December = fun, period. Everything is sparkly, celebrations abound and unless you’re a total Scrooge, moods are elevated and excited. Kicking off this first weekend of my 2nd favorite month are plenty of events to keep you occupied. Let’s go!
Friday
Andrea Bocelli – this amazing Italian tenor will be performing at the Verizon Center at 8pm. Tickets are expensive but given how talented he is, totally worth it.
Bayou – the 19th Street Band, a trio of classically trained musicians playing an eclectic mix of acoustic bluegrass, country and Celtic tunes will be throwing down at 10pm. Go early for Bayou’s yummy New Orleans-inspired food.
Cuba Libre – this modern Cuban restaurant transforms itself on weekend nights into a hot salsa venue with dance performances and live musicians. Friday night plays host to a “Noche de San Juan,” party and the focus is on the music of Puerto Rico, courtesy of guest DJ EU.
Hamilton’s 5th Anniversary Party – stop by this Hill bar (located in the side street next to Charlie Palmer’s) to see my buddy Shaun Sharkey on decks and enjoy drink specials like $1 PBR and High Lifes and $3 baby GM shots. There will be a PBR Sculpture Contest from 5pm to 9pm with $100 cash prize.
Lost Society – start the weekend off right with this weekly happy hour that includes $17 bottomless mimosas, $5 Kettle One Citro Cosmos and reduced prices on all wines, beers and liquors. From 5:30pm DJ Parham will be spinning the hottest house music before DJ Gavin takes over at 10pm.
Midtown’s 3rd Anniversary Bash – this midtown bar will be celebrating all night with $3 drinks (beers and shots) and 3 floors of fun.
U Street Music Hall – head to this venue for the best dance night in DC – Red Fridays. It is also DJ Will Eastman’s birthday party and special guests include Sam “the Man” Burns, Chris Nitti and Lysx Frxnk – both of Lost & Sound/Blisspop. Free entrance before 11pm – $10 after.
Saturday
Hot Chocolate 15K/5K – this Chicago-based race has finally made its way to DC (National Harbor) and yours truly will be joining the thousands of runners who will be looking forward to the promised fondue and hot cocoa post-race. The race benefits the Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Middleburg Wine Crawl – take the family or a friend/loved one and head out to Middleburg early for the Christmas Parade at 2pm and then enjoy the wine crawl that features several wineries including Swedenburg, Boxwood, Barrel Oak, The Wine Cellar, The French Hound, Julien’s, The Fox’s Den and Market Salamander.
41st Annual Scottish Christmas Walk – spend the day in Old Town, Alexandria and enjoy all things Scottish. The Scottish Christmas Walk Parade begins at 10am at Wilkes and South Saint Asaph Streets with over 100 Scottish Clans, pipe and drum bands, dancers and Santa Claus. Afterwards, mill around the downtown shops and grab lunch before the Annual Holiday Boat Parade of Lights from 4pm-6:30pm at the City Marina Docks and Waterfront. Tickets for all events are available at The Campagna Center, 418 South WashingtonStreet or by phone at (703) 549-0111 x146.
Tacky Christmas Sweater Bar Crawl – don your tackiest Xmas sweater and head to midtown DC for this crawl that includes the Front Page, Public Bar, Madhatter and McFadden’s among the bar stops. The fun starts at 6pm and you can find further details, including specials and $15 tickets here.
Krapp’s Last Tape – Oscar nominee John Hurt comes to Washington to star in Samuel Beckett’s Nobel Prize-winning drama at the Shakespeare Theater Company. Show times are 2pm or 8pm.
Dark Star Orchestra – this Grateful Dead-influenced band will be rocking it out at the 930 Club. Doors open at 8pm. Bonus: I’ll be there.
Sunday
Othello – in this production of Shakespeare’s tragedy at the Folger Theatre, the show is set during the Crusades, emphasizing Othello’s background not just as a Moor, but as a Muslim. Show times are 2pm or 7pm.
Boundary Stone – a cool, new neighborhood pub started by some of my buds who were formerly at Fado. The vibe is chill at this “Public House of Movember” and I hear the food is yummy and the beer selection is solid. This is THE venue I want to check out this weekend.
Iota – the U-liners will be celebrating the holiday season with a party at this indie-music venue. $15 and tons of great beers on draft. I’ve seen them live and can promise that if you like soul music similar to the Dead, you will enjoy the show.
If you have suggestions for future posts or events you want to see me at, please email details to [email protected].
