The DC Lineup for this weekend: Nats, nature and … more nature

A delayed start to the baseball season makes these past couple of days in July feel a bit like the start of spring — well, except for the weather. Nature and recreation are fittingly the themes in the DC Lineup for this weekend, July 24 to 26.

There will be afternoon thunderstorms on Friday and some lingering clouds on Saturday followed by a mostly sunny Sunday, according to the forecast. Temperatures will range from 73 to 94 degrees.

1. Recreation: This is the last weekend to take part in the QuaranTeens Run DC Virtual 5K. Since July 18, participants have been invited to run 3.1 miles at any location and time (a spinoff of a typical race to maintain appropriate social distance). The challenge ends on Sunday. Instead of collecting finishing times, the group is judging race photos in categories like Favorite 5K Fashion and Most Creative QuaranTeens Run DC 5K Picture. Winners in each category receive a $20 Shake Shack gift card. Registration is free and all registrants will receive a code for a free drink on Shake Shack’s app. Recognized as the Outstanding Youth Running Program of the Year by Road Runners Club of America, Teens Run DC is a nonprofit that empowers local youth through distance running, mentoring and social-emotional learning. Carahsoft Technology Corp. has pledged to match up to $10,000 of the funds raised through the event to help fund Teens Run DC’s programs. As of publication, the group has raised $44,851 of its $50,000 goal. Donations are welcome, and donors will receive a 5K T-shirt. 

2. Sports: Following the Nats season opener on Thursday (about three months late due to the pandemic), DC’s home team plays the New York Yankees on Saturday at 7:15 p.m. and Sunday at 1:05 p.m. While there are a few watch parties happening around the city, our pick is to catch the games at home with some Curly W IPA, a beer released by Devils Backbone Brewing Co. and the Washington Nationals in April to honor the team’s 2019 World Series win. On Saturday, fans can tune in on Fox 5 or listen on the radio at 106.7 The Fan; on Sunday, the TV broadcast shifts to MASN. Curly W can be ordered through Devils Backbone’s online beer finder. The Nationals are also introducing Best Ballpark Bites Delivered, a service that brings curated packs of classic stadium treats like Nats Dogs, Enzo’s Pizza and Cracker Jack to your home. Orders must be placed before midnight the day before the game.

3. Recreation: Friday Night Fishing with Anacostia Riverkeeper is a free event — with gear, bait and fishing assistance provided — that takes place from 5 to 8 p.m. at Diamond Teague Park, 1520 First St. SE (across from Nationals Park). Attendees will be kept at a safe social distance, and materials will be sanitized. Attendees must sign a liability waiver. This gathering, organized by Earth Conservation Corps and Anacostia Riverkeeper, takes place each Friday through Aug. 28. Donations are encouraged to help Anacostia Riverkeeper produce its programs. 

4. Recreation: The Smithsonian’s National Zoo is reopening on Friday. To make the experience safe for all, the zoo is limiting the number of guests to 5,000 per day, so a timed entry pass for each individual must be reserved in advance. Other safety measures include special signage in the park to help people maintain social distance, hand-sanitizing stations, one-way traffic, and more frequent cleaning of bathrooms and high-touch surfaces. Some areas, like the Giant Panda House, remain closed. Face masks are required for those ages 6 and older, and are recommended for ages 2 to 6. Admission is free, with an option for a $30 per car paid parking pass for those who are driving. The zoo is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the last visitors admitted at 3 p.m.

5. Nature: Clean up Rock Creek Park — at a safe social distance — during a volunteer meetup this Sunday from 9 to 11 a.m. Participants will gather at Peirce Mill, 2401 Tilden St. NW. The organizers recommend wearing boots or sneakers, and bringing gloves and water. The event is hosted by Rock Creek Conservancy and the scuba diving community Blue Planet Scuba, Washington DC, which is committed to environmental conservation.

6. Music: The East of the River Steelband is a music program for youth ages 12 to 18 who live east of the Anacostia River. Catch the group in a pop-up performance on Saturday at 3 p.m. at Marvin Gaye Park, on the corner of Nannie Helen Burroughs and Minnesota avenues NE. In addition to musical training, the band focuses on youth development (like academic reinforcement, health education and social skills) and preservation of cultural heritage by integrating the history and culture of the African diaspora in all its activities.

7. Literature: Fantom Comics typically hosts a one-day event at which they give out complimentary publications. Since 2020 has been such a tough year, the store has decided to host Free Comic Book Summer 2020. Every Saturday through Sept. 12, visitors are welcome to come to the shop from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. to get select comic books for free. The special release for each week will be noted on social media and Fantom Comics’ website. Fantom Comics is located at 2010 P St. NW on the upper floor.

8. Nature: Green Neighbors of DC is a local volunteer effort to share information about climate preservation. This Saturday, the group is presenting its very first podcast, The Plastic Podcast, live from 2 to 3 p.m. Annette Olson — the director of Green Neighbors and an environmental scientist who has advised entities like the Smithsonian and Environmental Protection Agency — will host the show. Special guest Den Fusso, a plastic activist, will speak with Olson about effective strategies for change. A link will be available before the event.

9. Food & Drink: Crowlers for Charity is a fundraiser held at DC Brau Brewing Co., 3178 Bladensburg Road NE, Suite B. Select crowler (beer to-go) fills are priced at $8 each for delivery or curbside pickup. All proceeds go to the Humane Rescue Alliance. The event is from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and continues daily at the same time through Tuesday.

10. Nature: For those who prefer to stay at home but still want to explore the environment, there is an online class “Resilience — Connecting With Nature in a Time of Crisis” on Saturday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Instructor Melanie Choukas-Bradley just published a book by the same name that details ways to “forest bathe” and explore nature in your own backyard. Choukas-Bradley guides nature walks around DC and has published other nature books, including A Year in Rock Creek Park. Forest therapy guide Ana Ka’ahanui, co-founder of Capital Nature and its director of experiential programs, will explain the field of citizen science and the iNaturalist app, which helps users identify wildlife. The class is organized by Politics and Prose Bookstore. It costs $27 for members and $30 for nonmembers.