Summer Bucket List
Only a few precious weeks of Summer left and the swampland-turned-city is taking it’s final sweaty grip on everyone. We know it’s easy to just stay cool indoors and ride the rest of the season out from the comfort of your couch, but what do you do when that cheap fan you bought from Target isn’t cutting it anymore? What happens after your preferred binge-watch show on Netflix runs out? We have a few ideas. This list ranges from the calm and copacetic to the adventurous and awesome. Pick none or pick ten, but you should add at least a few of these to your own Summer bucket list and finish the season off the right way. Time to get up and get out there.
See a Nats Game
Even if you aren’t a baseball fan, this still makes for a fun day. Nationals Park is home to more than just a baseball field and DC’s home team – there’s great food, multiple bars, and fun stuff to do whether you’re 7 or 71. They also have “Theme Games” during the Summer that add a bonus fun factor, but there are only a few left so if you’re going to go to one you better decide now.
When: Home games are played through September.
Price: Depends on who’s playing and how hard you want to go – left field nosebleed section? $10. Lexus President’s Box superseats where you can tell the batter’s religion? $350
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Jazz in the Garden
Head to the Pavillion Cafe in the National Gallery’s Sculpture Garden and take in some music and culture. Every Friday evening they feature new local artists that put on a free show. Con: you can’t bring your own alcoholic beverages in, pro: they offer a really great special menu.
When: Every Friday evening from 5:30-8:30 as weather permits. These heroes will cancel due to inclement weather (obviously) but also due to excessive heat because they know how real it gets out there.
Price: Free! Plus drinks if you choose to go that route.
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Georgetown Sunset Cinema
The best way to enjoy this weather is to enjoy it at night, with cooler temperatures that won’t melt your face. The best place: Georgetown Waterfront’s Sunset Cinemas. For a few select Tuesdays this Summer, they offer free outdoor movies. And not lame movies, either: Burn After Reading and The Exorcist are on the upcoming list.
When: Tuesdays through August at sundown (roughly 8:30)
Price: Free! But BYOBlanket – they don’t like chairs, but if you want a spot for your blanket the best time to snag one is around 7pm.
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DC Restaurant Week
For one week in August (beginning the 17th), restaurants around the DC metro area will offer chef-selected menus of the best food they offer. Go in for either lunch or dinner and get a preset three to four course menu that was designed to impress you. (For those of you wondering: the above photos are from Barcode and yes they are a participating restaurant). Tip: some restaurants ONLY offer these menus during DCRW, so if this doesn’t seem like your thing, check with the restaurant before going.
When: August 17-23
Price: Universally decided on, so no guessing! Lunch $22, dinner $35
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Hike Billy Goat Trail
Get off your ass and go for a walk through a National Park. Located in Montgomery County, the Billy Goat Trail is known for it’s amazing scenery and finale view of the Great Falls on the Potomac River. There are a couple different trails ranging in difficulty, so if you aren’t a gung-ho trailblazer you have options.
When: When you stop being so lazy. Although get moving before sundown – like most national parks, it closes when it’s dark out.
Price: $10 to park. But you should be prepared and pack a bag of essentials (water, snacks, first aid) for the more experienced trails which could potentially set you back a little also. If you are a morning person, get on the trail by 8am to miss all the crowds.
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Kayak the DC Waterways
What are you afraid of? It’s not like it’s the Hudson (CALM DOWN JERSEY AND NEW YORK. That water is nasty, it is a widely known fact). Not only is it an amazing workout for your arms (by “amazing” we mean “good luck lifting a fork to your face for the next few days”) but it’s a cool way to see the city from another perspective. Literally.
When: All day everyday during the warm season. Depending on what starting location you go you (there are 3), they generally open late morning (10-11) and send the last boats out in the evening (5:30-7). Check the website for location specifics.
Price: $15-30/hour depending on the mode of transportation you want to rent.
