The 32 best things to do in D.C. this weekend and next week (2024)

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Washington Spirit Olympics viewing parties

Seven-time gold medalist Katie Ledecky, track phenom Quincy Wilson and wrestler Helen Maroulis are among the athletes from the D.C. area competing in the Olympics in Paris this summer, and no local sports team is better represented at the Games than the Washington Spirit, which is sending six soccer players to Paris, including four with the U.S. women’s national team. As it did during last summer’s World Cup, the Spirit is hosting viewing parties for the U.S. group stage games, starting Thursday at the Bullpen beer garden for the match against Zambia. (This is a good day to work from home, as kickoff is at 3 p.m.) Parties for the United States against Germany (Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Brighton) and Australia (Wednesday at 1 p.m. at Bluejacket) follow. Times vary. Free.

‘Celebrating James Baldwin’s 100th Birthday: His Legacy and Influence on Literature, Film and Theater’ at the National Museum of African American History and Culture

In its “Baldwin 100” series (which includes more events in August), the National Museum of African American History and Culture is celebrating the centennial birthday of the civil rights activist. This event looks at Baldwin’s influence on the arts: literature, film and theater. The panel discussion includes playwright Suzan-Lori Parks, author Robert Jones Jr. and museum specialist Tulani Salahu-Din. Tickets are sold out (you can join a wait list in case tickets become available), but the live stream is free. 7 to 8 p.m. Free.

Christmas in July at Side Door

Bars love a “Christmas in July” theme — a way to take customers’ minds off the relentless humidity by reminding them that it might be slightly cooler five months from now. Side Door, the retro co*cktail bar tucked beneath Bloomingdale’s the Pub and the People, is celebrating Krampus between Thursday and Saturday, so customers can sip Oaxacan hot chocolate and Swedish mulled wine while admiring handmade masks and a large inflatable Krampus wearing a Santa costume. Drop by between 6 and 8 each night for happy hour. Through Saturday. Free.

Christmas in July at Heurich House

Heurich House is known for its annual German-inspired Christmas market in its rear garden, filled with dozens of local makers. Christmas in July in the historic Dupont mansion is a mirror image of sorts, with makers selling seconds and overstocks, as well as supplies. A “Little Free Craft Library” holds materials for the taking. Get in on the crafting by decorating a wooden ornament to take home or snacking on Ice Cream Jubilee and sipping local craft beers. 5 to 8 p.m. Free; RSVP requested.

Peruvian Independence Day celebrations at Inca Social

Peru’s Independence Day is Sunday, but local Peruvian favorite Inca Social is starting the celebrations early. Head to the Vienna outpost on Thursday night for Alpacas Hour, with $2.99 margaritas from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., though we all know the real draw is the opportunity to pet (and take photos with) fluffy alpacas, a symbol of Peru. On Saturday, there are dance shows in Vienna (3:30 p.m.) and Arlington (6 p.m.). Sunday’s party starts early with free servings of causa, one of Peru’s most famous dishes, for the first 200 diners and Peruvian food and drink specials all day, plus the return of the alpacas in Vienna from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Through Sunday. Free admission.

Disability Pride Comedy Night at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library

Now in its third year, this comedy show returns with a lineup of local and traveling comedians with disabilities. Hear from Neill Lynskey, Max Gross and more; the show, presented with support from the Mayor’s Office of Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing, provides ASL interpretation. 7 to 8:15 p.m. Free.

Dungeons n’ Drafts at Atlas Brew Works

The age-old hardship of Dungeons & Dragons fans is finding people willing to dedicate an evening to playing the role-playing game in person. Dungeons n’ Drafts, an events organizer that hosts D&D “one-shots,” or one-session games, up and down the East Coast, is solving that problem. Characters are premade for players to choose from upon arrival, dice are provided and new players shouldn’t fear — game makers will be more than willing to help first-timers and those looking to jump back in. Grab a drink and prepare for tabletop travels with fellow adventurers. 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. $20.

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Cuban Salsa Night at the Folger

Earlier this summer, the Folger Shakespeare Library unveiled a dramatic transformation of its building, with underground exhibit spaces and light-filled gathering places. But the Folger also wants you to wind down the week with an opportunity to explore its gardens. This Friday has a Cuban theme, with the salsa sounds of the Gerardo Contino Band coupled with dance lessons and demonstrations by D.C. Casineros. Bring a picnic and find a bench or a bit of grass; drinks are available to purchase. The gallery spaces will be open for those who want to explore the First Folio, or just need a break from the heat. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Free; timed-entry passes for exhibitions are recommended but not required.

