We’re bringing this weekend’s newsletter to you together with:
Happy Memorial Day Weekend!
Ok so…the weather may not be the ideal MDW vibe, but a little rain can’t get us down!
There are lots of fun things to do this weekend, that are really all rainy-day friendly.
Here are 18 things you can do this weekend in Del Ray, even if it’s raining:
Coffee cupping at Swing’s
Wine tasting at Planet Wine Shop and Cheesetique
Drag brunch at DRP
Brunch, in general, at Matt & Tony’s, Founding Farmers, or Evening Star
Karaoke nights at DRP and Hops N Shine
Bake Dunkaroo-inspired cookie bars with your family, friends, kids
Concerts at The Birchmere
Go to an Open House
Farmers’ markets in Del Ray, Old Town, and Arlandria (pop up an umbrella and fill your tote with local foods and finds!)
Hunker down with a good book at The Company of Books or The Duncan Library
Make your own food tour of Del Ray, walking up the Avenue and down side streets, and stopping in to share appetizers with friends
Shop local goods at Del Ray Farmhouse
Have an at-home movie night with popcorn and your (and your kids) favorite movie theatre snacks
Take a workout class
Play a game or do a puzzle
Gather with neighbors for coffee
Make a mix-and-match 4-pack of beer at Market 2 Market or Department of Beer and Wine, and create your own beer flights
Put up a popup tent and have a cookout with your family and neighbors
What else?!
It’ll be hot and sunny soon enough. This weekend, try to embrace the wet weather with entertaining indoor activities.
Any questions, just hit reply. I read every message.
Enjoy the wonderful weekend!
– Rachel Turula
Publisher, Things to do: Del Ray, VA
Friday, May 22
New Single Origin Cupping, 10am–11am at Swing’s Coffee, 501 E Monroe Ave.
Taste Swing’s newest single-origin coffee using traditional cupping techniques while learning about the journey from bean to cup. A fun and educational morning for coffee lovers.The Wines of Lebanon: A Tasting and Class, 6pm–7pm at Planet Wine, 2004 Mt Vernon Ave.
Taste six wines while learning about Lebanon’s long winemaking history and emerging wine scene in this guided class.Live Music Fridays, 6pm–9pm at Hops N Shine, 3410 Mt Vernon Ave.
Enjoy live music from local DMV artists in a relaxed, lively Friday night setting. Grab food, explore the drink menu, and settle in for a fun start to the weekend.Karaoke Night, 9pm–11pm at Del Ray Public House, 2218 Mt Vernon Ave.
Join the fun every Friday night with karaoke at Del Ray Public House. Grab a drink, pick a song, and sing your way into the weekend.Marcus Miller, 7:30pm at The Birchmere, 3701 Mt Vernon Ave.
Catch the Grammy-winning bassist, composer, and producer performing a genre-blending mix of jazz, funk, and soul.
Real estate market update
By Andy Hewitt, trusted local realtor.
Story time…
Once upon a time, I listed a house. The sellers’ #1 priority was price. A home down the street just sold way above market value compared to other recent past sales (we call this an outlier). This sale skewed the owners’ estimation of their home value, and so, the home was priced slightly above market value. Thirty days and one price drop later, this house sold well under the original listing price, and with contingencies.
I sold another house in the same neighborhood. The sellers’ #1 priority was time. They had to sell quickly, and so, the home was “priced to sell” – slightly under market value. Within short order, they received an offer well over asking price without contingencies.
Ultimately, these homes sold for the same price.
Every home has a value, and that may or may not be where we price it! If a home is sitting on the market, you may walk in the front door and see cause for concern, but 9x out of 10, it’s the price.
Proud partner of Things to do Del Ray.
Saturday, May 23
Old Town Farmers’ Market, 7am–noon at 100 block of N. Royal Street and the Courtyard at Tavern Square.
One of America’s oldest continuously operating markets hosts over 70 vendors selling fruits, breads, flowers, crafts and coffee. Shoppers can enjoy live music and the historic ambiance of Market Square.Del Ray Farmers’ Market, 8am-noon at Pat Miller Square, 2311 Mt Vernon Ave.
Start your day at the Del Ray Farmers’ Market with produce, meats, and prepared foods like chai, breakfast sandwiches, jams, and dumplings. Offerings may vary weekly—open year-round.Neurographic Art Workshop – Teen Edition, 10am–12pm at Del Ray Artisans, 2704 Mt Vernon Ave.
Explore a relaxing, creative process that blends drawing and mindfulness in this beginner-friendly workshop for teens. All supplies are included.Kids Storytime and Craft, 10:30am-11:30am at The Company of Books, 2200 Mt Vernon Ave.
