Check out the artistic versatility of Hampton R. Olfus Jr., or delve into Annette Fortt’s spiritual take on the intersectionality of technology and human lifespan. Enjoy the musicality and light-heartedness of Miss Nelson is Missing!, and erupt in laughter with well-known comedian Luenell in her return to the DC Improv stage.
If you’re looking for a good place – or excuse – to eat, the 32nd Annual Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle kicks off on Saturday, while residents hoping to tap into their inner child might enjoy the sights of Disney in Concert: The Sound of Magic.
End the weekend with a pivotal discussion and celebration of “The 1619 Project,” but first, don’t miss out on your last chance to be swept by the production of John Jarboe’s “Rose: You Are What You Eat,” which officially closes on Sunday, June 23.
Remember, there’s always something happening in the DMV to keep your spirit — and social life — lit.
To keep up with all the fun, don’t forget to check out the Washington Informer Calendar.
Thursday, June 20
June Exhibits with Hampton R. Olfus Jr.
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Free
Artists & Makers Studios, 11810 Parklawn Dr Suite 210, Rockville, MD 20852
Sampling the work of full-time artist and former USPS worker Hampton R. Olfus Jr., “Travels & Techniques” showcases artistry created between 2009 and 2023, with a range of settings from Charleston, South Carolina to here in the DMV. Viewers will experience some of the techniques and media Hampton used during his extended ongoing personal artistic travels, including inks, watercolors, collage, acrylic paints, and mixed media, and can feel to free to take a look at the other work on exhibit.
Exploring the Circuits: Art by Annette Fortt
1 p.m.- 6 p.m. | Free
Waverly Street Gallery, 4600 East-West Hwy, Bethesda, MD 20814
In “Exploring the Circuits,” the digital meets the spiritual.
African-American artist Annette Fortt’s aims to show that human spirituality is as real a factor in how people encounter this change as a response to the evolution of human communication.
Friday, June 21
10:30 a.m. – Noon | $9.50 – $36.50
Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814
The 5th graders of Smedley Elementary School’s Room 207 are not just badly behaved – they’re the “worst kids of all!” No matter what their sweet and caring teacher Miss Nelson tries, they simply won’t listen, or stop throwing paper airplanes across the room. Fed up with their behavior, Miss Nelson leaves her class in the hands of dreaded substitute teacher Miss Viola Swamp, infamous for bringing “woe to those who misbehave.” Terrified of “the Swamp,” the kids must work together with Detective McSmogg to find their kindhearted teacher and win her back.
Tuneful and hilarious, this Imagination Stage original has been a hit at theaters from coast to coast.
7:30 p.m. | $40
DC Improv, 1140 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C., 20036
Known for her breakthrough role as the “hooker with the heart of gold” in the blockbuster comedy “Borat,” as well as her tours and film appearances with Katt Williams, Luenell sold out every show when she appeared at the DC Improv in 2019 and 2020.
Her Netflix special “Town Business” debuted in 2023, and now she’s back for 2024.
Doors open at 6:15 p.m.
Saturday, June 22
32nd Annual Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle
11 a.m. – 7 p.m. | $20+
Historic Pennsylvania Ave, NW (3rd to 7th Streets) Washington, D.C.
The 32nd Annual Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle is back on June 22 and 23. Kick off the summer and eat your way down Historic Pennsylvania Avenue, sampling food and drinks from over 100 brands. The event will feature live music across four entertainment stages, BMX and skateboarding freestyle shows on the quarter pipe, backyard games, and lots of other activities to enjoy all weekend long.
Tickets prices depend on pass selection.
3 p.m. | $60
Woolly Mammoth, 641 D St NW, Washington, D.C., 20004
Once upon a vine, John Jarboe’s aunt revealed that John not only had a twin sister in the womb, but that John consumed her: “You ate her. That’s why you are the way you are.” This was a lot for John to swallow! In this musical shrine to the consumed twin, named Rose, John welcomes you into a feast of gender through song, storytelling, and a full plate of wordplay.
Performances run until June 23. Visit woollymammoth.net for a full list of performances.
Sunday, June 23
Disney in Concert: The Sound of Magic
3 p.m. | $39+
Kennedy Center, 2700 F St NW, Washington, D.C., 20566
Join us for a symphonic celebration of Disney music, animation, and memories! Disney characters and soundtracks come to life in this live-to-film concert like never before as the National Symphony Orchestra takes you on a magic carpet ride through the most memorable moments from “Peter Pan” (1953), “Moana” (2016), “Aladdin” (1992), “The Jungle Book” (1967), “Frozen” (2013), “The Lion King” (1994) “Fantasia” (1940) “Encanto,” and more.
Nikole Hannah-Jones Discusses The 1619 Project w/ Glory Edim
3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. | $29+
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St NW, Washington, D.C., 20001
MahoganyBooks is welcoming back Pulitzer Prize winner and New York Times bestselling author Nikole Hannah-Jones in celebration of the paperback release of the book that has taken the nation by storm, “The 1619 Project.” Come to the MLK Jr. Memorial Library for an exciting Juneteenth weekend event, with the conversation led by Well Read Black Girl founder Glory Edim.