Planning on watching the State of the Union? Planning on not watching the State of the Union? Whether you want to tune in or avoid it at all costs, DC has options.
Where to Watch the SOTU
Penn Social
801 E St., NW
Tonight, the staff here will hold an experiment. Starting at 9 PM, there will be free beer available – yes, totally free – but there’s a catch. Prices return to normal once Trump makes his first insult towards a particular group, individual, or country, which will be decided by staff. The official Penn Social hypothesis is that “It will happen quickly and the free beer won’t last long. (We bought a ton of kegs just in case!).” At the same time, a second experiment will be conducted, a Probability Questionnaire that customers can fill out by 9 PM to try to win $250.
Union Pub
201 Massachusetts Ave., NE
There will be a drinking game to play at this Capitol Hill bar, where every TV will be tuned into the speech with volume. Union Pub is also promoting a patriotic color-coded “$250 for 250” deal that includes five red Budweisers, five white NÜTRL or Michelob Ultras, and five blue Bud Lights. The deal also includes hot dogs, fries, cheeseburgers, and shots of bourbon.
Shaw’s Tavern
520 Florida Ave., NW
Tonight at 9 PM, on the second floor of this gastropub, come watch the State of the Union address. Reservations are recommended; just mention the speech. And Tuesday’s usual taco and margarita specials will still be available while you watch—or hate-watch— Trump’s remarks.
Where to Distract Yourself From the SOTU
Busboys and Poets
2021 14th St., NW
Tonight, starting at 8 PM, there will be an Open Mic Night hosted by poet Glo Shines. The event costs $5 if bought online and then $8 at the door for a two-hour event filled with performers of all levels.
9:30 Club
815 V St., NW
There are still some tickets available to see Peter McPoland, singer-songwriter hailing from Burlington, VT, tonight on his Big Lucky Tour to promote his second album. Starting at 7 PM, the concert will open with the Dublin-based musical duo, DUG.
National Gallery of Art
Virtual
Sketch self-portraits tonight, during a free online class, by taking inspiration from Charles White’s lithograph, Awaiting His Return. Registration is required.
Wingos
2218 Wisconsin Ave., NW
Support The Save the Music Foundation by stopping in tonight, starting at 8 PM, for karaoke, wings, and drinks. A PR college class put together this event in a push to induct David Cassidy into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Samantha is an Editorial Fellow at the Washingtonian and a senior at American University, studying Political Science and Women’s, Gender, and Sexualities Studies. She lives in Washington, D.C.