‘Brat’ dance party at Howard Theatre

The flier says it all, and in the now-iconic, fuzzed-out “brat” font: “brat and it’s the same but actually it’s brat the dance party and charli won’t be there but it’s still fun.” Expect to hear tracks off Charli XCX’s summer-defining album, plus other hyper-pop bangers. 8 p.m. $20.

Broccoli City Pre-Party at Echostage

Saturday is the return of Broccoli City, the weekend-long festival at Audi Field headlined by Megan Thee Stallion and Gunna. If you’ve got that night-before-the-first-day-of-school excitement, head to Echostage for the official festival pre-party, starring Major League Djz, Everything Nice, Bo & K-Meta and DJ Mobu, hosted by multi-hyphenate Issa Rae. 9 p.m. $39.

Listen Up: Broccoli City Edition at the Park at 14th

There are more Broccoli City vibes over at the Park at 14th, where DJ Quicksilva and Jerome Baker III are among the 11 DJs providing the entertainment at the four-level nightclub. A bonus: Admission is free between 5 and 11 p.m. with an RSVP. 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. Free before 11.

Previous Industries at Songbyrd

Previous Industries is composed of three Chicagoans residing in LA. Rappers Open Mike Eagle, Video Dave and Still Rift are like Ghidorah: Not only do they prove three heads are better than one, but their music recalls the faraway samples and luxuriant lyricism of King Geedorah, an alias of one of the group’s biggest influences, MF Doom. Previous Industries’ album “Service Merchandise” is themed around defunct chains and offers meditations from three men of a “certain age” who will “drink up all the whiskey that you got on your shelf.” 8 p.m. $20-$22.

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Broccoli City Festival at Audi Field

D.C.’s homegrown Broccoli City Festival has a new venue in 2024, swapping the RFK Stadium grounds for Audi Field. But this annual rap extravaganza still features two days with some of the biggest names in the game (Megan Thee Stallion, Gunna), as well as some of the most exciting (Veeze, Sexyy Red). Nota bene: Do not miss Karrahbooo — one of the most cool-minded, numb-tongued rappers to emerge in years — when she performs with Lil Yachty and the Concrete Boys. There’s much to experience beyond the music: appearances by actress Issa Rae and comic Desi Banks, a set with amapiano star Uncle Waffles, Trap Karaoke, and interactive art experiences. Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 11 p.m. $225-$1,200 for two-day passes; $89.50-$544.50 for one-day passes.

SAAM Arcade at the Smithsonian American Art Museum

For one day each summer, the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Kogod Courtyard transforms into the world’s most beautiful video game arcade. The 11-year-old SAAM Arcade is, on its face, about the museum’s endorsem*nt of “video games as part of the national visual culture” and video game graphics as art. But it’s also a chance to explore brand-new games from nine independent developers, this year with the theme “Adventure Awaits,” as well as play on console and old-school arcade games that span the decades — a joyful interactive experience for multiple generations. After you’ve played a few games, go on a scavenger hunt through the museum, or win prizes on a “side quest” asking questions of game developers. The first two hours of the day are “quiet hours” with reduced noise. 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Free.

Kids World at Franklin Park

Kids rule in Franklin Park this weekend, as Kids World lets them take over downtown D.C.’s largest green space. The day includes (deep breath) live music and poetry; workouts with costumed superheroes; story times and read-alongs with favorite characters; crafting and painting areas, including face painting; a teddy-bear-themed space where little ones can have tea with Paddington or make their own bear; bubble mazes and giant bubbles; vehicles to climb; double Dutch jumpers; video games; and a trackless train traversing the whole park. Saturday and Sunday from noon to 7 p.m. Free.

DMV Made Festival on the National Mall

Celebrate the diversity of the DMV with multiple stages of homegrown performers: the Chuck Brown Band, DuPont Brass, Cryptid Summer and more. There’s also a family-friendly game zone, a poetry and storytelling pavilion, live muralists, and an interactive dance stage. 1 to 7:30 p.m. Free.

Tales of Cinema: The World of Hong Sangsoo at the National Gallery of Art

The National Gallery of Art, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art, the AFI Silver Theatre and the National Museum of Korea have teamed up to honor Hong Sangsoo, the prolific and acclaimed South Korean filmmaker who has produced 25 feature films since 2000, turning everyday life into epically structured and memorable dramas. Seven films are shown over three weekends, beginning with “On the Occasion of Remembering the Turning Gate” (Saturday at 2 p.m.) and “Tale of Cinema” (Sunday at 2 p.m.) Through Aug. 17. Free; registration required.

