Fall season is here so it’s time to pull out boots and jackets to really set the cozy mood.

As the leaves turn orange and prepare to fall from the trees, now is the perfect time to pick some apples, get lost in a corn maze or pick out the perfect pumpkin for decorating or baking!

Here are some fall festivals to check out in Virginia and Maryland.

Maryland corn mazes, pumpkin patches and apple picking

Maryland Corn Maze: Taylor’s Version

📅 Sept. 14 through Nov. 3
📍 389 Gambrills Road, Gambrills, Maryland
💲 $17.95
🔗 Details

Maryland Corn Maze (Taylor’s Version) is open for all Swifties and non-Swifties alike!

Can’t get enough of Taylor? Visit the maze on Oct. 2 to listen to singer Kanin Wren’s Taylor Swift Experience live concert.

Answer Swift-themed quiz questions to find your way out of the maze. Don’t miss out on the Flashlight Nights if you want a challenge.

Pick your own pumpkins and explore the farm yard complete with a bounceyard, rodeo roping area and slingshots.

Gaver Farm Fall Fun Fest

📅 Through Nov. 5 (10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily)
📍 5501 Detrick Rd Mt. Airy, Maryland
💲 $14.50-$23 (Kids under 24 months are free)
🔗 Details

Gaver Farm has all of your fall fun needs. From sunflowers to pumpkins to apples — there’s just about everything for everyone.

This family-friendly affair offers over 65 attractions including the “Fun to the Core” Corn Maze, animal meet-and-greets, a zipline and pedal karts.

Guests can pick their own pumpkins, apples and sunflowers after riding a free hayride out to the fields. Don’t miss out on the sunflowers — the farm expects blooms through Sept. 22! The farm provides all the tools needed to make picking seamless.

Butler’s Orchard Pumpkin Festival

📅 Sept. 21 through Nov. 3
📍 22222 Davis Mill Road Germantown, Maryland
💲 $11-$22 (Make a reservation ahead of time to avoid higher prices)
🔗 Details

The Butler’s Orchard Pumpkin Festival is bigger and better than ever!

Hunting for the perfect pumpkin? This year, guests have three options. You can drive to the pumpkin patch for the classic picking experience, get a pumpkin at the festival’s market or visit the Pumpkin Yard to get pre-picked pumpkins.

You aren’t just limited to picking your own pumpkin. Once you purchase a ticket, you can take hayrides, visit some backyard buddies, turn through the Twisted Corn Maze and jump in the Corn Pool.

Magnolia Meadow Farms

📅 Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 27
📍13001 Creagerstown Road, Thurmont, Maryland
💲 $15 (online)/$20 (walk-in)
🔗 Details

Magnolia Meadow Farms says it is home to Maryland’s largest corn maze along with family-friendly activities like mini ziplines and a barrel train.

Don’t miss out on Moonlit Maze Nights on Oct. 5 and Oct. 26 where you can try out the corn maze under the stars for a good cause.

If you don’t want to stick to just pumpkins, you’re in luck! You can wander into three different fields to have your pick at sunflowers, pumpkins, gourds or cut flowers.

If you tire out from the fun, private campfires are available on-site. Reserve a campfire in case you want to get your own views of the farm away from the crowds.

Montpelier Farms Fall Festival

📅 Sept. 13-Nov. 3
📍 1720 North Crain Hwy, Upper Marlboro, Maryland
💲 $19.95 in advance/$24.95 at the gate
🔗 Details

Spend all day at the Montpelier Farms Fall Festival with its 7-acre corn maze, Barnyard Basketball and other fall activities. Try your hand at pumpkin bowling or tug of war. When it gets chilly at night, cuddle up by the public bonfire with loved ones.

If you want to pick your own pumpkins, you can visit the patch without purchasing a ticket to the festival — just pick your favorite (or favorites) and buy it there!

Virginia corn mazes, pumpkin patches and apple picking

Cox Farms Fall Festival

📅 Sept. 14 through Nov. 5
📍 15621 Braddock Rd., Centreville, Virginia
💲 $10-$25
🔗 Details

Cox Farms has just about everything you can think of when it comes to fall fun. The Fall Festival is a family-fun affair and there are many activities that you can choose from. You can ride the hayride, visit several attractions like themed slides, taste different apples and feed goats.

If you’re looking for a corn maze filled with surprises, the Cornundrum is just for you. Wind through the maze and you’ll come across pirates, caves and the Vortex!

The fun doesn’t stop there. Go back for spooky scares at their Fields of Fear starting on Sept. 20.

Great County Farms

📅 Aug. 31 through Sept. 30
📍 34345 Snickersville Turnpike, Bluemont, Virginia
💲 $12-$16 (advance tickets are highly recommended for weekends)
🔗 Details

If you’re looking for fresh pressed cider, apple picking and a fun corn maze, Great County Farms is for you!

You can visit the apple orchard, get lost in their 15-acre corn maze and the 15-acre play area that features the Farm Ninja Obstacle Course.

On weekends, guests can enjoy perfect fall activities like live music and visiting a snack bar complete with kettle corn and roasting marshmallows. You can even learn how to learn to press a bushel of apples!

Want to beat the weekend crowds? No worries! Guests can visit the farm during the week along with the weekend.

Wayside Farm

📅 Sept. 21 through Oct. 27
📍 5273 Harry Byrd Highway, Berryville, Virginia
💲 $17-$25 (Depending on ticket type)
🔗 Details

With great power comes great responsibility, and if you have great navigation skills, you can use that power to guide your group out of Wayside Farm’s Spiderman-themed corn maze! Make sure not to get lost in the mazeverse.

There are plenty of fun activities to choose from, including pig races and pumpkin smashing. If you’re interested in the pumpkin patch, reserve a spot in advance. The ticket will cover the first $20 worth of pumpkins.

Leesburg Animal Park’s Pumpkin Village

📅 Sept. 21 through Nov. 5 (closed on Tuesdays)
📍 19246 James Monroe Hwy, Leesburg, Virginia
💲 $18.95-$22.25 (weekend tickets must be purchased in advance)
🔗 Details

If you love the zoo and autumn equally, Leesburg Animal Park’s Pumpkin Village might be the place for you. There’s a whole bunch of family-friendly activities to enjoy such as a kiddie hay maze, animal petting and feeding and pony rides (for an extra fee).

Up the fun factor on the weekends and Columbus Day with live entertainment, face painting, free cider, apple and pumpkin cookie tasting.

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Mark your calendars for these festivals and special events in the D.C. area. We’ll keep updating this list as we find more great stuff to do!

Subscribe to The Weekend Scene newsletter to see what’s coming up every weekend (it’s free!). Every Wednesday, we share pro tips for the best events, highlight free things to do and spotlight people who make the D.C.-area great.

What to do in September

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

How much fall fun can Cox Farm pack in? Corn mazes, pumpkin patches, apple picking, petting zoos and a hayride are just the beginning!

The Great Frederick Fair
Sept. 13-21, Frederick, Maryland, $8 in advance or $10 at the gate for adults, free for kids under 10

Frederick, Maryland, has a classic county fair with rides, funnel cakes and animals, plus a grandstand with music acts including Flo Rida. Heads up: Carnival rides and grandstand shows cost extra.

Race the District
Thurs. to Sat., Sept. 19-21, Union Market, $0 to $27

Watching go-karts race around the Union Market parking lot is the banner event (and you’ll need tickets to get in!), but nightly performances, community races and more are free and open to the public. On Saturday and Sunday, you can play with Events DC’s VR activation, and a Red Bull F1 car will be on display Friday and Saturday.

NC Society BBQ & Bluegrass Festival
Fri., Sept. 20, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Hill Center DC in Southeast, $15 for children under 12, $55 for non-members, $35 for members, $70 at the door

Indulge in a whole hog feast while dancing to live bluegrass as a taste of North Carolina arrives in Capitol Hill.

Montgomery County Parks Ale Trail
Sat., 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Lake Needwood in Rockville, free to join

Hike 2.5 miles around Lake Needwood with a stop at the mid-way beer garden, live music and games at Needwood Mansion. Then head to the main festival area for more music, snacks and an archaeology activity for kids,

H Street Festival
Sat., Sept. 21, H Street Northeast in D.C., free entry

The Northeast D.C. thoroughfare is filled with live music, good eats, shopping and tons of activities for one of the District’s largest neighborhood festivals.

