Welcome to August! Let’s make the most of the month that is simultaneously the peak of summer and the representative decline of the season.
Let's make a date! I’m excited to make the most of this month. I want to enjoy the sun, great weather, and you before August is over!
Sports
The trade deadline for the Washington Nationals has come and gone, and Bryce Harper is still here amidst speculation that he could pursue a contract with a new team next season. Seize the remaining opportunities to watch him play while he’s still here: the Nationals face off with the Atlanta Braves from August 7-9 and the Miami Marlins from the 17-19.
I’ve heard great things about the new home for D.C. United at Audi Field. The arena boasts a fan plaza and incredible views from the rooftop patio, as well as an amazing selection of eateries curated by Jose Andres. Although D.C. United currently sits in last place, Wayne Rooney may turn things around… or maybe we will (my presence usually wins favor). We'll play the Orlando City Soccer Club on August 12 and New England Revolution on August 19.
Outdoor
This is the last month of Jazz in the Garden, held on Fridays from 5-8:30pm in the Sculpture Garden on the National Mall. The event series runs through August 24; the group I’d most like to see is the finale - Speakers of the House, a funk and boogaloo band. Let’s have a picnic! I’ll be the dessert, after we’ve had our fill of sangria ;o)
The Capital Dragonboat Regatta returns to the District Pier on August 25. The festivities last all day, with the main event featuring dragon boat teams racing along Washington Channel. We can stroll along the waterfront and watch the race, then grab dinner at Kaliwa before unwinding together in more private quarters.
Food
RESTAURANT WEEK IS BACK! I’m yelling because, as we all know, I LOVE to eat! From August 13 to August 19, hundreds of D.C. Restaurants will feature lunch and dinner specials to entice. The featured restaurants can be found here, and it doesn’t disappoint! It’s the perfect time to plan an extended date - as long as we make our reservations in advance!
The perfect cheese board is not just a Pinterest chef’s phenomenon - it’s something you, too, can master! City Winery will host a white wine and cheese pairing class on August 22 from 6:30pm-8:30pm. For $35, we’ll leave dinner tipsy and excited, and earn the privilege of distinguished guest at the next dinner party with our newly acquired expertise.
If you love Crab, there is no way you would chance missing the 9th Annual Crab and Beer Festival at the National Harbor on August 18. The event is all-you-can-taste with over 50 beers and wines, enough crabs to take home for your own preparation, and live music!
The chili half smoke has, time and time again, been declared as the iconic DC food and that is due, in large part, to the historic Ben’s Chili Bowl on U Street. Can you believe that Ben’s will celebrate 60 years on August 22?! They’re commemorating the restaurant’s legacy with a street festival from 12-4pm.
Truckeroo food fest’s monthly iteration happens on Friday, August 10 from 4-11pm. The free event rounds up over 20 food trucks, so there’s now trekking across the city to get your fix of chocolate dipped bananas at Orange Cow or “Shrab” cake (shrimp and crab cake) from Fireman’s Cafe.
Museums and Art
I love a good museum exhibit!
This month, there are some very cool and fun museum exhibits that would make a great date night! Smithsonian at 8 will host a garden party on Friday, August 10 from 8-11pm. The evening is hosted in the Enid A. Haupt Garden, situated between the National Museum of African Art and, one of my favorite art galleries, Freer-Sackler. If you are a fan of immersion exhibits, ARTECHOUSE transports guests to a blended real and virtual world. The fractal reality, designed by Julius Horsthuis, consists of projection walls and VR experiences.
Even the American Art Museum is in on the technology-art intersection with the new exhibition featuring Trevor Paglen. Sites Unseen explores modern life through the lens of surveillance technology with over 93 photographs, sculptures, videos, and objects. And, of course, the science nerd in me is falling over with excitement at the Museum of Natural History’s Outbreaks: Epidemics in a Connected World, a collection that discusses the scientific and cultural impact of epidemics.
Music, Movies, and Live Entertainment
The Strathmore and Comcast Xfinity team up to host an outdoor film festival from August 23 - 26. Each night will be a different film, including Black Panther on August 24 and Wonder Woman on August 26. We can grab dinner nearby at Del Frisco's Grille (Nutella Bread Pudding!!!) or Seasons 52, before sharing a blanket on the lawn. Afterwards, we’ll enjoy each other as the featured entertainment of the night!
R&B singer Jeremih headlines at the 9:30 Club on August 11 with Teyana Taylor and Danileigh in tow. Let’s do dinner on U Street or the 14th Street Corridor at Barcelona Wine Bar or Marvin before heading over. He will be performing music from his latest album, The Chocolate Box, along with past hits like Birthday Sex and oui. His sexy, sensual voice is a perfect way to set the tone for the evening.
I am not a huge fan of musicals, but the scandalous, charged synopsis of Passion at the Signature Theatre caught my eye. The plot revolves around a steamy love triangle that develops when Giorgio, and army captain, falls for Fosca, the beautiful cousin of his superior. The production is on stage from August 14 to September 23.