WalkingTown D.C. Summer Tours

Every September, WalkingTown D.C. offers dozens of free walking tours that show Washingtonians a different side of their city, from the rebirth of Southwest to the mansions of Meridian Hill to key sites in LGBTQ+ history. In honor of WalkingTown’s 25th anniversary, the group is offering special preview tours over the summer. There are two in coming days: On Saturday, explore the history of Blagden Alley and Naylor Court, two of the city’s remaining alley communities, including a meet-and-greet with Kim Williams, the author of “Hidden Alleyways of Washington, D.C.” (3:30 p.m., Free.). On Monday, attention turns to an overlooked aspect of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center: one of the largest public art collections outside of a museum, with more than 130 pieces by artists like Sam Gilliam and Sol LeWitt. (6:30 p.m. Free.) Registration is required for both tours, and space is limited.

Adobo Gigante at Echostage

Over the last six years, Adobo has blossomed into one of D.C.’s most popular dance parties, sprinkled with Afrobeats, soca, bachata, hip-hop, go-go, amapiano and other Afro-Latinx sounds at clubs across the city. Adobo’s sixth anniversary finds a truly heavy lineup with Nina Sky, Pedro Night, DJ Puffy and Yvain Amour playing for the crowds at Echostage. After this, organizers are taking Adobo on a coast-to-coast road trip, so get a taste while you can. 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. $20-$25.

Olney Outdoors at Olney Theatre

Olney Theatre’s Olney Outdoors series brings six weeks of music and comedy to its outdoor stage. This weekend includes comedian Glen Tickle (Friday, $40); Grateful Dead tribute band Better Off Dead (Saturday, $35); and afternoon Drag and Drinks hosted by Evon Michelle Dior of Baltimore’s Sad Brunch and featuring local queens (Sunday, $35). Saturday afternoon is Olney’s annual Summerfest open house, with backstage tours, performances, a prop sale, games and food trucks (1 to 6:30 p.m., free). The grounds offer a mix of seating options, from bleachers to open lawn where attendees can dance or, as the theater puts it, lie back and “stare at the stars.” Upcoming weeks include tributes to Dolly Parton (Aug. 2) and Queen (Aug. 24), magic shows (Aug. 3), and sing-alongs with Disney princesses (Aug. 17). Through Aug. 31. Prices vary; Saturday’s Summerfest is free.

Mubadala Citi DC Open at Rock Creek Tennis Center

This year’s Mubadala Citi DC Open coincides with the Olympics, when many of the world’s top tennis players will be in Paris. Still, the ATP-WTA 500-level tournament held in Rock Creek Park snagged some heavy hitters who are focusing on their hard court game during the lead-up to the U.S. Open instead of on French clay. This year’s lineup includes hometown tennis hero Frances Tiafoe, No. 10 Grigor Dimitrov and No. 14 Ben Shelton, while British star Emma Raducanu, 2024 Australian Open champion and No. 3 Aryna Sabalenka, and U.S. favorites including Sloane Stephens and No. 13 Madison Keys feature on the women’s side. Through Aug. 4. Single-session tickets for outer courts start at $22.

Jerk x Jollof and Souled Out Dates at the Bullpen

Detroit’s Afro-Caribbean party starters Jerk x Jollof could have probably thrown a successful event at the Bullpen by themselves, but they’re teaming with the high-energy vibes of D.C.’s Souled Out Dates — a combination of nine DJs that should ensure an amazing afternoon on Half Street SE. And, yes, there will be jerk and jollof platters available. 2 to 10 p.m. $20-$50.

Aslin Summer Games at Aslin Beer Company

The same weekend the Olympics kick off in Paris, teams of tipsy contestants in Washington can compete for something even better than the gold: Aslin gift cards, trophies and bragging rights. Eighteen teams of four players will compete in sprint versions of lawn and party games, like bean bag tossing, Big Wheel pedaling and … eating the most ice pops in an allotted time frame. The games will earn teams points, but extra points can be won via costume and fan favorite contests. Four players are required to play per team, which must be registered in advance. 3 to 8 p.m. $40 per team; free to watch.

