Washington D.C.

blue

Axios D.C. PM

Get smarter, faster on what matters in D.C. with Mimi Montgomery, Cuneyt Dil, and Anna Spiegel.

Axios D.C.

Standard

A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Washington, DC. Written by Anna Spiegel and Cuneyt Dil.

Axios D.C. Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

D.C. Alerts

Alert

A guide to fun things to do in D.C. this weekend.

Axios D.C. Weekender

Weekender

Axios D.C. Partners

Washington, DC Members

Membership

A software engineer hacked D.C. Restaurant Week — and built a better guide

A new site lets diners search thousands of dishes, compare deals and discover hundreds of Restaurant Week menus.

Food and Drink

We food writers have plenty of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Restaurant Week" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/08/04/dc-restaurant-week-2026-new-and-classic-restaurants" data-vars-content-id="d29f57a5-9ecb-4632-ab5f-ad491abe0457" data-vars-headline="A software engineer hacked D.C. Restaurant Week — and built a better guide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/08/04/dc-restaurant-week-2026-new-and-classic-restaurants" target="_self">Restaurant Week</a> hacks, but it took a software engineer to truly crack the code on D.C.’s event.Why it matters: Like the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="D.C. tech wonks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/07/31/311-app-alternatives-josh-jacobson-civic-tech-government-tools" data-vars-content-id="d29f57a5-9ecb-4632-ab5f-ad491abe0457" data-vars-headline="A software engineer hacked D.C. Restaurant Week — and built a better guide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/07/31/311-app-alternatives-josh-jacobson-civic-tech-government-tools" target="_self">D.C. tech wonks</a> building better versions of the city&#x27;s apps, Adam Stambouli tackled one of Restaurant Week&#x27;s biggest headaches: searching hundreds of menus scattered across the internet.<ul><li>His free new site <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Let&#x27;s Eat, DC" data-vars-click-url="https://letseatdc.com/" data-vars-content-id="d29f57a5-9ecb-4632-ab5f-ad491abe0457" data-vars-headline="A software engineer hacked D.C. Restaurant Week — and built a better guide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://letseatdc.com/" target="_blank">Let&#x27;s Eat, DC</a> lets diners hunt for specific dishes, new restaurants, highly rated spots, dietary options and good deals.</li></ul>

IndyCar, not F1, is taking over D.C. Here's the difference.

D.C.'s first downtown race could help IndyCar gain ground with viewers.

Sports

Raise your hand if you know the difference between Formula One and IndyCar. Why it matters: One racing league is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="taking over D.C." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/08/10/dc-indycar-race-bud-denker-freedom-250-grand-prix" data-vars-content-id="f194ee9e-b312-4b00-857a-d33a96063f2d" data-vars-headline="IndyCar, not F1, is taking over D.C. Here&#x27;s the difference." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/08/10/dc-indycar-race-bud-denker-freedom-250-grand-prix" target="_self">taking over D.C.</a> this weekend — and it&#x27;s not the one with a movie starring Brad Pitt.

Inside the D.C. supper club introducing young adults to art galleries

Things to Do

A new art-centric dinner series is bringing young Washingtonians together while also introducing them to the local gallery scene.The big picture: This comes as more people are looking for ways to beat <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="loneliness" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/02/26/loneliness-crisis-why-explained" data-vars-content-id="364e5f45-cd01-40c8-8e41-36e8967da608" data-vars-headline="Inside the D.C. supper club introducing young adults to art galleries" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/02/26/loneliness-crisis-why-explained" target="_self">loneliness</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="connect IRL" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/05/06/dating-apps-burnout-singles-events" data-vars-content-id="364e5f45-cd01-40c8-8e41-36e8967da608" data-vars-headline="Inside the D.C. supper club introducing young adults to art galleries" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/05/06/dating-apps-burnout-singles-events" target="_self">connect IRL</a>.

Pay what you can at these D.C. Michelin-starred restaurants

Albi and Oyster Oyster are joining a global experiment that lets diners pay what they can at some of the world's top restaurants.

Can you spend $20 or $200 on a Michelin-starred meal? On Aug. 26, it doesn’t matter — some of the world’s best restaurants will let diners pay what they can.Why it matters: What began as a community-minded experiment among Mexico City chefs is going global this year — and two of D.C.’s best restaurants, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Albi" data-vars-click-url="https://www.albidc.com/" data-vars-content-id="a1619d21-a68a-47ff-9c72-8e1ad3777934" data-vars-headline="Pay what you can at these D.C. Michelin-starred restaurants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.albidc.com/" target="_blank">Albi</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Oyster Oyster" data-vars-click-url="https://www.oysteroysterdc.com/" data-vars-content-id="a1619d21-a68a-47ff-9c72-8e1ad3777934" data-vars-headline="Pay what you can at these D.C. Michelin-starred restaurants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.oysteroysterdc.com/" target="_blank">Oyster Oyster</a>, are joining in.

