We’re settling into a September with gorgeous weather. Here’s how to get out and enjoy it.

Here’s what to do this week in the Washington, D.C. area.

What to do in Washington, D.C.

Dvořák Dreams: An Installation by Refik Anadol: Through Sept. 24, Reach Plaza, free

Cirque du Soleil: “OVO”: Through Sun., Capital One Arena

Chocolate & Wine Tasting: Weds., 7-8:30 p.m., The Chocolate House at 1904 18th Street NW, $55

Sunset Cinema at The Wharf: “My Old Ass”: Thurs., 7 p.m., The Wharf’s Transit Pier, free

Live! At The Library: Film Costume Ball: Thurs., Sept. 12, 6-9 p.m., Library of Congress, free but RSVP required

Walking Town free tours throughout the District: Sept. 14-21, free

Nationals 1924 Championship Centennial Weekend: Fri., Sat. and Sun.

The 1924: A Science Speakeasy: Fri., 6-9 p.m., National Academy of Sciences in Northwest D.C., $20

Things to Do DC 16 hours ago

Where to find presidential debate watch parties and specials in DC

The Scene Aug 27

Cirque du Soleil contortionist offers a preview of ‘Ovo' at Capital One Arena

Don’t Tell Comedy: Fri., various venues, $25

Celebrate Van Ness Main Street: Sat., 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Connecticut Avenue NW between Van Ness and Nebraska, free

Library of Congress Family Day: Hispanic Heritage Month: Sat., 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Thomas Jefferson Building – Great Hall, free

Paramount+ & NPF Present: “Forrest Gump” at the National Mall: Sat., lawn opens at 5 p.m., movie begins at dusk, National Mall near Smithsonian Metro Station and 9th Street, free

Washington Mystics vs.Atlanta Dream: Sun., 3 p.m., Entertainment and Sports Arena

Washington Spirit vs. Portland Thorns: Sun., 1 p.m., Audi Field

What to do in Maryland

Fall Twilight Concert Series: Weds., 6-7 p.m., Brookside Gardens, free
FYI: YötRöx (70’s & 80’s Rock Hits)

The Great Frederick Fair: Sept. 13-21, Frederick, Maryland, $8 in advance or $10 at the gate for adults, free for kids under 10
FYI: Carnival rides and grandstand shows cost extra

Washington Ukrainian Festival: Sept. 13-15, St. Andrews Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral (15100 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring), $20 (Saturday and Sunday) or $15 (Sunday only)

Maryland Seafood Festival: Sept. 14-15, Sat. and Sun., Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis, $15+ (kids 12 and under can go for free with a paying adult)

Acoustics & Ales: Fri., 5-7:30 p.m., North Four Corners Local Park in Silver Spring, free entry

Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival: Sat., Sept. 14, Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, free entry, parking is $10 in advance, $15 day of

Latinas in Aviation Global Festival: Sat., College Park Aviation Museum, free

DC Polo Society | End of Summer Social: Sat., Congressional Polo Club in Poolesville, Maryland, $28.45 – $35

Hispanic Festival: Sun., Sept. 15, 12:30-5:30 p.m., Lane Manor Splash Park in Hyattsville, free

Commanders vs. New York Giants: Sun., 1 p.m., Northwest Stadium in Landover

Maryland Restaurant Week: Sept. 13-22

Brushes and Beats: A Go-Go Themed Youth Paint & Sip: Sun., Arts’tination in Oxon Hill, free with RSVP

What to do in Virginia

Cox Farms Fall Festival: Select days from Sept. 15 to Nov. 5, Centreville, $10-$25

Solheim Cup: Through Sun., Gainesville, $65 and up for adults

22nd Annual Alexandria Old Town Art Festival: Sat. and Sun., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 300 John Carlyle St. in Alexandria, free

Torpedo Factory Art Center’s 50th Anniversary: Fri. to Sun., Alexandria

Virginia Native American Festival: Sat., 10 a.m., Riverbend Park in Great Falls, $12

Falls Church Festival: Sat., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Falls Church City Hall and Community Center, free

Fall Family Fest: Sat., noon to 4 p.m., Perch Putt rooftop in Tyson’s Corner, free ticket with registration

NOVA Family Fair: Sat., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Vienna Volunteer Fire Department, free

Moon Festival – Tết Trung Thu at Eden Center: Sat., noon to 5 p.m., Eden Center in Falls Church, free entry

Welcoming Week Family Storytime: Sun., 2-4 p.m., 418 S Washington St. in Alexandria, free

“Encanto” characters at Shipgarten: Sun., noon to 6 p.m., McLean, free entry

Coming up soon

NMWA Nights: Weds., Sept. 18, 5:30 to 8 p.m., National Museum of Women in the Arts, $22-$25

H Street Festival: Sat., Sept. 21, H Street Northeast, free entry

Fields of Fear at Cox Farms: Sept. 20 to Nov. 2, Centreville, Virginia, $30-$40

Want to know what’s up for your weekend? Sign up for The Weekend Scene, our newsletter about events, experiences and adventures for you and for your family around the DMV.

If you’re here, you likely know that Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump will face off for the first time in a debate hosted by ABC News on Tuesday. NBC News will broadcast the full debate live and offer primetime coverage starting at 8 p.m.

If you want to watch with some fellow election nerds (and perhaps an on-theme drink), D.C. is the place to be.

In general, we recommend making reservations or at least showing up early to snag a seat.

Here are watch parties and specials for your debate night.

Presidential debate watch parties in the DC area

The Admiral
1 Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C.
Details

Tune into the debate on 15 TVs inside and on the patio. Quench your thirst with Blue Wave and Red State shots ($6.50), discounted draft refills ($5.75) or a burger, fries and beer special ($17.99).

All-Purpose takeout specials
Shaw, Riverfront and AP Pizza Shop in Bethesda
Details

Picking up pizza for a private watch party? Three All-Purpose locations will offer free focaccia breadsticks or garlic bread for any to-go order over $50. You must order online and use promo code VOTE.

Boundary Stone
116 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, D.C.
Reservations

This Bloomingdale pub will show the debate at full volume and serve a drink called Kamala’s Coconut Daiquiri, made with local Cotton & Reed rum.

Johnny Pistolas
2333 18th St NW, Washington, D.C.
Details

Watch the debate projected on a 12.5-foot screen while sampling $10 drink specials including the Filibuster Buzz, the Bipartisan Breeze and the Swing State Sangria.

Madhatter
1319 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington D.C.
Details

The Trump vs. Harris showdown will be shown on all TVs – with the sound on – at this Dupont bar and restaurant. Specials include $8 smash burgers, $5 Jello-O shots and Taco Tuesday deals.

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metrobar
640 Rhode Island Avenue Northeast Washington, D.C.
Details

The transit-themed bar’s debate watch party coincides with specials for Industry Night and the “Beetlejuice” sequel at the Metro-themed bar. You’ll find $9 specialty cocktails from 4-11 p.m.

Royal Sands Social Club
26 N Street SE, Washington, D.C.
Details

Dip into the pool-themed bar for Brat or Mar-a-Lago Punch shots ($6.50). Other specials include $6 Kona drafts, $10 frozen drinks, $2 off sushi rolls and a $10.50 slider trio.

Large groups are welcome to watch the debate on 25 TVs.

Shaw’s Tavern
520 Florida Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.
Details

Enjoy taco and margarita specials while the debate is shown on TVs on two floors and the covered patio. Doors open at 7 p.m. Grab a reservation for a table or show up early for a seat at the bar.

Solaire Social
8200 Dixon Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland
Details

The new food hall in Silver Spring will offer an all-day happy hour to soothe any debate-related nerves. You’ll also find $20 beer pitchers or buckets, plus Tequila Tuesday specials.

Whitlow’s Debate Watch Bingo Party
901 U Street NW, Washington, D.C.
Details

Whitlow’s adds a twist to their debate watch party with a Bingo game built around campaign buzzwords. Winners could get prizes including Whitlow’s t-shirts and gift cards.

Head to the second floor of Whitlow’s to play and watch the debate on five TVs and a large screen.

Union Pub
201 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, D.C.
Details

For one of D.C.’s most politically-oriented bars steps from the U.S. Capitol, debate night is basically the Super Bowl.

Sip on coconut or orange drinks, join a drinking game and grab specials including $4 shots and discounted pitches and beer buckets.

Make reservations or get there early (very early) to beat the crowd.

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It feels like fall, y’all! Time to plan an apple-picking day trip in Maryland or Virginia.

The Red Line shutdown is over just in time to Metro to the Bethesda Row Arts Festival, Adams Morgan Day or the D.C. State Fair (Yes, the District has a state fair! It’s near Metro Center station).

Here are four things to know for your weekend:

• Weekend Weather: Sunday is looking like the best day of the weekend thanks to Saturday showers. Here’s the forecast.
• Football is back, baby! It’s Commanders vs. Buccaneers at home this Sunday.
• Say hi to Telemundo 44 and meet some of your favorite reporters and anchors at the Festival Salvadoreñisimo this Sunday.
• Adoption centers around the DMV are waiving fees for Clear The Shelters!

Weekend highlights

Free pick
Bethesda Row Arts Festival
Sat. and Sun., near Elm Street and Woodmont Avenue
🔗 Details

There is real competition to get a spot at the Bethesda Row Arts Festival, conveniently located in Bethesda Row. Artists from all over the East Coast and dozens of local creators were selected for the largest juried art fair in the D.C. area. Last year, Ruth Becker welcomed us into her studio to show off her creative treasures.

Jewelry, oils, watercolors, ceramics, fiber, sculpture and many more styles will be on display – you might need both days to check it all out. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Free pick
One Lacrosse Gathering Celebration
Sat., National Mall, free
🔗 Details

The inaugural One Lacrosse Gathering Celebration shows America’s oldest team sport like you’ve never seen it before.

The game is rooted in Native American tradition and dates back to the year 1100.

The President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition looks to make lacrosse accessible to anyone at the National Mall’s JFK Fields. Look for representation from tribal communities and pick-up games for newbies and more experienced players. Howard University’s women’s team will be on hand, too.

Fun fact: Lacrosse will be played in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

• The Future Scene: The JFK Fields along the Tidal Basin are also the site for the upcoming National Mall of Pickleball later this month.

Free pick
DC State Fair
Sat., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Franklin Park in downtown D.C.
🔗 Details

County fair season isn’t over yet. The last weekend of the Maryland State Fair might top your list for agricultural adventures, but don’t sleep on D.C.

The D.C. State Fair won’t be awarding sheep ribbons, but go to celebrate the food, products, culture, performance and civic orgs that make D.C. proud.

Highlights are sure to be Jump DC’s jump rope performance and the National Hand Dance Association taking center stage.

• Coming soon: The Great Frederick Fair is set for Sept. 13-21.

Free pick
Adams Morgan Day
Sun., noon to 8 p.m., Marie Reed school and Kalorama Park
🔗 Details

For the 46th year, AdMo invites everyone into its streets for music, dance, food and some brews.

Of note, the legendary Blackbyrds will make a rare appearance, headlining the Marie Reed school field at 7 p.m. after a day of international adventure at the Dance Plaza.

Stroll 18th Street NW, check out the local shops and make some new friends. Also enjoy programming from the D.C. library, American University, photo exhibits, kids’ sports clinics and a day of melodies at Kalorama Park.

Doggy swims

Pools are embracing the dog days of summer.

D.C. dogs are invited to four city pools this Saturday for the annual Doggie Day Swim. It’s free, but show up with your dog’s original D.C. Health-issued license and tag.

In Virginia, you can sign up your pooch to swim with other dogs at Water Mine Family Swimming Hole in Reston on Saturday. It costs $10 per dog, and all proceeds help the Fairfax County Animal Shelter.

• Speaking of supporting local animals, our annual Clear the Shelters campaign is wrapping up. Many local shelters are offering free adoptions through Sept. 10. Enter your zip code here to find one near you.

Concerts this weekend

Waxahatchee, 7 p.m. Friday, Wolf Trap, $49+

Katie Crutchfield’s increasingly folk/country-leaning alt-rock gets support from Snail Mail, the indie rock project of Ellicott City’s Lindsey Jordan. Details.

The Descendents/Circle Jerks/Buzzcocks, 6:30 p.m. Friday, Fillmore Silver Spring, $59

Incredible classic punk triple bill with the original pop-punks (Descendents), seminal hardcore band (Circle Jerks) and what’s left of one of the original British punk bands (Buzzcocks). Tickets.

Oceanator, 10 p.m. Friday, Comet Ping Pong, $19.78

Singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Elise Okusami comes to town a week after the release of her third LP. “Everything Is Love and Death” is as powerful, driving and hooky as anything she’s released before. Details.

Clutch, 7 p.m. Saturday, The Anthem, $45-$75

Two of the heaviest hard rock bands of the past few decades — including our boys from Seneca Valley High School (Clutch) — have joined for a co-headlining fall tour. Details.

Things to do in D.C.

Sunset Cinema at The Wharf: “King Richard”: Thurs., 7 p.m., The Wharf’s Transit Pier, free

Don’t Tell Comedy “secret shows”: Fri. and Sat., various venues, $25

One Lacrosse Gathering Celebration: Sat., National Mall, free

D.C. State Fair: Sat., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Franklin Park in downtown D.C., free entry

DC Bike Ride: Sat., begins on Constitution Avenue, various prices (registration closes Thursday)

Doggie Day Swim DC: Sat., 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., free but current D.C. dog license required

• Four pools participating: Langdon Park Pool in Northeast, Ridge Road Pool in Southeast and Francis and Upshut pools in Northwest

Jazz in The Parks: Lenny Robinson & Exploration with Special Guest Marshall Keys with opener Music with Mr. Rob: Sat., The Parks at Walter Reed, free

Women in Sports ’24 with US Open Women’s Finals on the big screen and golf simulator: Sat., noon to 8 p.m., The Wharf, free

Washington Spirit vs. Portland Thorns: Sat., 12:30 p.m., Audi Field

Boot ‘N Scoot At Hi Lawn: Sat. and Sun., Hi Lawn at Union Market, $10-$15

Adams Morgan Day: Sun., noon to 8 p.m., Marie Reed school and Kalorama Park, free

Injera Festival: Sun., 2-9 p.m., The Bullpen in Southeast, $15+

Washington Mystics vs. Minnesota Lynx: Sun., 3 p.m., Entertainment and Sports Arena

Things to do in Maryland

Bethesda Row Arts Festival: Sat. and Sun., near Elm Street and Woodmont Avenue, free entry

Mount Rainier Day Festival: Sat., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mount Rainier Nature Center, free

Silver Spring Jazz Festival: Sat., 3-10 p.m., Veterans Plaza, free (no ticket required)

Festival Salvadoreñisimo: Sun., 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Gaithersburg, $50+

Takoma Park Folk Festival: Sun., 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Takoma Park Middle School, free

Commanders vs. Buccaneers: Sun., 4:25 p.m., Northwest Stadium in Landover

Maryland State Fair: Aug. 29-Sept. 2 and Sept. 5-8, Lutherville-Timonium, $11-$16

Maryland Renaissance Festival: Through Oct. 20, Annapolis, Maryland, $26+ for adult tickets through Sept. 8

Things to do in Virginia

Dog Daze canine swim: Sat., 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.,  The Water Mine in Reston, $10 per dog

Rosslyn Jazz Fest: Sat., 1-7 p.m., Gateway Park on Langston Blvd, free

US Asian Fest: Sat., 2-9 p.m., One Loudoun, $15-$100

Fall Plant and Garden Sale: Sat., 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Mount Vernon overflow parking lot, free entry

The Future Scene

•  The Washington Mystics play the Indiana Fever (you know, Caitlin Clark’s team!) at Capital One Arena next Thursday, Sept. 19.
• Theater Week will bring discounts on shows in the D.C. area from Sept. 26 to Oct. 13. Tickets go on sale Monday!
• Night of the Living Zoo is coming back from the dead! Tickets cost $65 for nonmembers and are on sale now.
• Ever wanted to tour the White House while it’s decked out for Christmas? You can book tours up to 90 days in advance, so it’s a good time to think about contacting your representative for a holiday season tour!

Want to know what’s up for your weekend? Sign up for The Weekend Scene, our newsletter about events, experiences and adventures for you and for your family around the DMV.

National Gallery Nights begin Thursday, Sept. 12 with the theme A Night in Paris. The East Building will transform into a Parisian escape with can-can dancers and a DJ spinning French tunes at an outdoor bar. Visitors can explore the “Paris 1874: The Impressionist Moment” exhibit with paintings by Claude Monet, Auguste Renoir and more. Join the lottery here.

Tickets will be given away through a lottery system. The lottery will open 10 days before each event, and winners will be notified via email the Friday before the event.

The lottery for A Night In Paris is set to close at noon Thursday. Limited walk-up tickets will also be available on the day of the event.

There will also be activities on the 4th Street Plaza that don’t require tickets.

National Gallery Nights is set to celebrate Día de los Muertos in October and D.C. culture in November.

National Gallery Nights dates

• Sept. 12, A Night in Paris (Ticket lottery open from Monday, Sept. 2 to Thurs., Sept. 5)
• Oct. 10: Día de los Muertos Celebration (Ticket lottery open from Monday, Sept. 30 to Thursday, Oct. 3)
• Nov. 14: To the District, with Love (Ticket lottery open from Monday, Nov. 4 to Thursday, Nov. 7)

Want to know what’s up for your weekend? Sign up for The Weekend Scene, our newsletter about events, experiences and adventures for you and for your family around the DMV.

We hope your final hurrah of summer was a memorable one! September is coming in with a fall-like feeling, and we’re here for it.

Here’s what to do this week in the Washington, D.C. area.

What to do in Washington, D.C.

Sunset Cinema at The Wharf: “King Richard”: Thurs., 7 p.m., The Wharf’s Transit Pier, free

Don’t Tell Comedy: Fri. and Sat., various venues, $25

One Lacrosse Gathering Celebration: Sat., National Mall, free

D.C. State Fair: Sat., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Franklin Park in downtown D.C., free entry

DC Bike Ride: Sat., begins on Constitution Avenue, various prices (registration closes Thursday)

Doggie Day Swim DC: Sat., 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., free but current D.C. dog license required

• Four pools participating: Langdon Park Pool in Northeast, Ridge Road Pool in Southeast and Francis and Upshut pools in Northwest

Jazz in The Parks: Lenny Robinson & Exploration with Special Guest Marshall Keys with opener Music with Mr. Rob: Sat., The Parks at Walter Reed, free

Women in Sports ’24 with US Open Women’s Finals on the big screen and golf simulator: Sat., noon to 8 p.m., The Wharf, free

Washington Spirit vs. Portland Thorns: Sat., 12:30 p.m., Audi Field

Boot ‘N Scoot At Hi Lawn: Sat. and Sun., Hi Lawn at Union Market, $10-$15

Adams Morgan Day: Sun., noon to 8 p.m., Marie Reed school and Kalorama Park, free

Injera Festival: Sun., 2-9 p.m., The Bullpen in Southeast, $15+

Washington Mystics vs. Minnesota Lynx: Sun., 3 p.m., Entertainment and Sports Arena

What to do in Maryland

Fall Twilight Concert Series: Weds., 6-7 p.m., Brookside Gardens, free

• FYI: Kiti Gartner & the Drifting Valentines (Rockabilly/Classic Country/Western Swing)

Bethesda Row Arts Festival: Sat. and Sun., near Elm Street and Woodmont Avenue, free entry

Mount Rainier Day Festival: Sat., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mount Rainier Nature Center, free

Silver Spring Jazz Festival: Sat., 3-10 p.m., Veterans Plaza, free (no ticket required)

Festival Salvadoreñisimo: Sun., 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Gaithersburg, $50+

Things to Do DC Sep 4

National Gallery Nights return this fall. Here's how to get tickets

The Scene Aug 27

Cirque du Soleil contortionist offers a preview of ‘Ovo' at Capital One Arena

Takoma Park Folk Festival: Sun., 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Takoma Park Middle School, free

Commanders vs. Buccaneers: Sun., 4:25 p.m., Northwest Stadium in Landover

Maryland State Fair: Aug. 29-Sept. 2 and Sept. 5-8, Lutherville-Timonium, $11-$16

Maryland Renaissance Festival: Through Oct. 20, Annapolis, Maryland, $26+ for adult tickets through Sept. 8

What to do in Virginia

Dog Daze canine swim: Sat., 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.,  The Water Mine in Reston, $10 per dog

Rosslyn Jazz Fest: Sat., 1-7 p.m., Gateway Park on Langston Blvd, free

US Asian Fest: Sat., 2-9 p.m., One Loudoun, $15-$100

Fall Plant and Garden Sale: Sat., 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Mount Vernon overflow parking lot, free entry

Coming up soon

Nicki Minaj: Pink Friday 2 World Tour: Mon., Sept. 9, 9 p.m., Capital One Arena, $40+

Washington Mystics vs. Indiana Fever: Thurs., Sept. 19, 7 p.m., Capital One Arena, $45+

HFStival: Sat., Sept. 21, Nationals Park, $150-$250

Want to know what’s up for your weekend? Sign up for The Weekend Scene, our newsletter about events, experiences and adventures for you and for your family around the DMV.

Whether your song of the summer was brought to you by Post Malone, Sabrina Carpenter, Shaboozey or Chappell Roan, it’s time to crank up the volume one more time (or a hundred, we’re here for it!). It’s Labor Day weekend, summer’s grand finale.

The hot weather isn’t going anywhere for a while, though. So while your local pool may be having its last hurrah this weekend, you can squeeze in an encore with a beach trip and other water adventures.

Speaking of the forecast: Monday will have the best weather of the weekend, after rain chances on Saturday and Sunday.

We’re still wagging and sniffing for your gold medal-worthy pet posts. Next Friday, we crown the Pat’s Prized Pet for 2024. Honestly… stop everything and treat yourself to these talented pets:

Don’t forget to share your pictures and videos on social before Thursday, Sept. 5 at noon – here are the details!

Weekend highlights

DC JazzFest
Through Sun., various venues and The Wharf, tickets start at $25
🔗 Details

DC JazzFest is coming back for its 20th year with music around the DMV, including some free shows. Think of it as a choose-your-own musical adventure.

The Wharf is going full festival mode this weekend, with two outdoor stages hosting shows from noon to 10 p.m. General admission standing tickets for those performances cost $25 per day. Kids and dogs are allowed!

By night, follow the music indoors to venues including The Anthem, Union Stage and Arena Stage. Seated or VIP tier tickets ($150-$500) grant you access to these shows. BUT, you can buy single tickets to some indoor shows, including most things at Union Stage.

Here’s the full schedule, including details on weeknight concerts.

Pro tip: Don’t miss the free performances!

• Free concerts will happen along The Wharf’s promenade
• Ebban & Ephraim Dorsey: Thu., 6 p.m., Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage 
• Shannon Gunn’s Saffron Ensemble: Fri., 6 p.m., Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage

Free pick
Greenbelt Labor Day Festival
Fri. to Mon.
🔗 Details

Greenbelt is working overtime to bring you a four-day Labor Day Festival with great food, music, a carnival and rides.

It’s free to go, but ride wristbands cost extra. You can pick up a voucher for a $20 ride wristband at the Greenbelt Co-op Supermarket through Thursday. Otherwise, all-you-can-ride wristbands will cost $35.

The Historic Roosevelt Center is the place to be for a party that’s been happening for 70 years!

Check out the full schedule here.

Don’t Tell Comedy
Fri., plus later dates, various venues
🔗 Details

Don’t Tell Comedy, which specializes in pop-up shows, is coming to venues in D.C. this weekend and later in the fall.

Free pick
Patsy Cline Block Party
Sat., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Patsy Cline Historic House in Winchester, Virginia
🔗 Details

If you’re feeling a little crazy, head to Winchester, Virginia for the Patsy Cline Block Party. Cline’s hometown festival features a lot of music.

To celebrate what would have been her 92nd birthday, there will also be food trucks, old-school soft drinks at Gaunt’s Drugstore (where the singer spent her teenage years as a soda jerk!) and tours of the historic house for just $5.

Winchester is also hosting Hungry for History Week with food demos, tastings and more, so you won’t go hungry during a full day out.

Free ice cream at SMiZE & DREAM
Sun., noon, Woodley Park

Tyra Bank’s Woodley Park ice cream shop SMiZE & DREAM is giving out 200 free scoops on Sunday to celebrate a good review from a popular TikTok food critic Keith Lee. The giveaway begins at noon.

Lee didn’t like everything he ate in D.C. but had good things to say about SMiZE & DREAM and their local flavor, That Woodley Park Thang.

Concerts this weekend

Roots/Digable Planets, 8 p.m. Saturday, Wolf Trap, $65+

Classic hip-hop lineups don’t get better than this. The Roots are the greatest live hip-hop band ever. Digable Planets delivers pure poetry and some of the smoothest, jazziest tracks of the genre. And starting it off is Grammy-winning Arrested Development. Details.

Ken Vandermark & Paal Nilsen-Love Duo, 7 p.m. Monday, Rhizome, $15-$25

Holiday weekend means a Monday concert pick. MacArthur Prize-winning reedist Vandermark pairs with drummer PNL for broad and challenging improvised jazz. Details.

Labor Day brunch

It’s not a long weekend in D.C. without brunch! Plenty of restaurants will extend their brunch offerings to Labor Day. Here are a few we’ve heard about:

• The District: All-Purpose Riverfront, Boundary Stone, dLeña, Founding Farmers, El Presidente, Hen Quarter Prime, Le Diplomat, Maker’s Union (The Wharf only), Matchbox, Palette 22, Pastis, Pisco y Nazca, The Saga, Seven Reasons, St. Anselm, Throw Social
• Maryland: ala, Founding Farmers, Matchbox, Pinstripes (Brunch & Grill Feast)
• Virginia: Founding Farmers, Hen Quarter Alexandria, The Majestic, Maker’s Union (Arlington and Reston), Matchbox, The Ridley, Royal Restaurant, Surreal

Things to do in D.C.

Last chance – Pixar Putt: Through Mon., The Wharf, $30 for adult tickets

DC JazzFest: Through Sun., various venues and The Wharf, tickets start at $25

Stand-up comedy at Room 808: Weds. to Sun., Petworth, prices vary  but several shows are free

Underground Comedy at Hotbed: Weds. to Sun., Adams Morgan, prices vary but several shows are free

Childish Gambino: Thurs., Capital One Arena, $125+

Sunset Cinema: “Soul”: Thurs., The Wharf, free

Nationals vs. Cubs: Fri., Sat., Sun., Nationals Park, $18+

• Two Friends performs for the Nationals Summer Concert Series on Friday after the game beginning at 6:45 p.m.

Extraordinary Cinema: “Chocolat”: Fri., movie set to begin at dusk (about 8:15 p.m.), The Kennedy Center REACH Lawn, free

DC Festival of Magic: Fri. to Sun., Capital Hilton (Northwest D.C.), $99 for a weekend pass, individual shows start at $15

Joy of African Movement: Sat., 9-10 a.m., Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, free

DC Afro Latino Fest: Sat., 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Franklin Park, free

Washington Mystics vs. Connecticut Sun: Sat., 3 p.m., Entertainment and Sports Arena, $31+

Late Skate: Sat., until 10 p.m., Anacostia Park Skating Pavilion, free

NSO Labor Day Concert: Sun., 8 p.m., West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, free

Labor Day: Yoga + Sound Experience: Mon., 9-10 a.m., National Building Museum, $30

SPILL FEST: Afro-Caribbean Music and Food Festival: Mon., The Bullpen in Southeast, $15+

Things to do in Maryland

Greenbelt Labor Day Festival: Fri. to Mon., free entry, ride wristbands $20

A Night With The Legendary Comedian Earthquake: Fri. and Sat., MGM National Harbor, $98+

Capital House Music Festival: Sat., 11 a.m. to 9 a.m., Marian Fryer Town Plaza in Silver Spring, free

Paint the Town Labor Day Show: Sat. to Mon., Kensington, free

Maryland State Fair: Aug. 29-Sept. 2 and Sept. 5-8, Lutherville-Timonium, $11-$16

Maryland Renaissance Festival: Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 20, plus Labor Day, Annapolis, Maryland, $26+ for adult tickets through Sept. 8

• Seniors age 62 and up can go for free on Monday, Sept. 2

Labor Day Art Show: Sat. to Mon., Glen Echo Park, free entry

Frederick Arts & Crafts End of Summer Celebration: Sat., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., downtown Frederick, free

Summers Farm Sunflower Festival: Sat. to Mon., plus Sept. 7-8, Middletown, $16.50 online, $20.50 at the gate

Kensington Labor Day Parade and Festival: Mon., 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., free

Things to do in Virginia

Fairfax County Animal Shelter’s “Clear the Shelters”: Adoption fees waived Fri. to Sun.