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Moonrise Festival
Glow DC takes over the Pimlico Racecourse in Baltimore for a weekend in August for the annual Moonrise Festival. Two days of epic performances and amazing music: this year boasts performances by Bassnectar and the heavy-hitting trio Above & Beyond. Think Coachella just for EDM, but Coachella in it’s pre-commercialized golden days when it was more about the music and less about who was in attendance wearing godknowswhat (although, to be honest, the fashion will probably still be pretty awesome). Complete with iconic ferris wheel.
When: August 8-9
Price: $100-$160. The two-day pass is obviously on the higher end of the price spectrum, but is totally worth it. Have you seen the daily lineups they announced?
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Visit the Beach
Grab some friends you don’t mind sitting in a car with for a mini road trip and enjoy some time next to the waves for a weekend that’ll not only cool you off, but relax you. Get some sun, pay the obligatory visit to Seacrets, and chill the hell out before school starts back up. Because we all need to get away once in a while.
When: When can you take a day or 2 off work?
Price: It varies to be honest. Want to stay in an ocean-side resort this weekend? Okay. Prepare to pay for it. If you want to save a few bucks, look on Groupon for deals or call up hotels directly. And, as much fun as spontaneity may be, planning ahead helps.
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Visit The BEACH
Don’t feel like being in the car for 3 hours? Understandable. Can you make it to the National Building Museum? Their latest exhibit, The Beach, has DC residents going nuts because it’s literally a giant ball pit for grown ups. Bonus: they’ve recruited some seriously delicious kitchens to provide food and drink options for guests. Our suggestion? Go on a Wednesday – they stay open later for Beach Late Nights, with extended food and beverage hours. (photo by Daniel Arsham)
When: Now through September 7th
Price: $16 for a non-member (if you’re asking “Member of what?”, you aren’t one), and $5 for students – so definitely bring your student ID if you have one.
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Life in Color
RFK hosted last year’s rager and it did not disappoint. This year features fan favorites Adventure Club and Seven Lions. And, since it’s the largest paint party DC has ever seen, we suggest wearing an all white ensemble for some festival-dyed memories you can show off at more shows later. (We also understand that this is technically not during the Summer, but the weather is still going to be hot and sticky so we’re counting it.)
When: September 12th
Price: $50 for general admission, $75 for the VIP Un-leashed ticket.
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Skydive
Go big or go home. And if you want to go big, this is the way to do it – because why not check something off your life’s bucket list while you’re at it? It’s the best time of year to get it done, so wo/man up and make a reservation. What’s the worst that can happen?
When: Destiny
Price: Book online and get a $50 discount: $249 for a weekend jump, $209 weekday.
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Obviously you don’t have to do ALL of these, but you should. Whether you go to small events around the city or mount an expedition across treacherous MoCo terrain, there’s no better time than the Summer to make things happen. And hey – worst case scenario, you at least get a decent story to tell at the next party.
9 Alternatives to Starbucks in DC
Mornings can be the worst. The sun is shining, faces are smiling, well-dressed business people are judging you for maybe being a little hungover on a weekday. Adding a cup of caffeine to your work commute helps to deflate the disappointment of hearing your alarm clock go off too early. And, believe it or not, there are actually places besides Starbucks to get your AM-boost in DC.
See that? No one wants that. Spend your money on something that’s not advertising costly concoctions and extensive lines on every street corner and explore a little: it’s time to expand your coffee drinking horizons.
Pret A Manger
Location: It’s a chain so there are a few locations throughout DC, but most are strategically placed around Metro stops.
Wifi: Free!
Price Range: $1.50 for straight coffee, $2-4 for something fancier, $0 if the barista likes you (not a joke)
Food: The name translates to “ready to eat” – they’re full of daily-made sandwiches and salads you can grab and go. Some choices are a little pricey, but for freshness you can’t find in most chains it’s worth it.
Seating: Yes, although in some locations it’s a little compact or hidden in the back.
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Au Bon Pain
Location: Everywhere, but not Starbucks-everywhere.
Wifi: Free!
