One more week without classes – what could be better? As tempting as it’ll be to stay in bed and watch Netflix all week, save that activity for when the weather gets colder. You’ve got a whole city to explore and seven days to do it.
Monday, Aug. 18
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The Silver Line has opened, giving you access to the Tysons Corner Center in Northern Virginia. The journey is a bit long, but you can make it an all-day extravaganza: go shopping at the two large indoor malls, grab food at great restaurants and then enjoy a night of free live music at the 94.7 Fresh Artists Concert.
Otherwise, take yourself out to the ballpark tonight to see the Washington Nationals play the Arizona Diamondbacks at 7:05 p.m. It’s a beautiful stadium and whether or not you follow baseball, it’s a fun time. If you can’t make it tonight, don’t sweat it – they play every day this week.
Travel: Tyson’s Corner – Take the Red Line to Metro Center and transfer to Silver Line. Metro station: Tysons Corner.
National’s Park – Take the Red Line to Gallery Place and transfer to Green line. Metro station: Navy Yard-Ballpark.
Tuesday, Aug. 19
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It’s a free-for-all at the Shakespeare Theatre production of The Winter’s Tale. You can get free tickets by entering the online lottery or being one of the first 200 people in line the night of the show. It’s a rare opportunity to enjoy quality theatre without breaking the bank, but don’t fret if you aren’t able to get tickets – the show runs until Aug. 31.
Another regular D.C. event is open mic night at the renowned Busboys and Poets chain. Starting at 10 p.m., a range of performers from amateurs to professionals take the stage for two hours of music and poetry. The event takes place once a week at each of the restaurant’s four different locations (Monday through Thursday) with a different host every night. Tonight’s open mic is hosted by Droopy at the 14th and V Busboys and Poets.
Travel: Shakespeare Theatre – Take the Red Line to Gallery Place.
Busboys and Poets – Take the Red Line to Gallery Place and transfer to either the Yellow or Green Lines. Metro station: U Street.
Wednesday, Aug. 20
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It’s hump day – and while you may not find a camel in D.C., you can find countless other animals at the National Zoo. Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., it’s a great place to spend the day exploring. And if the thought of the animals doesn’t immediately bring a smile in your face, the free entry will.
A show at the Kennedy Center is not as cheap, but Shear Madness is definitely worth it. A murder-mystery-comedy that’s been running for over 30 years, no two shows are the same, as the cast employs both audience participation and improv to create a unique experience.
Travel: National Zoo – Take the Red Line to Woodley Park.
Kennedy Center – Take the Red Line to Metro Center and transfer to either the Orange or Blue Lines. Metro station: Foggy Bottom.
Thursday, Aug. 21
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You can’t spend a week in D.C. without going to the Smithsonian at least once. The American Art Museum is hosting its last ArtJamz pop-up session for the summer from 5 – 8 p.m. in the Kogod Courtyard. They’ll provide the canvas, painting supplies and live jazz, so all you need to bring is your creativity. The music is free, but tickets for painting range from $23-$28 (depending on the size of the canvas). As an added bonus, you can enjoy drinks and food for 20 percent off.
Summer’s not over yet, and the National Building Museum is staying open until 9 p.m. for a Summer Block Party. See the exhibits, explore the Big Maze and enjoy the Hill Country’s Backyard Barbecue – a pop-up food festival with free live music. Museum tickets are only $5 with your AU ID and $13 for the BIG Maze.
Travel: American Art Museum – Take the Red Line to Gallery Place.
National Building Museum – Take the Red Line to Judiciary Square.
Friday, Aug. 22
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Looking to go out tonight? It’s D.C. Beer Week, and there is no shortage of places to enjoy the area’s best in craft beer. The best part is that it’s all at bargain prices – from $4 drafts at Glen’s Garden Market to half off on all featured products during happy hour at Scion Restaurant.
If you’re looking to keep it dry or just class it up, try Jazz in the Garden at the National Gallery of Art from 5-8:30 p.m. You can get food and drinks there or bring your own picnic. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a summer night and a local favorite – in fact, you’re likely to run into at least a couple other AU students there.
Travel: National Gallery of Art – Take the Red Line to Gallery Place and transfer to either the Yellow or Green Lines. Metro station: Archives.
Saturday, Aug. 23
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Whether you’re feeling lazy or energetic, enjoy the outdoors before the summer weather slips away. Witness a unique D.C. tradition at the Capital Dragon Boat Regatta from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can pack a picnic and enjoy the view from the waterfront as teams of 20 race in celebration of traditional Chinese culture.
If you’re feeling a little more active, give back to the city you now call home by participating in this year’s Beautification Day event and Community/Volunteer in Our Schools/Beautification Day 2014. Volunteers from the area will get together and clean up D.C.’s public school buildings – landscaping, picking up trash, painting, gardening – to get them ready in time for the new school year. Make sure to register ahead of time on the website and bring a couple friends along.
Travel: Capital Dragon Boat Regatta – Take the Red Line to Gallery Place and transfer to the Green Line. Metro station: Waterfront.
Sunday, Aug. 24
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The British are coming, the British are coming! It’s the Historic Congressional Cemetery Flee the British 5K, commemorating the 200th anniversary of the burning of Washington. Don’t miss this opportunity to run through the Congressional Cemetery, past the graves of many notable figures in our nation’s history. The run starts at 8 a.m., but make sure to register ahead of time – the fee is $40.
If you were planning on taking your Sunday morning a little slower, then make your way over to Dupont Circle between 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to visit the FRESHFARM farmer’s market. With over 40 local farmers selling fresh goods, you’ll find plenty to stock up on for your first week of classes!
Travel: Historic Congressional Cemetery – Take the Red Line to Metro Center and transfer to either the Orange or Blue Lines. Metro station: Potomac Ave.
Farmer’s Market – Take the Red Line to Dupont Circle.
