What’s summer without a good dance party? You may know classic haunts around the city to shake your groove thang, like your go-to bar or...
Dance parties might be popping up in some unexpected places around D.C. this summer.
What’s summer without a good dance party? You may know classic haunts around the city to shake your groove thang, like your go-to bar or club. Or maybe you’ve tried your luck at the lottery for tickets to the National Gallery of Art’s late-night parties and missed your shot. (Stay tuned, because they’ll be back in the fall.)
But other museums, historical landmarks, and parks around the region are also putting up dance floors this summer. Here’s are a few upcoming special dance events happening around town.
Late night parties at the National Building Museum
Throughout the summer, the National Building Museum is hosting after-hours parties with different themes, including ’90s music, a Vegas night, and go-go (this one is free!) as part of its Summer Block Party. The events will feature live music, food trucks, and drinks for purchase. You can check their calendar here to purchase tickets. The series starts this week on the 13th, with the theme of disco! (July 13 6:30- 9:30 p.m.; National Building Museum; $12-20)
Happy Hour at The Kennedy Center
You can catch a live DJ for some dancing at River Pavillion every Saturday through Labor Day as part of the Kennedy Center’s Summer at the REACH. This happy hour is a great opportunity to dance, but also to play lawn games. All REACH events are free and don’t require tickets or reservations. The DJ events started July 8 with DJ Farrah Floscett and DJ Jahsonic, and the Kennedy Center says more performers will be announced. (Kennedy Center; Saturdays 6 p.m. -11 p.m.; FREE)
Heist Day Party at The Wharf
If you’re looking for a nightclub experience in the daytime, the Heist Summer Series is back, this time at the Wharf. Heist has brought it’s summer pop-up to other surprising places before — like the Kennedy Center — but this time you can boogie right alongside the Potomac. The first one is scheduled for July 23, and not much more info is out there, except that tickets go on sale starting Thursday. (The Wharf; More information TBA)
Tango at Freedom Plaza
On Sunday evenings, Tango Barrio holds tango dance events at Freedom Plaza with DJs. The events are open to all levels and will continue through September, so if you’re looking for an opportunity for social dancing, this is a great one. (Freedom Plaza; Sunday evenings; FREE)
Square Dancing at Peirce Mill
If you’ve got a little do-si-do in you, you’ll be more than ready for this one-night-only event: the Peirce Mill Sunset Dance. The Friends of Peirce Mill are collaborating with DC Square Dance Collective to host an outdoor music and square dancing event in Rock Creek Park for free. So find your partner and enjoy live tunes from The Devil in the Mill Stringband. (Peirce Mill; Aug. 26, 7-10 p.m.; FREE)
This post has been updated to reflect the correct date for the Peirce Mill Sunset Dance.