Price Range: Similar to Pret, but their cups are HUGE. Get an extra-large iced coffee labeled “medium” for $2.10
Food: So much. It’s first and foremost a bakery so they have a wall of pastries to choose from, but it also has a decent selection of soups and made-to-order sandwiches and salads.
Seating: Yes, but it varies by location.
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Saxby’s
Location: 4 of them: Dupont, McPhereson Sq, the Reagan Building, and Georgetown.
Wifi: Free!
Price Range: Pretty cheap. Their extensive list of 30+ specialty drinks (which include some innovative and delicious options) range from just $3-4
Food: Breakfast, froyo, blended coffee drinks, and smoothies are offered everywhere, but some locations have bonus options like fresh sandwiches.
Seating: Small cafe setting with a few tables and stools – the shops are self-described as “cozy and relaxed” if that tells you anything.
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7-Eleven
Location: Scattered. But odds are you already have one in mind.
Wifi: It’s free, but you have to sign up for it.
Price Range: Don’t underrate this coffee underdog: their self-serve cups of coffee (available in dark roast, light roast, flavored, decaf, etc) are $1.10 for a medium, including self-serve creamer flavors and sugar and whatnot.
Food: What doesn’t 7-11 have? Okay, maybe they don’t have the freshest food, but they do have all of your basic snack necessities, hot-rolling taquitos, and random condiments you probably have in your fridge but don’t remember.
Seating: Nah. Just grab your drink and go. This option is best for those of us who are perpetually running late.
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Peet’s Coffee & Tea
Location: Formerly Caribou Coffee, there are five in DC, all located within 5-6 blocks of the White House.
Wifi: Free!
Price Range: Similar to Starbucks, actually. But with normal names for sizes. They also pride themselves on their history of finding the best roasts from around the world and offer other seasonal and rare options for all of you coffee connoisseurs out there. They also offer a unique drink called “The Black Tie” (pictured above right) which layers cold brew coffee with condensed milk and simple syrup. Actually, you should go just to try that. Then come back and thank us because you’re welcome.
Food: A few baked goods and sandwiches made locally and delivered daily.
Seating: Indoor mostly, depending on location and season.
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Filter Coffee House & Espresso Bar
Location: Three – Dupont, Foggy Bottom, and Brookland.
Wifi: Free!
Price Range: Moderate, but appropriate. They “craft” their cups of coffee.
Food: Pastries for the most part. Although they have joined up with other local businesses to cross promote other items like more coffee, baked goods, and pizza.
Seating: Yes! Filter is popular among locals so it’s a really friendly place in the morning if you have the time to sit and hang out, although some say it morphs into a quiet, laptop-laden lounge during the day if you prefer to sit, work, and be antisocial.
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The Wydown Coffee Bar
Location: 1924 14th St NW
Wifi: Nope, so if you plan on being there for an extended period of time make sure you bring something to do besides stare at your screen.
Price Range: Low. Especially for a place that has such rave reviews on their cappuccinos and vegan pumpkin muffins.
Food: Baked goods made on site.
Seating: Limited communal tables.
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Chinatown Coffee
Location: 475 H St NW
Wifi: Yes, but the connection is notoriously weak.
Price Range: Depends on the complexity of your order. Want a cup of black coffee? $1.82. Want a hand-poured french-press cafe latte extra foam turbo shot whiplash? $7.50.
Food: Pastries and gelatos and whatever “specialty toasts” are. But this place ups the ante by adding alcoholic options to the list.
Seating: Most definitely. This a prime spot to sit and enjoy your beverage with a friend.
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Peregrine Espresso
Location: Three of them: Eastern Market, Union Market, and 14th Street
Wifi: Nope.
Price Range: $2-3 for your average cup. Almost all reviews attest to the fact that they serve quality coffee, espressos, and latte art.
Food: Small snacks – mostly biscuits and cookies.
Seating: Outdoor and indoor, depending on location.
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When all else fails and you can’t (a) find any of these other options fast/conveniently enough or (b) just can’t let go of your precious seasonal latte:
Starbucks
Location: Walk 1 block in any direction.
Wifi: You know it does.
