Parkour, Patio Drinks & Pop-Up Goodbyes

Good morning, DC. We’re back from a brief summer break a little later than expected. If you’ve tried flying into DCA in the past week, you get it.

In today’s District Download:

• Metrobus rebrand

• Taylor Swift breakup

• Parkour at the museum

Let’s get to it.

P.S. Welcome to the 641 new readers who’ve joined us so far in July.

THE DIGEST

🚍 Metrobus Gets a 21st-Century Rebrand

The region’s buses are finally ditching their alphabet soup. Metro’s Better Bus initiative is giving Washington’s bus network its first major naming refresh in nearly half a century. The new system trades clunky combinations like “X2” and “A6” for intuitive, plain-English names like “H Street Line” and “Minnesota Ave Line.” Designed to help both locals and newcomers better understand the system, the overhaul is rooted in simplicity, legibility, and geographic clarity. While the changes won’t happen overnight—implementation will roll out over several years—Metro says this is a foundational step toward modernizing the entire bus experience. If you’ve ever hesitated at a cryptic bus sign or wondered where the “G8” actually goes, clearer names might just make riding the bus less of a puzzle and more of a plan.

🏘️ Could Lanier Heights Be DC’s Next It Neighborhood?

Lanier Heights might be on the verge of a quiet transformation. Nestled between Mount Pleasant and Adams Morgan, this sleepy pocket of DC has long flown under the radar—but a new development proposal could change that. Developers want to build a 6-story, 100-unit apartment building on the corner of Columbia Road and Quarry Road, replacing a trio of aging rowhouses and a parking lot. The project promises more housing and a livelier streetfront, but it’s also sparking debate among locals who value the neighborhood’s low-rise charm and historic character. Supporters point to the need for more affordable units and walkable density near transit, while skeptics fear the creeping loss of what makes Lanier Heights feel distinct. As DC continues to wrestle with housing pressures, this small-scale proposal feels like a microcosm of the city’s larger zoning and identity tensions. A decision is expected later this year—so keep your eye on this corner of the city.

🎨 Big Fun for the Littlest Washingtonians

This summer, the Cafritz Foundation Children’s Series is bringing free family-friendly performances to the District’s most iconic outdoor stages. From puppet shows and bilingual musicals to jazz quartets and science-themed theater, the lineup is designed to spark joy and curiosity in kids of all ages. Hosted at the National Theatre and The Parks at Walter Reed, the series runs through mid-August and rotates between weekday mornings and weekend matinees. It’s part of a broader push to make arts and culture accessible for DC families without the price tag. Whether you’re wrangling toddlers or entertaining out-of-town guests, these shows offer a screen-free outing that feels both enriching and easy. Pro tip: arrive early—seating is first come, first served, and the buzz is growing. For a low-stress way to soak up local talent with your little ones, this series delivers.

LOCAL BUSINESS

🍹 DC’s Best Outdoor Cocktail Spots to Beat the Heat

Summer in DC means one thing: it’s officially drink-on-a-patio season. Hi-Lawn at Union Market is still the go-to for skyline views and frozen drinks that hit harder than your third Metro delay of the day. Mercy Me’s garden patio feels like a mini vacation—just add a coconut rum cocktail and pretend your inbox doesn’t exist. Over at Hotel Washington, VUE is serving pricey pours and unbeatable monument views (pro tip: go at golden hour and feel like the main character). Down in La Cosecha, Serenata is slinging mezcal cocktails that make even 90 degrees feel bearable. And Left Door’s got a punch bowl on a secret back patio that’ll have you wondering why you ever bothered with indoor seating. Basically, DC’s bar scene is outside now—and it’s thriving.

💔 Del Ray’s Taylor Swift Pop-Up Is Saying Goodbye

Swifties, grab your friendship bracelets and a tissue—Del Ray’s Taylor Swift-themed pop-up bar is playing its final track. After a summer of Eras-inspired cocktails, glitter walls, and “All Too Well” singalongs, the fan-favorite spot is closing its doors for good on July 28. It’s been a go-to for themed drinks, photo ops, and group therapy via karaoke, but like all good pop songs, it’s ending on a high note. No word yet on what’s taking its place, but locals are already speculating (and manifesting) the next theme—Barbie? Beyoncé? Shrek? Until then, swing by for one last Lavender Haze and a dramatic goodbye toast. Just don’t be surprised if you leave humming “You Belong With Me.”

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

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

Wednesday

🤸‍♂️ Parkour in the Great Hall

Visit the The National Building Museum’s Great Hall to climb through an immersive parkour installation before it closes this week.

📍401 F St NW | 🕔 5:30–7:30 PM

📚 Bookmark Making

Make bookmarks, decorate a journal, and score a new summer book at the Yards.

📍1300 1st St SE | 🕖 7:00 PM

Thursday

🎬 The Goonies Screening

Watch a movie screening of ’80s comedy The Goonies on the Library of Congress lawn.

📍Library of Congress | 🕗 8:00 PM

🏎️ Mario Kart Grand Prix

Race in the Mario Kart World grand prix at Fantom Comics to help raise support for Save Chinatown Solidarity Network DC.

📍2010 P St NW | 🕖 7:00 PM

WEATHER

Wednesday

87 🌡 75 | 🌧️ 50% | 💨 SW 8 mph

Thursday

92 🌡 78 | 🌧️ 25% | 💨 S 12 mph

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

Wednesday

The Anthem | Teddy Swims | 6:30 PM

Jojo | Lenny Robinson Trio | 6:30 PM

Thursday

Songbyrd Music House | Maysuns | 7 PM

The Anthem | Teddy Swims (night 2) | 6:30 PM

DC SPORTS

⚾ Nats Rookie James Wood Swings Big in Home Run Derby Debut

Nationals outfielder James Wood made his Home Run Derby debut this week, representing DC with some serious power. He crushed 16 homers in the first round but was ultimately edged out. Still, not bad for a 22-year-old rookie—DC may have a new fan favorite on its hands. The Nats are back home against the Padres Friday. D.C. United are playing in Charlotte tomorrow.

Did You Know? DC has a higher average annual rainfall than Seattle? I’m sure these past few weeks make that easy to believe.

Till next time,

District Download