iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

The 51st @51st.news · 15/10/2026

From now until 11am you can get your hands on The 51st x The Pack World print collab at these metro stops:

The 51st @51st.news · 14/10/2026

🗞️ 🗞️ Extra! Extra! Grab a copy of our print collaboration with The Pack World this THURSDAY, 7am - 11am (while supplies last)! At a metro stop in each ward:

Promotional poster announcing "express," a free print news collaboration from The Pack and The 51st, dropping Thursday 10/15 from 7 AM–11 AM at metro stops, shown with a yellow "take one" newsbox; small note clarifies it's not a project of The Washington Post.

Ward 1: Columbia Heights
Ward 2: Gallery Place-Chinatown
Ward 3: Tenleytown-AU
Ward 4: Georgia Ave-Pentworth

Ward 5: Rhode Island Ave-Brentwood
Ward 6: Eastern Market
Ward 7: Minnesota Avenue
Ward 8: Anacostia

Newspaper-style illustrated cover showing Janeese Lewis George in the foreground with protesters, police, and signs like "For Sale" and "Democrats United to Free DC" against D.C. buildings; right sidebar lists D.C.-focused stories and footer reads "This is NOT a project of The Washington Post (democracy dies with billionaires)

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The 51st @51st.news · 28/09/2026

A better world is possible. Take five minutes to help us build our independent newsroom by and for D.C.: www.51st.news/2026survey

The two guys on a bus meme

One side reads: Local news is dead
The other reads: Shaping the future of local news in D.C. by taking The 51st's 5-minute reader survey

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The 51st @51st.news · 07/09/2026

A better world is possible. Take five minutes to help us build our independent newsroom by and for D.C.: www.51st.news/2026survey

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The 51st @51st.news · 04/09/2026

don't do it 👀 👀 👀 www.51st.news/2026survey

A meme that is a scavenger hunt promoting our 2026 reader survey — which you should take if you haven't yet!!

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The 51st @51st.news · 24/08/2026

Monday nights don’t have to be boring ... Get a crash course in the District (and a few laughs) at Ask A D.C. Native, Live! The fun starts tonight at MLK Library. RSVP for free tickets: www.eventbrite.com/e/ask-a-dc-n...

A poster for Ask a D.C. Native, Live! on Monday, August 24, at 6:30 p.m.

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The 51st @51st.news · 22/08/2026

Love trivia? Want to learn about D.C.? Whether you were born here, been here a minute, or just pulled up, Ask A D.C. Native, Live! is for you. Come hang with us on Monday at MLK Library! RSVP: www.eventbrite.com/e/ask-a-dc-n...

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The 51st @51st.news · 21/08/2026

How well do you know D.C.? See how you measure up at our Monday event, as D.C. natives as test their knowledge about their hometown. You could win prizes, too! RSVP for free tickets: www.eventbrite.com/e/ask-a-dc-n...

A poster for Ask a D.C. Native, Live! on August 24, 2026

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The 51st @51st.news · 20/08/2026

Some news app news: Our reporting is now available on Apple News! If you use the app (or have the widget on your homescreen), follow us here: apple.news/TylOT36VOQwa...

A screenshot of Apple News on desktop, showing six recent stories from The 51st

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The 51st @51st.news · 15/08/2026

Love trivia? Want to learn about D.C.? Whether you were born here, been here a minute, or just pulled up, Ask A D.C. Native, Live! is for you. Come hang with us on August 24 at MLK Library! RSVP: www.eventbrite.com/e/ask-a-dc-n...

A poster for Ask A D.C. Native, Live!

The People's Edition at MLK Library

Monday, August 24, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.

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The 51st @51st.news · 15/08/2026

A better world is possible. Take five minutes to help us build our independent newsroom by and for D.C.: www.51st.news/2026survey

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The 51st @51st.news · 13/08/2026

The 51st team is planning the future of our newsroom, and in that process, we want to hear from our bosses — that's you! Take our audience survey today: www.51st.news/2026survey

An image says: What do YOU want from LOCAL news?

Help shape the future of The 51st

Take survey

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The 51st @51st.news · 29/07/2026

Capturing tenant organizing, statehood activism, and rapid gentrification taught D.C. photographer Nancy Shia that change comes for those who keep fighting. See more of her photos here: www.51st.news/nancy-shia-photography-dc-protest-statehood-gentrification/

Tenant march down the street with a sign that reads "We're Not Moving Out"

People with signs that read "Save our Homes" and "Blacks need Willard Street"

A photo from the 1991 Mount Pleasant uprisings in Washington, D.C.

A black and white photo of people gathered in the Adams Morgan Plaza in 1982

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The 51st @51st.news · 26/07/2026

Nearly everyone in D.C. has a harrowing rat story — and for an upcoming story, we want to hear yours. Don't spare us the details! Need more characters? Tell us here: 51st.news/ratstories

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The 51st @51st.news · 25/07/2026

300+ Ward 7 residents told us about the issues that matter most in their community. We've put together a report — and we're ready to share what we learned. Curious? Come out to our event on Tuesday, July 28! www.eventbrite.com/e/the-51st-r...

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The 51st @51st.news · 24/07/2026

What are you getting up to around the city this weekend? Here are some of the highlights from our Weekend Events guide. ✨ More on these events and others: 51st.news/washington-d...

What to do around D.C. this weekend

by Andrea Pineda-Salgado for The 51st

FRIDAY, JULY 24

Sip and Fold Summer Origami
📍 Washington Printmakers Gallery (1675 Wisconsin Ave. NW)
⏰ 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
💸 $30
Escape the summer heat at this beginner-friendly origami workshop in Georgetown. Participants will fold fish and other sea creatures while enjoying refreshments. Local origami expert Naoko Kamioka will demonstrate how your creations can be turned into an ocean collage, a hanging mobile, or even decorations for a craft fishing net.

Improv show: Escape With Washington Improv Theater
📍 Studio Theatre (1501 14th St. NW)
⏰ 9 p.m.
💸 $20
Friday Night Fishing
📍 Diamond Teague Pier (1520 First St. SE)
⏰ 5 - 8 p.m.
💸 FREE
Farm Fridays
📍THEARC Farm (1901 Mississippi Ave. SE)
⏰ 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
💸 FREE

SATURDAY, JULY 25

International Colombian Festival
📍 The Catholic University of America, University Garage (3598 John McCormack Rd. NE)
⏰ 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
💸 $23.57
Spend the day celebrating Colombian culture through food, music and folkloric dance. The festival features performances by local and international artists including Heredero, Verny Varela, Doris Rueda and Jonathan Barbosa. There will also be cultural exhibits, family activities and vendors serving authentic Colombian cuisine.

Scoop & Paddle Kayaking
📍 Thompson Boat Center (2900 Virginia Ave. NW)
⏰ 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
💸 FREE, with required registration
4th Saturday SLAM! at Busboys and Poets
📍 Busboys and Poets Anacostia (2004 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE)
⏰ 7 p.m.
💸 $7.56 in advance, or $8 at the door
Late Skate at Anacostia Park
📍 Anacostia Park Skating Pavilion (1500 Anacostia Dr. SE)
⏰ 12 - 10 p.m.
💸 FREE

SUNDAY, JULY 26

A Workshop on Food Waste
📍 Edgewood Arts Center (3415 8th St. NE)
⏰ 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
💸 $17
Food scraps add up, but reducing waste doesn't have to be complicated. This interactive demonstration and discussion is organized by Sowtah, a DMV-based community initiative that makes topics like food waste, composting, and sustainable living more accessible through workshops in shared community spaces. You’ll learn practical ways to waste less, and how small changes can make a difference! Want to see more events focused on building community? Check out our Civics Roundup!