Fireworks, sharks, cage fights: It's 12-year-old Boy Summer in D.C.

Fireworks, sharks, cage fighting, and so many planes.

News

Summer 2026 is almost over — and it wasn&#x27;t Hot Girl Summer or Brat Summer or even <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rabid Beaver Summer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/08/07/beaver-attack-rabies-cunningham-park" data-vars-content-id="d4315706-3aa8-411d-aa2c-b9729c9af4c1" data-vars-headline="Fireworks, sharks, cage fights: It&#x27;s 12-year-old Boy Summer in D.C." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/08/07/beaver-attack-rabies-cunningham-park" target="_self">Rabid Beaver Summer</a>.<ul><li>Nope, we&#x27;re calling it now: This was 12-year-old Boy Summer in D.C.</li></ul>

Soupergirl founder Sara Polon launches D.C. one-woman show

The D.C. entrepreneur turns hard life events into a funny, dark one-woman show.

Culture

The founder of the D.C. brand <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Soupergirl " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/pro/retail-deals/2023/05/24/soupergirl-raising-a-series-a-extension" data-vars-content-id="2c2b3ad3-40db-48aa-bb62-902f07e76063" data-vars-headline="Soupergirl founder Sara Polon launches D.C. one-woman show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/pro/retail-deals/2023/05/24/soupergirl-raising-a-series-a-extension" target="_self">Soupergirl </a>is launching a one-woman show about the worst year-and-a-half of her life.Why it matters: You likely know Sara Polon for, well, soup, but “<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="I Regret Nothing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.iregretnothingshow.com/" data-vars-content-id="2c2b3ad3-40db-48aa-bb62-902f07e76063" data-vars-headline="Soupergirl founder Sara Polon launches D.C. one-woman show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.iregretnothingshow.com/" target="_blank">I Regret Nothing</a>” will reveal a new side of the entrepreneur when it premieres next month.

Sunny Sandler's new Netflix movie was inspired by its D.C. screenwriter's life

The film starts streaming on Netflix Friday.

A heartfelt new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="movie" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/05/09/free-outdoor-movie-guide-dc" data-vars-content-id="80ad72c1-4095-4462-8f8e-2f3782162235" data-vars-headline="Sunny Sandler&#x27;s new Netflix movie was inspired by its D.C. screenwriter&#x27;s life" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/05/09/free-outdoor-movie-guide-dc" target="_self">movie</a> out Friday on Netflix was inspired by a local screenwriter&#x27;s days as a high school musical star in D.C.Why it matters: The coming-of-age dramedy <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;Don&#x27;t Say Good Luck&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.netflix.com/title/81975622" data-vars-content-id="80ad72c1-4095-4462-8f8e-2f3782162235" data-vars-headline="Sunny Sandler&#x27;s new Netflix movie was inspired by its D.C. screenwriter&#x27;s life" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.netflix.com/title/81975622" target="_blank">&quot;Don&#x27;t Say Good Luck&quot;</a> stars Sunny Sandler — aka Adam Sandler&#x27;s daughter — and is produced by the Sandman himself.<ul><li>It also stars big names like Melanie Lynskey, Max Greenfield and Steve Buscemi.</li></ul>

The story behind D.C.'s viral Metro goat

Bob's Metro rides made him a viral sensation. Then videos of his owner being detained by Metro police sparked a new round of questions. Metro says the detention had nothing to do with the goat. Here's what happened.

A goat is riding Metro — and no, we&#x27;re not talking about G.O.A.T. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Randy Clarke" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/01/30/randy-clarke-dc-mayor" data-vars-content-id="a1f0547a-5744-4ffc-91f8-566933c86261" data-vars-headline="The story behind D.C.&#x27;s viral Metro goat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/01/30/randy-clarke-dc-mayor" target="_self">Randy Clarke</a>.Why it matters: A viral police encounter involving D.C.&#x27;s most famous goat — aka Bob — has turned an ordinary Metro policy into the internet&#x27;s latest debate.

Inside the Trump admin's patriotic vision for Art in Embassies

A new exhibit brings into public view a State Department program that has showcased American art abroad for more than 60 years.