Jason Aldean: Highway Desperado Tour: Fri., 7:30 p.m., Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, $68+

Comedy: Guy Branum: Fri., Sat. and Sun., Arlington Cinema Drafthouse, $20-$25

Patsy Cline Block Party: Sat., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Patsy Cline Historic House in Winchester, free

Yoga in the Galleries at Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington: Sat., 11 a.m., 3550 Wilson Boulevard Arlington, $10-$20 suggested donation

Avril Lavigne: The Greatest Hits: Sat., 7 p.m., Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, $118+

Virginia Scottish Games: Sat. and Sun., The Plains, $20 (one-day pass)

Dog-friendly tour of Mount Vernon: Sat. and Sun., Mount Vernon, $10 in addition to general admission

LoCo Kid’s Fest: Mon., 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Segra Field Parking Lots in Leesburg, free

Fairfax City Restaurant Week: Sept. 2-8

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Monday is Labor Day, which means a long weekend for many. It might also be your last chance to hit up pools and water parks!

FYI: The Smithsonian museums are open on Labor Day, and many will offer free tours.

Here’s what to do this week in the Washington, D.C. area.

What to do in Washington, D.C.

Last chance – Pixar Putt: Through Mon., The Wharf, $30 for adult tickets

Nationals vs. Yankees: Mon., Tues., Weds., Nationals Park

Buju Banton: The Overcomer Tour: Tues., 8 p.m., Capital One Arena, $55+

Live Music Thursdays at Hi-Lawn: Thurs., 7-9 p.m., Union Market, free

DC JazzFest: Weds. through Sun., various venues and The Wharf, tickets start at $25

Free shows happening with DC JazzFest include:

• The Jo-Go Project: Weds., noon to 2 p.m., Franklin Square Park 
• Ebban & Ephraim Dorsey: Thu., 6 p.m., Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage 
• Shannon Gunn’s Saffron Ensemble: Fri., 6 p.m., Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage
• Shows along The Wharf’s main promenade (Here’s the Brunch & Beats lineup for Sunday)

Stand-up comedy at Room 808: Weds. to Sun., Petworth, prices vary  but several shows are free

Underground Comedy at Hotbed: Weds. to Sun., Adams Morgan, prices vary but several shows are free

Childish Gambino: Thurs., Capital One Arena, $125+

Sunset Cinema: “Soul”: Thurs., The Wharf, free

Nationals vs. Cubs: Fri., Sat., Sun., Nationals Park, $18+

• Two Friends performs for the Nationals Summer Concert Series on Friday after the game beginning at 6:45 p.m.

Extraordinary Cinema: “Chocolat”: Fri., movie set to begin at dusk (about 8:15 p.m.), The Kennedy Center REACH Lawn, free

DC Festival of Magic: Fri. to Sun., Capital Hilton (Northwest D.C.), $99 for a weekend pass, individual shows start at $15

Joy of African Movement: Sat., 9-10 a.m., Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, free

DC Afro Latino Fest: Sat., 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Franklin Park, free

Washington Mystics vs. Connecticut Sun: Sat., 3 p.m., Entertainment and Sports Arena, $31+

Late Skate: Sat., until 10 p.m., Anacostia Park Skating Pavilion, free

NSO Labor Day Concert: Sun., 8 p.m., West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, free

Labor Day: Yoga + Sound Experience: Mon., 9-10 a.m., National Building Museum, $30

What to do in Maryland

Greenbelt Labor Day Festival: Fri. to Mon., free entry, ride wristbands $20

A Night With The Legendary Comedian Earthquake: Fri. and Sat., MGM National Harbor, $98+

Capital House Music Festival: Sat., 11 a.m. to 9 a.m., Marian Fryer Town Plaza in Silver Spring, free

Paint the Town Labor Day Show: Sat. to Mon., Kensington, free

Maryland State Fair: Aug. 29-Sept. 2 and Sept. 5-8, Lutherville-Timonium, $11-$16

The Scene Aug 21

‘Being a mer is in your heart, not in your tail': Mermaid culture in the DMV

Paralympics Aug 27

Here are the venues for the 2024 Paralympics in Paris

Maryland Renaissance Festival: Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 20, plus Labor Day, Annapolis, Maryland, $26+ for adult tickets through Sept. 8

• Seniors age 62 and up can go for free on Monday, Sept. 2

Labor Day Art Show: Sat. to Mon., Glen Echo Park, free entry

Frederick Arts & Crafts End of Summer Celebration: Sat., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., downtown Frederick, free

Summers Farm Sunflower Festival: Sat. to Mon., plus Sept. 7-8, Middletown, $16.50 online, $20.50 at the gate

Kensington Labor Day Parade and Festival: Mon., 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., free

What to do in Virginia

Fairfax County Animal Shelter’s “Clear the Shelters”: Adoption fees waived Fri. to Sun.

Jason Aldean: Highway Desperado Tour: Fri., 7:30 p.m., Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, $68+

Comedy: Guy Branum: Fri., Sat. and Sun., Arlington Cinema Drafthouse, $20-$25

Patsy Cline Block Party: Sat., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Patsy Cline Historic House in Winchester, free

Yoga in the Galleries at Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington: Sat., 11 a.m., 3550 Wilson Boulevard Arlington, $10-$20 suggested donation

Avril Lavigne: The Greatest Hits: Sat., 7 p.m., Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, $118+

Virginia Scottish Games: Sat. and Sun., The Plains, $20 (one-day pass)

Dog-friendly tour of Mount Vernon: Sat. and Sun., Mount Vernon, $10 in addition to general admission

LoCo Kid’s Fest: Mon., 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Segra Field Parking Lots in Leesburg, free

Fairfax City Restaurant Week: Sept. 2-8

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Sometimes, it feels like you can’t leave home without spending a bunch of money. But if you’re on the hunt for free and cheap stuff to do in the D.C. area, this weekend has lots of good news for you.

The National Book Festival is hosting high-profile authors on Saturday, plus kid-friendly activities, at the Washington Convention Center on Saturday.

More free picks include Opera in the Outfield at Nats Park, the WOW Indonesia! Festival, Bowie’s Fairwood Music Festival. Plus, kids can attend get free tickets to the first weekend of the Maryland Renaissance Festival. Huzzah!

On Monday, which is National Dog Day, you can take your pup for a ride on National Harbor’s Capital Wheel. Dogs ride free with an adult ticket.

And there are some dining deals for Restaurant Week, too.

Alexandria Restaurant Week continues through Sunday. Discounted prix fixe menus are still available at many D.C. and Maryland restaurants, including Bresca, Ambar, The Daily Dish, Immigrant Food, MI VIDA, Succotash Prime, Bistro Du Jour, Gatsby, The Grill and Seven Reasons restaurants.

Weekend highlights

Washington Commanders vs. New England Patriots
Sun., 8 p.m., Commanders Field, $35+
Details

The burgundy and gold are just two weeks from kicking off their regular season. But first, they face the New England Patriots at Commanders Field. As of Friday morning, several seats were available for under $50.

Free for kids this weekend
Maryland Renaissance Festival
Weekends through Oct. 20, plus Labor Day, Annapolis, $14-26 (before Sept. 8)
🔗 Details

The Maryland Renaissance Festival is back for its 48th season with jousting tournaments, giant turkey legs and costumed revelers aplenty near Annapolis.

During opening weekend, one kid under 15 can attend with an adult who bought a ticket (kids under 7 can always go for free). On Labor Day, seniors 62 and up can attend for free.

With more than 200 professional performers on 10 stages, the schedule has something for everyone. Look for bite-sized Shakespeare plays, daring stunt shows, story time and bards performing music and comedy.

• Pro tips: Buy tickets in advance because they will sell out. Bring plenty of cash for food and drinks. Go early to beat crowds, traffic and heat. We have more pro tips here.
• Costume curious? Dressing up is one of our favorite parts of the fair! Raid your closet for a Seinfeld-style puffy shirt and flower crown, or arrive early to rent one. Rentals start at $10 for kids and $20 for adults.

Free pick
National Book Festival
Sat., 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Walter E. Washington Convention Center
🔗 Details

The National Book Festival returns to downtown D.C. this weekend, bringing top authors to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

The free, daylong celebration of books has something for bookworms of all ages. 

• Sandra Cisneros marking 40 years since the release of “The House on Mango Street”
• A hundred years after James Baldwin’s birth, Ayana Mathis, Viet Thanh Nguyen and Eric Deggans will discuss the lasting influence of his work on writers (Make a day of it by stopping by the Portrait Gallery’s Baldwin exhibit!)
• James Patterson talking about “The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians”
• A Literature to Life performance of Erika L. Sánchez’s novel “I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter”
• As popularity of the romantasy genre surges, Rebecca Yarros will talk about her books on the main stage

Go here to see the full lineup. Doors open at 8:30 a.m.

Free pick
Opera in the Outfield
Sat., gates open at 4:30 p.m., Nationals Park
🔗 Details

See a broadcast of Puccini’s “Turnadot” on the outfield grass or the stands of Nationals Park. The Washington National Opera production, which sold out in May, will be sung in Italian, but there will be English subtitles on screen.

Doors open at 4:30 p.m. before the concert at 6 p.m. Outfield wristbands will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis. You can pick them up at the Family Picnic Area located on the left of Center Field Plaza.

Before the show, enjoy live dance and music, including a performance by Step Afrika!, plus photo opportunities made for families and a chance to win prizes.

Remember, Nats Park’s strict bag policy will be in effect.

Concerts this weekend

Big Star’s “Radio City” 50th Anniversary, 7 p.m. Saturday, Union Stage, $25

An all-star lineup – Mike Mills (R.E.M.), Jon Auer (The Posies), Pat Sansone (Wilco) and Chris Stamey (The dB’s) – joins drummer Jody Stephens, the last surviving member of Big Star, to pay tribute to the second album by the forefathers of power pop, “Radio City.” These guys are familiar with playing Big Star’s songs together, having teamed up on several tours of the cult band’s third album as “Big Star’s Third.” And it’s always a great show. Details.

Santigold, 8 p.m. Saturday, Fillmore Silver Spring, $53

Singer-songwriter with a punk ethic blends pop, hip-hop, new wave and dub. Known for an energetic, retro live performance. Details.

Things to do in D.C.

DCBX16: “The Super Bowl of USA Latin Dance Festivals”: Thurs. to Mon., Westin DC Hotel, $40+

Embassy Row Rooftop Night in Havana Under the Stars with Latin Band: Fri., 7-10 p.m., The Ven at Embassy Row, $25-$35

Oh He Dead: Fri., The Atlantis, $25

WWE Smackdown: Fri., Capital One Arena

DC United: United Night Out: Sat., Audi Field, $27+

National Book Festival: Sat., Walter E. Washington Convention Center, free

Joy of African Movement dance class: Sat., 9-10 a.m., National Museum of African Art, free

Hi Lawn’s Caribbean Festival: Sat., Hi-Lawn at Union Market, $10

WOW Indonesia! Festival: Sun., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., 3rd-7th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, free

Washington Spirit International Friendlies Double Header
Spirit vs. Kansas City Current at noon
Chelsea FC vs. Arsenal FC at 4 p.m.
Audi Field, $64-$125

Women’s Equality Day Power Up Concert: Sun., 6:30 p.m., The Kennedy Center, $50-$150

Things to do in Maryland

Maryland Renaissance Festival: Weekends through Oct. 20, plus Labor Day, Annapolis, $14-26 (before Sept. 8)

• FYI: Kids can go for free on Aug. 24 and 25. “One child aged 7 through 15 is admitted free with each adult ticket purchased. Children 6 and under are always free,” the festival said.
• Seniors aged 62 and over can go for free on Labor Day. No ticket is needed.

Maryland State Fair: Aug. 22 to Sept. 8, 200 York Road, Lutherville-Timonium, admission is $8.25 (ages 6-11) or $13.25 (age 12 and older) if purchased in advance

Foodie Fridays – Taste the Land: Fri., 6:30-8:30 p.m., Josiah Henson Museum and Park in Bethesda, $15

Kensington Community Block Party: Sat., 2-4 p.m., Kensington House Lawn, free

Fairwood Music Festival: Sun., 1-6 p.m., Fairwood Community Park in Bowie, free

Hand Dance Social: Sun., 6-8:30 p.m., Roosevelt Center in Greenbelt, free
Lesson from 6 to 6:30 followed by open dance

Free dog rides on the Capital Wheel for National Dog Day: Mon., National Harbor, free

Things to do in Virginia

Indigo Girls and Melissa Etheridge: Sat. and Sun., Filene Center at Wolf Trap, $55

Around the World Food Festival: Sat., 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Oronoco Bay Park in Alexandria, free entry

Blues, Brews & BBQ feat. The Nighthawks: Sat., 6-9 p.m., Dirt Farm Brewing in Bluemont, Virginia, $20

Lake Accotink Park Celebration Day: Sat., 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Springfield, free
Free boat rentals, nature activities and amusements

Starlight Drive-in Cinema double feature of “Migration” and “Elemental”: Sat., gates open at 6 p.m., Sully Historic Site, free

Want to know what’s up for your weekend? Sign up for The Weekend Scene, our newsletter about events, experiences and adventures for you and for your family around the DMV.

You may be counting down the days until Labor Day, but don’t miss out on all the fun stuff happening in the D.C. area this weekend.

Don’t forget to share your pet photos for Pat’s Prized Pets challenge supporting Clear The Shelters!

If you’re ready to adopt a new pet to your family, the Humane Rescue Alliance is hosting adoption events on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Head to the New York Avenue Adoption Center in Northeast D.C. to meet dogs. Small animals are waiting for you at the Oglethorpe Adoption Center in Northwest.

Here’s what to do this week in the Washington, D.C. area.

What to do in Washington, D.C.

Usher: Past Present Future: Tues. and Weds., Capital One Arena

DCBX16: “The Super Bowl of USA Latin Dance Festivals”: Thurs. to Mon., Westin DC Hotel, $40+

Embassy Row Rooftop Night in Havana Under the Stars with Latin Band: Fri., 7-10 p.m., The Ven at Embassy Row, $25-$35

Oh He Dead: Fri., The Atlantis, $25

WWE Smackdown: Fri., Capital One Arena

DC United: United Night Out: Sat., Audi Field, $27+

National Book Festival: Sat., Walter E. Washington Convention Center, free

Joy of African Movement dance class: Sat., 9-10 a.m., National Museum of African Art, free

Opera in the Outfield: Sat., gates open at 4:30 p.m., free
FYI: Remember Nats Park’s strict bag policy

Hi Lawn’s Caribbean Festival: Sat., Hi-Lawn at Union Market, $10

WOW Indonesia! Festival: Sun., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., 3rd-7th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, free

Washington Spirit International Friendlies Double Header
Spirit vs. Kansas City Current at noon
Chelsea FC vs. Arsenal FC at 4 p.m.
Audi Field, $64-$125

Women’s Equality Day Power Up Concert: Sun., 6:30 p.m., The Kennedy Center, $50-$150

What to do in Maryland

Maryland Renaissance Festival: Weekends through Oct. 20, plus Labor Day, Annapolis, $14-26 (before Sept. 8)

• FYI: Kids can go for free on Aug. 24 and 25. “One child aged 7 through 15 is admitted free with each adult ticket purchased. Children 6 and under are always free,” the festival said.
• Seniors aged 62 and over can go for free on Labor Day. No ticket is needed.

Maryland State Fair: Aug. 22 to Sept. 8, 200 York Road, Lutherville-Timonium, admission is $8.25 (ages 6-11) or $13.25 (age 12 and older) if purchased in advance

Foodie Fridays – Taste the Land: Fri., 6:30-8:30 p.m., Josiah Henson Museum and Park in Bethesda, $15

Kensington Community Block Party: Sat., 2-4 p.m., Kensington House Lawn, free

Fairwood Music Festival: Sun., 1-6 p.m., Fairwood Community Park in Bowie, free

Hand Dance Social: Sun., 6-8:30 p.m., Roosevelt Center in Greenbelt, free
Lesson from 6 to 6:30 followed by open dance

Free dog rides on the Capital Wheel for National Dog Day: Mon., National Harbor, free

What to do in Virginia

Indigo Girls and Melissa Etheridge: Sat. and Sun., Filene Center at Wolf Trap, $55

Around the World Food Festival: Sat., 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Oronoco Bay Park in Alexandria, free entry

Blues, Brews & BBQ feat. The Nighthawks: Sat., 6-9 p.m., Dirt Farm Brewing in Bluemont, Virginia, $20

Lake Accotink Park Celebration Day: Sat., 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Springfield, free
Free boat rentals, nature activities and amusements

Starlight Drive-in Cinema double feature of “Migration” and “Elemental”: Sat., gates open at 6 p.m., Sully Historic Site, free

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Things to Do DC Aug 21

Hear ye, hear ye: Maryland Renaissance Festival returns this weekend with free kids' tickets

Want to know what’s up for your weekend? Sign up for The Weekend Scene, our newsletter about events, experiences and adventures for you and for your family around the DMV.

The festival runs on Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 20, plus Labor Day weekend.

With more than 200 professional performers on 10 stages, the schedule has something for everyone, including bite-sized Shakespeare plays, daring stunt shows, story time and bards sharing their talents in music and comedy. Plan plenty of time to people-watch for extravagant costumes, explore artisan shops, feast and toast flagons of mead and ale.

Buy tickets before making the trip — the festival often sells out, especially if the weather is nice.

Through Sept. 8, admission is $26 for adults aged 16-61, $23 for those aged 62+ and $14 for kids 7 to 15. Kids 6 and under can go for free. From Sept. 14 to Oct. 20, admission prices go up to $18-$32.

Families can get a deal on Children’s Weekend, which is Aug. 24 and 25. One child under 15 will be admitted for free for each adult ticket purchased (it’s always free for kids 6 and under).

On Labor Day Monday, seniors aged 62 and up can enter for free. No need to buy a ticket – just show up at the gate!

Here are some pro tips to maximize your merriment:

• Bring cash! Food and drink vendors are cash-only. There’s an ATM, but the lines can get long.
• Want to save money? Pack a lunch and head back to your car for a picnic.
• Get in the spirit by going in costume! Raid your closet for a Seinfeld-style puffy shirt and accessories, or arrive early to rent one. Rentals start at $10 for kids and $20 for adults.
• Go early to beat traffic, crowds and heat. It’s much easier to find a seat in the shade at the first jousting tournaments of the day.
• Prepare yourself: All the bathrooms are port-a-potties. We always suggest bringing a pack of tissues, wet wipes and hand sanitizer! Baby changing stations are available in five of the bathroom areas.
• Pick one or two shows to attend, but plan plenty of time to wander the expansive grounds.

Want to know what’s up for your weekend? Sign up for The Weekend Scene, our newsletter about events, experiences and adventures for you and for your family around the DMV.

We’re only halfway through August, but wow, the final month of summer might be the best yet.

We’re still buzzing about the Paris Olympics. Maryland has welcomed home Katie Ledecky and Quincy Wilson – AKA the most-decorated female Olympian in U.S. history and Team USA’s youngest-ever male track athlete.

The Summer Games may be over, and our last 8 p.m. sunset of the year is coming up on Friday. But before we’re ready for school and the Paralympics… it wouldn’t be August without another meow-velous summer competition.

Clear the Shelters Aug 13

Pat's Prized Pets Challenge: Show us your pet's gold medal trick

Things to Do DC Aug 11

DC Summer Restaurant Week is here: How to eat like a pro

Pat’s Prized Pets is back to support our Clear the Shelters campaign! 🐶🐱 This year, we want to see your pet’s gold medal-worthy trick. Find more details here. We can’t wait to see your pets on the podium!

Before the sun sets on summer, you still have time to take a beach trip! Or, go on a water adventure that doesn’t require crossing the Bay Bridge. Plus, it’s still sunflower season at several Maryland farms.

Weekend highlights

County Fairs

County fair fever! Cram in all the rides and funnel cakes you can in Arlington, Montgomery and Prince William counties this week.

• Arlington County Fair: Through Aug. 18, Thomas Jefferson Community Center in Arlington, free admission
• Montgomery County Agricultural Fair: Through Sun., Gaithersburg, $13.36+
• Prince William County Fair: Through Aug. 17, Manassas, gate admission tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children

D.C.’s Summer Restaurant Week
Through Sun.
🔗 See all our recommendations

Summer Restaurant Week has returned with more dining deals than ever.⁠

D.C.’s features multi-course brunches and lunches ($25 or $35) or dinners ($40, $55 or $65) at more than 350 spots representing 75 different cuisines.

And D.C. is just kicking off a whole season of restaurant weeks. Alexandria Restaurant Week begins on Friday, and Fairfax’s will run Sept. 2-8.

Washington Spirit International Friendlies: Spirit vs. Arsenal
Sun., game at 2 p.m., Audi Field, $15+
🔗 Details

If you were all-in on watching the U.S. women’s national team charge to a gold medal in the Paris Olympics, you’ll be thrilled about the Washington Spirit Friendlies.

On Sunday, the Spirit will play Arsenal, England’s most successful women’s football club and the current home of Team USA’s Emily Fox, a native of Ashburn, Virginia.

It should be a great match, although the status of any Olympians, including Fox and Spirit star Trinity Rodman, is TBA.

However, on Sunday the Spirit will celebrate its Olympians Gabby Carle, who played for Canada, and newly signed midfielder Leicy Santos, who represented Colombia.

Next weekend, Audi Field will host a doubleheader. First, it’s Washington vs. Kansas City at noon. Then, Arsenal will take on Chelsea for the second match of the International Friendlies. That’s when Spirit is set to celebrate its gold medalists including Rodman. Look for the pink hair-braiding station so you can try out Rodman’s memorable look.

Free pick
Chuck Brown Day
Sat., 1-7 p.m., Fort Dupont Park on Minnesota Ave. SE
🔗 Details

D.C. is celebrating the godfather of go-go with a day of music that’s “bigger, better, more cranking” than ever with Chuck Brown Band, Northeast Groovers, DCVybe, QUICKSILVA and more. Heads up: The party’s moving to Southeast this year.

“Emily in Paris” pop-up bar

Bonjour, oui oui, I’m in Paris! Or at least you’ll feel like you’re Emily in Paris after stepping inside Morris American Bar.

Adoption events for Clear the Shelters

• Reston Station will host an adoption event from 6-8 p.m. Friday before a free outdoor showing of “Air Bud.”
• The Farm Brewery at Broad Run will also host an adoption event on Saturday.
• Crumbs and Whiskers, a cat café in Georgetown, is set to host Brat (Charli XCX) Night on Monday and Sabrina Carpenter Night on Fri., Aug. 23. They also have adoptable cat yoga this Thursday and Aug. 29.

Concerts this weekend

Chameleons, 8 p.m. Saturday, Black Cat, $40

Regarded as one of the greatest post-punk bands of all time, this English group really is unlike any other band under that label – a bleak and more goth sound than others, plus hints of folk. They are performing the classic 1986 album “Strange Times.” Details.

Things to do in D.C.

That 2000’s BLOCK Party Hosted By BOW WOW: Fri., The Bullpen in Southeast D.C., $15+

Ben Schwartz & Friends: Fri., show at 8 p.m., The Anthem, $49.50 – $75

Joy of African Movement dance class: Sat., 9-10 a.m., National Museum of African Art, free
FYI: Also on Sat., Aug. 31 

Mystics vs. Lynx: Sat., 2 p.m., Entertainment and Sports Arena

East of the River Fall Festival: 2-6 p.m., Sycamore & Oak on the St. Elizabeth’s East Campus, free
FYI: Backpack and school supply giveaway for first 500 kids, plus live music

Uncorked: DC wine fest: Sat., 7-11 p.m., Nationals Park, $75-$110

Future & Metro Boomin: Sat., Capital One Arena

“MJ: The Musical”: Through Sept. 8, The National Theatre

Sneaker Con: Sat. and Sun., Washington Convention Center, $30-$45

Unique Markets, DC Summer Pop-Up: Sat. and Sun., Dock5 at Union Market, free admission

Sky-High Sweat Sessions at Kimpton Banneker Hotel: Sun., 9 a.m., Lady Bird, THE Roof Top, free
FYI: Bring your own yoga mat. Attendees get a free smoothie and 15% off brunch at Le Sel after.

Washington Spirit International Friendlies: Spirit vs. Arsenal: Sun., kickoff 2 p.m., Arsenal, $15+

“MAMMA MIA!”: Through Sept. 1, The Kennedy Center, $49 – $199

Things to do in Maryland

Montgomery County Agricultural Fair: Through Sun., Gaithersburg, $13.36+

All-Star Comedy at Cabin John Regional Park: Fri., 6-8 p.m., Cabin John Regional Park in Bethesda, free

RisuCon anime and cosplay convention: Sat. and Sun., Montgomery County Conference Center in Rockville 

Pro Motocross Championship: Sat., Budds Creek Motocross Park in Mechanicsville, $35.52+

Hot Joe’s Summer Festival: Sat., 5-8 p.m., 3309 Bunker Hill Road, Mt. Rainier, pay what you wish

JAMAICA Fest: Sun., noon to 9 p.m., Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring, free

Things to do in Virginia

Prince William County Fair: Through Aug. 17, Manassas, gate admission tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children

Arlington County Fair: Through Aug. 18, Thomas Jefferson Community Center in Arlington, free admission

Alexandria Restaurant Week: Aug. 16-25

“The Sound of Music” Sing-A-Long: Fri., Filene Center at Wolf Trap, $29+

Leesburg Festival of Crafts & Kites: Sat., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Ida Lee Park, free

Bands & Brews: Del Ray’s Summer Bar Crawl: Sat., 12:30-6 p.m., along Mount Vernon Avenue in Alexandria’s Del Ray neighborhood, $15

Begonia Show: Sat., 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sun., noon to 3:30 p.m., Green Spring Gardens in Alexandria, free

Localpalooza featuring Black Flag: Sat., 3 p.m. to midnight, 8890 Mathis Ave., Manassas, $20

Fairfax Comic Con: Sat. and Sun., Dulles Expo Center, $20+

Boyz II Men: Sat. and Sun., Filene Center at Wolf Trap, $45+

Jerry Seinfeld: Mon. and Tues., Filene Center at Wolf Trap, $55+

Want to know what’s up for your weekend? Sign up for The Weekend Scene, our newsletter about events, experiences and adventures for you and for your family around the DMV.

The dog days of summer are technically over, but we’re all about furry, fuzzy, scaly, feathery and slimy friends right now.

NBC4 and Telemundo 44’s annual Clear the Shelters campaign is underway until Sept. 10. That means two things.

Clear the Shelters Aug 13

Pat's Prized Pets Challenge: Show us your pet's gold medal trick

Things to Do DC Aug 7

Where to try Olympic sports in the DC area, from boxing to table tennis to trampoline

First, it’s a great time to support animals! Many shelters across the D.C. area are waiving adoption fees to help cute animals find their forever homes. Enter your zip code on CleartheShelters.com to find a shelter near you. And if it’s not the right time to adopt, please consider donating!

Also, one of our favorite Clear the Shelters traditions is back: Pat’s Prized Pets!

In 2024, we want to see your pet’s gold medal-worthy trick! You can join the challenge by showing off your pet; here’s all the info on entering.

Here’s what to do this week in the Washington, D.C. area.

What to do in Washington, D.C.

DC’s Summer Movie Series: “Wish”: Weds., events at 6 p.m., movie at 8 p.m., Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square, free

DC’s Summer Movie Series: “Barbie”: Thurs., events at 6 p.m., movie at 8 p.m., DC Armory Lawn, free

That 2000’s BLOCK Party Hosted By BOW WOW: Fri., The Bullpen in Southeast D.C., $15+

Ben Schwartz & Friends: Fri., show at 8 p.m., The Anthem, $49.50 – $75

Joy of African Movement dance class: Sat., 9-10 a.m., National Museum of African Art, free
FYI: Also on Sat., Aug. 31 

Mystics vs. Lynx: Sat., 2 p.m., Entertainment and Sports Arena

East of the River Fall Festival: 2-6 p.m., Sycamore & Oak on the St. Elizabeth’s East Campus, free
FYI: Backpack and school supply giveaway for first 500 kids, plus live music

Uncorked: DC wine fest: Sat., 7-11 p.m., Nationals Park, $75-$110

Future & Metro Boomin: Sat., Capital One Arena

“MJ: The Musical”: Through Sept. 8, The National Theatre

Sneaker Con: Sat. and Sun., Washington Convention Center, $30-$45

Unique Markets, DC Summer Pop-Up: Sat. and Sun., Dock5 at Union Market, free admission

Sky-High Sweat Sessions at Kimpton Banneker Hotel: Sun., 9 a.m., Lady Bird, THE Roof Top, free
FYI: Bring your own yoga mat. Attendees get a free smoothie and 15% off brunch at Le Sel after.