Poetry and Music Open Mic
📍 Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library (901 G St. NW)
⏰ 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
💸 FREE
SPONSORED
730 Day
📍 Kalorama Park (1865 Kalorama Rd. NW)
⏰ Sunday, July 26 from 1 - 4 p.m.
💸 FREE

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The 51st @51st.news · 24/07/2026

Each week, we list some ways to get engaged in the city — whether that’s protesting, organizing with your neighbors, or testifying before your councilmembers. Here's this week's full guide: 51st.news/washington-d...

How to get involved around D.C. this week
Civics Roundup

Plan a rent party, learn how to more strategically pay your taxes, and more.

SATURDAY, JULY 25

Rent Party planning session
⏰ 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
📍 Upon RSVP
In 1920s Harlem, rent parties brought people together to raise money to keep tenants in their homes. D.C. housing cooperative and mutual aid hub Baldwin House is figuring out how they might revive the practice today, and they want your help with the organizing! RSVP here.

Clothing swap and health class
⏰ 1 p.m.
📍 Bol Co-op (716 Monroe St. NE)
The local advocacy group Star of Sophia is hosting a clothing swap and educational health insurance teach-in. Bring an item to donate, and leave feeling empowered in knowing more about how Medicaid premiums, FSAs, and deductibles actually work! No RSVP required.

Flower Potluck
⏰ 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
📍 RSVP for full location
Everyone's favorite floral-arranging social fundraiser is back for another sesh! Co-organized by The 51st co-founder Maddie Poore... More at 51st.news!

MONDAY, JULY 27

Training: Film the police
⏰ 7 - 8 p.m.
📍 Virtual
Led by Harriet's Wildest Dreams, this training is meant to equip members of the public with the skills and knowledge they need to safely record police activity. Attendees will learn the best strategies for documentation, how to stay safe in potentially dangerous situations, and best practices for de-escalation. RSVP here.

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The 51st @51st.news · 18/07/2026

Each week, we list some ways to get engaged in the city — whether that’s protesting, organizing with your neighbors, or testifying before your councilmembers. Here are your options for today! Full guide: 51st.news/washington-d...

SATURDAY, JULY 18

Community garden design workshop
⏰ 12 - 2 p.m.
📍 The Festival Center (1640 Columbia Rd. NW)
Ward 1 Mutual Aid and Nature Sacred are teaming up for a final workshop on the design plan for the forthcoming Baldwin House community garden. It'll be the public's last chance to give feedback on the design. There will also be food and a free workshop on medicinal herbs by a clinical herbalist.

Free tour of the Frederick Douglass House
⏰ 10:30 - 12 p.m. tour of the site, 12:30 - 2 p.m. panel at Busboys & Poets
📍 Frederick Douglass National Historic Site (411 W St. SE), Busboys & Poets Anacostia (2004 Martin Luther King Jr Ave. SE)
Rising Organizers' final event of their DC Summer of Freedom Campaign will be a tour through the Frederick Douglass House, followed by an intergenerational panel of movement leaders — Judy Richardson, Bill Fletcher Jr., and Aaron Booe — discussing the past, present, and future of organizing.

More in full guide!

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The 51st @51st.news · 17/07/2026

What are you getting up to around the city this weekend? Here are some of the highlights from our Weekend Events guide. ✨ More on these events and others: 51st.news/washington-d...

What to do around D.C. this weekend
by Busayo Ajayi for The 51st

Friday, July 17

Asia After Dark | Vishnu's Cosmic Ocean
📍 National Museum of Asian Art (1050 Independence Ave. SW)
⏰ 5 - 9 p.m.
💸 FREE
Celebrate one of the museum’s newest additions with a special after-hours event. Along with exclusive insights into the artwork by the curator, visitors will get to see a special dance inspired by the bronze Vishnu and watch a special screening of a short film by Cambodian-American director praCh Ly about the present-day community of the bronze's original temple. Finish off the night with a conversation with the filmmaker, the choreographer, and the curator.

Friday Night Fishing
📍 Diamond Teague Pier (1520 First St. SE)
⏰ 5 - 8 p.m.
💸 FREE

African-American Contributions to Nation Building
📍 Bellevue Neighborhood Library (115 Atlantic St. SW)
⏰ 3 - 5 p.m.
💸 FREE

Lifelong learners: Pots and Paint
📍 Anacostia Community Museum (1901 Fort Pl. SE)
⏰ 1 - 2 p.m.
💸 FREE

Saturday, July 18

Lotus and Water Lily Festival
📍 Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens (1550 Anacostia Ave. NE)
⏰ 10 a.m - 6 p.m.
💸 FREE
Witness the gorgeous peak bloom of the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens water lilies. The annual summer event draws the garden’s biggest crowd of admirers! This year, the festival seeks to tie its theme to America’s 250 anniversary by highlighting stories that connect our shared national history with the beauty of this treasured landscape.

THRIVE FEST
📍 Go-Go Museum and Cafe (1920 MLK Jr. Ave. SE)
⏰ 6:30 - 9 p.m.
💸 FREE

Riggs Park Art Walk
📍 5401 South Dakota Ave. NE
⏰ 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
💸 FREE

Little Garden Market: Peaches
📍 McLean, Virginia (RSVP for address)
⏰ 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
💸 $15

Sunday, July 19

World Cup Final Watch Fest
📍Atlas Brew Works Bridge District (600 Howard Rd. SE)
⏰ 12:30 p.m.
💸 $28.75
Catch the finale of the World Cup at this Anacostia brewery! Your ticket gets you a guaranteed seat and your first Atlas beer. Ensure you don’t miss the game waiting in line at bars and savor the last chance to enjoy the summer of soccer’s camaraderie and competitive energy! A portion of the proceeds from ticket and beer sales will go to DC SCORES.

Twelfth Night
📍 Shakespeare Theatre Company (450 7th St. NW)
⏰ 7:30 - 9 p.m. (also playing on July 21, 23, and 25)
💸 $25
Gelalli X Anthea Manari: The African Luxury Fashion Edit
📍 SOST (1901 9th St. NW)
⏰ 12 - 6 p.m.
💸 $10

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The 51st @51st.news · 14/07/2026

Exciting news: We were recognized in the first-ever ZinePrizes, sponsored by @spj-posts.bsky.social and @microcosm.bsky.social! Come out to an in-person event to snag a copy 👀

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The 51st @51st.news · 10/07/2026

What are you getting up to around the city this weekend? Here are some of the highlights from our Weekend Events guide. ✨ More on these events and others: 51st.news/washington-d...

THURSDAY, JULY 9

Brick by Brick: Tuskegee’s Legacy of Agriculture and Architecture
📍 National Museum of African American History and Culture (1400 Constitution Ave. NW)
⏰ 7 - 10 p.m.
💸 FREE, registration required
Founded in 1881, Tuskegee University became an emblem of Black education under the leadership of Booker T. Washington. This program celebrates the college’s agricultural and architectural legacy through a panel discussion; afterwards, you’ll have the chance to watch a performance by Brotherhood Dance, create artwork inspired by George Washington Carver’s agricultural pigments, and explore “At the Vanguard,” the museum’s latest exhibition on the history of HBCUs.

Celebrate Tanabata, the Japanese Star Festival
📍 Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens (4155 Linnean Ave. NW)
⏰ 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
💸 $20

FRIDAY, JULY 10

Grimms’ Fairy Tales Circus Show
📍 Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company (641 D St. NW)
⏰ 7 - 8 p.m.
💸 FREE
Have you ever thought to yourself, “Gosh, Cinderella would’ve been way more interesting if she also happened to be a contortionist?” Rejoice, for Woolly Mammoth has granted your wish. As part of their programming celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, the longtime theater company has invited the New York Circus Project to put a metaphorical *and* literal twist on classic fairy tales.

