The DC Lineup for this weekend: history, heroes and holiday prep

Seasonal events and reflections on the past are themes in this edition of The DC Lineup.

The weather this weekend, Nov. 13 to 15, is predicted to be a mix of clouds and sun on Friday with a chance of showers; sunny on Saturday; and cloudy with occasional showers on Sunday. Temperatures should range from 39 to 64 degrees, according to the forecast.

1. Comedy: DC Writers’ Salon and the Alexandria, Virginia-based Armed Services Arts Partnership present “Laughing in Logan,” a free stand-up comedy show in Logan Circle’s namesake park. The performances by veteran comics (“both seasoned and of the military varietal,” the organizers note) are from 4 to 5:20 p.m. on Saturday. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and snacks for the outdoor, socially distanced event. Face masks are required, and registration on Eventbrite is requested.

2. History: Co-presented by the DC History Center and American University, the 47th annual DC History Conference relates the city’s past to its present during “a year of upheaval, loss, pandemic, and protest.” Session topics such as community-led social movements, urban transformation and monuments underscore the conference theme “Echoes,” showing how past events resonate today. Participating local organizations include the DC Preservation League, 1882 Foundation, HumanitiesDC, Anacostia Community Museum, Heurich House Museum and President Lincoln’s Cottage. Ticket prices range from $20 to $50, with limited spots available for some programs. Events run from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, then continue on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

3. History: Celebrate Veterans Day belatedly by reviewing American military history at the Historic Congressional Cemetery. A guided walking tour will take place on Saturday from 1 to 2 p.m. at the cemetery, 1801 E St. SE. Docents will highlight graves, memorials and stories of veterans from the American Revolution to today. Tickets cost $5. Attendance is limited to 25 people, and reservations must be made in advance. Face masks are also required, with complimentary masks provided to those who need them.

4. Health: A new free COVID-19 testing site is open in Brookland at Sojourner Truth Montessori Public Charter School, 1800 Perry St. NE. The oral-fluid swab test takes about 20 seconds to complete — and is administered by the patient. Results are shared in about 48 hours. The location is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Patients are invited to walk in or make an appointment online. Masks are required, and IDs are requested for those who have them. No insurance is needed.

5. History: The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum and its Washington Next Generation Board host an annual event to honor Holocaust survivors, who share their stories during the program. This year’s free virtual event takes place on Saturday from 7 to 7:45 p.m. The DC museum welcomes donations to support its mission to educate the public about the Holocaust, remember survivors and victims, and confront genocide and antisemitism.

6. Recreation: The Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) hosts its annual Cider Ride this Saturday and Sunday. The 10-mile Candy Apple Ride is sold out, but participants may select the 30-mile McIntosh Ride on Saturday starting in DC at the Dew Drop Inn, 2801 8th St. NE, or at the Bladensburg Waterfront Park, 4601 Annapolis Road, Bladensburg, Maryland. Check-in options are 7:30, 8:30, 9:30 or 10:30 a.m. Registration costs $55 for WABA members and $75 for nonmembers. On Sunday, the 60-mile Honeycrisp Ride starts at either the Dew Drop Inn or Buddy Attick Lake Park, 555 Crescent Road, Greenbelt, Maryland. Check-in options for this one are also at 7:30, 8:30, 9:30 or 10:30 a.m. Complimentary treats such as water, snacks, hot cider and doughnuts will be provided throughout all of the aforementioned rides — with a commemorative WABA Cider Ride mug available afterward. There is also a digital kit with a cue sheet and map for the courses for those who would prefer to ride solo on their own time. The cost is $15 for members and $25 for nonmembers; the cider mug will be delivered for an additional $10. Funds support WABA’s efforts to promote safe bicycling in the region.

7. Film: The DC Environmental Film Festival is hosting a fall showcase online. Films and discussions will take place this weekend and continue through Wednesday. Among those featured are the festival’s spring 2020 winners of the Shared Earth Foundation Award for Advocacy, William W. Warner Beautiful Swimmers Award, Eric Moe Award for Best Short on Sustainability and Hausman Foundation for the Environment Award for Best International Film. Passes for the entire showcase cost $35; some individual films can also be screened for $10, while others are free. 

8. Local Businesses: The holiday shopping season is underway with The Holly Days marketplace, an Eastern Market tradition that showcases the surrounding neighborhood’s businesses. This year includes online shopping options with curbside pickup and delivery. The indoor market is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. An outdoor market takes place on Tuesday from noon to 4 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Flea Market at Eastern Market is open on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Face masks and social distancing are required. The Holly Days runs through the end of December.

9. Local Businesses: Georgetown’s Dumbarton House is showcasing area businesses during its outdoor Makers Market this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Confirmed vendors include chocolate and confections from Petite Soeur, memorabilia from iconsDC, natural beauty items from The Wellness Apothecary and Mayapple Soaps, Mongolian cashmere from T&U, candles and home goods from Lita + Ro, European womenswear from Jaryam, and fine art from Karen La Du. Dumbarton House is located at 2715 Q St. NW. Face masks and social distancing are required.

10. Literature: The DC Public Library’s DC Reads series presents author Mira Jacob in conversation with Loyalty Bookstore’s Hannah Deep Oliver. Jacob will discuss her graphic memoir — and 2020 DC Reads pick — Good Talk: A Memoir in Conversations. Through images and conversations from her life, Jacob tells the story of her interracial family and her own experience as a woman of color in the United States. The talk will be broadcast on Facebook and YouTube on Sunday from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Registration is requested, and attendees are encouraged to purchase the book through Loyalty Bookstore.