National Dance Day
Sat., Sept. 21, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., The Kennedy Center in D.C., free

Celebrate dance with lessons and performances at The Kennedy Center. Stick around afterward for live music at the REACH @ 5 Block Party.

The World’s Largest Pickle Party
Sat., Sept. 21, Baltimore, $24.99+

Pickle lovers can unite in Baltimore for a day of sweet and sour tastings, plus music.

Unwine Festival
Sat., Sept. 28, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Upper Marlboro, $30+

Sip and savor wines while enjoying live music in Patuxent River Park.

Alexandria Oktoberfest
Sat., Sept. 28, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., John Carlyle Square, free

Raise a stein at Alexandria’s own version of Oktoberfest.

Leesburg Air Show
Sat., Sept. 28, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Leesburg Executive Airport, free 

Aviation fans old and young alike will enjoy watching aircraft zip around Leesburg. Aerial performances are set to begin at 1 p.m. You can also explore aircraft right on the ground. Go here for parking and transportation information.

Clarendon Day
Sat., Sept. 28, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Arlington, Virginia, free entry

Live music, inflatables and more are on tap for the whole family across six blocks of this Arlington neighborhood.

Wheaton Arts Parade and Festival
Sun., Sept. 29, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Marian Fryer Town Plaza, free

The celebration of Montgomery County art begins with a parade, then keeps the party going at a festival at Grandview Avenue and Reedie Drive.

Aslin 9th Anniversary Beer, Music & Art Festival
Sat., Sept. 28, 1-7 p.m., Aslin Beer Company – Alexandria, Virginia, $25+ for adults

The brewery celebrates its 9th birthday with brews (including beers from guest breweries), live bands and art.

Virginia Beer Festival @ National Landing
Sat., Sept. 28, 4-9 p.m., Water Park National Landing in Arlington, Virginia, free entry

Band Relaxed Fit will play hits from the ’90s and early 2000s at this inaugural beer festival.

What to do in October

Waterford Fair
Fri. to Sat., Oct. 4-6, Waterford, Virginia, single-day adult tickets $20

One of the region’s premiere juried art fairs returns just a short drive from D.C.

Oktoberfest at The Wharf
Sat., Oct. 5, Southwest Waterfront, free entry

Come for the 12th Annual Wiener 500 Dachshund Dash (a Wiener dog race!) and stay for steins of beer and polka lessons. It’s just about the closest thing you’ll find to Munich inside the Beltway!

Taste of Bethesda
Sat., Oct. 5, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Norfolk Avenue in Bethesda’s Woodmont Triangle, free entry

Bethesda’s best restaurants will serve up bites along Norfolk, St. Elmo, Cordell, Del Ray and Auburn Avenues. Stick around for live entertainment on five stages. there will be kids’ activities, too! Entry is free. It costs $10 for 5 tasting tickets, and food items cost one to four tickets.

College Park Day
Sat., Oct. 5, noon to 6 p.m., College Park Aviation Museum, free

Celebrate College Park, Maryland, with all-day live entertainment, bounce houses, food trucks and more.

Old Town Warrenton Fall Festival
Sat., Oct. 5, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Main Street in Warrenton, free entry

Spend a day strolling Main Street in Historic Warrenton, checking out art, music, crafts and food.

Rosslyn Fall Fest
Sat., Oct. 5, 1-6 p.m., Gateway Park on Langston Boulevard in Rosslyn, Virginia, free

Get in the fall spirit with music, a pie-eating contest, hard cider tastings, music and food trucks. Tickets to the cider tasting are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Make sure to bring your ID!

Art on the Avenue
Sat., Oct. 5, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Mt. Vernon Avenue in Alexandria, free entry

This huge arts festival returns to Alexandria’s Del Ray for its 29th year, featuring more than hundreds of artists, multiple stages of live entertainment and activities for kids. Free trolley transportation will be available from the Braddock Road Metro station.

Historic Downtown Manassas Fall Jubilee
Sat., Oct. 5, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Manassas, Virginia, free entry

This festival has been kicking for 41 years. Enjoy music, bands, dance, martial arts and moer.

DC Coffee Festival
Sat. and Sun., Oct. 5-6, Dock 5 at Union Market in Northeast, $24+

Coffee lovers can sample the goods of specialty roasters and shops with unique beans while enjoying live entertainment.

Mosaic Fall Festival
Sun., Oct. 6, Fairfax, Virginia, free entry

URBNmarket and FRESHFARM are teaming up for a weekend of shopping, kids’ activities, live music and performances at the Mosaic District. Dress up for fall-themed selfie stations!

Takoma Park Street Festival
Sun., Oct. 6, Carroll Avenue, free entry

Dance and shop a Sunday away as the Takoma Park Street Festival returns for its 43rd year. 

Fairfax Fall Festival
Oct. 12, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Old Town Square on North Street, free

Fairfax goes all-out for fall with more than 400 arts, crafts, food and other vendors, children’s activities and entertainment for all ages across three stages. Take a spin on rides or check out the beer garden. Here are directions and parking information.

DC Wine Fest
Sat., Oct. 19, noon to 10 p.m., Dock 5 at Union Market, $35-$55

Sample wines from a selection of winemakers. There are three tasting sessions available.

Springfield Fall Festival
Sat., Oct. 19, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Springfield Town Center, free

Pumpkin decorating, characters and live entertainment are just a few of the fun things you’ll find in Springfield Town Center.

Night of the Living Zoo
Fri., Oct. 25, 7-11 p.m., National Zoo, $65 for nonmembers

The National Zoo has revived its adults-only, after-hours Halloween party.

Home Rule Music Festival
Sat., Oct. 26, Alethia Tanner Park, free

This music festival is all about D.C. music and culture. Expect performances by The Experience Band & Show, Bella Donna and more.

What to do in November

Adams Morgan Fall PorchFest
Sat., Nov. 2, 2-6 p.m., free

It’s the fall edition of one of the neighborhood’s best events. Head to Columbia and 18th for a street fest with live music and plenty more from local businesses, or fan into the neighborhood to see community performances right on porches.

DC Beer Fest
Sun., Nov. 2, Nationals Park, $55

Head to Nationals Park to enjoy as many brews as you care to drink from more than 80 breweries. Dueling pianos, bands and food trucks will make it a day to remember.

Alexandria Fall Fest
Sun., Nov. 3, River Farm

Alpaca petting, singing princesses, pony rides and bounce houses will delight kids, while adults can enjoy a wine and beer garden featuring Port City Brewing and Lost Boy Cider.

Past events

Alexandria Old Town Art Festival
Sat. and Sun., Sept. 14-15, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 300 John Carlyle St. in Alexandria, free

John Carlyle Square hosts dozens of art vendors for you to peruse and enjoy.

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

Immerse yourself in the art, food and culture of Ukraine. Some proceeds support humanitarian organizations helping people impacted by the war.

Celebrate Petworth
Sat., Sept. 14, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., 800 block of Upshur Street NW in D.C., free

Explore the best this Northwest neighborhood has to offer by checking out performances, vendors, a dog show and kids’ activities.

Celebrate Van Ness
Sat., 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., along Connecticut Avenue, free

Van Ness is throwing an all-day celebration with a Taylor Swift dance party, artisan pop-up, Crush Funk Brass Band and more before settling in for a movie night. There will be a shuttle bus between Van Ness Street, Pierce Mill and Ellicot Street.

Falls Church Festival
Sat., Sept. 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Falls Church City Hall and Community Center, free

Free concerts, a children’s stage with magicians and music and beer gardens make for a fun day on Little Falls Street. Come hungry to sample from local restaurants participating in the Taste of Falls Church!

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

Kunta Kinte was an enslaved person brought to Annapolis in the late 1700s but never lost sight of their home culture. Today, the festival named after them celebrates African culture with performances, craft vendors, food and more.

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

Chow down on tons of seafood right by the Chesapeake Bay.

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

The Maryland-National Capital Park And Planning Commission’s festival for Hispanic Heritage Month includes music, activities and food for the whole family.

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The National Zoo is in the midst of a campaign to raise $25 million for its giant panda program, with the goal of funding it through 2035. The funds will go toward panda research and to “innovate new techniques” for keeping pandas healthy and conserving the species and its habitats in the wild, the zoo said.

