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Middleburg's next resident: JD Vance

The vice president is eyeing a grand Virginia farmhouse as a getaway from Washington, sources tell Axios.

News

Vice President <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="JD Vance" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/06/vance-summer-trump-heir" data-vars-content-id="df4aebe3-9dd5-448c-982e-b0d8297c0780" data-vars-headline="Middleburg&#x27;s next resident: JD Vance" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/06/vance-summer-trump-heir" target="_self">JD Vance</a> is eyeing a grand farmhouse in Middleburg as a getaway from Washington, sources tell Axios.Why it matters: With three kids and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="one more on the way," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/20/jd-vance-baby-vice-president-history" data-vars-content-id="df4aebe3-9dd5-448c-982e-b0d8297c0780" data-vars-headline="Middleburg&#x27;s next resident: JD Vance" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/20/jd-vance-baby-vice-president-history" target="_self">one more on the way,</a> the Vances would have more space to unwind in a private enclave.

New details drop about National Harbor's forthcoming Sphere

It will be only the second Sphere in the country.

Development

New details are emerging about the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sphere" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/03/04/sphere-entertainment-possible-nashville-expansion" data-vars-content-id="e3b434a2-9a96-44e6-a9bd-19cc012b14b3" data-vars-headline="New details drop about National Harbor&#x27;s forthcoming Sphere" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/03/04/sphere-entertainment-possible-nashville-expansion" target="_self">Sphere</a> that&#x27;s coming to National Harbor.Why it matters: The project near the MGM National Harbor Casino would be the country&#x27;s second <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sphere" data-vars-click-url="https://governor.maryland.gov/news/press-releases/sphere-entertainment-state-maryland-prince-georges-county-and-peterson-companies-announce-intent" data-vars-content-id="e3b434a2-9a96-44e6-a9bd-19cc012b14b3" data-vars-headline="New details drop about National Harbor&#x27;s forthcoming Sphere" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://governor.maryland.gov/news/press-releases/sphere-entertainment-state-maryland-prince-georges-county-and-peterson-companies-announce-intent" target="_blank">Sphere</a> — a flashy new attraction Maryland says could generate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$1.5 billion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/news-events/news/sphere-national-harbor-bring-significant-economic-benefits-prince-georges-county-and-maryland" data-vars-content-id="e3b434a2-9a96-44e6-a9bd-19cc012b14b3" data-vars-headline="New details drop about National Harbor&#x27;s forthcoming Sphere" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/news-events/news/sphere-national-harbor-bring-significant-economic-benefits-prince-georges-county-and-maryland" target="_blank">$1.5 billion</a> in annual economic impact.

George Washington's $1,000 whiskey is out now

Mount Vernon just released its first bourbon from the reconstructed distillery — fewer than 350 bottles, hand-bottled on-site using 18th-century methods, as part of America's 250th.

America at 250

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="George Washington" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/09/01/george-washington-ice-cream" data-vars-content-id="c39aacc3-d154-4a96-affd-1aadfd322f39" data-vars-headline="George Washington&#x27;s $1,000 whiskey is out now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/09/01/george-washington-ice-cream" target="_self">George Washington</a> — Founding Father, first U.S. president, big whiskey guy.Why it matters: Washington&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mount Vernon" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/02/18/george-washington-mount-vernon-actor" data-vars-content-id="c39aacc3-d154-4a96-affd-1aadfd322f39" data-vars-headline="George Washington&#x27;s $1,000 whiskey is out now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/02/18/george-washington-mount-vernon-actor" target="_self">Mount Vernon</a> distillery was one of the largest in the Early Republic, producing nearly 11,000 gallons of whiskey in 1799. More than two centuries later, it&#x27;s bottling limited-edition whiskeys for America&#x27;s 250th.

Exclusive: Maryland, Virginia senators demand Trump's East Potomac golf plans

The Trump administration has yet to release final plans for the site.

Senators from Maryland and Virginia are demanding the Trump administration reveal details about its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="East Potomac golf course" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/28/trump-dc-golf-course-renovation-east-potomac-links" data-vars-content-id="8188ba26-78f4-49b1-a710-0ef76f9da764" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Maryland, Virginia senators demand Trump&#x27;s East Potomac golf plans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/28/trump-dc-golf-course-renovation-east-potomac-links" target="_self">East Potomac golf course</a> redevelopment. Why it matters: President Trump has vowed to transform East Potomac into a championship-level course, but key details — including how much land it&#x27;ll occupy and whether everyday golfers will still be able to afford it — remain unclear.