Price Range: $2 for a plain coffee, $5+ for something swankier, $87 if you want to try to beat the world record (still not joking).
Food: Mostly cookies and snacks, some fruit, a couple fancy breakfast sandwiches they reheat in a less-than-fancy industrial microwave.
Seating: Always indoors, sometimes outdoors. Depends on the location and season.
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There you have it. Options. Honestly, we couldn’t care less if you go to one of these awesome places or end up going back to the ‘bucks, but we highly advise against going with the latter. Save your money for more important things like food, travel, and alcohol. Shit, save even a dollar and you’ve paid for a drink at ONE at Barcode. What really matters here is you find something you like that helps you make it through the morning (and possibly the day – there’s no shame in going back for seconds or fourths).
Panorama Productions: NOW HIRING!
Join our team of Event Coordinators, VIP Hosts, and Promoters!
- Must be over the age of 18
- Experience with club and/or party promoting
- Excellent time management skills
- Familiar with our venues (Barcode, Ultrabar, Echostage)
- Must live in the DMV area
Soundcheck: NOW HIRING
Naughty Santa: 12.24.16 at Ultrabar
DCCLUBBING PRESENTS:
Naughty Santa
Saturday, December 24, 2016
Ultrabar • 911 F Street NW • Washington, DC
On Saturday night, we’ll see you at Ultrabar as we bring to you our Naughty Santa party, which is guaranteed to add some sexy spirit to your holiday season. On five different levels of clubbing do expect a one hour open bar to set the day before the biggest gift giving and season’s greetings day of the year off just right. We’re looking forward to make this your happiest — no, scratch that, most incredible — holiday weekend night.
- 5 Levels, 4 DJs spinning Top 40, House and International
- $300 table special: Stoli, Bacardi, and House Champagne
- $350 table special: Stoli, Jack, and House Champagne
- Bottle service available at (202) 638-4663
- Ages 18+ w/ valid ID
- Dress code: Dressy Casual. Guys: No boots, no sneakers, no t-shirts, no grungy or athletic clothes, Girls: Keep it classy.
Music Format:
– Main Floor: DJ Kam (Top 40, Mashups, Hip Hop)
– Bedroom: DJ Destroyer (Hip Hop)
– Chroma : DJ Dale & DJ Reckless (Latin & International)
– Basement: DJ George Tsakiris (Dance, Top 40)
Ultrabar
911 F St. NW Washington DC 2000
Nearest metro: Gallery Place. 202.638.4663
Independence Weekend Beach Party at Ultrabar
DCClubbing Presents:
Independence Weekend Beach Party
Sunday, July 3, 2016
Ultrabar • 911 F Street NW • Washington, DC
It’s Independence Day Weekend and we’re bringing you the beach! No work or school on the 4th of July! Grab your shades and flip flops! We will provide the rest!
No dress code, beach attire is accepted!
Open Bar 10pm-11pm
DJ SAAM
Music: Top 40, House and International
$350 table special: Jack, Stoli, and House Champagne
Bottle service available at (202) 638-4663
Ages 18+ w/ valid ID
Dress Code: NONE
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911 F Street NW, Washington DC
Nearest Metro station: Gallery Place/Chinatown (Red and Yellow/Green lin
Summer Concerts in DC
Summer has finally arrived and DC! The best time of year for outdoor concerts, stadium-packed shows, and serious summer lineups. This summer is on pace to be one of the most epic so far: Foo Fighters, Nicki Minaj, the Moonrise Festival, and so much more. Better start budgeting your Summer cash now, because you are probably going to want to see all of these. And by probably, I mean definitely.
Third Eye Blind and Dashboard Confessional
When: June 17, 2015
Where: Peir 6 Pavilion
Tickets: Ticketfly
Tell the angst-ridden teen in you that is freaking out over this to take a couple of deep breaths and then reassure them that yes: this is indeed real. The emo royals who once ruled your AIM profile (don’t lie) and sang about “screaming infidelities” is reuniting for the first time in 5 years with none other than Third Eye Blind. Need I say more?
