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Tag: things to do in dc

  • Hispanic Heritage Month events you won’t want to miss in the DC area – WTOP News

    Starting Sept. 15, Hispanic Heritage Month brings a flurry of events to the D.C. region that allow the public to discover the cultural impact of the diverse Latino communities. WTOP has rounded up some of our favorites.

    WTOP celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month this Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, with stories spotlighting the contributions, culture and accomplishments of Hispanic communities across the D.C. region.

    Hispanic Heritage Month begins on Sept. 15 and celebrates all the contributions to culture that Latino and Hispanic people have brought to the American melting pot.

    In the D.C. area, there are some events you won’t want to miss! WTOP has rounded up some of our favorites:

    DC

    Starting Monday, Sept. 15, join the staff at the Juanita E. Thornton Shepherd Park Library in Takoma for a weeklong scavenger hunt. Notable Latin historical figures will be hidden around the library and prizes are in store for those who find them.

    At the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, a new exhibit honoring the culture of lowriding cars, “Corazon y vida,” combines the artistic expression of Mexican Americans and the technical understanding of mechanics and car-making. The exhibit opens Sept. 26 and will showcase two classic cars, photos and awards.

    For the foodies, enjoy a free 1 ounce snifter of Don Q rum at Cuba Libre in Chinatown when you order their 25th Anniversary Chef’s Tasting Menu all month long. Also, at Amparo Fontina in Dupont Circle, give back to the community at a six-course fundraising dinner on Sept. 24 that benefits at-risk Mayan youth in Mexico — tickets are $175.

    Fiesta DC, the annual cultural festival, will take over Pennsylvania Avenue on Sept. 27 and 28. The festival’s purpose is to showcase the diversity and culture of the Latino community in D.C. The festival is free and offers authentic dishes, live music and folk dance performances. There will also be vendors selling handcrafted creations and a parade Sunday down Constitution Avenue featuring a display of the flags from 17 different countries.

    On Sept. 27, the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery is holding a kid-friendly event, “Fotos y Recuerdos Festival,” with story times from books by Latin authors and arts and crafts in the Kogod Courtyard. The event is free but registration is encouraged.

    Maryland

    At the Prince George’s Publick Playhouse, performers will kick off Hispanic Heritage Month on Sept. 14 with a celebration for all ages including an art exhibition, live music, dance performances and arts and crafts for kids.

    At the College Park Aviation Museum, celebrate Latina women in the aviation field starting with a stunning fly-in by authors who will do meet and greets. The annual event on Saturday, Sept. 27, also offers art, story times and giveaways.

    From Sept. 18 through Oct. 9, the AFI Latin American Film Festival will celebrate its 36th year of showing Latin American films. Held at the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center in Silver Spring, the festival will show about 45 films from Latin directors, producers and cinematographers. General admission for all 21 days of the festival is $200, and general admission passes per screening are $15.

    Montgomery County’s Hispanic Heritage Month Festival is being held at Marian Fryer Town Plaza in Wheaton on Oct. 12. Admission is free.

    Virginia

    An exhibit called “Celebrating Hispanic Heritage through Art“ will put local artists’ work on display at the Loudoun County Government Center in Leesburg. It will feature paintings, photography and mixed media pieces. The exhibit is open from Sept. 2 to Oct. 3. From Monday through Thursday, it’s open 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. On Fridays, it closes a bit earlier at 6 p.m.

    The Manassas Latino Festival is bringing live music, dance and food to the Harris Pavilion in old town on Sept. 27. The festival looks to uplift the contributions of Latin Americans to the community.

    At the Arlington Mill Community Center, Arlington’s diverse Latino community will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with the “Festival Latinoamericano” on Oct. 3. The free event will showcase art, food and culture with the support of local businesses, chefs and performers.

    Fiesta Fairfax in Old Town Square will put Latino culture on display with music, dancing, food and art. The party starts at 2 p.m. on Oct. 4. The event is in partnership with the City of Fairfax and takes place at 10415 North St., Fairfax.

    Learn the fundamentals of traditional Puerto Rican bomba dancing with Semilla Cultural in Fredericksburg. The introductory class on Oct. 5 welcomes all ages and is $25 per person.

    Explore the flavors of Latin cuisine during Restaurante Week throughout Virginia. The weeklong celebration starting Oct. 6 offers special menus and meals at discount, and allows residents to support local Latino-owned restaurants.

    WTOP’s Jessica Kronzer contributed to this report.

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    © 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    Ciara Wells

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  • Things to do in the DC area: WalkingTown, Art All Night … and more! – WTOP News

    Get your walking shoes laced up and ready to go because Events D.C.’s WalkingTown event returns this weekend for eight days of guided walking tours across all eight wards of D.C.

    A guide provides insight on a historic photo as part of a tour through WalkingTown.(Photo courtesy of Events D.C.)

    Get your walking shoes laced up and ready to go because Events D.C.’s WalkingTown event returns this weekend for eight days of guided walking tours across all eight wards of D.C.

    From hidden history discussions to mural tours to biking meetups, WalkingTown has a lot to offer — and best of all, it’s free.

    With no cost of admission, there are more than 60 walking and biking tours available from Saturday through Sept. 20. This is the 26th year of WalkingTown, which grew out of Events D.C.’s D.C. Heritage Trail program, which was produced by the now-defunct Cultural Tourism D.C. nonprofit, according to Cheryl Crowell, program manager of Events DC.

    A few of the newest highlights this year include; “Walk, Snap & Discover: Penn Quarter in Arabic,” which is a Penn Quarter exploration offered entirely in Arabic; “Biking Tour: A Tale of Two Canals,” which is a ride-along through paths of the Washington City Canal and the C&O Canal; and “Brushstrokes & Backstreets: Murals in NoMa,” which explores many of NoMa’s vibrant street murals.

    “It brings together residents, visitors, historians and local storytellers to explore the city’s hidden gems and diverse communities — all for free,” said Events D.C. Deputy Chief of Staff and Cultural Affairs Dania Jolley.

    Find the full schedule on WalkingTown’s official website.

    Check back every Thursday for a roundup of Things to do in the D.C. area.

    Here’s what else is happening in the D.C. area:

    DC

    Art All Night
    For two nights, the public is invited to stay out late from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. for a festival taking place across all eight wards of the District. On Friday and Saturday, expect a variety of visual and performing arts activations that showcase the city’s diversity of talent. Find the participating locations for Art All Night on the event’s official website.

    Edible Book Contest
    Celebrate the 100th birthday of the Mt. Pleasant Neighborhood Library this Friday with an edible book contest. Attendees are bringing cakes and cupcakes that recreate the cover of their favorite novels, which an expert panel of local judges will review.

    Maker Market & Brewfest
    Shop from some of the best artisan makers in the D.C. region at The Stacks this Saturday. At this Maker Market & Brewfest, expect live music, beer and wine tastings, lawn games and over 40 featured local vendors.

    Adams Morgan Day
    The annual, family-friendly community celebration, Adams Morgan Day, is back once again this Sunday. Expect a wide variety of music across several stages, Tai-Chi and yoga lessons, a Go-Go fitness class and family-friendly activities.

    Sawasdee D.C. Thai Festival
    Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Thailand at the Sawasdee D.C. Thai Festival on Sunday. Hosted on the National Mall, this celebration includes authentic Thai food, live cultural performances, workshops and demos, plus free Thai massages and spa experiences. The event is free to attend.

    Maryland

    The Great Frederick Fair
    Come and attend livestock shows and auctions, explore arts and agriculture exhibits and enjoy live musical performances at The Great Frederick Fair. The fair is from Friday through Saturday, with tickets costing $8 in advance and $10 at the gate for adults. Kids ages 10 and under can get in free.

    Charles County Fair
    In La Plata, the Charles County Fairgrounds is hosting the annual Charles County Fair with live music, carnival rides, pie eating contests and more. The event runs Thursday through Sunday, with tickets at $10 for those aged 11 and over. Tickets are free for anyone under the age of 11. Four-day passes cost $25.

    Washington Ukrainian Festival
    From Friday through Sunday, families and friends can attend the Washington Ukrainian Festival in a joyous weekend that celebrates Ukrainian culture with live entertainment, food and drinks as well as children’s activities. The event is at the St. Andrews Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Silver Spring. Ticket prices vary.

    Small Press Expo
    The alternative comics convention known as Small Press Expo is back. The event is on Saturday and Sunday with a large array of exhibitors, workshops and special guests, such as graphic novelists Lee Lai and Paul Karasik.

    Hispanic Heritage Month Community Day
    Celebrate the start of Hispanic Heritage Month at the Riversdale House Museum in Riverdale Park. On Sunday, the museum is hosting a community celebration with interactive, hands-on and educational activities. The museum is also hosting free, one-hour guided tours in Spanish later in the month. Elsewhere, in Prince George’s Publick Playhouse in Hyattsville, there is also a celebration planned for Sunday, with an art exhibition as well as live music, dancing and arts and craft activities for children.

    Foraging for kids
    The Darnall’s Chance House Museum in Upper Marlboro is hosting a hands-on foraging workshop for those ages 6 to 14 to learn about the state’s native plants. Tickets cost $5 per student with chaperones able to come for free.

    Virginia

    Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Luzia’
    WTOP contributor Briana Thomas previewed the new Cirque du Soleil show, “Luzia,” before its debut in Fairfax County, Virginia. As she put it, the show is a love letter from Mexico with more than 45 artists performing live circus acts, such as hoop diving, hurling acrobats, trapeze stunts and other physical feats. The show is currently showing in Tysons’ Under the Big Top venue through Oct. 19 with tickets that start at $60 per person.

    Falls Church Festival and Taste of Falls Church
    With free admission, the Falls Church Festival is coinciding with the Taste of Falls Church with samples from local restaurants paired with live entertainment, kids activities and a beer garden. This event is on Saturday.

    Alexandria Art Festival
    On Saturday and Sunday, the free-to-attend Alexandria Art Festival is showcasing thousands of artworks across several mediums, including sculptures, paintings, jewelry and pottery. The event is hosted at John Carlyle Square Park in Alexandria.

    Fall Crafts Fair
    At Tavern Square in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, the Fall Crafts Fair is set to host a variety of arts and food vendors. The event is planned for Saturday.

    Have an event you’d like featured in WTOP’s Things to do in the D.C. area weekly guide? Let us know!

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    © 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    Michelle Goldchain

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  • Things to do in the DC area: Afro Flavour Food Festival, National Book Festival … and more! – WTOP News

    Frederick, Maryland, is getting a taste of the African continent this weekend. And there’s a lot more going on too.

    Frederick, Maryland, is getting a taste of the African continent this weekend when the Afro Flavour Food Festival is hosted in the city on Saturday, Sept. 6. Along with a wide variety of African cuisines featured with approximately 15 to 25 vendors, there is also fashion, art, music and networking expected at the event.

    Yewande Oladeinde, president of the Association of Nigerians in Frederick, said, “The goal of this is to showcase the different areas within the African continent, so from the from West Africa to South Africa to East Africa and North Africa.”

    Lucky Idike, CEO of Afro Flavour, said the festival has been hosted before in Baltimore, Maryland, as well as abroad in the United Kingdom, but this year is the first time it has been hosted in Frederick, Maryland.

    “We’re bringing the goodness of African cuisine to the world,” said Idike. “We believe very strongly that Africa is the world’s largest untapped cultural market. So whether it’s food, whether it’s fashion, whether it’s music, whether it’s the drama … and activities like this offer a window into the African culture for so many non-Africans.”

