DC Culture and Nightlife Attractions

Fun events and things to do in Washington, DC, from June 8-10, 2013.

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Make the most of your downtime during The Cable Show in Washington, DC, by checking out some of the city’s cultural and nightlife attractions. The summer months are packed with music festivals, award-winning live theater and, of course, Washington Nationals baseball magic. There’s humor you can only find in the nation’s capital courtesy of live performance skits parodying the latest political snafu and lively historical reenactments that highlight the city’s rich history. Here’s your entertainment primer for the best events and activities happening around town during your stay June 7-10 in our nation’s capital.

Want more info about The Capital City? See Travel Channel's Guide to Washington, DC.

1. DC Jazz Fest

Photo by: Timothy Forbes Photography, flickr

Timothy Forbes Photography, flickr

The DC Jazz Fest kicks off Wednesday, June 5, and runs through Sunday, June 16, with more than 125 music performances across town. Musicians take to the stage at the Hamilton Live, a music venue and restaurant just a few blocks from the White House. Grammy Award-winning drummer, composer and bandleader Terri Lyne Carrington plays at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 8, while trumpeter Roy Hargrove performs with the Roy Hargrove Quintet on Sunday, June 9, at 7:30 p.m.

Meanwhile, the festival’s Jazz in the 'Hoods series brings performers to jazz venues around town like Bohemian Caverns, Twins Jazz and smaller lounges like the Black Fox Lounge. And if you’ve ever wanted to enjoy live music inside an embassy, you can hear piano music played by cabaret singer Hilary Kole at the Embassy of Turkey Residence on Monday, June 10, at 7:30 p.m.

2. Washington Nationals

Photo by: Getty Images

Getty Images

Take yourself out to a ball game as the Washington Nationals take on the Minnesota Twins on Sunday, June 9, at Nationals Park. Located by the Anacostia Riverfront in Southeast Washington, the ballpark is easily accessible by the Metro’s Green Line Navy Yard station stop. Opt for peanuts and Cracker Jacks or go straight for the signature game-day food at one of the stadium’s concession stands, from a chili dog from local favorite Ben’s Chili Bowl to Belgian-style fries from Box Frites.

3. CulturalDC’s Source Festival

Photo by: C. Stanley Photography, Courtesy CulturalDC

C. Stanley Photography, Courtesy CulturalDC

Want to see cutting-edge theater DC? The Source Festival is your source for innovative visual and performing arts experiences. Now in its sixth year, this annual festival features both local and national artists in a series of events that run from Friday, June 7, through Sunday, June 30. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, May 1, for events beginning June 7, including more than a dozen 10-minute plays hand-picked by judges from over 600 entries nationwide.

4. The Capitol Steps

Photo by: cuatower, flickr

cuatower, flickr

Enjoy political satire mixed with song courtesy of a live performance by the Capitol Steps at the Amphitheater of the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. This comedy troupe, composed of many former Capitol Hill staffers, puts its own satiric spin on the latest debacles on the DC political scene. Tickets are $40.25 for the Friday and Saturday night performances, which run from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

5. Investigation: Detective McDevitt

Photo by: dctim1, flickr

dctim1, flickr

Abraham Lincoln life and words continue to intrigue and inspire, as evidenced most recently by Daniel Day Lewis’ portrayal of America’s 16th president in the Oscar-winning film Lincoln. Take to the streets of Washington, DC, and revisit the great crime of 1865 with a theatrical walking tour, McDevitt History on Foot. An actor portraying James McDevitt, a detective who was on duty at the Washington Metropolitan Police headquarters (a half-block from Ford’s Theatre) on that fateful night, leads the 1.6-mile walk from Ford’s Theatre to the White House, with 8 stops along the way.

The group revisits hot spots related to the crime scene and learns about the clues that helped investigators figure out exactly whodunit. Tours set off Friday, June 7, and Saturday, June 8, at 6:45 p.m. from outside of Ford’s Theatre; advance tickets are necessary.

6. I Love Lucy at the Warner Theatre

Photo by: Getty Images

Getty Images

Celebrate one of television’s greats in this live adaptation of the 1950s classic show I Love Lucy at DC’s Warner Theatre. In this stage version, the audience plays the part of the live audience during a taping of the show in 1952. Whether you lived through Lucy when she was on prime time or only know of the classic show from the reruns, you’re likely to enjoy the on-stage antics and hijinks that bring back the spirit of Lucille Ball. Show times are 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 8, and 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 9.