On Tuesday, the zoo announced that Rubenstein, billionaire co-founder and co-chair of the Carlyle Group, pledged $10 million to that campaign.

Rubenstein — whose name may be familiar to National Zoo visitors who see it emblazoned above the David M. Rubenstein Family Giant Panda Habitat — has now donated a total of $22 million to support the zoo’s giant panda program.

“David Rubenstein’s long-term support has transformed our giant panda program and, in turn, the future of this magnificent species and its native habitat,” Brandie Smith, zoo director, said in a press release about the donation. “David understands the work to save giant pandas is larger than one person, one organization or one nation. We are deeply appreciative of his commitment to preserving biodiversity.”

The new donation comes as the National Zoo prepares for a new pair of pandas to make their home in D.C.

The zoo hasn’t announced a specific date for the pandas’ arrival, but has said that they will be here before the end of the year. The buzz is growing as new billboards and a specially dedicated webpage pop up around the District.

The new pandas, male Bao Li and female Qing Bao, will live in D.C. for at least 10 years after their arrival, according to a 10-year cooperative giant panda research and breeding agreement with the China Wildlife Conservation Association. Both are 3 years old.

If you’ve been in D.C. for awhile, you might recognize the name of Bao Li’s mother: Bao Bao, who was born at the National Zoo in 2013. She moved to China after she was grown, and gave birth to Bao Li there.

National Zoo May 29

Pandas to return to DC's National Zoo

National Zoo May 29

Chinese ambassador reveals details on new pandas headed to DC

San Diego Zoo Jul 9

San Diego Zoo shares 1st look at pandas Yun Chuan and Xin Bao in their new habitat

The new F1 Arcade in Northeast D.C. features more than 80 full-motion simulators ready to start their engines. The simulators move and react to make it feel like you’re driving a race car, while the virtual race courses include rumble strips, landscapes and fans in the stands.  

The goal is to bring the glitz, glamor, speed and adrenaline of Formula One racing into an arcade, F1 Arcade’s U.S. CEO Jon Gardner said.

It’s “the only place in the world you can experience that as of now,” Gardner said. “No skills whatsoever required.”

The F1 Arcade is great for fans, but you don’t need to know anything about car racing to have a great time, Gardner said. In fact, you don’t even need a license. Anyone age 7 and up is allowed to play (but the arcade is 21+ after 7 p.m.).

Players can team up with friends or go head-to-head and choose from five difficulty levels. The arcade also offers food and beverages.

F1 Arcade opens in October, but it’s currently accepting reservations. F1 Arcade also has a location in Boston.

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We’re counting down to full-on fall!

The equinox this Sunday marks the official beginning of autumn (although meteorologists count Sept. 1 as the first day of fall. Here’s why.).

D.C.’s biggest neighborhood street fair, H Street Festival, returns on Saturday. This season, every weekend will be packed with fests celebrating music, art, food, culture and more. Here’s a look at festivals happening through November, but keep reading for the highlights for autumn equinox weekend.

What to do in Washington, D.C.

NoMa in Color: Sept. 12-23

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

Cheeseburger in Paradise Walking Tour (vote for your favorite slider): Weds., 6-9 p.m.,  Chevy Chase Main Street, $30

Race the District: Thurs. to Sat., Union Market, free

A Night at the Museum: Celebrating 57 years of Anacostia Community Museum: Thurs., 7-10 p.m., 1901 Fort Place SE, free but registration required 

Live! At The Library of Congress: Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and Latino Poets Spotlight: Thurs., 5-8 p.m, free but special ticket required

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

PARK(ing) Day: Fri., 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., free

NC Society BBQ & Bluegrass Festival: Fri., Sept. 20, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Hill Center DC in Southeast, $15 for children under 12, $55 for non-members, $35 for members, $70 at the door

Garden Party de la Rentrée: Fri., 7-10 p.m., Embassy of France in Northwest D.C., $105-$795

Ana Gabriel: “Un Deseo Mas” Tour: Fri., 8 p.m., Capital One Arena

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

Homecoming at President Lincoln’s Cottage: Sat., 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 140 Rock Creek Church Rd NW, free

National Dance Day: Sat., 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., The Kennedy Center, free

BLOMPPST Festival: Sat., noon to 9 p.m., RHIZOME in Takoma, $15-35

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

The World’s Largest Pickle Party: Sat., Baltimore, $24.99+

Try Guys: Eat The Menu Tour: Sat., 7:30 p.m., Warner Theatre, $40+

Jelly Roll: Beautifully Broken Tour: Sat., 7 p.m., Capital One Arena

Hirshhorn Ball: Sat., 6:30-11 p.m., Hirshhorn Museum, $250+

REACH @ 5 Block Party!: Sat., 8:15 p.m. to 11 p.m., The Kennedy Center REACH, free

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

Washington Capitals vs. Philadelphia Flyers (preseason): Sun., 3 p.m., Capital One Arena

What to do in Maryland

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

• FYI: David Bach Consort (World Contemporary/Jazz)

Montgomery County Parks Ale Trail: Sat., 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Lake Needwood in Rockville, free to join

Annapolis Baygrass Festival: Sept. 21-22, Sandy Point State Park

Festival del Rio Anacostia: Sat., 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Bladensburg Waterfront Park, free

Celebrate Africa: Sun., 1-6 p.m., Fairwood Park in Bowie, free

Craig Walsh’s Monuments: Through Oct. 6, Strathmore in North Bethesda, pay what you wish

• FYI: The exhibit is a series of large-scale projections outdoors. Catch live music and lectures on Mondays. Food and drink will be available on Fridays and Saturdays.

Things to Do DC Sep 10

Can't-miss festivals this fall in DC, Maryland and Virginia

Things to Do DC Sep 10

1st Look: New DC arcade puts you in the driver's seat of a Formula One race car

What to do in Virginia

Budweiser Clydesdales at Frying Pan Farm Park: Tues., 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., Herndon, free

Fall Movies On The Plaza: “Barbie”:  Weds., 8 p.m., Westpost at National Landing, free

Crossroads Music Festival: Fri. and Sat., downtown Leesburg, Virginia, $10-$120

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

Taste of Thai Festival: Sept. 21, 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., The Plaza at Tysons Corner Center, free

Claude Moore Park Fall Fest: Sat., 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Claude Moore Park in Sterling, free

Pueblo Unido Day: Sat., 1-6 p.m., Sterling Community Center, free

Alexandria Historic Homes Tour: Sat., 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., $45+

Taste of Annandale: Sat., 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Eileen Garnett Civic Space, free entry

Middleburg Oktoberfest: Sat., Sept. 21, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., S. Madison and Federal streets, free entry

Coming up soon

National Mall of Pickleball 2024: September 27-29, 2024

Smithsonian Craft2Wear show: Sept. 28-29, National Building Museum, $20

Nats Summer Concert Series: Lady A (and Pups in the Park): Fri., Sept. 27, game starts at 6:45 p.m., Nationals Park, $16+

Oktoberfest at The Wharf: Sat., Oct. 5, Southwest Waterfront, free entry

DC Coffee Festival: Oct. 5-6, Dock 5 at Union Market in Northeast, $24+

Gold Over America Tour with Simone Biles and Team USA gymnasts: Tues., Oct. 8, 7:30 p.m., CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore, $71.95+

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Dozens of News4 viewers shared their dogs, cats, birds and even a horse pulling off gold medal-worthy tricks (or simply being tricky). But one dog emerged at the front of the pack, impressing our judges with their intelligence and dedication.

Meet Phoenix!

She’s six years old, and lives with her mom Tia in their Hughesville, Maryland, home.

Why did Phoenix win — with three perfect 10s from our judges, no less?

She is very, VERY good at finding her toys.

Give her a specific command — “Get your alligator!” or “Get your pink toy!” — and her basket, and Phoenix will snuffle through and find exactly what you asked for.

How did Phoenix learn to do it? Turns out her mom Tia used to be a Metro Transit Police Officer, and served as the first female K-9 officer.

It was a tough choice. The finalists wowed with skills including speaking, tetherball and goal-keeping.

But Phoenix gets to take home the reward, a Pat’s Prized Pets bowl.

We’re so grateful to everyone who shared their pets with us for the challenge that supports our annual adoption event Clear the Shelters.

