How Nycci Does Memorial Day Weekend

Or at least, how I’m hoping to do Memorial Day Weekend if the weather cooperates. I mean, given this forecast, everybody should absolutely double check before heading out because Mother Nature seems determined to keep us guessing.

Still, if the rain holds off, here’s how I’d happily spend the long weekend around the DMV:

FRIDAY | LET THE LONG WEEKEND BEGIN

First stop? Jazz in the Garden at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden on Constitution Avenue NW in DC for the return of one of the city’s favorite summer traditions. This year’s theme is “American Sounds,” celebrating everything from Americana and Appalachian music to Creole jazz and contemporary sounds. If you scored lottery passes, amazing. If not, day-of passes are often available beginning at 5pm.

From there, I’d head to Hi-Lawn atop Union Market in Northeast DC where their annual four-day Memorial Day Grill-Out Party kicks off Friday and runs through Monday. Think rooftop hot dogs, frozen cocktails, lawn games, DJs, music, retro coolers. Summer has arrived.

If you’re looking for something more intimate and culinary driven, Chef Amy Brandwein’s Stela dinner inside the Chef’s Salon at Centrolina in CityCenterDC sounds extraordinary. This month’s concept, “Under the Blossoms,” is an Italian interpretation of Hanami with dishes like Mochi Gnocchi with Miso & Guanciale and Chazuke with Green Tea and Lacquered Salmon. It is exactly the kind of dinner that lingers in your brain long after the meal ends.

SATURDAY | MARKETS, MUSIC & STREET FESTS

Saturday morning I’m leaning fully into strawberry season at Moon Valley Farm in Woodsboro, Maryland. Their organic strawberry festival includes pick-your-own berries, local vendors, food trucks, and family-friendly activities. There's strawberry muffins and strawberry jam, just so you know

Back closer to home, the 2nd Annual Saint Owen’s Feast at Owen’s Tavern & Garden at Pike & Rose in North Bethesda sounds like exactly the kind of neighborhood party I love. Italian street food, spritzes, craft beer, music, outdoor games, and proceeds benefiting Manna Food Center.

If the weather turns messy? I may pivot toward brunch and jazz at Oasis Sushi & The Listening Bar in Clarendon. Their new brunch menu debuts Memorial Day Weekend and, Japanese fried chicken and waffles alongside live jazz and espresso martinis sounds like an excellent rainy day backup plan..

SUNDAY | BRUNCH, CRABS & A LITTLE INDULGENCE

It's Sunday but it feels like a Saturday, cause we have an extra day! 

I am deeply tempted by the Coffee Omakase at Jônt on 14th Street NW because if Chef Ryan Ratino wants to guide me through rare coffees paired with bites, I’m listening.

After that? Maybe steamed crabs and Orange Crushes at Cowbell Seafood & Oyster in Northeast DC because Memorial Day Weekend without Maryland crab feels incorrect.

And if I somehow still have energy left, I would absolutely end the evening at Little Blackbird in Chevy Chase DC, which is commemorating the 50th anniversary of the historic Judgment of Paris with special Napa wine pairings featuring Chateau Montelena and Stag’s Leap.

MONDAY | ONE LAST LONG WEEKEND HURRAH

By Monday I’m fully embracing holiday mode.

Lunch at Taquería Xochi in Navy Yard or National Landing for all-day Xochi Hour margaritas and tacos.

I also love the idea of grabbing Little Engine’s Family Van takeout package in DC and heading to a park somewhere with friends and absolutely no agenda whatsoever.

And if you are looking to end the long weekend with something special, Canton Disco is hosting a one-night-only collaboration dinner featuring Executive Chef Timothy Yu alongside Chef Khan Bataa of Fish Shop DC. The tasting menu includes optional wine pairings curated by Brent Kroll and sounds like the kind of dinner hospitality people will be talking about long after the holiday weekend ends. Very limited seating. Very worth looking into.

And for those honoring the meaning behind the holiday, Roots Cafe and Timber Pizza in McLean are offering 50% off for veterans throughout the weekend, a thoughtful reminder of what Memorial Day is ultimately about.

The beauty of Memorial Day Weekend in this area is that you can make it whatever you want it to be. A rooftop party. A jazz night. A wine dinner. A crab feast. A picnic. A slow brunch. A road trip for strawberries. Or simply a few days to gather around a table with people you love.

Just maybe keep an umbrella nearby.