Who Did It? An Improvised Murder Mystery
📍 Phoenix Mainstage, University of the District of Columbia (4250 Connecticut Ave. NW, Building 46W)
⏰ 7 - 8 p.m.
💸 $15

DC Legendary Musicians Celebration
📍 MLK Library (901 G St. NW)
⏰ 6 - 10 p.m.
💸 $44.52

SPONSORED:
Escape with Washington Improv Theater!
📍 Studio Theatre (1501 14th St. NW)
⏰ July 10 - Aug. 1
💸 $20 + service fee

SATURDAY, JULY 11

Think B4U Move: The Art of Strategy Chess Tournament & Program
📍 Anacostia Community Museum (1901 Fort Pl. SE)
⏰ 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
💸 FREE, registration required
Maybe you’re a chess cognoscente who knows hundreds of openings like the back of your hand, or maybe you’ve been casually curious about the game since watching this spring’s dramatic documentary? Whatever the case, stop by this celebration hosted with the Big Chair Chess Club, where there’s something for everyone: Intro lessons cover the basics for beginners, while more advanced players can compete for the crown in a three-round tournament.

National Air and Space Museum 50th Birthday Celebration
📍 National Air and Space Museum (650 Jefferson Dr. SW)
⏰ 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
💸 FREE, registration required
Community Days: “Blacklisted”
📍 Capital Jewish Museum (575 3rd St. NW)
⏰ 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
💸 FREE, registration required
A Day at the Fair
📍 MLK Library (901 G St. NW)
⏰ 1 - 4 p.m.
💸 FREE
More at 51st.news!

SUNDAY, JULY 12

Fermenting 101 Workshop
📍 Edgewood Community Farm (2304 2nd St. NE)
⏰ 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
💸 $20
Are pickles your desert-island food? Do you start off every morning with kombucha and sourdough? Fermentation fanatics, make your way down to this hands-on workshop, where organizers will provide all the supplies and ingredients for two new jars of goodies. Bring yourself and an appetite for fearless fermentation — and, if you’d like, your own produce to pickle!

Workshop: Committing Ourselves to Freedom
📍 Rhizome DC (6950 Maple St. NW)
⏰ 3 p.m.
💸 Sliding-scale tickets; $11.91-27.75

Sewing with Mama T
📍 Southwest Neighborhood Library (900 Wesley Pl. SW)
⏰ 1:30 - 4:30 p.m.
💸 FREE, registration required

Author Talk: 70,000, Lenna Jawdat
📍 People's Book (7014-A Westmoreland Ave.; Takoma Park, Maryland)
⏰ 4:30 p.m.
💸 FREE, registration encouraged

Jazzy Sundays in Anacostia
📍 Anacostia Arts & Culture District (1234 Marion Barry Ave. SE)
⏰ 4 - 6 p.m.
💸 FREE

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The 51st @51st.news · 09/07/2026

Civics Roundup
How to get involved around D.C. this week

Clean a bike lane, learn street medic strategies, and more ways to get involved.

SATURDAY, JULY 11

Georgia Avenue cleanup
⏰ 10 - 11 a.m.
📍 Lamont Ave. NW and Georgia Ave. NW
Meet your neighbors, pick up trash, and eat free pastries at this event hosted by Lower Georgia Avenue Main Street and Qui Qui. Can't make it this time? They host it monthly, usually on a Saturday early in the month!

Meet Brush Hour, the bike lane sweeper
⏰ 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
📍 1300 North Carolina Ave NE Triangle Park
Hill Family Biking is debuting its new sweeper, designed to keep bike lanes free of debris and safe for riders. You'll have a chance to test the sweeper yourself, learn how you can volunteer to protect bike infrastructure, and connect with your fellow cycling neighbors. RSVP here.

Free DC Chocolate City orientation
⏰ 12 - 2 p.m.
📍 Ward 5 Community Space (371 Morse St. NE)
Free DC's Chocolate City contingent — by and for Black D.C. residents — is leading an orientation for new members looking to get involved in the movement. More in the full story.

SUNDAY, JULY 12

Ward 3 Mutual Aid meeting
⏰ 1:30 - 2:45 p.m.
📍 Cleveland Park Library (3310 Connecticut Ave. NW)
Plug into a local network of support with Ward 3 Mutual Aid. No experience or RSVP required — just enthusiasm for community.

Street medic training
⏰ 4 - 7 p.m.
📍 George Gordon Meade Memorial (333 Constitution Ave. NW)
Curious about how to be helpful if people are injured at protests? Star of Sophia and 50501DC are partnering on a special field medic training focused on instances where multiple patients will need help at the same time. If you have never attended a training before, come early for a 3 p.m. crash course so you're ready for the next-level info. Light snacks and refreshments provided. RSVP here.

MONDAY, JULY 13

Craft and sip for restaurant workers
⏰ 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
📍 The Festival Center (1640 Columbia Rd. NW)
Bring your own crafting project to this event hosted by the Restaurant Organizing Collective, which supports local workers in the service industry. They'll also have supplies available for attendees to use along with snacks and non-alcoholic drinks — and a special demo on block printing starting at 6 p.m. RSVP here.

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The 51st @51st.news · 09/07/2026

What does a thriving creative community in Ward 7 look like? Join The 51st and The Nicholson Project on July 18 for a free community conversation and collaborative art-making about the future of creativity in our neighborhoods. RSVP here: www.eventbrite.com/e/drawn-toge...

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The 51st @51st.news · 08/07/2026

We've been asking Ward 7 residents to take a quick survey and tell us what's on their minds. To say thank you, we're giving away prizes from Ward 7 restaurants and businesses! Take the survey here for a chance to win: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

Congratulations!
Ms. Viola C. Jones
Anita Ellis
Sarah Lee
Theresa Ross
Live in Ward 7? Want to win prizes? Take The 51st’s survey today!

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The 51st @51st.news · 26/06/2026

What are you getting up to around the city this weekend? Here are some of the highlights from our Weekend Events guide. ✨ More on these events and others: 51st.news/washington-d...

What to do around D.C. this weekend by India Kea for The 51st

FRIDAY, JUNE 26

Fourth Annual Caribbean Cultural Concert
📍 Sycamore & Oak (1110 Oak Dr. SE, Suite 9)
⏰ 4 - 10 p.m.
💸 FREE
A vibrant celebration of Caribbean heritage comes alive through music, movement, and flavor, hosted by D.C.’s Mayor’s Office on Caribbean Community Affairs. Steelpan, soca, reggae, and calypso keep the energy flowing, while dancers, poets, and visual artists share stories and cultural traditions. In between performances, try your hand at making a Carnival costume and explore the wellness fair, while enjoying classic foods from the region.

Big Moments, Little Stories
📍 Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum (1901 Fort Pl. SE)
⏰ 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
💸 FREE
Friday Night Concert Series: Hi Fi! Soul Band
📍 Yards Park (355 Water St. SE)
⏰ 7:30 - 9 p.m.
💸 FREE
SPONSORED
Escape with Washington Improv Theater!
📍 Studio Theatre (1501 14th St. NW)
⏰ June 26 - 28
💸 $20 + service fee

SATURDAY, JUNE 27

Yoga & Tarot Workshop
📍 Rhizome DC (6950 Maple St. NW)
⏰ 1 - 3 p.m.
💸 $35
Designed as a practice in embodied reflection, this two-hour session begins with yoga to ground breath and awareness, then moves into tarot as a tool for intuition and inquiry. Through guided prompts and shared reflection, participants explore how movement and symbolism can support inner clarity. Bring a mat, a tarot deck if you have one, and anything else that helps you settle into presence.