Panda Funk
ft. Dirty Audio, Deorro, Zoo Funktion, and Iez
When: June 26, 2015
Where: Echostage
Tickets: Wantickets
“What good is art if no one gets to enjoy it?” Excellent question, Deorro. Panda Funk, lead by Deorro himself, is a west coast record label that prides itself on discovering new artists and letting them explore their capabilities. They aim to keep music as authentic and real as possible, and their show this summer at Echostage should prove to any skeptics just what they’re about.
Foo Fighters 20th Anniversary Blowout
When: July 7, 2015
Where: RFK Stadium
Tickets: Ticketmaster
Saying that this is a concert of colossal proportions would still be putting it mildly. To celebrate their 20th anniversary as one of the greatest, most influential rock bands alive (not to mention the coolest – have you ever read an interview with Dave Grohl? What a guy), the band is bringing together many of the groundbreaking American acts featured in their HBO docuseries, Sonic Highways: Buddy Guy, Gary Clark Jr., Heart, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, LL Cool J feat. DJ Z-Trip – the list just goes on.
In the words of Wayne and Garth: We’re not worthy!
Taylor Swift
When: July 13-14, 2015
Where: Nationals Park
Tickets: Tickets.com
Leave a blank space in your calendar open! It’s time to party like it’s 1989! If you can’t make it one day, shake it off because there’s a second show!
I’ll stop.
But in all seriousness, my girl T-Swift deserves some credit: Her last album shattered the sales of whatever it was Justin Beiber put out and that is something everyone can get on board with. She’s also broken a few Guinness records that haven’t been touched (or realized) since the pre-Napster and mp3 days when TRL was the deciding factor of who achieved platinum status (#throwback #missyouCarson #rememberwhenDiddyranonthattreadmill?). And she’s coming to DC’s beloved Nationals Park.
Adventure Club
When: July 17, 2015
Where: Echostage
Tickets: Wantickets
The Montreal duo started out as a pop-punk band, but after getting bored they switched to the high energy dubstep genre of EDM, generating their initial fan base with a remix of Brand New’s “Daisy”. Taking influence from Echostage veterans such as Tiesto, Skrillex, and Flux Pavillion, Adventure Club’s high energy Christian Srigley and Leighton James are no strangers to the festival circuit: appearing at both EDC Vegas and Ultra Miami in the past few years – their DC show will most definitely be worth checking out.
Nicki Minaj
When: July 22, 2015
Where: Jiffy Lube Live
Tickets: Live Nation
Nicki Minaj’s The Pinkprint Tour hits Jiffy Lube Live this July, bringing special guests Meek Mill, Rae Sremmurd, Tenashe, and Dej Loaf with her. If the trap/rap/pop mix on her December ’14 album is any indication of this tour’s direction, it’ll definitely be a rager on pace with the over-the-top style and attitude we’ve all come to know and love.
Flo Rida
When: July 24, 2015
Where: Echostage
Tickets: Ticketmaster
Southern rapper Flo Rida makes his Echostage debut this July following his October 2014 EP release My House. Having performed and worked with artists such as DJ Khaled, Rick Ross, Trick Daddy, and, of course, T-Pain (a collab which resulted in a Grammy win for “Low”), this show is sure to be a blowout. Tables and tickets are still available for now, but will more than likely sell out soon. If you want to be a part of this party, I’d get on it quick.
Milky Chance
When: July 27, 2015
Where: Echostage
Tickets: Ticketmaster
The German duo Milky Chance are quickly rising to fame with their laid-back blend of slinky dance beats, acoustic details, and soulful vocals. Their hit single “Stolen Dance” came out in 2013, but didn’t catch on stateside until late 2014. When it did, though, the song shot to #39 on the Billboard Top 100 in just a few short weeks. Still not sold? Give “Down by the River” and “Flashed Junk Mind” a listen, I dare you to not immediately purchase tickets.
Moonrise Festival
When: August 8-9, 2015
Where: Pimlico Race Course
Tickets: Ticketmaster
Oh. Shit.
