Ford's MLK Drama + Fertility Comedy Hits DC

Good morning, DC. Another heat wave is rolling into town this week, but at least we've got air-conditioned theaters, cool museum galleries, and plenty of indoor distractions to keep us comfortable while the pavement sizzles outside. Nothing says summer in the District quite like dodging from one climate-controlled venue to the next.

In today’s District Download:

• History takes center stage

• Wheelin around DC

• A new comedy musical

Let’s get to it.

THE DIGEST

🎭 Civil Rights History Takes Center Stage

Ford's Theatre is kicking off their fall season with something pretty special – the world premiere of "The American Five" by playwright Chess Jakobs, running September 19 through October 12. This new play dives into the behind-the-scenes story of how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his inner circle (including Coretta Scott King, Bayard Rustin, Stanley Levison, and Clarence B. Jones) planned the March on Washington and crafted that iconic "I Have a Dream" speech we all know by heart. It's directed by Aaron Posner and comes from Ford's Legacy Commissions program, which focuses on untold civil rights stories – perfect timing as we gear up for America's 250th anniversary celebrations. The best part for us budget-conscious DC theater lovers? All first preview tickets will be free through a TodayTix lottery, so keep your eyes peeled! Plus, knowing Ford's Theatre, this promises to be both historically rich and deeply moving – exactly the kind of production that makes our city's theater scene so incredible.

🚴 New PAC wheels into DC

DC's getting a fresh political action committee that's all about getting around town without burning fossil fuels—meet the Bike Walk and Bus PAC, launching with fanfare (and probably some very earnest cyclists in spandex) on August 10 at Franklin Hall. This new group is gearing up to support candidates in DC's 2026 elections who actually want to prioritize public transit, bike lanes that don't randomly disappear mid-ride, and electric vehicles over gas-guzzling behemoths. The PAC argues that while DC talks a good game about multimodal infrastructure, the city's been moving slower than a tourist on a Capital Bikeshare during rush hour—pointing to delayed bus priority corridors and incomplete bike networks as evidence. Their launch party runs 2-4 PM at Franklin Hall, where transportation advocates and local leaders will gather to plot a more sustainable, climate-friendly future for getting around the District. Because let's face it, if we're going to save the planet one commute at a time, we might as well do it with some political muscle behind the handlebars.

🎭 Riki Lindhome's fertility comedy hits Woolly Mammoth

"Wednesday" actress and Garfunkel and Oates comedian Riki Lindhome is performing "Dead Inside" at Woolly Mammoth Theatre through August 3—a one-woman musical about her decade-long fertility journey, complete with hormone shots, medical procedures, and the kind of honest storytelling that nobody usually talks about. The show tackles infertility with Lindhome's signature wit and original songs, turning her real-life struggles into something both deeply personal and surprisingly funny. Comedy heavyweights Ali Wong and Bill Hader were so impressed after seeing it in LA that they signed on as executive producers. Critics are praising Lindhome's ability to balance raw honesty with sharp humor, creating a show that's both brutally real and genuinely entertaining. Fair warning: this isn't your typical feel-good musical—it's an unfiltered look at fertility struggles that will make you laugh, think, and probably tear up along the way.

LOCAL BUSINESS

🎉 The Cordell event space takes over former Lucy restaurant spot

A new event venue called The Cordell is opening in the former Lucy restaurant space on Cordell Avenue in downtown Bethesda, bringing 3,800 square feet of party potential to the area. The 175-person capacity space will be run by Montgomery County natives who plan to host everything from personal celebrations to corporate events. With Bethesda's dining scene constantly evolving, it's nice to see a former restaurant space getting a second life as a place where people can still gather and celebrate. The venue should fill a solid niche for mid-sized events in the heart of downtown Bethesda.

🏨 SIXTY DC transforms Bauhaus building into boutique hotel

The SIXTY Hotels brand is bringing its signature style to Dupont Circle with the opening of SIXTY DC, a new boutique hotel housed in a converted Bauhaus building. The property features interiors inspired by the existing architecture, mixing warm woods, leather, and brass for a timeless yet modern feel. Two standout dining spots anchor the social scene: Casamara, a Mediterranean rooftop restaurant with a 3,000-square-foot terrace, and Reynold's, a moody cocktail bar with its own 18th Street entrance complete with velvet drapes and a working fireplace. It's exactly the kind of intimate, design-forward hotel that Dupont Circle has been missing.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Here’s what’s going on around DC today and tomorrow:

Wednesday

🎨 Last chance to see sustainability sculptures

It's the final days to catch Chakaia Booker's powerful sculptural works exploring sustainability themes before the exhibition closes this Saturday.

📍 National Gallery of Art | 🕐 Opens at 10 AM

🎲 Live Dungeons & Dragons adventure

Solve puzzles and explore the Forgotten Realms in this interactive D&D experience before the show closes this Sunday.

📍 Kennedy Center | 🕐 8 PM

Thursday

🎬 Trail Running Film Festival screens adventure and art

Watch five films exploring the intersection of adventure and art in this celebration of trail running culture.

📍 Eastern Market | 🕐 7 PM

🔬 YMCA's Thingamajig Invention Convention returns with STEAM fun

Kids ages 5-14 can explore hands-on science activities, demonstrations, and invention challenges using recyclable materials at this free annual event.

📍 Alexandria | 🕐 9 AM - 3 PM

WEATHER

Wednesday

96🌡 78 | 🌧️ 15% | 💨 6 mph

Thursday

92🌡 74 | 🌧️ 50% | 💨 8 mph

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

Wednesday

Union Stage | KenTheMan | 7 PM

Birchmere Music Hall | Sheila E | 7:30 PM

Jiffy Lube Live | Lil Wayne with Tyga | 8 PM

Soundcheck | Bear Grillz | 10 PM

Thursday

The Atlantis | WesGhost with Ryan Oakes | 6:30 PM

Birchmere Music Hall | Dave Koz | 7:30 PM

Howard Theatre | Barrington Levy | 8 PM

EagleBank Arena | keshi with Mac Ayres | 8 PM

The Wolf Trap | Emmylou Harris & Graham Nash | 8 PM

Soundcheck | Emo Nite | 10 PM

DC SPORTS

⚡ Training Camp Buzz and Mid-Week Action Across the DMV

The Commanders kicked off their second week of training camp in Ashburn with Tuesday's open practice drawing thousands of fans to see Jayden Daniels continue his impressive development, including a highlight-reel touchdown pass to rookie Jaylin Lane in a two-minute drill. Coach Dan Quinn praised Daniels' growth from his rookie season, noting improved footwork and pocket presence as key areas of focus this offseason. Meanwhile, the addition of veteran linebacker Von Miller (wearing #24) has brought energy to the defense, while the team awaits resolution of Terry McLaurin's contract situation after he was placed on the PUP list. The Mystics hosted the Chicago Sky at CareFirst Arena in their "Salute to Service" game, continuing their push for playoff positioning in the WNBA's competitive Eastern Conference. With football fever officially back and summer sports heating up, DC fans have plenty to cheer about as teams gear up for crucial stretches of their respective seasons.

Did You Know? The Lincoln Memorial's basement houses a massive stalactite and graffiti gallery left behind by construction workers from the 1910s. This forgotten underground chamber, complete with cartoon drawings and signatures etched into the walls, remained sealed for decades until it was rediscovered and is now occasionally opened for special tours—proving that even America's most solemn monuments have their secret, slightly irreverent side.

Till next time,

District Download