    General admission to the Afro Flavour Food Festival is free with $75 VIP tickets up for grabs.

    Check back every Thursday for a roundup of Things to do in the D.C. area.

    Here’s what else is happening in the D.C. area:

    DC

    Washington, D.C. Arte Agave Festival
    Sip on some of the best mezcal and tequila at The Schuyler development in Northwest D.C. as part of the Washington, D.C. Arte Agave Festival. The event on Friday, Sept. 5 is a celebration of all things involving Mexico with over 100 varieties of tequila and mescals to sample, traditional mariachi music, artisan shopping and authentic cuisine by local chefs. Tickets cost approximately $145 for general admission or roughly $170 for VIP admission.

    National Book Festival
    Literary lovers should head to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on Saturday, Sept. 6 for the annual National Book Festival. This year’s headliners include Amy Coney Barrett, R.L. Stine and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, among others. The event is free and open to the public with a selection of programs available for livestreaming online.

    D.C. Bike Ride
    On Saturday, Sept. 6, cyclists of all levels can explore the nation’s capital with the D.C. Bike Ride. The event starts along Constitution Avenue NW, between 12th and 7th streets NW, with a festival at the evening on Pennsylvania Avenue, between 6th and 4th streets NW.

    D.C. State Fair
    The D.C. State Fair is filled with live music, demonstrations and educational workshops in celebration of the city’s agricultural, culinary and artistic talents. The event is free and located at the Bryant Street NE development on Saturday, Sept. 6.

    Maryland

    Greek Festival
    Expect authentic Greek culture, food, music and entertainment as part of the Greek Festival, hosted by the Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church. The MoCo Show reports that the event from Sept. 5 through 7 includes a Gyro Eating Contest. Admission is free.

    Bethesda Row Arts Festival
    From Sept. 6 through 7, over 180 artists are coming to Bethesda, Maryland, for an outdoor experience that is totally free. The Bethesda Row Arts Festival is expected to attract over 30,000 visitors across the two-day event.

    Takoma Park Folk Festival
    There is a packed schedule for this year’s Takoma Park Folk Festival with several live musical performances expected, plus community crafts and artisans featured. The family-friendly music and arts festival is free to attend.

    Virginia

    Watermelon Pickers’ Festival
    In Berryville, Virginia, the Clarke County Ruritan Fairgrounds is hosting the family-friendly music festival, called the Watermelon Pickers’ Festival. Some of the many bands featured this year include Michael Cleveland, Jason Carter, the Foghorn Stringband, and the Fireside Collective. Tickets start at approximately $45 per person.

    Rosslyn Jazz Fest
    For a free, outdoor music festival, head to the Rosslyn Jazz Fest at the Gateway Park in Rosslyn, Virginia, on Saturday, Sept. 6. Performers include the New Breed Brass Band, The Sensational Barnes Brothers and Son Cubano Subterraneo with Tommy McFly returning as emcee.

    U.S. Asian Fest
    Celebrate the rich tapestry of Asian culture through vibrant cultural performances and traditional music at second annual U.S. Asian Fest this Saturday, Sept. 6. Ticket prices vary for the event at the Dulles Town Center in Sterling, Virginia.

    Have an event you’d like featured in WTOP’s Things to do in the D.C. area weekly guide? Let us know!

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    © 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    Michelle Goldchain

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  • Things to do in the DC area: Sunflower Festival, luau and pig roast … and more! – WTOP News

    As the late summer weather finally returns to more manageable temperatures, it’s a good time to take advantage of the great outdoors. Here’s what is happening in the D.C. area.

    As the late summer weather finally returns to more manageable temperatures, it’s a good time to take advantage of the great outdoors.

    This weekend, the Southern Maryland Sunflower Festival is a solid opportunity to get away from it all and spend the weekend smelling the flowers and enjoying family-friendly activities.

    The Southern Maryland Sunflower Festival includes hay rides, face-painting, a petting pen and a local art show. It’s located at Serenity Farm in Hughesville, Maryland, about an hour from D.C. proper.

    Set for Aug. 30 and 31, the festival costs $12 per person for online purchases or $15 at the in-person festival entry gate. Children aged 7 and under enter for free.

    Check back every Thursday for a roundup of Things to do in the D.C. area.

    Here’s what else is happening in the D.C. area:

    DC

    D.C. JazzFest

    Lively jazz music will flood the District this weekend for the D.C. JazzFest celebration. You don’t need a ticket to listen to performances from the Wharf Street promenade, but performances on the District Pier or Transit Pier, Union Stage and Arena Stage require a ticket. Find the full schedule and ticket prices on the official D.C. JazzFest website.

    D.C. Festival of Magic
    If you’re a fan of all things involving illusions and trickery, the D.C. Festival of Magic is being hosted at the Capital Hilton from Aug. 29 through 31. Ticket prices vary per show.

    Food Is Medicine Festival
    Rhizome D.C. is celebrating all things raw, vegan and holistic with health workshops, herbalists and more as part of the Food is Medicine Festival on Saturday, Aug. 30. Entry is free.

    Fort Dupont Park Summer Event Series
    Enjoy an evening of rhythm, rhyme and culture as part of a “Hip Hop Celebration” during the Fort Dupont Park Summer Event Series. The event on Saturday, Aug. 30, is free with no tickets required. It is recommended to bring lawn chairs or blankets.

    The Alt Comedy Revival Show
    For those looking to scratch their funny bone with something “alternative,” Rhizome D.C.’s Alt Comedy Revival Show is sure to bring some laughs. The event is on Saturday, Aug. 30, with “pay what you can” tickets that start at $10.

    Luau and Pig Roast
    This Sunday, Aug. 31, Whitlow’s on U Street is celebrating a luau and pig roast party with drink specials, hula dancers and live DJs. The event runs from 6 p.m. through 1 a.m.

    Maryland

    African Art & Fashion Fusion Showcase
    In Rockville, Maryland, African artists and fashion designers are coming together to celebrate fashion and culture on Aug. 30 and 31. The event features art displays and vendors, crafts and pop-up boutiques. Admission is free.

    Labor Day Art Show
    Glen Echo Park is hosting the 54th annual Labor Day Art Show from Aug. 30 through Sept. 1 with works from over 400 artists from the mid-Atlantic region. Admission to the event in Glen Echo, Maryland, is free.

    CatVideoFest
    If you are paws-itively in love with cats, the CatVideoFest event has over 70 minutes of videos featuring fluffy and rambunctious cats on the big screen. General admission tickets cost $15. The event is hosted at the Creative Alliance in Baltimore, Maryland.

    Virginia

    Arlington Beer Garden Cookout
    As part of a Labor Day celebration, the Arlington Beer Garden in Arlington, Virginia, is hosting a cookout party on Monday, Sept. 1. General admission costs approximately $28 per person, while late general admission increases to roughly $45. This event is for those ages 21 and over.

    Bluegrass Jam Night
    Port City Brewing Company is hosting a live celebration of Bluegrass music with a jam night on Wednesday, Sept. 3. For those who may want to join in on the jam, this event is for acoustic instruments only, but bass players may bring a small amplifier. No hand drums.

    Fairfax City Restaurant Week
    Don’t miss the tail-end of Fairfax City Restaurant Week, which runs through Aug. 31. Support local eateries and other participating businesses with prix fixe menus of $25 for brunch or lunch and $40 for a three-course dinner.

    Have an event you’d like featured in WTOP’s Things to do in the D.C. area weekly guide? Let us know!

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    © 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    Michelle Goldchain

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  • Things to do in the DC area: DC JazzFest, Md. State Fair … and more! – WTOP News

    Celebrate the rhythm of D.C. at JazzFest 2025. Plus, explore more local events — from opera at Nationals Park to the Maryland State Fair.

    Immanuel Wilkins and Linda Oh perform at the DC JazzFest. (Josh Brown)(Credit Josh Brown)

    Jazz is taking over the District from Aug. 27-31 as part of the D.C. JazzFest celebration.

    The live musical event spans across several neighborhoods, including The Wharf and Downtown, with headliners that include five-time Grammy Award winning artist Lalah Hathaway.

    Attendees do not need a ticket to listen to performances from the Wharf Street promenade, but performances on the District Pier or Transit Pier, Union Stage and Arena Stage require a ticket. Find the full schedule and ticket prices on the official D.C. JazzFest website.

    Check back every Thursday for a roundup of Things to do in the D.C. area.

    Here’s what else is happening in the D.C. area:

    DC

    Opera in the Outfield
    Free for all ages, the Opera in the Outfield event offers live performances on Saturday at Nationals Park. The Washington National Opera is performing Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess,” as well as “Slopera! A Bite-Sized Opera” by Mo Willems and Carlos Simon.

    Metalcore Blast Matinee Cookout
    Rhizome D.C. is organizing a metalcore festival on Saturday with local bands that include Out to Destroy, Balisong, Denouement and HardTruth. Tickets for the all-ages event are “pay what you want.”

    Paw Paw Hunting
    Ever heard of paw paws? The “hillbilly mango” or “hipster banana,” as it’s often called, is the focus of this foraging event on Sunday. Tickets cost approximately $12.

    D.C. Plant Week
    Starting Monday and running through Aug. 31, D.C. Plant Week is bringing green-thumbed folks together for several herbal experiences. Expect a workshop on plant care basics, a plant bingo activity, an outdoor makers market, a block party and more.

    Maryland

    Maryland State Fair
    Starting Thursday, the Maryland State Fair at the Timonium Fair Grounds in Baltimore County is bringing tons of fun across three weekends. Families can anticipate a jam-packed schedule of live entertainment as well as horse racing, a rodeo, puppy yoga and more.

    “Hedwig and the Angry Inch”
    Catch the Maryland Ensemble Theatre’s production of “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” while you still can in Frederick. The iconic musical about a gender-bending, punk rock goddess is running through Saturday. Ticket prices vary.

    African Caribbean Music and Arts Festival
    In Silver Spring, head to Veterans Plaza for the best reggae, Afrobeats and soca music with a live DJ in celebration of the African Caribbean Music and Arts Festival. Admission is free for the event on Sunday.

    Virginia

    Around the World Cultural Food Festival
    Alexandria’s Oronoco Bay Park is hosting over 30 food vendors and 96 artisan vendors with a multitude of countries represented on Saturday. The Around the World Cultural Food Festival offers free admission.

    “The Parent Trap”
    If the weather is nice, why not head to an outdoor screening of the 1998 hit movie, “The Parent Trap?” The Metropolitan Park in Crystal City is hosting the movie night on Friday. Be sure to bring a lawn chair!

    Wright at Twilight
    The Pope-Leighey House in Alexandria is hosting an evening event with snacks and wine, yard games and period music, plus the opportunity to tour the famous Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home at your leisure. The event is on Friday.

    Have an event you’d like featured in WTOP’s Things to do in the D.C. area weekly guide? Let us know!

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    © 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    Michelle Goldchain

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  • Things to do in the DC area: Halloween parties, Adams Morgan Fall Porchfest … and more! – WTOP News

    Things to do in the DC area: Halloween parties, Adams Morgan Fall Porchfest … and more! – WTOP News

    For last-minute spooky celebrations, WTOP has you covered with this list of Halloween events happening Thursday and later this week in the D.C. area.

    For last-minute spooky celebrations, WTOP has you covered with this list of Halloween events happening Thursday and later this week.

