Things to do in DC this Summer

The weather’s heating up, and summer’s almost here! It’s time to start planning some fun activities, so you can make the most of the warmer weather.

We’ve put together a list of our favorite activities to do in DC in the coming months, so your diary will be jam-packed!

Visit Swingers Dupont Circle

Swingers is super fun in any season, but things are heating up in the summer months.

Beat the heat from May to August with the  summer courtyard  downstairs under the covered deck terrace. With a bespoke menu partnered with Lillet and Italicus featuring five delicious cocktails to sip on, enjoy the summer-themed decor and relaxed atmosphere in between rounds of mini golf. 

As always, you can visit us for a bit of competitive fun with friends. Book with us now to get ahead of the action.

Film Festival

Credit: DC/DOX

This summer, movie buffs will be flocking to DC to check out DC/DOX, a new major film festival (in its second year since launch) dedicated to promoting the art of documentary film.

The festival will take place across several locations around DC from June 13-16, showcasing over 70 feature and short documentaries from around the world. After each film, the filmmakers will be available for Q&A sessions and post-screening discussions led by experts. 

It’s the perfect opportunity for you to catch up with fellow creatives, feel inspired by art from around the world, and learn more about the process – all on your doorstep.

Home Rule Music Festival

Credit: Home Rule Music Festival 

Want to chill in the sunshine, enjoying music from local talent?

Home Rule Music Festival was set up to promote musical talent from within DC. The Home Rule Music and Film Preservation Foundation is the organization behind the festival, a non-profit multimedia and arts organization, set up during COVID-19.

Visit the Great Lawn on June 22 to join in the fun – with legendary jazz musicians, local food vendors, and a record fair, you’ll be right in the middle of the action. 

Celebrate 4th July

Credit: Timothy Wolff

If you’re on the hunt for some firework spotting in the capital, there are lots of options to choose from.

Situate yourself in a spot in the National Mall for a scenic backdrop of the Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, or the Lincoln Memorial. It can get pretty busy around here, so make sure to stake out your spot early!

Another beautiful location is across the Potomac River. With the fireworks glittering off the reflections of the river, and views of the Marine Corps War Memorial, it’s a great spot for photos.

If you’re up for more of a party vibe, why not gather a group of friends and relatives and head to Swingers to relax with a round of mini golf after some outdoor sightseeing.

Mubadala Citi DC Open

Credit: Tennis

From July 27 – August 4, head to Rock Creek Park for the Mubadala Citi DC Open to watch elite tennis professionals in action.

Formerly known as the Citi Open, the Mubadala Citi DC Open has taken place every year since 1969. Elite stars will be competing to set a president ahead of the US Open. 

With the sun in the sky and a competitive buzz in the air, it’s the perfect way to spend a summer’s day.

Go for bottomless brunch

The sun’s out, it’s time to fill up your social calendar! Here in DC, we have so many great food options to choose from, and figuring out which spot would be the best venue for your bottomless brunch plans can leave you spoilt for choice.

Check out this blog, where we pulled together our favorite bottomless brunches in DC. To make the decision even easier, book the Weekend Set at Swingers – with delicious cocktails, mocktails, and gourmet street food, whether you’re wanting to go out with friends or your partner, we’ve got you covered.

Celebrate Pride

Credit: Mercedes Mehling

Pride is celebrated throughout the month of June, and there’s plenty to get involved in.

This year, Swingers is getting in on the Pride action too. Throughout June, guests at Swingers can enjoy exclusive Pride cocktails in collaboration with Absolut.

Those visiting Dupont Circle can find:

• Ginger Spice: Bright berry and citrus with a ginger kick. The tartness of lemon juice awakens the taste buds, while the sweet and tangy burst of raspberry and strawberry lends a tangy sweetness. Absolut Citron adds a smooth and citrusy backdrop, and the spicy kick of ginger beer adds an invigorating and celebratory touch.
•  Anything But Vanilla: This cocktail starts with a burst of tropical flavors as vibrant as Pride’s opening ceremony “RIOT!” will be, and leads to the luscious sweetness of passionfruit.  The warm vanilla undertones of Absolut Vanilla add a touch of indulgence while DC’s very own Don Ciccio Mandarinetto lends a refreshing citrusy kick.
• Queen Bee: Absolut Blue lends a smooth and crisp base, providing a perfect canvas and allowing the other ingredients to shine. The warm, herbal sweetness of thyme-honey syrup adds depth and complexity to the cocktail, while the delicate floral notes of peach bitters enhance the overall bouquet, creating a harmonious fusion of flavors. . 
• Beyond the Rainbow: Bright lemon and grapefruit, sweet & tropical passionfruit, a slight note of bitter orange.   The richness of orgeat adds a comforting warmth and the Absolut Citron provides a smooth and citrusy backdrop, all while Campari’s bitter complexity adds a bold and assertive character to the cocktail sure to have you ready to show your PRIDE.
• Paradise Punch: Exotic spices, bright citrus, and tropical passionfruit. Absolut Citron ties everything together with its smooth and citrusy presence, ensuring a harmonious blend of flavors from start to finish.

At Dupont Circle, $1 from the sale of every Pride cocktail will be donated to Pride365, which provides direct financial support to local community organizations for programs that celebrate and enrich lives of members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Whether you’re stopping in for a quick putt around the green or spending time at the bar, you’ll love making Swingers part of your Pride celebration this year.

If you’re looking to make a day of it, we’ve put together a list of all the best ways you can celebrate Pride in DC this year – check out our blog post.

National Book Festival

A “bookmark” in the avid reader’s calendar, the Library of Congress’s National Book Festival takes place August 24th. The festival has been running since 2001, and has grown to become one of the most prominent literary events in the United States.

Attend in person, or sign up to the multiple video streams throughout the festival for your chance to find out more about the backstories behind your favorite reads.

Last year, over 70 of the nation’s best authors across numerous genres were in attendance, speaking about their work and answering readers’ questions. The Library of Congress have yet to announce this year’s line up, but keep your eyes peeled on their website for updates – there’s guaranteed to be some stellar names.

Summer Restaurant Week

Foodies can look forward to Monday August 12th, when Summer Restaurant Week begins. Running all week, over 200 restaurants are taking part. 

If you sign up to the promoter’s rewards program, you’ll have access to exclusive menus at special prices, giving you the chance to sample the many food offerings around DC.