A dazzling new art illumination is coming to the Smithsonian Castle

Internationally acclaimed artist Refik Anadol will illuminate the Castle's iconic red sandstone façade with AI-generated visuals.

Move over <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fireworks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/07/05/washington-dc-july-4-250th-aftermath" data-vars-content-id="3b3ed4ef-56c4-4e55-9ef4-dff7e359c88b" data-vars-headline="A dazzling new art illumination is coming to the Smithsonian Castle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/07/05/washington-dc-july-4-250th-aftermath" target="_self">fireworks</a> — there&#x27;s another National Mall light show that promises to bring throngs of spectators: a nighttime illumination of the Smithsonian Castle by internationally acclaimed artist Refik Anadol. Why it matters: For the first time in nearly 180 years, the historic castle will become the canvas for a monumental projection of digitized objects in the institution&#x27;s massive collections.

After the fireworks: America's 250 celebration continues around D.C.

From Smithsonian exhibitions to lotus blooms, family festivals and the Library of Congress' rare Declaration of Independence display, here are the best ways to celebrate around D.C.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="July 4 crowds" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/07/05/washington-dc-july-4-250th-aftermath" data-vars-content-id="62d7bb6f-e4d4-485d-b99c-13c1c340a375" data-vars-headline="After the fireworks: America&#x27;s 250 celebration continues around 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/2026/07/05/washington-dc-july-4-250th-aftermath" target="_self">July 4 crowds</a> have cleared, but <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="America&#x27;s 250th birthday" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/04/07/dc-america-250-events-locals-guide" data-vars-content-id="62d7bb6f-e4d4-485d-b99c-13c1c340a375" data-vars-headline="After the fireworks: America&#x27;s 250 celebration continues around 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/2026/04/07/dc-america-250-events-locals-guide" target="_self">America&#x27;s 250th birthday</a> celebration is still going strong.Why it matters: From museum exhibitions to family festivals and outdoor events, there are plenty of ways to mark America&#x27;s milestone throughout the summer and beyond.

D.C.'s Beat The Bomb debuts patriotic paint bomb game for July

Time to celebrate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="America&#x27;s birthday" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/04/07/dc-america-250-events-locals-guide" data-vars-content-id="37e87e02-2592-4e40-9990-781ec8612584" data-vars-headline="D.C.&#x27;s Beat The Bomb debuts patriotic paint bomb game for July" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/04/07/dc-america-250-events-locals-guide" target="_self">America&#x27;s birthday</a> just as our Founding Fathers intended: getting blasted with red, white, and blue paint.Why it matters: The &quot;immersive social video game&quot; group <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Beat The Bomb" data-vars-click-url="https://www.beatthebomb.com/locations/dc" data-vars-content-id="37e87e02-2592-4e40-9990-781ec8612584" data-vars-headline="D.C.&#x27;s Beat The Bomb debuts patriotic paint bomb game for July" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.beatthebomb.com/locations/dc" target="_blank">Beat The Bomb</a> has a new, patriotic line of games at its D.C. location for this July only.

Your D.C. weekend: Streetwear festival, plus fair food

Things to Do

If you&#x27;re into streetwear — or discovering new independent brands — you&#x27;re going to love checking out <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Euphoria Con" data-vars-click-url="https://www.euphoriacon.com/" data-vars-content-id="8f7237cf-5189-490b-9459-27b024b6ccff" data-vars-headline="Your D.C. weekend: Streetwear festival, plus fair food" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.euphoriacon.com/" target="_blank">Euphoria Con</a> this weekend.Why it matters: The convention highlights the ecosystem that surrounds streetwear by bringing together over 100 designers, artists, vintage purveyors and artisans from the DMV and beyond.