    For a list of over 10 bar and restaurant pop-ups in the D.C. area, check out this roundup from WTOP. For those looking for frightening experiences, check out these haunted houses, fields, forests and other attractions.

    Check back every Thursday for a roundup of Things to do in the D.C. area.

    First, for the fashion-focused, the DAR Museum is diving into the histories of costumes in old and new films with its event called Terror in the Seams. The Thursday event costs $25.

    In an interview with WTOP, Kevin Lukacs, curator of education at the DAR Museum, said, “We’re taking these classic horror films that many of us know and love and obsess over, like James Wales’ 1931 classic ‘Frankenstein’ to the 1992 ‘Dracula,’ that’s very love-it-or-hate-it, and so we’re looking at these films from the eyes of fans and historians.”

    You do not have to be a member of the museum to attend the event.

    On Halloween, Atlas Doghouse in Northeast D.C. is hosting a “Howl-o-ween Costume Pawty” for furry friends, with ghostly games and spooky treats included. Costumes are optional, but encouraged.

    The Library of Congress’ Thomas Jefferson Building is offering a Halloween Happy Hour on Thursday with food, drinks and candy. Visitors also get the chance to experience the grand Main Reading Room, arguably one of the city’s most beautiful spaces.

    The Howard Theatre is also hosting a Monsters Ball on Halloween. Costing $59 per person, the event includes a live music immersive show with aerialists and dancers included.

    If you’re searching for drinks, head to popular dive bar Lyman’s Tavern for a costume contest and a pinball tournament Thursday. A portion of the sales go to the Ward 1 Mutual Aid Fundraiser.

    On Saturday, Eckington Hall in Northeast D.C. is hosting a free Halloween costume party along with a market on the patio.

    Elsewhere, in Alexandria, Virginia, the Galactic Panther Art Gallery is hosting a live musical performance Thursday, where bands switch instruments and play each other’s songs. The Halloween Band Switcheroo hosts four local bands: Professor Goldstein, Fake Radio, The Orange Slices and Sol Reactor. General admission costs $16.

    Jammin’ Java in Vienna, Virginia, is also hosting the Vampire Glam Halloween Party on Thursday. This event features local pop artist Ari Voxx and The Sad Lads, Zeus on the Leus and Shelley Star and the Galaxy. General admission costs $15.

    Through Nov. 3, catch “The Dracula Experience” in Leesburg, Virginia, for an immersive journey into the vampire legend. The hourlong experience has danger lurking around every corner and tickets priced at approximately $40 per person for those ages 13 and up and $35 for those 12 and under.

    Here’s what else is happening in the D.C. area:

    DC

    Día de los Muertos
    Celebrate the Day of the Dead at The Wharf on Saturday with live music, a beer garden, sugar skull decorating and a community lantern procession. The event is expected to bring several cultural performances with a variety of food and drink offerings included. The event is free to attend with no tickets needed.

    Story District’s Top Shelf
    Story District is gathering the best storytellers in D.C. for them to tell completely true tales at the Top Shelf event. This Saturday, the event at the Capital Turnaround includes eight stories with topics such as gay pride, women’s history and the “worst date ever.” For more details on this event, check out Kyle Cooper’s feature on WTOP.

    Adams Morgan Fall PorchFest
    For more live music opportunities, head to Adams Morgan this Saturday for the popular PorchFest event. Across 25 porches, some of the city’s best local musical talent performs throughout the day. The event is free and open to the public.

    “Dance Like There’s Black People Watching”
    Woolly Mammoth is hosting a hilarious, witty and brand-new show created exclusively for the D.C. theater company that features rising comedy stars, songs and sketches. The show runs from Nov. 6 through Dec. 22 with ASL-interpreted performances, open captioned performances and mask-required performances available.

    “The Other Americans”
    Don’t miss actor, comedian and producer John Leguizamo’s performance in “The Other Americans,” a theatrical production about a “Colombian-Puerto Rican laundromat owner grappling with a failing business and buried secrets.” The show runs through Nov. 24 at Arena Stage. Special performances are also available that offer closed captioning, ASL interpretation or mask requirements.

    Maryland

    Hot Cider Hustle
    Get your running shoes ready. The Hot Cider Hustle 5K and 10K run/walk-a-thon is this Saturday.

    44th Annual Pumpkin Festival
    Catch the tail-end of the annual Pumpkin Festival at Butler’s Orchard in Germantown, Maryland, through Sunday. This year, joining attractions such as a hayride, corn maze and pony rides is a brand-new playground. In-advance admission tickets range from $11 up to $18, depending on the day.

    Gaver Farm Fall Fun Festival
    In Mt. Airy, Maryland, the Fall Fun Festival at Gaver Farm is running through Nov. 5, so join in on the family fun while you still can. The event includes over 65 exciting attractions, including a seven-acre corn maze. Tickets cost $14.50 on weekdays and $23 on weekends.

    Virginia

    “$100 and Under”
    Expand your art collection with lower-priced works at Alexandria, Virginia’s Del Ray Artisans Gallery. From Nov. 1 through Dec. 1, the “$100 and Under” exhibit is showcasing members’ original artworks, all priced at $100 and under. The gallery is free and open to the public.

    Día de los Muertos Celebration
    The Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington is hosting a free Day of the Dead celebration on Friday with food trucks, family-friendly games and art making. For more Día de los Muertos events to consider, check out WTOP’s event guide here.

    Alexandria Fall Fest
    For autumnal, family-friendly fun, head to Alexandria, Virginia, for the Fall Fest. This event includes pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting and bounce houses. Set for Sunday, tickets and parking must be purchased in advance, with no tickets available on site.

    Have an event you’d like featured in WTOP’s Things to do in the D.C. area weekly guide?

    Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.

    © 2024 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    Michelle Goldchain

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  • Things to do in the DC area: Spooky and scary Halloween events … and more! – WTOP News

    Things to do in the DC area: Spooky and scary Halloween events … and more! – WTOP News

    For Halloween fun, WTOP has rounded up some of the many parties, crawls, soirees and other festivities in the D.C. to be prepared for.

    For Halloween fun, the D.C. area is chock full of events to get in the spooky spirit. WTOP has rounded up some of the many parties, crawls, soirees and other festivities to be prepared for.

    Come back to WTOP next week for a guide on the scariest haunted houses, fields and forests in the D.C. area and a separate guide on the best Halloween-themed restaurant and bar pop-ups.

    Check back every Thursday for a roundup of Things to do in the D.C. area.

    Get your costumes ready. Metrobar is hosting a Halloween bash on Saturday, Oct. 26 with boos, booze, brews as well as a live DJ. General admission is free.

    For more dancing opportunities, the Black Cat has an ’80s/Beetlejuice-themed dance party on Saturday, Oct. 26 with five hours of DJing. Tickets cost $25.

    For those seeking a bar crawl or two, the 26th annual Nightmare On M Street Halloween bar crawl is back on Saturday, Oct. 26 with drink specials across over 15 bars in and near Dupont Circle. Tickets cost $10 for early birds or $40 on the day of the event.

    Old Town Alexandria in Virginia is also hosting a neighborhood-wide crawl with approximately 10 bars participating. Tickets cost $20.

    For a more upscale soiree experience, head to Dirty Habit for The Haunted Hotel event on Saturday, Oct. 26. Your ticket includes one complimentary welcome drink and all-night dancing with a live DJ. There will also be a costume contest with cash prizes. Tickets start at $25 for early birds and go up to $30 for general admission.

    Another restaurant hosting its own Halloween shindig is Jônt, whose murder mystery dinner is sure to be a killer evening with food and fun included. Tickets for the event at the two-star Michelin restaurant cost $545 per person with a curated, multicourse meal with wine pairings included. To sign up, make a reservation on Open Table at 5:15 p.m. or 8:45 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 31.

    For those seeking something unique, the D.C. Comedy Loft and Bier Baron Tavern is hosting Creepypasties, a burlesque and variety tribute to urban legends. Tickets for the event on Friday, Oct. 18 cost $15.

    For the fashion-focused, the DAR Museum is diving into the histories of costumes in old and new films with their event, called Terror in the Seams. The event on Thursday, Oct. 31 costs $25. In an interview with WTOP, Kevin Lukacs, curator of education at the DAR Museum, said, “We’re taking these classic horror films that many of us know and love and obsess over, like James Wales’ 1931 classic ‘Frankenstein’ to the 1992 ‘Dracula’ that’s very love-it-or-hate-it, and so we’re looking at these films from the eyes of fans and historians.” You do not have to be a member of the museum to attend the event.

    Miracle Theatre in D.C. is also hosting the people behind the rewatch podcast, “Buffering the Vampire Slayer,” for their first-ever Halloween hootenanny. The hosts, Jenny Owen Youngs and Kristin Russo, plan to watch and discuss their favorite scenes from all three Halloween episodes in the TV show, “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” General admission tickets cost $20. The event is on Sunday, Oct. 27.

    Elsewhere, Shipgarten in McLean, Virginia, has an All Things Scary Trivia Night on Sunday, Oct. 27.

    In Takoma Park, Maryland, The People’s Book is hosting a discussion with three authors on witches and the fantastical elements surrounding them. The free event is on Saturday, Oct. 26.

    Here’s what else is happening in the D.C. area:

    DC

    ‘Dance for All’ at Dupont Underground
    The Washington Ballet is heading underground for a brand-new dance series accompanied by music from Emmy Award-winning Blake Neely. The series, “Dance for All,” is located at Dupont Underground with performances from Thursday, Oct. 3 through Saturday, Oct. 5. Regular tickets cost $25 with VIP priced at $50.

    Oktoberfest festivities
    Head to The Wharf for steins, polka and dog racing this Saturday, Oct. 5. The daylong event starts with the annual Wiener 500 Dachshund Dash, followed by German fare, Bavarian decor and costumes and plenty of Octoberfest beer to go around. For more Oktoberfest events, check out WTOP’s Oktoberfest event guide.

    Literary Hill BookFest
    Capitol Hill’s Eastern Market has a full roster of authors, panel discussions and family-friendly activities to look forward to this year. On Sunday, Oct. 6, the Literary Hill BookFest returns for its thirteenth year, completely free and open to the public. Following the main event is a poetry open mic.

    Maryland

    Takoma Park Street Festival
    This popular neighborhood festival connecting Takoma Park, Maryland, to D.C.’s Takoma neighborhood returns on Sunday, Oct. 6. Guests can expect over 185 vendor booths, live music from 18 local bands, food trucks and more. For more festivals to look forward to, check out WTOP’s fall and winter festival guide.

    Silver Spring Arts & Crafts Fall Fair
    At Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring, Maryland, check out over 80 local art vendors and seasonal crafters at this free, family-friendly event.

    Anderson. Paak and The Free Nationals
    Tickets are still available at Merriweather Post Pavilion for the Anderson. Paak concert with The Free Nationals on Wednesday, Oct. 9. Award-winning musician Anderson. Paak is known for his singing, rapping, drumming and genre-blending.

    Virginia

    Catpack
    Jammin Java in Vienna, Virginia, is showcasing the Los Angeles-based trio altogether known as Catpack. The band’s music is playful, joyful and cat-themed with multilayered vocals on top. General admission tickets cost $31 with “Premier Plus” tickets costing $46.

    Art on the Avenue
    On Saturday, Oct. 5, Alexandria, Virginia’s Del Ray neighborhood is hosting a free multicultural arts and music festival. This event has been hosted for 17 years now and is hosted along Mount Vernon Avenue, between Hume Avenue and Bellefonte Avenue.

