Kicking off the month of June is a diverse celebration of Black leadership, artistic expression, and even a taste of carnival culture right here in D.C.!
From transformative workshops with the We Give Black conference to Folger Shakespeare Library’s love letter to Mt. Pleasant, this weekend promises something for all audiences to enjoy.
To keep up with all the fun, don’t forget to check out the Washington Informer Calendar.
Thursday, May 29
10 a.m. – 6 p.m. | $263+
Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park, 1417 Thames Street Baltimore, MD 21231
We Give Black is a transformative three-day (May 29-31) communal gathering that celebrates culture as the foundation of community-driven wealth, with a focus on the legacy and future of Black-led giving, collective care, and community investment.
Rooted in the themes of [Re]membering, Restorying, Reimagining, We Give Black will guide attendees through a journey of personal healing, professional development, community celebration, and transformative storytelling.
This immersive event, powered by CLLCTIVLY, will feature intimate workshops, keynote speakers, thought-provoking conversations, and artistic performances, creating a vibrant space for learning, connection, and cultural affirmation.
7:30 p.m. | $51.75+
Kennedy Center, 2700 F St NW, Washington, D.C., 20566
In the working-class fishing town of Catfish Row, South Carolina, it’s “summertime, and the livin’ is easy” – that is until a murder shakes the community and tempts Bess to return to her drug-filled past.
As a hurricane descends and Bess’ violent old flame returns, she’ll find herself torn between Porgy’s steadfast love and the demons that tempt her.
Often considered the first great American opera, Porgy and Bess melds jazz, gospel, and folk styles with themes of community resilience, acceptance, and redemption.
With critical acclaim and a new generation of talent, this poignant story ultimately poses the question if even the most unwavering love can drive out darkness.
Friday, May 30
From Brotherman to Batman Artist Conversation
6:30 p.m. | Free, registration required
Phillips@THEARC, 1801 Mississippi Ave SE, Washington, D.C., 20020
Shawn Martinbrough, award-winning illustrator and curator of The Artist’s Experience: From Brotherman to Batman is joined by three-time Eisner Award nominee and journalist David Betancourt for a conversation on comic book culture and the artist’s experience.
Enjoy light refreshments, music, and a pop-up by D.C. favorite Fantom Comics.
Saturday, May 31
1 – 3:30 p.m. | $30 for individual ticketing, $50 for couple
Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 E Capitol St SE, Washington, D.C., 20003
“DC, I Love You” is an immersive experience that centers real love stories from the community, bringing them to life in the neighborhoods where they took place.
Featuring a collection of scenes that share vignettes about first dates, this collection is turning everyday Washington, D.C., locations into a stage.
Join Folger Shakespeare Library in the Mt. Pleasant neighborhood in Northwest for a walking rom-com adventure, based on true stories received through a community workshop done by the Folger in 2024.
8 p.m. | $35
Live! at 10th & G (First UCC DC), 945 G Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20001
Summer in D.C. will be welcomed with a captivating chorus concert by Washington Men’s Camerata on May 31, intertwining poetry, art, and music to showcase song, visual artworks, and spoken word.
Titled “Seasons,” it traverses the changing tides of time through folk songs, lieder, madrigals, and more.
Hear the blossoming melodies of spring and warm harmonies of summer—the reflective tones of autumn and crystalline notes of winter—all through music of Vaughan Williams, Schubert, Hindemith, and Morley; plus contemporary composers like Augusta Read Thomas whose song, “The Rewaking” masterfully sets the poetry of William Carlos Williams.
Sunday, June 1
TBD | Based on package, $75 for full experience
Swingers Dupont Circle, 1330 19th St NW, Washington, D.C., 20036
Enjoy 90 minutes of bottomless drinks, retro arcade games, a reserved area and epic street food – all for $75 per person at Swingers Dupont Circle’s Carnival Brunch.
Be transported to a Belle Époque-inspired funfair, with classic arcade games like Jet Pong, Skeeball and Water Gun Fun for an experience full of nostalgia, prizes and friendly competition!
Plus, say goodbye to monotonous menus of eggs Benedict and hello to delicious bites from Kneadza Pizza, TuTaco, and Lil’ Succotash.
Step into Carnival and celebrate the weekend in style, with deals Friday – Sunday.
Street Fest at Union Market District
TBD by event choice | Free
Union Market District, 1309 5th Street NE, Washington, D.C., 20002
From May 29 to June 8, Street Fest is taking over Union Market District with two four-day weekends packed with energy, movement and surprises on every corner—from immersive art and pop-up galleries and vinyl DJ sets, to punk circus shows, live music, dance parties and community-wide experiences.
D.C.’s creative community and honored guests take center stage in a curated series that highlights and celebrates the role artists play in conversation and their essential contributions to inclusive placemaking.
The Art Gallery Walk includes eight specially curated shows – from solo and group exhibitions to “open studio” experiences and immersive installations – such as the conceptual collaboration of D.C. artists Clarence James and Halim Flowers, which closes June 1.
Whether a native Washingtonian or visitor alike, D.C., Street Fest has something for everyone.
