From world-class tennis to a sleek Greek hangout, there’s plenty on tap in the warm months ahead to explore.
Summer Restaurant Week returns Aug. 15 through 21.
Dine
Gourmands, it’s time to visit the restaurants on your must-try list that keeps growing by the week. Summer Restaurant Week, presented by the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington, returns with special prix fixe lunches and dinners. Expect exceptional fare at eateries in the District, Maryland and Virginia—including surprises from Michelin-starred chefs and dining spots. Aug. 15-21, rwdmv.com
Rare Banksy pieces are on display downtown through late summer.
SEE
The Art of Banksy is the world’s largest touring exhibition of authenticated art by the renowned street artist—all sourced from private collectors and rarely seen by the general public. A 20,000-square-foot gallery will feature many of the artist’s most recognizable images, including “Flower Thrower,” “Rude Copper” and original variations of the infamous “Girl with Balloon.” Through Aug. 21, 709 Seventh St. NW, banksyexhibit.com/washington
Cirque du Soleil returns to the Big Top in Tysons in July.
EXPERIENCE
Cirque du Soleil is back, returning with Kurios: Cabinet of Curiosities, revealing a festive, steampunk-inspired universe where the unexpected lies at every corner. As always with this Canadian wonder-troupe of acrobats and performance artists, the ride is both eye-opening, surreal and spellbinding. Opening July 29, Big Top at Lerner Town Square at Tysons II, 8025 Galleria Drive, Tysons, cirquedusoleil.com/kurios
Immerse
When Artechouse opened in 2017, the city got a glimpse of the future of digital art. Much has happened since that time (the gallery has opened outposts in Miami and New York, for example), but the most notable change is the sophistication and interactivity of the exhibits. The latest show is Ase: Afro Frequencies, created by Artechouse and Vince Fraser, a London-based Afro-surrealist visual artist. The magical mystery tour celebrates historical and social aspects of the African diaspora and Black culture. It’s beyond riveting. Through Oct. 31, 1238 Maryland Ave. SW, artechouse.com
The Empress Garden at the Mandarin Oriental in Southwest DC plays host to family summer fun.
STAY
The Mandarin Oriental has created the setting for a family-friendly summer. The property’s team launches Summer x MO, with programming for guests that includes Monday Movie Nights, lawn games in the Empress Garden and pig roasts every Thursday (courtesy of chef Moosah Reaume and a Caja China roasting method). Parents who would like to enjoy in-house activities like Gin & Jazz on Saturdays can drop their kids off at the hotel’s Panda Club, a childcare option that doubles as one of the best playhouses in DC. 1330 Maryland Ave. SW, 202.554.8588, mandarinoriental.com
The Citi Open thrills from July 30-Aug. 7
WATCH
The Citi Open, the fifth-largest tennis event in the United States, will thrill fans at the Rock Creek Park Tennis Center beginning in late July. The revived WTA 250 event will feature a stacked player field, featuring 32 singles competitors, 16 doubles teams and 16 qualifiers. Past champions include Jessica Pegula, Sloane Stephens and the doubles team of Coco Gauff and Caty McNally. July 30-Aug. 7, 4850 Colorado Ave. NW, citiopentennis.com
Photography by: JULIEN SARAZIN/UNSPLASH; KYLE FLUBACKER; COURTESY OF CIRQUE DU SOLEIL; COURTESY OF BRANDS; COURTESY OF BRANDS; COURTESY OF BRANDS