Washington Ballet premieres new go-go ballet

Two D.C. cultural bastions — the Washington Ballet and go-go music — are converging for one epic celebration.Why it matters: This year marks the 50th anniversary of both the Washington Ballet and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="go-go music" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/28/1-lizzo-song-to-go-go" data-vars-content-id="8b1ccbbd-34c8-454b-9cf0-b484dd2d8981" data-vars-headline="Washington Ballet premieres new go-go ballet" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/28/1-lizzo-song-to-go-go" target="_self">go-go music</a>. State of play: &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Go-Go 50" data-vars-click-url="https://www.washingtonballet.org/events/gogo-50/" data-vars-content-id="8b1ccbbd-34c8-454b-9cf0-b484dd2d8981" data-vars-headline="Washington Ballet premieres new go-go ballet" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.washingtonballet.org/events/gogo-50/" target="_blank">Go-Go 50</a>&quot; will kick off the ballet company&#x27;s 50th season and run from Oct. 30 to Nov. 1 at Warner Theatre.<ul><li>The program will showcase the world premiere of a currently untitled new ballet that&#x27;s set to music by the D.C. band <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Black Alley" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/weareblackalley/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="8b1ccbbd-34c8-454b-9cf0-b484dd2d8981" data-vars-headline="Washington Ballet premieres new go-go ballet" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/weareblackalley/?hl=en" target="_blank">Black Alley</a> with choreography by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chanel DaSilva" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chaneldasilva.com/" data-vars-content-id="8b1ccbbd-34c8-454b-9cf0-b484dd2d8981" data-vars-headline="Washington Ballet premieres new go-go ballet" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chaneldasilva.com/" target="_blank">Chanel DaSilva</a>.</li><li>It will also feature other works by choreographers connected to the Washington Ballet, like &quot;Blue Until June,&quot; set to Etta James&#x27; music. </li></ul>If you go: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Season subscriptions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.washingtonballet.org/2026-27-subscriptions/" data-vars-content-id="8b1ccbbd-34c8-454b-9cf0-b484dd2d8981" data-vars-headline="Washington Ballet premieres new go-go ballet" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.washingtonballet.org/2026-27-subscriptions/" target="_blank">Season subscriptions</a> are on sale now, but single tickets won&#x27;t go on sale until the fall.

National Book Festival returns to D.C. with a stacked lineup

Expect big names like Cynthia Erivo, Martin Scorsese and Kate McKinnon.

The Library of Congress has released the author lineup for this year&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="National Book Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/07/09/library-congress-national-book-festival-dc-lineup" data-vars-content-id="40d5b279-ed5b-44c0-8ccc-6622362b65c9" data-vars-headline="National Book Festival returns to D.C. with a stacked lineup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/07/09/library-congress-national-book-festival-dc-lineup" target="_self">National Book Festival</a> on Aug. 22 — and it&#x27;s stacked.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a chance to see tons of big-name writers and celebs all in one day and all in your backyard.

Your D.C. Weekend: July 4 festivities beyond the National Mall

Parades, festivals, concerts and family fun — no National Mall required.

Over 325 D.C. bars can serve until 4am this July 4 weekend

Thanks to D.C.'s extended-hours program, hundreds of bars, restaurants and clubs are cleared to keep serving into the early morning.

Get ready to party late for America&#x27;s birthday: More than 325 D.C. bars, restaurants and clubs can serve booze until 4am over July 4 weekend.Why it matters: National Mall <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fireworks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/06/29/freedom-250-fireworks-show-start-time-dc" data-vars-content-id="80d89500-1a1f-4b3f-801b-4a995105592a" data-vars-headline="Over 325 D.C. bars can serve until 4am this July 4 weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/06/29/freedom-250-fireworks-show-start-time-dc" target="_self">fireworks</a> may not start until 11pm — and between the heat and the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="no-cooler rules" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/06/25/heres-everything-we-know-about-dcs-massive-july-4-fireworks-show" data-vars-content-id="80d89500-1a1f-4b3f-801b-4a995105592a" data-vars-headline="Over 325 D.C. bars can serve until 4am this July 4 weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/06/25/heres-everything-we-know-about-dcs-massive-july-4-fireworks-show" target="_self">no-cooler rules</a>, a cold drink afterward might sound pretty good.

Air and Space Museum unveils 5 new galleries as renovation nears end

The Smithsonian&#x27;s National Air and Space Museum is opening five new and updated galleries Wednesday, just in time for the big 250th July 4 celebration.Why it matters: The new spaces come as the museum nears the fall finish line of its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nearly $1 billion renovation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/07/25/air-space-museum-new-galleries-renovation-update" data-vars-content-id="a46e13df-d432-41cb-b6ff-59495b6c77b8" data-vars-headline="Air and Space Museum unveils 5 new galleries as renovation nears end" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/07/25/air-space-museum-new-galleries-renovation-update" target="_self">nearly $1 billion renovation</a>, which kicked off in 2018.

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>

Things to Do 🗓

A dazzling new art illumination is coming to the Smithsonian Castle

After the fireworks: America's 250 celebration continues around D.C.

D.C.'s Beat The Bomb debuts patriotic paint bomb game for July

Your D.C. weekend: Streetwear festival, plus fair food

Washington Ballet premieres new go-go ballet