Improv for All! Workshop
📍 MLK Library (901 G St. NW)
⏰ 1 - 2:30 p.m.
💸 FREE
MONSTERS! Opening Reception
📍 Thundershark Gallery (52 O St. NW #202c)
⏰ 4 - 8 p.m.
💸 FREE
Red Bull Spin Off
📍 The Wharf (760 Maine Ave. SW)
⏰ 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
💸 FREE

SUNDAY, JUNE 28

The Parks Flea Market
📍Marketplace Plaza (1155 Dahlia St. NW)
⏰ 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
💸 FREE
The hunt for something unexpected is half the fun at this monthly flea market featuring more than 20 vendors selling vintage goods, accessories, records, books, and plenty of quirky treasures. Come for the finds, stay for the easygoing neighborhood atmosphere.

SPONSORED:
District Creates: An All Local Maker Festival
📍 633 Howard Rd. SE
⏰ 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
💸 $10-75

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The 51st @51st.news · 26/06/2026

FRIDAY, JUNE 26

Supporting Survivors Summit
⏰ 12 - 3 p.m.
📍 Busboys and Poets Anacostia (2004 Martin Luther King Jr Ave. SE)
To mark Gun Violence Awareness Month, the organizations Peace for DC and Guns Down Friday are coming together with other local gun violence or victim service groups for a special gathering, focused on resource-sharing and networking. The afternoon will explore what survivors need to heal and how to ensure those resources are accessible and compassionate. Reserve a spot here.

Independents Day: A Night of Creative Expression
⏰ 7:30 - 10 p.m.
📍 Takoma Park Community Center auditorium (7500 Maple Avenue, MD)
The president may have wrestling matches and glitzy ballrooms — but Takoma Park has poetry. Run through the City of Takoma Park's Arts and Humanities Division, the Takoma Park Arts series will be celebrating art that values inclusion and community and free expression ahead of whatever Trumpian Fourth of July antics are still to come.... More in the full guide

SATURDAY, JUNE 27

Summer of Freedom canvassing on the Mall
⏰ 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. or 4 - 6 p.m.
📍 Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial (540 Independence Ave. SW)
With tourists expected to flock to the city over the coming weeks for America 250 celebrations, Rising Organizers is seeking volunteers to canvass the Mall, engaging with visitors in conversations about D.C. statehood. There is a training session on Wednesday, June 24, from 6 - 8 p.m. The team will repeat the training and canvassing again on Wednesday, July 8, from 6 - 8 p.m. and 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 4 - 6 p.m. on Friday, July 10, respectively. The training is mandatory — but if you can't make the time work, contact the the organizers. More details here.

LGBTQIA+ History Walking Tour
⏰ 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
📍 Meet in Dupont Circle
Dupont Circle may have been closed over Capital Pride weekend, but together, we can keep our city's queer history alive. This Saturday, take an educational walk with the DC... More in the full article!

SUNDAY, JUNE 28

Street Law 101: Summer Surge Survival
⏰ 2 - 4 p.m.
📍 ONE DC Black Workers & Wellness Center (2500 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE)
With an influx of federal law enforcement coming to the city around July Fourth, Black Lives Matter DC, Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid, and other local advocacy groups will hold a special training to prepare residents for the increased police presence. The training will cover what your rights are during a police encounter, what to do if you witness police abuse, strategies to protect one another, and more. RSVP here.

MONDAY, JUNE 29

National Lawyers Guild Legal Observer Training
⏰ 7 - 8 p.m.
📍 Virtual
Free DC is bringing in the National Lawyers Guild to train members interested in becoming legal observers — the folks who help people know their rights during police encounters, connect people to jail support, document police misconduct, and more. If you can't make this training, there will be another on Sunday, July 12, at 1:30 p.m. If you can't make either, complete the interest form; with enough interest, Free DC may schedule additional trainings. (Note: In order to attend the training, you must commit to show up at an unspecified number of future actions.)

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The 51st @51st.news · 24/06/2026

Our team is so proud of Sam 😊😊😊

Smiling people about to watch their colleague on television !!!

People huddle around a laptop showing their colleague on television !!

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The 51st @51st.news · 22/06/2026

A stronger community starts with knowing what our neighbors think. That's why The 51st is asking Ward 7 residents to take a two-minute survey about life in the neighborhood. You'll be entered to win 🎁 prizes 🎁! More here: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

Hey, Ward 7! Your voice could help strengthen the fabric of our community.
Take our survey to tell us what
information you need from local news.

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The 51st @51st.news · 20/06/2026

In every competitive race this week's D.C. Democratic primary election, left-leaning candidates either won outright or are leading by significant margins. We’ll continue reporting results as they’re released. More from earlier this week: 51st.news/election-nig...

Text reads:
DCision 2026
Progressive candidates had a strong showing in a historic election for D.C.

above images of five candidates: Aparna Raj, Oye Owolewa, Robert White, Elissa Silverman, and Janeese Lewis George

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The 51st @51st.news · 19/06/2026

What are you doing the rest of this weekend? Check out the Civics Roundup: 51st.news/juneteenth-w... And Weekend Events: 51st.news/washington-d...

SATURDAY, JUNE 20

Juneteenth Pop-Up Hike
⏰ Meet at 10:30 a.m.; hike begins at 11 a.m.
📍 Anacostia Recreation Center (1800 Anacostia Dr. SE)
The Hike Crew and All Good Friends are partnering with DPR for a three-mile Juneteenth weekend stroll. After an easy hike, head over to the All Good Friends Juneteenth cookout. RSVP here.

Cleanup in Anacostia Park
⏰ 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
📍 Anacostia Roller Skating Pavilion (1500 Anacostia Dr. SE)
Join District Cleanups and Friends of Anacostia Park for their June cleanup. Gloves and grabbers will be provided; just bring yourself. They'll wrap up around noon at The Brig beer garden.

SUNDAY, JUNE 21

A Gentle Walk with Birds & Nature
📍 Rock Creek Park (exact location provided after registration)
⏰ 9 - 10:30 a.m.
💸 $28.52
Slow down your weekend by joining the DC Bird Alliance and Susan West Montgomery for a guided forest bathing experience. Tune in to the birds and quietly soak in the park's sights, sounds, and scents. The walk itself will be at a slow and relaxed pace, but please note that the natural uneven terrain may not be suitable for all participants.

Capital Pride Festival
📍 Pennsylvania Ave. NW between 3rd St. NW and 15th St. NW
⏰ 12 - 10 p.m.
💸 FREE

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The 51st @51st.news · 19/06/2026

What are you doing today? Don't miss our guides... Weekly, all days, community-oriented: 51st.news/juneteenth-w... Weekend-only fun events around the city: 51st.news/washington-d...

FRIDAY, JUNE 19

Juneteenth Freedom Bike Ride
⏰ 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
📍 Reservoir Park (10 Lower Service Ct. NW)
D.C.'s Department of Parks and Recreation will kick off Juneteenth with a 16-kilometer ride starting at Reservoir Park and ending at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. You do not have to be an experienced cyclist to participate — just wear a helmet! RSVP here.

Ward 7 Juneteenth Parade
⏰ 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
📍 East Washington Heights Baptist Church (2220 Branch Ave. SE) to Randle Circle Park (41 Randle Cir. SE)
Ward 7 is marking the holiday with a parade highlighting the culture and history of Chocolate City. Pre-parade, there will be a 2.5-mile walk in honor of Opal Lee, who started the walk as a campaign to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. The parade assembly will start at 9 a.m., while processions begin at 11 a.m. Looking for a group to walk with? Find details on joining Free DC's Chocolate City contingent here. When the parade ends, look out for The 51st's Ward 7 Community Connector team!

FRIDAY, JUNE 19

Woodlawn Cemetery Cleanup
⏰ 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
📍 4611 Benning Rd. SE
Help keep the historic Black cemetery clean by lending your time to the Woodlawn Cemetery Perpetual Care Association. Bring any tools you have, including gloves, rakes, trash bags, hedge trimmers, leaf-blowers, and lawn mowers. (If you like to plan ahead, the next cleanup is coming July 25!)

