Hooray! We have the US’s most expensive airport

What's CITY Talking About?

The Purple Line’s Got 99 Problems

Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld said he doesn’t “have a lot of faith” that the Purple Line can be finished by the October 2026 completion date. Citing supply chain issues, utility repairs, and inspection slow downs, Wiedefeld says it is risky to give any specific date for the project to be done. Sigh … will we ever get a Purple Line? [WTOP]

• Related: Want more Purple Line drama? We have an episode breaking it down. [City Cast DC 🎧]

Dulles Wins Most Expensive Airport

Dulles International Airport is the most expensive airport for domestic airfare, according to Finance Buzz. In 2022, the average domestic round trip fare at Dulles was $494.78. The list, made using U.S. Department of Transportation data, also shows the national average of domestic airfare increasing 14.1% from 2021 to 2022. [WTOP]

• Related: If you have to make the expensive trip, here are some tips to make the most of Dulles. [City Cast DC 🎧]

Bowser’s Tries To Retain Bailing Leadership

Mayor Muriel Bowser is facing heat over lots of high-profile departures this year. So, she announced two new programs aimed at keeping her administration’s leaders around, while also assisting new ones joining the team. The first initiative offers a paid sabbatical to long-time cabinet members. The second offers severance pay to cabinet members who resign in the next six weeks and help plan for the transition. [Washington Post 🔒]

• Related: Police Chief Robert Contee is the most recent leader to jump ship, at a time when crime is up and MPD’s culture is being questioned. [City Cast DC 🎧]

What To Do

🎨 Dupont Arts Walk | Friday | 6 - 8 p.m.

This monthly event includes a self-guided gallery walk, live performances, and public art activations. [Free, Dupont]

🌿 Invasive Ivy Removal | Saturday | 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Head to Mount Olivet Cemetery to clean up our green space and remove invasive English Ivy from the old trees on the property. [Free, Ivy City]

🎤 Chinatown Community Fest | Saturday | 11 a.m.

Watch live K-pop and Indian dance performances, and enjoy family-friendly activities like henna, calligraphy, and a bonsai exhibit. [Free, Chinatown]

📚 Journal for Wellness | Saturday | 12 - 2 p.m.

Heurich House is hosting this wellness journaling workshop in the museum’s castle garden (which doubles as a biergarten). [$15, Dupont]

🎙️ City Cast DC Live Taping | Saturday | 1 p.m.

See how our daily podcast gets made! We’ll be recording an episode with beer historian Kimberly Bender at Right Proper. Can’t wait to see you there. [Free, Brookland]

🛼  Southwest Block Party | Saturday | 2 - 4 p.m.

Go for the free King Ribs BBQ, stay for the skate party, scavenger hunt, and community garden activities. [Free, Southwest Waterfront]

🪘 DanceAfrica Celebration | Saturday | All Day

Bring your blankets and chairs to Catholic University’s lawn and enjoy performances by local dancers, drummers, and performers from DanceAfrica. [Free, Brookland]

🎸 Quarterfest Crawl | Saturday | All Day

Watch live DJs and musicians play around Ballston and sample bites and beverages from more than 25 participating restaurants. [Free, Ballston]

👂 Sound Scene 2023 | Saturday & Sunday | All Day

This interactive sound and multi-sensory arts festival at the Hirshhorn Museum has live performances, workshops, and soundscapes. [Free, National Mall]

👗 Sundress Fest | Sunday | 11 a.m.

Head to Wonderland Ballroom in your best sundress for this annual fundraiser for DC Central Kitchen. Local DJs and beer on tap all day. [Free, Columbia Heights]

Today on City Cast

Metro Crime, Commanders’ Potential Name Change, and Where to Swim

On this week’s City Cast DC roundup, we’re talking crime on the Metro, more drama around the name of our football team, and — now that it’s summer — we’re breaking down places to swim.