America at 250

A rare local art exhibition showcasing the State Department&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Art in Embassies" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/09/15/jenny-holzer-national-mall-projection-art-in-embassies" data-vars-content-id="7f590d81-9325-4ac7-bec6-3611089f4856" data-vars-headline="Inside the Trump admin&#x27;s patriotic vision for Art in Embassies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/09/15/jenny-holzer-national-mall-projection-art-in-embassies" target="_self">Art in Embassies</a> program is opening in D.C. soon.Why it matters: &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Passport to Patriotism: 250 Years of Diplomacy" data-vars-click-url="https://art.state.gov/freedom-250/" data-vars-content-id="7f590d81-9325-4ac7-bec6-3611089f4856" data-vars-headline="Inside the Trump admin&#x27;s patriotic vision for Art in Embassies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://art.state.gov/freedom-250/" target="_blank">Passport to Patriotism: 250 Years of Diplomacy</a>&quot; offers a window into how the Trump administration is shaping a decades-old cultural diplomacy program around patriotism and America&#x27;s 250th anniversary.

Alexandria is getting a bookstore dedicated to horror sci-fi

Long Dark House is expected to open by September 1.

The D.C. area is getting a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bookstore" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/03/bookstores-barnes-noble-james-daunt" data-vars-content-id="7138e447-19da-4c19-ae49-ba9653f4af0c" data-vars-headline="Alexandria is getting a bookstore dedicated to horror sci-fi" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/03/bookstores-barnes-noble-james-daunt" target="_self">bookstore</a> dedicated entirely to horror, science fiction and other &quot;strange stories.&quot;The big picture: The U.S. is seeing a rise in genre-specific bookstores — think the romance-centric Alexandria bookstore <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Friends to Lovers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.friendstoloversbookstore.com/" data-vars-content-id="7138e447-19da-4c19-ae49-ba9653f4af0c" data-vars-headline="Alexandria is getting a bookstore dedicated to horror sci-fi" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.friendstoloversbookstore.com/" target="_blank">Friends to Lovers</a>, or Brooklyn&#x27;s horror hot spot <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Twisted Spine" data-vars-click-url="https://www.twistedspinebooks.com/" data-vars-content-id="7138e447-19da-4c19-ae49-ba9653f4af0c" data-vars-headline="Alexandria is getting a bookstore dedicated to horror sci-fi" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.twistedspinebooks.com/" target="_blank">The Twisted Spine</a> — as readers look for spots to get offline and bond IRL with fellow genre lovers.State of play: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Long Dark House" data-vars-click-url="https://longdarkhouse.com/" data-vars-content-id="7138e447-19da-4c19-ae49-ba9653f4af0c" data-vars-headline="Alexandria is getting a bookstore dedicated to horror sci-fi" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://longdarkhouse.com/" target="_blank">Long Dark House</a> will open September 1 on Alexandria&#x27;s King Street, owner Chanthal Harris tells Axios.<ul><li>Expect the independent, Black-owned bookstore to carry a multitude of sub-genres across sci-fi and horror — think Southern gothic and thrillers — as well as picks from other genres with overlapping themes, like romance or fantasy.</li><li>Also planned: Book club get-togethers, author events and cookbook potlucks with witchy and otherworldly themes.</li></ul>The bookstore will share the space with chocolate maker <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Madame Coco&#x27;s Emporium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.madamecocoemporium.com/" data-vars-content-id="7138e447-19da-4c19-ae49-ba9653f4af0c" data-vars-headline="Alexandria is getting a bookstore dedicated to horror sci-fi" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.madamecocoemporium.com/" target="_blank">Madame Coco&#x27;s Emporium</a>, and will also carry chocolates, fragrances and gifts.What they&#x27;re saying: Harris has been a huge reader her whole life, and got into the horror and sci-fi genres while watching shows like &quot;Tales from the Crypt&quot; and &quot;The Twilight Zone&quot; with her parents, she tells Axios.<ul><li>She&#x27;s a big fan of the region&#x27;s independent bookstores, but knew that her fellow horror and sci-fi heads would love a space dedicated to their specific interests.</li><li>&quot;Readers are looking for more than just a place to buy books,&quot; Harris says. &quot;They&#x27;re looking for a curated experience and a sense of belonging.&quot;</li></ul>What we&#x27;re watching: Keep your eyes peeled for a grand opening event tied to their September 1 launch date.If you go: Long Dark House will be located at 1501 King Street in Alexandria.

