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Things to do in the DC area: Lavender Con, Smithsonian Folklife Festival … and more!

There鈥檚 so much to do in the D.C. area in the coming days, and 草莓传媒 has you covered with our weekly roundup of area events worth anticipating.

Check back every Thursday for a roundup of聽Things to do in the D.C. area.

For the first time in the District, a book festival totally focused on LGBT authors is being hosted this weekend. , organized by , is celebrating queer authors and stories on June 29 and 30 at the National Press Club. In its inaugural year, there are approximately 75 authors expected.

“D.C. has lots of book festivals, but we don’t have one that specifically caters to LGBT readers [and] readers of LGBT books,” said Patrick Kern, owner of Little District Books and organizer of Lavender Con. “There’s a very large LGBT population in the city … and so I was just trying to create an event where readers could connect with authors and kind of get to see panels that they might not otherwise get to see.”

A few of the many notable authors coming this year include Natalie Naudus, a popular audiobook narrator who recently released her debut novel, “Gay the Pray Away.” Also expected is Terry Benton-Walker, who is the author of “Blood Debts” and “Alex Wise vs the End of the World,” as well as author and illustrator Ethan M. Aldridge, who is known for his gothic mystery novel, “Deephaven.”

cost $35 for Saturday only or Sunday only and $95 for a two-day VIP experience.

Here鈥檚 what else is happening in the D.C. area:

DC

Smithsonian Folklife Festival
From June 26 through July 1, this year’s annual Folklife Festival highlights living traditions of Indigenous peoples stories, songs and dance. .

“搁补尘产濒颈苍鈥”
聽D.C.鈥檚 premiere contemporary ballet company, is presenting “Ramblin'” at the Shakespeare Theatre Company. The performance includes live music and runs from Thursday, June 27 through Saturday, June 29.

Cleveland Park Night Market
This Thursday, June 27, at the Cleveland Park Night Market. The event is outdoors and open to the public.

TASTE di ISLANDS Block Party
On Friday, June 28, at this block party in D.C.’s Navy Yard neighborhood. This 21-and-over party is rain or shine with DJs spinning dancehall, reggae and soca sounds. The event is also expected to offer food trucks with flavors like jerk chicken, plantains and much more. Tickets start at $15 for general admission.

Maryland

Hot Joe’s Summer Series
The maintains the authentic sound of Rasta Roots Reggae Music. Celebrate their musical talents and spiritual message this Saturday, June 29 at Joe’s Movement Emporium in Mt. Rainier, Maryland. Tickets are pay-what-you-wish.

Live Comedy Show
At Silver Spring, Maryland’s Third Hill Brewing Co., at a live stand-up comedy show. The event is on Saturday, June 29. Tickets cost $10.

Drag Bingo
The BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown, Maryland, is hosting this and her friends. The event on Saturday, June 29 costs $50.

Virginia

Bela Dona Band
At Alexandria, Virginia’s venue, known as The Birchmere, the this Friday, June 28 with their funk, jazz, R&B and rock sounds. Tickets cost approximately $40.

Loud & Proud Disco Putt
Costing $65 per ticket, , plus drag queens and disco music. As part of the pre-sale package, guests will enjoy discounted food and drinks and entry into a swag raffle. This event at Perch Putt is located in Tysons, Virginia.

Well Ray
For the eighth year, the event is happening on Saturday, June 29 in Alexandria, Virginia’s Del Ray neighborhood. The outdoor festival is highlighting a variety of local health and wellness opportunities with over 40 vendors, plus free fitness and dance classes.

Have an event you鈥檇 like featured in 草莓传媒鈥檚聽Things to do in the D.C. area聽weekly guide?聽Fill out this contact form聽to have your event considered.

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Michelle Goldchain

Michelle Goldchain鈥檚 reporting has focused primarily on the D.C. area, previously working as Editor of Curbed DC for Vox Media and Audience Growth & Engagement Editor for Washington City Paper. She is the author of 鈥淒.C. by Metro: A History & Guide.鈥 She also reports for 'Artsplained' on YouTube.

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