Washington Spirit International Friendlies: Spirit vs. Arsenal: Sun., kickoff 2 p.m., Arsenal, $15+

“MAMMA MIA!”: Through Sept. 1, The Kennedy Center, $49 – $199

What to do in Maryland

Dueling Pianos: Thurs., 6-8 p.m., Cabin John Regional Park in Bethesda, free

Bats & Beavers Pontoon Boat Cruise: Thurs., 6:30 p.m., Black Hill Discovery Center in Boyds, $8

All-Star Comedy at Cabin John Regional Park: Fri., 6-8 p.m., Cabin John Regional Park in Bethesda, free

RisuCon anime and cosplay convention: Sat. and Sun., Montgomery County Conference Center in Rockville 

Pro Motocross Championship: Sat., Budds Creek Motocross Park in Mechanicsville, $35.52+

Hot Joe’s Summer Festival: Sat., 5-8 p.m., 3309 Bunker Hill Road, Mt. Rainier, pay what you wish

JAMAICA Fest: Sun., noon to 9 p.m., Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring, free

Montgomery County Agricultural Fair: Through Sun., Gaithersburg, $13.36+

What to do in Virginia

Prince William County Fair: Through Aug. 17, Manassas, gate admission tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children

Arlington County Fair: Through Aug. 18, Thomas Jefferson Community Center in Arlington, free admission

Alexandria Restaurant Week: Aug. 16-25

“The Sound of Music” Sing-A-Long: Fri., Filene Center at Wolf Trap, $29+

Leesburg Festival of Crafts & Kites: Sat., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Ida Lee Park, free

Bands & Brews: Del Ray’s Summer Bar Crawl: Sat., 12:30-6 p.m., along Mount Vernon Avenue in Alexandria’s Del Ray neighborhood, $15

Begonia Show: Sat., 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sun., noon to 3:30 p.m., Green Spring Gardens in Alexandria, free

Localpalooza featuring Black Flag: Sat., 3 p.m. to midnight, 8890 Mathis Ave., Manassas, $20

Fairfax Comic Con: Sat. and Sun., Dulles Expo Center, $20+

Boyz II Men: Sat. and Sun., Filene Center at Wolf Trap, $45+

Jerry Seinfeld: Mon. and Tues., Filene Center at Wolf Trap, $55+

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We’re settling into a September with gorgeous weather. Here’s how to get out and enjoy it.

Here’s what to do this week in the Washington, D.C. area.

What to do in Washington, D.C.

Dvořák Dreams: An Installation by Refik Anadol: Through Sept. 24, Reach Plaza, free

Cirque du Soleil: “OVO”: Through Sun., Capital One Arena

Chocolate & Wine Tasting: Weds., 7-8:30 p.m., The Chocolate House at 1904 18th Street NW, $55

Sunset Cinema at The Wharf: “My Old Ass”: Thurs., 7 p.m., The Wharf’s Transit Pier, free

Live! At The Library: Film Costume Ball: Thurs., Sept. 12, 6-9 p.m., Library of Congress, free but RSVP required

Walking Town free tours throughout the District: Sept. 14-21, free

Nationals 1924 Championship Centennial Weekend: Fri., Sat. and Sun.

The 1924: A Science Speakeasy: Fri., 6-9 p.m., National Academy of Sciences in Northwest D.C., $20

Things to Do DC 16 hours ago

Where to find presidential debate watch parties and specials in DC

The Scene Aug 27

Cirque du Soleil contortionist offers a preview of ‘Ovo' at Capital One Arena

Don’t Tell Comedy: Fri., various venues, $25

Celebrate Van Ness Main Street: Sat., 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Connecticut Avenue NW between Van Ness and Nebraska, free

Library of Congress Family Day: Hispanic Heritage Month: Sat., 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Thomas Jefferson Building – Great Hall, free

Paramount+ & NPF Present: “Forrest Gump” at the National Mall: Sat., lawn opens at 5 p.m., movie begins at dusk, National Mall near Smithsonian Metro Station and 9th Street, free

Washington Mystics vs.Atlanta Dream: Sun., 3 p.m., Entertainment and Sports Arena

Washington Spirit vs. Portland Thorns: Sun., 1 p.m., Audi Field

What to do in Maryland

Fall Twilight Concert Series: Weds., 6-7 p.m., Brookside Gardens, free
FYI: YötRöx (70’s & 80’s Rock Hits)

The Great Frederick Fair: Sept. 13-21, Frederick, Maryland, $8 in advance or $10 at the gate for adults, free for kids under 10
FYI: Carnival rides and grandstand shows cost extra

Washington Ukrainian Festival: Sept. 13-15, St. Andrews Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral (15100 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring), $20 (Saturday and Sunday) or $15 (Sunday only)

Maryland Seafood Festival: Sept. 14-15, Sat. and Sun., Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis, $15+ (kids 12 and under can go for free with a paying adult)

Acoustics & Ales: Fri., 5-7:30 p.m., North Four Corners Local Park in Silver Spring, free entry

Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival: Sat., Sept. 14, Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, free entry, parking is $10 in advance, $15 day of

Latinas in Aviation Global Festival: Sat., College Park Aviation Museum, free

DC Polo Society | End of Summer Social: Sat., Congressional Polo Club in Poolesville, Maryland, $28.45 – $35

Hispanic Festival: Sun., Sept. 15, 12:30-5:30 p.m., Lane Manor Splash Park in Hyattsville, free

Commanders vs. New York Giants: Sun., 1 p.m., Northwest Stadium in Landover

Maryland Restaurant Week: Sept. 13-22

Brushes and Beats: A Go-Go Themed Youth Paint & Sip: Sun., Arts’tination in Oxon Hill, free with RSVP

What to do in Virginia

Cox Farms Fall Festival: Select days from Sept. 15 to Nov. 5, Centreville, $10-$25

Solheim Cup: Through Sun., Gainesville, $65 and up for adults

22nd Annual Alexandria Old Town Art Festival: Sat. and Sun., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 300 John Carlyle St. in Alexandria, free

Torpedo Factory Art Center’s 50th Anniversary: Fri. to Sun., Alexandria

Virginia Native American Festival: Sat., 10 a.m., Riverbend Park in Great Falls, $12

Falls Church Festival: Sat., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Falls Church City Hall and Community Center, free

Fall Family Fest: Sat., noon to 4 p.m., Perch Putt rooftop in Tyson’s Corner, free ticket with registration

NOVA Family Fair: Sat., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Vienna Volunteer Fire Department, free

Moon Festival – Tết Trung Thu at Eden Center: Sat., noon to 5 p.m., Eden Center in Falls Church, free entry

Welcoming Week Family Storytime: Sun., 2-4 p.m., 418 S Washington St. in Alexandria, free

“Encanto” characters at Shipgarten: Sun., noon to 6 p.m., McLean, free entry

Coming up soon

NMWA Nights: Weds., Sept. 18, 5:30 to 8 p.m., National Museum of Women in the Arts, $22-$25

H Street Festival: Sat., Sept. 21, H Street Northeast, free entry

Fields of Fear at Cox Farms: Sept. 20 to Nov. 2, Centreville, Virginia, $30-$40

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We’re sprinting into the weekend with the speed of Noah Lyles (did you see that photo finish? 🙀). ICYMI: The newly crowned “the fastest man in the world” dashed over to Jummy after winning gold.

As the Olympic flame burns until Sunday in Paris, we have a decathlon of things to do in the D.C. area. Eat your way through Leesburg, show your skills at the Montgomery County Ag Fair, sidewalk shop in Alexandria or see baseball and singing sync up with Teddy Swims at Nats Park. Of course, Paris Olympics watch parties are a good bet.

Finally, our annual Clear the Shelters campaign officially begins Saturday, and next week we’ll have details on this year’s Pat’s Prized Pets challenge! Get ready to show off your furry, scaly or feathered friends.

Get in the Olympic Spirit

Free pick
Washington Spirit hosts watch party for U.S. women’s national team gold medal game
Sat., 11 a.m., The Bullpen in Navy Yard
🔗 Details

The U.S. women’s national soccer team has the spirit — Trinity Rodman and Casey Krueger from the Washington Spirit, that is.

And our local athletes are really bringing it; watch Rodman’s best moments from the USA-Germany match here. 

Next, the USWNT is set to face Brazil on Saturday morning, hoping to get their first gold medal since 2012.

Washington Spirit is bringing fans together to watch this huge moment at The Bullpen in Navy Yard.

The watch party –and the match – begin at 11 a.m. ET. Of course, you can also watch on Peacock, the USA network and NBC4.

Free pick
Cardboard Boat Regatta
Sat., noon to 3 p.m., Reston Museum
🔗 Details

Will it race? Can it even float?

If the Team USA’s rugby team can do all this on a cardboard bed at the Paris Olympics, we bet cardboard watercraft can sail Lake Anne.

It’s free to watch, but racers must register in advance.

Try out Olympic sports

Are you watching the Paris Olympics and thinking, “I could do that!” (or maybe, “I could never!”)? Put yourself to the test!

Boxing, table tennis, trampoline and rock climbing are just a few Olympic sports you can try in the D.C. area.

We looked around for places that welcome beginners; here’s the full list!

Concerts this weekend

Kid Congo Powers & the Pink Monkey Birds, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Black Cat, $20

The guitarist for iconic punk, post-punk and alt-rock bands The Gun Club, The Cramps and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds returns with his band of punky garage and surf rockers. Local pop punk supergroup The Owners opens. Details.

Pretty Bitter and Flowerbomb, 8 p.m. Friday, Black Cat, $20

These catchy, heartfelt D.C. alt-rock bands recorded a split EP together, “Take Me Out.” Two songs apiece and a collab. This is the release party. Details.

Scott H. Biram, 7 p.m. Saturday, Bright Box Theater, $15 (advance)/$20 (door)

The Dirty Old One Man Band brings his mix of country, blues and punk to Winchester this weekend. Details.

Things to do in D.C.

East Potomac Park Mini Golf: Preview play through Aug. 13, Hains Point, $15

Library of Congress Summer Movies on the Lawn:”Lady and the Tramp” (1955): Thurs., 8 p.m., Thomas Jefferson Building lawn at the corner of 2nd Street SE and Independence Avenue, free but space limited

Sundeck Salutations Yoga Series: Thursdays in August, The Yars in Southeast, free

Nats Summer Concert Series: Teddy Swims: Fri., game starts at 6:45 p.m., Nationals Park, $21+ 
FYI: Nats vs. Angels on Fri., Sat. and Sun.

Black Eyed Peas: Weds., The Anthem, $55 – $95

Missy Elliot: Thurs., Capital One Arena

Iron & Wine: Fri., The Anthem, $45

The LOX: Fri., 8 p.m., Howard Theatre, $59.99+

U.S. women’s national team gold medal match watch party hosted by Washington Spirit: Sat., 11 a.m., The Bullpen in Navy Yard, free entry but RSVP requested

Espresso Martinis & Bikinis Beach Party: Sat., 2-10 p.m., The Cove in Southeast D.C., free or $30 for a skip-the-line ticket with two drinks

Firsthand Experience: Pop-Up Books: Sat., 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., National Museum of Women in the Arts, $20-$25
FYI: For “learners ages 13 and up”

Caribbean Sports & Family Day Festival: Sat., 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., The Fields at RFK Campus in Northeast, free

Afro Bounce DMV Day Party: Sat., 3-10 p.m., Hook Hall in Northwest, free to $25

The Runback II: Juvenile & The 400 Degreez Band + Mannie Fresh: Sat., 10:30 p.m., Howard Theatre, $85+

Last chance: “New Worlds: Women to Watch 2024”: Through Aug. 11, National Museum of Women in the Arts, included with admission

Jazz in The Parks:  Elijah Easton w/ Allyn Johnson, Kris Funn, and Quincy Phillips: Sat., The Parks at Walter Reed, free

Sundresses & Whiskey: #KNOBCREEKNIK: Sun., 3-8 p.m., Dirty Habit in Northwest D.C., free admission 

Summer Restaurant Week: Aug. 12-18

Things to do in Maryland

Montgomery County Agricultural Fair: Aug. 9-17, Gaithersburg, $13.36+ (NOTE: Closed Friday due to weather)

Friday Night Live!: Fri., 6:30-8:30 p.m., City Hall Plaza in College Park, free

Bethesda Outdoor Movies: “Sister Act”: Fri., Woodmont Triangle, free

Sad Summer Festival: Fri., 2 p.m., The Chrysalis at Merriweather Park in Columbia, $72.90 (including fees)

Miles Johnson: “Reflections of Progress” debut solo art show: Sat., 6-10 p.m., 4002 34th Street in Mount Rainier, donation suggested

Summer Family Day at Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park: Sat., 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sandy Spring, free

The Hey Cousin Culture Fest: Celebrating Black Joy: Sun., 1-8 p.m., Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring, free

Things to do in Virginia

“Soft Power”: Through Sept. 6, Signature Theatre in Arlington

One Loudoun Carnival at Uptown: Aug. 7-18, Ashburn, Virginia

Torpedo Factory Art Center 2nd Friday: Fri., 7-10 p.m., Alexandria, free

Cardboard Boat Regatta: Sat., noon to 3 p.m., Reston Museum, free

Taste of Leesburg: Sat., 5-10 p.m., downtown Leesburg, free admission, taste tickets close $45 through Friday

Alexandria Summer Sidewalk Sale: Sat., Old Town and beyond, free entry

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Luckily, Washington D.C. has multiple places to try your hand at a few Olympic-inspired sports. From rock climbing to kayaking, there’s something for everyone to get into the Olympic spirit.

So, why just watch when you can play? Dive into these Olympic-inspired activities right here in D.C. and see where your new skills take you!

Badminton

In both Gaithersburg and Columbia, Capital Badminton Academy (CBA) offers court rentals for groups looking to play. Individual players without groups can contact CBA ahead of time to make arrangements to play with others. 

Boxing

BASH founder Alex Trakas told News4’s Tommy McFly that she founded her gym specifically to get more women involved in the sport.

Bash has locations in Ballston, Rosslyn, Alexandria and the Mosaic District. You can find more boxing suggestions courtesy of ClassPass.

Canoe Slalom and Sprint (Kayaking)

Head over to National Harbor where REI Co–op offers kayak rentals. While you won’t find the whitewater rapids of an Olympic course, you can still enjoy paddling along the river’s calmer waters. Here’s our full guide to kayaking around the District.

Cycling

Did you know gold medal cyclist Kristin Faulkner only started competing about seven years ago?

Grab a bike from Capital Bikeshare, which has over 600 stations across the Metro area. For a more structured experience, Unlimited Biking at The Wharf provides guided tours – an ideal way to explore the city. 

Equestrian

The Rock Creek Horse Center in Rock Creek Park offers pony rides for kids. While trail rides are currently paused, it’s still a great spot for families to experience the joy of horseback riding. 

Golf

Five Iron Golf in Penn Quarter features virtual swing simulators, perfect for practicing your swing. For a fun twist, try mini-golf at Puttery or Swingers in Dupont Circle, where you can enjoy themed cocktails and lively atmospheres. There’s also a brand-new putt putt course at East Potomac Park.

Here’s our guide to trying out golf in D.C.

Gymnastics: Trampoline 

Want to jump as high as they do at the Olympics? Get Air and Launch Trampoline Parks in Maryland and Virginia offer the opportunity to flip and fly like Team USA.

Rowing and Sailing 

Boating in DC rents out sculls (row boats)  at the Thompson Boat House in Georgetown. For sailing, visit the Washington Sailing Marina in Alexandra, which also offers kayaks for rent. 

Sport Climbing

The Bouldering Project in Eckington boasts a 55-foot-long overhang wall and expansive climbing space, making it the perfect palace to test your climbing skills.

Sportrock has locations in Alexandria, Gaithersburg and Sterling, and there’s even a Groupon for introductory classes (ages 14+ only). 

With locations in both Rockville, Maryland, and Crystal City, Virginia, Movement is also a great place for people of all ages to get into the exciting sport of rock climbing. 

Squash 

You didn’t see squash at the Paris Olympics, but you can expect to see it in Los Angeles in 2028.

Squash on Fire in the West End allows you to play without a membership. It’s a great opportunity to try this fast-paced sport. 

Table Tennis 

Kraken Kourts has tables available at its Rhode Island Ave NE and Penn Quarter locations. For a more social setting, SPIN DC downtown offers a unique ping pong club experience complete with specialty cocktails and plates. Comet Ping Pong is a neighborhood favorite, and breadsoda does table tennis on Tuesdays. Penn Social is another option.

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August in the D.C. area means music, county fairs, outdoor movies and more.

Here’s what to do this week in the Washington, D.C. area.

What to do in Washington, D.C.

East Potomac Park Mini Golf: Preview play through Aug. 13, Hains Point, $15

Library of Congress Summer Movies on the Lawn:”Lady and the Tramp” (1955): Thurs., 8 p.m., Thomas Jefferson Building lawn at the corner of 2nd Street SE and Independence Avenue, free but space limited

Sundeck Salutations Yoga Series: Thursdays in August, The Yars in Southeast, free

Nats Summer Concert Series: Teddy Swims: Fri., game starts at 6:45 p.m., Nationals Park, $21+ 
FYI: Nats vs. Angels on Fri., Sat. and Sun.

Black Eyed Peas: Weds., The Anthem, $55 – $95

Missy Elliot: Thurs., Capital One Arena

Iron & Wine: Fri., The Anthem, $45

The LOX: Fri., 8 p.m., Howard Theatre, $59.99+

U.S. women’s national team gold medal match watch party hosted by Washington Spirit: Sat., 11 a.m., The Bullpen in Navy Yard, free entry but RSVP requested

Espresso Martinis & Bikinis Beach Party: Sat., 2-10 p.m., The Cove in Southeast D.C., free or $30 for a skip-the-line ticket with two drinks

Firsthand Experience: Pop-Up Books: Sat., 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., National Museum of Women in the Arts, $20-$25
FYI: For “learners ages 13 and up”

Caribbean Sports & Family Day Festival: Sat., 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., The Fields at RFK Campus in Northeast, free

Afro Bounce DMV Day Party: Sat., 3-10 p.m., Hook Hall in Northwest, free to $25

The Runback II: Juvenile & The 400 Degreez Band + Mannie Fresh: Sat., 10:30 p.m., Howard Theatre, $85+

Last chance: “New Worlds: Women to Watch 2024”: Through Aug. 11, National Museum of Women in the Arts, included with admission

Jazz in The Parks:  Elijah Easton w/ Allyn Johnson, Kris Funn, and Quincy Phillips: Sat., The Parks at Walter Reed, free

Sundresses & Whiskey: #KNOBCREEKNIK: Sun., 3-8 p.m., Dirty Habit in Northwest D.C., free admission 

Summer Restaurant Week: Aug. 12-18

What to do in Maryland

Montgomery County Agricultural Fair: Aug. 9-17, Gaithersburg, $13.36+. The fair is closed on Aug. 9 because of severe weather.

Friday Night Live!: Fri., 6:30-8:30 p.m., City Hall Plaza in College Park, free

Bethesda Outdoor Movies: “Sister Act”: Fri., Woodmont Triangle, free

Sad Summer Festival: Fri., 2 p.m., The Chrysalis at Merriweather Park in Columbia, $72.90 (including fees)

Miles Johnson: “Reflections of Progress” debut solo art show: Sat., 6-10 p.m., 4002 34th Street in Mount Rainier, donation suggested

Summer Family Day at Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park: Sat., 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sandy Spring, free

The Hey Cousin Culture Fest: Celebrating Black Joy: Sun., 1-8 p.m., Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring, free

What to do in Virginia

“Soft Power”: Through Sept. 6, Signature Theatre in Arlington

One Loudoun Carnival at Uptown: Aug. 7-18, Ashburn, Virginia

Torpedo Factory Art Center 2nd Friday: Fri., 7-10 p.m., Alexandria, free

Cardboard Boat Regatta: Sat., noon to 3 p.m., Reston Museum, free

Taste of Leesburg: Sat., 5-10 p.m., downtown Leesburg, free admission, taste tickets close $45 through Friday

Alexandria Summer Sidewalk Sale: Sat., Old Town and beyond, free entry

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Whether you’re rocking a beret like Jason Kelce, casually subbing oui, oui for yes or making plans to visit the “Emily in Paris” pop-up, we are nearing peak Parisian summer, amis.

Who else is waking up every morning dancing like Jummy and Hoda and the Eiffel Tower, excited for a new day at the Paris Olympics?

We’re following every storyline (We even have a Paris Olympics newsletter!). But we’re still hype like Flavor Flav for your weekend. But consider hot weather and storm chances a green light to grab the popcorn for a weekend with the Olympics on TV.

Stick the landing, team!

A sampling of Olympic sports right in the D.C. area

• Washington Spirit are cheering on their players in Paris at a watch party Saturday. You can watch the Olympics at tons of bars and restaurants.
• En garde! Fencing Across America is bringing the sport to the National Mall through Sunday.
• The US Capitol Classics: Open martial arts tournament is another front-row seat to Olympic-style competition.
• The Mubadala Citi DC Open is bringing top-tier tennis to Rock Creek Park.

It’s fair season, y’all! 

🔗 Top fairs in the D.C. area

Carnival rides, games and deep-fried fair food are a summer essential, if you ask us.

This weekend you’ve got Fairfax County’s Annual 4-H Fair and Carnival in Herndon and the Fredericksburg Agricultural Fair.

Don’t worry, Maryland! The Montgomery County Agriculture Fair is just a week away, and it’s transit accessible thanks to free shuttle service from two locations (parking at the fairgrounds costs $15).

The Prince William County Fair starts Friday, Aug. 9, too.

County fair season goes well into September, so make your plans!

More weekend highlights

Manassas African American Heritage Festival
Sat., 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Metz Middle School in Manassas, free
🔗 Details

The festival returns for its 31st year with dozens of vendors, music, a car show, great food and kids’ games.

Free pick

Library of Congress movies
Various times, locations in D.C. and Culpeper
🔗 Full Schedule

We love going to the movies on the most humid summer days – but did you know you can see tons of great films for free at the Library of Congress? You know these flicks are good because they’re in the National Film Registry.

On weekends, the library’s Packard Campus Theater in Culpeper screens everything from 1943’s “The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp” (Fri., 7:30 p.m.) to “Black Panther” (Sat., 2 p.m.). 

Right in D.C., the Library of Congress has one showing left in its Summer Movies on the Lawn series: “Lady and the Tramp” on Thursday, Aug. 8.

ICYMI: Our outdoor movie roundup lists plenty of free screenings all around the Beltway!

Concerts this weekend

Quivers, 10 p.m. Friday, Comet Ping Pong, $15

Jangly Australian indie pop rockers would sounded right at home on ‘80s college radio. Details.

Rakim with the Illharmonic Orchestra, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, The Anthem, $45-$55

It’s no secret Rakim’s one of the greatest MCs of all time. After a four-decade, catch him like never before: accompanied by a full symphonic orchestra. Details. 

The Mountain Goats and The New Pornographers, 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Wolf Trap, $43+

Terrific indie rock bill pairs Mountain Goats’ literary folk rock with the power pop perfectionism of New Pornographers. Details. 

Things to do in D.C.

The Ultimate Improv Show: Through July 30 to Aug. 11, The Kennedy Center, $40-$60

Nats vs. Brewers

• Pups in the Park: Fri., 6:45 p.m.
• Harry Potter Day: Sat., 4:05 p.m., Nationals Park, $24+
• Kids’ shoe charms giveaway: Sun., 1:35 p.m.

Otakon: Fri. to Sun., Washington Convention Center, $40-$85

Introductory pickleball lesson: Sat., courts by Anacostia Pool, free

• FYI: Equipment provided

Bolivian Fest DC: Sat., 3 p.m. to late, 1355 U St NW, $25 (free for kids under 12)

• FYI: Family-friendly until 8 p.m., then it’s 21+

Singalong Saturdays: Live band karaoke: Sat., 7-9 p.m., The Wharf’s Transit Pier, free

Jordan Klepper: “Suffering Fools”: Sat., The Kennedy Center, $39-$49

Things to do in Maryland

Howard County Fair: Aug. 3-10, West Friendship, $10 per person (discounts for those 65+ and under 12)

Bethesda Outdoor Movies: “Battle of the Sexes”: Fri., Woodmont Triangle, free

Wine & Jazz at Marietta: Sat., 2-7 p.m., Marietta House Museum in Glenn Dale, $10

Fairwood Music Series featuring Kyaira: Sun., 4-6 p.m., Fairwood Community Park in Bowie, free

Summer Concert: Caiso Steelband: Sun., 6:30 to 8 p.m., Bladensburg Waterfront Park, free

Olney Outdoors: Through Aug. 31, Root Family Stage, $12-$86

Things to do in Virginia

Fairfax County 4-H Fair and Carnival: Thurs. To Sun., Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon, free entry, $10 for parking 

Middleburg’s 18th Annual Summer Sidewalk Sale: Fri. to Sun., downtown Middleburg, free to visit

Dan + Shay: Heartbreak On The Map Tour: Sat., 7 p.m., Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow 

Great Country Farms Peach Fuzztival: Sat. and Sun., Bluemont, Virginia

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We’re waking up every morning dancing like Jummy and Hoda and the Eiffel Tower, excited for a new day at the Paris Olympics. And this week, you can get into the spirit with Washington Spirit watch parties, a martial arts tournament and the Mubadala Citi DC Open.

Here’s what to do this week in the Washington, D.C. area.

What to do in Washington, D.C.

The Ultimate Improv Show: Through July 30 to Aug. 11, The Kennedy Center, $40-$60

Mubadala Citi DC Open: Through Sun., Rock Creek Park Tennis Center, single-day tickets start at $45

Library of Congress Summer Movies on the Lawn: “Rocky” (1976): Thurs., 8 p.m., Thomas Jefferson Building lawn at the corner of 2nd Street SE and Independence Avenue, free but space limited

Nats vs. Brewers

• Pups in the Park: Fri., 6:45 p.m.
• Harry Potter Day: Sat., 4:05 p.m., Nationals Park, $24+
• Kids’ shoe charms giveaway: Sun., 1:35 p.m.

Otakon: Fri. to Sun., Washington Convention Center, $40-$85

Introductory pickleball lesson: Sat., courts by Anacostia Pool, free

• FYI: Equipment provided

Bolivian Fest DC: Sat., 3 p.m. to late, 1355 U St NW, $25 (free for kids under 12)

• FYI: Family-friendly until 8 p.m., then it’s 21+

Singalong Saturdays: Live band karaoke: Sat., 7-9 p.m., The Wharf’s Transit Pier, free

Jordan Klepper: “Suffering Fools”: Sat., The Kennedy Center, $39-$49

What to do in Maryland

US Capitol Classics: Open martial arts tournament: Fri. and Sat., National Harbor, $50 (weekend pass), $20 (Friday pass), $30 (Saturday pass)

Howard County Fair: Aug. 3-10, West Friendship, $10 per person (discounts for those 65+ and under 12)

Bethesda Outdoor Movies: “Battle of the Sexes”: Fri., Woodmont Triangle, free

Wine & Jazz at Marietta: Sat., 2-7 p.m., Marietta House Museum in Glenn Dale, $10

Fairwood Music Series featuring Kyaira: Sun., 4-6 p.m., Fairwood Community Park in Bowie, free

Summer Concert: Caiso Steelband: Sun., 6:30 to 8 p.m., Bladensburg Waterfront Park, free

Olney Outdoors: Through Aug. 31, Root Family Stage, $12-$86

2024 Paris Olympics Jul 24

Paris Olympics watch parties in the DC area where you can cheer on Team USA

The Scene Jul 30

Where to find county and state fairs in DC, Maryland and Virginia

What to do in Virginia

Fairfax County 4-H Fair and Carnival: Thurs. To Sun., Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon, free entry, $10 for parking 

Middleburg’s 18th Annual Summer Sidewalk Sale: Fri. to Sun., downtown Middleburg, free to visit

African American Culture Arts Festival: Sat., 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Metz Middle School in Manassas, free

Dan + Shay: Heartbreak On The Map Tour: Sat., 7 p.m., Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow 

Great Country Farms Peach Fuzztival: Sat. and Sun., Bluemont, Virginia

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A bunch of counties in D.C., Maryland and Virginia are bringing back their annual county fairs with fun activities including petting zoos, auto shows and live entertainment.

Here’s a list of all the fairs coming soon to the DMV. 

The Montgomery County Agriculture Fair 
Aug. 9-17
Montgomery County Agricultural Center: 16 Chestnut Street Gaithersburg, Maryland
Details 

This Agricultural Fair in Maryland is prepping for huge events, including: Animal and barn exhibits, a monster truck tour, carnival rides, and a red-eye rodeo.

Parking at the fair costs $15. The fair is also transit accessible! Free shuttle buses and parking will be available at Montgomery College’s Rockville Campus and the Lakeforest Mall (R.I.P.). Check the date of your ticket, too: They’re offering discounted prices for all-day ride wristbands on certain days. 

