Yes, the vibes are bad. No, doing something whimsical won’t solve your very real problems or the very real roots of them. But maybe, just maybe, taking some time to have a little fun this weekend can provide a small escape, like Alice tumbling down the rabbit’s hole into Wonderland. Upcoming events offer opportunities to catch imaginative performances, participate in creative gatherings, or even embrace the more playful side of protest. Here are some out-of-the-box ideas for your weekend.
Clown around at a carnival
Sword swallowers, contortionists, and magicians are bringing their fantastical skills to Side Yards, a free carnival in Navy Yard on November 14. The pièce de résistance is the wrestling ring, where Lucha Libre Mexican wrestlers will don colorful masks to fly from the ropes. Bubble displays, face painting, and jugglers round out the jamboree, which runs from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
Ribbit in solidarity
There have been marches against monarchs, but what about one for the frogs? The Million Frog March is gathering at the Lincoln Memorial on November 15 at 1 PM, hopping over to the Washington Monument. Speakers will discuss the amphibians and the connection between protecting frogs and democracy. (Hopefully no one gets a frog in their throat—sorry! Toad-ally won’t happen again.) Attendees are encouraged to have some fun with their looks, whether that be dressing in their best froggy green or donning an anuran costume.
Loosen up with burners
Micro-dose Burning Man—minus the desert dust storms and survivalist lifestyle—at DCompression, an event bringing the spirit of the festival to Washington. For 12 hours, from 3 PM on November 15 to 3 AM on November 16, DCBurners are taking over the Berhta Club, a massive warehouse space in Brentwood. (The 3 PM to 8 PM window is open to all ages, while 8 PM to 3 AM is adults only.) Expect live performances—including some with fire—dancing, aerial shows, workshops, and more opportunities for creative expression. Tickets start at $40.
Dine in a gingerbread house
It’s barely mid-November, but it may as well be the holiday season: The turkey hasn’t even defrosted, and you can already shop a Christmas market or walk through a festive light display. My advice? Just lean into it, committing to the calendar equivalent of covering your ears and singing “fa la la la la.” Perhaps you’re ready to channel the Whoville spirit. Maybe you want to connect with that inner Hansel and Gretel, hanging in a home made of sweets. Both are fitting reasons to dine in a gingerbread house at Wharf restaurant Limani. Each edible abode is covered in faux gumdrops and candy canes, with a booth and twinkle lights inside.
Daniella Byck joined Washingtonian in 2022. She was previously with Outside Magazine and lives in Takoma.