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The Miniature Golf Course at East Potomac Golf Links was built in 1931 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

“We don’t have the clown’s mouth and no volcanoes and no dinosaurs around, but again, we maintain the historical elements of the miniature-golf course with the wishing well. We have the, you know, the Capitol and the White House and Mount Vernon right behind me here,” National Links Trust Executive Director Damian Cosby said as he showed some of the holes on the course. “Those were all here when this miniature-golf course originally opened, and so we wanted to keep those elements and maintain them and restore them.”

The course was in bad shape when the National Links Trust took it over in 2020. But over the past several months, it’s been restored to its original design.

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“And the great thing about it is you don’t have to be a golfer to enjoy this space,” Cosby said. “You don’t have to know anything about golf. You know, again, it’s fun, it’s engaging, it’s really accessible, it’s affordable, it’s a great place to take your kids, take your family, take a date if you’d like. It’s just really fun and it’s just a really easy way to get into the game.”

The course is open year-round, seven days a week from 8 a.m. until dark. Starting in September, it will stay open until 9 p.m.

Las Vegas native Keith Lee stopped by Okonomi Asian Grill — also known as the “Asian Chipotle” for its custom rice bowls — in Fairfax, Virginia, and business has been booming.

“I literally opened this by myself,” owner Alex Kang said. “So, six months I was doing 130-hour workweeks.”

There were times when he only got six orders a day.

“I can’t sustain this with six orders,” he said. “That’s like 60 bucks. What can you do with 60 bucks?”

Ever since Lee posted a video about Okonomi, they’ve had to put signs on their door saying they can only serve people who order online because they’ve been so busy.

“It’s definitely wild,” Kang said. “I mean, it’s any restaurant owner’s dream to have this much exposure.”

Lee also went to the Flavor Hive food truck in Alexandria where one of the specialties is the walking nacho. Customers bring their own bag of chips – any size, same price – and they fill it up with meat and toppings.

“We had people bring in a size for a whole village,” owner Shihan Chowdhury said. “We still fill it up.”

Flavor Hive also serves quesadillas and tacos.  

“It looked really good,” customer Alexia Urieta said about Lee’s TikTok. “When you saw the picture, you could see the flavor in the picture. So. really wanted to come out and try it.”

For those who can’t afford the food, Flavor Hive will give it to them for free.

“Some people will come and say, ‘Hey I don’t get paid until this day, I don’t get paid until that day, can I pick up a meal?’ We’re always open to that,” Chowdhury said.

Lee donated $3,000 to Okonomi because they’ve been dealing with theft issues recently. Kang said he’ll use some of the money to feed local teachers and the rest to provide bonuses to his staff. 

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

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

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

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

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

National Gallery Nights dates

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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DC State Fair
Sept. 7
Franklin Park
Details 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Past events

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

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

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

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

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It includes festivals, dining, shows and only-in-D.C. things that make our region a great place to be. Every Wednesday, News4’s Tommy McFly, Sophia Barnes and the Scene Team will deliver an exclusive update right to your inbox. You might even find a few freebies.

Sign up for The Weekend Scene newsletter by going here.

Once on our Newsletters page, enter your email address to sign in. Then choose The Weekend Scene and any other free NBC4 newsletters you’d like to receive. When you’re done making your selections, hit Save Changes at the bottom of the page.

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While the beaches along the Atlantic Ocean are beautiful, traffic on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge can be a nightmare. Why spend your beach day battling gridlock?

Rivers, lakes and swimming holes throughout Maryland and Virginia offer plenty of fun on natural waterways (Go here if you’re looking for pools and splash parks!).

Favorite swimming spots near Washington, DC

Here are our favorite swimming spots that are an easy drive from the D.C. area. They’re all open for the season as of Memorial Day weekend.

Mayo Beach in Edgewater, Maryland

Make sure to reserve a free pass before heading to Mayo Beach to enjoy the water in Anne Arundel County on a Saturday, Sunday or other busy days (weekend passes become available on Mondays). You can play and wade in the shallow water, or bring your own kayak, canoe or sailboard. There are no lifeguards. Amenities include bathrooms and water bottle fill stations.

Where: 4150 Honeysuckle Drive, Edgewater, Maryland
Distance from D.C.: 34 miles

North Beach, Maryland

Sink your toes into the sand or take a dip in the water at the pristine waterfront of North Beach on Maryland’s western shore, south of Annapolis. Looking for some exercise? Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard at the Welcome Center. (Note: No lifeguards are on duty, so swimming is at your own risk.)

There’s not much wave action, so North Beach is a good pick for a trip with kids.

See beach fees and purchase day passes here.

Where: 9023 Bay Ave., North Beach, Maryland
Distance from D.C.: 34 miles

Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis, Maryland

Watch a stunning sunrise over the Chesapeake Bay or spend a day out on the water swimming. You can also go fishing or crabbing (remember to get a Chesapeake Bay Sport fishing license). Grills and picnic tables near the marina make this a perfect spot for an afternoon cookout.

Lifeguards are on duty on parts of the beach from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends. Otherwise, swimmers go at their own risk.

Where: Sandy Point State Park, 1100 East College Parkway, Annapolis, Maryland
Distance from D.C.: 37 miles

Breezy Point Beach in Chesapeake Beach, Maryland

Breezy Point Beach has swimming, fossil hunting and fishing throughout the summer. You can check the beach’s Facebook page or call 410-535-0259 to ensure it hasn’t reached capacity. Here’s information about fees and amenities. Jet ski rentals are available nearby!

As of June 2024, the beach is undergoing restoration. So, expect some of the beach areas near the campground to be blocked off.

Where: Breezy Point Beach, 5300 Breezy Point Road, Chesapeake Beach, Maryland
Distance from D.C.: 43 miles

Beaver Dam Swimming Club in Cockeysville, Maryland

Plunge into a fresh-water quarry via rope swing or spend the afternoon swimming in one of two pools at Beaver Dam Swim Club. If you need a break from the water, hit up one of the club’s basketball or volleyball courts, or use the club’s grilling facilities to make up your own feast. You can bring your own food and drinks, but alcohol is not allowed. There’s also a snack bar. See admission fees here.

Where: 10820 Beaver Dam Road, Cockeysville, Maryland
Distance from D.C.: 57 miles

Tubing in the Harpers Ferry Area

Float along the pristine Shenandoah River for gorgeous views of downtown Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, after renting an inner tube. Two outfitters can provide tubes and personal floatation devices (and floating coolers, for an extra fee), plus give you a ride to and from the waterfront. Both allow you to choose your own adventure: float along flat waters or rip down beginner class I to III rapids.

The Harpers Ferry Adventure Center (37410 Adventure Center Lane, Purcellville, Virginia) has everything you need for a day on the water, plus ziplining, rafting or take a ropes course at its home base. Lodging is available on the grounds via cabins and riverside or mountain-top camping.

River Riders Family Adventure Resort (408 Alstadts Hill Road, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia) is also open for the season. In addition to tubing access, you’ll also find an adventure park, a campground and several cabins for rent.

Distance from D.C.: About 60 to 65 miles

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Greenbrier State Park

A white sandy beach on a 42-acre man-made freshwater lake draws crowds from Memorial Day to Labor Day. You can rent rowboats and paddleboats by the hour or go fishing for trout, largemouth bass and bluegill with a Maryland Angler’s License. The park also features 11 miles of hiking trails.

Where: ​​​​​21843 National Pike, Boonsboro, Maryland
Distance from D.C.: About 60 miles

Virginia’s Northern Neck Region

Virginia’s Northern Neck region, where the Potomac River, Rappahannock River and Chesapeake Bay meet, offers multiple beaches, quaint inns and plenty of shops. If you’re in search of a swim, check out some of these:

• Belle Isle State Park offers cabins and camping, plus canoe and kayak rentals.
• Colonial Beach has Virginia’s second-longest sandy beach and sits along the Potomac River. Here’s a breakdown of the different beach zones.
• Naylor’s Beach Campground in Warsaw, Virginia, has day admission for swimming, or make it a weekend getaway to the campground.

Distance from D.C. Mileage varies on your specific destination. Colonial Beach is 63 miles from D.C.

Hunting Creek Lake at Cunningham Falls State Park in Thurmont, Maryland

Hunting Creek Lake at Cunningham Falls State Park has three designated swimming areas where you can cool off. Lifeguards are on duty at times between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., but if lifeguards aren’t on duty, you may swim at your own risk. Arrive early to make sure the park doesn’t reach capacity.