The fair is closed on Aug. 9 because of severe weather.

Prince William County Fair 
Aug. 9-17
10624 Dumfries Rd, Manassas, Virginia
Details

The PWC Fair is geared up and ready to go. The huge schedule includes dog shows, pageants, wine tasting, auto shows and more. Gate admission tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children.

Arlington County Fair 
Aug. 14-18 
Thomas Jefferson Community Center: 3501 Second Street South Arlington, Virginia
Details

Admission to the Arlington Fair and the associated outdoor stage is free, but bring cash for the individual rides. The kid’s court will have moonbounces, music performances and a pie-eating contest with registration.

Tickets to ride are $1.25 each, with rides costing between 3 and 6 tickets. There are different deals when you get tickets in bulk, and you can check out those prices (and the price of parking) on their website.

Maryland State Fair 
Aug. 22-Sept. 8
2200 York Road, Lutherville-Timonium, Maryland
Details

This state fair has horse racing, live entertainment, and a kiddie fair for small children. Puppy yoga will also be offered with the purchase of a ticket. Admission for those aged 6-11 is $8.25 and $13.25 for those 12 and older. 

Food & Drink Jul 26

The Weekend Scene: Pro tennis, Broccoli City and Loudoun County Fair

Things to Do DC Jul 16

Picture-perfect sunflower fields to visit in the DMV

DC State Fair
Sept. 7
Franklin Park
Details 

The free state fair showcases local makers, organizations and food vendors. There’s also competitions for the best mambo sauce, best honey and top photographers. Registration is still open for entertainers and volunteers, as of July 30.

Anne Arundel County Fair 
Sept. 11-15 
1450 General’s Highway (Route 178) Crownsville, Maryland
Details

These five jam-packed days will be filled with livestock auctions, carnival rides, indoor exhibits and Friday-and-Saturday-night concerts. They are also accepting volunteer applications. Admission is $10 for people 10 years and older. 

Charles County Fair
Sept. 12-15
8440 Fairgrounds Rd, La Plata, Maryland
Details

Sheep shows, pie-eating contests and lawnmower races will all be included alongside your typical carnival rides. Food vendors and drinks will be available on-site for purchase — but parking is free. Admission for those aged 11 and older is $10, and free for those 10 and under.

The Great Fredrick Fair 
Sept. 13-21
797 E Patrick St, Frederick, Maryland
Details

They call themselves the “greatest of all time,” and it’s for a reason. This fair has plenty of carnival rides, live barn stock, concerts and motorsport shows. Tickets for admission, parking and concert events are now available for purchase online. Alcohol and food will be available on-site. 

Stafford County Fair 
Oct. 27-20
121 University Boulevard Fredericksburg, VA 22406
Details

Pony rides, vendors, and carnival rides will be there all four days. Registration is also now open for the Miss Stafford County Fair pageant, if you know any girls or young women ready to talk about a platform of their choice.

Past events

Fredericksburg Agricultural Fair 
Jul. 26 to Aug. 4
2400 Airport Ave, Fredericksburg, Virginia
Details

Register for their pageant, or join their karaoke night and demolition derby: There’s a whole range of activities to try. Admission for those aged four to 59 is $15, and $10 for those 60 and older. 

Annual 4-H Fair and Carnival at Frying Pan Farm Park
Aug. 1-4
2739 West Ox Rd, Herndon, Virginia 
Details

Visit farm animals, see tractor demos, and potentially milk a cow or goat! Carnival games and rides will be included. Parking is $10 after 4 p.m. on Friday and all day during the weekend.

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The Mubadala Citi Open, the world’s only combined Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) and Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) 500-level tennis tournament, is returning to the District, promising a thrilling week of tennis, local food and drinks, fan experiences and more. Here’s everything you need to know about the event.

When is the Mubadala Citi DC Open?

• Qualifying Weekend: July 27- July 28
• Main Draw: July 29- August 4
• Location: Rock Creek Park Tennis Center, 5220 16th St. NW, Washington, D.C.

Why it’s a big deal?

Founded by tennis legend and Virginia native Arthur Ashe, plus Donald Dell, and John A. Harris, the Mubadala Citi DC Open says it is one of the oldest and most prestigious tournaments in tennis. It is the only combined ATP and WTA 500-level event, drawing top talent from both tours to compete in the Nation’s Capital. 

This year’s tournament will feature nine of the world’s top 20 players, including Grand Slam champions and local favorites. 

Notable Players

ATP

Grigor Dimitrov (World No. 10), Frances Tiafoe (Maryland native, World No. 29), Ben Shelton (World No. 14), Sebastian Korda (World No. 21)

WTA

Aryna Sabalenka (World No. 3), Ons Jabeur (World No. 10), Emma Raducanu (2021 US Open champion), Madison Keys (World No. 13) 

Planning your visit

• Gates Open: 9:30 a.m. on qualifying weekend; 10:30 a.m. Monday-Thursday; 11:30 a.m. Friday- Championship Sunday
• Parking: Limited onsite parking available, additional details on event website 
• Public Transit: Shuttle service details to be announced

Ticket prices start at $22 and can be purchased online or at the on-site box office; note that sales are final, even in the face of weather-related cancellations. Advance purchase is recommended due to frequent sell-outs. Official Mubadala Citi DC Open gear will be available at the stadium shop and online.

This year’s Mubadala Citi DC Open will feature five Michelin-starred chefs, including José Andres, Matt Baker, Jeremiah Langhorne, Michael Rafidi and Patrick O’Connell, who will be serving his famous truffled popcorn. 

Other D.C. fan-favorites that will be serving at the tournament include Duke’s Grocery, Roaming Rooster, King Street Oyster Bar, Taco Bamba and more. 

The tournament will also be offering daily tastings and elevated experiences like the DeLeón Tequila Lounge, the Heineken Beer Garden, a Kim Crawford Wine Down Oasis and the Ketel One Terrace.

Giveaways, live music, and player meet and greets will also take place throughout the tournament for attendees to take part in. 

For younger tennis fans, Saturday, July 27th is Mubadala Citi DC Open Kids’ Day, offering tennis drills, face painting, temporary tattoos and more.

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We’re feeling the Paris Olympics fever and ready for a gold medal weekend!

If you peel yourself off the couch once the action wraps up in Paris, there are some major tennis stars right in D.C., free festivals, concerts and more to fill up your weekend. Or you can hit up a Summer Games watch party.

Some really nice weather is on tap this weekend (less humidity!), so it’s a perfect time for a free outdoor festival. Some family-friendly options this weekend include DMV Made Festival, Kids World, the SAAM Arcade and Anacostia Park’s July Late Skate (yes – free skating!).

Weekend highlights

Washington Spirit’s USWNT Watch Party
Sun., The Brighton at The Wharf, free entry

Cheer on Spirit players Trinity Rodman and Casey Krueger and the rest of the U.S. Women’s National Team in their quest for a medal at the Paris Olympics. The first two watch parties are happening Thursday at The Bullpen and Sunday at The Brighton; here are details.

Mubadala Citi DC Open
July 27 to Aug. 4, Rock Creek Park Tennis Center, $22+
🔗 Details

A ton of tennis talent is descending upon D.C. for the Mubadala Citi DC Open.

Maryland’s own Frances Tiafoe is among the stars you can see on the court.

Foodies can pick up bites backed by five Michelin-starred chefs, including José Andrés and Michael Rafidi, or D.C. faves Duke’s Grocery and Taco Bamba.

This Saturday is Kids’ Day. Young fans are invited to try tennis drills, face painting, temporary tattoos and more.

Free pick
SAAM Arcade
Sat., 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Kogod Courtyard
🔗 Details

Grab the joystick on classic arcade games or play something innovative from the Indie Showcase at the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s annual interactive exhibit on game design.

This year, the focus is video games that celebrate travel and exploration or take you to new worlds.

Come by early, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., for quiet hours. Triforce Quartet will perform at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Free pick
DMV Made: A Culture & Wellness Festival
Sat., 1-7:30 p.m., National Mall
🔗 Details

D.C. hip-hop nonprofit Words Beats & Life is taking over the National Mall with local art and family fun.

Head to 14th and Jefferson Drive SW for multiple stages with live music, dance and some amazing poetry. Plus, they’ll offer a bunch of workshops.

Concerts this weekend

Mates of State, 7 p.m. Thursday, Union Stage, $25

It’s been a while since this husband-and-wife duo has released new material, but their upbeat indie-pop of old remains as refreshing as ever. Details.

Previous Industries, 8 p.m. Friday, Songbyrd, $25.75

Rap super trio of Open Mike Eagle, Video Dave and STILL RIFT make throwback hip-hop – it sounds like what they probably listened to growing up. Details.

Black Pumas, 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Wolf Trap, $45+

Fast-rising Austin-based R&B/soul band is old school without sounding retro and modern without sounding poppy. Details.

Things to do in D.C.

“Back to the Future: The Musical”: July 23 to Aug. 11, The Kennedy Center, $49-$209

Celebrating James Baldwin’s 100th Birthday: His Legacy and Influence on Modern Writers: Thurs., 7 p.m., NMAAHC, free but registration required

Mayor Bowser’s Opening Ceremony Olympics Watch Party: Fri., 1 p.m., Reservoir Park Rec Center in Northwest D.C., free

July Late Skate: Sat. until 10 p.m., Anacostia Park Skating Pavilion, free

Broccoli City Festival: Sat. and Sun., Audi Field, $245+ (two-day pass) or $90+ (one-day pass)

Kids World: Sat. and Sun., noon to 7 p.m., Franklin Park in downtown D.C., free

Bluejacket Kölsch Fest with three hours of unlimited beer: Sun., noon to 3 p.m., Southeast D.C., $46.06 (including fees)

Things to do in Maryland

Olney Outdoors: July 25 to Aug. 31, Root Family Stage, $12-$86

Picture Show & Pupusas: “Jurrasic Park”: Fri., 7 p.m., Flower Ave Urban Park (8746 Flower Ave, Silver Spring), free

Bethesda Outdoor Movies: “Men in Black”: Fri., Woodmont Triangle, free

Metro Fest 2024: Sat., 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Branch Avenue Metro Station, free

Summer Concert: N2N Band: Sun., 6:30 to 8 p.m., Bladensburg Waterfront Park, free

Things to do in Virginia

Loudoun County Fair: Through Sat., Leesburg, $15

Summertime: Awa Sal Secka Sings Ladies of Jazz: Through Aug. 4, Signature Theatre, $46

Rosslyn LIVE!: Uncle Jesse (‘80s and ‘90s covers): Thurs., July 25, 6-9 p.m., Gateway Park, $5

The HOT 99.5 Games 2024: Sat., 2 p.m., Starr Hill Biergarten in Tysons, free entry

Christmas in July Vendor Market: Sat., Lost Boy Cider in Alexandria, free entry

Great Country Farms Peach Fuzztival: July 27 & 28 and August 3 & 4, Bluemont, Virginia

Lineage Percussion: Shadows of Lakeland: Sat., 7:20 p.m., The Clarice Performing Arts Center in College Park, free with reservation

“The Sandlot” screening with inflatable batting cage: Sat., events start at 6 p.m., Reston Station Metro Plaza, free

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The Paris Olympics are right around the corner. We’re counting down the hours until those thrilling words: Let the games begin!

Soccer kicks off on Wednesday. Then, on Friday, we watch what’s certain to be one of the most memorable moments of the Summer Game: the Opening Ceremony along Paris’ storied Seine River. You can see the full Olympics schedule here.

Things to Do DC Jul 16

Picture-perfect sunflower fields to visit in the DMV

Things to Do DC May 21

Where to watch outdoor movies all summer long in DC, Maryland and Virginia

If you want to get out and about during the workweek, the U.S. Botanic Garden is keeping an eye on two corpse flowers in bloom.  Be warned: It’s a beautiful, but stinky phenomenon.

Here’s what to do this week in the Washington, D.C. area.

What to do in Washington, D.C.

Nationals vs Padres: Tues., Weds., Thurs., Nationals Park

“Back to the Future: The Musical”: July 23 to Aug. 11, The Kennedy Center, $49-$209

Celebrating James Baldwin’s 100th Birthday: His Legacy and Influence on Modern Writers: Thurs., 7 p.m., NMAAHC, free but registration required

Mayor Bowser’s Opening Ceremony Olympics Watch Party: Fri., 1 p.m., Reservoir Park Rec Center in Northwest D.C., free

Mubadala Citi DC Open: July 27 to Aug. 4, Rock Creek Park Tennis Center, single-day tickets start at $45

SAAM Arcade: Sat., 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Smithsonian American Art Museum, free

DMV Made: A Culture & Wellness Festival: Sat., 1-7:30 p.m., National Mall

July Late Skate: Sat. until 10 p.m., Anacostia Park Skating Pavilion, free

Broccoli City Festival: Sat. and Sun., Audi Field, $245+ (two-day pass) or $90+ (one-day pass)

Kids World: Sat. and Sun., noon to 7 p.m., Franklin Park in downtown D.C., free

Bluejacket Kölsch Fest with three hours of unlimited beer: Sun., noon to 3 p.m., Southeast D.C., $46.06 (including fees)

What to do in Maryland

Olney Outdoors: July 25 to Aug. 31, Root Family Stage, $12-$86

Picture Show & Pupusas: “Jurrasic Park”: Fri., 7 p.m., Flower Ave Urban Park (8746 Flower Ave, Silver Spring), free

Bethesda Outdoor Movies: “Men in Black”: Fri., Woodmont Triangle, free

Metro Fest 2024: Sat., 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Branch Avenue Metro Station, free

Summer Concert: N2N Band: Sun., 6:30 to 8 p.m., Bladensburg Waterfront Park, free

What to do in Virginia

Loudoun County Fair: Through Sat., Leesburg, $15

Summertime: Awa Sal Secka Sings Ladies of Jazz: Through Aug. 4, Signature Theatre, $46

Rosslyn LIVE!: Uncle Jesse (‘80s and ‘90s covers): Thurs., July 25, 6-9 p.m., Gateway Park, $5

The HOT 99.5 Games 2024: Sat., 2 p.m., Starr Hill Biergarten in Tysons, free entry

Christmas in July Vendor Market: Sat., Lost Boy Cider in Alexandria, free entry

Great Country Farms Peach Fuzztival: July 27 & 28 and August 3 & 4, Bluemont, Virginia

Lineage Percussion: Shadows of Lakeland: Sat., 7:20 p.m., The Clarice Performing Arts Center in College Park, free with reservation

“The Sandlot” screening with inflatable batting cage: Sat., events start at 6 p.m., Reston Station Metro Plaza, free

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The Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) announced the 2024 winners on Sunday evening during the RAMMY Awards. Some of the night’s biggest awards went to Falls Church’s Ellie Bird for New Restaurant of the Year and the team behind Long Shot Hospitality, which operates The Salt Line and Ometeo, among other restaurants.

Anju chef Angel Barreto, who was recently up for two James Beard Awards, was honored with Chef of the Year. Perry’s chef Masako Morishita was named Rising Culinary Star of the Year.

NBC4 and Telemundo 44 were proud sponsors of the event.

This year, the public was able to nominate and vote for restaurants and bars with NBC Washington’s The Scene in the public voting categories: Favorite Gathering Place, Best Brunch, Best Bar, Favorite Fast Bites and Hottest Sandwich Spot.

News4’s Tommy McFly surprised Bar Chinois, Duke’s Counter, Colada Shop, Mi Vida and Fava Pot last week with their awards in the publicly voted categories.

Other categories were chosen by restaurant industry insiders which honored excellence in service, culinary concepts and professionalism.

Here’s the full list of 2024 RAMMY Award winners, according to RAMW.

2024 RAMMY Award Winners

The 2024 RAMMYS Awards Winners are (*denotes publicly voted category*):

New Restaurant of the Year presented by The Fork CPAs: Ellie Bird

Cocktail Program of the Year: Silver Lyan

Rising Culinary Star of the Year presented by LINK Strategic Partners: Masako Morishita, Perry’s

Beer Program of the Year: Zinnia

Wine Program of the Year presented by Père Wine Bar: Apero

*Favorite Gathering Place presented by BN Commercial Hood Cleaning and Fire Protection*: Mi Vida

*Best Brunch*: Duke’s Counter

*Best Bar*: Bar Chinois

*Favorite Fast Bites*: Fava Pot

*Hottest Sandwich Shop*: Colada Shop

Employee of the Year: Michael Wyatt, Annabelle Restaurant

Manager of the Year: Victoria Gradia, KNEAD Hospitality + Design

Service Program of the Year presented by Ecolab: Reveler’s Hour

Casual Restaurant of the Year: La Famosa

Upscale Casual Restaurant of the Year: Lutèce

Pastry Chef or Baker of the Year: Rochelle Cooper, The Duck & The Peach

Formal Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year: Causa/Amazonia

Chef of the Year presented by Pepco, an Exelon Company: Angel Barreto, Anju

Restaurateur of the Year presented by Pepco, an Exelon Company: Kyle Bailey, Jon Ball, Jeremy Carman, Gavin Coleman, and Paul Holder, Long Shot Hospitality

Joan Hisaoka Allied Member of the Year: Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School

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D.C.’s temps hit 101° for three straight days this week, which has only happened once before — in 1930. And, boy, we’re ready for a staycation from the heat. Luckily, more comfortable weather is on tap for a weekend packed with flower festivals, concerts and scoops for National Ice Cream Day. Just plan around some rain chances.

It’s a big music weekend between the Home Rule Music Festival (it’s free!), Carly Rae Jepsen after a Nats Game, the Lake Arbor Jazz Festival and Olivia Rodrigo — if you have the guts to find tickets to the sold-out show at Capital One Arena.

Things to Do DC Jul 17

Free scoops and specials for National Ice Cream Day in the DC area

Things to Do DC Jul 18

Second corpse flower waiting to bloom at the US Botanic Garden, which is closed Wednesday

Whatever you do, we love hearing about your DMV adventures!

Be Scene: Share a photo or video of you and your posse at your favorite place. Tag @nbcwashington on social or upload at nbcwashington.com/ugc!

Stop and smell the flowers (or hold your breath)

Free pick
Lotus and Water Lily Festival
Fri. Sat. and Sun., Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
🔗 Details

A pink petal palooza is flourishing in D.C. — but in July, it’s not for cherry blossoms.

The annual Lotus and Water Lily Festival runs through Sunday, and each day highlights a special theme through unique activities, including free workout classes, plant foraging and art classes.

But the highlight is the flowers sprouting out of the park’s 45 ponds.

The festival marks lotus flowers reaching peak bloom, but the “stunning sea of pink” usually lasts until mid-August, Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens said.

The flowers tend to close in intense sun or heat. So, the best time to visit is early in the morning or in the evening. The park will be open until 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Here are tips on getting there by bike, Metro, car or on foot.

Free pick
McKee-Beshers sunflower fields
Poolesville, Maryland
🔗 Details

Four fields of sunflowers are blooming at the McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area in Poolesville. Nearly 30 acres of flowers draw a lot of birds — and bird watchers.

Come prepared for a somewhat rugged nature experience with no bathrooms, picnic tables and little shade. Note that it’s illegal to pick these sunflowers.

It’s free to visit, wander and take gorgeous photos! Here’s a map showing sunflower fields and walking trails.

If you’d like to pick your own sunflowers, you have many options, including Sunflower Sunsets at Burnside Farms! Check out our full guide for more ideas.

Free pick
Corpse flowers in peak bloom
Currently on display at the U.S. Botanic Garden
🔗 Details

Two rare, gigantic flowers known for their powerful stench are approaching peak bloom at the U.S. Botanic Garden.

Corpse flowers are named for their powerful stench and bloom only every 2-3 years.

Two of the Botanic Garden’s corpse flowers could reach peak bloom between Friday and Monday. You can visit them – if you dare! The plants can grow up to 8-feet tall, and their smell is often compared to rotting flesh.

More weekend highlights

Free pick
“This Morning, This Evening, So Soon: James Baldwin and the Voices of Queer Resistance”
Through April, National Portrait Gallery
🔗 Details

The National Portrait Gallery is honoring civil rights activist, author and playwright James Baldwin for his 100th birthday.

The exhibit features a larger-than-life portrait of Baldwin and includes artwork from contemporary artists who Baldwin surrounded himself with.

There are photographs of Baldwin with singer Nina Simone and with Bayard Rustin, a gay civil rights activist who was one of the main organizers of the March on Washington.

National Ice Cream Day
Sun.
🔗 Find local deals and specials

National Ice Cream Day is another excuse to indulge in frozen goodness. This year, it’s on Sunday, but you can find specials and freebies all weekend.

Dolcezza, Here’s the Scoop, Ice Cream Jubilee and Insomnia Cookies are among spots offering some sort of BOGO deal.

National Ice Cream Day is also an excuse to check out Tyra Banks’ ice cream pop-up shop, Smize & Dream, which is set to open in Woodley Park on Friday.

Concerts this weekend

RAZZ (THE) DOCUMENTARY – The Next Directors’ Cut, 3 p.m. Saturday, AFI Silver Spring, $13/$11 (senior)/$8 (child)

Documentary about the iconic D.C. cult band from the ‘70s gets the AFI treatment with a Q&A from the filmmakers. Guests are invited to McGinty’s Public House afterward for special guest performers. Details.

Wand, doors at 7 p.m. Saturday, Songbyrd, $20/$23

A decade along, this ace L.A. psych rock band is touring off its sixth LP, “Vertigo.” Details.

The Meridian Brothers, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Black Cat, $25

Colombian band plays a sort of sci-fi, psychedelic salsa, with other Latin and jazz roots in the mix. Can be exciting and haunting at the same time. Details.

Lambrini Girls, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, DC9, $18-$20

Politically motivated English punk trio is invigorating, raw and flying the riot grrrl flag. Excellent D.C. punks Ekko Astral open. Referring to themselves as “mascara moshpit,” they mix noise, garage rock and hooks. Details.

Things to do in D.C.

Capital Fringe Festival: Through July 23, various venues in D.C., tickets to each show cost $15

Dionne Warwick: Fri., 8 p.m., Warner Theatre, $82+

Open Crafting Night: 21+: Fri., 6-9 p.m., Merry Pin at 7350 Georgia Ave NW, free to attend

Nats Summer Concert Series: Carly Rae Jepsen: Fri., game begins at 6:45 p.m., Nationals Park, $32+

• FYI: Nationals play Reds at home Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Free skate lessons: Fridays, 6-8 p.m. through Aug. 5, Anacostia Park Skating Pavilion, free but registration required

• FYI: Photo ID needed for free skate rentals

Library of Congress July Family Day: The Olympic Games: Sat., 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., free but timed entry passes are required to enter the Library of Congress

Home Rule Music Festival: Part II: Sat., Alethia Tanner Park, free

DC United: Military Appreciation Night: Sat., Audi Field, $27+

Humor Books: ALIVE!: Sat., 7:30 p.m., The Kennedy Center, $17.25+

Things to do in Maryland

Lake Arbor Jazz Festival: Weds. to Sun., National Harbor, $95 (advance) or $110 (day-of)

Washington Country Fair: Through Sat., Boonsboro, Maryland, $5 for daily gate admission

Pint Size Plunge benefitting Special Olympics Maryland: Sat., Lone Oak Farm in Olney, free attendance, charity raffle starts at $10 per entry

Afro Latino Festival: Sun., noon to 8 p.m., Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring, free

Summer Concert: Larry Dennis & The Wild Rice Band: Sun., 6:30 to 8 p.m., Bladensburg Waterfront Park, free

Things to do in Virginia

Wright at Twilight at Pope-Leighey House: Fri., 6:30 p.m., Alexandria, $25

Purcellville Wine and Food Festival: Sat., 2-8 p.m., Fireman’s Field Park, $5+ in advance or $10+ at the gate 

11th Annual Old Town Pub Crawl: Sat., 1:30-6 p.m., Alexandria, free to participate

Stand-up comedy night hosted by Leon Scott: Sat., 7:30 p.m., HIGHLINE RxR in Arlington, $4-$8

“Kicking and Screaming” screening with inflatable soccer: Sat., events start at 6 p.m., Reston Station Metro Plaza, free

Nas with the National Symphony Orchestra: Sun., 8 p.m., Wolf Trap in Vienna, $59+

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The Amorphophallus titanium, better known as the corpse flower, is a rare, 8-foot-tall flower that blooms for just a few days every few years. The U.S. Botanic Garden has several. One just bloomed, and another is expected to do so soon.

The U.S. Botanic Garden stayed open until 8 p.m. on Monday so everyone could check out the unusual plant.

Those two plants have been on display to the public since July 13, and you can visit them now.

The second corpse flower still hasn’t opened, which is lucky for visitors that can’t stop by on Wednesday, July 24, when it is closed due to “an official government function.”

After Wednesday, through Aug. 30, The Conservatory is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. It’s free and no tickets are required.

Why are they called corpse flowers?

Corpse flowers have their morbid name because, when they bloom, the smell is often compared to rotting flesh. The plant features a tall spike, called a spadix, surrounded by a flower that is purple on the inside.

The plant also generates heat when it blooms, allowing the smell to travel further.

That may sound horrendous to humans, but for corpse-attracted pollinators like carrion beetles and flies, it smells like a delicious meal. Once the creepy-crawlies are lured in, they help the plant propagate.

Things to Do DC Jul 17

Petal party: Lotus and Water Lily Festival to bloom at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens 

Things to Do DC Jul 16

Picture-perfect sunflower fields to visit in the DMV

According to the botanic garden, the blooms usually stand for three to four days, and the powerful stench is “mostly just during the first 12-24 hours when the female flowers are receptive to pollination.”

The two corpse flowers at the botanic garden that are set to bloom are Accession 2019-0033 and Accession 2007-1033.

Accession 2019-0033 is the fifth bloom from a plant that the botanic garden created in 2017, via pollination, and then planted in 2018. It’s about six years old, and this is the first time it has ever bloomed.

Accession 2007-1033 has longer story. In 2018, the plant almost died because of rot. Part of the plant did die in 2020, but “a large number of sprouts came up,” and 2007-1033 was the one chosen by the botanical garden’s horticulture team to recover the plant.

The plant is four years old, and this is the first bloom since it was recovered in 2021.

Why does the U.S. Botanic Garden have multiple plants known above all else for smelling bad?

Amorphophallus titanum is an endangered species, according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. The plants at the botanic garden are there as part of a conservation effort, and to give the public the chance to see this unusual plant up close.

The population of the corpse flower plant has gone down by more than 50% over the past century and a half, according to the IUCN, which estimates that less than 1,000 individual plants still exist in the wild.

Deforestation is the main reason for the plant’s decline, the botanic garden’s website reads, as logging and oil palm plantations take away the corpse flower’s forest habitat.

By keeping corpse flowers in the botanic garden, scientists can study the genetic makeup of the plants. Eventually, they hope to put that information into a database.

That information will help scientists broaden the gene pool and create more diversity among new plants — hopefully keeping the species alive for many more years to come. (We wouldn’t want too many corpse flower corpses, after all!)

This weekend isn’t the first corpse flower bloom of the year. There were other events in April and May, according to the botanic gardens. You can learn more about those previous blooms, and the plant itself, here.

But if you want to witness a relatively rare botanical event, the plants are already on display to the public, and it’s possible that both will bloom anytime between Friday and Monday.

Who knows? It might even be a breath of fresh air compared to some of the other stuff going on around town recently.

Editor’s Note (Monday, July 22, 2:15 p.m.): The U.S. Botanic Garden said the flowers may bloom over the weekend of July 19-21, and one was open by Monday morning. This article has been updated.

Editor’s Note (Wednesday, July 24, 1:03 p.m.): The second flower still has not opened as of this writing, and the U.S. Botanic Garden is closed all day for an official government function. This article has been updated.

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On Sunday, July 21, 2024, National Ice Cream Day sprinkles on an extra excuse to indulge in frozen goodness.

Whether you want to chase down your neighborhood ice cream truck or venture out for freebies and specials, we’ve got the scoop below.

Freebies and discounts for National Ice Cream Day

Cut DC
1050 31st St NW, Washington, D.C.

Wolfgang Puck’s restaurant in Georgetown is rolling out an ice cream cart and plans to offer special pricing on ice cream scoops, sandwiches and “Pawpsicles.” You’ll find the cart outside the Rosewood Washington DC hotel. Hours will be 2-7 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Dolcezza
Three locations in D.C., plus Bethesda, Maryland and Mosaic District in Virginia

Dolcezza Gelato happens to celebrate its 20^th birthday on National Ice Cream Day this year, and that means thousands of free scoops of Argentine-style gelato.

Say “Dolcezza happy birthday” when you place your order to get a free scoop of Chocotorta gelato.

“The Chocotorta is a dulce de leche gelato with a chocolate-cookie-dulce-de-leche-mousse cake folded into it,” Dolcezza said.

