It is July in the District, which means the air is thick enough to chew and the humidity is officially doing things to your hair that no product can fix. But it’s Friday, and the only way through the swamp is a cold drink and a loud bassline. Tonight is a heavy hitter—we’ve got international soccer stakes, rooftop season in full swing, and more Beyoncé than your heart can probably handle.
The Wharf is the place to be if you want that elusive waterfront breeze. Catch the NEW PERCENT ROOFTOP SERIES at 12 Stories in The Wharf for those elite views, or stay ground-level for the HariKaraoke Band at Camp Wharf at the Firepit. If you’re feeling more "Gallery Place chic," ART DC - Arlo Rooftop Bar in Gallery Place Chinatown is throwing their Classic Friday Night Party for the high-rise cocktail crowd.
Over in U Street, it’s a total musical takeover. The 9:30 Club is hosting the Beyoncé vs Beyoncé Dance Party (because who else can compete with the Queen but herself?), while DC9 pulls double duty with Undeath for the metalheads followed by a 2000s "Single Ladies" dance party. If you want something soulful and live, Stephen Sol & The 7 are taking the stage at Black Cat to keep the corridor rocking.
For the niche crowds, head to Barracks Row where Belga Cafe is hosting the Belgium vs. Spain World Cup Watch Party—expect high tensions and excellent beer. Meanwhile, Ivy City is getting weird and wild with 'BLACK HAUSE' at Culture and a screening of Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema.
Where to Go If You Want To...
...Lose your voice and your dignity: Get to Camp Wharf at the Firepit in The Wharf for live band karaoke. There is nothing quite like screaming "Mr. Brightside" over the sound of the Potomac. If your vocal cords survive that, head over to 9:30 Club in U Street to scream-sing "Halo" with several hundred strangers. It's therapeutic, trust us.
...Pretend you're in Europe without the flight: Park yourself at Belga Cafe in Barracks Row for the match. If Belgium wins, the vibes will be immaculate; if they lose, just order another round of frites and pretend you're a neutral observer. If you're looking for a more high-energy club atmosphere to wash down the sports stress, Decades in Dupont Circle is your late-night home for multi-floor nostalgia and heavy bass.
As the clock strikes midnight, the energy shifts from the breezy rooftops to the dark dance floors. Decades will be pumping until the early hours, and that 2000s party at DC9 is the perfect place to bury your Saturday morning regrets. Keep an eye on the rest of the weekend—this heat isn't going anywhere, and neither are the drinks.
Hydrate like you mean it, and we'll see you on the dance floor.