NOVA This Week (07/16): Mubadala DC Open

July 15 marks a historic moment when 18 Nobel laureates took a stand against nuclear weapons—a reminder that powerful ideas can shape the future for the better, much like the innovations we’re seeing in our own communities.

Don't Miss This Week

Mubadala DC Open

One of Washington’s premier summer sporting traditions returns to Rock Creek Park on July 25. It’s a must-see for sports fans looking to soak up some local excitement in a picturesque setting. Details here.

Go-Go Meets Afro Beats Festival

Celebrate the vibrant rhythms where West African beats meet DC’s own Go-Go sound at Anthem Row on July 18, a fusion event promising high-energy music and lively fun. Tickets and info.

Thursday, July 16

Local impact of AI: Join AI & Us: How AI is impacting DC and what we can do about it for a participatory series discussing artificial intelligence’s influence on DC neighborhoods and communities.

Jazz and community art: The Jazz Series with The Parks Main Street offers a free concert showcasing global sounds, while the Fifty: A Community Memoir Opening Reception spotlights neighborhood stories in a milestone gallery show.

After-hours sips and history: Enjoy a sunset beer flight with a master brewer at Golden Hour Series - Grain To Glass, or travel back in time at Land Cover of Loudoun County in 1776 for a glimpse of colonial landscapes.

• Nutrition for Older Adults: The MIND Diet offers seniors a brain-boosting wellness workshop.

Friday, July 17

Evening elegance: Dine and dance under the stars with French food, wine, and live music at At the Embassy of France: Garden Soiree.

Inclusive entertainment: The “Wicked: For Good” Sing-Along brings an open-captioned musical screening in celebration of Disability Pride to DC audiences.

Design philosophy and late-night fun: Explore architecture and craftsmanship at the Design Salon: The Philosophy of Form & Function, then join the DPR Late Night Hype for community recreation after dark.

• Teen Night at the Museum of Illusions invites local teens to explore magic and mind tricks for free.

Saturday, July 18

Art and soundscape: Engage with digital creativity at the Artist Talk: Refik Anadol, the AI art pioneer behind the National Mall installation. Later, enjoy sounds and vinyl treasures at Layers: Multidimensional Sound as Collage.

Hands-on creativity and culinary fun: The Riggs Park Art Crawl delivers neighborhood vibes, paired nicely with R&B & Gnocchi Nights for pasta making set to classic tunes.

Watercolor workshop: The Introduction to Watercolor: Loose and Beautiful offers an in-person chance to refine your painting skills.

• Just Your Imagination Workshop with the Phillips Collection provides a guided art experience for all ages.

Sunday, July 19

French flair: Bring the family to Bonjour, France! A Bastille Day Family Celebration with art, language, music, and sweet treats to enjoy together.

Music and movement: Relax at Soul Oasis at Wangari Gardens for intimate live music, then swing into Gottaswing Beginners and Intermediate on Capitol Hill to learn lively dance steps.

Art and folk music: Paint your vacation memories in an in-person creative workshop, then catch a live performance by Crys Matthews, 2025 International Folk Music Award’s Artist of the Year, at Stone Room Concerts @ Hill Center.

Monday, July 20

Family fun: The free 2026 Girl Scout Festival at Franklin Park offers activities for all ages, while Visual Arts Exploration: Creating Masks introduces Cubist mask-making in a relaxing setting.

Feasts and puzzles: Dig into summer flavors at the Snow Crab & Seafood Boil at Piece Out in Alexandria, and test your teamwork with the giant DC Puzzle Challenge.

Youth empowerment and innovation: Participate in the Girl Power! youth camp or get inspired at the Shark Tank camp experience focused on business and creativity.

Tuesday, July 21

Creative sessions: Explore graffiti techniques at the Graffiti Art Experience workshop in Brookland, or put your trivia knowledge to the test at Trivia Night in Del Ray ALX.

Cool culinary tips: Learn to craft refreshing International Summer Survival Soups with Chef Mark Haskell at a tasty class hosted by Hill Center.

Wednesday, July 22

Inclusive arts and culture: Celebrate the ADA and inclusive arts at Access to Expression in DC’s central library, then immerse yourself in Omani culture at the Evening with the Embassy of Oman.

Brazilian vibes: Join Brazilian Happy Hour with Marianne Tshihamba for a taste and social gathering that brings warmth and music to the Hill Center.

Thursday, July 23

Music and dance: See Black Alley, a high-energy Go-Go band, live at SOAK, then dance the night away at Baila Thursdays Latin dance social at Union Market.

Benefit show and creative night: Attend the Jessie Altman Record Release & Benefit for VLA supporting legal aid for domestic abuse survivors, or express yourself at Creative Expression Night!

Vintage glamour: Enjoy live retro piano and burlesque at Blue Note Burlesque at Sid Gold’s Request Room.

Friday, July 24

International flavor: Step into the Caribbean spirit at the Evening at the Embassy of Trinidad and Tobago in downtown DC.

Comedy and date night: Laugh along at FurtherMore: A DC Comedy & Talent Night, or learn French cooking tricks at the Date Night: Summer in France with Chef Wendi James.

Family music: Groove with the kids at Groovy Nate In Concert for an evening of family-friendly tunes.

Saturday, July 25

Culture and trivia: Test your knowledge with the lively Black In The Day Trivia Game Show celebrating Black pop culture, or savor bites on the For The Culture DMV Food Tour spotlighting Black-owned eateries.

Sunday, July 26

Make and mingle: Craft your own scents at Make Your Own Perfume & Body Oil with Elevation Lifestyle, then join the Community Appreciation Day Party for free music and fun.

Wellness and culinary arts: Participate in the Pan-African health-focused People's Pan-African Wellness Front Series or watch a chef demo with Master Chef Featuring The Duck & The Peach Executive Chef Katarina Petonito at Hill Center.