Here’s the Scoop
2824 Georgia Ave NW LL, Washington, D.C.

Love soft serve or sampling lots of flavors? Columbia Heights’ first Black woman-owned ice cream shop may have the deal for you.

Here’s the Scoop will offer a buy one, get one free deal on soft serve from 1-3 p.m. Sunday while supplies last. Your freebie can come in a cup or cake cone.

The shop also offers ice cream flights with six flavors and one topping for $7.

Ice Cream Jubilee
Locations in D.C., Maryland and Virginia

Ice Cream Jubilee is celebrating a decade in business on National Ice Cream Day. On Sunday, purchase one scoop to get another free. The deal goes from noon to 6 p.m.

Insomnia Cookies
Locations in D.C., College Park, Maryland, and Fairfax, Virginia

How does free ice cream sound? From Friday to Sunday, mention the deal in stores for two free scoops with any purchase. You can also redeem the deal on certain online orders; see details on Insomnia Cookies’ Instagram page.

Jake’s Ice Cream
6353 Columbia Pike, Falls Church, Virginia

On National Ice Cream Day, you can get a free topping for any size cup of ice cream. Special flavors include cherry and raspberry lemonade ice cream.

Nicecream
2831 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington, Virginia

The Clarendon ice cream shop will give free ice cream to the first 20 customers in story on Sunday.

If you come later, you can join the “sprinkle party” and get free sprinkles all day, plus fun things for kids like ice cream tattoos.

North Market Pop Shop
241 N. Market St.. Frederick, Maryland

The Pop Shop is known for carrying hundreds of types of soda pop, but the ice cream is a big draw, too. On Sunday, July 21, the store will give a 24% discount on Always Ice Cream cones, cups and milkshakes.

Smize & Dream
2653 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.

Did you know Tyra Banks is a big fan of ice cream – and she’ll be sharing her own brand in D.C.’s Woodley Park soon?

The Smize & Dream pop-up shop is set to open on Friday, July 19 – just in time for National Ice Cream Day.

According to Eater, Smize & Dream will give out free scoops and a “Smize Surprize” to the first 202 customers on opening day in a nod to D.C.’s area code.

The shop will be on the lower level of the Petit Monde café, Eater reports.

Tipsy Scoop
675 I Street NW, Washington, D.C.

The ice cream shop specializing in boozy scoops is teaming up with Mi Campo Tequila to create a Sour Watermelon Margarita Sorbet. The limited-edition flavor will be available on National Ice Cream Day.

Tipsy Scoop is also teaming up with BeatBox Beverages for a giveaway. The first 50 customers to visit any location can get a free scoop of cherry limeade sorbet.

Fairlington Farmers Market
3308 S Stafford St, Arlington, Virginia

Just in time for National Ice Cream Day, realty firm Kay Houghton & Associates will be giving out free scoops at the Fairlington Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday. Here’s more info.

Specials and events to celebrate National Ice Cream Day 2024

South Mountain Creamery
8305 Bolivar Rd, Middletown, Maryland

Watching – or partaking – in South Mountain Creamery’s third annual Sundae Summit challenge may be worth the trip north of Frederick, Maryland.

Who can finish a giant sundae fastest? You’ll find out on Saturday! The competition starts at noon, and the winner gets free ice cream for a year.

It costs $25 to enter in advance or $30 at the door, but it’s free to watch. Get more details and buy tickets here. There will also be a food truck from noon to 3 p.m. and trivia from 1-3 p.m.

metrobar
640 Rhode Island Avenue Northeast, Washington, D.C.

Sample ice creams and join in on family-friendly activities from noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday. A science demo, story time and arts and crafts are on tap. Find details here.

Kilwins
1250 Half Street SE, Washington, D.C.

Don’t freeze on the chance to get free ice cream for a year. Share your love of sweets and post on social media to submit your entry. Check Kilwin’s Instagram for exact instructions and rules.

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The festival celebrates the peak blooming period of the lotus and water lilies, similar to the iconic cherry blossoms in the spring. This year’s festival will run from Friday, July 19 through Sunday, July 21. 

This year’s theme, “The Art of Lotus and Water Lilies,” highlights how these stunning flowers inspire creativity in various cultures through art, music and dance. 

The three-day event will feature a variety of free workouts, concerts, cultural performances, art classes, ranger-led programs and activities for children.  Here’s the full schedule.

Visitors can admire the flowers while enjoying activities that showcase the artistic and cultural history of the lotus and water lilies. 

July is when the pink lotus flowers reach peak bloom, but the “stunning sea of pink” usually lasts until mid-August, Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens has said previously.

Park hours during the Festival: 

• Friday, July 19: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 
• Saturday, July 20: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 
• Sunday, July 21: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

Visitor tips

Here are tips on getting there by bike, Metro, car or on foot. The park is connected to the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail and has bike racks, making it a great cycling trip.

The flowers tend to close in intense sun or heat. So, the best time to visit the Lotus and Water Lily Festival is on cooler days, early in the morning or in the evening (Check Storm Team4’s forecast here).

Visitors are encouraged to bring water, as the area around the ponds lacks shade and becomes quite hot. Bottled water is available for purchase at the Visitor’s Center. Picnics are welcome and picnic tables are available, although grilling is not permitted. Food trucks will be present. 

Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome, and leashed dogs are allowed. Visitors should be mindful of the heat, wear comfortable walking shoes, and wear sun protection. 

Visitors are advised to park only in designated areas and to avoid leaving valuables in their cars. 

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These sunny spots not only offer stunning views and photo opportunities, but in some cases they also allow visitors to pick their own sunflowers, making for an idyllic summer outing. 

We’ve compiled a few sunflower fields within driving distance of downtown D.C. that will help you get the perfect summer photo or bouquet.

Maryland:

McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area 

Address: 16898-16500 River Road, MD 20837
Hours: Anytime, no permit required 
Distance from downtown D.C.: 29.3 miles 

Each spring, The Maryland Department of Natural Resources plants sunflowers on the McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area to provide a food source for mourning doves and other wildlife species.

Because the sunflowers in the area are for feeding wildlife and maintaining the ecosystem, you can’t pick these sunflowers. The “cutting, destruction, or removal of any plants,” including sunflowers, is strictly prohibited. Still, the area’s serene fields are the perfect spot for sunflower photos!

Find the 2024 sunflower map here. The sunflower fields are past their peak, so check the photo at the bottom of the website to see if you’re interested in visiting.

Summers Farm 

Address: 7503 Hollow Road, Middletown, MD 21769
When: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., every Saturday and Sunday from Aug. 17 through Sept. 8
Distance from downtown D.C.: 51 miles

Celebrate Summer Farms’ 5th annual Flower Festival with their 8-acre flower field. It has thousands of sunflowers and zinnias in bloom, and you can take frame-worthy photos as you walk through and pick your own flower bouquet. The event will have music, local beer and wine, and food directly from the farm.

Admission includes a wagon ride to the flower field, one free flower bloom of your choice (with more flowers available for purchase) and 45+ activities including a corn maze, tetherball, farmer golf, cornhole, Jenga, and more.

Prices and details can be found here.

Southern Maryland Sunflower Festival 

Address: Farm Heritage Conservancy: 6960 Serenity Farm Road, Hughesville, MD 20637
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Aug. 31 & Sept. 1
Distance from downtown D.C.: 44 miles 

Start off meteorological autumn by visiting the Southern Maryland Sunflower Festival. The farm has six acres of pick-your-own sunflowers, photo opportunities, hay rides, a local art show, vendors, a petting pen and more.

Prices and details can be found here. Don’t forget to bring your own shears!

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Virginia:

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Messick’s Farm Market 

Address: 6025 Catlett Road, Bealeton, VA 22712 
When: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily
Distance from downtown D.C.: 58 miles

Head over to Messick’s Farm Market to experience sunflowers in peak bloom! You can pick your own for $1.49 a stem, but Messick’s also offers pre-picked stems available for purchase. No tickets or reservations are needed.

More information can be found here, or on their Instagram.

Past events

Burnside Farms

Address: Nokesville Farm: 11008 Kettle Run Road, Nokesville, VA 20181
When: TBD, but expect 3-4 weeks of sunflower time in late July/early August
Distance from downtown D.C.:  41 miles 

Visit Burnside Farms for over 70 acres and 30 varieties of sunflowers! The farm will be open for sunflower picking, viewing, and sunflower mazes. The farm’s iconic Sunflower Sunsets are not to be missed! For tickets and details, click here.

Great Country Farms

Address: 18780 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont, VA 20135
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., July 20 – Aug. 11;
Distance from downtown D.C.: 58 miles

Celebrate summer with Great Country Farms’ “Summer of Sunflowers and Peaches”! Bring your own clippers or purchase some from the farm’s market. Cut your own flowers for $1 per stem, then feed some goats and frolic in the play area.

If you’d rather photograph the sunflowers than cut them, the farm also has a sunflower photo contest that runs the length of the flower’s season.

Check out the details here.

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July’s heat is reaching a fever pitch but just keep hydrating because the weekend will bring some relief from the heat.

A movie under the stars would be a good way to stay out of the sun, but you’ll have nicer weather to enjoy Kenilworth Aquatic Garden’s Lotus and Water Lily Festival.

It’s also a great time to explore the dining Scene during Black Restaurant Week.

Here’s what else to do this month in the Washington, D.C. area.

What to do in Washington, D.C.

Capital Fringe Festival: Through July 23, various venues in D.C., tickets to each show cost $15

Washington Mystics vs. Phoenix Mercury: Tues., 11:30 a.m., Capital One Arena, $15+

Wind Down Wednesdays at the National Cathedral: Weds., 5:30-8 p.m., Northwest D.C., free

Movies on the Pitch: “Wonka”: Thurs., 7:30 p.m., Audi Field, free but reservation required

A Night with Prince in the Park and “Under the Cherry Moon” screening: Thurs., 7:30 p.m., Franklin Park, free

Dionne Warwick: Fri., 8 p.m., Warner Theatre, $82+

Open Crafting Night: 21+: Fri., 6-9 p.m., Merry Pin at 7350 Georgia Ave NW, free to attend

Nats Summer Concert Series: Carly Rae Jepsen: Fri., game begins at 6:45 p.m., Nationals Park, $32+

• FYI: Nationals play Reds at home Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Lotus & Water Lily Festival: Fri. Sat. and Sun., Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, free

Free skate lessons: Fridays, 6-8 p.m. through Aug. 5, Anacostia Park Skating Pavilion, free but registration required

• FYI: Photo ID needed for free skate rentals

Library of Congress July Family Day: The Olympic Games: Sat., 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., free but timed entry passes are required to enter the Library of Congress

Home Rule Music Festival: Part II: Sat., Alethia Tanner Park, free

DC United: Military Appreciation Night: Sat., Audi Field, $27+

Humor Books: ALIVE!: Sat., 7:30 p.m., The Kennedy Center, $17.25+

Olivia Rodrigo: “GUTS World Tour”: Sat., Capital One Arena, sold out 

What to do in Maryland

Lake Arbor Jazz Festival: Weds. to Sun., National Harbor, $95 (advance) or $110 (day-of)

Glen Echo Park Summer Concerts: Nowhere Men: Thurs., 7:30-8:30 p.m., Bumper Car Pavilion, free

Washington Country Fair: Through Sat., Boonsboro, Maryland, $5 for daily gate admission

Pint Size Plunge benefitting Special Olympics Maryland: Sat., Lone Oak Farm in Olney, free attendance, charity raffle starts at $10 per entry

Afro Latino Festival: Sun., noon to 8 p.m., Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring, free

Summer Concert: Larry Dennis & The Wild Rice Band: Sun., 6:30 to 8 p.m., Bladensburg Waterfront Park, free

What to do in Virginia

Line Dancing at Lost Boy Cider: Weds., 6:30 p.m., Alexandria, free entry

Rosslyn LIVE!: Love Story (Taylor Swift tribute): Thurs., July 18, 6-9 p.m., Gateway Park, $5

Wright at Twilight at Pope-Leighey House: Fri., 6:30 p.m., Alexandria, $25

Purcellville Wine and Food Festival: Sat., 2-8 p.m., Fireman’s Field Park, $5+ in advance or $10+ at the gate 

11th Annual Old Town Pub Crawl: Sat., 1:30-6 p.m., Alexandria, free to participate

Stand-up comedy night hosted by Leon Scott: Sat., 7:30 p.m., HIGHLINE RxR in Arlington, $4-$8

“Kicking and Screaming” screening with inflatable soccer: Sat., events start at 6 p.m., Reston Station Metro Plaza, free

Nas with the National Symphony Orchestra: Sun., 8 p.m., Wolf Trap in Vienna, $59+

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We’re settling into a September with gorgeous weather. Here’s how to get out and enjoy it.

Here’s what to do this week in the Washington, D.C. area.

What to do in Washington, D.C.

Dvořák Dreams: An Installation by Refik Anadol: Through Sept. 24, Reach Plaza, free

Cirque du Soleil: “OVO”: Through Sun., Capital One Arena

Chocolate & Wine Tasting: Weds., 7-8:30 p.m., The Chocolate House at 1904 18th Street NW, $55

Sunset Cinema at The Wharf: “My Old Ass”: Thurs., 7 p.m., The Wharf’s Transit Pier, free

Live! At The Library: Film Costume Ball: Thurs., Sept. 12, 6-9 p.m., Library of Congress, free but RSVP required

Walking Town free tours throughout the District: Sept. 14-21, free

Nationals 1924 Championship Centennial Weekend: Fri., Sat. and Sun.

The 1924: A Science Speakeasy: Fri., 6-9 p.m., National Academy of Sciences in Northwest D.C., $20

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Don’t Tell Comedy: Fri., various venues, $25

Celebrate Van Ness Main Street: Sat., 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Connecticut Avenue NW between Van Ness and Nebraska, free

Library of Congress Family Day: Hispanic Heritage Month: Sat., 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Thomas Jefferson Building – Great Hall, free

Paramount+ & NPF Present: “Forrest Gump” at the National Mall: Sat., lawn opens at 5 p.m., movie begins at dusk, National Mall near Smithsonian Metro Station and 9th Street, free

Washington Mystics vs.Atlanta Dream: Sun., 3 p.m., Entertainment and Sports Arena

Washington Spirit vs. Portland Thorns: Sun., 1 p.m., Audi Field

What to do in Maryland

Fall Twilight Concert Series: Weds., 6-7 p.m., Brookside Gardens, free
FYI: YötRöx (70’s & 80’s Rock Hits)

The Great Frederick Fair: Sept. 13-21, Frederick, Maryland, $8 in advance or $10 at the gate for adults, free for kids under 10
FYI: Carnival rides and grandstand shows cost extra

Washington Ukrainian Festival: Sept. 13-15, St. Andrews Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral (15100 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring), $20 (Saturday and Sunday) or $15 (Sunday only)

Maryland Seafood Festival: Sept. 14-15, Sat. and Sun., Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis, $15+ (kids 12 and under can go for free with a paying adult)

Acoustics & Ales: Fri., 5-7:30 p.m., North Four Corners Local Park in Silver Spring, free entry

Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival: Sat., Sept. 14, Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, free entry, parking is $10 in advance, $15 day of

Latinas in Aviation Global Festival: Sat., College Park Aviation Museum, free

DC Polo Society | End of Summer Social: Sat., Congressional Polo Club in Poolesville, Maryland, $28.45 – $35

Hispanic Festival: Sun., Sept. 15, 12:30-5:30 p.m., Lane Manor Splash Park in Hyattsville, free

Commanders vs. New York Giants: Sun., 1 p.m., Northwest Stadium in Landover

Maryland Restaurant Week: Sept. 13-22

Brushes and Beats: A Go-Go Themed Youth Paint & Sip: Sun., Arts’tination in Oxon Hill, free with RSVP

What to do in Virginia

Cox Farms Fall Festival: Select days from Sept. 15 to Nov. 5, Centreville, $10-$25

Solheim Cup: Through Sun., Gainesville, $65 and up for adults

22nd Annual Alexandria Old Town Art Festival: Sat. and Sun., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 300 John Carlyle St. in Alexandria, free

Torpedo Factory Art Center’s 50th Anniversary: Fri. to Sun., Alexandria

Virginia Native American Festival: Sat., 10 a.m., Riverbend Park in Great Falls, $12

Falls Church Festival: Sat., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Falls Church City Hall and Community Center, free

Fall Family Fest: Sat., noon to 4 p.m., Perch Putt rooftop in Tyson’s Corner, free ticket with registration

NOVA Family Fair: Sat., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Vienna Volunteer Fire Department, free

Moon Festival – Tết Trung Thu at Eden Center: Sat., noon to 5 p.m., Eden Center in Falls Church, free entry

Welcoming Week Family Storytime: Sun., 2-4 p.m., 418 S Washington St. in Alexandria, free

“Encanto” characters at Shipgarten: Sun., noon to 6 p.m., McLean, free entry

Coming up soon

NMWA Nights: Weds., Sept. 18, 5:30 to 8 p.m., National Museum of Women in the Arts, $22-$25

H Street Festival: Sat., Sept. 21, H Street Northeast, free entry

Fields of Fear at Cox Farms: Sept. 20 to Nov. 2, Centreville, Virginia, $30-$40

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Sure, the NATO summit may be complicating traffic and transit in downtown D.C. But that doesn’t mean we can’t have a fantastic hot summer week and weekend!

Here’s what to do the week of July 8-14 in the Washington, D.C. area.

What to do in Washington, D.C.

Copa at La Cosecha: Game days through July 14, free

Capital Fringe Festival: July 11-23, various venues in D.C., tickets to each show cost $15

Bastille Day Gala: Fri., 6:30-11 p.m., La Maison Française (French Embassy), $200-$400

Romanian Weekend at The Wharf: Fri. to Sun, free

Bastille Day at Le Diplomat: Sat. and Sun., included for diners

Jazz in The Parks: Integriti Reeves with opener Baba Ras D: Sat., The Parks at Walter Reed, free

Hot Fuss: Indie Rock Dance Party: Sat., doors at 9 p.m., Black Cat, $10 in advance/$15 day-of

What to do in Maryland

Chesapeake Shakespeare Co. Presents: A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Weds., 7 p.m., Martin Luther King Jr. Recreational Park in Silver Spring, free

Strathmore: Live from the Lawn: Wednesday evenings, plus Cool Concerts for Kids on Thursdays, Strathmore in North Bethesda, free

Montgomery Parks’ Summer Concert series: Thurs., Black Hill Regional Park, free

Friday Night Live!: Fri., 6:30-8:30 p.m., City Hall Plaza, free

High Wheel Race: Sat., races begin at noon at 124 N Market Street in Frederick, Maryland, free

Shakespeare In The Parks: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”

• Fri., 7:30 p.m., Montpelier Grounds in Laurel, free
• Sat., 7:30 p.m., Driskell Community Park in Hyattsville, free
• Sun., 3 p.m., Prince George’s Publick Playhouse, free

West African Food Crops:  History, Cultivation and Culinary Uses: Sat., 10:30 a.m., Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, $25

Artisans Market at BlackRock Center for the Arts: Sat., noon to 4 p.m., Germantown, free entry

What to do in Virginia

Plants in the Park: Weds., 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Met Park in Arlington, free

Pipes and Drums concert: Thurs., Market Square in Alexandria, free

Bastille Day Celebration at Lost Boy Cider: Fri., Alexandria, free entry

BlerDCon: Fri. to Sun., Hyatt Crystal City

Torpedo Factory Art Center 2nd Friday: Fri., 7-10 p.m., Alexandria, free

Vienna’s Multicultural Festival: Fri., 4-9 p.m., Vienna Town Green, free

French Alliance Family Day: Sat., Mount Vernon, included with admission

Alexandria & USA Birthday Celebration: Sat., Oronco Bay Park, free

Summer Art Market 2024 at Del Ray Artisans Gallery: Sat. and Sun., Alexandria, free entry

US vs. UK: Who Does Tea Better?: Sun., Green Spring Gardens in Alexandria,  $18 (lecture only); $40 (lecture + tea)

NVA Thai Street Food & Culture Festival: Sun., Manassas, free entry

Soccer in the Park: Strawberry Park at Mosaic in Fairfax, free

• Euro Final, Sun., 3 p.m.
• Copa Final, Sun., 8 p.m.

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The Fourth of July may have come and gone, but that doesn’t mean that fireworks are over yet. Here’s a look at weekend displays and more exciting this to do this weekend in the D.C. area.

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Weekend fireworks

Six Flags America Fireworks Celebration

Fri. and Sat., Six Flags America, tickets start at $25
🔗 Details

Celebrate the Fourth at Six Flags America! The park’s July 4th Fireworks Celebration includes live DJs all day, nighttime foam parties, dance performances and more. Enjoy a day’s worth of rides, slides and entertainment, then wrap up with fireworks starting each night at 9:15 p.m. VIP Fireworks Packages are available for the best view, extra amenities and tons of space.

2024 Bladensburg Fireworks: The American Frontier

Fri., July 5, 6 to 9:30 p.m., Bladensburg Waterfront Park (4601 Annapolis Road), free admission
🔗 Details

On Friday, July 5, join the Wild West-themed festivities at Bladensburg Waterfront Park, where DJ Flava from 93.9 WKYS will keep the party lively from 6 to 9:30 p.m.

Take in a variety of food trucks and family-friendly amusements including pony rides, a birds of prey show, a mechanical bull and an appearance from “Toy Story’s” own Woody. Embrace the spirit of the Wild West with cowboy hats and boots as you celebrate under the night sky.

Cap off the night with a stunning fireworks display shortly after 9 p.m.

In case of rain, this event will be rescheduled to Sunday, July 7.

Laurel Fourth of July Celebration

Sat., July 6, events begin at 11 a.m. before fireworks at 9:15 p.m., fireworks set off at Laurel Lake, free
🔗 Details

The City of Laurel is having its 45th Annual Independence Celebration on July 6, featuring a parade, car show, live performances and its volunteer-organized fireworks display. Alcohol, coolers, backpacks, sparklers and pets are prohibited. Service animals are allowed. 

Mid-County Sparkles

Sat., July 6, music begins at 6 p.m. before fireworks at 9:15 p.m., Albert Einstein High School (11135 Newport Mill Road, Kensington, Maryland), free admission
🔗 Details

This post-Independence Day party begins at 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 6 with performances from Joe Falero and Downtown Sound. Free parking and shuttle service from Westfield Wheaton will be provided starting at 5:30 p.m. Lawn chairs, coolers and blankets are welcome. Food vendors will be available for purchase, but alcoholic beverages and pets are prohibited. 

Free outdoor movies

• Extraordinary Cinema at The REACH – “In the Heights”: Fri., dusk, The Kennedy Center
• Movies on the Potomac – “Trolls Band Together”: Fri., 6 p.m., National Harbor
• Columbia Pike Movie Nights – “The Super Mario Bros Movie”: Fri., 8 p.m., Arlington Mill Community Center in Arlington
• Reston Summerbration – “The Rookie”: Sat., 6:30 p.m., Reston Station Metro Plaza
• Columbia Pike Movie Nights – “Barbie”: Sat., 8 p.m., Penrose Square in Arlington
• Movies on the Potomac – “Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie”: Sun., 6 p.m., National Harbor

Things to do in D.C.

Pixar Putt: Through Aug. 4, The Wharf, $30.50+

Bridgerton Craft Soiree: Fri., 6-9 p.m., Merry Pin at 7350 Georgia Avenue NW, $12

Nationals vs. Cardinals: Sat. and Sun., Nationals Park

NGA First Saturdays: Sat., National Gallery of Art, free

Cool Down Movie Time: The Princess and the Frog: Sat., noon to 2 p.m., Anacostia Community Museum,f ree

Singalong Saturdays: Live band karaoke: Sat., 7-9 p.m., The Wharf’s Transit Pier, free

National Museum of Women in the Arts free day: Sun., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free but tickets required

Things to do in Maryland

Global Bites Fest: Through July 6, Rockville

Dino Safari Festival: July 4 to Aug. 4, at Westfield Montgomery Mall, $20.88+

Shakespeare In The Parks: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”

• Fri., 7:30 p.m., Watkins Regional Park, free
• Sat., 7:30 p.m., Meadowside Nature Center in Rockville, free

Live music at Babycat Brewery: Thurs., Fri., Sat. and Sun., Kensington, Maryland, free admission

Surprisingly Savannah: The Mobile Tour: Sat. and Sun., National Harbor, free

Things to do in Virginia

MAGICAL MYSTERY DOORS – A Tribute to The Beatles, Led Zepplin, and The Doors: Fri., The Birchmere in Alexandria, $35

EU Sugar Bear: Sat., Workhouse Art Center in Lorton, free

Comedian Donnell Rawlings: Sat., The Birchmere in Alexandria, $49.50

Specialty tour: “Hamilton’s BFFs and Frenemies”: July 5-12, Gadsby’s Tavern Museum in Alexandria, $8 per person ages 5 and up.

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Fourth of July on the National Mall

If there’s one holiday to celebrate on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., it’s Independence Day.

But with big crowds, road closures and extra security measures, you’ll want to make a plan. Here’s what to know about road closures, Metro and National Mall access points. The bottom line: Budget time to take Metro, navigate crowds and undergo a security screening at the National Mall access points.

National Park Service fireworks

The National Park Service’s big fireworks display will fire from either side of the Lincoln Memorial. It’s scheduled to begin at 9:09 p.m. and last for 17 minutes.

Access points to the National Mall are scheduled to open at 1 p.m. Expect a security screening and bag check. Here’s a list of prohibited items.

The fireworks can be viewed from A Capitol Fourth concert, Fourth on The Wharf and many locations in the District and in Virginia. Our Fireworks Finder lists our favorite viewing spots. Or, check our list of watch parties on rooftops, boats and more.

Things to Do DC Jul 1

List: What to do in the DC area this week, July 1-7

Fourth of July Jun 26

July 4 fireworks in DC: Where to watch with rooftop views, live music and cruises

Daytime activities on the National Mall

Want to get started early? Daytime activities in the National Mall zone include:

• The National Independence Day Parade, which is set to begin at 11:45 a.m. The parade will go along Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th Street NW. The steps of the National Archives are a good place to watch, and the museum has a lot of special activities planned…
• Independence Day at the National Archives: Party with the Declaration of Independence itself. Not only can you visit the museum to see the United States’ founding documents, but you can enjoy a reading of the Declaration of Independence, a live performance from The Experience Band and Show and family activities including hands-on crafts. Here’s the full schedule.
• The Capital Jewish Museum’s family day is set to feature history talks, mezuzah activities, crafts, music and outdoor games. It’s located an easy walk from the National Mall, and could make a good stop between the Judiciary Square and the mall.
• The National Park Service will host espionage-themed activities from the Sylvan Theater near the Washington Monument. They’re geared toward kids aged 10 and up.
• The Smithsonian museums will be open, providing a nice refuge from the weather.

Best Metro stations for National Mall access

• The Smithsonian/National Mall or Federal Triangle (both on the Orange, Blue, Silver lines) are very close to the National Mall, but the National Park Service recommends considering other stations that are a little further, but less crowded.
• L’Enfant Plaza (Silver, Orange, Blue, Green, Yellow lines), Metro Center (Red, Blue, Orange, Silver lines), Judiciary Square (Red Line) and Archives/Navy Memorial (Green, Yellow lines) are all within walking distance of the National Mall.

Fireworks in Maryland and Virginia

Our Fireworks Finder lists the big displays in D.C., Maryland and Virginia, including several shows happening over the weekend like Mid-County Sparkles in Kensington and a Wild West-themed festival in Bladensburg.

Things to do on July 4

Reading of “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” at the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site
Thurs., July 4, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., 1411 W St. SE
🔗 Details

Frederick Douglass famously asked an audience in 1852, “What to the slave is the Fourth of July?” His now-famous speech pointedly criticized the irony of celebrating freedom in a country in which it was legal to enslave people.

In one of D.C.’s most reflective and moving July 4 traditions, actor Michael Crutcher will portray Douglass and deliver the speech on the front porch of Douglass’s former home in Anacostia. After the reading, DC Strings Workshop will perform historic music. Visitors can take photos with the Crutcher and tour the first floor of the historic home.

An American Celebration
Thurs., July 4, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mount Vernon, included with admission
🔗 Details

If most fireworks shows are after your kids’ bed time, Mount Vernon might be a good alternative.

Made-for-daytime fireworks are set to go off over the Potomac River at 1 p.m.

That’s just one part of a day-long Independence Celebration at the former home of George Washington. Performances, history talks and tours are also on tap.

A Capitol Fourth
Gates open at 3 p.m., concert begins at 8 p.m., U.S. Capitol grounds
🔗 Details

The annual concert on the U.S. Capitol’s West Lawn will be a star-studded show featuring Smokey Robinson celebrating Motown, Fantasia, “Glee’s” Darren Criss, Sister Sledge, the National Symphony Orchestra, a send-off for Team USA and views of the National Mall fireworks.

