Mid-City Dog Days Weekend, Aug 6-7

Over 100 stores, boutiques, restaurants and art galleries throughout MidCity will participate in the 12th Annual Dog Days of August Sidewalk Sale on August 6-7. Much more than a sidewalk sale, Dog Days of August features special events, sales, family events and restaurant deals throughout the 14th Street (MidCity) Corridor, which comprises the area up 14th Street from Florida Avenue to Thomas Circle and just off U Street from 9th to 17th Street.

The weekend is anchored by cultural events including the Studio Theatre Prop & Costume Sale, the highly anticipated annual sell-off from the 2010-2011 season.

On the fashion front, area boutiques including Junction, Urban Essentials, and Rue 14 will feature sales of up to 60% on current season clothing and accessories and other sidewalk specials. Restaurants will be holding special events and offering patrons Dog Days specials on food and libations including Busboys & Poets, CakeLove, and Policy. In addition to the great sales, Dog Days will also feature art, literature and cultural exhibits and performances from Twins Jazz Club and The DC Center for the LGBT Community amongst others.

“Dog Days showcases the incredibly vibrant destination MidCity has become,” says Pixie Windsor, owner of Miss Pixie’s Furnishings and Whatnot. “In one weekend, it brings together all of the best things about the area. It's a yearly tradition for local residents. 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 Ben’s Chili Bowl, the Lincoln Theatre and the Taylor Motors Building that is now home to 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, music clubs, art galleries, restaurants and retailers, which together have made MidCity a burgeoning arts district.

In 2010, the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington honored several MidCity restaurants with its highest accolades including Best New Restaurant (Birch& Barley), Best Neighborhood Restaurant (Cork Wine Bar) and Hottest Restaurant Bar Scene (Churchkey). This year, Birch & Barley’s Kyle Bailey was awarded Rising Culinary Star.

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 by Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, Cork Market & Tasting Room, Cork Wine Bar, Vida Fitness, Miss Pixie’s, Room & Board, Busboys & Poets, Bar Pilar, Café Saint-Ex, and Whole Foods.