    Oysterfest
    Feast on oysters at the 15th annual Oysterfest at Hank’s Oyster Bar in Old Town Alexandria on Sunday, Oct. 6. Expect a wide array of oysters: on the half shell, fried, BBQ and more. Tickets are priced at $100 with entry including all-you-can-drink local craft beers, wines and punches.

    Have an event you’d like featured in WTOP’s Things to do in the D.C. area weekly guide? 

    Michelle Goldchain

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  • ‘A Night in Paris’ kicks off National Gallery Nights new season – WTOP News

    ‘A Night in Paris’ kicks off National Gallery Nights new season – WTOP News

    The popular after-hours series at the National Gallery of Art returns this fall, kicking off with a Paris-themed event.

    After a long day of work, what’s better than checking out some art and doing some dancing? The National Gallery of Art’s popular after-hours event is returning next week.

    The East Building will come alive after hours during National Gallery Nights programs on
    Sept. 12, Oct. 10, and November 14. (Courtesy National Gallery of Art)

    If you weren’t able to take that European summer vacation this year, take in the Parisian sights for free as National Gallery Nights kick off on Sept. 12 with a French theme.

    Grace Murray, the museum’s head of public programs, promises can-can dancers, a DJ spinning classical and contemporary French tunes and an outdoor bar to enjoy the nice fall weather.

    “A Night in Paris” celebrates the opening of a new exhibition at the museum that explores the origins of the impressionist art movement.

    “We’ll also have several art-making experiences where you can try out making your own art inspired by impressionist painting,” Murray said.

    At October’s National Gallery Night, the museum will be celebrating Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), and at November’s event, the museum will focus on D.C.-based art and culture.

    “This is a really special chance to get to come in the evening and see the museum at a different time, and also to have so much going on, for it to be really alive with music,” Murray said. “The chance to have a drink, to buy food, to be with other people, to get to make your own art and have a lot of different kinds of experiences.”

    Murray said National Gallery Nights have become bigger and more popular than before the pandemic.

    Tickets for National Gallery Nights are available through a lottery system. The registration for the Sept. 12 event closes on Thursday, Sept. 5, at noon.

    If you can’t snag a ticket through the lottery, Murray said a select number of walk-up tickets are available day-of, starting at 5:30 p.m. The National Gallery Night’s outdoor activities are open to all.

    Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.

    © 2024 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    Shayna Estulin

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  • Things to do in the DC area: New running club, DC Afro Latino Fest … and more! – WTOP News

    Things to do in the DC area: New running club, DC Afro Latino Fest … and more! – WTOP News

    The newest run club hosted by District Running Collective is more intimate, with socializing encouraged. Check out more info on the running series, plus more upcoming events in the D.C. area.

    For the past 11 years, the District Running Collective (DRC) has welcomed and trained both new and experienced runners by hosting several weekly runs, some of which are so popular that they can encompass up to 500 people per run.

    Check back every Thursday for a roundup of things to do in the D.C. area.

    With four “pace groups” offered, which accommodate runners of different levels, DRC’s Co-Founder and Lead Captain Matthew Green told WTOP, “We do our best to make sure that everyone feels welcome.”

    The newest run club hosted by DRC is in partnership with The LINE DC boutique hotel in Adams Morgan. The run is smaller and more “intimate,” according to Green, with a start time at 7 a.m. on Thursdays.

    It’s not as pace-driven as the other runs, as said by Green, “It’s very much so like run at your own pace” with lots of socializing included. Also, those who participate in this run club can reward themselves after the run with a 10% discount at the coffee shop at No Goodbyes inside the hotel.

    “We love exploring the city and highlighting the city in a creative and fun way,” said Green. “Me, being a D.C. native, it’s important to showcase the beauty of the city, but then also how I grew up in the city and some of the origins since D.C.’s changed over the years.”

    If interested in signing up for a run club or learning more about the upcoming events, check out the DRC’s website or follow DRC on Instagram.

    Here’s what else is happening in the D.C. area.

    DC

    D.C. Festival of Magic
    Some of the best magicians from around the nation are swooping in on the District for three nights of entertainment at the Capital Hilton. From Friday, Aug. 30, through Sunday, Sept. 1, expect a variety of magic shows, most of which are geared towards adults plus one family-friendly option.

    D.C. Afro Latino Fest
    Celebrate the diversity of D.C.’s Latino communities at this free festival in Franklin Park on Saturday, Aug. 31. Organized by the Mayor’s Office on Latino Affairs, the event is set to feature cultural performances and live music.

    The Square’s anniversary celebration
    For two weeks, the Downtown food hall, The Square, is hosting an extravaganza of events, discounts and giveaways. Running from Sept. 3 to 5 and from Sept. 10 to 12, this anniversary celebration includes free headshots, free wine tastings, live music, a caricature artist and more. Find the full schedule on Instagram.

    Maryland

    Maryland State Fair
    This weekend and the following weekend, catch the Maryland State Fair while you still can in Timonium, Maryland. Held at the Maryland State Fairgrounds, the event is the largest ticketed event and celebration of agriculture in Maryland. Guests can expect live concerts, performances and shows, plus the classic fair experience with a variety of rides and amusements.

    Labor Day Art Show
    Glen Echo Park is hosting one of the largest art shows in the D.C. area with a wide range of artistic mediums featured. The event at the Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo Park runs from Saturday, Aug. 31 through Monday, Sept. 2. Admission is free.

    The Green Way Reading Series
    The People’s Book in Takoma Park, Maryland, is hosting a monthly literary event on Sunday, Sept. 1. This series focuses on emerging and established poets and artists. This month’s free event, curated by Simon Shieh and Takoma Park’s Poet Laureate Taylor Johnson, features Tahir Hamut Izgil, Kiki Petrosino and Vivek Narayanan.

    Virginia

    Artifact Expo
    This Thursday, Aug. 29, the Arlington Historical Society is showcasing their unseen and rare artifact collection at the Women’s Club of Arlington this Thursday, Aug. 29. General admission tickets cost $50.

    You Fool! album release party
    Local indie rock and ethereal post-rock band, You Fool!, is celebrating the release of their debut EP at Jammin Java in Vienna, Virginia, on Friday, Aug. 30. Their album, “What is the Meaning of This?” is compared to bands like The Cranberries, Alvvays and Japanese Breakfast. Tickets cost $12 ahead of time and $15 on the day of the show.

    President’s Pups Dog Tour
    This 1.25-mile walking tour at Mount Vernon explores canine life at the the estate of the first president. Along the tour, learn about George Washington’s love for dogs and his efforts to improve the quality of his hunting dogs through breeding. The event is on Saturday, Aug. 31 and Sunday, Sept. 1 with tickets that cost $10 per person.

    Have an event you’d like featured in WTOP’s Things to do in the D.C. area weekly guide? Fill out this contact form to have your event considered.

    Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.

    © 2024 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    Michelle Goldchain

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  • Things to do in the DC area: DC Jazz Festival, Heritage Film Festival … and more! – WTOP News

    Things to do in the DC area: DC Jazz Festival, Heritage Film Festival … and more! – WTOP News

    For its twentieth year, the D.C. Jazz Festival is back and bigger than ever, running from Aug. 28 through Sept. 1 at various venues in over 12 neighborhoods across the District. WTOP covers how to take advantage of the festival and more area events worth anticipating.

    D.C. Jazz Fest at The Wharf.(Photo courtesy D.C. Jazz Fest)

    There’s so much to do in the D.C. area in the coming days, and WTOP has you covered with our weekly roundup of area events worth anticipating.

    Check back every Thursday for a roundup of Things to do in the D.C. area.

    For its twentieth year, the D.C. Jazz Festival is back and bigger than ever, running from Aug. 28 through Sept. 1 at various venues in over 12 neighborhoods across the District. This year’s star-studded lineup of 150 artists includes Jacob Collier, James Morrison, Samara Joy and D-Nice. Other notable performances include The Jo-Go Project, which fuses jazz and go-go, that will perform at Franklin Park on Aug. 28.

    On opening day, Hamilton hosts JazzDC All-Stars, directed by Allyn Johnson with special guests Antonio Hart and Christie Dashiell. On Aug. 31 through Sept. 1, The Wharf in Southwest D.C. is also hosting outdoor performances, plus indoor performances at Union Stage and Arena Stage. For all the artists to look forward to, head D.C. Jazz Festival’s website.

    Last year, approximately 68,000 people attended D.C. Jazz Fest, according to Sunny Sumter, president and CEO of D.C. Jazz Festival, and she expects more for this year’s event.

    Find the full list of events on D.C. Jazz Festival’s website.

    Here’s what else is happening in the D.C. area.

    DC

    D.C. Plant Week
    Through Aug. 24, businesses in D.C., Maryland and Virginia are participating in D.C. Plant Week by offering daily specials and how-to events. Learn more about the event and what inspired the founder to create it in this WTOP article by WTOP’s Neal Augenstein.

    Heritage Film Festival
    Rhizome DC is hosting a film festival that is focused on short films of all genres, ranging from both novice to seasoned filmmakers. The event on Thursday, Aug. 22 is donation-based with donations of canned goods for a local food bank encouraged.

    DCBX
    If you love Latin dance or are curious to learn more, don’t miss this multicultural, educational, music and entertainment festival at Westin D.C. Hotel. The DCBX, which is in its 16th year, is an experience for lovers of salsa, bachata, kizomba and zouk. This year is expected to offer over 25 workshops per genre with nightly dancing opportunities included. Tickets prices vary.

    National Book Festival
    The 24th annual National Book Festival is set to begin this Saturday, Aug. 24 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. This year’s lineup is headlined by bestselling author James Patterson (“Alex Cross”) with additional notable authors like Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer Doris Kearns Goodwin and Sandra Cisneros, who earned National Endowment for the Arts fellowships in both poetry and fiction. For more of what to expect, check out Jason Fraley’s reporting for WTOP.

    John Bratton
    Local musician John Bratton lived in the DMV until 2023 when he joined the band for Broadway’s “MJ the Musical” on the North American Tour. This Monday, Aug. 26, he’s returning to the District for a homecoming concert at Pearl Street Warehouse. Tickets start at $25.

    Maryland

    Hooks ‘N Needles
    Bring your own needlecraft projects to Twinbrook Library in Rockville, Maryland, to discuss and learn about all things stitchery. The event is free and on Thursday, Aug. 22.

    Kids Day on the Plaza
    For family-friendly fun, National Harbor is offering several kid-focused programming events, including interactive story time, singing, dancing and the interactive Sankofa Mobile Museum. The Kids Day on the Plaza event is on Tuesday, Aug. 27.

    Music on the Square
    For more outdoor music fun, neo-indie folk musician Caldwell Gray is covering hits by Wilco, Richard Thompson, Ben Folds, Elizabeth Cotton, Aimee Mann, boygenius and others in the Strathmore Square neighborhood on Tuesday, Aug. 27. The free event also includes a visiting food truck and complimentary Clayboy’s shave ice.

    Virginia

    Future of Food
    Arlington, Virginia, resident Barbara Kennedy is the author of “100 Things to Do in Arlington Before You Die.” This Thursday, Aug. 22, she joins Area 2 Farms and One More Page Books to discuss what makes Arlington a wonderful city. Reservations are required due to limited space.

    Around the World Cultural Food Festival
    Head to Oronoco Bay Park in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, this Saturday, Aug. 24 for a celebration of cultures from every corner of the world. Over 30 ethnic food and dessert vendors are expected at this year’s Around the World Cultural Food Festival with live performances and a vendor marketplace included. Admission is free for this rain-or-shine event.