The show and the dress rehearsal on Wednesday are free and open to the public. Gates will open at 3 p.m. on both days. 

Fourth at The Wharf
5-9 p.m.
🔗 Details

Head to The Wharf for a free day of country music on four stages and family-friendly activities. As long as the weather is decent, you can expect great views of the fireworks going off over the National Mall.

Food and drinks are available all around The Wharf. You can bring a low-back chair to the District Pier, but come early as space is limited.

Community parades

Get patriotic with the whole neighborhood at these community parades:

• Palisades Parade and Picnic in Northwest D.C.
• Capitol Hill Community 4th of July Parade beginning at Barracks Row
• Takoma Park Parade starting at Carroll and Ethan Allen avenues
• Kensington’s annual bike parade
• Arlington: See a list of community parades here.
• Fairfax Independence Day Parade
• Great Falls Hometown Parade
• Leesburg Independence Day Parade

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The first week of July in the Washington, D.C., area is all about Independence Day fireworks and beating the heat.

Before we dive into our calendar for this month, check out these stories:

• Fireworks Finder: Where to see Independence Day fireworks displays in DC, Maryland and Virginia
• 10+ places to swim near DC if you want to avoid Bay Bridge traffic
• Keep cool at these DC-area splash pads, water parks and pools
• Where to watch outdoor movies all summer long in DC, Maryland and Virginia

Here’s what to do this week in the Washington, D.C. area.

What to do in Washington D.C.

Pixar Putt: Through Aug. 4, The Wharf, $30.50+

Nationals vs. Mets and Freedom Fireworks: Weds., July 3, 6:45 p.m., Nationals Park, $18+

Fourth of July at the National Archives: Thurs., July 4, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., National Archives, free

Takoma Park Parade: Thurs., July 4, begins at 10 a.m. at Carroll and Ethan Allen avenues, free

Capitol Hill Community 4th of July Parade: Thurs., July 4, Begins at 10 a.m. at Barracks Row, free

National Independence Day Parade: Thurs., July 4, 11:45 a.m., Constitution Avenue NW between 7th and 17th streets, free

Family activities on the National Mall: Thurs., July 4, 1-8 p.m., Sylvan Theater near the Washington Monument, free

Reading of “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” at the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site: Thurs., July 4, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., 1411 W St. SE, free

Palisades Parade and Picnic: Thurs., July 4, parade at 11 a.m., picnic at noon, Palisades Park in Northwest D.C., free

Capital Jewish Museum Family Day: Summer Party: Thurs., July 4, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., 575 3rd Street, NW, D.C., free

Nationals vs. Mets: Thurs., July 4, 11:05 a.m., Nationals Park, $18+

A Capitol Fourth: Thurs., gates open at 3 p.m., concert begins at 8 p.m., U.S. Capitol grounds (Dress rehearsal on Weds., July 3 is also free and open to the public)

Fourth at The Wharf: Thurs., 5-9 p.m., The Wharf, free

July 4th Cookout and Go-Go Day Party: Thurs., July 4, noon to 9 p.m., metrobar in Northeast D.C., free admission

Generator’s Banging July 4th Pool Party: Thurs., July 4, noon to 8 p.m., Generator hotel in Northwest D.C., $25 before fees

July 4 Day Party: Thurs., 4-9 p.m., Decades in Northwest D.C., free entry before 5:30 p.m.
FYI: Open bar available with RSVP from 4-5 p.m.

Hotel Hive 4th of July rooftop party: Thurs., July 4, 5-10 p.m., 2224 F Street NW, Washington, D.C., $74-$550

Bridgerton Craft Soiree: Fri., 6-9 p.m., Merry Pin at 7350 Georgia Avenue NW, $12

Nationals vs. Cardinals: Sat. and Sun., Nationals Park

NGA First Saturdays: Sat., National Gallery of Art, free

Cool Down Movie Time: “The Princess and the Frog”: Sat., noon to 2 p.m., Anacostia Community Museum, free

Singalong Saturdays: Live band karaoke: Sat., 7-9 p.m., The Wharf’s Transit Pier, free

National Museum of Women in the Arts free day: Sun., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free but tickets required

What to do in Maryland

Global Bites Fest: Through July 6, Rockville

Dino Safari Festival: July 4 to Aug. 4, at Westfield Montgomery Mall, $20.88+

Shakespeare In The Parks: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”

• Wed., 7:30 p.m., Riverdale House Museum, free
• Fri., 7:30 p.m., Watkins Regional Park, free
• Sat., 7:30 p.m., Meadowside Nature Center in Rockville, free

Live music at Babycat Brewery: Thurs., Fri., Sat. and Sun., Kensington, Maryland, free admission

Surprisingly Savannah: The Mobile Tour: Sat. and Sun., National Harbor, free

What to do in Virginia

Fredericksburg Nationals vs. Delmarva Shorebirds with postgame fireworks: Weds., July 3, 6:05 p.m., Virginia Credit Union Stadium in Fredericksburg, $10+

An American Celebration: Thurs., July 4, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mount Vernon, included with admission

The Great Meadow Independence Day Celebration: Thurs., July 4,  gates open at 5 p.m., fireworks at dusk, The Plains, Virginia, $52-$515

Columbia Pike Movie Nights: Fri. and Sat., free

MAGICAL MYSTERY DOORS – A Tribute to The Beatles, Led Zepplin, and The Doors: Fri., The Birchmere in Alexandria, $35

EU Sugar Bear: Sat., Workhouse Art Center in Lorton, free

Comedian Donnell Rawlings: Sat., The Birchmere in Alexandria, $49.50

Specialty tour: “Hamilton’s BFFs and Frenemies”: July 5-12, Gadsby’s Tavern Museum in Alexandria, $8 per person ages 5 and up.

Coming up later in July

Capital Fringe Festival: Begins July 11, Georgetown, Washington, D.C.

Romanian Weekend at The Wharf: July 11-12 (Fri. to Sun.), Washington, D.C., free

Alexandria & USA Birthday Celebration: Sat., July 13, Oronoco Bay Park in Alexandria, Virginia, free

Home Rule Music Festival: Part II: Sat., July 20, Alethia Tanner Park in Northeast D.C., free

Things to Do DC Apr 18, 2022

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We’re settling into a September with gorgeous weather. Here’s how to get out and enjoy it.

Here’s what to do this week in the Washington, D.C. area.

What to do in Washington, D.C.

Dvořák Dreams: An Installation by Refik Anadol: Through Sept. 24, Reach Plaza, free

Cirque du Soleil: “OVO”: Through Sun., Capital One Arena

Chocolate & Wine Tasting: Weds., 7-8:30 p.m., The Chocolate House at 1904 18th Street NW, $55

Sunset Cinema at The Wharf: “My Old Ass”: Thurs., 7 p.m., The Wharf’s Transit Pier, free

Live! At The Library: Film Costume Ball: Thurs., Sept. 12, 6-9 p.m., Library of Congress, free but RSVP required

Walking Town free tours throughout the District: Sept. 14-21, free

Nationals 1924 Championship Centennial Weekend: Fri., Sat. and Sun.

The 1924: A Science Speakeasy: Fri., 6-9 p.m., National Academy of Sciences in Northwest D.C., $20

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The Scene Aug 27

Cirque du Soleil contortionist offers a preview of ‘Ovo' at Capital One Arena

Don’t Tell Comedy: Fri., various venues, $25

Celebrate Van Ness Main Street: Sat., 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Connecticut Avenue NW between Van Ness and Nebraska, free

Library of Congress Family Day: Hispanic Heritage Month: Sat., 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Thomas Jefferson Building – Great Hall, free

Paramount+ & NPF Present: “Forrest Gump” at the National Mall: Sat., lawn opens at 5 p.m., movie begins at dusk, National Mall near Smithsonian Metro Station and 9th Street, free

Washington Mystics vs.Atlanta Dream: Sun., 3 p.m., Entertainment and Sports Arena

Washington Spirit vs. Portland Thorns: Sun., 1 p.m., Audi Field

What to do in Maryland

Fall Twilight Concert Series: Weds., 6-7 p.m., Brookside Gardens, free
FYI: YötRöx (70’s & 80’s Rock Hits)

The Great Frederick Fair: Sept. 13-21, Frederick, Maryland, $8 in advance or $10 at the gate for adults, free for kids under 10
FYI: Carnival rides and grandstand shows cost extra

Washington Ukrainian Festival: Sept. 13-15, St. Andrews Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral (15100 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring), $20 (Saturday and Sunday) or $15 (Sunday only)

Maryland Seafood Festival: Sept. 14-15, Sat. and Sun., Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis, $15+ (kids 12 and under can go for free with a paying adult)

Acoustics & Ales: Fri., 5-7:30 p.m., North Four Corners Local Park in Silver Spring, free entry

Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival: Sat., Sept. 14, Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, free entry, parking is $10 in advance, $15 day of

Latinas in Aviation Global Festival: Sat., College Park Aviation Museum, free

DC Polo Society | End of Summer Social: Sat., Congressional Polo Club in Poolesville, Maryland, $28.45 – $35

Hispanic Festival: Sun., Sept. 15, 12:30-5:30 p.m., Lane Manor Splash Park in Hyattsville, free

Commanders vs. New York Giants: Sun., 1 p.m., Northwest Stadium in Landover

Maryland Restaurant Week: Sept. 13-22

Brushes and Beats: A Go-Go Themed Youth Paint & Sip: Sun., Arts’tination in Oxon Hill, free with RSVP

What to do in Virginia

Cox Farms Fall Festival: Select days from Sept. 15 to Nov. 5, Centreville, $10-$25

Solheim Cup: Through Sun., Gainesville, $65 and up for adults

22nd Annual Alexandria Old Town Art Festival: Sat. and Sun., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 300 John Carlyle St. in Alexandria, free

Torpedo Factory Art Center’s 50th Anniversary: Fri. to Sun., Alexandria

Virginia Native American Festival: Sat., 10 a.m., Riverbend Park in Great Falls, $12

Falls Church Festival: Sat., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Falls Church City Hall and Community Center, free

Fall Family Fest: Sat., noon to 4 p.m., Perch Putt rooftop in Tyson’s Corner, free ticket with registration

NOVA Family Fair: Sat., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Vienna Volunteer Fire Department, free

Moon Festival – Tết Trung Thu at Eden Center: Sat., noon to 5 p.m., Eden Center in Falls Church, free entry

Welcoming Week Family Storytime: Sun., 2-4 p.m., 418 S Washington St. in Alexandria, free

“Encanto” characters at Shipgarten: Sun., noon to 6 p.m., McLean, free entry

Coming up soon

NMWA Nights: Weds., Sept. 18, 5:30 to 8 p.m., National Museum of Women in the Arts, $22-$25

H Street Festival: Sat., Sept. 21, H Street Northeast, free entry

Fields of Fear at Cox Farms: Sept. 20 to Nov. 2, Centreville, Virginia, $30-$40

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Everyone is welcome to hang out on the National Mall for the National Park Service’s annual fireworks display, which is set to start at 9:30 p.m. on July 4. But restaurants, hotels and more spots will host watch parties with dazzling views of those fireworks.

Fourth of July Jul 3

What to do on July 4 in the DC area, from National Mall celebrations to community parades

Fourth of July Jun 26

July 4 fireworks in DC: Where to watch with rooftop views, live music and cruises

We’ve kept track of the most exciting fireworks watch parties happening in the District this Fourth of July. This list has something for every vibe and every age, whether you’re looking for a family-friendly event, a sophisticated rooftop gathering or a free, star-studded concert on the lawn of the U.S. Capitol.

Get ready to make unforgettable memories under the stars as you watch the skies light up in red, white and blue. Grab your blankets, round up your loved ones and dive into our guide to find the perfect spot to enjoy the dazzling fireworks this Independence Day.

Fireworks watch parties in D.C.

This roundup lists events from cheapest to most expensive.

Fourth at The Wharf

Time: 5-10 p.m.
Price: Free
What to know: Family-friendly
Details

Join the Independence Day festivities at The Wharf from 5-10 pm on District Pier. This free celebration features live country music on four stages from 5-9 p.m. and great views of the fireworks going off over the National Mall.

Food and drinks are available all around The Wharf. You can bring a low-back chair to the District Pier, but come early as space is limited. The Wharf may close access if necessary.

A Capitol Fourth

Time: 8 to 9:30 p.m.; Gates open at 3 p.m.
Price: Free
What to know: Kid-friendly
Details

For over 40 years, A Capitol Fourth, the country’s nationally broadcast Independence Day celebration, has been a Washingtonian favorite. This year, the event on the Capitol Lawn will feature a slate of all-star performances including Smokey Robinson, Fantasia, Fitz & Noelle (from Fitz and the Tantrums) and Sister Sledge.

The concert is free and open to the public; no tickets are required. Gates to the West Lawn are scheduled to open at 3 p.m., and concertgoers will have a nice view of the fireworks.

The Line Hotel

Time: 6 – 10 p.m.
Price: Free with RSVP
What to know: Food and drinks available
🔗 Details

Watch the fireworks and enjoy specialty cocktails from the rooftop of the Line Hotel in Adams Morgan. The event will have elevated American fare by No Goodbyes and a jazz performance by Brandon Woody’s band, Upendo.

Upstairs at The Morrow 

Time: 6-10:30 p.m.
Price: $35
What to know: Standing room only
🔗 Details

Upstairs at the Morrow is having a Fourth of July celebration on their vibrant rooftop in the center of NoMa. The event will include panoramic views of Washington D.C., a barbecue buffet by Le Clou’s Michelin-starred chef Nicholas Stefanelli, refreshing cocktails and live music. Buffet reservations sold separately.

Sea Suite Cruises

Time: Departure times vary
Price: $70 to $200 per person
What to know: Drinks sold on board
🔗 Details

Celebrate America’s birthday with a lively booze cruise on the Potomac River. Sea Suite Cruises is hosting the opportunity to sip and sail around the nation’s capital with their Fourth of July paddle and tiki boat cruises departing from Georgetown, Navy Yard and The Wharf. Join a group cruise or rent a private boat to view the fireworks from one of the best viewing spots in the city.

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L’Ardente 

Price: $125 or $275
Time: 6 p.m. (dinner) or 8:30 p.m. (rooftop party)
What to know: Food and drinks included 
🔗 Details

The Fourth of July dinner party at L’Ardente puts an Italian flare on the celebration.

Guests will be taken to Capitol Crossing’s indoor rooftop conservatory for a private fireworks viewing party full of champagne and the “L’Ardente Dessert Extravaganza” with wine and a bubbles bar. The glass-enclosed and air-conditioned space has views of the Capitol and fireworks from 13 stories above the city. Weather permitting, an additional outdoor lounge on the open-air terrace will be accessible to guests.

Tickets to the rooftop celebration cost $125.

Guests who opt for dinner will be treated to an exclusive seated dining experience designed by Chef David Deshaies. The deluxe dinner is three courses, including soft-shell crab tempura, lobster ravioli, and halibut.

VUE Rooftop

Time: 6-10 p.m.
Price: $149 to $2,450
What to know: Food included
🔗 Details

Experience the Fourth of July like never before at the renowned Hotel Washington’s Vue Rooftop Terrace, a short walk from the White House.

Gather with friends or ride solo to enjoy an Independence Day celebration featuring stunning views of the Washington Monument and National Mall. Dress in your best summer attire and join fellow guests for a night of elegance and patriotism. Indulge in a classic July Fourth dinner buffet, with drinks available for purchase at the bar. This event is for guests aged 21 and over, and ticket prices may increase as the event approaches.

Salamander DC

Time: 5-8 p.m.
Price: $175 to $265 ($75 for children ages 4-12)
What to know: Food and drinks included, kid-friendly
🔗 Details

Spend America’s birthday in style on Salamander D.C.’s new Grand Lawn and Garden overlooking the Washington Marina. This year’s event features live entertainment, food, drinks and activities for the entire family. Dining options include fresh local oysters and seafood at the hotel’s raw bar, classic American fare at the Big Green Egg grill and a festive ice cream bar. 

After the event, make only a short walk to the National Mall for the annual fireworks show! 

City Experiences Fireworks Cruises

Time: Departure times vary
Price: $175 to $275
What to know: Dinner cruises available
🔗 Details

Leaving from The Wharf Marina and Alexandria, City Experiences’ Fourth of July fireworks dinner cruises along the Potomac River are one of the best ways to view the fireworks over Washington, D.C. Opt for one of the signature dinner experience cruises, or plan dinner beforehand and make your way aboard the Water Taxi to take in the fireworks. 

Top of The Gate at The Watergate Hotel

Time: 6-10 p.m.
Price: $175- $595
What to know: Food and drinks included
🔗 Details

The sophisticated rooftop bar and lounge at The Watergate Hotel provides 360-degree views of the Washington Monument, Potomac River, Key and Arlington Bridges, the Kennedy Center and the D.C. skyline. General admission tickets include an open bar with wine, beer, and spirits. 

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While the beaches along the Atlantic Ocean are beautiful, traffic on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge can be a nightmare. Why spend your beach day battling gridlock?

Rivers, lakes and swimming holes throughout Maryland and Virginia offer plenty of fun on natural waterways (Go here if you’re looking for pools and splash parks!).

Favorite swimming spots near Washington, DC

Here are our favorite swimming spots that are an easy drive from the D.C. area. They’re all open for the season as of Memorial Day weekend.

Mayo Beach in Edgewater, Maryland

Make sure to reserve a free pass before heading to Mayo Beach to enjoy the water in Anne Arundel County on a Saturday, Sunday or other busy days (weekend passes become available on Mondays). You can play and wade in the shallow water, or bring your own kayak, canoe or sailboard. There are no lifeguards. Amenities include bathrooms and water bottle fill stations.

Where: 4150 Honeysuckle Drive, Edgewater, Maryland
Distance from D.C.: 34 miles

North Beach, Maryland

Sink your toes into the sand or take a dip in the water at the pristine waterfront of North Beach on Maryland’s western shore, south of Annapolis. Looking for some exercise? Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard at the Welcome Center. (Note: No lifeguards are on duty, so swimming is at your own risk.)

There’s not much wave action, so North Beach is a good pick for a trip with kids.

See beach fees and purchase day passes here.

Where: 9023 Bay Ave., North Beach, Maryland
Distance from D.C.: 34 miles

Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis, Maryland

Watch a stunning sunrise over the Chesapeake Bay or spend a day out on the water swimming. You can also go fishing or crabbing (remember to get a Chesapeake Bay Sport fishing license). Grills and picnic tables near the marina make this a perfect spot for an afternoon cookout.

Lifeguards are on duty on parts of the beach from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends. Otherwise, swimmers go at their own risk.

Where: Sandy Point State Park, 1100 East College Parkway, Annapolis, Maryland
Distance from D.C.: 37 miles

Breezy Point Beach in Chesapeake Beach, Maryland

Breezy Point Beach has swimming, fossil hunting and fishing throughout the summer. You can check the beach’s Facebook page or call 410-535-0259 to ensure it hasn’t reached capacity. Here’s information about fees and amenities. Jet ski rentals are available nearby!

As of June 2024, the beach is undergoing restoration. So, expect some of the beach areas near the campground to be blocked off.

Where: Breezy Point Beach, 5300 Breezy Point Road, Chesapeake Beach, Maryland
Distance from D.C.: 43 miles

Beaver Dam Swimming Club in Cockeysville, Maryland

Plunge into a fresh-water quarry via rope swing or spend the afternoon swimming in one of two pools at Beaver Dam Swim Club. If you need a break from the water, hit up one of the club’s basketball or volleyball courts, or use the club’s grilling facilities to make up your own feast. You can bring your own food and drinks, but alcohol is not allowed. There’s also a snack bar. See admission fees here.

Where: 10820 Beaver Dam Road, Cockeysville, Maryland
Distance from D.C.: 57 miles

Tubing in the Harpers Ferry Area

Float along the pristine Shenandoah River for gorgeous views of downtown Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, after renting an inner tube. Two outfitters can provide tubes and personal floatation devices (and floating coolers, for an extra fee), plus give you a ride to and from the waterfront. Both allow you to choose your own adventure: float along flat waters or rip down beginner class I to III rapids.

The Harpers Ferry Adventure Center (37410 Adventure Center Lane, Purcellville, Virginia) has everything you need for a day on the water, plus ziplining, rafting or take a ropes course at its home base. Lodging is available on the grounds via cabins and riverside or mountain-top camping.

River Riders Family Adventure Resort (408 Alstadts Hill Road, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia) is also open for the season. In addition to tubing access, you’ll also find an adventure park, a campground and several cabins for rent.

Distance from D.C.: About 60 to 65 miles

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Greenbrier State Park

A white sandy beach on a 42-acre man-made freshwater lake draws crowds from Memorial Day to Labor Day. You can rent rowboats and paddleboats by the hour or go fishing for trout, largemouth bass and bluegill with a Maryland Angler’s License. The park also features 11 miles of hiking trails.

Where: ​​​​​21843 National Pike, Boonsboro, Maryland
Distance from D.C.: About 60 miles

Virginia’s Northern Neck Region

Virginia’s Northern Neck region, where the Potomac River, Rappahannock River and Chesapeake Bay meet, offers multiple beaches, quaint inns and plenty of shops. If you’re in search of a swim, check out some of these:

• Belle Isle State Park offers cabins and camping, plus canoe and kayak rentals.
• Colonial Beach has Virginia’s second-longest sandy beach and sits along the Potomac River. Here’s a breakdown of the different beach zones.
• Naylor’s Beach Campground in Warsaw, Virginia, has day admission for swimming, or make it a weekend getaway to the campground.

Distance from D.C. Mileage varies on your specific destination. Colonial Beach is 63 miles from D.C.

Hunting Creek Lake at Cunningham Falls State Park in Thurmont, Maryland

Hunting Creek Lake at Cunningham Falls State Park has three designated swimming areas where you can cool off. Lifeguards are on duty at times between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., but if lifeguards aren’t on duty, you may swim at your own risk. Arrive early to make sure the park doesn’t reach capacity.

Looking to extend your stay? Make it a weekend getaway by renting a nearby camper cabin.

Where: William Houck Campground, 14039 Catoctin Hollow Road, Thurmont, Maryland
Distance from D.C.: 70 miles

Lake Anna State Park in Spotsylvania, Virginia

You can swim or fish (or both) at the surprisingly close Lake Anna, one of Virginia’s largest freshwater lakes. Unguarded swimming is available for the season. Lake Anna has reported some issues in 2024 with algal blooms and potential water contamination, but it remains a popular summer destination. You can track swimming advisories here.

If you’re just day-tripping, be sure to arrive early because the parking area closes once it hits capacity. But, you’ll also find plenty of nearby lodging.

Other nearby attractions include vineyards, antique shops, golf, historic sites and the Kings Dominion theme park.

Where: 6800 Lawyers Road, Spotsylvania Courthouse, Virginia
Distance from D.C. 84 miles

James River Park System: Pony Pasture Rapids Park in Richmond, Virginia

The James River Park System (including Pony Pasture Rapids Park) runs along both sides of the James River as it passes through Richmond, a rare opportunity to hit up real rapids in a U.S. city.

Enjoy kayaking, tubing, hiking, rock climbing, swimming and nearly any other outdoor activity you might want. Here’s what to know about swimming in the James River Park System.

Where: Pony Pasture Rapids, 7200 Riverside Drive, Richmond, Virginia
Distance from D.C.: 111 miles

Rocky Gap State Park in Flinstone, Maryland

The star attraction of the 3,000-acre Rocky Gap State Park is Lake Habeeb, which offers two public beaches surrounded by scenic Evitts Mountain. Camping, cabins, and hot and cold food are also available. Entry fees are $4 for Maryland residents and $6 for out-of-state visitors on weekends and holidays. It’s cheaper to visit during the week.

Where: 12500 Pleasant Valley Road NE, Flintstone, Maryland
Distance: 131 miles

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Carpenter is scheduled to kick off her “Short n’ Sweet Tour” in San Francisco on Aug. 10, marking the first show out of 30 planned for the U.S. and Canada.

The singer will headline arenas in cities across the continent, including Baltimore, Maryland and Charlottesville, Virginia. Other major stops are set for New York City; Nashville, Tennessee; Toronto, Ontario in Canada; Los Angeles, California and Austin, Texas.

However, despite the extensive list, the nation’s capital is noticeably absent from her tour itinerary… and D.C. fans are not happy.

“Please artists, start coming to D.C. again! What’s going on?” said one TikTok user.

“I don’t consider Baltimore to be a part of the DMV,” said another. “So, because of that, I feel like a lot of artists are skipping out on a key part of the country.”

It’s not the first time D.C. has been snubbed by a major pop star. Swifties may still be nursing their wounds from when Taylor Swift skipped over the District during her spectacular Eras tour.

Concerts Nov 5, 2022

Local Institutions Beg Taylor Swift to Bring Tour to DC Area

May 3

Taylor Swift fans react to Jake Gyllenhaal and Sabrina Carpenter's ‘SNL' appearance

While D.C. fans of Sabrina Carpenter may be feeling overlooked, they won’t need to go beyond Maryland or Virginia to see this show.

Carpenter’s tour will make a stop in Baltimore, providing a nearby option for those willing to make the trip. The tour will come to CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore on Oct. 5.

The stop closest to Virginia fans is a bit farther away from the District: The tour will be in Charlottesville at the John Paul Jones Arena on Oct. 20.

Carpenter is planning to release her newest album “Short n’ Sweet” on Aug. 23. The singer hasn’t shared her full tracklist; however, she confirmed that “Espresso” and “Please Please Please” are both included. 

Here’s the full list of tour stops and dates:

• Aug. 10, San Francisco, CA – Outside Lands
• Sept. 23, Columbus, OH – Nationwide Arena
• Sept. 25, Toronto, Ontario – Scotiabank Arena
• Sept. 26, Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena
• Sept. 29, New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
• Oct. 2, Hartford, CT – XL Center
• Oct. 3, Boston, MA – TD Garden
• Oct. 5, Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena
• Oct. 8, Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center
• Oct. 11, Montreal, Quebec – Centre Ball
• Oct. 13, Chicago, IL – United Center
• Oct. 14, Minneapolis, MN – Target Center
• Oct. 16, Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
• Oct. 17, Saint Louis, MO – Chaifetz Arena
• Oct. 19, Raleigh, NC – PNC Arena
• Oct. 20, Charlottesville, VA – John Paul Jones Arena
• Oct. 22, Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena
• Oct. 24, Orlando, FL – Kia Center
• Oct. 25, Tampa, FL – Amalie Arena
• Oct. 28, Austin, TX – Moody Center
• Oct. 30, Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center
• Nov. 1, Denver, CO – Ball Arena
• Nov. 2, Salt Lake City, UT – Delta Center
• Nov. 4, Vancouver, British Columbia – Pacific Coliseum
• Nov. 6, Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena

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Thursday marks the summer solstice and, right on time, we’re sweating through some of the hottest days of the year.

Hit up those pools or splash parks, and check an event’s page to make sure there are no weather-related changes before you put on your sunscreen and head out.

A few quick things before we dive in:

• Our top picks this week include the Home Rule Music Festival and Smithsonian Solstice Saturday.
• From our outdoor movie guide: “Elemental” will be the first movie shown this season at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.
• From our free outdoor concert guide: Brunch & Beats at The Wharf means live bands on multiple stages.
• Here’s how the Nationals and 9:30 Club revived the HFStival.
• This year’s A Capitol Fourth concert will feature Smokey Robinson in Motown tribute, Fantasia and fireworks views from the Capitol.

Weekend highlights

Home Rule Music Festival
Fri. ($40), Sat. (free) and July 20 (free)
🔗 Details

Just in time for Black Music Month, this three-part music festival is dancing at the intersection of go-go and jazz.

The festival officially kicks off at the Black Cat on Friday night. WAMMIE award winners JoGo Project will headline; tickets cost $40 in advance or $50 day of.

On Saturday, head to The Parks at Walter Reed for a day of free music. The lineup includes jazz greats Gary Bartz and Idris Ackamore, plus D.C.’s own Rare Essence, Black Alley and Dupont Brass Band. 

The fest picks back up July 20 at Alethia Tanner Park in NoMa. You’ll find mural painting, a record fair, kid-oriented activities and food and drink vendors during both weekends.

Also check out: The MLK library’s Go-Go on the Rooftop and the Portside in Old Town Summer Festival. Portside, a free festival, is still on for Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. but organizers cancelled the event planned on Saturday because of extreme heat in the forecast.

Free pick
Smithsonian Solstice Saturday
National Mall
🔗 Details

The Smithsonian is celebrating the summer solstice with late-night museum hours, an astronomy festival, family-friendly activities and after-hours dance parties.⁠ Plus, eight popular museums will be open until 10 p.m. or later.

