TOP 5 FOR WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20
1. Fourth Annual Congressional Women's Softball Game At Watkins Recreation Center
Female members of Congress from both sides of the aisle will take on the women of the Capitol Hill press corps all in the name of charity. This may be the sporting event that saves the country and the printed/digital word. Or it could put everyone into a heat-induced coma. Please, stay hydrated. Use sunscreen. It's hot on the longest day of the year. 7 p.m., all ages, $10
2. Summer Solstice Party At Hillyer Art Space
This is an excellent opportunity to check out the slightly hidden Dupont multi-purpose art space. The party will have beer, BBQ, live music and over 80 pieces of art currently being showcased at the Hillyer. 7 p.m., all ages, $7 to $10
3. Rachel Bertsche at Sixth and I
There are multiple, successful websites that make it easy to find a date to turn into a mate. What about one for friends? Bertsche's new book chronicles her journey of finding a new best friend after a move from New York to Chicago. 7 p.m., all ages, $8
4. Story League At Busboys And Poets
D.C.'s finest storytellers will judge an array of amateurs and pros. Tonight's theme is "Friend, Defriend, Refriend: Stories about relationships that truly deserve the description 'It's complicated.'" With such a universal jumping-off point, there's no telling what tales will be told. 9 p.m., all ages, $10
5. Cake For Dinner At Strathmore
A free, outdoor concert from a Celtic-Ukrainian rock band. Performances like this is why it's nice to live in D.C. 7 p.m., all ages, no cover
TOP 5 FOR THE NEXT 5 DAYS
Thursday, June 21
Jill Scott at Verizon Center
Jill Scott is great but probably can't sell out the Verizon Center. Openers Kem, Salt-N-Pepa and Doug E. Fresh should make a packed house a sure bet. The openers present the fun past and Scott is the bright future. You're guaranteed a good time whenever you arrive.
Friday, June 22
"Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" at National Harbor Movies on the Potomac
This is our pick for this outdoor movie series for what should be obvious reasons.
Saturday, June 23
22nd Annual Mississippi on the Mall
Mississippi food, Mississippi tunes, Mississippi brew for one all-inclusive price? Not a bad way to spend the first Saturday afternoon of the summer.
Sunday, June 24
Ciné-Concert and Discussion: George Bellows -- A Musical View at National Gallery of Art
Live scores of silent films are always interesting. If the subject matter is boring, maybe the cinematography is interesting. If that's also sub-par, the music keeps things fresh.
Monday, June 25
Yappy Hour at Cantina Marina
Free flowing booze will hopefully inspire some loving individuals to adopt some pups.