    Hideaway Circus
    In Fairfax, Virginia, the Hideaway Circus is soaring high with their new outdoor show, “Canvas Sky,” at Van Dyck Park. Expect an immersive sensory experience with acrobatics, music, clowns and cotton candy. The experience runs from Saturday, Aug. 24 through Sunday, Aug. 25. Tickets start at $25.

    Have an event you’d like featured in WTOP’s Things to do in the D.C. area weekly guide? Fill out this contact form to have your event considered.

    Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.

    © 2024 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    Michelle Goldchain

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  • Things to do in the DC area: A Bayard Rustin graphic novel exhibit, Punk Fest … and more! – WTOP News

    Things to do in the DC area: A Bayard Rustin graphic novel exhibit, Punk Fest … and more! – WTOP News

    The Africa World Art Gallery in Washington is hosting an exhibition that celebrates the launch of the graphic novel, “Civil: The World of Bayard Rustin,” which celebrates Rustin’s impact on the civil rights movement. Plus many more events in the D.C. area in the coming days.

    The Africa World Art Gallery’s “Civil: The World of Bayard Rustin” exhibition.(Courtesy The Africa World Art Gallery)

    There’s so much to do in the D.C. area in the coming days, and WTOP has you covered with our weekly roundup of area events worth anticipating.

    Check back every Thursday for a roundup of Things to do in the D.C. area.

    The Africa World Art Gallery in Washington is hosting an exhibition that celebrates the launch of the graphic novel, “Civil: The World of Bayard Rustin,” which is focused on Bayard Rustin, who was a mentor to Martin Luther King, Jr. and a driving force behind the civil rights movement.

    The exhibition features more than 20 ink and acrylic illustrations from renowned artist Alan Saint Clark. The graphic novel, written by historian and founder of Bayard Rustin Symposium Anna Bergman, shares the story and writings of Rustin.

    Rustin is known for co-organizing the “Journey of Reconciliation” — an interracial freedom ride — that was used as a model for the Freedom Rides of the 1960s. He was posthumously presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by former President Barack Obama. In 2023, he was also the subject of the Netflix drama “Rustin.”

    In an interview with WTOP, Clark said, “The book is our earnest attempt at trying to maintain a history that is inviting … We are also part of a community making sure history does not die.”

    The exhibition, “Civil: The World of Bayard Rustin,” runs through Aug. 25 at the first floor at 2311 Calvert St. NW at D.C.’s Africa World Art Gallery.

    Here’s what else is happening in the D.C. area:

    DC

    Breakin’ Even Punk Fest
    For three nights of punk music in D.C., head to Pie Shop from Aug. 9 to Aug. 11 for the Breakin’ Even Fest. Tickets cost approximately $20 per night or $60 for a three-night pass.

    Books and Blocks Party
    For its fifth year, the annual Books and Blocks Party is back on Saturday, Aug. 10 at the Raymond Recreation Center in Northwest D.C. Along with a live DJ and arts and crafts activities, the family-friendly event is also expected to offer health and developmental screenings and other community resources.

    Get Flee Market
    Dubbed “the best flea market for Gen-Z,” the Get Flee Market is returning this Saturday, Aug. 10, at Georgetown Sandlot. Expect a variety of vintage clothes, handmade crafts, jewelry and knickknacks in tow.

    Maryland

    Sad Summer Festival
    The Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland, still has tickets available for the fifth anniversary of the Sad Summer Festival, which this year includes musical acts like Mayday Parade, The Maine, The Wonder Years, and We the Kings, among others. The event is this Friday, Aug. 9 with tickets around $75.

    Hey Cousin Culture Fest
    This Silver Spring, Maryland event celebrating Black joy on Sunday, Aug. 11, at Veterans Plaza features art, apparel, crafts, a live DJ, local artists and dance teams, as well as food vendors. General admission is free.

    Kenny Pirog & Larry Ferguson
    On the second and fourth Tuesday of every month, head to the Strathmore Square neighborhood for free, live musical performances on the community green. Hosted by Strathmore, the Music on the Square event will have performers Kenny Pirog and Larry Ferguson on Tuesday, Aug. 13. A food truck will also be available.

    Virginia

    Alexandria Summer Sidewalk Sale
    On Saturday, Aug. 10, over 60 independent Alexandria boutiques are expected at this year’s Alexandria Summer Sidewalk Sale with “deeply discounted summer merchandise.” Here’s a map to help you out. That same day, Alexandria, Virginia’s Del Ray neighborhood is also hosting a vintage and flea market.

    The Comedy Karaoke Trivia Funtime Show
    The Capital City Showcase presents an event blending a trivia competition, a karaoke battle and world class stand-up comedy on Saturday, Aug. 10. The event at Highline RxR in Arlington, Virginia, costs $10 per person when you reserve a group of six to eight people, or $15 for individual tickets.

    Ultimate 80s New Wave Dance Party
    Dance all night this Saturday, Aug. 10, with the best 80s new wave dance party tunes, provided courtesy of DJ D from Belt it Out Productions. Located at Jammin Java, tickets to the event cost $15.

    Have an event you’d like featured in WTOP’s Things to do in the D.C. area weekly guide? Fill out this contact form to have your event considered.

    Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.

    © 2024 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    Michelle Goldchain

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  • Things to do in the DC area: Black Books Matter Fest, Mubadala Citi DC Open … and more! – WTOP News

    Things to do in the DC area: Black Books Matter Fest, Mubadala Citi DC Open … and more! – WTOP News

    Oxon Hill’s MahoganyBooks is celebrating the first-ever Black Books Matter Fest this weekend, plus so many other events are coming up. Check out WTOP’s weekly roundup of area events worth anticipating.

    This year, MahoganyBooks is celebrating with the first-ever Black Books Matter Fest.(Courtesy Kea Taylor of Imagine Photography DC)

    There’s so much to do in the D.C. area in the coming days, and WTOP has you covered with our weekly roundup of area events worth anticipating.

    Check back every Thursday for a roundup of Things to do in the D.C. area.

    Since its establishment in 2021 in Prince George’s County, Maryland, Black Books Matter Day has recognized the diverse authors of the African diaspora, plus the readers who support and are empowered by these literary works.

    For this year’s event, Oxon Hill’s MahoganyBooks is celebrating with the first-ever Black Books Matter Fest.

    In an interview with WTOP, owners and co-founders Ramunda and Derrick Young said that the event on Saturday, Aug. 3, features a vendor market with locally-owned businesses as well as a long list of local, independent authors, which can be found online.

    The inaugural event at 121 American Way in Oxon Hill, Maryland, includes a library card sign-up booth for the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System, a book swap featuring Morgan Menzies’ Pretty Little Bookshelf and a children’s story time with Kenda Bell, author of “Saturday Magic.”

    As part of the event, the community-focused bookstore is also celebrating the 100th birthday of writer and civil rights activist James Baldwin.

    “We really, really upped our inventory to be able to accommodate those who really want to take a little piece of James Baldwin home with them this weekend,” said Ramunda Young.

    Local authors also plan to read passages by Baldwin at the event to share how he’s impacted them.

    Other Baldwin-focused celebrations and commemorations in the D.C. area include the James Baldwin Centennial Series, which runs from Aug. 2 through Oct. 5. This series is hosted by Strathmore, who is partnering with the AFI Silver Theatre and Eaton D.C. to offer a documentary screening, creative writing workshop and a live musical performance, among other events.

    Through April 20 of 2025, the National Portrait Gallery is showcasing “This Morning, This Evening, So Soon: James Baldwin and the Voices of Queer Resistance.” This exhibition, guest curated by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Hilton Als, “explore(s) the interwoven lives of Baldwin.”

    On Thursday, the National Portrait Gallery is also hosting a free to attend poetry slam at the Kogod Courtyard.

    Here’s what else is happening in the D.C. area:

    DC

    Otakon
    The cosplayers are coming! Otakon, the annual, three-day anime convention, returns to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center with a wide selection of special guests who work in the industry, plus an artist alley, gaming hall and a dance. The event spans from Aug. 2 to 4 with single-day tickets that start at $40.

    African Diaspora International Film Festival
    From Aug. 2 through 4, this film festival at George Washington University celebrates the diversity of the human experience of people of color all over the world. Find more details about this event from WTOP.

    Jollof Festival
    Enjoy the delicious flavors of jollof rice at the Dew Drop Inn on Saturday, Aug. 3. General admission tickets start at $20.

    Amapiano Sundays
    Hook Hall on Sunday, Aug. 4, is bringing together food, music and dance from South Africa for Amapiano Sundays. Expect live DJs playing reggae, R&B and amapiano music, plus food vendors with South African and Jamaican fare. Tickets start at $20.

    Mubadala Citi DC Open
    Through Aug. 4, this professional tennis tournament at D.C.’s Rock Creek Park Tennis Center is expected to have an attendance of over 81,000. To be one of those guests, get your ticket while you still can.

    Maryland

    Water Lantern Festival
    In Oxon Hill, Maryland, this event allows the public to come together to release floating water lanterns into National Harbor Southpointe. The event is on Aug. 3 and 4 with tickets that cost approximately $35.

    Hootie & the Blowfish
    Celebrating the 30th anniversary of their album “Cracked Rear View,” Hootie & the Blowfish is performing at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland, this Saturday, Aug. 3. Catch Jason Fraley’s full interview with lead guitarist Mark Bryan on WTOP.

    The Howard County Fair
    From Aug. 3-10, the Howard County Fairgrounds is hosting a wide variety of events for summer fun, including square dancing, a “pretty animal contest,” a pie eating contest and equine exhibits, as well as live musical performances. Tickets cost $10 for those age 13 and older and $5 for those ages 62 and older.

    Virginia

    Zine-making workshop
    Independent creatives unite this Friday, Aug. 2, for an art zine workshop hosted by the creator of “Who Cares LOL,” a free zine that dives into Arlington, Virginia’s art scene. The event is at the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington.

    Tax Free Weekend
    Enjoy shopping without any taxes on Aug. 2 through 4 in Alexandria, Virginia. Find the participating retailers and a helpful map here.

    Say hello to the Hello Kitty Cafe Truck
    This Saturday, Aug. 3, the pretty-in-pink Hello Kitty Cafe Truck is making its return to the D.C. area in Westpost at Arlington’s National Landing in the courtyard near DSW. Those who line up can expect new exclusive merchandise and treats. For those who can’t make it, the truck will make an appearance in Bethesda, Maryland, on Saturday, Aug. 10, at Bethesda Row across from the Apple store. At both events, the truck will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. No cash is accepted.

    Have an event you’d like featured in WTOP’s Things to do in the D.C. area weekly guide? Fill out this contact form to have your event considered.

    Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.

    © 2024 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    Michelle Goldchain

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  • Things to do in the DC area: Late Skate at Anacostia Park, SAAM Arcade … and more! – WTOP News

    Things to do in the DC area: Late Skate at Anacostia Park, SAAM Arcade … and more! – WTOP News

    There’s so much to do in the D.C. area in the coming days, and WTOP has you covered with our weekly roundup of area events worth anticipating.

    On July 27, the Anacostia Park Skating Pavilion is hosting an all-day, outdoor event called Late Skate, with live DJs, family portraits and, of course, skating.(Courtesy Friends of Anacostia Park)

    There’s so much to do in the D.C. area in the coming days, and WTOP has you covered with our weekly roundup of area events worth anticipating.

