Start off the week with a rock-star historian and end it with the spectacle of dragons gliding down the Potomac River. In between, mix with a little splash of ginger and take in the second leg of the Triple Crown. The Wright Stuff David McCullough reads from his new book, “The Wright Brothers” at Sixth & I Monday at 7 p.m. The celebrated biographer of such political heavyweights as Harry S. Truman and John Adams chronicles the story of Orville and Wilbur, who pioneered aviation as we know it. Wonder how they’d feel about cellphones in airline cabins now. Ticketed event. Thirty bucks gets you a book and a seat. Go to the Politics and Prose website for purchase.  

Summertime New Belgium Brewing and Girls Pint Out team up to drink up at Roofers Union Thursday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The occasion is the release of New Belgium’s Pear Ginger Beer, and to encourage beer cocktails, hanging out and noshing. It’ll take place in a dozen U.S. cities, from Portland, Ore., to Tucson, Ariz., to our fair city.  

The Ponies The Preakness, the second leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown, takes place Saturday in our neighbor to the north, Baltimore, at its historic Pimlico Race Course. In addition to the race, InfieldFest plays tunes and serves beer to the masses. The days of the Running of the Urinals, Kegasus and such rowdiness are over, but it’s still a day in Charm City at the races. The day before is Black Eyed Susan Day at Pimlico, a more low-key, but still alcohol, pony and music-laden day. For more information, go to www.preakness.com .  

Dragon Life The organizers of the DC Dragon Boat Festival are fired up for the annual festival on the Potomac River this weekend. The Thompson Boat Center and surrounding area will host the festivities, which is set up and hosted by the Chinese Women’s League to promote Chinese culture. Fifty teams, including two made up primarily of congressional aides, will be among the gliding masses May 16 and 17. Food, dancing, all that good stuff will go along with the races.  

The 114th: CQ Roll Call’s Guide to the New Congress


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