From a Cosmic Arcade Party to astronomy demos, here are the best things to do.

Free pick
Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle
Sat. and Sun., Pennsylvania Ave, NW between 3rd and 7th Street, $10-$225
🔗 Details

Come hungry to the 32nd annual barbeque extravaganza on Pennsylvania Avenue. Chow down on more than 100 free food samples and see top-tier pit masters at work, then dance it off with some great local bands. EU, White Ford Bronco and Chuck Brown Band are on the lineup. It’s free for kids under 12.

Free pick
Shakespeare In The Parks: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
Sun., 3 p.m., Bowie
🔗 Details

Set in an enchanted forest near the fictional town of Athens, Maryland, the Shakespeare comedy follows young lovers, amateur actresses and mischievous fairies. Bring a picnic and lawn chair.

Concerts this weekend

Soul Rebels with Ghostface Killah and GZA, 7 p.m. Thursday, Howard Theatre, $29.99-$75

Probably no better band to back iconic Wu-Tang Clan MCs Ghostface Killah and GZA than this group from New Orleans fusing jazz and hip hop. Details.

The Hold Steady, 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 9:30 Club, $45

The Brooklyn-based alternative band followed the heartland rock of artists like Springsteen and The Band, updated for a post-punk/indie rock sound. They’re celebrating 21 years together. Details.

Future Islands, doors at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, The Anthem, $45-$75

Baltimore synth-rock band makes impassioned music pulled up by the uniquely engaging intensity of singer Samuel T. Herring, whose dancing has draws both ire and awe — and ultimately put Future Islands on the indie map. Also from Baltimore, two piece Ed Schrader’s Music Beat is an unconventional, raucous blast. Details.

Baroness, 8 p.m. Sunday, Fillmore, $41.25 and up

Savannah’s heavy metal greats are also celebrating a 21st birthday in 2024. They blend prog, post-rock, psychedelic and even a bit of early grunge into their sound. Tickets.

Things to do in D.C.

DC United: Juneteenth Night
Weds., Audi Field, $27+

Folger Shakespeare Library reopens
Fri.

Fête de la Musique – World Music Day
Sat., 5-8 p.m., Georgetown, free

Boot ‘N Scoot
Sat. and Sun., Hi-Lawn at Union Market, $10-$15

Disney in Concert: “The Sound of Magic”
Sat. and Sun., The Kennedy Center, $39-$99

Mystics: Pride night
Sat., June 22, 3 p.m., Entertainment and Sports Arena
FYI: Brunch and basketball bundle available

The Chinatown Park Festival
Sat., 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., I Street Northwest (5th Street and Massachusetts Aveue NW), free

10,000 Dreams: A Celebration of Asian Choreography
June 18–23, Kennedy Center Opera House

Things to do in Maryland

Pride Family Day
Sat., 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Glen Echo Park, free

Rainbow Festival by Prince George’s County Libraries
Sat., 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Hyattsville Branch Library, free

Teenfest
Sat., 48 p.m., Allentown Splash, Tennis, and Fitness Park in Fort Washington, free

Things to do in Virginia

One Loudoun Carnival at Uptown
Through Sun., plus Aug. 7-18, Ashburn, Virginia

Manassas Bee Festival
Sat., 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Liberia House and Grounds, free

Out & About Festival
Sat., Wolf Trap, $49+

Amazon Community Day at Met Park
Sat., 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Metropolitan Park in Arlington, free

Skate Day featuring The DC Wheels
Sat., Aslin Alexandria, free entry

A Fest Less Ordinary
Sat., 2-9 p.m., Purcellville, $40+

The Official Pride Bar Crawl
Sat., 4 p.m. to late, $10-$25

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The best public beaches near D.C., Maryland and Virginia have soft sand, waterparks, amusement parks, water sports, camping, movies on the beach — there’s something for every traveler. Get ready to vacuum the sand out of your car!

In order of estimated distance, from closest to farthest:

Assateague Island, Maryland

Just a short 2.5-hour drive from Washington D.C., Assateague Island is a beach lover’s paradise with a twist – wild horses! The creatures roam freely, adding a magical touch to your visit. With miles of pristine shoreline, it’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. There’s one tiny but important catch: Assateague is notoriously buggy! Bring extra bug spray and clothing that covers plenty of skin.

Love kayaking, birdwatching, or hiking? Assateague’s got you covered with its diverse ecosystems of marshes, dunes, and forests. If you’re up for a night under the stars, the campgrounds offer a cozy spot with waves lulling you to sleep and wild ponies as your neighbors (They’re hungry and will visit your campsite for food, so take precautions). Don’t miss the chance to fish or crab, and remember, Ocean City, Maryland, is just around the corner for a quick trip to the bustling boardwalk. Assateague Island is the ultimate getaway for nature lovers seeking a fun escape from the city.

DISTANCE: about 116 miles from downtown D.C.

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

You'll find pretty much everything you need from a seaside town in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. We're talking go-karts, mini-golf, hang-gliding, boardwalk games and rides for kids — plus frozen custard, obviously. Rehoboth is also home to some fantastic farm-to-table restaurants, so if boardwalk cuisine isn't your thing, you still definitely will be quite happy here. Head 30 minutes north to Cape Henlopen State Park to swim on undeveloped beaches, fish, crab and more. Nearby Dewey Beach offers a slightly quieter atmosphere from busier, more crowded cousin Rehoboth.

DISTANCE: about 120 miles from downtown D.C.

Bethany Beach, Delaware

Bethany Beach markets itself as a "quiet resort," offering a more serene option away from the party-hardy bustle of some other spots. There's a limited number of bars, but plenty to do in the way of water sports, a farmers' market, a water park, pirate mini-golf, a boardwalk and movies on the beach. Catch free live music at the Boardwalk Bandstand on weekend nights. You can find something to do in Bethany right up until the end of summer when the town famously bids goodbye to the season with a jazz funeral.

DISTANCE: about 125 miles from downtown D.C.

Fenwick Island, Delaware

Fenwick Island, Delaware, is a charming coastal destination perfect for a relaxing beach getaway. Located about a 2.5-hour drive from Washington D.C., it offers a serene escape with less crowded beaches compared to its neighboring towns. Fenwick Island State Park provides pristine sandy shores ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking. The area is also popular for water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding. Visitors can explore the historic Fenwick Island Lighthouse or enjoy family-friendly activities such as mini-golf and go-kart racing. The town features quaint shops, seafood restaurants, and cozy accommodations, making it a great spot for a weekend trip.

DISTANCE: about 132 miles from downtown D.C.

Ocean City, Maryland

Ocean City, Maryland, is a destination that kids (or your own inner child) will love. Go for water slides, boardwalk rides and haunted houses, or head to the water to parasail, kayak, surf or just swim. You can also catch free concerts and movies many nights during summer, along with fireworks on Mondays. Like Bethany and Rehoboth, Ocean City is among the closest beach destinations for D.C.-area residents.

DISTANCE: about 145 miles from downtown D.C.

Sea Isle City, New Jersey

Sandwiched between more densely populated Ocean City, New Jersey, and Avalon, Sea Isle City is a Jersey Shore gem. The island town has a nice mix of laidback vibes, family fun and great bars — like favorite Ocean Drive — to party with friends. The town's tagline, featured prominently on the water tower when you arrive, is "Smile, You're in Sea Isle." There's a 1.5-mile promenade fronting the white sand beaches of the Atlantic coast. You'll find plenty of boating and fishing opportunities in the back bay, and Atlantic City and The Wildwoods are a short drive away via the Garden State Parkway. Sea Isle City doesn't have many hotels, so booking a summer rental is key.

DISTANCE: about 180 miles from downtown D.C.

Wildwood and Cape May, New Jersey

We're putting Cape May and Wildwood, New Jersey, together because it's easy to do both in a single weekend. On the southernmost point of New Jersey's barrier islands, Cape May is famous for its eye-popping Victorian mansions and B&Bs (and the historic tours that go along with them). Its neighbor to the north, Wildwood, offers a more typical shore experience on a larger scale than its Delaware counterparts, with a different kind of retro via its 1950s-era motels. You'll also find the requisite boardwalk, tons of rides and two water parks. Just "watch the tram car, please."

DISTANCE:  about 185 miles from downtown D.C.

Ocean City, New Jersey

That other Ocean City (the one in New Jersey) offers plenty of family-friendly fun, with a boardwalk that — although often crowded — features a ton of rides and all the old faves when it comes to shore food, including pizza and fried Oreos. What else could you want?

DISTANCE: about 192 miles from downtown D.C.

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What are your weekend plans in the DMV? Our free newsletter has ideas

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Aside from outdoor activities from fishing to kayaking to dolphin watching, Virginia Beach also offers a boardwalk full of rides and restaurants, plenty of festivals, bars, clubs and breweries, plus the Virginia Aquarium and the Military Aviation Museum. Accommodations include everything from high-rise hotels to nearby campgrounds.

DISTANCE: about 210 miles from downtown D.C.

The Outer Banks Beaches, North Carolina

The gorgeous beaches of the Outer Banks are worth the drive (and the OBX sticker you'll want for your car). While not exactly close to D.C., Kitty Hawk Beach and Kill Devil Hills are the most accessible, near the Wright Memorial Bridge. Enjoy swimming, surfing, chartering a boat, or fishing off Avalon Pier. Explore historic sites like the Wright Brothers’ first flight and the lost colony on Roanoke at nearby Manteo. Despite being very developed, these beaches offer plenty of accommodations. Head to nearby Corolla for a chance to see wild ponies or dolphins and enjoy beach driving. Further south, Cape Hatteras National Seashore boasts 70 miles of mostly undeveloped beaches, perfect for surfing, visiting lighthouses, and even beach driving or bonfires at Ocracoke Beach.

DISTANCE: about 270 to 290 miles from downtown D.C.

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It’s the 44^th edition of the annual concert celebrating the Fourth of July on the West Lawn of the Capitol, according to a press release.

The concert is free and open for the public to attend; it will also air on PBS and stream on YouTube at 8 p.m. ET on July 4. Here’s more information.

The Independence Day tradition will also include performances from Fantasia, Darren Criss, Sheila E., Fitz & Noelle from Fitz and The Tantrums, Chloe Flower, Sister Sledge, the National Symphony Orchestra and military bands.

Gymnast and Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson East will lead A Tribute to Team USA including several Olympians and Paralympians, and Mae Krier, an original “Rosie the Riveter,” is set to make an appearance.

To cap the show, The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” and the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets will provide a patriotic soundtrack as the National Park Service fireworks go off over the Capitol.

Alfonso Ribeiro, who played Carlton Banks on NBC’s “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” will host.

“I can’t wait to celebrate America’s Birthday on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol,” said Ribeiro. “It is going to be a great 4th of July party, and we’re going to get everyone in our nation’s capital and all those watching at home on their feet dancing!”

What to know if you’re going to A Capitol Fourth concert

The concert is free and open to the public; no tickets are required. Gates to the West Lawn are scheduled to open at 3 p.m. on July 4. The gates are located at the southwest corner of the Capitol grounds. The nearest Metro stations are Federal Center SW (on the Orange and Blue lines) and Union Station (on the Red Line), according to PBS.

Guests should expect bag checks and metal detectors. Details, including what’s allowed and what’s not, will be posted on the U.S. Capitol Police website. In past years, picnic supplies, camp chairs and blankets have been allowed, while alcohol, glass and animals were prohibited.

There are two viewing areas to accommodate guests who have disabilities, organizers say.

If you can’t make it on Independence Day, the public is also invited to watch the dress rehearsal on July 3.

Subscribe to The Weekend Scene newsletter (it’s free!) for fun things to do on the Fourth of July and all summer long.

This Solstice Saturday will be the Smithsonian’s sixth annual celebration of summer, with programs going from early morning to night. Museums on the National Mall will have extended late-night hours with live music, educational discussions, food, dancing and more.

Here are extended museum hours for Smithsonian Solstice Saturday:

Open until 8 p.m.

• National Museum of the American Indian

Open until 10 p.m.

• National Museum of African American History and Culture
• National Museum of American History
• National Museum of Natural History

Open until 11 p.m.

• Arts and Industries Building
• Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
• National Air and Space Museum

Open until midnight

• National Museum of African Art
• National Museum of Asian Art

“With a mixture of daytime and evening programming, there will be an activity for everyone,” Sophia Ancira, Smithsonian’s Public Affairs assistant said.

Families looking for morning events can check out the National Museum of American History and the National Museum of African American History and Culture, where they’ll explore musical history with hands-on activities.

Evening events will take advantage of extra daylight by hosting outdoor live music performances at the Haupt Garden, Hirshhorn Museum and more.

Solstice Saturday will happen alongside Hofstra University’s Department of Physics and Astronomy, which will host its Astronomy Festival on the National Mall in front of the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. Local amateur astronomers will help set up telescope observations. Other hands-on activities and demonstrations will be presented from 6 to 11 p.m.

The late-night hours are an opportunity for visitors to see the grand finale of the “Afrofuturism” exhibit at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. If you’re feeling competitive, then the Arts and Industries Building will have arcade games until 11 p.m.

Whether you want to dance or engage in conversation, the Smithsonian has many free events for people to join. To find a curated list of events for you and your family to attend, check here for more details. 

Best events for Smithsonian Solstice Saturday 2024

Sound Scene 2024: Solstice
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Free registration

This multi-sensory arts festival is free for all ages and features artists from Washington D.C. and around the world. The Sound Scene has been around since 2007 and is produced by the DC Listening Lounge. 

Over 50 live artists performances, interactive audio art installations, small group workshops and American Sign Language interpreters will be on site. 

They will also have a collaboration with State of Arts x Sounce Scene, where artists across the European Union will come together with Sound Scene Audio Arts Festival featuring evening performances and conversation. 

Solstice Saturday: Making Black Freedom
African American History and Culture Museum
Free registration 

This event celebrates its exhibit “Afrofuturism: A History of Black Futures,” before it closes in August. The event will be from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and have a mixture of educational lessons, activities, music and entertainment throughout the day. 

Fenomeno Latino: Latin Music’s Global Rise Family and Evening festivals
American History Museum
Family Festival registration and Evening Festival registration

The American History Museum will offer different dance lessons, drum circles and story times focusing on the rise of Latin music in the United States from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event is for children and families. It’s ASL interpretation and wheelchair accessible.

The afternoon event features live DJs and a panel discussion focusing on the rise of reggaetón and free salsa dance lessons. Food and drinks, including adult beverages, will be available for purchase at the Mall Terrace. 

Asia After Dark
Asian Art Museum
Free Registration

The National Museum of Asian Art is highlighting Adele Kenworthy’s CUT FRUIT, a stand where she’ll share the meaning behind Asian/Asian American culture’s relationship with fruit. 

The Museum will also have other family arts and crafts throughout the day and galleries will be open until midnight.

Cosmic Arcade Party
Arts and Industries Building 

The Smithsonian Arts and Industries Building is throwing a glow-in-the-dark arcade party. There will be many arcade and table games, including skee ball, air hockey, life-size Light-Brite and Connect 4, mini golf and more. 

To enter the party you need one to four players and the first 1,000 guests will receive a free glow bracelet. Entry is on a first come first served basis. Registration is encouraged.

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We’re settling into a September with gorgeous weather. Here’s how to get out and enjoy it.

Here’s what to do this week in the Washington, D.C. area.

What to do in Washington, D.C.

Dvořák Dreams: An Installation by Refik Anadol: Through Sept. 24, Reach Plaza, free

Cirque du Soleil: “OVO”: Through Sun., Capital One Arena

Chocolate & Wine Tasting: Weds., 7-8:30 p.m., The Chocolate House at 1904 18th Street NW, $55

Sunset Cinema at The Wharf: “My Old Ass”: Thurs., 7 p.m., The Wharf’s Transit Pier, free

Live! At The Library: Film Costume Ball: Thurs., Sept. 12, 6-9 p.m., Library of Congress, free but RSVP required

Walking Town free tours throughout the District: Sept. 14-21, free

Nationals 1924 Championship Centennial Weekend: Fri., Sat. and Sun.

The 1924: A Science Speakeasy: Fri., 6-9 p.m., National Academy of Sciences in Northwest D.C., $20

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The Scene Aug 27

Cirque du Soleil contortionist offers a preview of ‘Ovo' at Capital One Arena

Don’t Tell Comedy: Fri., various venues, $25

Celebrate Van Ness Main Street: Sat., 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Connecticut Avenue NW between Van Ness and Nebraska, free

Library of Congress Family Day: Hispanic Heritage Month: Sat., 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Thomas Jefferson Building – Great Hall, free

Paramount+ & NPF Present: “Forrest Gump” at the National Mall: Sat., lawn opens at 5 p.m., movie begins at dusk, National Mall near Smithsonian Metro Station and 9th Street, free

Washington Mystics vs.Atlanta Dream: Sun., 3 p.m., Entertainment and Sports Arena

Washington Spirit vs. Portland Thorns: Sun., 1 p.m., Audi Field

What to do in Maryland

Fall Twilight Concert Series: Weds., 6-7 p.m., Brookside Gardens, free
FYI: YötRöx (70’s & 80’s Rock Hits)

The Great Frederick Fair: Sept. 13-21, Frederick, Maryland, $8 in advance or $10 at the gate for adults, free for kids under 10
FYI: Carnival rides and grandstand shows cost extra

Washington Ukrainian Festival: Sept. 13-15, St. Andrews Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral (15100 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring), $20 (Saturday and Sunday) or $15 (Sunday only)

Maryland Seafood Festival: Sept. 14-15, Sat. and Sun., Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis, $15+ (kids 12 and under can go for free with a paying adult)

Acoustics & Ales: Fri., 5-7:30 p.m., North Four Corners Local Park in Silver Spring, free entry

Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival: Sat., Sept. 14, Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, free entry, parking is $10 in advance, $15 day of

Latinas in Aviation Global Festival: Sat., College Park Aviation Museum, free

DC Polo Society | End of Summer Social: Sat., Congressional Polo Club in Poolesville, Maryland, $28.45 – $35

Hispanic Festival: Sun., Sept. 15, 12:30-5:30 p.m., Lane Manor Splash Park in Hyattsville, free

Commanders vs. New York Giants: Sun., 1 p.m., Northwest Stadium in Landover

Maryland Restaurant Week: Sept. 13-22

Brushes and Beats: A Go-Go Themed Youth Paint & Sip: Sun., Arts’tination in Oxon Hill, free with RSVP

What to do in Virginia

Cox Farms Fall Festival: Select days from Sept. 15 to Nov. 5, Centreville, $10-$25

Solheim Cup: Through Sun., Gainesville, $65 and up for adults

22nd Annual Alexandria Old Town Art Festival: Sat. and Sun., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 300 John Carlyle St. in Alexandria, free

Torpedo Factory Art Center’s 50th Anniversary: Fri. to Sun., Alexandria

Virginia Native American Festival: Sat., 10 a.m., Riverbend Park in Great Falls, $12

Falls Church Festival: Sat., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Falls Church City Hall and Community Center, free

Fall Family Fest: Sat., noon to 4 p.m., Perch Putt rooftop in Tyson’s Corner, free ticket with registration

NOVA Family Fair: Sat., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Vienna Volunteer Fire Department, free

Moon Festival – Tết Trung Thu at Eden Center: Sat., noon to 5 p.m., Eden Center in Falls Church, free entry

Welcoming Week Family Storytime: Sun., 2-4 p.m., 418 S Washington St. in Alexandria, free

“Encanto” characters at Shipgarten: Sun., noon to 6 p.m., McLean, free entry

Coming up soon

NMWA Nights: Weds., Sept. 18, 5:30 to 8 p.m., National Museum of Women in the Arts, $22-$25

H Street Festival: Sat., Sept. 21, H Street Northeast, free entry

Fields of Fear at Cox Farms: Sept. 20 to Nov. 2, Centreville, Virginia, $30-$40

Want to know what’s up for your weekend? Sign up for The Weekend Scene, our newsletter about events, experiences and adventures for you and for your family around the DMV.

We’re still smiling big after the Capital Pride Parade and digesting the HFSTival lineup that dropped with The Postal Service, Death Cab for Cutie, Incubus and Bush.

But a new weekend is here with a packed to-do list that includes celebrating Juneteenth with festivals and Father’s Day with some unexpected sports –including the face-off between the national soccer teams of Guatemala and Argentina, the reigning FIFA World Cup champion led by captain Lionel Messi.

As for the weather: We’re relieved highs are only supposed to reach the 80s on Saturday and Sunday because a heat wave is on the way. Here’s the forecast.

Weekend highlights

Unexpected sports

Not to be cliché, but there are a bunch of sports things to do with dad – and not just what you’d expect. We do have the Nationals, Mystics and Spirit in town, but… Pro pickleball, anyone? 

• Argentina vs. Guatemala: Lionel Messi at Commanders Field?! It’s happening! The defending 2022 FIFA World Cup champions face Guatemala in a friendly match at Commanders Field on Friday in the lead-up to the Copa America. Tickets start at $130. Details.
• The District Cup: Polo is coming to the National Mall, with four teams competing to win Saturday. All-access tickets, which include food and beverage, start at $95. Details.
• Major League Pickleball: The league’s first-ever event in the D.C. area features matches from Thursday to Sunday, with grounds passes starting at $40. Details.
• The Capital: CarCoterie is bringing its exhibit of 25 rare and classic cars to CityCenterDC for one day only. It’s free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Details.
• Clipper Round the World Yacht Race: A pack of sailing yachts that just raced from Panama will stop at The Wharf for your viewing pleasure on Monday and Tuesday. Later in the week, you can tour a Clipper 70 or visit the Fanzone. Details.

Juneteenth Jun 12

Juneteenth celebrations in the DC area include fireworks and special National Archives display

Things to Do DC May 21

Where to watch outdoor movies all summer long in DC, Maryland and Virginia

Free pick
Juneteenth by the Prince George’s Parks Black History Program
Sat., noon to 5 p.m., Watkins Regional Park in Upper Marlboro
🔗 Details

Live local bands are a big draw here, but the festival also centers education and community.

“I think that this is a great event for people to, first, come out and have a great time and enjoy themselves, but also we cannot, you know, forget that this is an opportunity for education and learning,” Doster, one of the festival organizers, said.

History experiences and art activities are also in the works. Plenty of local food and merch vendors will be there, too.

Free pick
Juneteenth Heritage Festival
Sat. to Weds., various locations in Montgomery County
🔗 Details

One historically Black congregation, from Scotland AME Zion Church in Potomac, Maryland, is hosting a days-long celebration across multiple locations, and capping the celebrations with Montgomery County’s first Juneteenth fireworks show.

The festival begins on Saturday with a night of music headlined by Chuck Brown Band at the Bethesda Theater.

On June 19, they’ll be hosting the most expansive Juneteenth festival we’ve found in the region. Head to Cabin John for a kids’ carnival, car show, sports clinics, health and wellness fair, parade and more before the fireworks go off at Shirley Povich Field at 9:45 p.m. Here’s the full schedule.

Sycamore & Oak Anniversary
Fri., Sat. and Sun., 1110 Oak Drive SE, free

🔗 Details

Sycamore & Oak, the development home to 13 Black-owned businesses in Congress Heights, celebrates its anniversary with food and wine tastings; live bands and a free Father’s Day workout with a brunch discount.

Concerts this weekend

Boeckner, 6:30 p.m. Friday, The Atlantis, $25

Singer-guitarist Dan Boeckner of Wolf Parade, Handsome Furs and Divine Fits has a new album out, “Boeckner!,” that ranks among the best of his nervous indie rock. Not reinventing himself, but continuing a solid career. Details.

Pink Siifu, 7:30 p.m. Friday, DC9, $20-$25

The singer and rapper is like a genre unto himself. Slick, R&B-and-jazz-influenced, experimental hip-hop. Details.

Sarah Shook & the Disarmers, 7 p.m. Saturday, Songbyrd, $15/$18

Modern Americana-rock with a classic outlaw country vibe. Details. https://songbyrddc.com/event/sarah-shook-the-disarmers/

Bonny Light Horseman, 7 p.m. Sunday, Howard Theatre, $30-$50

The Grammy-nominated, folk-rock supertrio’s terrific new double LP “Keep Me on Your Mind/See You Free” is bolstered by Americana-influenced soft rock with a ‘70s AM gold vibe and newgrass. Mellow with warm duets. Details.

Things to do in D.C.

DC/DOX Film Festival
Thurs. to Sun., various theaters, $15 per screening or $195 for all-access pass

Museum of Graffiti D.C. Pop Up: Sneaker Stories Presented by Modelo
Fri. to Sun., Union Market, free

Mystics: We Salute Her
Fri. June 14, 7:30 p.m., Entertainment and Sports Arena

Don’t Tell Seth! An Evening with the Seth Meyers Writers
Fri. and Sat., The Kennedy Center, $35 to $45

The Mother of All Yard Sales
Sat., Adams Morgan, free

16th Annual Columbia Heights Day
Sat., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Harriet Tubman Elementary Turf Field, free

The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC presents “Portraits”
Sun., 5 p.m., The Kennedy Center, $25-$80

DC library’s Go-Go on the Rooftop
Sun., 1-5 p.m., MLK Library in Gallery Place, free

Things to do in Maryland

Mount Rainier pride parade
Sat., 10:30 a.m., City Hall Annex, free

Catfish Stand-Up Comedy
Sat., 8 p.m., Glen Echo Park, $10 cash or Venmo at the door

Things to do in Virginia

Culture Queen: Juneteenth Jubilee
Fri., 10:30 a.m., Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library in Alexandria, free

Torpedo Factory Art Center 2nd Friday
Fri., 7-10 p.m., Alexandria, free

Columbia Pike Blues Festival
Sat., South Arlington, free

Priday Market & Drag Show|
Sat., noon to 6 p.m., Port City Brewing Company in Alexandria, free entry

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The holiday commemorates June 19, 1865, when news of liberation reached 250,000 enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, the Smithsonian Museum says. That was two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

Observances are often joyful and frequently celebrate the legacies of those who fought for freedom. They come through prayer, family gatherings and food. For many cities, it’s an opportunity to create larger events including parades and festivals.

One historically Black church congregation, Scotland AME Zion Church on Seven Locks Road in Potomac, is hosting a days-long celebration across multiple locations, and capping the celebrations with Montgomery County’s first Juneteenth fireworks show, according to a press release.

Juneteenth Jun 19

The beginner's guide to celebrating Juneteenth

Juneteenth Jun 17

What's open and closed on Juneteenth 2024

Learning and education remain an integral part of the holiday,  Dr. Dennis Doster, Ph.D, the Black History Program Manager at Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, said.

“We have a lot of people that kind of jumped on the Juneteenth bandwagon without really knowing what the celebration is about. It’s really is about a time to learn about our history, reflect on our history,” Doster said.

Doster helped plan a Juneteenth festival at Watkins Regional Park in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, with a day of local bands, history experiences and art activities.

“For us, it’s one event of many that we do throughout the year that’s about lifting up and honoring Black history and culture. Because when we create those opportunities, for education, for better understanding for dialogue, it just makes us better as a society,” he said.

Juneteenth is the newest federal holiday, first recognized in 2021. But, it’s been celebrated for generations by Black Americans, Brandon Byrd, Associate Professor of History at Vanderbilt University, told NBCLX.

The federal holiday is heavily celebrated in the D.C. area and is also referred to as a second Independence Day, Emancipation Day, Jubilee Day and Black Independence Day. 

Here are some events in the D.C. area if you’d like to celebrate. 

Juneteenth events in Washington, D.C.

Display of the Emancipation Proclamation and General Order No. 3
June 18-20, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., National Archives, free
Details

The original versions of the Emancipation Proclamation and the document at the root of the Juneteenth holiday will be on display at the National Archives, which will open for extended hours to give visitors more chances to see them.

The Emancipation Proclamation famously declared some people who were enslaved in the Confederacy were free, but the struggle was far from over.

On June 19, 1865, U.S. Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger issued General Order No. 3, confirming the freedom of 250,000 people who remained enslaved in Texas.

The first sentence of the order reads: “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.”

The date “became known as ‘Juneteenth,’ and the African American community in Texas long celebrated it as Emancipation Day or Freedom Day,” Mary Ryan of the National Archives wrote.

This year will be the fourth that the National Archives has displayed General Order No. 3 in honor of Juneteenth.

ONE DC’s Juneteenth celebrations

June 17 to 21
Details

ONE DC, a community-based organization is hosting several days of Juneteenth events.

The centerpiece is the community festival on Wednesday at the Black Workers & Wellness Center at 2500 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE, including live music, history lessons, food and art.

Anacostia Community Museum’s Juneteenth Freedom Celebration

Weds., June 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free
Details

The Anacostia Community Museum will host a day of live music outdoors, including performances by Noochie, CuzzinB, Too Much Talent Band, Alex Vaugn and Dupont Brass, plus kid-friendly activities including Double Dutch.