    If you’re searching for D.C.-area bars that are staying open late and offering specials during the Summer Olympics, head to this WTOP article for several options to consider.

    Check back every Thursday for a roundup of Things to do in the D.C. area.

    On Saturday, the Anacostia Park Skating Pavilion is hosting an all-day, outdoor event called Late Skate, with live DJs, family portraits and, of course, skating.

    “It’s authentic D.C.,” said Vince Vaise, program manager for visitor service at National Capital Parks-East. “You can hear the music pumping. The pavilion is all lit up like a big Christmas tree. And it’s a lot of fun.”

    Akiima Price, acting interim executive director for Friends of Anacostia Park, told WTOP the event, which goes from noon to 10 p.m., has a wide variety of activities. On the day of the event, the Anacostia Watershed Society offers boat trips for an experience on the Anacostia River, plus KiddieTown offers field games, card games and board games.

    For an intergenerational activity, folks have the opportunity to learn more about hand dancing, or guests can head to the Creativity Zone for “typical arts and crafts,” but “they’re more like coping crafts because we try to make them be activities that people can make and find use even beyond the park,” Price said.

    Vaise told WTOP guests don’t need to own skates to join in on the fun, saying the pavilion offers free “loaner skates.” People can bring their own grill or their own picnic.

    To get to the pavilion at 1500 Anacostia Drive SE in D.C., visitors can use a free shuttle bus or take the Metro to the Anacostia stop, though “it’s quite a walk” from the Metro station to the Pavilion, according to Price. Limited parking is available.

    If you can’t make it to the July event, there will be another Late Skate event at the Pavilion on Aug. 31.

    Here’s what else is happening in the D.C. area:

    DC

    Christmas in July
    Say “merry Christmas” in July at the Heurich House Museum’s Christmas in July event on Thursday. The free event includes a pop-up exhibit from the historic Dupont Circle mansion, a “Little Free Craft Library,” ornament making and treats from Ice Cream Jubilee.

    Sober Singles Meet-Up
    At H Street’s nonalcoholic bar, Binge Bar, a sober singles meetup is planned this Friday. Tickets, which cost $25, cover the private event and the first drink.

    SAAM Arcade
    For its eleventh year, the SAAM Arcade returns to the Kogod Courtyard on Saturday with a program that is set to showcase video games as an art form. Partnered with MAGFest in Baltimore, the Smithsonian event includes 20 to 30 classic games and arcade cabinets for the public to enjoy. There is also a selection of innovative games published by nine independent developers, with each fitting this year’s theme, “Adventure Awaits.”

    For folks with sensory processing disorders, the museum is offering “quiet hours” to enjoy the program in a quieter environment. And finally, for those who enjoy live video game music, the Triforce Quartet are performing two sets on the day of the event.

    DMV Made Festival
    Celebrate local music, dance, art and culture with a free daylong event on the National Mall. Find the full details on the DMV Made Festival, which will take place on Saturday, in Jason Fraley’s article for WTOP.

    Kids World
    This weekend, Kids World returns to Franklin Park for a free, two-day, immersive experience for children of all ages. Expect more than 30 activities for kids.

    “Back to the Future: The Musical”
    The Tony Award-nominated Broadway musical version of the 1985 film, “Back to the Future,” arrives in D.C.’s Kennedy Center. The production runs through Aug. 11.

    Maryland

    The Viper Brothers
    Enjoy this ’90s and 2000s rock cover band at Clarksville Commons in Clarksville this Friday. The event is free with blankets and chairs encouraged.

    O.A.R. Summer Tour
    This Saturday, Rockville-based band O.A.R. is heading to Merriweather Post Pavilion alongside multiplatinum artists Fitz and The Tantrums.

    People’s Market
    For more holiday shopping, head to People’s Market at People’s Book in Takoma Park on Sunday.

    Virginia

    “The Arc of Oblivion”
    On Friday, the Alexandria Film Festival is screening this documentary that explores a “filmmaker’s quixotic quest to build an ark in a field in Maine … to illuminate the strange world of archives, record-keeping and memory.”

    Outdoor movie screening
    The film, “Trolls Band Together,” is being presented at Metropolitan Park in Crystal City on Friday. The biweekly outdoor movie series is dog-friendly.

    Arlington Historical Museum
    If you’ve never been, come to the Arlington Historical Museum this Saturday or Sunday for a free, self-guided tour of Arlington’s colorful history. Free parking is available.

    Have an event you’d like featured in WTOP’s Things to do in the D.C. area weekly guide? Fill out this contact form to have your event considered.

    Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.

    © 2024 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    Michelle Goldchain

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  • Things to do in the DC area: Blerdcon, Bastille Day … and more! – WTOP News

    Things to do in the DC area: Blerdcon, Bastille Day … and more! – WTOP News

    There’s so much to do in the D.C. area in the coming days, and WTOP has you covered with our weekly roundup of area events worth anticipating.

    Nerds, unite! Blerdcon runs from Friday through Sunday with a widespread focus on everything from video gaming, to tabletop gaming, to anime and manga, to cosplay, as well as music — while celebrating Blerd (a portmanteau of Black and nerd) culture.

    This year, there will be over 100 panels and workshops, often on subjects that have social or niche impact in the community. Also, expect comedy shows, concerts, after-parties and “the largest attached food truck rally of any convention in the country,” according to Hilton George, founder and CEO of Blerdcon.

    A few of the many notable guests and speakers include Phil LaMarr, whose acting has been seen in shows and movies such as “Futurama,” “Samurai Jack,” “Static Shock” and “Pulp Fiction,” among others. Also speaking is Walter Jones, who was cast as the first Black superhero on live-action television as Zack, the original Black Ranger from “The Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers.”

    “The community is very, very welcoming. And this is not just a nerd space, it’s also a Black space, and everything that comes along with the Black space that people talk about — that feeling of a family reunion, that feeling of recognition and appreciation that we get,” George said. “It’s also an inclusive space. So even if you’re not Black, you are welcome to come to Blerdcon.”

    Over 12,000 guests are expected to attend this year. Badge passes for the event vary in price, depending on the time frame and additional perks, such as autographs and photo ops. The event is located at Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Arlington, Virginia.

    There’s so much to do in the D.C. area in the coming days, and WTOP has you covered with our weekly roundup of area events worth anticipating.

    Check back every Thursday for a roundup of Things to do in the D.C. area.

    Here’s what else is happening in the D.C. area:

    DC

    Bastille Day
    There are several ways to celebrate French culture this Bastille Day around the region. In D.C.’s Tenleytown neighborhood, Fessenden Park is set to be transformed into a “French Quarter” on Saturday with French-themed activities, plus food and live music. Tickets cost $20.

    Elsewhere, there is also a 1.5-mile walking tour on Sunday that begins at Lafayette Square and continues throughout the surrounding neighborhood to explore French-influenced architecture. This tour costs $30.

    (D)rafts and (C)rafts
    The D.C. Brewers’ Guild is hosting this second annual festival on Saturday with dozens of local craft beverage producers and artisan makers. With tickets that start at $20, this event is hosted at Dock 5 in the Union Market District.

    Doubles’ July Market
    Shop at this vintage and artisan pop-up on Sunday at Doubles on Georgia Avenue in Northwest and stay for coffee, natural wine and pizza from Sonny’s Pizza. No tickets are necessary.

    Maryland

    Bastille Day
    For those who would prefer to dance the night away, Maryland’s Glen Echo Park is hosting a Bastille Day ballroom dance event on Sunday with music by Djangolaya. Tickets cost $20 at the door with no partner necessary.

    Babies & Books
    Designed for children ages 3 and under in mind, People’s Book in Takoma Park is hosting a biweekly baby story time on Friday mornings. Free coffee is included for caregivers.

    Smash Bros Tournament Series
    Every Sunday this summer, gamers can congregate at AxGard in Old Ellicott City, Maryland, for a free Smash Bros Tournament Series on a 30-foot projector screen. The tournament is kid and teen-friendly.

    Senior Fitness Class
    On Wednesday, Onelife Fitness is hosting a fitness class for those ages 55 and older. The free class is at National Harbor for all fitness levels, with chairs available to help aid with balance.

    Virginia

    Date Night at the Innovation Studio
    The Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington is hosting a free hands-on workshop on Friday with resident artist Roxana Geffen. The D.C.-based artist will assist guests in creating textile collages.

    Griefcat
    Creative Cauldron in Falls Church, Virginia, is hosting a dynamic duo called Griefcat as part of its summer concert series. Tickets for the event on Friday vary, though those who would prefer to watch the livestream only have to pay approximately $15.

    Tour the oldest house in Arlington, Virginia
    The Ball-Sellers House, which is owned and operated by the Arlington Historical Society, is hosting free open houses every Saturday, now through October. The structure dates back to 1750, so there is no electricity or air conditioning inside. Because of that, the structure is not open during “really hot or really cold weather,” so inquire ahead of time.

    Have an event you’d like featured in WTOP’s Things to do in the D.C. area weekly guide? Fill out this contact form to have your event considered.

    Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.

    © 2024 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    Michelle Goldchain

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  • Things to do in the DC area: Fourth of July, dancing … and more! – WTOP News

    Things to do in the DC area: Fourth of July, dancing … and more! – WTOP News

    There’s so much to do in the D.C. area in the coming days, and WTOP has you covered with our weekly roundup of area events worth anticipating.

    Independence Day is here, and with that comes a slew of events featuring parades, fireworks and family-friendly activities. This past week, WTOP has been featuring these notable events with a list of Fourth of July celebrations in the region, plus a full list of road closures and what’s open or closed this week.

    Stay updated on traffic and weather news by listening to WTOP live on the 8s at 103.5 FM or online.

    There’s so much to do in the D.C. area in the coming days, and WTOP has you covered with our weekly roundup of area events worth anticipating.

    Check back every Thursday for a roundup of Things to do in the D.C. area.

    Here’s what else is happening in the D.C. area:

    DC

    AfroAmp
    On Saturday, July 6, enjoy this Afrobeats and Amapiano festival with DJs from all over the world. Tickets start at $25 for early birds and $40 for general admission.

    Mousetrap
    Black Cat is hosting at Britpop and Indie dance night on Saturday, July 6, with DJ Mark Zimin and DJ Stereofaith. Tickets cost $10 in advance and $15 on the day of the show.

    Forest Bathing with Sage Raindancer
    Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens is hosting this forest bathing session on Saturday, July 6, with free general admission. The 120-minute experience will allow guests to “explore and interact with the ponds with childlike curiosity and awe.”

    Dancing on the Waterfront
    Learn how to move in this free outdoor dance class series on Tuesday, July 9. This week’s class will explore Latin and African dance.

    Maryland

    Dino Safari Festival
    LuminoCity’s Dino Safari Festival at Westfield Montgomery Mall opens this Thursday, July 4, and runs through Aug. 4. The Bethesda, Maryland, festival includes more than 70 life-size, animated dinosaurs and immersive ice age animals light sculptures. For extra family fun, there is also a Jungle Explorer Playground along with educational experiences. Ticket prices vary by day.

    Storytime: “Be, Black Girl, Be”
    Author Taylor Darks is hosting a story time at People’s Book in Takoma Park, Maryland, on Sunday, July 7. Her book, “Be, Black Girl, Be,” is a “lyrical and affirming picture book for Black girls … to instill them with confidence.” General admission is free.

