20 Cool Things to Do This Summer

Outdoor venues, capacity limits and streaming performances are here to keep you safely entertained, even through the dog days.

Bastianello Desktop
Bastianello at Wolf Trap

Operas, Pop-ups and ‘Field Trips’ at Wolf Trap

When: Multiple dates/times

Where: Online

Wolf Trap’s physical venue remains closed, but that doesn’t mean its shows are off limits. Through its Opera Untrapped program, fans can stream favorites like Romeo et Juliette (streaming now), Aria Jukebox (July 18) and Bastianello (July 21). Audiences can also stream prerecorded performances of musicians roaming out and about in the park, including the U.S. Marine Band’s Free Country Acoustic Quartet (streaming now) and Palmyra (also streaming now). And, through the park’s Field Trip Fridays program, kids can watch shows such as Little Miss Muffet Goes to the Opera (streaming now) and Grandmother Moon Tells a Tale (July 17). It’s all available for free.

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Victor Epkuk And Zofie King
Artists Zofie King and Victor Epkuk

Book Covers: Interviews with Victor Epkuk and Zofie King

When: July 16, 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Where: Online

Where do artists find inspiration? Hear which books shaped—pun intended—Polish-German-American sculptor Zofie King’s pieces, and learn more about the request Nigerian-American painter and illustrator Victor Ekpuk recently received from Penguin Random House Publishers, in this virtual discussion hosted by the Arlington Public Library. Participation is free.

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Birchmere Reopening

Limited Capacity Concerts at The Birchmere

When: July 17, 18, 24, 25, 31

Where: 3701 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria

Finally, shows at The Birchmere will go on, albeit with a few modifications. For starters, masks must be worn when entering/exiting, using the restroom and spending time in the store. There will be a $5 Covid-19 fee, but all tickets this month—for Skinny Wallace, Jumpin’ Jupiter, The Nighthawks, The Free Flowing Musical Experience, and The Roadducks—are just $15. Come August, the venue hopes to resume entertainment as usual.

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Gal Cohen
Gal Cohen, “Sharon’s House of Dreams by Quarantine Dream House Machine” (detail), 2020

By Proxy

When: Through Sept. 7

Where: Online

Isolation, longing, solidarity—these are a few of the Covid-inspired emotions this online exhibit seeks to capture across multiple virtual platforms. Whether via Zoom, Instagram or YouTube, featured artists Gal Cohen, Maps Glover, Jeremy Hutchison, Mariah Anne Johnson, Ivetta Sunyoung Kang and performance art duo My Husband are finding creative ways to reach viewers in Arlington Arts Center‘s first online exhibition. Free.


 

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An outdoor show at State Theatre in Falls Church City

Outdoor Shows at State Theatre

When: Multiple dates/times

Where: 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church

If you’re craving live entertainment in the—socially distant—presence of your friends, but are still a little worried about venturing indoors, good news: State Theatre is hosting several artist performances in the open air. Guitarist Rich Barry is up to bat on July 16, followed by a comedy show on July 19, and Sean Tracy Trio and Joe Barbee on July 30.  These events will continue through August, and they’re free. Donations to performers’ tip jars are encouraged.


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