Looking to extend your stay? Make it a weekend getaway by renting a nearby camper cabin.

Where: William Houck Campground, 14039 Catoctin Hollow Road, Thurmont, Maryland
Distance from D.C.: 70 miles

Lake Anna State Park in Spotsylvania, Virginia

You can swim or fish (or both) at the surprisingly close Lake Anna, one of Virginia’s largest freshwater lakes. Unguarded swimming is available for the season. Lake Anna has reported some issues in 2024 with algal blooms and potential water contamination, but it remains a popular summer destination. You can track swimming advisories here.

If you’re just day-tripping, be sure to arrive early because the parking area closes once it hits capacity. But, you’ll also find plenty of nearby lodging.

Other nearby attractions include vineyards, antique shops, golf, historic sites and the Kings Dominion theme park.

Where: 6800 Lawyers Road, Spotsylvania Courthouse, Virginia
Distance from D.C. 84 miles

James River Park System: Pony Pasture Rapids Park in Richmond, Virginia

The James River Park System (including Pony Pasture Rapids Park) runs along both sides of the James River as it passes through Richmond, a rare opportunity to hit up real rapids in a U.S. city.

Enjoy kayaking, tubing, hiking, rock climbing, swimming and nearly any other outdoor activity you might want. Here’s what to know about swimming in the James River Park System.

Where: Pony Pasture Rapids, 7200 Riverside Drive, Richmond, Virginia
Distance from D.C.: 111 miles

Rocky Gap State Park in Flinstone, Maryland

The star attraction of the 3,000-acre Rocky Gap State Park is Lake Habeeb, which offers two public beaches surrounded by scenic Evitts Mountain. Camping, cabins, and hot and cold food are also available. Entry fees are $4 for Maryland residents and $6 for out-of-state visitors on weekends and holidays. It’s cheaper to visit during the week.

Where: 12500 Pleasant Valley Road NE, Flintstone, Maryland
Distance: 131 miles

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Rapterra will become the park’s 14th roller coaster, replacing the inverted launched roller coaster, Volcano: The Blast Coaster, which the park retired in 2018.

Rapterra will hit 65 mph and flip riders upside down three times, King Dominion said in an announcement Wednesday. It’s designed to create the sensation of flight. The coaster with an 89-second ride will stand 145 feet tall and stretch 3,086 feet.

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“We are excited to unveil Rapterra, the must-do ride of 2025, at Kings Dominion,” Vice President and General Manager Bridgette Bywater said in a statement. “This extraordinary addition promises new thrills for our guests, making it the perfect centerpiece for our 50th anniversary celebration and reaffirming why Kings Dominion is the ultimate destination for unforgettable memories and exhilarating excitement.”

Construction is underway in the Jungle X-Pedition section of the park and is expected to be complete in the fall. Rapterra is set to open in 2025. Go here for ticket information.

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Fans of the hit Netflix show, “Emily in Paris,” will get the chance to experience cocktails and appetizers inspired by L’esprit de Gigi, the café at the center of the Emmy-nominated show.

The “Emily in Paris” pop-up is happening now and will run through Nov. 1. On-street, metered parking is available, though it can be hard to come by.

The opening comes just as the Paris 2024 Olympics are wrapping up. The bar will be switching back and forth between NBC’s live coverage of the Olympics and “Emily in Paris” on their projector screen, until the Olympics end on Aug. 11.

On Aug. 15 from 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., the pop-up will host an “Emily in Paris” watch party for the Season 4 premiere. No tickets are needed but reservations are strongly advised.

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What to expect

French apéritif Lillet and “Emily in Paris” have created the immersive experience, complete with a photo booth corner where guests can don a beret and red scarf for a très chic Instagram story.

At the heart of the collaboration are two Lillet x “Emily in Paris” limited-edition bottles, Lillet Blanc and Lillet Rosé. Two new “Emily Lillet Royale” cocktails are featured on the menu. “The Savoir Spritz,” named after the French PR company where Emily works, includes your choice of Lillet rosé or blanc, cava and soda. “The Sylvie” contains Lillet Rouge, Martell blue swift cognac, dry vermouth and orange blossom water.

You can take home an “Emily in Paris” Lillet Blanc or Lillet Rosé bottle with a complimentary Lillet spritz glass for $25. Or purchase the complete collection online.

Here’s a full list of the menu

• Tart Flambee – Flatbread, onions $14
• Bread Basket – Baguette with cultured butter and sea salt $8
• Jambon Beurre – Baguette, jambon, cultured butter with chips and cornichon $13
• Charcuterie – French style charcuterie and cheese with accoutrement $24
• Plateau Fromage – French cheese assortment with accoutrement $20
• Strawberry and Lillet Rosé Sorbet $8
• Macarons – 6 assorted macarons $12

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The best public beaches near D.C., Maryland and Virginia have soft sand, waterparks, amusement parks, water sports, camping, movies on the beach — there’s something for every traveler. Get ready to vacuum the sand out of your car!

In order of estimated distance, from closest to farthest:

Assateague Island, Maryland

Just a short 2.5-hour drive from Washington D.C., Assateague Island is a beach lover’s paradise with a twist – wild horses! The creatures roam freely, adding a magical touch to your visit. With miles of pristine shoreline, it’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. There’s one tiny but important catch: Assateague is notoriously buggy! Bring extra bug spray and clothing that covers plenty of skin.

Love kayaking, birdwatching, or hiking? Assateague’s got you covered with its diverse ecosystems of marshes, dunes, and forests. If you’re up for a night under the stars, the campgrounds offer a cozy spot with waves lulling you to sleep and wild ponies as your neighbors (They’re hungry and will visit your campsite for food, so take precautions). Don’t miss the chance to fish or crab, and remember, Ocean City, Maryland, is just around the corner for a quick trip to the bustling boardwalk. Assateague Island is the ultimate getaway for nature lovers seeking a fun escape from the city.

DISTANCE: about 116 miles from downtown D.C.

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

You'll find pretty much everything you need from a seaside town in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. We're talking go-karts, mini-golf, hang-gliding, boardwalk games and rides for kids — plus frozen custard, obviously. Rehoboth is also home to some fantastic farm-to-table restaurants, so if boardwalk cuisine isn't your thing, you still definitely will be quite happy here. Head 30 minutes north to Cape Henlopen State Park to swim on undeveloped beaches, fish, crab and more. Nearby Dewey Beach offers a slightly quieter atmosphere from busier, more crowded cousin Rehoboth.

DISTANCE: about 120 miles from downtown D.C.

Bethany Beach, Delaware

Bethany Beach markets itself as a "quiet resort," offering a more serene option away from the party-hardy bustle of some other spots. There's a limited number of bars, but plenty to do in the way of water sports, a farmers' market, a water park, pirate mini-golf, a boardwalk and movies on the beach. Catch free live music at the Boardwalk Bandstand on weekend nights. You can find something to do in Bethany right up until the end of summer when the town famously bids goodbye to the season with a jazz funeral.

DISTANCE: about 125 miles from downtown D.C.

Fenwick Island, Delaware

Fenwick Island, Delaware, is a charming coastal destination perfect for a relaxing beach getaway. Located about a 2.5-hour drive from Washington D.C., it offers a serene escape with less crowded beaches compared to its neighboring towns. Fenwick Island State Park provides pristine sandy shores ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking. The area is also popular for water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding. Visitors can explore the historic Fenwick Island Lighthouse or enjoy family-friendly activities such as mini-golf and go-kart racing. The town features quaint shops, seafood restaurants, and cozy accommodations, making it a great spot for a weekend trip.

DISTANCE: about 132 miles from downtown D.C.

Ocean City, Maryland

Ocean City, Maryland, is a destination that kids (or your own inner child) will love. Go for water slides, boardwalk rides and haunted houses, or head to the water to parasail, kayak, surf or just swim. You can also catch free concerts and movies many nights during summer, along with fireworks on Mondays. Like Bethany and Rehoboth, Ocean City is among the closest beach destinations for D.C.-area residents.

DISTANCE: about 145 miles from downtown D.C.

