June brings a fresh wave of summer interns to the District, ready to don their business casual best and dive into a city with fewer college students around for the summer.
The endless cycle of work, eat, sleep and repeat can feel isolating with little time for a social life, but D.C. still has plenty to offer during its swelteringly hot season. Whether you’re a summer hilltern or living out your finance bro dreams for three months, take time this June to eat your way through the District’s vibrant culinary scene and enjoy jazz music on the mall.
Kennedy Center Millennium Stage Films
Instead of curling up in your twin XL bed and throwing on a mindless Netflix rewatch after a long week of interning, take a quick stroll over to the Kennedy Center for its weekly outdoor movie screening. As the sun sets each Friday, the movies begin. Gone are the stressors of workplace mingling and endless Excel spreadsheets, and on the lawn of the Kennedy Center enter the magical world of chocolate in “Wonka,” on June 6. Other features include, “Black Panther” June 13 and “Belfast” June 20, in honor of World Refugee Day.
Smithsonian’s Solstice Saturday
To mark the official start of summer on June 21, Smithsonian museums on the National Mall celebrate the longest day of sunlight of the year with extended hours and extra festivities. Solstice Saturday does not just include quietly observing the museum’s collections but will feature a set by DJ Fish House Funk at the National Museum of Asian Art as well as curator-led tours of exhibits. The National Air and Space Museum will be open until 11 p.m. and is hosting “Sally’s Night,” celebrating the anniversary of Sally Ride becoming the first American woman to enter space. Attendees can immerse themselves in astronomy by stargazing with astronomy educators and can attempt to find constellations hanging over the District. Instead of trekking to 14th street for happy hour mingling with fellow interns, the National Museum of African Art will feature a live art series until 11:55 p.m., where you can sip on a beverage in the Enid Haupt Garden while watching the Burundi Royal Drummers and Traditional Dancers. The performances and events offer conversation starters beyond office shoptalk, and free tickets can be reserved online.
National Gallery of Art’s Jazz in the Garden
What was once the site of ice skating in the winter months transforms into an outdoor concert venue in the National Gallery of Art’s sculpture garden. Located just a short jaunt away from the Smithsonian Metro station, the sculpture garden contains greenery and, of course, sculptures ranging from everyday items like chairs and wheels to abstract pyramids and insects. The sculptures surround the stage, which will be populated by musicians like soul singer Kyaira on June 13 and Afro-Latin fusion band Plena Libre June 27. Due to the weekly event’s popularity, those who want to attend must enter a lottery that opens two Mondays before each Friday concert and closes the week before to receive up to four tickets. If you’re a last-minute type of person, a limited number of day-of tickets are available at the gate.
33rd Annual Barbecue Battle
Since summer housing in GW’s residence halls does not offer up the space for classic BBQs, the 33rd annual Barbecue Battle provides a host of vendors to resolve summer barbecue cravings. On June 21 and 22, BBQers will battle it out to win up to $1,500 in cash prizes. On Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd and 7th streets, four different stages will feature cooking demonstrations, dance parties and honor the District’s own music genre, go-go, with a stage dedicated to artists from the genre. A competitive spirit will unleash itself over the area, with culinary battles taking place throughout the weekend. Military chefs will go head-to-head to find out which branch of the military cooks up the best dish in competition categories including best steak and pork. Attendees can save some money and take advantage of over 100 free samples offered by vendors. For interns missing the tastes and smells of a classic family summer barbecue, the battle can bring both a taste of home and of the city’s grilling connoisseurs.
