D.C. distractions and detoxes to keep your mind off Election Day
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Election Day is just around the corner, and anxious Washingtonians are in desperate need of an escape.
The big picture: Local tensions are high in the lead-up to Nov. 5, with the District ramping up security to prepare for potential unrest and several protest permit applications already in for Election Day.
- Meanwhile, Washingtonians are biting their nails while eyeing polls showing a neck-and-neck race between former President Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.
- This tension comes on the heels of a tumultuous election summer that saw President Biden drop out of the race and assassination attempts against Trump.
State of play: If you're one of the Washingtonians sticking around for the election, several businesses are trying to help locals take their minds off **waves hands in the air nervously** all this via a line-up of events and specials.
- D.C. Comedy Clubhouse is inviting residents to get their jitters out and giggles on Tuesday. Comedians will perform stand-up sets, tacos will be on the menu and a DJ will play jams. If you're a real masochist, you can stick around after the comedy to watch the election results with the crowd.
- Voters can bounce from the polls to bouncing some balls at SPIN D.C. The ping-pong bar will give a free hour of play to anyone who shows up on Election Day with confirmation of voting, per a release.
Plus: The National Cathedral will be open for prayer, reflection and meditation on Election Day from 7am-10pm, with several services scheduled throughout the day.
- It will also be open for reflection Wednesday, from 7am-6pm, with a unity and hope-themed service at 12pm.
Zoom in: If you want to take "election detox" literally, the spa at MGM National Harbor is offering election-themed treatments, per a release. Think a "vote and glow" facial ($202) or a full-body "election reset," with a foot scrub, body wrap and stress-targeting massage ($437).
- Plus: The spa is offering a mid-week special on two treatments ($365), if you want to go fully off the grid on Tuesday.
For post-Election Day processing, President Lincoln's Cottage has organized a free gathering led by a psychologist for Wednesday, featuring quiet reflection, crafts, guided discussions and food.
And if you're still in your feels a week after Election Day, you can purge with Cry N' Vibe, a group cry session on Nov. 12.
- Head to the free event at the Southwest Library between 5:30-8pm to, yes, get some tears out, but also to discuss your feelings with the group and learn tools for embracing vulnerability.
The bottom line: It's an unprecedented election season in Washington — take care of yourself.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to add new events.