Good morning, genius squad!
The smartest minds in Potomac are gathering weekly to battle over obscure Supreme Court cases and forgotten one-hit wonders for actual cash prizes, while others are still trying to figure out how to book that floating tiki bar before it sells out for the summer. But don't worry—we've curated the best local news, events, and music to keep you informed and entertained.
Thank you for all the 'Live & Local-ish Music' feedback last week. Results are in and Bethesda/Chevy Chase venues got absolutely zero love, so consider those officially off the list!
Pour that BYOB beverage and let's dive in…
THE LOCAL LOWDOWN
How Potomac's Smartest Gather for High-Stakes Trivia

What do presidential succession, 1990s sitcoms, and the periodic table have in common?
They're all fair game at BP Trivia Live, where Potomac's sharpest minds assemble each week to prove that knowledge truly is power. Four beloved local spots have embraced this competitive general knowledge trivia league, each offering its own flavor of cerebral combat. You read that right. These weekly gatherings aren't just your garden-variety pub quiz—they're part of a sophisticated league system across the DMV with monthly qualifiers, seasonal tournaments, and a grand prize of $1,000 cash. Here’s where you can join the action locally:
Quincy's Potomac Bar & Grille - Mondays, 6:30 PM
Whelan's Beer & Wine - Mondays, 7:00 PM
Hunter's Bar & Grill - Wednesdays, 7:00 PM
Potomac Pizza - Thursdays, 7:00 PM
Teams can have a maximum of 8 players—but you can Ken Jennings your way solo to the championship if you're feeling particularly confident. No cell phones during live questions and no help from people not sitting at your table.
Consistency is key: only teams that play every week in a month + score the highest can qualify for the Finals Tournament, where they'll face off against winners from 17+ other venues from across the DMV for ultimate bragging rights and that coveted $1,000 prize.
Ready to join the fun? The next Finals Tournament kicks off this October so you have the remaining weeks of July to assemble a team and sharpen your skills before competing in August for the last qualifying spot. May the best minds win!
Stay Looped In
⛴ Patowmack Bowfishing Charters has launched The Kountry Tiki from White's Ferry, offering two-hour BYOB Potomac River cruises for up to six guests with onboard bathroom, music, and beach stops.
🏞 Montgomery Parks is seeking public input on its Capital Improvements Program for FY 2027-2032, giving residents until September 1st to formally request more pickleball courts or fewer Canada geese.
🎾The 2025 Mubadala Citi DC Open main draws have been revealed with top seeds Taylor Fritz and Jessica Pegula headlining the tournament, plus a potential All-American quarterfinal showdown between Ben Shelton and DMV native Frances Tiafoe.
THE SOCIAL CALENDAR
Monday, 7/21
Mah Jongg for Beginners. 6pm @ Joy by Seven Reasons
Whether you're a novice or American Mah Jongg master, learn or perfect the ancient tile game over craft cocktails and elevated bites with instructor Caryn Fagan. $50+Mah Jongg card, book through Open Table link. 🀄
PRJC Jazz Talk Series: Oy, That Yiddisha Charleston. 7-8:15pm @ Zoom
The Potomac River Jazz Club explores how Eastern European klezmer music collided with early jazz in immigrant New York, creating quintessentially American sounds. Register by 5:00pm to get Zoom link 🎷
Tuesday, 7/22
Coffee, Bingo, Disco & Root Beer Floats. 10am-1pm @ Potomac Community Rec Center
The Potomac Neighborhood Senior Program hosts another fun morning that transitions from caffeinated socializing to competitive bingo to disco-era cardio, and concluding with root beer floats! Contact Community Rec Center for more details. 🪩
Paper Quilling Earring Workshop. 7-9pm @ Kentland Mansion
Turn strips of paper into wearable art through the meditative craft of quilling, creating lightweight earrings perfect for keeping or gifting. 13+, register in link. 👂
Wednesday, 7/23
A Royal Evening with Dr. Zahi Hawass. 6:00pm @ Washington Convention Center
The "real-life Indiana Jones" unveils ancient Egyptian mysteries and shares never-before-announced discoveries from his latest excavations, including secrets about King Tut and the search for Cleopatra's tomb. $139+, register in link 🗺
Poetry Performance & Conversation. 7-8:30pm @ Bethesda Writers Center
Beloved spoken word poet Sarah Kay discusses her decade-awaited collection A Little Daylight Left with fellow poet Clint Smith in an intimate evening of vulnerability and wisdom. 📗
Thursday, 7/24
Accessory Dwelling Units: State, Local, and Builder Perspectives. 12-1:30pm @ Zoom
Maryland planning experts and builders explore ADU best practices, ordinance changes, and advocacy strategies for creating affordable multi-generational housing solutions. Register in link 🏘
Yappy Hour Supporting Montgomery County Humane Society. 5-8pm @ World of Beer Rockville
Bring your furry friend for paws and pints featuring $7 pup-themed Tito's cocktails, raffle prizes, and giveaways benefiting local animal rescue. Dogs welcome 🐶
Dinnertime Classics: Sylvia Scarlett. 5:30-9pm @ Hillwood Estate
Explore mansion and gardens, dine at Merriweather Café, then at 7:30pm watch Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant in this classic featuring Princess Natalie Paley from Hillwood's current exhibition. A 1930’s costumes at dinner will earn complimentary sparking wine 🍷