Serve Your City Juneteenth Community Festival
⏰ 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
📍 ONE DC Black Workers & Wellness Center (2500 MLK Jr Ave. SE)
Serve Your City and ONE DC are celebrating 160 years of freedom with a day of culture and community. The festival will feature local DJs, dancers, and spoken word poets, as well as food and drink. Swing through for an hour or stay the whole time!

Harriet's House: Juneteenth on the Front Porch
⏰ 6 - 9 p.m.
📍 RSVP for location
Celebrate Juneteenth with Harriet's Wildest Dreams and the Free DC Chocolate City contingent at Harriet's House Front Porch. There will be food, beverages, and performances by the Freedom Future Collective.

FRIDAY, JUNE 19

Juneteenth Community Day: Honoring Opal Lee and Celebrating 100 Years
📍 National Museum of African American History and Culture (1400 Constitution Ave. NW)
⏰ 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
💸 FREE
Celebrate Ms. Opal Lee, the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” and her impact on how we remember, celebrate, and reflect upon American history. The Community Day’s programming includes an NMAAHC Kids Juneteenth Story Time, a line-dancing workshop with the DMV City Slickerz and DJ Zoom, and an art-making station.

Juneteenth Freedom Celebration
📍 Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum (1901 Fort Place SE)
⏰ 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
💸 FREE
Juneteenth Celebration: Tank and the Bangas, the Last Balloon Tour
📍 Lincoln Theatre (1215 U St. NW)
⏰ 5 - 8 p.m.
💸 $45.65+
Summer Solstice Bubble Party Wine Tasting!!!
📍 Bar Americano (Jefferson Dr. SW between 4th St. SW
and 7th St. SW)
⏰ 6 - 8 p.m.
💸 $13.26
United in Play: FIFA World Cup Watch Party
📍 Tingey Plaza (101 Tingey St. SE)
⏰ 12 p.m. doors; games at 3 p.m., 6 p.m., and 9 p.m.
💸 FREE

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The 51st @51st.news · 17/06/2026

Each week, we list some ways to get engaged in the city — whether that’s protesting, organizing with your neighbors, or testifying before your councilmembers. This week's features several Juneteenth events! More in the full guide: 51st.news/juneteenth-w...

THURSDAY, JUNE 18

4th Annual Juneteenth at Harrison Park
⏰ 3 - 9 p.m.
📍 Harrison Park (1330 V St. NW)
The Juneteenth festivities start early on U Street NW with a celebration honoring the music, arts, and civic life of D.C.'s historic Black Broadway corridor. Hosted by U Street Main Street, the U Street Neighborhood Association, and Long Live GoGo, the night will feature food, games, musical performances, and a basketball tournament!

Zine Folding with Free DC
⏰ 5 - 8 p.m.
📍 Marx Cafe (3203 Mt Pleasant St. NW)
Meet your neighbors and get crafty with Free DC literature. No experience required, just hands ready to help! RSVP here.

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The 51st @51st.news · 17/06/2026

What are you getting up to around the city over the Juneteenth/Pride/solstice weekend? Here are some of the highlights from our Weekend Events guide. ✨ More on these events and others: 51st.news/washington-d...

THURSDAY, JUNE 18

Ribbon-cutting: Beverly Pepper sculptures
📍New York Avenue Median (1250 New York Ave. NW)
⏰ 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
💸 FREE
Witness the unveiling of artist Beverly Pepper’s new exhibition of large-scale sculptures in front of the National Museum of Women in the Arts. Pepper’s pieces bend industrial materials into unexpected curves and forms, and will be displayed on the New York Avenue median between 9th and 13th St NW. The event will start with remarks from leaders from the city and local organizations, followed by light refreshments.

Rooftop concert: Black Passion Band Live
📍 Sandlot Downtown (555 12th St. NW)
⏰ 5 - 8 p.m.
💸 FREE, RSVP required

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The 51st @51st.news · 15/06/2026

We've become accustomed to elections where the voters' choice becomes clear in the hours after the polls close. But that won’t be the case for the majority of races in D.C.’s June 16 primary — our first election using ranked-choice voting. Here's what to expect this week: 51st.news/dc-election-...

DCision 2026
D.C. probably won't know who won on election night. Here’s what to expect ➡️

How long do I have to return my mail ballot?

Mail ballots must be postmarked by Tuesday, June 16, and received by BOE by Friday, June 26, in order to be counted.

Monica Evans, BOE’s director, predicted that they’ll receive 30,000 to 40,000 mail ballots on Election Day alone.

Note: Dropping your ballot at a mailbox or post office on Election Day doesn’t guarantee a postmark that day — ask for a hand stamp from an employee, or use a ballot dropbox!

After you send your ballot, you can check its status using BOE’s online tracker at votedc.ballottrax.net

Why is counting the votes likely to take
multiple days?

In a media briefing, Monica Evans of BOE said “we want to ensure that we have the majority of ballots counted and tabulated” before publicly posting round-by-round results, so as not to put out inaccurate information.

“Until we have all ballots on hand, you cannot rely on those rounds of tabulation,” she added.

But we could see final results earlier, Evans said, depending on the number of mail ballots received on or after Election Day.

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The 51st @51st.news · 12/06/2026

What are you getting up to around the city this weekend? Here are some of the highlights from our Weekend Events guide. ✨ More on these events and others: 51st.news/washington-d...

What to do around D.C. this weekend
by James Mae
for The 51st

FRIDAY, JUNE 12

Swedish Midsummer Celebration
📍 Sylvan Theatre on the National Mall (Independence Ave SW & 15th Street NW)
⏰ 6 - 9:30 p.m.
💸 FREE
Ever want to live out your Florence Pugh–inspired dreams of frolicking through a Swedish folk festival, without all the cult stuff? Now’s your chance! The Embassy of Sweden is hosting a free Midsummer celebration on the National Mall to celebrate the summer solstice. The event features live music from DJ G-Money and a Swedish cover band dishing up tunes from ABBA and more. There will also be maypole dancing, activities for kids, and free tote bags for those who show up first.

SATURDAY, JUNE 13

Create by the Creek
📍 Peirce Mill (2401 Tilden St. NW)
⏰ 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
💸 FREE, registration required
Revel in nature and art with the Friends of Peirce Mill, where throughout Saturday, local artists will be holding workshops (supplies included!). Try out photography, fiber arts, or printmaking — and, for those of you who aren’t joiners, they’ll also have supplies out for independent nature drawing.

Rhode Island Avenue PorchFest
📍Main stage: 2305 Rhode Island Ave. NE
⏰ 12 - 5 p.m.
💸 FREE
(To ride over with Ward 5 Family Biking: Meet at Turkey Thicket Rec Center at 11:30 a.m.)
Friends of the MLK Library Book Sale
📍 MLK Library (901 G St. NW)
⏰ 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
💸 FREE
Pride on the Pier
📍 The Wharf (101 District Square SW)
⏰ 4 - 9 p.m.
💸 FREE

SUNDAY, JUNE 14

The Legacy of T-Pain
📍 Songbird Union Market (540 Penn St. NE)
⏰ 12 - 2 p.m.
💸 $15
Looking for a blast from the past? Join The R&B Club for a discussion of T-Pain’s music and lyricism. Reminisce about the early 2000s while listening to some of the singer's greatest hits like “Buy U a Drank” and reflecting on the ways his use of autotune shaped the R&B music landscape in the years to come. At this book-club-style musical meetup, drinking is optional and dancing and spirited discussion are encouraged.

Book event: The Dial’s How We See It
📍 Politics and Prose (1550 Connecticut Ave. NW)
⏰ 5 p.m.
💸 FREE

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The 51st @51st.news · 12/06/2026

Civics Roundup
How to get involved around D.C. this week

Shape the future of a new trail, learn about the history of Pride, vote in the primary election, and more...