Join local author Ganeya Gajaram for storytime. You’ll read a book or two for the first half hour, and then have a related craft afterward.Handy Bikes & Port City Brewing Present: Pedals & Pints, 10:30am–1pm at Handy Bikes, 3800 Wheeler Ave.
Join an approachable, no-drop group bike ride that starts at Handy Bikes and finishes at Port City Brewing. Choose a shorter or longer route and enjoy a relaxed ride followed by beers and good company.DRP May Drag Brunch, 11:30am–2pm at Del Ray Pizzeria & Draft House, 2218 Mt Vernon Ave.
Enjoy a lively brunch with high-energy drag performances hosted by Orpheus Rose and Shelita Ramen. Reservations recommended.Free Wine Tasting, 1pm–5pm at Planet Wine Shop, 2004 Mt Vernon Ave.
Enjoy tasting hand-picked wines in a fun and friendly atmosphere. Plus save 10% on bottles of the tasting wines to take home.Karaoke Night, 9pm–11pm at Hops N Shine, 3410 Mt Vernon Ave.
Belt it out at this high-energy karaoke party with a live DJ hyping up the night. Choose from over 50,000 songs, grab a drink, and take the stage.Marcus Miller, 7:30pm at The Birchmere, 3701 Mt Vernon Ave.
Catch the Grammy-winning bassist, composer, and producer performing a genre-blending mix of jazz, funk, and soul.
Share with your neighbors
Del Ray is such a supportive community with so many fun things to do! Loop in your friends and neighbors by clicking the ‘refer a friend’ button below so you can all enjoy these activities together.
Sunday, May 24
Four Mile Run Farmers & Artisans Market, 9am–1pm at 4109 Mt Vernon Ave.
Browse fresh foods, native plants, artisan crafts, and more at this lively weekly market in the heart of Arlandria. A great Sunday stop with live music, local vendors, and easy access by bike, bus, or car.Old Town North Farmers’ Market, 9am-1pm at Montgomery Park, 901 N. Royal St.
A dog-friendly Sunday market with fresh produce, baked goods, gift items, and easy take-home meals. There are a wide variety of vendors each week.
Sunday Story Time, 3:30pm–4pm at James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Ave.
Enjoy songs, fingerplay, and stories in this engaging session for babies and toddlers ages 0–24 months.The Manhattans Featuring Gerald Alston, 7:30pm at The Birchmere, 3701 Mt Vernon Ave.
Enjoy an evening of classic soul and R&B from the longtime vocal group known for timeless hits and smooth harmonies.
Some extra magic
I am ready for as much beach time as possible, including this cute beach towel that folds up into a backpack for easy carrying and this mineral face sunscreen I wear daily.
If you have young kids, be the hero of the summer with this bubble machine.
I am Mahjong curious and just ordered this set to give it a go. Cue your new ladies game night with these on-theme cocktail napkins.
I’m slowly but surely replacing the plastic kitchen-things with…not plastic. Like Pyrex glass containers instead of plastic ones. Many of you know I used to be a baker and I’m giving my everyday baking supplies a new home in these super large, non-slip, airtight mason jar containers.
Currently reading: June Baby by Shannon Garvey. It’s her debut novel and Elin Hilderbrand calls it “The book of the summer!” I love a mind vacation beach read, but note that this is not that. It delves into grief and loss and deeper feels. I’m not finished yet but am hooked into the story.
For organic and specialty pantry staples at a discount, delivered to your home: Try Thrive Market for 40% off.
Prep for beach season with this navy and white beach cabana. It’s like a CoolCabana, but half the price.
White sneaker season is here! If you need a fresh pair, my go-to is Cole Haan brand: women’s & men’s.
Looking to stay active? These best-selling workout leggings are great for yoga, running, or even lounging at home.
Still more than half the year left! Support local with the 2026 Del Ray Explore Card. 10 local Del Ray businesses, 10% off at each one. Grab yours using the code ‘exploremore’ for free shipping.
Things that are free
If you liked this weekend’s newsletter, a quick like ❤️, restack, or share goes a long way. You can even do all three to help support local with just a few clicks.
Weather
Friday
59 🌡️ 52 | 🌧️ | 67%
Saturday
57 🌡️ 53 | 🌧️ | 76%
Sunday
68 🌡️ 61 | 🌦️ | 33%
Temperatures sourced from weather.com, updated the night before publication.
THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE!
Thank you for being part of the Things to do Del Ray community! If you enjoyed this roundup, share it with a neighbor who likes puzzles.
See you around the neighborhood.