Friday, 7/25
Pet Connect Rescue Volunteer + Foster Happy Hour. 5-7pm @ Old Angler’s Inn
Meet fellow animal lovers while learning about volunteer and foster opportunities with Pet Connect Rescue over drinks in support of saving lives. 🐶
Friday’s at the Farm: Family Crab & BBQ Feast. 5:30-8:30pm @ Smokey Glen Farm
All-you-can-eat steamed spiced crabs, barbecued chicken, and spareribs with sides, plus horseshoes, miniature golf, and playground fun for the whole family. Advanced tickets in link 🦀
Foodie Fridays: Connecting Distribution & Food Recovery. 6:30-8:30pm @ Josiah Henson Museum
Learn how Community Food Rescue, Farm to Food Bank, and Nourish Now connect fresh produce to those who need it while addressing food insecurity and reducing waste. $15/$20 for food & drink, register in link 🍽
SECOND CHANCES & SECOND HOMES
Meet Celeste: Your 12-Pound Bundle of Pure Sweetness!

This adorable 12-week-old black lab puppy with a stunning white undercoat is already showing her gentle, loving nature with kids, adults, dogs, and cats alike. Fully vetted and ready to grow up alongside your family, Celeste combines that irresistible big-eyed puppy charm with an outgoing personality that promises years of unconditional love and endless adventures. Request to adopt today!
Should we make "Second Chances & Second Homes" a weekly feature?
🎷 LIVE & LOCAL-ISH MUSIC 🎸
Monday, 7/21
The Irish Inn | Irish Inn Mates | 7-10pm
Hank Dietle’s | Blues Show & Open Jam | 7-11pm
Tuesday, 7/22
Hank Dietle’s | Jay Byrd w/Jerry Del Rosso | 5:30-7:00pm
Hank Dietle’s | Swing 5 Jazz | Jazz w/ Intro Balboa lesson | 7:15-10pm
Wolf Trap The Barns | Salon Series | 7:30pm | TIX
Wednesday, 7/23
Wolf Trap Theatre-in-the-Woods | 123 Andrés | Kids | 10am | TIX
Gaithersburg Concert Pavilion | The Bubbas | Kids | 10:30-11:15am
Hank Dietle’s | Bill Baker Band | Americana| 5:30-7pm
The Irish Inn | Inn House Band | Irish/American folk | 6-9pm
Kennedy Center | Cheikh Ibra Fam | 6pm
Strathmore Lawn | Chopteeth Afrofunk Big Band | 7:30pm
Hank Dietle’s | Rick Whitehead Jazz Trio | 8-10pm
Thursday, 7/24
⭐ Hunters Bar & Grill | Rob Patrick & Friends | Sinatra | 7pm
Hank Dietle’s | Bill Williams | 5:30-7pm
The Irish Inn | Jeff Herbert | 6-9pm
Dogfish Head Alehouse | Lee Allen | 6-9pm
Kennedy Center | Big Richard | 6pm
Pike District Pop-Up Park | The Sidleys | 6-8pm
Gaithersburg Concert Pavilion | Soul Crackers | 6:30-8pm
Wolf Trap Filene Center | Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue | 7pm | TIX
Strathmore Lawn | Lucy Kalantrai & The Jazz Cats | Kids | 7-8pm
Glen Echo Park | U.S. Marine Band Latin Jazz Ensemble | 7:30pm
Hank Dietle’s | The Thrills | 8-10pm
Friday, 7/25
⭐ Whelan’s | Eddie Pasa | 7-10pm
⭐ Old Angler’s Inn | Live Music | 7-10pm
Windridge Vineyards | Joseph Monasterial | 5-8pm
The Crossvines | Live Music | 5-8pm
Hank Dietle’s | The Greek and The Freak | Acoustic | 5:30-7:30pm
Kennedy Center | Justin Kauflin | Jazz Pianist | 6pm
Rocklands Farm Winery | Dave Zelonka | 6-9pm
Rio Lakefront Boardwalk Stage | Film at Eleven | Pop/Rock | 6-9pm
Woodmont Triangle | Rise Band & Show | 6pm
The Square @ Rockville | Pebble to Pearl | Pop | 6-9pm
Brews & Barrels | Duo Caliente | 7-10pm
Java-Nation Rockville | Denise & Curtis | Soul/R&B | 7-9:30pm
Wolf Trap Filene Center | NSO Carmina Burana | 8pm | TIX
Hank Dietle’s | Eric Scott Trio | 9-midnight | TIX
Thanks for reading!
Now go share this with that neighbor who’s still trying to figure out what Mah Jongg is.
-Potomac Loop Team