    National Harbor’s Kids Day
    Bring your young ones to National Harbor on Tuesday, July 9, for an interactive scavenger hunt with WHUT around the Potomac River.

    Virginia

    An Introduction to American Indians
    Wolf Trap’s Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods is showcasing a fast-paced, interactive performance featuring Indigenous songs, dances and stories from across the continent. The event is on Friday, July 5, priced at $12.

    Donnell Rawlings
    Actor, podcaster and comedian Donnell Rawlings is heading to The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia, on Saturday, July 6. His first Netflix stand-up special, “A New Day,” debuted this year, produced by Dave Chappelle. He spoke to WTOP about his upcoming show. 

    Life Drawing
    On Tuesday, July 9, Del Ray Artisans in Alexandria, Virginia, is hosting a life drawing session focused on gesture and short poses. Easels are not provided. All skill levels are welcome. Registration costs $10 for nonmembers.

    Have an event you’d like featured in WTOP’s Things to do in the D.C. area weekly guide? Fill out this contact form to have your event considered.

    Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.

    © 2024 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    Michelle Goldchain

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  • Things to do in the DC area: Museum of Graffiti, Columbia Heights Day … and more! – WTOP News

    Things to do in the DC area: Museum of Graffiti, Columbia Heights Day … and more! – WTOP News

    There’s so much to do in the D.C. area in the coming days, and WTOP has you covered with our weekly roundup of area events worth anticipating.

    The “Sneaker Stories” pop-up at Union Market District. (Courtesy Museum of Graffiti)

    There’s so much to do in the D.C. area in the coming days, and WTOP has you covered with our weekly roundup of area events worth anticipating.

    Check back every Thursday for a roundup of Things to do in the D.C. area.

    This weekend, a space that appears to be a shoe store will open up, but none of the shoes there will be for sale. Museum of Graffiti co-founder Allison Freidin told WTOP that she is opening “Sneaker Stories” at D.C.’s Union Market District, which features art and rare sneakers by some of the world’s most iconic artists within the genre.

    The approximately 1,000-square-foot exhibit will celebrate how graffiti artists have shaped the way that society sees footwear.

    “It’s more about self-expression and street culture, and so we are here to educate and elevate the graffiti art forms so that visitors can learn about what an impact graffiti … has had in all walks of life,” Freidin said.

    As part of the exhibition, there will be a complimentary sneaker customization bar where guests will be able to get brand-new laces, lace locks, lace clips and other charms at no cost.

    Freidin said artists will fly in to also be a part of a panel discussion on Saturday, June 15, speaking about the transition from working in the streets to being tapped by big shoe companies.

    On Sunday, June 16, an outdoor art session will allow creatives to trade books and do sketches for each other.

    The exhibit and accompanying events on 1270 Fifth Street in Northeast D.C. are free. Here’s what else is happening in the D.C. area:

    DC

    Friday Night Dancing
    The Wharf is hosting free, themed dance nights with live music on the second Friday in June, July and August. This Friday, June 14, will feature country line dancing taught by DC Rawhides with music from Human Country Jukebox. The event is family-friendly.

    Garbagefest 6
    On Friday, June 14, this mutual aid benefit show is set for St. Stephen’s Church with punk rock, comedy and “live witchcraft.” The live bands include Messthetics, Massie, and Professor Goldstein with comedian Jenny Cavallero. Tickets are on a donation-based system but must be a minimum of $10.

    Children’s Book and Learning Festival
    Bring your family to the Children’s Book and Learning Festival on Saturday, June 15, for a full day of engaging and educational activities, featuring an exciting lineup of local authors from the Children’s Book Guild of Washington, D.C. and exhibitions from the National Children’s Museum, D.C. Public Library and other local organizations. The event is free, open to the public and located at Wilson Plaza at The Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.

    Columbia Heights Day
    For the 16th time, this neighborhood festival will welcome over 10,000 visitors for an event filled with local food vendors and artists, live music, a kids stage with live comedy, magic and stories, plus “carnival entertainment.” The event on Saturday, June 15, is at the turf field at Harriet Tubman Elementary.

    CarCoterie
    Witness rare and classic cars at CityCenterDC on Saturday, June 15, for the one-day-only exhibition, CarCoterie.

    Maryland

    Pixies and Modest Mouse
    Head to the Merriweather Post Pavilion on Friday, June 14, to see Pixies and Modest Mouse with special guest: Cat Powers. There are still several tickets left, including on the lawn, which cost $35, not including tax and additional fees.

    Savage Bluegrass Festival
    Four bluegrass bands are ready to hit the stage on Saturday, June 15, at this festival at Savage Mill in Savage, Maryland. General admission tickets for the event cost $20.

    Pride Trivia
    The Pizzeria Paradiso in Hyattsville, Maryland, is hosting drag queen Charlemagne Chateau for a dive into trivia covering everything LGBTQ, including literature, film, TV and music. This event on Tuesday, June 18, will be on a first-come, first served basis. For more Pride events, check out WTOP’s Pride event guide.

    Virginia

    Art After Hours: 50th Anniversary Celebration
    The Museum of Contemporary Art (MoCA) Arlington is hosting an event to celebrate its semicentennial anniversary on Saturday, June 15. The free event includes the opening of their new summer exhibition, which includes work by artists who have exhibited at MoCA Arlington in every decade of its 50 years. There will also be a cash bar.

    Juneteenth Black Heritage Walk
    Starting at Towers Park in Arlington, Virginia, the Juneteenth Black Heritage Walk will span two hours, discussing significant sites nearby. The walk will end at the Black Heritage Museum of Arlington. The free event is on Sunday, June 16. For more Juneteenth events in the D.C. region, stay tuned for another article on WTOP.com with events like this one.

    Fitness at the Fountain
    Virginia’s National Landing is continuing its regular weekly workout series, hosted alongside DC Fray. Running through Aug. 26, these instructor-led classes are free and varied. The class schedule for Monday, June 17, indicates that it will be led by Onelife Fitness.

    Have an event you’d like featured in WTOP’s Things to do in the D.C. area weekly guide? Fill out this contact form to have your event considered.

    Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.

    © 2024 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    Michelle Goldchain

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  • Kennedy Center hosts free outdoor films at REACH – WTOP News

    Kennedy Center hosts free outdoor films at REACH – WTOP News

    Starting this Friday, the Kennedy Center hosts free outdoor film screenings on the REACH Video Wall with movies starting at sundown or around 8:30 p.m.

    WTOP’s Jason Fraley previews outdoor films at Kennedy Center’s REACH (Part 1)

    The D.C. area hosts plenty of outdoor movie series, but very few take place on such hallowed grounds.

    Patrons watch “Show Boat” on the giant video wall at the REACH outside the Kennedy Center. (Jati Lindsay)

    Starting this Friday, the Kennedy Center hosts free outdoor film screenings on the REACH Video Wall with movies starting at sundown or around 8:30 p.m.

    The series kicks off this Friday, May 31, with “Jurassic Park” (1993), a summer blockbuster 65 million years in the making. Directed by Steven Spielberg, the stunning dinosaur flick marked the transition between stop-motion puppetry into a new era of computer graphics, joining “King Kong” (1933) as arguably the two most important creature features ever made.

    It continues next Friday, June 7, with “Dreamgirls” (2006), which famously transformed Jennifer Hudson from “American Idol” contestant to an Academy Award-winning actress belting powerful musical numbers alongside Beyoncé, Jamie Foxx, Anika Noni Rose, Danny Glover and Eddie Murphy. The film joined “Moulin Rouge!” (2001) and “Chicago” (2002) in revitalizing the Hollywood musical for the 21st century.

    Friday, June 14, brings “10,000 Dreams: A Festival of Asian Choreography,” featuring a series of short films, narrative features and dance documentaries that were directed, choreographed or starring Asian creatives.

    Parents should circle their calendars for a pair of family-friendly animated gems as Friday, June 21, brings Pixar’s “Elemental” (2023), which is, in my opinion, one of the most underrated movies from last year, while Friday, June 28, brings “Ratatouille” (2007), which deservedly won the Oscar for Best Animated Film.

    Friday, July 5, brings the big-screen adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway musical breakthrough “In the Heights” (2021), which was one of the biggest summer blockbusters of the year but sadly got overshadowed by Steven Spielberg’s remake of “West Side Story” (2021) during that award season.

    I was very pleasantly surprised to see the indie darling “The Peanut Butter Falcon” (2019) on the lineup for Friday, July 12, as it’s one of the most adorable, inspiring independent films of the last five years starring Zach Gottsagen as a man with Down syndrome dreaming of becoming a professional wrestler.

    Friday, July 19, brings “A River Runs Through It” (1992), a wonderful adaptation of Norman Laclean’s 1976 coming-of-age novella about two brothers (Brad Pitt and Craig Sheffer) growing up fly fishing in rural Montana. The film cemented Robert Redford’s directorial prowess in between his Best Picture debut “Ordinary People” (1980) and his ultimate masterpiece “Quiz Show” (1994).

    Friday, July 26, brings Richard Linklater’s “School of Rock” (2003), which remains Jack Black’s greatest performance as a bum who becomes a private-school music teacher, turning his pupils into a classic-rock band. I promise you’ll head home singing AC/DC’s “It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘n Roll).”

    Friday, Aug. 2, brings “Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax” (2012) with a voice cast featuring Zac Efron, Taylor Swift, Betty White and Danny DeVito, who voices the title role. Say it with me, folks: “I speak for the trees!”

    Friday, Aug. 9, brings one of my all-time favorite films in Alfred Hitchcock’s “Rear Window” (1954), arguably the greatest mystery-suspense film ever made. The prolific Jimmy Stewart plays a wheelchair-bound photographer who thinks he witnesses a neighbor’s murder out the rear window of his Greenwich Village apartment, only to realize that he already has everything he ever wanted next to him in Grace Kelly.

    Friday, Aug. 16, brings National Geographic’s Oscar-winning rock climbing documentary “Free Solo” (2018), chronicling Alex Honnald’s death-defying climb up El Capitan in Yosemite National Park without a rope.

    The penultimate screening is Friday, Aug. 23, with Steven Spielberg’s “Lincoln” (2012), which earned Daniel Day-Lewis his third Academy Award for Best Actor for his uncanny portrayal of Abraham Lincoln urging Congress to pass the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery during the Civil War. The quiet film remains one of Spielberg’s most underrated, so lean in and listen close as the film has plenty of Euclid lessons left to teach.

    Finally, the free summer series wraps on Friday, Aug. 30, with the sweet romance of “Chocolat” (2000), starring Juliette Binoche as a single mother who opens a small chocolaterie in a fictional French village while falling in love with Johnny Depp’s self-proclaimed “river rat.” The film earned five Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actress for Binoche and Best Supporting Actress for Judi Dench.

    Find more info on the REACH film series here.

    WTOP’s Jason Fraley previews outdoor films at Kennedy Center’s REACH (Part 2)

    Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.

    © 2024 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    Jason Fraley

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  • Things to do in the DC area: Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Corteo’, Bike to Work Day … and more! – WTOP News

    Things to do in the DC area: Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Corteo’, Bike to Work Day … and more! – WTOP News

    There’s so much to do in the D.C. area in the coming days, and WTOP has you covered with our weekly roundup of area events worth anticipating.

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    A behind-the-scenes look at Cirque du Soileil’s ‘Corteo’ at Eagle Bank Arena

    There’s so much to do in the D.C. area in the coming days, and WTOP has you covered with our weekly roundup of area events worth anticipating.

    Check back every Thursday for a roundup of Things to do in the D.C. area.

