‘Summer of Soccer’ championship matches
Two major continental soccer tournaments have been playing out over the last month: the European Championship and the Copa America. Both come to a conclusion on one very busy day for soccer lovers. England and Spain face off at 3 p.m., with English fans heading for the Queen Vic on H Street NE — the neighboring Granville Moore’s is open for overflow — with doors opening at 11 a.m. Spain, whose embassy has hosted events at venues including Wunder Garten and Casa Teresa, has told fans to “stay tuned” for details on a viewing party. At 8 p.m., it’s Argentina vs Colombia. Lunas de Buenos Aires at Union Market is your go-to for Argentine food and soccer — the mural of Diego Maradona is the first clue. Fans of Colombia should head for Cafe Citron or Public Bar.
Looking for a less partisan atmosphere? Tysons Corner Center’s Copa Tysons runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the plaza near the Metro, with soccer darts, mini soccer goal challenges, “pickleball soccer,” a DJ, free face painting and snowballs, and other family fun.
Columbia Heights’ Toro Bar offers half-price buckets of beer during the first half of each final, with free green tea shots for women. All German beer styles brewed at Navy Yard’s Bluejacket (kolsch, weissbier, Bavarian pilsner) are $10 per liter during the Euro 2024 final. Franklin Hall, at 14th and Florida, is open for both finals with $7 pints of Atlas. Wunder Garten remains a popular spot — just make sure you get to the NoMa beer garden early enough to get in the shade. The Midlands continues indoor and outdoor specials, including discounted pitchers and $5 pints.
Bastille Day celebrations
July 14 is France’s independence day, and there are events across the city celebrating America’s oldest ally. And while you could drop $250 to attend a party at the French Embassy, these options seem a little more wallet-friendly.
The picturesque Bar à Vin at Chez Billy Sud celebrates the holiday with live jazz by the Bon Vivants; a menu starring oysters and classic jambon beurre (ham and butter) sandwiches; and a trio of French-inspired cocktails by Jewel Murray, formerly of the Gibson. Union Market cheese counter La Jambe offers a trio of specials in honor of its French founder’s heritage, such as a happy hour Bastille drink menu with Citadelle Gin and two free cocktails with the purchase of a large charcuterie and cheese board.
From the Loire to Provence, Burgundy to Bordeaux, the Eastern sets out to demystify French wine regions with veteran sommelier Michael Scaffidi. The $50 tickets include all wines during the class (1 to 3 p.m.) as well as snacks from the kitchen. The Canadian disco flair of Le Mont Royal meets the old country at a day party with twists on cognac-based cocktails (think an old-fashioned with duck-washed cognac) and tunes from DJ Harry Hotter.
Le Diplomate has become D.C.’s most recognizable French restaurant, and its all-day party, which begins at 10 a.m., includes mimes, accordion players, face painters, caricature artists and balloon twisters. (There’s a pre-party on Saturday night, too, running until 1 a.m., with burlesque dancers and cocktails.) Petite Cerise, from the team behind the Dabney, hosts a French feast with foot-long jambon beurre, oysters and French wines poured from magnums by the glass. Tickets are $75, good for a 2½-hour seating between 4 and 10 p.m., and include a glass of sparkling kir royal and then unlimited punch made with French aperitifs.
‘Glee’ drag brunch at Red Bear Brewing
If you can’t seem to let go of Ryan Murphy’s jukebox-musical, teenage-drama-laden, cult-followed television series, you’re not alone — and, frankly, you might as well steer into the cringe, a la Rachel Berry. Desiree Dik and a cast of D.C. drag queens are hosting a “Glee”-themed brunch featuring the best songs from the beloved (and sometimes hated) series. A ticket will get you entrance plus two drinks, and seating is first come, first served. 11 a.m. $35.
R&B Club: Neo Soul at Songbyrd
“Neo-soul” was a defining sound of the 1990s and 2000s, but it’s always been more of a spirit than a genre that’s easy to pin down. What are the common threads tying Jill Scott, Maxwell, Erykah Badu, Bilal, Meshell Ndegeocello and Raheem DeVaughn? The music lovers of the R&B Club tackle the thorny topic of neo-soul at their monthly discussion at Songbyrd, delving into the hits and forgotten artists, with more than a few audience singalongs along the way. Noon to 2 p.m. $15-$20.
