The DC Lineup for this weekend: fashion, folklife and free concerts galore

This weekend, the District showcases its heritage with numerous events celebrating local history, politics, art, theater, fashion and culture. Festivals highlighting tennis, go-go music and the global refugee crisis are also on the docket for June 28 to 30.

The weather promises to be hot all weekend without much chance of rain, according to the forecast. Temperatures will range from 66 to 96 degrees.

1. Local History: The National Gallery of Art teams up with the DC Public Library (DCPL) to present “Space Was the Place: An Abbreviated History of Washington, DC Arts Venues.” The free talk takes place Sunday at 2 p.m. in the East Building Auditorium at the National Gallery of Art, located between 3rd and 9th streets on Constitution Avenue NW. It is the first in a series of lectures about historic art spaces in the District, many of which are no longer in operation. Sunday’s lecture focuses on d.c. space, the Maya Gallery, and the Museum of Temporary Art (MOTA). The talks coincide with an exhibit at the District of Columbia Art Center, 2438 18th St. NW, that showcases 30 years of its archives. The opening reception, which is free to attend, is on Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the center; the exhibit continues through July 21. Ray Barker, DCPL’s special collections archivist, is involved with both events.

2. Culture: The Smithsonian Folklife Festival is this Saturday and Sunday on the National Mall near 12th Street and Jefferson Drive SW. The free fest — abbreviated to two days this year — celebrates living cultural heritage, including that of DC. Catch Sound Scene 2019: AMPLIFY, an experience of sounds produced by the DC Listening Lounge that includes the premiere of the documentary film Punk the Capital about the history of punk music in the District. Many of the day’s DC-centric events focus on go-go, including an afternoon concert by the Royal Pocket Tour, featuring veteran DC drummers and conga percussionists. Drum circles, poetry readings, a community sing and much more are also on the schedule.

3. Social Issues: The One Journey Festival raises awareness of the global refugee crisis. It was started by DC residents Vanda Berniger and Wendy Chan, who immigrated to the U.S. to escape civil wars in their home countries. Berniger came from Croatia, and Chan came from China. The festival, now in its second year, features art, food, music, dance, storytelling, guest speakers and technological experiences. Free to attend, it is at the Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday.

4. Summer Festival: Enjoy the second annual Summer Peace Jam, a free concert from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday at Marvin Gaye Park, 601 Division Ave. NE. Along with music — including a headline performance by go-go band TOB — there will be food vendors, activities for youth and information tables featuring organizations across the city. The event is hosted by Washington Parks & People.

5. Local Fashion & Culture: This Saturday’s DC Africa Fashion Show and Culture Expo features fashion designers, hairstylists, food vendors, local government agencies and community organizations that highlight African culture in the District. The agenda includes a panel discussion on African fashion and business, plus a fashion show. This free event is presented by the Mayor’s Office on African Affairs, the Mayor’s Office on Women’s Policy and Initiatives, and African Fashion Week DC. The program runs from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Reeves Center, 2000 14th St. NW. 

6. Local Politics: DC youth can find out how to get involved in local politics at We the Kids, a program hosted by Ward 4 advisory neighborhood commissioner Erin Palmer. Family-friendly activities such as playing games and writing letters are aimed at making political advocacy accessible to all ages. At-large DC Council members Elissa Silverman and Robert White are scheduled to make guest appearances. The free event is on Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m. at 715 Van Buren St. NW. Pizza and drinks will be served. RSVP by emailing 4B02@anc.dc.gov.

7. Local Art: Humanities DC, the Ward 4 Arts, Humanities and Creative Economy Committee and Ward 4 DC Council member Brandon Todd present the Inaugural Celebration of the Arts in Ward 4 Neighborhoods this Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Kingsbury Center, 5000 14th St. NW. Paintings, ceramics, jewelry, photography and sculpture made by Ward 4 artists will be on display. The festivities will also include a dance performance, poetry reading and jazz. The event is free to attend.

8. Sports: Saturday’s DC Tennis Festival highlights local opportunities to show off skills on the court or learn the sport. The DC Department of Parks and Recreation presents this day of free activities, including lessons for those new to tennis. Join in the fun from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Banneker Recreation Center tennis courts, 2500 Georgia Ave. NW.

9. Local Theater: This weekend is the start of The Watchlist Festival, a showcase of local community theater. The program includes a mix of ticketed and free events such as workshops, discussions, films and a multimedia gallery throughout June and July. The fest is produced by Longacre Lea, an absurdist theater company that has been in DC since 1999.

10. Local History: A summer series of historic walking tours kicks off this Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at Georgetown’s Oak Hill Cemetery. The 22-acre garden cemetery — the setting for George Saunders’ 2017 critically acclaimed novel Lincoln in the Bardo — consists of windy paths, unpaved and uneven walkways, and the Gothic-style Oak Hill Chapel. The tours span roughly one mile and last for about 90 minutes. They are led by DC by Foot and begin at the Oak Hill Cemetery Gatehouse, 30th and R streets NW. Due to the nature of the terrain, strollers and wheelchairs cannot be accommodated. The cost is $32 per person, which includes a donation to the cemetery.