ONGOING

Primary election voting
If you're a registered D.C. voter, you should have received a ballot in the mail. You can vote by filling out that ballot and dropping it off at any of the ballot drop boxes around the city, or by heading to an early voting center this week through Sunday, June 14, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. (Find an early voting center here). And of course, you can vote in person on Election Day! Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16; find a location here. And if you're like, "Wait, who's running?" or "How does ranked-choice voting work again?" — consider checking out our (we think!) thorough and user-friendly voter guide.

SATURDAY, JUNE 13

Shepherd Branch Trail Visioning Workshop
⏰ 2:30 - 5 p.m.
📍 Anacostia Neighborhood Library (1800 Marion Barry Ave. SE)
The DC Go-Go Trails Collective and the River East Design Center want you to help shape the future of the Shepherd Branch Trail — an inactive rail corridor that's set to become a multi-use path for walking and biking. The visioning workshop will focus on naming the new trail, submitting questions to the D.C. Department of Transportation, and learning about the design of the new gateway entrance. Reserve your spot here.

Family bike ride to Rhode Island Avenue NE Porchfest
⏰ 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
📍 Turkey Thicket Recreation Center (1100 Michigan Ave. NE)
Ward 5 Family Biking will be leading a (marshaled and police-escorted) group ride through Brookland that will end at Rhode Island Avenue Porchfest. Get to know your neighbors and get out in the sunshine! No RSVP necessary.

SUNDAY, JUNE 14

Bee the Change: Starting a pollinator garden
⏰ 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
📍 Edgewood Community Farm (2304 2nd St. NE)
Bees are essential to a healthy ecosystem, but habitat loss and the growth of non-native plants in D.C. threaten their population. At this workshop, folks from Edgewood Community Farm will show you how to plan and start a native pollinator garden; they'll cover which plants to prioritize, how to prepare your soil, and what you can do to ensure it's both cute and functional. Everyone will go home with a native seedling, and all other materials will be provided. Tickets are $5 (and if you need the fee waived, just ask!).

They Fight, We Feed
⏰ 5 - 7 p.m.
📍 McPherson Square (901 15th St. NW)
While the president hosts a UFC fight in on the White House Lawn on his birthday, D.C. partners are coming together to feed neighbors in need. Free DC, DC Local to Global, Ward 2 Mutual Aid, and more will gather in McPherson Square to donate food and share a community meal...

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The 51st @51st.news · 08/06/2026

What do you want to see from local news? We're surveying D.C. residents — especially focused on Ward 7, thanks to a grant from @lpostcollective.bsky.social. Help us out here: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

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The 51st @51st.news · 05/06/2026

What are you getting up to around the city this weekend? Here are some of the highlights from our Weekend Events guide. ✨ More on these events and others: 51st.news/washington-d...

What to do around D.C. this weekend
by Lydia Wei for The 51st

Outdoor theater: My Favorite Year: The Year Comedy Got Cool
📍 Tudor Place (1644 31st St. NW)
⏰ 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
💸 $22.85
An outdoor theater performance offers an excuse to spend an evening in Tudor Place’s bucolic courtyard. The comedic show, based on Mel Brooks’ life, chronicles a young writer’s desperate, screwball attempts to keep an aging silver screen legend sober and on-script before her comeback late-night performance. Picnics are allowed, but note their specific rules — no games, chairs with legs, or red wine!

Swing Dance Night at the Wharf
📍 Transit Pier (970 Wharf St. SW)
⏰ 7 - 9 p.m.
💸 FREE
Festival Afro Bahia: Taste of Bahia and Samba Party
📍 All Souls Church Unitarian (1500 Harvard St. NW)
⏰ 6:30 - 11:30 p.m. (continues through Sunday)
💸 $44.52 in advance; $55 at the door
Concert: The Sebastions with Boy Grapes and Tangible Ego
📍 The Pocket (1508 North Capitol St. NW)
⏰ 7:30 doors; 8 p.m. show
💸 $19 advance, $22 day-of

Museum Walk Weekend
📍 Five museums around Dupont Circle and Kalorama; full list online
⏰ 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
💸 FREE, registration encouraged
This weekend, catch Rothkos at The Phillips Collection, check out Woodrow Wilson’s unopened Prohibition-era champagne bottles, or learn about the history of Pride in D.C. — for free. Five Dupont Circle and Kalorama museums — Anderson House, Dupont Underground, the National Museum of American Jewish Military History, the Phillips, and The President Woodrow Wilson House — will waive their admission fees on Saturday and Sunday. There’s something for everyone!

One Stroke at a Time: Collaborative Painting Workshop
📍 Art Enables (2204 Rhode Island Ave. NE)
⏰ 12 - 3 p.m.
💸 FREE, registration required
Baby Rave
📍 People’s Book (7014-A Westmoreland Ave.; Takoma Park, Maryland)
⏰ 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
💸 FREE, registration encouraged
MLK Library Flea Market
📍 Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library (901 G St. NW)
⏰ 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

More at 51st.news!

Reel Invasion DC Fishing Derby
📍 Anacostia Park Aquatic Resources Education Center (1900 Anacostia Dr. SE)
⏰ 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
💸 FREE, registration required
Go fishing, create aquatic artworks, and save D.C.’s native wildlife … all in one day! Head over to Anacostia River’s Reel Invasion fishing derby, where you could be the one to reel in invasive species like blue catfish and northern snakeheads. If the prizes aren’t enough to get you casting a line, there are activities galore for curious spectators, including filleting demos, Gyotaku fish print workshops, and guided tours of the Aquatic Resources Education Center. Curious about D.C.’s fishing scene? Don’t miss our previous reporting.

Community Yoga + Potluck Gathering
📍 Columbia Heights Green (3321 11th St. NW)
⏰ 4 - 6 p.m.
💸 FREE, registration encouraged
Words from Birds Writing Workshop
📍 Peirce Mill (2401 Tilden St. NW)
⏰ 7 - 9:30 a.m.
💸 FREE, registration encouraged

050 5

The 51st @51st.news · 05/06/2026

SATURDAY, JUNE 6

Black Georgetown Community Study Day
⏰ 2 - 4 p.m.
📍 Georgetown Neighborhood Library (3260 R St. NW)
History buffs, this is for you: The Black Georgetown Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the memory and future of Mount Zion and Female Union Band Society Cemeteries in Georgetown, is seeking help expanding its archives. Bring a laptop, roll up your proverbial sleeves, and dive deep into the library's database. RSVP here.

First Annual MLK Library Flea Market
⏰ 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
📍 MLK Library (901 G St. NW)
What doesn't the library do? At the downtown location's first flea market, browse goods from more than 30 local vendors, selling everything from vintage clothing and home decor to handmade crafts.

Juneteenth Parade Art Build
⏰ 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
📍 Sargent Memorial Presbyterian Church (5109 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave. NE)
Join Ward 7 members of Free DC to create a banner for the upcoming Ward 7 Juneteenth parade. More at 51st.news!

SUNDAY, JUNE 7

Ward 3 Mutual Aid Meeting
⏰ 1:30 - 2:45 p.m.
📍 Tenley-Friendship Neighborhood Library (4450 Wisconsin Ave. NW)
Ward 3 Mutual Aid is meeting five times this month to coordinate their community work. Stop by one of the meetings this weekend — and, while we're telling you what to do with your Sunday, we recommend you extend the outing with a stop by Cleveland Park Day before or after!

Ward 1 Free DC meeting
⏰ 2 - 4 p.m.
📍 The Festival Center (1640 Columbia Rd. NW)
With D.C.'s June primaries fast approaching (catch up on the news here!), there's no better time to tap into local politics. If you're a Ward 1 resident, join this meeting to learn about engaging your network around the primary, how to advance Free DC's movement, and what's at stake for the city in this election. It's encouraged to attend a campaign orientation before you stop by a ward meeting; conveniently, an orientation is taking place on Sunday, June 7, from 2 - 3:30 p.m. over Zoom.

