Birds chirp in harmony with enthusiastic baby babbles at Union Market’s story hour with the DC Public Library on a crisp, cool spring morning. While the market is perhaps best known for its diverse collection of restaurants, bars and shopping, the summer months are filled with events, culture and sweet new additions that are sure to include something for everyone.
La Cosecha
Dive deep into centuries of Latin American heritage at La Cosecha (1280 4th Street NE), a contemporary marketplace and culinary embassy designed for community and conversation with a philanthropic mission to foster business education throughout Latin America.
The market features a variety of unique events including salsa and tango dancing classes, weekly ‘yappy’ hours with food and treat specials for owners and their pets and a plethora of Latin-inspired food, drink and shopping options.
Visit lacosechadc.com to learn more and register for events.
The Drive In
Back for the 11th year, the Union Market Drive In movie experience brings you family favorite films under the stars every first and third Friday through July 21.
The films will be shown in accordance with sunset. The parking lot opens one hour prior to the showing. All films will be transmitted through an FM transmitter on the radio and be shown with open captioning.
- Top Gun Maverick: Friday July 7 at 9:00 p.m.
- Hairspray: Friday July 21 at 9:00 p.m.
The cost is $20 per vehicle to park in the movie lot. You can watch for free along Neal Place NE where speakers will transmit the film’s audio. Enjoy elevated concessions with features from Lebanese-inspired kabab shop Yasmine, homemade ice cream from The Creamery at Union Market, creative cocktails from Suburbia and more Union Market favorites.
NICHE
A new unique meeting and co-working space concept, NICHE, is now open in the market district. Complete with complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, power outlets, charging stations, both single-person and team-sized tables and the ability to reserve the space for larger groups or meetings, NICHE is your one stop shop for all things work from home.
You can reserve a space using the NICHE app and learn more about the space here.
DC Mural Tours
Colorful murals cover many of the market district’s nooks and crannies. This summer, explore the NoMa neighborhood and the market District through the lens of both local and international artists and learn the stories behind these vibrant installations.
Classic tours, featuring the murals, are held Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 11 a.m. and cost $30 per person. Street art and bar crawl tours, offering guests a chance to see some murals, other street art, graffiti and taste some of the District’s best drinks, are offered every Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and cost $54 per person.
Groups of five or more can reserve private tours which can be scheduled at any time.
Tours meet at the CitizenM NoMa Hotel (1222 First St NE). You can learn more and purchase tickets at dcmuraltour.com.
The Hi-Lawn
As the weather warms up, soak up the sunshine on the Hi-Lawn on Union Market’s rooftop. Enjoy 360 degree views of the city with lawn games, picnic tables and events including Monday night trivia, Tuesday evening bingo, live music Thursdays and much more.
The space is open Monday through Thursday 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., Friday 2 p.m. to 12 a.m., Saturday 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
New (York) in the Neighborhood
Van Leeuwen
New York City based ice cream maker Van Leeuwen (418 Morse St. NE) opened its first DC location in the Union Market District on March 23. While Van Leeuwen is behind some of the most unique flavors of ice cream on the market like Mac and Cheese, the shop features a variety of more traditional ice cream flavors including many vegan options.
The shop is focused on high quality ingredients and elegant twists on traditional ice cream flavors (think lemon poppyseed muffin and and peanut butter brownie honeycomb). A second location recently opened in the heart of Georgetown (3245 Prospect St NW) and a third location will open this summer in Adams Morgan (2421 18th St NW).
Van Leeuwen is open Monday through Thursday 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday 12 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Maman
Another New York City favorite, Maman (1300 Fourth St. NE), opened in late February and is serving up a variety of French-inspired pastries, omelets, sandwiches, salads and drinks.
The cafe provides a rustic setting; perfect to bring your work from home, or meet friends and family for a weekday bite, weekend brunch or evening drink.
Maman is open Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Whether you’re looking to try something new or in search of classic DC bite to eat, the vibrant Union Market District has you covered with food, fun and fitness for the whole family this summer.
Union Market is open Monday through Saturday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Individual businesses within the market district may have different operating hours. You can learn more about the market and see a full calendar of upcoming events at unionmarketdc.com.
Sarah Payne is a reporter for Capital Community News. She can be reached at sarahp@hillrag.com.