    Cirque du Soleil is back in town, this time in Fairfax, Virginia’s Eagle Bank Arena with “Corteo.”

    Olaf Triebel, artistic director of “Corteo,” told WTOP the show is centered around a funeral, but really it’s “a celebration of life.” The story goes through the different stages of a clown named Mauro’s life, from when he was a child until he’s an adult, and in true Cirque du Soleil fashion, it will include spectacular acrobatics, juggling acts, live musicians and more.

    “It has a very human story to it,” Triebel said. “It might sound that the theme of a funeral is maybe not for kids, but it’s not told in a sad way. It’s a joyful show.”

    The “Corteo” show first premiered in Montreal in April of 2005, and this will be its first time in Fairfax, Virginia. The show’s run at Eagle Bank Arena will only be for eight shows, from May 17 through May 25. Regular tickets start at approximately $29.

    Here’s what else is happening in the D.C. area.

    DC

    My Body My Festival
    This music festival is set to feature local artists with all ticket proceeds going directly to the D.C. Abortion Fund. The event runs for three days, from May 16-18, across several locations, including Songbyrd, Pie Shop and metrobar. Tickets start at $35 for a one-day general admission ticket, and the after-party tickets cost $25 per person with one drink ticket included.

    Bike to Work Day
    This free, annual, cyclist-loving event on Friday offers more than 100 pit stops across the D.C. region. The first 16,000 who register and attend at a pit stop receive a free T-shirt. The event is free with helmets recommended.

    Saint Sophia Annual Greek Festival
    From May 17-19, this Greek festival is expected to host several local musicians for live music and dancing, plus food vendors with gyros, spanakopita, beer and more to enjoy.

    Africa on the Avenue
    Celebrating the vibrant African immigrant community along Georgia Avenue NW, this all-day festival at Bruce Monroe Park is expected to include several live DJs, a vendors market and food. The event is on Saturday.

    Five Minute Horror Film Festival
    Get spooked at this short film horror festival, where every flick is five minutes long. The event is hosted at Petworth Neighborhood Library on Saturday. A filmmaker Q&A session follows the public screening.

    AAPI Brewers Spring Tasting Party
    The metrobar venue is celebrating AAPI Heritage Month with brewers and makers all across the D.C. region this Sunday. Enjoy an afternoon tasting with dozens of pours of beers and canned soju, plus a discussion with the brewers who made them. Tickets cost $25. For more AAPI Heritage month events to consider in May, check out this earlier Things to do in the D.C. area guide.

    Maryland

    National Harbor CocktailPRO Competition
    Several of the restaurants in National Harbor will have their best bartenders come together to compete to create the best drink on Thursday. Guests can also expect music and food. Tickets start at $60.

    Flores Flamencas Festival
    Delight in the sounds of Spain at this second annual festival, hosted at Cabin John Regional Park in Bethesda. The event on Sunday is free and family-friendly with tapas, paella, sangria, festival crafts and, of course, flamenco music.

    The Dundunba Experience for Women
    With all genders welcome, this class is planned to focus on West African dundunba drumming with dundun, sangba and “possibly” kenken drums covered. The class is on Monday at Joe’s Movement Emporium in Mount Rainier. Tickets cost $18 for a one-class pass or $60 for a four-class pass.

    Virginia

    Lucketts Spring Vintage Market
    For the 27th year, Lucketts Store is hosting a spring vintage market. From May 17-19, tickets to the market at Clarke County Fairgrounds in Berryville cost $15 for one-day general admission or $45 for an “early buyer” weekend pass.

    BrewWorks
    Witness an art battle between eight local artists this Saturday at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton. Get the full details in Jason Fraley’s article for WTOP.

    Old Town Festival of Speed & Style
    This Alexandria festival on Sunday celebrates the speed and performance of exotic sports cars with more than 100 rare supercars and motorcycles from around the world on view. The event is free and open to the public.

    Have an event you’d like featured in WTOP’s Things to do in the D.C. area weekly guide? Fill out this contact form to have your event considered.

    Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.

    © 2024 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    Michelle Goldchain

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  • Things to do in the DC area: Maryland Craft Beer Festival, Mother’s Day events … and more! – WTOP News

    Things to do in the DC area: Maryland Craft Beer Festival, Mother’s Day events … and more! – WTOP News

    There’s so much to do in the D.C. area in the coming days, and WTOP has you covered with our weekly roundup of area events worth anticipating.

    Whether you’re looking for a creative way to celebrate mom or somewhere to dish some drama over drinks, you won’t want to miss this week’s local events guide.

    There’s so much to do in the D.C. area in the coming days, and WTOP has you covered with our weekly roundup of area events worth anticipating.

    Check back every Thursday for a roundup of Things to do in the D.C. area.

    Libation lovers should head to Frederick, Maryland, this Saturday for the Maryland Craft Beer Festival. This year, the event includes samples of over 200 beers from 58 Maryland breweries, including some not yet open to the public.

    This is the third year the event has been hosted, and Abby Casarella, event manager for the Brewers Association of Maryland, told WTOP it has nearly doubled in size since its first year, with around 3,500 people expected this year.

    A few of the many notable featured Maryland breweries include Heavy Seas, RAK Brewing Co., Attaboy Beer and Monocacy Brewing Co., with food vendors that include Boxcar Burgers, Cousins Maine Lobster and Pop-up Poutine.

    The event at Carroll Creek Linear Park is also set to offer live music. Tickets start at $45 for a “Tasting Pass,” with “Designated Driver” tickets for nondrinkers costing just $15. VIP tickets are sold out.

    Here’s what else is happening in the D.C. area.

    Mother’s Day events

    Still looking for fun activities to do with your mom or another significant motherly figure in your life? This Sunday, consider these activities.

    First, the National Museum of Asian Art is hosting Mother’s Day-themed activities such as paper flower making. If you’d prefer to work with real flowers, flower shop She Loves Me is hosting a flower arranging basics workshop, with tickets costing $125.

    For a sweet treat, Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken in Arlington, Virginia, is offering a doughnut-decorating workshop for $15, with six mini doughnuts included.

    DC

    Sing your heart out
    There are plenty of options around the D.C. area for karaoke, but if you’re looking for a unique experience, consider punk rock karaoke at the Black Cat or 90s R&B karaoke at Songbyrd, both of which happen Saturday. It costs $20 to participate in the Black Cat event, which will go to the Girls Rock! D.C. organization. To enter into Songbyrd’s event, tickets cost $15.

    The Great Brookland Yard Sale
    Several neighbors throughout the Brookland neighborhood are hosting concurrent yard sales on Saturday. Find the map of the participating households here.

    Eurovision Watch Party
    Celebrate this year’s Eurovision without leaving the nation’s capital. Throughout all three floors of the DC9 Nightclub, the Eurovision finals will be played live from Sweden on Saturday. RSVPs are free.

    DISH! The Story Telling Cocktail Hour
    Capitol Hill’s arts and education venue, Hill Center, is hosting “Dish! The Storytelling Cocktail Hour,” an event where talented local storytellers “dish” about their lives over drinks (with nonalcoholic options available). The event is on Wednesday, May 15, with tickets costing $15.

    Maryland

    Bethesda Fine Arts Festival
    On Saturday and Sunday, expect a wide variety of art from 120 artists from around the nation at the Bethesda Fine Arts Festival. The free event in the Woodmont Triangle neighborhood also includes live entertainment and local food vendors.

    Zine Workshop
    The People’s Book in Takoma Park is hosting an adults-only workshop to invite guests to make their own mini-zine. The event on Friday is hosted by Julia Hainer-Violand, a local educator and zine maker. Tickets are free.

    Virginia

    Jazz @ Met
    The National Landing neighborhood in Crystal City is bringing back its free, weekly concert series at Metropolitan Park. Dubbed “Jazz @ Met,” the event returns Thursday with D.C.-based funk, hip-hop and jazz group JoGo Project.

    Dream Interpretation
    On Sunday, Profs & Pints is hosting a discussion on dreams and techniques for making sense of them. Leading the lecture is Richard Bargdill, associate professor of psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University. Advance tickets cost approximately $15.

    Have an event you’d like featured in WTOP’s Things to do in the D.C. area weekly guide? Fill out this contact form to have your event considered.

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    Michelle Goldchain

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  • Things to do in the DC area: DC Beer and Wine Fests, Taylor Swift dance party … and more! – WTOP News

    Things to do in the DC area: DC Beer and Wine Fests, Taylor Swift dance party … and more! – WTOP News

    DC

    D.C. Comedy Festival
    Running through April 13, laugh it up at the sixth annual D.C. Comedy Festival with a myriad of events hosted each day around the District, including Dupont Underground for the festival finale.

    Taylor Swift-themed dance party
    Get your friendship bracelets ready! A week before the release of Taylor Swift’s eleventh studio album, Eastern Market is hosting “Blossoms & Starlight,” a Swift-themed dance party. The all-ages event on Friday, April 12, will include a live DJ with tickets selling for $35 for adults or $20 for those under the age of 18.

    Rat Gallery Spring Show
    The community-supported art gallery, known as Rat Gallery, is opening a new spring art exhibition. With artists Rob Deatherage, Indigo Cristol and Patrick McMahon featured, the event on Saturday, April 13, will feature a variety of mediums, including drawings, paintings and ceramics.

    Sakura Matsuri
    D.C.’s annual Japanese street festival Sakura Matsuri returns this weekend on April 13 and 14. Expect a diverse range of cultural exhibitors and artisans as well as Japanese goods, food and more. Tickets start at $15 for a one-day ticket and $25 for a two-day ticket.

    D.C. Emancipation Day
    On Freedom Plaza, celebrate the end of slavery in the District with a day-long event that includes a parade, concert and fireworks. Mark your calendar for Emancipation Day on Sunday, April 14.

    Maryland

    WoCo Fest
    On Friday, April 12, get your groove on with vast array of talented D.C.-based musicians for the opening day of WoCo Fest. The tickets for the event at AMP by Strathmore in North Bethesda, Maryland, start at $20 per person with a $10 discount for students. Tickets to the livestream cost $5.

    Mount Rainier Garden Crawl
    Celebrate Earth Day with a garden crawl at Joe’s Movement Emporium in Mount Rainier, Maryland, on Saturday, April 13. Expect nature-based workshops, hands-on green activities, giveaways and essential gardening tips.

    Sound & Sense: a Poetry Reading
    The People’s Book store in Takoma Park, Maryland, is hosting an evening of poetry from local writers who have workshopped and read together in the neighborhood. This in-person event on Sunday, April 14, is free, but capped at 50 patrons maximum.

    Virginia

    Friends & Threads Clothing Swap
    Visit any of the three George Mason University campuses on Thursday, April 11, to shop donated new and gently used clothes and accessories. The event is free and open to the public.

    Pink Beats
    Don’t let cherry blossom season end early. Head to Crystal City’s Water Park for an unforgettable lineup of musical guests from the DMV. The event on Saturday, April 13, also includes specials from Water Park food vendors and giveaways. The event is free.

    Washington’s Impressionist Art
    Profs & Pints is heading to Sterling, Virginia’s Crooked Run Fermentation craft brewery for their next lecture. This time, the focus is on understanding French impressionism on display throughout the District. Tickets for the event on Sunday, April 14, cost approximately $15.

    Have an event you’d like featured in WTOP’s Things to do in the DC area weekly guide? Fill out this contact form to have your event considered.

    Michelle Goldchain

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