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Weekend To Do’s

In case you missed the first installment last week, welcome to WTD. Each Friday here on City Sifting, you’ll find short list of the most interesting stuff (in my opinion) that’s happening over the weekend. Did I miss something exciting? Let me know in the comments of this post. And, enjoy the long weekend!

* Friday

5 p.m.-8:30 p.m.: It’s the first night of Jazz in the Garden! You can count me in. And if you’re lucky, you’ll see this guy there too, plus a few blankets and a bottle of wine. Not sure what in the heck I’m talking about? Read last year’s post on Jazz in the Garden here, then come celebrate with us.

* Saturday

noon-6 p.m. The public pools are open!!! And with a forecasted high of 86 degrees, I can’t think of better activity to get the summer rollin’. Here’s a list of all of D.C.’s public pools. I haven’t submerged my body in any of them, but friends give high marks to the Francis Pool on 25th and N Streets, NW. [tip: DCist]

* Sunday

noon-2 p.m. Assuming you’re not in Myrtle Beach for my favorite of such rallies, put on your leather and head down to either Constitution or Independence Avenues between noon and 1 p.m. to watch Rolling Thunder bikers circle the Mall. Each year, over 400,000 bikers descend upon D.C. for a rally to call for the government’s recognition of POW’s and MIA’s. The musical tribute and speaker program takes place at 1 p.m. on a stage near the reflecting pool. [tip: About.com]

* Monday

9 a.m.-noon. Pay your respects at Arlington National Cemetery. P and I did this last year, catching a glimpse of Bush’s motorcade as he exited the cemetery. Aim for an early arrival time, and you may just see our new Presi. Spend a few hours walking the grounds—it’ll be one of the more poignant things you do this year.

Sneaker Chic

Nope, this isn’t a review on Jamie Leeds’s new gastropub, but rather a quick mention of one of my neighborhood’s coolest stores: Commonwealth “For the Greater Good.” Chock-full of colorful sneakers, this street fashion boutique stirs up that same excitement you get (well, I get) when I see the acrylic paint section in a craft store, or a box of 96 ct. Crayola crayons. Or my childhood closet: I was the kid with bright yellow high-top Converse, aqua-marine Reeboks, and several pair of polka-dot Keds. So it’s no wonder I get giddy about all these versions of Air-Force Ones. Even if your fashion aesthetic forbids anything other than Banana Republic beige, come inside to admire the shoes (these things are like art!), and the funky tees. Next door you’ll find another source of happiness.

Commonwealth; 1781 Florida Ave., NW, below Mint Gym.