In Town

As much as D.C. tries to shake off its only-politics aura to the rest of the world—Look! We have fashion and food, too!—we can’t help but indulge in our own drama. The National Portrait Gallery looks at the Watergate scandal, through leading artists of the time like Richard Avedon, Marisol Escobar and George Giusti. Watergate: Portraiture and Intrigue is on display through September 2022. Hollywood can’t resist marking Watergate’s 50th anniversary, too, with Julia Robert’s Gaslight—and prying into the secret lives of some of the most interesting women to live in the White House with Showtime’s The First Lady. Riggs Washington DC pays its homage to the femine power of the Executive Branch with intricately decorated First Lady Suites. //  Riggs Washington DC: 900 F St., NW, Washington, DC

Chef Nicholas Stefanelli (of the Michelin-starred Masseria) invites chef Katsuya Fukushima, of the new wafu-Italian Tonari, into the Masseria kitchen for six-courses of outrageous good times, and even better food. This series is called Bimi Vita- “bimi” translates to “beautiful taste” in Japanese and “vita” is “life” in Italian. It’s an apt descriptor for two friends having a blast in the kitchen, and we’re desperate for a forkful of whatever they’re cooking up. // Bimi Vita at Masseria, May 12; 1340 4th St NE, Washington, DC; Cost: $162/person; Reserve Here; and Bimi Vita at Tonari, June 16; 707 6th St, NW, Washington, DC

Pharrell Williams’ Something in the Water Festival feels particularly apt this year, landing in the District for the first time (after years in Virginia Beach) and commencing over Juneteenth weekend. The renowned rapper and record producer brings a slew of talent with him for this music festival at the National Mall, including Usher, Chloe x Halle, Tyler the Creator, Earthgang, Omar Apollo and Baby Tate. // Something in the Water Festival, June 17-19

Browsing the cheeky window displays at CityCenter is not the only eye candy this season. For three days in the beginning of June, the Washington Ballet will give a free performance of classic pas de deux and lively contemporary works by newcomer choreographers. Come for the Bulgari, stay for the ballet. // Dance for All at CityCenter DC, 10th & H St. NW, Washington DC; June 2-4 at 6pm; free

Georgetown is known for its darling streets and daring fashion, but it’s once again a spot for a leisurely boat ride. After ten years of reconstruction, the C&O Canal is back with hour-long excursions, giving way to views of cobblestone trails through this historic town. Famished after this sip-and-see? Head to CUT Above, the rooftop bar at the Rosewood Washington DC, to see these same views from a slightly different vantage point. There, find perfectly chilled oysters with that perfectly chilled white wine.  // C&O Canal Tours, Lock 3, between Thomas Jefferson and 30th Streets, NW, Washington, DC; CUT Above at the Rosewood Washington DC, 1050 31st St NW, Washington, DC

With the omnipresent rule of Instagram, TikTok and Twitter over our lives, now is certainly the time for a proper homage to the art movement that turned cans of tomatoes into museum-worthy visuals. Bringing back the Hirshhorn Ball, the Smithsonian Institute’s spring bash for the creative class celebrates Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Claes Oldenburg and pop art’s enduring appeal. Hosted in the Hirshhorn’s outdoor Sculpture Garden by Pussy Noir, the artist KAWS will be honored in a night full of fashion and dancing. // Hirshhorn Ball, May 21; tickets