Summer Arts Preview: Anticipation for Fun in the Sun and Under the Stars  


Summer 2022 is nearly upon us, after two uncertain pandemic years. We’re back to — dare we say it? — some sense of normalcy this year. So, bring out the rosé, grab a picnic blanket and enjoy some outdoor entertainment at these five venues.  

Wolf Trap Brings Summer Season of Excitement for All Ages
Wolf Trap summer 2022 shows are on sale now. Have your kids been incessantly singing “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” from the latest Disney phenom Encanto? Take them to the Encanto: Sing Along Film Concert August 11 at 7:30 p.m. On July 8, Pink Martini comes to town, accompanied by the National Symphony Orchestra. Steve Martin and Martin Short end the summer with two August performances of the comedy duo’s The Funniest Show in Town at the Moment. More on Wolf Trap’s summer happenings can be found at https://www.wolftrap.org/.  

Jazz in the Garden Has Finally Returned
After cancelling in 2020 and a very short season in 2021, The National Gallery of Art’s Jazz in the Garden concert series is back! They’ve been a popular post-work picnic setting for summer Friday nights in the District for over 20 years. A few differences this year: limited capacity and registering in advance. Jazz is still number one in artists featured, but this year the series does branch out, featuring Afro-Brazilian, Global Psychedelia and more. More on the Jazz in the Garden schedule can be found at https://www.nga.gov/calendar/jazz.html.   

Bourbon & Bluegrass at President Lincoln’s Cottage
The annual fundraiser for President Lincoln’s Cottage is May 21 and 22, featuring three artists performing each day. Of course, there will be plenty of bourbon and beer tastings, guided tours of the venue, pizza, frozen custard and whiskey cocktails. Best of all, you don’t even need a baby-sitter, children six and younger are free. Tickets are $35-$80. More information on how to get tickets can be found at https://www.lincolncottage.org/.  

Close Out Summer with DC JazzFest
The 18th Annual DC JazzFest will be held August 31 through September 4 at The District Wharf and other neighborhoods. This event marks a permanent change to the end of summer, culminating over Labor Day weekend. Five full days of concerts will be held around town in over 12 D.C. neighborhoods, with the main event at The District Wharf. Enjoy multiple waterfront stages and the international band competition “DCJazzPrix” at Union Stage. More on the festival can be found at https://www.dcjazzfest.org/.   

The Smithsonian Folklife Festival Highlights International Culture
Each year the Smithsonian Folklife Festival highlights different international cultures. This year, the festival runs June 22-26 and June 30-July 4. Enjoy learning about the United Arab Emirates with “United Arab Emirates: Living Landscape / Living Memory,” a program that explores cultural traditions and highlights visions for a diverse, sustainable future. The program will follow a “majlis,” or an Emirati tradition of gathering and talks. Also, don’t miss “Earth Optimism x Folklife: Inspiring Conservation Communities.” The event during the festival will urge visitors to explore ways to address some of planet Earth’s biggest challenges, through new ways to learn, live and work toward a sustainable future. More on the Folklife Festival can be found at https://festival.si.edu/.   

 

 

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