Sea Isle City, New Jersey

Sandwiched between more densely populated Ocean City, New Jersey, and Avalon, Sea Isle City is a Jersey Shore gem. The island town has a nice mix of laidback vibes, family fun and great bars — like favorite Ocean Drive — to party with friends. The town's tagline, featured prominently on the water tower when you arrive, is "Smile, You're in Sea Isle." There's a 1.5-mile promenade fronting the white sand beaches of the Atlantic coast. You'll find plenty of boating and fishing opportunities in the back bay, and Atlantic City and The Wildwoods are a short drive away via the Garden State Parkway. Sea Isle City doesn't have many hotels, so booking a summer rental is key.

DISTANCE: about 180 miles from downtown D.C.

Wildwood and Cape May, New Jersey

We're putting Cape May and Wildwood, New Jersey, together because it's easy to do both in a single weekend. On the southernmost point of New Jersey's barrier islands, Cape May is famous for its eye-popping Victorian mansions and B&Bs (and the historic tours that go along with them). Its neighbor to the north, Wildwood, offers a more typical shore experience on a larger scale than its Delaware counterparts, with a different kind of retro via its 1950s-era motels. You'll also find the requisite boardwalk, tons of rides and two water parks. Just "watch the tram car, please."

DISTANCE:  about 185 miles from downtown D.C.

Ocean City, New Jersey

That other Ocean City (the one in New Jersey) offers plenty of family-friendly fun, with a boardwalk that — although often crowded — features a ton of rides and all the old faves when it comes to shore food, including pizza and fried Oreos. What else could you want?

DISTANCE: about 192 miles from downtown D.C.

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Virginia Beach, Virginia

Aside from outdoor activities from fishing to kayaking to dolphin watching, Virginia Beach also offers a boardwalk full of rides and restaurants, plenty of festivals, bars, clubs and breweries, plus the Virginia Aquarium and the Military Aviation Museum. Accommodations include everything from high-rise hotels to nearby campgrounds.

DISTANCE: about 210 miles from downtown D.C.

The Outer Banks Beaches, North Carolina

The gorgeous beaches of the Outer Banks are worth the drive (and the OBX sticker you'll want for your car). While not exactly close to D.C., Kitty Hawk Beach and Kill Devil Hills are the most accessible, near the Wright Memorial Bridge. Enjoy swimming, surfing, chartering a boat, or fishing off Avalon Pier. Explore historic sites like the Wright Brothers’ first flight and the lost colony on Roanoke at nearby Manteo. Despite being very developed, these beaches offer plenty of accommodations. Head to nearby Corolla for a chance to see wild ponies or dolphins and enjoy beach driving. Further south, Cape Hatteras National Seashore boasts 70 miles of mostly undeveloped beaches, perfect for surfing, visiting lighthouses, and even beach driving or bonfires at Ocracoke Beach.

DISTANCE: about 270 to 290 miles from downtown D.C.

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202 Creates is a celebration of the arts in D.C. that starts Aug. 29.

“It highlights all of the robust vibrancy of the arts and culture in our city,” said LaToya Foster, director of D.C.’s Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment. “You have Art All Night, you’re going to have Jazz at the Wharf […] and there’s so many other events as well that we’re going to be rolling out between the end of August and the end of September.”

The big finale of 202 Creates will be the 39th Annual Mayor’s Arts Awards. Nominations are open until Friday in award categories including excellence in arts education, visionary leadership, excellence in go-go music and excellence in nightlife.

Step Afrika! is a past winner. Founder C. Brian Williams thanked D.C. officials for helping artists flourish.

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“D.C. as a city has just been very supportive of Step Afrika! and of the arts in general,” he said.

Award winners will be announced at the end of September. Go here to learn more about the 202 Creates lineup and how to nominate and vote for Mayor’s Arts Awards contenders.

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

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

Badminton

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

Boxing

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

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

Canoe Slalom and Sprint (Kayaking)

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

Cycling

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

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

Equestrian

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

Golf

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

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

Gymnastics: Trampoline 

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

Rowing and Sailing 

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

Sport Climbing

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

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

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

Squash 

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

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

Table Tennis 

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

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Fall season is here so it’s time to pull out boots and jackets to really set the cozy mood.

As the leaves turn orange and prepare to fall from the trees, now is the perfect time to pick some apples, get lost in a corn maze or pick out the perfect pumpkin for decorating or baking!

Here are some fall festivals to check out in Virginia and Maryland.

Maryland corn mazes, pumpkin patches and apple picking

Maryland Corn Maze: Taylor’s Version

📅 Sept. 14 through Nov. 3
📍 389 Gambrills Road, Gambrills, Maryland
💲 $17.95
🔗 Details

Maryland Corn Maze (Taylor’s Version) is open for all Swifties and non-Swifties alike!

Can’t get enough of Taylor? Visit the maze on Oct. 2 to listen to singer Kanin Wren’s Taylor Swift Experience live concert.

Answer Swift-themed quiz questions to find your way out of the maze. Don’t miss out on the Flashlight Nights if you want a challenge.

Pick your own pumpkins and explore the farm yard complete with a bounceyard, rodeo roping area and slingshots.

Gaver Farm Fall Fun Fest

📅 Through Nov. 5 (10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily)
📍 5501 Detrick Rd Mt. Airy, Maryland
💲 $14.50-$23 (Kids under 24 months are free)
🔗 Details

Gaver Farm has all of your fall fun needs. From sunflowers to pumpkins to apples — there’s just about everything for everyone.

This family-friendly affair offers over 65 attractions including the “Fun to the Core” Corn Maze, animal meet-and-greets, a zipline and pedal karts.

Guests can pick their own pumpkins, apples and sunflowers after riding a free hayride out to the fields. Don’t miss out on the sunflowers — the farm expects blooms through Sept. 22! The farm provides all the tools needed to make picking seamless.

Butler’s Orchard Pumpkin Festival

📅 Sept. 21 through Nov. 3
📍 22222 Davis Mill Road Germantown, Maryland
💲 $11-$22 (Make a reservation ahead of time to avoid higher prices)
🔗 Details

The Butler’s Orchard Pumpkin Festival is bigger and better than ever!

Hunting for the perfect pumpkin? This year, guests have three options. You can drive to the pumpkin patch for the classic picking experience, get a pumpkin at the festival’s market or visit the Pumpkin Yard to get pre-picked pumpkins.

You aren’t just limited to picking your own pumpkin. Once you purchase a ticket, you can take hayrides, visit some backyard buddies, turn through the Twisted Corn Maze and jump in the Corn Pool.

Magnolia Meadow Farms

📅 Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 27
📍13001 Creagerstown Road, Thurmont, Maryland
💲 $15 (online)/$20 (walk-in)
🔗 Details

Magnolia Meadow Farms says it is home to Maryland’s largest corn maze along with family-friendly activities like mini ziplines and a barrel train.

Don’t miss out on Moonlit Maze Nights on Oct. 5 and Oct. 26 where you can try out the corn maze under the stars for a good cause.

If you don’t want to stick to just pumpkins, you’re in luck! You can wander into three different fields to have your pick at sunflowers, pumpkins, gourds or cut flowers.

If you tire out from the fun, private campfires are available on-site. Reserve a campfire in case you want to get your own views of the farm away from the crowds.

Montpelier Farms Fall Festival

📅 Sept. 13-Nov. 3
📍 1720 North Crain Hwy, Upper Marlboro, Maryland
💲 $19.95 in advance/$24.95 at the gate
🔗 Details

Spend all day at the Montpelier Farms Fall Festival with its 7-acre corn maze, Barnyard Basketball and other fall activities. Try your hand at pumpkin bowling or tug of war. When it gets chilly at night, cuddle up by the public bonfire with loved ones.

If you want to pick your own pumpkins, you can visit the patch without purchasing a ticket to the festival — just pick your favorite (or favorites) and buy it there!

Virginia corn mazes, pumpkin patches and apple picking

Cox Farms Fall Festival

📅 Sept. 14 through Nov. 5
📍 15621 Braddock Rd., Centreville, Virginia
💲 $10-$25
🔗 Details

Cox Farms has just about everything you can think of when it comes to fall fun. The Fall Festival is a family-fun affair and there are many activities that you can choose from. You can ride the hayride, visit several attractions like themed slides, taste different apples and feed goats.

If you’re looking for a corn maze filled with surprises, the Cornundrum is just for you. Wind through the maze and you’ll come across pirates, caves and the Vortex!

The fun doesn’t stop there. Go back for spooky scares at their Fields of Fear starting on Sept. 20.

