City Cast DC with Michael Schaffer
🎉 Your guide to June in DC
June 2, 2026 · 💌 Kaela
Hey, neighbors! Break out those cut-offs and throw out that natural deodorant, ‘cause summer is here, swamp dwellers! June is slam-packed with activities (not to mention an election!) so let’s prioritize. Here’s our monthly guide to the District for June.
Hacks for a Better June
Catch Up Before the June 16 Primaries 🎧
D.C.’s primary elections are basically here, and they could be the city’s most impactful election in decades. We interviewed the two mayoral frontrunners Janeese Lewis George and Kenyan McDuffie on their visions for D.C. We also sat down with Robert White and Brooke Pinto, the top candidates for the District's Congressional delegate seat.
- Plus, check out our poll about the state of the mayoral race and how Washingtonians are feeling about the city.
Get to a Beach ASAP
The Malcolm X Park fountain may be working again, but sometimes even the longest fountain in North America doesn’t cut it. You need a real beach. With summer around the corner, we rounded up the best beach getaways close to D.C. and how to make the most of them.
- And if you need to rent a car to get there, we’ve got a how-to guide on that too.
How to Throw a Block Party
Dreaming up a way to take your grill mastery to the next level? Throw a block party! They are a great way to meet your neighbors and bring old timers and newbies together. It does take some forethought but the juice is always worth the squeeze. Here’s how to get it done.
Where to Go Camping This Summer
My favorite part about D.C. is how accessible the outdoors is. Seriously, some of these spots you can get to via Metro. Whether you’re a full-kitchen glamper or a “I dig my own toilet” camper, these are my best tried-and-true spots — all within two hours of the city.
Sponsored Content
Juneteenth Returns to Historic U Street Corridor
Celebrate freedom, culture, and community at the 4th Annual Juneteenth at Harrison Park on June 18 from 3–9 PM. Expect live Go-Go music, DJs, youth activities, community and business resources, local art and family-friendly programming honoring the legacy of Black Broadway in the heart of Washington, DC.
Tickets To Get Now (Before It’s Too Late)
You might want to grab tickets to these popular events before they sell out!
- June 2: James Blake at The Anthem
- June 3: Dr. Jill Biden at Sixth & I
- June 5: Queering Sound Festival at Rhizome
- June 6: Gary Clark Jr. at Wolf Trap
- June 12: CrazySexyCool: The TLC Musical at Arena Stage
- June 13-14: Vans Warped Tour at RFK Campus
- June 16-Sept 7: Arts & Industries Building Reopening
- June 18-21: Smithsonian Solstice Celebration
- June 21: Capital Pride Concert on Pennsylvania Ave NW
- June 26-28: Riverdance: The New Generation at Wolf Trap
🎧 Album of the Month
Local band Femi and the Foundation’s new EP “Feeling Right” just dropped and it ripppps. The band won the 2026 Wammie Award for Best Rock Album for their last release, and this one’s no different. The title track, featuring Oh He Dead’s CJ Johnson, blends sultry vocals with gritty rock chords in a way I can’t get enough of.
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