Celebrate the legacy of music with “I Got Life: The Music of Nina Simone” and Janet Jackson’s Together Again Tour.
Thespian-enthusiasts can enjoy a combination of culture and theater, as the DMV welcomes the creative productions of “The Wizard of Oz” on Saturday, and “The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence” Sunday.
The Wine and Culture Fest 2024 brings residents together in an immersive experience of the wine industry, while The Bitcoin Classic: DMV X HOWARD U invites the community to an innovative tournament that is sure to entertain.
Learn how to make a difference in the Black community with AfriThrive’s It Takes a Village: African Diaspora Youth Conference & Gala, or honor 30 years of union and arts with Kentlands Mansion Mad Hatter Extravaganza.
Keep your outlook vibrant with the Washington Informer Calendar, and remember, there’s always something happening in the DMV to keep your spirit — and social life — lit.
Thursday, July 11
I Got Life: The Music of Nina Simone
7 p.m. | $96+
Blues Alley Club, 1073 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, D.C., 20007
“I Got Life: The Music of Nina Simone” pairs two legends of jazz and soul music to celebrate an iconic artist. More than a concert, “I Got Life” is an event that explores the powerful music and empowering messages of Nina Simone. The presentation moves through four aspects of Simone’s songbook: Quest, Passion, Fury, and Hope.
Vocalist Carol Riddick and bassist Gerald Veasley lead an ensemble that re-imagines Simone’s work with inventive energy.
Dependent on event | $450+
National Harbor, Sunset Room, 137 National Plaza #200, Oxon Hill, MD 20745
Presented by The Hue Society, Wine + Culture Fest is dedicated to consumer education, brand awareness, industry advancement, and cultural experiences through the Black lens. Encompassed in the four-day event are interactive sessions from industry mavens, tastings of fan favorites and rare selections, and premiere social events that unite the entire industry.
In advocacy for economic inclusion and recognition, the Wine Culture Festival will host two days at the Sunset Room in the National Harbor right outside of Washington, D.C., and include more local events and specialties throughout the city that offers community members a safe space to learn and experience.
Ticket prices depend on package selection. General admission weekend pass is $450. Event locations vary.
Friday, July 12
The Bitcoin Classic: DMV X HOWARD U
2 p.m. | $20+
Burr Gymnasium, 2400 6th St NW, Washington, D.C., 20001
Hosted at Burr Gymnasium at Howard University, the Bitcoin Classic is coming to the DMV.
Powered by Block Inc and Cash App, eight local and national adult teams will compete for $30K of Bitcoin.
The two-day tournament begins Friday, July 12 at 2 p.m. and ends Saturday, July 13 at 8:30 p.m., and will feature giveaways, live performances, youth activities, a three-point contest, and more.
8 p.m. | $29.95+
Capital One Arena, 601 F St NW, Washington, D.C., 20004
By popular demand, Janet Jackson’s Together Again Tour is returning to North America for the summer, with a special guest: actor-musician Nelly. In three acts and an encore, the five-time Grammy winner and multi million record-seller will perform hits from her discography, including “Nasty,” “Got ‘Til It’s Gone,” “Together Again,” and more.
Saturday, July 13
It Takes a Village: African Diaspora Youth Conference and Gala
9 a.m. | $225
Hilton Washington DC/Rockville Executive Meeting Center, 1750 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852
Join AfriThrive for the inaugural national It Takes a Village: African Diaspora Youth Conference and Gala.
This two-day, in-person event features inspiring speakers, expert panels, thought-provoking workshops, and a glamorous gala to cap off the experience. Organizers invite guests to come be a part of the village and connect with Africa Diaspora professionals and community members who are passionate about making a difference in the community.
All age groups are welcome.
The conference will take place from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. on July 12-13. The gala is July 13, from 6 p.m. -11 p.m. (featuring music, dances, special guest performances, a live DJ, awards and prizes).
Guests have the option of choosing to attend either conferences and/or the Gala. General admission to the full conference and gala is $225.
11:30 a.m. | $15
The Puppet Co. Playhouse, 7300 Macarthur Blvd, Glen Echo, MD 20812
Using several styles of puppetry, The Puppet Co. Playhouse tells the great American fairy tale written by L. Frank Baum. This award-winning musical production uses the original Denslow design from the books.
The story takes place at the 1900s Kansas State Fair, with performers in costumes, guiding the audience down the yellow brick road.
Sunday, July 14
Kentlands Mansion Mad Hatter Extravaganza
4 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Free
Kentlands Mansion, 320 Kent Square Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Join the Kentlands Mansion and the City to celebrate 30 years together with “Hats Off to 30 Years: A Kentlands Mansion Mad Hatter Extravaganza.”
Enjoy live ‘90s music, Alice in Wonderland characters, crafts, food trucks, wine tasting, in this free, sensory-friendly event. Kentlands Mansion will also host fairy hair, permanent jewelry, live music, children’s entertainment, beer and wine sales, food trucks, and so much more.
The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence
7:30 p.m. | $149
Arena Stage, 1101 6th St SW, Washington, D.C., 20024
Using its hallmark style of percussive dance-theater, Step Afrika!’s “The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence” tells the story of one of the largest movements of people in United States history, when millions of African American migrants moved from the rural South to the industrial North in the 1900s to escape Jim Crow, racial oppression, and lynchings.
Inspired by Jacob Lawrence’s iconic 60-panel “The Migration Series” (1940-41), this signature work from the award-winning dance company uses the images, color palette, and motifs in the painting series to tell this astonishing story through pulsating rhythms and visually stunning movement.
Limited seating available. Standby tickets are available for purchase online. Rush Tickets go on sale on the day of each performance in-person at the Arena Stage sales office, are limited to two per person, and availability cannot be confirmed via the phone. Premium rush seats for “The Migration” may also be made available for $45, subject to availability.
Contact the sales office at 202-488-3300 to get up-to-the-minute ticket availability information.