Break out the boat shoes and critter pants — this weekend marks the official start of summer in the District! Toast the new season (and the influx of interns and thunderstorms) at one of these bars or events in the days ahead, and remember to raise a glass to those who've died in the name of our country on Memorial Day.

Wednesday, May 22

Cashion’s Eat Place: $30 gets you two drinks and a barbecue sandwich on the patio at this foodie spot’s first monthly Summer Chill Out. Consider it your pre-pre Friday kick-off to the long weekend. Festivities start at 6 PM; purchase tickets in advance here (1819 Columbia Rd NW; 202-797-1819).

Friday, May 24

National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden: BYOB is not condoned at this event (cough, cough) but the garden’s Pavilion Cafe serves up pitchers of tasty sangria during the summer Jazz in the Garden series, which kicks off this weekend at 5 PM (700 Constitution Ave. NW).

Saturday, May 25

Hill Country Barbecue: “Barbecue, bands and beer” is the name of the game at Hill Country’s Backyard Barbecue, now a regular affair at the National Building Museum on Saturdays from 12 PM to 11 PM and Sundays from 12 PM to 9 PM. Enjoy shiner beer and summer cocktails (try the “Museum Porch Swing” with housemade strawberry syrup) with pit-smoked barbecue and live music (5th St. NW between F & G streets; 202-556-2044).

Sunday, May 26

Policy: From 12 PM to 5 PM, the 14th Street nightlife destination hosts its third annual crab festival, at which live music and specials on Blue Moon seasonal brews complement $35 all-you-can-eat crabs and fixings (1904 14th St. NW; 202-387-7654).

Jack Rose Dining Saloon: Starting at 6 PM, matchmaking Facebook app Hinge hosts a Memorial Day barbecue on the roofdeck of this Adams Morgan bar, where your $48 ticket covers an open bar (including specialty cocktails and punches) as well as a bevy of BBQ and games (2007 18th St. NW; 202-588-7388).

Monday, May 27

Poste Moderne Brasserie: Grab a spot in Poste’s tree-lined courtyard garden and sip away the afternoon with Jason Wiles’ craft cocktails — we’ve got our eyes on the Poste Seasonal G&T (555 8th St. NW; 202-783-6060).

Southern Hospitality: SoHo’s happy hour starts at 4pm, and the sizable sidewalk patio is an ideal locale for enjoying $4 select drafts, $5 select wines by the glass, $6 rail drinks and $5 food specials (1815 Adams Mill Rd NW; 202-588-0411).

Biergartenhaus: Score $5 beers and hamburger sliders from 4 PM to 7 PM — you'll want to snag one of the large communal tables outside and kick back with a group (1335 H St. NE; 202-388-4085).

El Centro D.F.: "Nacho Mondays" mean choose-your-own cheese and toppings for $5.95 from 5 PM to close, and happy hour drinks (including the spiked watermelon agua fresca) are just $4 between 5 PM and 7 PM (1819 14th Street NW; 202-328-3131).