Dog Days of August Returns to Washington

June 21, 2010 - PRLog -- Dog Days of August, the annual cultural event which brings together over 100 stores, boutiques, restaurants and art galleries in one of Washington’s most celebrated neighborhoods, announces their 11th annual event on Saturday and Sunday, August 7 and 8.  The weekend will feature special events, sales, family events and restaurant deals throughout the 14th and U Street (MidCity) corridors, which comprises the area up 14th Street from Belmont Street to Thomas Circle and just off U Street from 9th to 17th Street.

The weekend is anchored by arts events including The Studio Theatre Prop & Costume Sale, the highly anticipated annual sell-off from the 2009-2010 season.  In addition, meet local artists and performers at Source and join Cultural Development Corporation and Source resident organizations for family events including improv, step, and light saber workshops for all ages as well as a free showcase performance of the upcoming year at Source.

On the fashion front, independent clothing boutiques including Redeem, Nana, Junction, Lettie Gooch and Treasury Vintage will feature sales of up to 70% off on current season designer clothing and accessories as well as other sidewalk specials. Home furnishing and design shops including Urban Essentials and RCKNDY will be holding floor sample sales featuring discounts of up to 80% off throughout the Dog Days weekend.  A complete list of stores and offers to date accompanies this release.

Cork Market, the accompanying shop to 2010 RAMMY award winner Cork Wine Bar, will stage a donut and lemonade stand on 14th Street as well as a wine tasting and discounts throughout the store. ACKC Cocoa Bar will be hosting a tropical beach party throughout the weekend, while many of MidCity’s other heralded restaurants, including Marvin, Busboys & Poets, CakeLove, Saint Ex, 1905, Rice and Policy will be offering patrons Dog Days specials on food and libations.  MidCity is home to three 2010 RAMMY award winning restaurants, including Birch & Barley (winner, Best New Restaurant) and Churchkey (Hottest Restaurant Bar Scene) and Cork Wine Bar (Best Neighborhood Gathering Place).

In addition to the great sales, Dog Days will also feature art and cultural exhibits and performances from Sukio Design Co., The Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery, and Twins Jazz Club.

“Dog Days showcases the incredibly vibrant destination MidCity has become,” says Natalie Avery, Executive Director of the MidCity Business Association. “It brings together all of the best things about the area in one weekend. For local residents it’s a yearly tradition. For visitors, it’s a great weekend to get to know one of DC’s most unique, thriving, and historically rich districts.”
The MidCity district is home to many of Washington’s most historical and well-known cultural landmarks, such as Ben’s Chili Bowl, the Lincoln Theatre and the Taylor Motors Building that is now home to neighborhood newcomer Room & Board.  

From its origination as home to the city’s motor dealerships at the turn of the century, the MidCity district evolved into the preeminent jazz corridor, anchored by the world-renowned Club Bali during the 1940’s; the area fell into disrepair after the riots of 1968.  Now, MidCity is one of the rare Washington neighborhoods that features both thriving business and residential streets, filled with original brick rowhouses, along with murals, parks, world class theaters and music venues, art galleries, restaurants and retailers, which together have made MidCity a burgeoning arts district.

Organized by the MidCity Business Association, Dog Days of August brings together a diverse group of businesses, developers, community and arts groups. Dog Days is sponsored Café Saint Ex, Bar Pilar, Ben’s Chili Bowl, Ben’s Next Door, Busboys and Poets, Urban Essentials, Busboys and Poets, Local 16, Room & Board, Cork Wine Bar, Vida Fitness, The JBG Companies, Miss Pixie’s, The Garden District, Pulp, Rice, DC Noodles, The Studio Theatre, Source and Room and Board.

About the MidCity Business Association
MidCity Business Association is a 501c6 non-profit helping the more than 500+ businesses in their service area to access resources and customers through marketing, advertising, and training. MidCity BA is managed by a Board of Directors representative of local businesses throughout the commercial district. For more information on the MidCity Business Association, please visit www.midcitylife.com.

For more information on the Dog Days of August Sidewalk Sale or to schedule an interview with MidCity Business Association Executive Director Natalie Avery, please contact Ashley Mason-Greene at 301.229.6770 or ashley@fingerprintdc.com.