More at 51st.news!

MONDAY, JUNE 8
Juror Information Project Overview
⏰ 6 - 8 p.m.
📍 Lutheran Church of the Reformation (212 East Capitol St. NE)
What does it really mean to serve on a jury? This civic duty can be used to protect your neighbors and hold our justice system accountable — and Harriet's Wildest Dreams and Free DC will teach you how, with the guidance of legal experts, activists, and other community members.

DC Election Protection Training
⏰ 7 - 8:30 p.m.
📍 Virtual
The DC Election Protection Coalition's non-partisan field volunteers show up outside of polling places to help voters and resolve any issues that arise. If you have a legal background, consider becoming an Election Protection Field Attorney; if you don't have a legal background, you can show up as a Grassroots Poll Monitor. The coalition — made up of folks from the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Advancement Project, Free DC, Harriet's Wildest Dreams, and more — will be leading two trainings.

More at 51st.news!

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The 51st @51st.news · 02/06/2026

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The 51st @51st.news · 29/05/2026

Candidates running for D.C. mayor have sharpened their attacks. As with politics generally, some of those accusations have a complicated relationship with the truth. @maustermuhle.bsky.social fact-checked a few. See more of his work here: 51st.news/dc-mayoral-r...

DCision 2026

Attacks are flying in the D.C. mayor’s race. We fact-checked them for you.

So... is either of these candidates supported by “dark money”?

Kenyan McDuffie said that Janeese Lewis George’s run for mayor is being supported by dark money from New York City.

His claim is referring to the Safe and Affordable D.C. independent expenditure committee, an outside group linked to labor unions that has so far spent more than $340k on mailers and ads supporting Lewis George and attacking McDuffie.

As of March 10, Safe and Affordable D.C. had raised $200k, half from a New York-based union-funded PAC and the remainder from a PAC linked to SEIU 32BJ, which represents building cleaners, maintenance workers, and security guards in D.C.

Is that dark money? Not really, since it’s traced back to labor unions that openly support Lewis George.

Dark money is more often associated with a particular type of organization, generally 501(c)(4) “social welfare” groups that are not legally required to disclose who’s giving them money.

The United D.C. Research Council is one such 501(c)4 active in local politics.

The council has raised money (from whom we don’t know) that it has since used to create ads attacking Lewis George for her work on the council.

It is also linked to People for a United D.C., a local independent expenditure group that has produced mailers criticizing Lewis George.

A separate pro-business group, Opportunity D.C., has similarly taken some contributions from a related dark money group and weighed in against Lewis George.

None of this is illegal, nor is it necessarily new; unions, businesses, and other interests have in the past used a number of vehicles to weigh in on D.C. elections.

But the use of dark money groups has been on the rise in recent years, both by Democrats and Republicans.

Now, it is important to note that none of these groups can legally coordinate with the campaigns; those have to be separate.

Still, critics of Lewis George say her campaign is so closely linked to local unions that there’s room to believe coordination is taking place; the Office of Campaign Finance is currently investigating.

"This is a baseless complaint to get reporters to write 'under investigation' headlines and will be found meritless," says Lewis George's campaign.

They say that union staffers joining the campaign is "not unusual" and that the campaign is not involved with the labor committee's work.

Read more at 51st.news

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The 51st @51st.news · 29/05/2026

Civics Roundup

How to get involved around D.C. this week

A fundraiser for abortion access, a performance by the Ratical Left, a ranked-choice voting training, and more...

FRIDAY, MAY 29

Buko Buko show and fundraiser
⏰ Doors at 8 p.m., show at 8:30 p.m.
📍 Black Cat (1811 14th St. NW)
Buko Buko, which means "young coconut" in Tagalog, is taking the stage at Black Cat alongside other local groups SAAFEWAAY, D.M.V., and GORF. Tickets are $15 and will go toward DC Books to Prisons — a local group that sends more than 6,000 packages of books to incarcerated people across the country every year.

Tech Worker Coalition happy hour
⏰ 6:30 p.m.
📍 Lyman's Tavern (3720 14th St. NW)
Calling all tech workers: This group exists as a "political home" for tech workers who are interested in organizing with others in the field — along with building wider coalitions for justice. After a long week, wind down, mingle, and maybe even play some pinball at the Petworth (just barely!) dive bar.

SATURDAY, MAY 30

Ratical Left performance
⏰ 2 p.m.
📍4800 Iowa Ave NW
Did you know Ward 2 Mutual Aid has a band? The Ratical Left will be gracing the ... porch at Petworth Porchfest on Saturday. Stop by and support! The festival features 430 bands playing across 164 neighborhood venues, and with 31 genres represented, there should be something for everyone in your group chat.

Museum opening: "We Make History"
⏰ 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
📍 Anacostia Community Museum (1901 Fort Pl. SE)
After closing for a new installation, the Anacostia Community Museum is reopening with a day-long celebration of its new exhibit "We Make History." There will be a sound bath, a farm stand, story time, and hands-on activities, including guided tours, workshops, and craft stations. You can find the full run-of-show here. No RSVP needed.

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The 51st @51st.news · 29/05/2026

What are you getting up to around the city this weekend? Here are some of the highlights from our Weekend Events guide. ✨ More on these events and others: 51st.news/washington-d...

What to do around D.C. this weekend
May 28–31
by Tadi Abedje
for The 51st

FRIDAY, MAY 29

Film screening: Devi
📍 National Museum of Asian Art (1100 Independence Ave. SW)
⏰ 7 - 8:45 p.m.
💸 FREE, registration recommended
Iconic Indian filmmaker Satyajit Ray’s Devi explores issues of free will, fanaticism, religious orthodoxy, and patriarchal power structures. The screening of the restored 1960 film is part of a series — with Days and Nights in the Forest playing on Sunday, May 31.

“We Make History”: After Dark
📍 Anacostia Community Museum (1901 Fort Pl. SE)
⏰ 7 - 10 p.m.
💸 FREE (21+ only)

The North Country Single Release Show with Dylan Rockwell and Kinda Evil
📍 Songbyrd Music House (540 Penn St. NE)
⏰ 7 p.m.
💸 $17-21

SATURDAY, MAY 30“Echo/Location: Exploring the Extra-Sensory”: A conversation with artist Imar Lyman
📍 The Kreeger Museum (2401 Foxhall Rd. NW)
⏰ 3 - 4 p.m.
💸 FREE for museum members and those under 18, $15 for everyone else
Imar Lyman’s solo exhibition, which opened at the museum and former residence last month, includes collage, paintings, sculptures, and prints around the theme of how “echoes” from the past guide us in the present. Explore the galleries earlier in the day, then hear directly from Lyman and curator Rhea L. Combs at this afternoon event.

Petworth Porchfest
📍 Various locations
⏰ 2 - 8 p.m.
💸 FREE

New Balance Appreciation Day 2026
📍 Metrobar (640 Rhode Island Ave. NE)
⏰ 3 - 8 p.m.
💸 FREE

Comedy show: Unofficial Late Night
📍 Millennium Stage at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (2700 F St. NW)
⏰ 6 p.m.
💸 FREE

SUNDAY, MAY 31

Bouquet Crafting & Flower Design
📍 Edgewood Community Farm (2304 2nd St. NE)
⏰ 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
💸 $20
Get off your phone, at least for the afternoon, at this flower-arranging class. You’ll learn how to make bouquets you can appreciate all week, with flowers you’ll pick yourself!