It’s back: two days of the best music Glow DC has to offer – which, coming from the people who put the #2 club in the country on the map, is a whole lot. Think Coachella just for EDM, but Coachella in it’s pre-commercialized golden days when it was more about the music and less about who was in attendance wearing godknowswhat (although, to be honest, the fashion will probably still be pretty awesome). Not as awesome as the acts themselves, though: check ClubGlow.com for lineup announcements leading up to the big day.
J. Cole
with special guests Big Sean, Jeremih, and YG
When: August 9, 2015
Where: Jiffy Lube Live
Tickets: Ticketmonster
J. Cole brings his Forest Hills Drive tour to VA this Summer, accompanied by hiphop artist Big Sean, contemporary R&B singer Jeremih, and Compton rapper YG (you may recognize those last two from the radio-regular earworm “Don’t Tell ‘Em”). Approved and promoted by Jay-Z, J. Cole has been known to put on a energetic, diverse show: blending rap with jazz, R&B, funk, and neo soul with a love of storytelling. If anything, you should go to this purely for the “I heard it first” bragging rights – Billboard is predicting big things for guy’s future.
Twenty One Pilots
with special guest Echosmith
When: September 8-9, 2015
Where: Echostage
Tickets: Ticketmaster
Anyone who has lived in the DMV area knows that September still counts as Summer, so finish yours off with a show that has been selling so well and so fast they added a second night. Animated indie-rockers Twenty-One Pilots mix elements of hip hop, hard rock, and pop into performances that have consistently left fans wanting more. Bonus: Echosmith is their special guest. Be there and be like the cool kids (zing!).
For more shows, updates, and other DCClubbing events: visit our Event Calendar and our friends at Club Glow and Echostage!
Saturdays: Ladies Night at Ultrabar Nightclub
Bottle Specials:
- $300 table special: Absolut, Bacardi, and House Champagne
- $350 table special: Absolut, Jack, and House Champagne
Music:
- Main Floor: Dance & Top 40
- Bedroom (second floor): Latin & International
- Chroma: Hip Hop & Top 40
- Basement: Mashups
Discounted Admission: See Event Passes
Hours:
9:30pm-3am
Age Requirement and Dress Code:
Open to ages 18+, Proper ID and Attire is Required. Dress Smart: no Timberlands, no sneakers, no t-shirts, no grungy or athletic clothes, no camo. Keep it classy.
Learn more about Ultrabar Nightclub DC
Location, Info:
911 F St. NW Washington DC 20004. Nearest metro: Gallery Place. 202 638 4663
More details about Ultrabar
A staple of DC club events, Ladies Night at Ultrabar Nightclub DC features 6 Bars, 5 levels and 4 DJs.
Hardwood floors, marble bartops, stainless steel accents and pounding subs have made Ultrabar a DC nightlife destination for years. With VIP/private table seating available on all floors, its a place to go reckless on the floor and party in style with your friends.
Take an inside look at Ultrabar!
Armin Van Buuren: 9.24.15 at Echostage
Glow Washington DC presents:
Armin Van Buuren
September 24, 2015
2135 Queens Chapel Road NE • Washington, DC
For more than 15 years, the Grammy-nominated Dutchman has been living to the rhythm of his own international success. His 5-time number one position in the critically acclaimed DJ Mag Top 100 poll has been the result of his loyalty to fans, his creativity in the studio, the perseverance with which he hosts his weekly radio show ‘A State of Trance’, and the energy he brings to the crowds in front of him. Despite the heavy pressure that comes along with being one of the world’s most popular DJs, Armin has always kept his focus on the music. And that’s exactly what keeps him going.
Echoversary: 9.18.15 + 9.19.15
Glow Washington DC presents:
Echoversary
Celebrating 3 Years of Echostage
September 18-19, 2015
2135 Queens Chapel Road NE • Washington, DC
Join us in celebration as we commemorate 3 amazing years at Echostage with a two-night blowout featuring Tchami, Bingo Players, and Henry Fong! Check back for updates on what is sure to be an epic September lineup!