Great County Farms

📅 Aug. 31 through Sept. 30
📍 34345 Snickersville Turnpike, Bluemont, Virginia
💲 $12-$16 (advance tickets are highly recommended for weekends)
🔗 Details

If you’re looking for fresh pressed cider, apple picking and a fun corn maze, Great County Farms is for you!

You can visit the apple orchard, get lost in their 15-acre corn maze and the 15-acre play area that features the Farm Ninja Obstacle Course.

On weekends, guests can enjoy perfect fall activities like live music and visiting a snack bar complete with kettle corn and roasting marshmallows. You can even learn how to learn to press a bushel of apples!

Want to beat the weekend crowds? No worries! Guests can visit the farm during the week along with the weekend.

Wayside Farm

📅 Sept. 21 through Oct. 27
📍 5273 Harry Byrd Highway, Berryville, Virginia
💲 $17-$25 (Depending on ticket type)
🔗 Details

With great power comes great responsibility, and if you have great navigation skills, you can use that power to guide your group out of Wayside Farm’s Spiderman-themed corn maze! Make sure not to get lost in the mazeverse.

There are plenty of fun activities to choose from, including pig races and pumpkin smashing. If you’re interested in the pumpkin patch, reserve a spot in advance. The ticket will cover the first $20 worth of pumpkins.

Leesburg Animal Park’s Pumpkin Village

📅 Sept. 21 through Nov. 5 (closed on Tuesdays)
📍 19246 James Monroe Hwy, Leesburg, Virginia
💲 $18.95-$22.25 (weekend tickets must be purchased in advance)
🔗 Details

If you love the zoo and autumn equally, Leesburg Animal Park’s Pumpkin Village might be the place for you. There’s a whole bunch of family-friendly activities to enjoy such as a kiddie hay maze, animal petting and feeding and pony rides (for an extra fee).

Up the fun factor on the weekends and Columbus Day with live entertainment, face painting, free cider, apple and pumpkin cookie tasting.

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Vice President Kamala Harris stopped by Tyra Banks’ new Smize and Dream ice cream shop located in Woodley Park in D.C. on Friday.

The ice cream pop-up shop will be open through Sept. 20. If you’re taking the Metro, cross the street, walk up to the ice cream truck and down the stairs to enter the shop.

In alignment with D.C.’s area code, the first 202 guests in line will receive a free scoop of the ice cream flavor and SMiZE Surprize of their choice, while supplies last.

What is Smize and Dream? 

The shop started as a mobile ice cream outlet in Dubai and a pre-packed shop in Los Angeles, California. D.C. is the company’s first pop-up shop.

Ice cream isn’t a new obsession to the former host of “America’s Next Top Model.” Growing up, the model said that she and her mom would go get ice cream every Friday after her mom got off of work. 

Banks was inspired by her mother’s drive as a single mother to make sure that she and her brother were taken care of amidst their parents’ divorce. 

“I think that’s where my drive comes from of just pushing and having tunnel vision and wanting success and then also to pull other people with me is because of my mom showing me that sacrifice and that hard work,” Banks said. 

With her mom’s push to make her and her brother’s dreams come true, Banks named the shop Smize and Dreams to represent just that. 

“So when you’re digging [in the ice cream], think about that dream—not weight loss,” Banks joked. “But think about that dream and that’s where it comes from.”

One of her other favorite memories of eating ice cream was when she was a model living in Paris. She would eat Haagen-Dazs in between castings. 

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Free scoops and specials for National Ice Cream Day in the DC area

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What to expect

When you enter the Flavor Studio, there are ten ice cream flavors to choose from, each categorized into three zones specified for how wild you want to go with your taste: Comfort Zone, Curious Zone and Crazy (Good!) Zone.

Before you choose your flavor, guests can choose a Smize surprise, which is a truffle hidden at the bottom of the cup or cone of your choice.

Each week, a new limited edition flavor and Smize surprise will be released on Wednesday with a tease on social media on Tuesday.

The Cap Hill Crunch flavor (also known as the Who Put French Toast In My Cereal?) pays homage to D.C., of course. But Banks also said that it was inspired by a strict childhood rule: no sugary cereals.

It’s a Cap’n Crunch-infused ice cream that has a Cap’n Crunch griddle and pieces of French toast.

When News4 asked if she had another favorite flavor from childhood, Banks said that it’s in one of the upcoming limited editions!

Why Banks picked D.C. as the new pop-up location

Banks wanted to start an ice cream business nearly 20 years ago. While she had names picked out (and admitted that they weren’t great), she was busy at the time with hosting her talk show so she put the business idea on the shelf. 

If the shop first debuted internationally, why put a shop here? For one, her brother has been living in D.C. for 28 years in the military. She and her partner also enjoy the sights of D.C. with her favorite part being Georgetown. 

On a deeper level, the company plans to open a non-profit ice cream and entrepreneurial learning center. 

The school aims to support the economic development of D.C. by educating underserved youth about the ice cream industry, according to a press release. The company will collaborate with government agencies and local organizations to support the learning center. 

Here’s a full list of the Smize and Dream ice cream flavors

• The Best Vanilla I Ever Had (We were able to taste the first batch!)
• Dough Dough & Mo Dough
• Chocolate GooGoo Cake
• Purple Cookie Mon-St⭐r
• Cap Hill Crunch
• StrawNana Pudding
• Wake Up and Smell the Crunchy!
• Mint Chips N’ Dip
• Chocolate Cookies & Cream (Vegan)
• That Woodley Park Thang

After a long day at the National Zoo or if you’re in the area, stop by the shop to cool off with a flavorful treat at Smize and Dream.

The Amorphophallus titanium, better known as the corpse flower, is a rare, 8-foot-tall flower that blooms for just a few days every few years. The U.S. Botanic Garden has several. One just bloomed, and another is expected to do so soon.

The U.S. Botanic Garden stayed open until 8 p.m. on Monday so everyone could check out the unusual plant.

Those two plants have been on display to the public since July 13, and you can visit them now.

The second corpse flower still hasn’t opened, which is lucky for visitors that can’t stop by on Wednesday, July 24, when it is closed due to “an official government function.”

After Wednesday, through Aug. 30, The Conservatory is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. It’s free and no tickets are required.

Why are they called corpse flowers?

Corpse flowers have their morbid name because, when they bloom, the smell is often compared to rotting flesh. The plant features a tall spike, called a spadix, surrounded by a flower that is purple on the inside.

The plant also generates heat when it blooms, allowing the smell to travel further.

That may sound horrendous to humans, but for corpse-attracted pollinators like carrion beetles and flies, it smells like a delicious meal. Once the creepy-crawlies are lured in, they help the plant propagate.

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Petal party: Lotus and Water Lily Festival to bloom at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens 

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According to the botanic garden, the blooms usually stand for three to four days, and the powerful stench is “mostly just during the first 12-24 hours when the female flowers are receptive to pollination.”

The two corpse flowers at the botanic garden that are set to bloom are Accession 2019-0033 and Accession 2007-1033.

Accession 2019-0033 is the fifth bloom from a plant that the botanic garden created in 2017, via pollination, and then planted in 2018. It’s about six years old, and this is the first time it has ever bloomed.

Accession 2007-1033 has longer story. In 2018, the plant almost died because of rot. Part of the plant did die in 2020, but “a large number of sprouts came up,” and 2007-1033 was the one chosen by the botanical garden’s horticulture team to recover the plant.

The plant is four years old, and this is the first bloom since it was recovered in 2021.

Why does the U.S. Botanic Garden have multiple plants known above all else for smelling bad?

Amorphophallus titanum is an endangered species, according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. The plants at the botanic garden are there as part of a conservation effort, and to give the public the chance to see this unusual plant up close.

The population of the corpse flower plant has gone down by more than 50% over the past century and a half, according to the IUCN, which estimates that less than 1,000 individual plants still exist in the wild.

Deforestation is the main reason for the plant’s decline, the botanic garden’s website reads, as logging and oil palm plantations take away the corpse flower’s forest habitat.

By keeping corpse flowers in the botanic garden, scientists can study the genetic makeup of the plants. Eventually, they hope to put that information into a database.

That information will help scientists broaden the gene pool and create more diversity among new plants — hopefully keeping the species alive for many more years to come. (We wouldn’t want too many corpse flower corpses, after all!)