Make sure to stop inside to the see the museum’s latest exhibition, “A Bold and Beautiful Vision: A Century of Black Arts Education in Washington, D.C., 1900-2000.”

You’re welcome to bring drinks, prepared food and a blanket for a picnic, but no cooking or alcohol are allowed. Local food trucks will also be available.

People’s Juneteenth on the White House Ellipse

Weds., June 19, 10:30 a.m., free

United States Colored Troops and Buffalo Soldier reenactors will lead a parade from the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial to the White House Ellipse. On the Ellipse, expect music and a Juneteenth flag-raising.

Fighters for Freedom: William H. Johnson Picturing Justice

Through Sept. 10, Smithsonian American Art Museum, free admission
Details

William H. Johnson made a series, “Fighters for Freedom” to honor Black activists, scientists, teachers, performers, and international heads of people who work to bring peace. The 34 painting exhibition honors some historical figures and their accomplishments.

In the virtual conversation on Tuesday, June 18, curators will discuss two pieces loaned by Hampton University Art Museum as well as other works from the exhibition. 

Step Afrika! performs “The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence”

Through July 14, Arena Stage in Southwest D.C., $41+
Details

Inspired by the series of Jacob Lawrence paintings at The Phillips Collection, Step Afrika! is using its telling the story of the Great Migration on the Kreeger Theater stage, using their signature percussive dance-theater style.

Juneteenth events in Maryland

The Annual Scotland Juneteenth Heritage Festival 

Sat., June 15 to Weds., June 19, various locations in Montgomery County, free
Details

Scotland AME Zion Church, a historically Black church off Seven Locks Road in Potomac, is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its founding and reprising its Juneteenth Heritage Festival for a second year in 2024. The church raised $60,000 for a repair and expansion project last year, when it drew nearly 10,000 people to celebrate. This year, it will share the proceeds with five community organizations, according to a press release.

The festival begins on Saturday, June 15, with a night of music headlined by Chuck Brown Band at the Bethesda Theater.

Sports clinics and an interfaith breakfast are also on the packed schedule of events.

Juneteenth will bring festivals to Cabin John Village and Cabin John Park, including a Children’s Caribbean Carnival, and the grand finale will be a fireworks show at Shirley Povich Field at 9:45 p.m. Organizers say they’ll be the first Juneteenth fireworks in Montgomery County.

Freedom Day Black-Owned Marketplace
Wed., June, 19, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Capital Canopy at National Harbor
Details 

National Harbor will host events all day with Black-owned businesses, including food and clothing vendors. There’s also a free Sip and Paint event at 1 p.m. Stick around for the Juneteenth Cultural Showcase from 5-7 p.m., featuring Secret Society Band, the Eleanor Roosevelt High School step team and Prince George’s Poet Laureate.

Carr’s Beach Reunion
Weds., June 19, 3-7 p.m., Annapolis Maritime Museum and Park, 7300 Edgewood Road, Annapolis, Maryland, free
Details

From the 1920s to the 1960s, Carr’s was one of the few beaches in the D.C. area where African Americans could swim freely and without the fear of discrimination. And it became famous for its live music.

Now, Annapolis is bringing back Carr’s Beach for Juneteenth with performances from The Voices of Motown, Philly Soul bands and J.J. Fingers band will perform at the Carr’s/Elktonia Beach. Get camera-ready if you want to speak to a videographer about your Carr’s beach memories (the videos will be presented at a future visitor’s center, according to a press release). You can also pick up goodies from food trucks and vendors at the event.

Juneteenth by the Prince George’s Parks Black History Program

Sat., June 15, noon to 5 p.m., Watkins Regional Park in Upper Marlboro, free
Details

Chuck Brown Band, Big Tony and Trouble Funk, Brencore Allstars Band and Luther ReLives (singing the ballads of Luther Vandross) are a big draw of Prince George’s County’s main Juneteenth festival, but it’s also about education and community.

“I think that this is a great event for people to, first, come out and have a great time and enjoy themselves, but also we cannot, you know, forget that this is an opportunity for education and learning,” Doster, one of the festival organizers, said.

History experiences and art activities are also in the works. Cheverly artist Jeffrey Felten-Green is the 2024 featured artist, and plenty of local food and merch vendors will be there, too.

Juneteenth events in Virginia

Arlington Community Juneteenth Celebration & Cookout

Weds., June 19, 4-7 p.m., Metropolitan Park in Arlington, free
Details

Come together in Arlington’s Met Park for live music, performances, food and family-friendly activities. This year’s theme is, “What freedom means to me.” It’s hosted by a group of Arlington organizations including the historical society, local NAACP and Arlington Coalition of Black Clergy.

Juneteenth at Manassas National Battlefield Park

Sat., June 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 12521 Lee Highway, Manassas, Virginia, free
Details

The historic site is dedicating its newest exhibit, dedicated to blacksmith Andrew Redman, on Juneteenth. Redman, who was born into enslavement and said he earned his freedom, ran a blacksmith shop in the wake of the Civil War, the National Park Service says.

The dedication of the shop, set for 1:30 p.m., will be followed by an interpretive program sharing Redman’s story and blacksmithing demonstrations. Walking tours, history talks and a hands-on children’s archaeology activity are also planned.

Frying Pan Farm Park
Sat., June 15, 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m., Herndon, Virginia, free
Details

Explore the history of the Black congregants of the Frying Pan Baptist Meeting House, who fought for greater freedoms and formed their own community after emancipation, according to Fairfax County Parks.

Alexandria Juneteenth celebrations

Fri., June 14 to Sat., June 22
Details

The commemorations kick off with a musical storytelling show from Grammy-nominated performer Culture Queen on Friday, June 14, followed by a remembrance ceremony at Douglass Cemetery on Saturday.

Head to Market Square on Juneteenth for storytelling, music and spoken word on Juneteenth, starting at 1:30 p.m.

Here’s the full list of events and historic sites to visit.

WalkArlington Presents: Juneteenth Black Heritage Walk

Sun., June 16, 1-3 p.m., Arlington, Virginia, free
Details

Join Craig Syphax, a leader in the Black Heritage Museum of Arlington, for a two-hour guided tour of sites with historical and family significance. Attendees can meet at Towers Park.

CORRECTION (June 15, 2024, 8:30 p.m.): An earlier version of this article misstated that Juneteenth is a holiday marking the event of slavery in the United States. It marks the end of slavery in the United States, not the event of slavery.

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I.M.P., the owner of D.C. venues including the 9:30 Club, teased the return of the festival last week and dropped major new details on Tuesday.

The Postal Service, Death Cab for Cutie, Incubus, Bush, Garbage, Jimmy Eat World, Girl Talk, Violent Femmes, Tonic, Filter and Lit are set to perform at Nationals Park on Saturday, Sept. 21.

The Postal Service and Death Cab for Cutie – both, as Pitchfork put it, “peak millennial nostalgia” projects of Ben Gibbard – will perform their hit 2003 albums, “Give Up,” which feature hit “Such Great Heights,” and “’Transatlanticism.”

HFStival 2024 will pack all those rock bands onto one stage for one day of dancing and moshing.

Fans will have to enter a lottery for the chance to buy tickets (so, no lining up at Mail Boxes Etc. or Hecht’s at Landmark Mall, as some wondered when news of the revival broke). You can request tickets via Ticketmaster through Sunday, June 16 at 11:59 p.m.

It costs $250 for pit tickets — the standing-room-only area closest to the stage — and $150 for seated tickets, before fees. VIP tickets cost $475. Fans who win tickets in the lottery will be automatically charged and notified by June 21, I.M.P. said.

Organizers I.M.P. and Nationals Park implemented the ticket lottery system anticipating huge interest in the festival.

“Quintessential HFStival acts have been doing an unprecedented business, selling more tickets than they ever came close to back in the day, so it all made sense to bring back the HFStival,” Seth Hurwitz, the owner of I.M.P., said in a release.

HFStival — pronounced H-F-estival — was a massive music festival held annually for more than a decade in the DMV, including several years at the District’s now-shuttered RFK Stadium. HFStival brought together some of the biggest names in college and alt rock, plus hip-hip and other genres (and even Tony Bennett!), across multiple stages. Even MTV’s website previewed the festival in 1997. (Also, today we learned MTV had a website in 1997, apparently). Artists that year included Beck, The Prodigy, The Cardigans and the Squirrel Nut Zippers.

A series of D.C.-area radio stations used the call letters WHFS across several decades. At the time of HFStival’s launch, the station was known for playing progressive and cutting-edge rock artists. But in 2005, under a different ownership group, it abruptly switched formats to a Spanish-language station without warning, famously playing Jeff Buckley’s “Last Goodbye” as its final song.

But 13 years later, I.M.P. shook D.C.’s rock music scene by striking a deal radio company Audacy to use the HFStival name. They heralded the blast from the past with a collage of photos showing massive crowd shots, a mosh pit, MTV’s Kurt Loder and physical paper tickets.

“This will be a show for everyone who went to HFStival in decades past and those who weren’t around to be a part of the scene,” Hurtwitz said.

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We have a big, beautiful LGBTQIA+ Pride weekend ahead of us!

The three top events – the parade, 17th Street block party and festival/concert – happen this weekend, and you’ll find tons of pro tips, plus after parties and drink specials, right here.

Definitely say hi to our friends at Rainbow History Project!

ICYMI

• From our free summer concerts guide: The D.C. Public Library’s Go-Go on the Rooftop returns this Sunday, and Fairwood Community Park in Bowie will host two bands for Caribbean American Heritage Month.
• From our outdoor movie guide: Downtown DC Summer Flicks kicks off Thursday with “The Equalizer 3” and a DJ. There’s also “Barbie” at Audi Field and “Dirty Dancing” at Hi-Lawn.
• It’s the last weekend for the “world’s largest bounce house” in Fort Washington.

Washington Mystics vs. Indiana Fever and Caitlin Clark

Local basketball fans have a lot to be excited about as the Indiana Fever and Caitlin Clark come to town Friday.

The Mystics moved the game to Capital One Arena to accommodate the larger crowd. It quickly sold out, but official resale tickets were going for $60-$70 on Ticketmaster as of Friday morning.

The Mystics vs. Fever game comes just a day after the Chicago Sky, featuring Baltimore native Angel Reese, played in D.C. (The Sky won 71-79 at Capital One Arena).

USMNT vs. Colombia international soccer

The U.S. men’s national team is back in action.

Its last appearance came in late March, when it triumphed 2-0 over Mexico in the Concacaf Nations League Final.

Now that the club season is over and summer is on the horizon, next up for the USMNT is preparing for the Copa America tournament in late June. First up is an international friendly against Colombia at Maryland’s own Commanders Field.

The game is Saturday at 5:30 p.m., and tickets are going for about $80 (before fees) on Ticketmaster.

Pride highlights

Free pick
Capital Pride Parade
Sat.
Details

The number one thing to know about this year’s pride parade: It’s on a new route in preparation for World Pride 2025. And it won’t go through Dupont Circle.

🏁 The parade will kick off from 14th and T streets NW at 3 p.m.

🛑 It will end on Pennsylvania Avenue NW between 10th and 9th Streets after about four hours. From there, you can easily access the Flashback Tea Dance official after party at Constitution Avenue and 6th Street.

Arrive early and you’ll be able to find good spots throughout the route. The west side of Franklin Park and wide intersections like 14th and Rhode Island Avenue NW are good bets.

Expect restaurants and bars near the route to be packed. But you can pay for a prime view, including $25 for bleachers on Freedom Plaza, or a $5-$10 suggested donation for a special area on Thomas Circle. ADA-accessible viewing is also available.

Go here for more specials, events and updates!

Free pick
17th Street Block Party
Sat., noon to 10 p.m.
Details

Dupont’s 17th Street is a center of culture for the LGBTQIA+ community in D.C. Though the pride parade is skipping Dupont this year, that didn’t stop the neighborhood from planning a poppin’ block party.

Expect DJs, entertainment and adult beverages from local businesses. If you’re bringing children, head to Stead Park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for kid’s activities, games and drag story hour.

“The one thing we got from last year from a lot of people was that, ‘This is how I want to celebrate Pride,” Eli Downs from JR’s Bar said.

Free pick
Capital Pride Festival and Concert
Sun., 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., 3rd & Pennsylvania Ave.
Details

Ana Max, Billy Porter, Exposé, Sapphira Cristál and special guest KeKe Palmer will appear on the Capitol Stage at 3rd and Pennsylvania Avenue NW.

Festivalgoers can also explore two other stages, beverage gardens and exhibitor booths (come say hi to NBC4 and Telemundo 44!).

The concert goes until 8 p.m., then close out the night with a sunset dance party.

Tinner Hill Music Festival

June’s black music month, and one of the best ways to celebrate is the 30th Annual Tinner Hill Music Festival.
All day Saturday, you’ll find food, music and a chance to relax at Cherry Hill Park. Tickets range from $10 to $55, but entry for kids 11 and under is free.

Concerts this weekend

Okkervil River/The Antlers, 7 p.m. Saturday, Union Stage, $30

Billed as “an intimate evening” with the bands “playing old songs, new songs and each other’s songs.” Over a quarter century, singer-songwriter Will Sheff’s Okkervil River has delivered acclaimed folk rock, pop rock and alt rock colored sitting just outside Americana, and Sheff’s got a terrific gift for storytelling in his songs. Peter Silberman’s Antlers began with delicate, intimate and soaring songs – a sort of bedroom pop symphony – but has expanded its palate over the past decade-and-a-half. Details.

English Teacher, 6:30 p.m. Sunday, The Atlantis, $20

The UK indie rock band sounds familiar in pieces but unique as a whole, blending post-punk, folk and electronica to name a few influences. Details.

Things to do in D.C.

Phillips after 5: Party with Pride
Thurs., 5-8:30 p.m., The Phillips Collection in Dupont, $20

Tour next-gen houses at the Innovative Housing Showcase
Fri. to Sun., National Mall, free

Mystics gun violence awareness night
Fri. June 7, 7:30 p.m., Entertainment and Sports Arena

Music in the Meadow: Wylder
Sat., 8:30 p.m., U.S. National Arboretum — Meadow Road, $25 suggested donation

Takoma Pride Day
Sun., 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., free

Things to do in Maryland

Pride in the Park: A Comedy Show
Thurs., 6-8:30 p.m., Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, free

Friday Night Live! with Bongo District
Fri., 6:30-8:30 p.m., City Hall Plaza, free

Trolley Trail Day
Sat., 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., throughout the Trolley Trail, free

U.S. Men’s National Team vs Colombia
Sat., 5:30 p.m., Commanders Field in Landover, $88+

14th Edition of The Beltway BBQ Showdown
Sun., June 2, noon to 6 p.m., Prince George’s Equestrian Center and Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro, $12 or free for kids 5 and under

Takoma Park House & Garden Tour
Sun., 1-5 p.m., $30

Things to do in Virginia

Patti LaBelle & Gladys Knight
Sat., 8 p.m., Wolf Trap in Vienna, $49

Festival Argentino USA
Sat., 3:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m., Kenmore Theatre in Arlington, $15+

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Figure out your ‘fit for the mosh pit, because the D.C. and Baltimore area’s iconic (and long dead) HFStival is coming back to life this summer, concert planners say.

Only the broadest details are available so far, but the equally iconic music venue 9:30 Club, as well as Nationals Park, both teased the festival’s return on Instagram, sharing on Wednesday: “HFSTIVAL, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2024 • NATIONALS PARK.”

This message was shared below a collage of photos showing massive crowd shots, a mosh pit, MTV’s Kurt Loder (who, we’re shocked and confused to inform you, is now 79 years old) and physical paper tickets. (Gentle reader, are you old enough to remember those?)

We’d say the photos look heavily filtered, but honestly, that’s just how photos looked in the ’90s and ’00s.

Commenters were quick to jump into the vintage vibes, with one quipping, “Are we going to have to camp out at Mailbox Etc for tickets is the question?”

Another chimed in, “I’ll be in ticket line outside Hecht’s at Landmark Mall.”

For the uninitiated (or literally too young), HFStival — pronounced H-F-estival — was a massive music festival held annually for more than a decade in the DMV, including several years at the District’s now-shuttered RFK Stadium. HFStival brought together some of the biggest names in college and alt rock, plus hip-hip and other genres (and even Tony Bennett!), across multiple stages. Even MTV’s website previewed the festival in 1997. (Also, today we learned MTV had a website in 1997, apparently). Artists that year included Beck, The Prodigy, The Cardigans and the Squirrel Nut Zippers.

A series of D.C.-area radio stations used the call letters WHFS across several decades. At the time of HFStival’s launch, the station was known for playing progressive and cutting-edge rock artists. But in 2005, under a different ownership group, it abruptly switched formats to a Spanish-language station without warning, famously playing Jeff Buckley’s “Last Goodbye” as its final song.

Sounds like it might not be goodbye forever, though.

We’re working to get more details on the return of HFStival, including when tickets might go on sale and when the lineup might drop. A media contact at the 9:30 Club was not able to provide additional information yet. As of 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, the festival was yet not listed on Nationals Park’s events page, which doesn’t display anything past a Bruce Springsteen concert scheduled for Sept. 7.

A documentary about WHFS, “Feast Your Ears: The Story of WHFS 102.3,” won Best Documentary Feature at the DC Independent Film Festival this year.

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Three must-do Captial Pride events are scheduled for this weekend: the parade and 17th Street Block Party on Saturday, then the festival and concert on Sunday.

The number one thing to know about this year’s pride parade: It’s on a new, streamlined route in preparation for World Pride 2025.

That means the Pride Parade won’t go through Dupont Circle, the historic home of D.C.’s LGBTQIA+ pride celebrations. But the 17th Street Block Party will have plenty of live entertainment, libations and bites from local restaurants and more to keep you busy all night. It will also house a family-friendly celebration at Stead Park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Capital Pride Parade route and time

The parade will kick off from 14th and T streets NW at 3 p.m.

It will end on Pennsylvania Avenue NW between 10th and 9th Streets after about four hours. From there, you can easily access the Flashback Tea Dance official after party at Constitution Avenue and 6th Street.

The parade is set to include community groups, sponsors and more handing out goodies and – most importantly – being out as themselves, loud and proud.

Where to watch the Capital Pride Parade

Arrive early and you’ll be able to find good spots throughout the route. Good bets include west side of Franklin Park and wide intersections at New York and Rhode Island avenues NW are good bets.

You can also pay for a prime view, including $25 for bleachers on Freedom Plaza, or a $5-$10 suggested donation for a special area on Thomas Circle. ADA-accessible viewing is also available.

Expect restaurants and bars near the route to be packed (For example, Le Diplomat’s $250-$500 table packages quickly sold out). But beer gardens Aslin and Garden District both have first come, first served seating.

If you’re meeting up with friends at the parade, keep in mind that it may be difficult or impossible to cross 14th Street or Pennsylvania Avenue during the parade. Cell phone service is often spotty, too. Mark a very specific meeting point, and double-check which Metro exit you use!

How to get to the Capital Pride Parade

Numerous road closures mean Metro is the best way to get to the Capital Pride Parade.

Metro stations closest to the parade route include U Street (Green, Yellow), Dupont (Red), Metro Center (Red, Orange, Silver and Blue), Federal Triangle (Orange, Silver and Blue), Smithsonian (Blue, Orange, Silver) and McPherson Square (Orange, Silver, Blue).

Gallery Place-Chinatown (Green, Yellow and Red), Judiciary Square (Red) and Mount Vernon Square 7th Street-Convention Center (Green, Yellow) are about a 15-minute walk away from the parade route.

Metro says it will run more Yellow Line service to accommodate crowds, but Green Line trains will be single-tracking. Keep in mind that five Red Line stations are closed: Takoma, Silver Spring, Forest Glen, Wheaton and Glenmont.

Fireworks at Pride on the Pier

Want to end your big day out at Pride with a bang? Check out Pride on the Pier at The Wharf, sponsored by the Washington Blade LGBTQ news outlet.

The fireworks show will go off at 9 p.m., capping a day of live performances for all ages. After the pyrotechnics, DJ Heat will play until 10 p.m.

It’s free and open to the public. The Capital Pride Parade will be shown on a large screen beginning at 3 p.m.

Specials, deals, viewing events and after parties

Bresca & Jônt

The Michelin-starred restaurants are headed to the streets for the Capital Pride Parade. They’ll have a table outside from 1 p.m. serving housemade hotdogs ($7), High Noon canned drinks ($6), mini bottles of Moët champagne ($16) and Queen Bees Knees cocktails ($9).

Chicken and Whiskey

The 14th Street restaurant’s sidewalk window is an easy stop during the parade. It will offer $5 Trixie Mattel shots and $12 Marsha for Your Rights cocktails at their curbside eatery and whiskey bar through Sunday from open to close.

Come for the parade afterparty featuring a live DJ. It runs from 4 p.m. until close.

Dauphine’s

One block away from the parade route, Dauphine’s will offer all-day happy hour from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Dirty Goose

The LGBTQ+ bar at 913 U Street NW will be celebrating all weekend. You can grab a skip the line pass for $50-$100, and the higher price will get you into Shakers (which is around the corner on 9th Street NW), too.

If you’re still going on Sunday, check out the “Wet on Deck” swimsuit party and ask for an $8 Pride shot.

Dirty Habit

Pre-game the parade or find your after party at Dirty Habit on 8th Street, minutes from the parade route. There will be two DJ sets, from noon to 3 p.m. and 7 to 10 p.m. RSVP for free entry here.

Hamtilon Hotel

The Hamilton Hotel’s PridePOP pop-up bar is decked out in ’80s and ’90s style to match this year’s Capital Pride theme, Totally Radical. Expect your favorite throwback songs, specialty cocktails, food and an exhibit of LGBTQ+ artists. You can make reservations here.

During the parade, PridePOP is joining forces with nonprofit Team DC for a viewing party on the patio. Tickets cost $25.

Kiki

Fly into the U Street bar after pride for DJs all night, starting at 6 p.m. Fast passes are available for $30-$65 and include a specialty cocktail.

Trade Bar

The queer bar will host a party featuring drag king Stefon Royce and music by Keenan Or starting at 10 p.m. on Saturday night. There will be an XL happy hour until 9 p.m. all week (that means you pay for a regular drink and get an extra large drink!).

Who’s performing at the Capital Pride Festival and Concert?

Ready for more pride on Sunday? Head downtown for the Capital Pride Festival and Concert from 1-10 p.m.

Ana Max, Billy Porter, Exposé, Sapphira Cristál and special guest KeKe Palmer will appear on the Capitol Stage at 3rd and Pennsylvania Avenue NW.

Festivalgoers can also explore two other stages, beverage gardens and exhibitor booths (come say hi to NBC4 and Telemundo 44!).

The concert goes until 8 p.m., then close out the night with a sunset dance party.

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Washington, D.C., boasts one of the largest and most energetic pride celebrations in the country — up to a half-million people gather in the District for Pride Month events. And next year, the District is set to host even larger crowds for World Pride 2025.

But, of course, it wasn’t always this way. D.C.’s first “Gay Pride Day” was held on June 22, 1975. It drew 2,000 people, which founder Deacon Maccubbin considered a smashing success.

“It was a smidgen of what we think of as Pride today, but a wonderful smidgeon,” Maccubbin told News4’s Tommy McFly.

Since then, Pride has grown into a mega-popular event. But vitally, it’s also evolved to uplift people across the spectrums of gender and sexuality – and across abilities, locations, ages and more. Today, you have groups like DC Trans Pride, DC Black Pride and DC Youth Pride providing a space for people with unique experiences and challenges.

Capital Pride’s theme this year is “Totally Radical,” embracing how the LGBTQIA+ community is consistently at the forefront of social and political movements, especially during the HIV/AIDS crisis in the 1980s and ‘90s. You can find all of Capital Pride’s official events here.

No matter your Pride Month vibe, you can show your own pride or show up as an ally at events in D.C., Maryland and Virginia.

Subscribe to The Weekend Scene newsletter for more pride events all month long. It’s free!

Pride Month shows and performances

Live in Your Truth Nights & Drag Duels
Fri. May 31 and June 21, 6:30 p.m., Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring, free
Details

“The DMV’s most fierce Drag lip-sync competition” returns. Before the show, check out live entertainment, an artist pop-up, STI and health screenings or grab a drink from the adult beverage garden.

The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC presents “Portraits”
Sun., June 16, 5 p.m., The Kennedy Center, $25-$80
Details

The nine-movement oratorio aims to represent many colors of pride, centering “the vibrant spectrum of sexual, gender, racial, ethnic, and cultural identities,” according to the The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC.

Where can I celebrate LGBTQIA+ Pride in Maryland and Virginia?

From Annapolis and Baltimore in Maryalnd to Loudoun County, Virginia, there’s a good chance your city or county is hosting its own pride celebration. Events are listed in the order that they’re scheduled to occur.

Annapolis Pride
Details

The Maryland capital’s pride parade and festival are set for Saturday, June 1, but you can fill your whole weekend with events, including the Pride on the Pier opening party on Friday.

Fairfax Pride
Details

The City of Fairfax and George Mason University are kicking off Pride Month by collaborating to host Fairfax Pride on June 1 from 5-7 p.m. Check out the informational vendors from around Mason’s campus and the Northern Virginia area, listen to some speakers and grab some Fairfax Pride swag. Plus, the kids can enjoy some face painting and arts and crafts. The location is the Old Town Hall at 3999 University Dr. in Fairfax.

Alexandria Pride
Details

Alexandria is hosting its 7th annual Pride Fair on Saturday, June 1, “to recognize LGBTQ+ people and their contributions to Alexandria’s diverse community and the nation.” The fair features food trucks, live music, a dance workshop, free and confidential health services and local organizations tabling to share information. You can also check out a drag story hour inside City Hall at 3:30 p.m.

Arlington Pride
Details

Arlington, Virginia, is showing its pride all month long. Kick off Pride Month with a block party at Water Park in National Landing on June 1. Save the date for the third annual Arlington Pride Festival on Saturday, June 29. In between, try out speed dating or channel your inner Cowboy Carter at Clarendon Ballroom’s Ho-Down Party.

Loudoun Pride
Details

Loudoun’s three-stage pride extravaganza is ready for thousands of visitors to get loud and proud on Sunday, June 2. Check out the Dragstravaganza, the Alcohol Pavilion and Food Hall with 20+ vendors, the Vendor Alley with more than 150 local and regional businesses, and the Kid’s Zone with bounce houses and face painting. Get tickets early if you’re interested – the county warns that they sell out every year. Proceeds benefit “a 501(c)3 charitable organization fighting for LGBTQ+ advocacy and equality in Northern Virginia and beyond.”

Takoma Pride Day
Details

This family-oriented Pride Month celebration in Takoma Park on Sunday, June 9, includes a kids’ parade at 10 a.m. followed by a street fair with face painting and a guest appearance by drag queen Tara Hoot.

Baltimore Pride
Details

Baltimore’s major Pride Month celebration runs June 10-16, with the parade scheduled for 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 15.

Montgomery County’s Pride in the Plaza
Details

The day-long festival on Sunday, June 30, will feature drag shows, music and more on Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring. it runs from noon to 8 p.m.

When are Washington, D.C.’s pride parade, festival and concert?

The Capital Pride Parade happened Saturday, June 8 from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. This year, it followed a new, streamlined route – and it will no longer go through Dupont Circle.

In 2024, the Capital Pride Parade will start at 14th and T streets NW, then travel south on 14th Street before turning onto Pennsylvania Avenue NW, bringing the parade near the White House grounds. The ending point is 919 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, near the Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter Metro station.

Viewers can line up along the parade route or pay for prime viewing, including $25 for bleachers on Freedom Plaza, or a $5-$10 suggested donation for a special area on Thomas Circle. ADA-accessible viewing is also available.

Dupont, the historic home of D.C.’s pride celebrations, won’t be left out. The Capital Pride 17th Street Block Party will run on Saturday, June 8 from noon to 10 p.m. If you’re bringing children, head to Stead Park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for kid’s activities, games and drag story hour.

The Capital Pride Festival and Concert are scheduled for Sunday, June 9 from noon to 10 p.m. Ana Max, Billy Porter, Exposé, Sapphira Cristál and special guest KeKe Palmer will appear on the Capitol Stage at 3rd and Pennsylvania Avenue NW. Festivalgoers will also be able to explore two other stages, beverage gardens, exhibitors and more.

Past events

RIOT! The Capital Pride Official Opening Party
Fri., June 7, Echostage in Northeast D.C., $50 at the door, cheaper in advance
Details

Capital Pride officially kicks off its biggest weekend with a massive dance party at Echostage in Northeast D.C. “RuPaul’s Drag Race” star Sapphira Cristál headlines a list of performers that includes local drag performers and DJs. This party is for people aged 18 and up.

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