Film: Shanghai Express
📍 Cleveland Park Neighborhood Library (3310 Connecticut Ave. NW)
⏰ 1:15 - 2:45 p.m.
💸 FREE

Jazz in the Heights
📍Sycamore & Oak (1110 Oak Dr. SE, Suite 9)
⏰ 12 - 8 p.m.
💸 $8

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The 51st @51st.news · 22/05/2026

The weather is looking like a major bummer, but there's still plenty to get up to around D.C. this weekend. @ilechelm.bsky.social has rounded up several ways to stay busy, from a dye workshop to an ice cream history tour. 51st.news/dc-events-th...

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The 51st @51st.news · 22/05/2026

SATURDAY, MAY 23

Housing Action Coalition Candidate Forum
⏰ 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
📍 R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center (2730 Martin Luther King Jr Ave. SE)
We're really in the thick of election season now. Several local housing and affordability organizations, like Fair Budget DC and D.C. Fiscal Policy Institute, are holding a panel to collectively press candidates running in the primary on their housing plans. There will be a Zoom option if you can't attend in person. You can RSVP here. (And don't miss our election coverage!)

SUNDAY, MAY 24

Juror Information Project
⏰ 2 - 4 p.m.
📍 MLK Library (901 G St. NW)
Join Harriet's Wildest Dreams and Free DC to learn from legal experts and activists about how you can use serving on a jury to push for justice and fairness in the court system. RSVP here.

3D Mapping to Rewild a Vacant Lot
⏰ 3 - 5 p.m.
📍 Temperance Alley Garden (1931 13th St. NW)
U Street neighbors are reshaping the Temperance Alley Sanctuary within the Temperance Alley Garden; this landscape design session will use stakes and string to map out last month's potential visions. Attendees will also learn how to transplant and relocate native plants, and how to select plants that will make D.C. more ecologically resilient. No RSVP needed.

MONDAY, MAY 25

Remember George Floyd Prayer Vigil
⏰ 11 - 12:30 p.m.
📍 3100 14th St. NW
The Boycott Target DC Coalition and local faith leaders are holding a vigil to mark the sixth anniversary of George Floyd's murder. They'll meet outside of the Columbia Height's Target, which activists have been boycotting for more than a year following the company's rollback of diversity commitments and, later, its cooperation with ICE.

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The 51st @51st.news · 21/05/2026

Candidates running for D.C. mayor have sharpened their attacks. As with politics generally, some of those accusations have a complicated relationship with the truth. @maustermuhle.bsky.social has been fact-checking them. See more of his work here: 51st.news/dc-mayoral-r...

DCision 2026

Attacks are flying in the D.C. mayor’s race. We fact-checked them for you.

So... did Kenyan McDuffie accept donations from Trump supporters?

Janeese Lewis George accused Kenyan McDuffie of accepting “big Trump donor dollars.”

Per campaign finance records, McDuffie’s mayoral campaign has accepted 22 contributions from individuals who, since 2016, have similarly given money to campaign committees associated with Trump.

But as of May 10, the campaign has raised $632,000 from 4,800+ donors.

Under the city’s public financing program — McDuffie and Lewis George are both participating — individuals can’t contribute more than $200. Contributions from 3,200+ D.C. residents were matched by the city five-to-one.

Those 22 contributions from former Trump donors total roughly $4,000 — in context, not particularly “big.”

Probably the most active donor who has given to both McDuffie and Trump is local lobbist David Carmen — whose contributions to McDuffie over the years amount to just over $1,200.

What does stand out: As of last month McDuffie had raised nine times more from commercial real estate professionals than Lewis George, according to an analysis from Bisnow. (We also recommend The Washington Post’s fundraising analysis from March).

Ultimately, both McDuffie and Lewis George largely coincide on Trump: They say they would end cooperation with MPD and ICE and broadly defend the city’s home rule, while remaining open to economic development deals and other federal proposals that could benefit D.C.

Read more at 51st.news

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The 51st @51st.news · 18/05/2026

Candidates running for D.C. mayor have sharpened their attacks. As with politics generally, some of those accusations have a complicated relationship with the truth. @maustermuhle.bsky.social has been fact-checking them. See more of his work here: 51st.news/dc-mayoral-r...

DCision 2026
Attacks are flying in the D.C. mayor’s race. We fact-checked them for you.
So... does Janeese Lewis George want to raise your taxes?

Kenyan McDuffie says his opponent is going to “raise your taxes.”

Janeese Lewis George’s campaign says that’s not true, and that she “does not support new taxes on D.C.’s working people, middle-class families or locally-owned small businesses.”

However, she does support “closing business tax loopholes that favor Maryland and Virginia” — referring to the Business Activity Tax (BAT).

Because Congress does not allow D.C. to tax non-resident income, some D.C. lobbying groups, consultancies, and law firms that are owned by non-residents aren’t taxed like normal D.C. businesses, because of how their legal entities are set up.

That said, in 2021, Lewis George worked with two of her council colleagues to impose a small tax hike on wealthy D.C. residents — single earners making more than $250,000 a year — to fund housing vouchers and pay increases for childcare workers.

Changing this would bring in an estimated $500 million in new revenue every year — but unless you’re a Maryland or Virginia resident who owns a law firm or lobbying shop, it doesn’t seem accurate to say Janeese Lewis George wants to “raise your taxes.”

Eight councilmembers voted for the tax increase, but Kenyan McDuffie was one of five to vote against it — saying tax policy shouldn’t be made by a last-minute amendment to a budget, and that it instead should benefit from public hearings and fiscal assessments.

Read more at 51st.news

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The 51st @51st.news · 18/05/2026

What are you doing Tuesday night? Our upcoming poetry event is for anyone looking for community, connection, and conversations about the city — whether you’re a D.C. native, transplant, or somewhere in between. RSVP for free: www.eventbrite.com/e/the-city-s...

A poster for an event titled "The City Speaks: A D.C. Native Poetry Set" on Tuesday, May 19 at 6:30 p.m. at The Strand in D.C.

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The 51st @51st.news · 17/05/2026

At our closed-mic poetry set "The City Speaks," three acclaimed D.C. native poets will reclaim and reimagine local stories: • Phyl “2chillphyl” Collier • Malachi “MalPractice” Byrd • Rasheed Copeland See you on Tuesday night? RSVP for free tickets here: www.eventbrite.com/e/the-city-s...

A poster for an event titled "The City Speaks: A D.C. Native Poetry Set" on Tuesday, May 19 at 6:30 p.m. at The Strand

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The 51st @51st.news · 16/05/2026

Candidates running for D.C. mayor have sharpened their attacks. As with politics generally, some of those accusations have a complicated relationship with the truth. @maustermuhle.bsky.social has been fact-checking them. See more of his work here: 51st.news/dc-mayoral-r...

DCision 2026

Attacks are flying in the D.C. mayor’s race. We fact-checked them for you.

So... did Kenyan McDuffie fumble sports betting in D.C.?

Janeese Lewis George recently attacked Kenyan McDuffie over D.C.’s failed sports betting rollout:

“We’re also not going to be putting forth bad deals like the sports betting deal that cost us millions of dollars that my colleague Mr. McDuffie oversaw.”

After sports betting was legalized in 2018, D.C. rushed to launch before Maryland and Virginia — giving lottery company Intralot a no-bid contract to run the city’s sports betting app.

McDuffie says former Councilmember Jack Evans led the push for the no-bid contract.

The rollout quickly became a mess: the app was buggy, few people used it, and D.C. lost out on major tax revenue.

McDuffie voted against skipping a competitive bidding process — but later voted to approve the Intralot deal itself, which passed on a 7-5 margin after the council moved forward with sole-sourcing.

Like other councilmembers, he was persuaded by promises that sports betting revenue would help fund childcare programs and violence interruption efforts.

As chair of the council’s business committee, McDuffie later oversaw the struggling rollout and repeatedly pressed the D.C. Lottery over the app’s failures and missing revenue projections. In 2024, he introduced legislation that ultimately opened D.C.’s market to competitors.

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