What the DMV should have put in the America 250 time capsule

We at Axios D.C. were, shall we say, underwhelmed by what D.C., Maryland and Virginia chose to put in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="250 time capsule" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/03/americas-time-capsule-additions" data-vars-content-id="ae025322-52d2-4304-b5ba-4894ab080b9d" data-vars-headline="What the DMV should have put in the America 250 time capsule" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/03/americas-time-capsule-additions" target="_self">250 time capsule</a>. (Spoiler: It was coins.)Why it matters: The capsule contains <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="artifacts" data-vars-click-url="https://america250.org/time-capsule/contents/" data-vars-content-id="ae025322-52d2-4304-b5ba-4894ab080b9d" data-vars-headline="What the DMV should have put in the America 250 time capsule" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://america250.org/time-capsule/contents/" target="_blank">artifacts</a> from all 50 states and six territories and was buried on the Fourth of July in Philly, where it will be dug up 250 years from now.

D.C. hotels roll out lux $250,000 July 4 packages

Your stay will come with private jets, yachts, jewels and chauffeurs.

D.C. hotels are ringing in America&#x27;s 250th birthday via lavish offerings with price tags that would make our Founding Fathers freak.Why it matters: While Washington&#x27;s 250th celebrations have been plagued by some less-than-stellar headlines — reports of anemic crowds and offerings at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Great American State Fair" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/06/30/great-american-state-fair-national-mall-review" data-vars-content-id="0369d038-08ab-460d-b635-bdc05aae0d38" data-vars-headline="D.C. hotels roll out lux $250,000 July 4 packages" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/06/30/great-american-state-fair-national-mall-review" target="_self">Great American State Fair</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="locals dreading" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/06/08/residents-dread-america-250-events-road-closures-security-tourism" data-vars-content-id="0369d038-08ab-460d-b635-bdc05aae0d38" data-vars-headline="D.C. hotels roll out lux $250,000 July 4 packages" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/06/08/residents-dread-america-250-events-road-closures-security-tourism" target="_self">locals dreading</a> all the hubbub — it seems plenty of visitors are still coming to town for the big milestone.

Inside the Great American State Fair's carnival of contrasts

We went to the National Mall to see it for ourselves. Here's what we found on MAHA Monday.

Washington has a new pastime: Roasting the Great American State Fair.Why it matters: The Trump administration-backed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Freedom 250" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/06/03/america-250-freedom-250-national-mall-white-house-drama" data-vars-content-id="73fc0632-1de9-44a0-81f7-71f5014a039c" data-vars-headline="Inside the Great American State Fair&#x27;s carnival of contrasts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/06/03/america-250-freedom-250-national-mall-white-house-drama" target="_self">Freedom 250</a> event stumbled before it even opened, with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="musicians canceling" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/29/trump-freedom-250-concert-state-fair-backlash" data-vars-content-id="73fc0632-1de9-44a0-81f7-71f5014a039c" data-vars-headline="Inside the Great American State Fair&#x27;s carnival of contrasts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/29/trump-freedom-250-concert-state-fair-backlash" target="_self">musicians canceling</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="states pulling out" data-vars-click-url="https://www.newsweek.com/map-shows-states-skipping-america-250-fair-12124184" data-vars-content-id="73fc0632-1de9-44a0-81f7-71f5014a039c" data-vars-headline="Inside the Great American State Fair&#x27;s carnival of contrasts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.newsweek.com/map-shows-states-skipping-america-250-fair-12124184" target="_blank">states pulling out</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="food vendors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/06/23/great-american-state-fair-food-bub-and-pops" data-vars-content-id="73fc0632-1de9-44a0-81f7-71f5014a039c" data-vars-headline="Inside the Great American State Fair&#x27;s carnival of contrasts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/06/23/great-american-state-fair-food-bub-and-pops" target="_self">food vendors</a> jumping ship.<ul><li>Now that it&#x27;s underway, critics are comparing it to D.C.&#x27;s version of Glasgow&#x27;s infamous <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Willy Wonka" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/3hairymutts/status/2070436168622051508?s=20" data-vars-content-id="73fc0632-1de9-44a0-81f7-71f5014a039c" data-vars-headline="Inside the Great American State Fair&#x27;s carnival of contrasts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/3hairymutts/status/2070436168622051508?s=20" target="_blank">Willy Wonka</a> experience — so of course we had to check it out on &quot;MAHA Monday.&quot;</li></ul>

This new D.C.-based novel reimagines Metro as a portal through time

A new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="novel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/27/maidenheads-novel-indie-music-queer-history" data-vars-content-id="cb165e7d-fd20-4715-9a22-d7b864f57f37" data-vars-headline="This new D.C.-based novel reimagines Metro as a portal through time" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/27/maidenheads-novel-indie-music-queer-history" target="_self">novel</a> is out this week that&#x27;s partly based in D.C. and reimagines the Metro as a time-traveling portal.Why it matters: Who among us hasn&#x27;t wanted to escape reality while riding the Red Line…