Ballroom on the Block at the Clarendon Ballroom

The Clarendon Ballroom is taking its usual Saturday night dance party to the streets of Clarendon this weekend, shutting down North Irving Street between Wilson Boulevard and 12th Street. Your headliners are DJs 9B49 and Misha B2B Late London, with seven more on the bill. The block party includes beer gardens, bars, food trucks, lawn games and lounge seating from 2 to 10 p.m.; after that, the music moves back inside with more DJs and dancing. 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. $40; $52 VIP.

Shark Bites and Brews at the Wharf

The Discovery Channel hosted its annual Shark Week a few weeks ago, and now it’s time for selachimorphaphiles — that is, lovers of sharks — to gather at the Wharf. Try riding a mechanical shark, which is like a mechanical bull but with teeth instead of horns, and enjoy a dunk tank and outdoor games, live cover tunes from the 7 Deadlies Band, a doughnut-eating contest with shark-shaped treats, and a beer garden. 5 to 8 p.m. Free.

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Chappell Roan Night at Show of Hands

The Southeast co*cktail bar is transforming into the Pink Pony Club with a menu of Chappell Roan-themed co*cktails. Listen to her album, “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess,” while sipping on a Red Wine Supernova (red wine, passion fruit, citruses, pomegranate and rum), a Femininomenon (vodka, limoncello, cranberry, lime and Regan’s) or, if you have to dip out early, a Hot to Go (tequila, grilled peach, orangecello, lime and habanero) — served in 10-ounce bottles to go. 4 to 7 p.m. Free entry.

Christmas in July at Pizzeria Paradiso Hyattsville

Maybe your kids aren’t counting the days until Christmas yet, but they will be after a trip to Pizzeria Paradiso’s Hyattsville restaurant, where the dining room is decorated with twinkling lights, cotton “snow” and a tree made from pizza boxes. They can get their faces painted with seasonal designs or make holiday crafts. Meanwhile, adults can sip winter beers, mulled wine or a “frozen hot chocolate” co*cktail. Can’t make it to Route 1? Paradiso locations in Georgetown, Dupont and Spring Valley are pouring winter beers all weekend long. Noon to 5 p.m. Free.

Kitchen Guild Cooking Demonstration: Ice Cream at Riversdale House Museum

Step into the kitchen at the Riversdale House Museum and find out how ice cream was made in the 19th century — well before Mister Softee. This afternoon event is part of a series held by the Riversdale Kitchen Guild that demonstrates open-hearth cooking in the historic Prince George’s County home’s Dependency Kitchen. During this particular event, you’ll learn about different ice cream recipes made using 19th-century techniques and pick up a copy of a recipe to take home. Noon to 3:30 p.m. Free.

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Pim Pam Pum Kampai at Cranes

Cranes is known for its Michelin-starred cuisine and extensive sake program. This tasting party pairs five sakes from the Brooklyn Kura sake brewery — New York City’s first — with two hours of bottomless snacks from Cranes. The restaurant’s Pim Pam Pum Wednesdays, which also feature an unlimited menu, include treats such as pork belly yakitori, karaage chicken and nameko mushroom fried rice. Seatings from 5 to 8 p.m. $95.

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The Eastern’s Fifth Anniversary

It is a bittersweet anniversary for the Eastern, which is celebrating five years of wine and co*cktails and being one of Eastern Market’s favorite date spots. General manager and sommelier Robert Morin, a friendly face at the heart of the community, died unexpectedly in May. Morin, known as “BTG Bobby,” will surely be remembered during the wine bar’s birthday happy hour, which promises “throwback menus, special guests and surprises.” 5 to 7 p.m. Free.

Painters and Shakers at Bar Charley

Your favorite bartender or server might have a hidden artistic talent. Here’s your chance to find out: Painters and Shakers turns Bar Charley’s dining room into a gallery filled with works created by members of the restaurant industry. Check out the art — and maybe buy a piece at auction — while listening to DJs and diving into a special drink menu. 5 to 10 p.m. Free; reservations available but not required.

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NY Circus Project: ‘Hamlet’ at Dock 5 at Union Market

For a take on Shakespeare that’s as acrobatic as it is dramatic, check out the New York Circus Project’s production of “Hamlet.” The Manhattan-based contemporary circus company has added a run of shows at Union Market’s event space Dock 5 to its summer tour, and while fans of the Bard might know the story, NY Circus Project’s retelling adds eye-catching interludes like a contortion stunt for Ophelia and a solo aerial dance act for the ghost of Hamlet’s father. Through Aug. 11. $49.