred chef and longtime proprietor of the Inn at Little Washington. He spoke with the Blade about the September event and the launch of his first memoir.
“I’ve known [Andrés and Sietsema] for more than 25 years and I have great respect for them,” O’Connell said. “I felt that it would allow us to add a different dimension rather than just have an interviewer. The chemistry will be fun and lively and unpredictable and exciting. I think we’re all different personalities and we’ll compliment each other.”
O’Connell has published cookbooks but this is his first memoir. The event will feature a short film that will highlight his work and the Inn.
“What I hope to do with the event is bring the book to life visually,” he said. “So we’re producing a short film that will be part of it. Most of the audience will not have read the book so it’ll give them a visual flavor of the book. It parallels the evolution of American cuisine over 50 years. It’s a rare perspective to be in the trenches for that long.”
The book’s title refers to the location of the garage on the corner of Main, Middle, and Gay streets in Washington, Va., where he launched his restaurant that became an international culinary destination.
The Blade will publish the rest of its wide-ranging interview with O’Connell in September in conjunction with the book’s release.
Calendar: July 24-30
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