NOVA This Week (07/23): Mubadala DC Open

New archaeological research reveals that ancient Egyptian princesses weren't just buried with decorative weapons—they were actually highly skilled archers who actively practiced the sport. It turns out royal target practice has a much deeper, more active history than we ever realized.

Don't Miss This Week

Tennis tradition: One of Washington's premier summer sporting traditions returns to Rock Creek Park this week with the action-packed Mubadala DC Open, kicking off this Saturday.

Embassy life: Experience a lively Caribbean cultural celebration right inside the diplomatic gates at the Evening at the Embassy of Trinidad and Tobago this Friday, featuring traditional music, food, and drinks.

Thursday, July 23

Beats and bites: Get moving in Northeast tonight with a quintessential mid-Atlantic summer pairing at Union Market's Crabs & Crushes, then stick around for the lively Baila Thursdays Bi-Monthly Social. If you prefer Go-Go rhythms, head East of the River to catch Live at SOAK: Black Alley performing live.

More:

• Find a free clothing giveaway in the city at the West End Closet.
• Seniors can explore brain-boosting nutrition at the Nutrition for Older Adults: The MIND Diet workshop.
• Support critical legal aid for domestic abuse survivors during the Jessie Altman Record Release Show & Benefit for VLA.

Friday, July 24

Food and wine: Indulge your palate with intimate heritage winemaker conversations at Meet the Makers: Behind the Bottle at Sankofa, or learn to cook a classic French menu at Date Night: Summer in France with Chef Wendi James.

Shows for everyone: Kick off your weekend laughing at FurtherMore: A DC Comedy & Talent Night, or bring the family out for an upbeat performance of Groovy Nate In Concert.

Saturday, July 25

Creative pursuits: Unleash your inner artist during a hands-on studio workshop in Jump into Acrylic Painting - In Person, or head to the National Mall for an insightful Curator-led Tour of "Here: Pride and Belonging in African Art". Later, put your pop culture knowledge to the test during the high-energy Black In The Day Trivia Game Show.

Sunday, July 26

Hands-on makers: Spend Sunday crafting your own custom scents during Make Your Own Perfume & Body Oil with Elevation Lifestyle, or try your hand at mixed-media art at Deconstruct, Reconstruct - In Person. If cooking is your craft, pick up pro tips during the Master Chef presentation featuring Executive Chef Katarina Petonito.

More:

• Celebrate with neighbors at the lively, music-filled Community Appreciation Day Party.
• Connect with community wellness initiatives at the People's Pan-African Wellness Front Series.

Tuesday, July 28

Sights and sounds: Gain expert insight into Japanese architecture and heritage preservation at the JICC's Lecture | Between Homes with Andrea Carlson and Koji Toda, then unwind with live local music at the Hot Spur at Dew Drop neighborhood bar showcase.

Wednesday, July 29

Connect and learn: Explore global culture at a classic DC summer gathering during the Evening at the Embassy of China, or connect with fellow creatives at The Remixer: A DC Friend-Raiser to support local youth arts programs.

Thursday, July 30

Eclectic Thursday: Combine calm and craft in Dupont Circle at the Matcha Pop Up & Floral Arrangement Class, or head out to Loudoun for the Equine Pasture Management Summer Series. For a truly unique performance, don't miss bluegrass music played by Dominican friars at The Hillbilly Thomists: Live in Washington, DC.

Friday, July 31

Culture and conventions: Join thousands of fans downtown as cosplay and Japanese pop culture take over the city for the massive 2026 OTAKON Annual Convention. If you prefer a quieter, historical vibe, discover the roots of satire at How Comedy Shaped American History, or master a new regional dish with Marianne Tshihamba’s Silk Road Cooking Series: Easy Indian Samosas.

More:

• Catch local stand-up at the Chamber of Comedy - Adams Morgan Comedy Showcase.
• Enjoy a unique, faith-and-humor performance at the Chamber of Comedy - Three Point Sermon with Noah Mata.

Saturday, August 1

Bites and brews: Treat yourself to a literary-culinary fusion at On the Noodle Road Featuring Jen Lin-Liu: Chinese Dinner Party II, or explore NoMa's popular beer destinations with your favorite pup during the DC Spartans Metropolitan Beer Trail Bar Crawl.

Sunday, August 2

Local roots: Celebrate a true DC icon and the city's official traditional dance at A Celebration of Dancin' Tony: A Hand Dance Legend, or explore local vintages with wine expert Leslie Frelow during Discover the Terroir: A Maryland and Virginia Wine Journey.

All Week

• Explore three floors of active studios, galleries, and the Alexandria Archaeology Museum at the free Torpedo Factory Art Center, open daily.