NOVA This Week
NOVA This Week

NOVA This Week (07/09): Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert

Everything worth leaving the house for this week.

While Metro Pride trains roll through the city and cooler inside workshops beckon, the oldest cherry tree groves around DC are sparking controversy this July — a reminder that local history lives deeply intertwined with summer’s heat.

Don't Miss This Week

Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert

Experience the original film’s legendary score performed live, a fun and family-friendly blast for all ages on July 9.

At the Embassy of France: Garden Soiree & Dance under the Stars

Enjoy an elegant summer evening with French food, wine, and live music at the French Embassy on July 17 — a perfect midsummer night’s gathering.

Thursday, July 9

Music from the Hearts of America - U.S. Army Strolling Strings

Catch live classical performances by U.S. Army musicians at the Smithsonian starting at noon and again at 1:30 PM — a serene pause in downtown’s summer bustle.

Rodeo 250 and Patriots Path: A Revolutionary War Encampment

Celebrate America250 with cultural history including a family-friendly rodeo show alongside hands-on revolutionary war living history — both capturing Virginia’s spirited past.

Turkish Coffee Lady: Microangelo Exhibition

Step into Alexandria’s unique art scene with world-renowned micro artist Hasan Kale’s extraordinary miniatures on display, offering delicate wonders to explore.

More:

Friday, July 10

Evening entertainment: Enjoy stand-up with Andrew Orolfo, dive into a classic summer film experience at The Drive-In at Union Market, or get interactive with the "Wicked" Sing Along! downtown.

Something tasty: Savor history and flavor at the Summer Paella Long Lunch or indulge in culinary romance at Date Night: Summer in France with Chef Wendi James.

Outdoor: Join community anglers for Friday Night Fishing at Diamond Teague Park.

Saturday, July 11

Love and games: Try something different with Play/Date: An Improvised Speed Dating Experiment or join the Accessible Game Meet-Up featuring braille and tactile games for all.

Family and community: Connect with nature on Kids with Bins: Youth-Led Bird Walks or celebrate DC culture at A Day at the Fair at MLK Library.

Local milestone: Don’t miss the Round Hill Fire and Rescue Station #4 Dedication Ceremony, marking a new chapter in community safety.

Sunday, July 12

Mind and body: Practice Fluye y Reúnete: Yoga en Español at Union Market or join On-Location Photography and Tools of the Trade workshops with Smithsonian Associates.

Music and culture: Enjoy Jazzy Sundays in Anacostia or meet acclaimed comic writer Tom King at COMICTROPOLIS: Lights, Panels, Actions at the MLK Library.

Foodie alert: Taste summer’s sweetest with the Georgia Peach Truck Pop-Up.

Monday, July 13

Books and kids: Discuss climate and local ecology at the Ecology Book Club featuring Mike Tidwell’s The Lost Trees of Willow Avenue, or send young explorers back in time with Ancient Time Travelers summer camp.

Tuesday, July 14

Learn and laugh: Head to the high-profile Top Comedy Show in DC, get creative at the Graffiti Art Experience, or join civic-minded peers at The Upskilling Labs July Meetup. For those curious about tech, AI Fundamentals offers practical skills in a DC context.

Wednesday, July 15

Community and culture: Seek help at the Free Walk-In Legal Clinic for survivors and immigrants, or celebrate Caribbean culture at the Embassy of Belize.

Fun and learning: Join the CPK Anime Cafe for fandom screenings and connect over the Raising Awareness Community Outreach event focused on public health. Language lovers can start a new session with the French Language Course: Intermediate II.

Thursday, July 16

Tech and culture blend: Explore AI’s local impact and community action at AI & Us, and for writers, the Aspiring Writer’s Circle offers a virtual creative space.

Food for thought: Dive into culinary and cultural heritage at both the Palestinian Food and Identity event and its evening Palestinian Food Workshop.

Friday, July 17

DPR Late Night Hype

District Parks and Recreation invites the community to a late-night event packed with fun and engagement, perfect for unwinding into the weekend.

Saturday, July 18

Artful hands: Try your hand at watercolor with An Introduction to Watercolor or craft unique pieces at the Mosaic Jewelry workshop.

Outdoors and community: Join the Summer Bird Walk to connect with nature, or relax in a Capitol Hill neighborhood vibe at the Live Figure Drawing Event.

Sunday, July 19

Family and festivity: Celebrate Bastille Day with art, music, and treats at Bonjour, France! for all ages.

Creative afternoons: Paint your vacation memories in a peaceful Smithsonian workshop or catch the 2025 International Folk Music Award’s Artist of the Year, Crys Matthews, live at the Stone Room Concerts @ Hill Center.

Writers’ corner: Dabble in darkness at a horror writing workshop on H Street, perfect for storytelling fans.

All Week

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