NOVA This Week (07/02): Candle Making Workshop

If the prospect of navigating the extreme heat and crushing holiday crowds at the National Mall has you rethinking your plans, you’re in good company. Fortunately, the neighborhoods surrounding the Mall are packed with ways to celebrate the season without getting stuck in a massive transit bottleneck.

Don't Miss This Week

Candle Making Workshop

Head to historic downtown Leesburg for a hands-on crafting class where you can pour your own custom-scented candles.

Creators for Democracy: A Civic Festival

This dynamic showcase features local DC creators, builders, and artists celebrating civic engagement at the library.

Thursday, July 2

Get creative: For the little ones, the Hirshhorn is hosting Storytime Studio: Fabulous Fishes for hands-on crafting, while over at the library, you can prep your wheels for the upcoming parade at the Fourth of July Decoration Workshop.

Learn a game: Dive into the rules and strategy of Hong Kong-style play at Chinese/Hong Kong Mahjong 101 at Hill Center.

More:

• Kick off the holiday weekend with Foam Fest DC at The Bullpen.
• Catch a free concert at the Performance Lab at MLK Library.
• Test your brain at Trivia Night at Bub and Pop's.

Friday, July 3

Friday night plans: Celebrate early with sports and pyrotechnics at the America 250 Fireworks Celebration at Segra Field in Leesburg, or dance the night away to South Asian hits at D.C. BOLLYWOOD LEGENDS @SACHI NIGHTCLUB.

Saturday, July 4

Independence Day: Avoid the Mall crowds and celebrate in style with the America's 250th Birthday Georgetown Rooftop Celebration, or enjoy smoked meats and drinks at the downtown Willard Ardbeg BBQ Classic block party.

Sunday, July 5

Sunday games: Keep the weekend energy going in Alexandria with a nostalgic Dive Bar - Beer Pong Tournament pop-up.

Monday, July 6

Family support: Bring toddlers to the library's interactive Building Blocks session, or head to Loudoun for helpful parenting tips at Strategies for Selective Eaters.

Trivia night: Enjoy outdoor brain-teasers on the turf roof at Union Market during Rooftop Trivia at Hi-Lawn.

More:

• Find low-impact wellness at Chair Yoga.

Tuesday, July 7

Stretching and sketching: Take some time for yourself with a creative Art Workshop with Lindsay, or join local neighbors for Gentle Yoga for Seniors at Palisades Library.

Test your brain: Grab a pint and join Tuesday Night Trivia at Atlas Brew Works Bridge District.

Wednesday, July 8

History and music: Explore Frederick Douglass's legacy at the "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?" Historic Discussion at Hill Center, or enjoy local indie sounds at the DC Punk Archive 2026 Summer Rooftop Shows.

Stay active: Gently build your mobility at the library's Senior Strength & Balance class.

Thursday, July 9

Words and stories: Put pen to paper at the Palisades Writers' Workshop, or hear heartwarming tales at the I LOVE D.C. Storytelling Swap with Story District.

Quirky matchmaking: Pitch your favorite single friends to an audience during Pitch-A-Friend at Sid Gold’s.

Friday, July 10

French flavors: Get an early start on France's national day at the Embassy of France's Bastille Day 2026: 250th Anniversary, or learn classic techniques at Date Night: Summer in France with Chef Wendi James.

Friday feasts: Savor regional Spanish flavors at the Summer Paella Long Lunch with Chef Mark Haskell.

More:

• Catch an outdoor film at The Drive-In at Union Market.
• Belt out your favorite showtunes at the "Wicked" Sing Along!
• Support rising comedians at the Comedy Catalyst Graduation Showcase: Cohort 2.

Saturday, July 11

Library fun: Experience interactive exhibits, local food, and music at A Day at the Fair inside MLK Library, or check out the inclusive Accessible Game Meet-Up featuring braille and tactile modifications.

Get growing: Bring the kids to Anacostia for a hands-on, outdoor Growing Community: Family Gardening Workshop.

More:

• Dance to high-energy Arabic music at MAD EAST DMV: KT, ADAM & HEAT in Arlington.
• Celebrate local public safety at the Round Hill Fire and Rescue Station #4 Dedication Ceremony.

Sunday, July 12

Creative workshops: Hone your artistic skills with Smithsonian Associates' in-person classes, choosing between On-Location Photography or the hands-on Tools of the Trade workshop.

Summer flavors: Grab a box of sweet Southern fruit at the highly anticipated Georgia Peach Truck Pop-Up at Union Market.

More:

• Meet Batman and Vision comic writer Tom King at COMICTROPOLIS: Lights, Panels, Actions.
• Learn classic stitches from a local legend at Sewing With Mama T.

All Week

• Book a cozy afternoon session with adoptable rescue felines and warm drinks at Coffee and adoptable cats in Georgetown.