This weekend isn’t the first corpse flower bloom of the year. There were other events in April and May, according to the botanic gardens. You can learn more about those previous blooms, and the plant itself, here.

But if you want to witness a relatively rare botanical event, the plants are already on display to the public, and it’s possible that both will bloom anytime between Friday and Monday.

Who knows? It might even be a breath of fresh air compared to some of the other stuff going on around town recently.

Editor’s Note (Monday, July 22, 2:15 p.m.): The U.S. Botanic Garden said the flowers may bloom over the weekend of July 19-21, and one was open by Monday morning. This article has been updated.

Editor’s Note (Wednesday, July 24, 1:03 p.m.): The second flower still has not opened as of this writing, and the U.S. Botanic Garden is closed all day for an official government function. This article has been updated.

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The festival celebrates the peak blooming period of the lotus and water lilies, similar to the iconic cherry blossoms in the spring. This year’s festival will run from Friday, July 19 through Sunday, July 21. 

This year’s theme, “The Art of Lotus and Water Lilies,” highlights how these stunning flowers inspire creativity in various cultures through art, music and dance. 

The three-day event will feature a variety of free workouts, concerts, cultural performances, art classes, ranger-led programs and activities for children.  Here’s the full schedule.

Visitors can admire the flowers while enjoying activities that showcase the artistic and cultural history of the lotus and water lilies. 

July is when the pink lotus flowers reach peak bloom, but the “stunning sea of pink” usually lasts until mid-August, Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens has said previously.

Park hours during the Festival: 

• Friday, July 19: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 
• Saturday, July 20: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 
• Sunday, July 21: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

Visitor tips

Here are tips on getting there by bike, Metro, car or on foot. The park is connected to the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail and has bike racks, making it a great cycling trip.

The flowers tend to close in intense sun or heat. So, the best time to visit the Lotus and Water Lily Festival is on cooler days, early in the morning or in the evening (Check Storm Team4’s forecast here).

Visitors are encouraged to bring water, as the area around the ponds lacks shade and becomes quite hot. Bottled water is available for purchase at the Visitor’s Center. Picnics are welcome and picnic tables are available, although grilling is not permitted. Food trucks will be present. 

Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome, and leashed dogs are allowed. Visitors should be mindful of the heat, wear comfortable walking shoes, and wear sun protection. 

Visitors are advised to park only in designated areas and to avoid leaving valuables in their cars. 

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These sunny spots not only offer stunning views and photo opportunities, but in some cases they also allow visitors to pick their own sunflowers, making for an idyllic summer outing. 

We’ve compiled a few sunflower fields within driving distance of downtown D.C. that will help you get the perfect summer photo or bouquet.

Maryland:

McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area 

Address: 16898-16500 River Road, MD 20837
Hours: Anytime, no permit required 
Distance from downtown D.C.: 29.3 miles 

Each spring, The Maryland Department of Natural Resources plants sunflowers on the McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area to provide a food source for mourning doves and other wildlife species.

Because the sunflowers in the area are for feeding wildlife and maintaining the ecosystem, you can’t pick these sunflowers. The “cutting, destruction, or removal of any plants,” including sunflowers, is strictly prohibited. Still, the area’s serene fields are the perfect spot for sunflower photos!

Find the 2024 sunflower map here. The sunflower fields are past their peak, so check the photo at the bottom of the website to see if you’re interested in visiting.

Summers Farm 

Address: 7503 Hollow Road, Middletown, MD 21769
When: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., every Saturday and Sunday from Aug. 17 through Sept. 8
Distance from downtown D.C.: 51 miles

Celebrate Summer Farms’ 5th annual Flower Festival with their 8-acre flower field. It has thousands of sunflowers and zinnias in bloom, and you can take frame-worthy photos as you walk through and pick your own flower bouquet. The event will have music, local beer and wine, and food directly from the farm.

Admission includes a wagon ride to the flower field, one free flower bloom of your choice (with more flowers available for purchase) and 45+ activities including a corn maze, tetherball, farmer golf, cornhole, Jenga, and more.

Prices and details can be found here.

Southern Maryland Sunflower Festival 

Address: Farm Heritage Conservancy: 6960 Serenity Farm Road, Hughesville, MD 20637
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Aug. 31 & Sept. 1
Distance from downtown D.C.: 44 miles 

Start off meteorological autumn by visiting the Southern Maryland Sunflower Festival. The farm has six acres of pick-your-own sunflowers, photo opportunities, hay rides, a local art show, vendors, a petting pen and more.

Prices and details can be found here. Don’t forget to bring your own shears!

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Virginia:

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Messick’s Farm Market 

Address: 6025 Catlett Road, Bealeton, VA 22712 
When: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily
Distance from downtown D.C.: 58 miles

Head over to Messick’s Farm Market to experience sunflowers in peak bloom! You can pick your own for $1.49 a stem, but Messick’s also offers pre-picked stems available for purchase. No tickets or reservations are needed.

More information can be found here, or on their Instagram.

Past events

Burnside Farms

Address: Nokesville Farm: 11008 Kettle Run Road, Nokesville, VA 20181
When: TBD, but expect 3-4 weeks of sunflower time in late July/early August
Distance from downtown D.C.:  41 miles 

Visit Burnside Farms for over 70 acres and 30 varieties of sunflowers! The farm will be open for sunflower picking, viewing, and sunflower mazes. The farm’s iconic Sunflower Sunsets are not to be missed! For tickets and details, click here.

Great Country Farms

Address: 18780 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont, VA 20135
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., July 20 – Aug. 11;
Distance from downtown D.C.: 58 miles

Celebrate summer with Great Country Farms’ “Summer of Sunflowers and Peaches”! Bring your own clippers or purchase some from the farm’s market. Cut your own flowers for $1 per stem, then feed some goats and frolic in the play area.

If you’d rather photograph the sunflowers than cut them, the farm also has a sunflower photo contest that runs the length of the flower’s season.

Check out the details here.

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July’s heat is reaching a fever pitch but just keep hydrating because the weekend will bring some relief from the heat.

A movie under the stars would be a good way to stay out of the sun, but you’ll have nicer weather to enjoy Kenilworth Aquatic Garden’s Lotus and Water Lily Festival.

It’s also a great time to explore the dining Scene during Black Restaurant Week.

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

What to do in Washington, D.C.

Capital Fringe Festival: Through July 23, various venues in D.C., tickets to each show cost $15

Washington Mystics vs. Phoenix Mercury: Tues., 11:30 a.m., Capital One Arena, $15+

Wind Down Wednesdays at the National Cathedral: Weds., 5:30-8 p.m., Northwest D.C., free

Movies on the Pitch: “Wonka”: Thurs., 7:30 p.m., Audi Field, free but reservation required

A Night with Prince in the Park and “Under the Cherry Moon” screening: Thurs., 7:30 p.m., Franklin Park, free

Dionne Warwick: Fri., 8 p.m., Warner Theatre, $82+

Open Crafting Night: 21+: Fri., 6-9 p.m., Merry Pin at 7350 Georgia Ave NW, free to attend

Nats Summer Concert Series: Carly Rae Jepsen: Fri., game begins at 6:45 p.m., Nationals Park, $32+

• FYI: Nationals play Reds at home Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Lotus & Water Lily Festival: Fri. Sat. and Sun., Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, free

Free skate lessons: Fridays, 6-8 p.m. through Aug. 5, Anacostia Park Skating Pavilion, free but registration required

• FYI: Photo ID needed for free skate rentals

Library of Congress July Family Day: The Olympic Games: Sat., 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., free but timed entry passes are required to enter the Library of Congress

Home Rule Music Festival: Part II: Sat., Alethia Tanner Park, free

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

Humor Books: ALIVE!: Sat., 7:30 p.m., The Kennedy Center, $17.25+

Olivia Rodrigo: “GUTS World Tour”: Sat., Capital One Arena, sold out 

What to do in Maryland

Lake Arbor Jazz Festival: Weds. to Sun., National Harbor, $95 (advance) or $110 (day-of)

Glen Echo Park Summer Concerts: Nowhere Men: Thurs., 7:30-8:30 p.m., Bumper Car Pavilion, free

Washington Country Fair: Through Sat., Boonsboro, Maryland, $5 for daily gate admission

Pint Size Plunge benefitting Special Olympics Maryland: Sat., Lone Oak Farm in Olney, free attendance, charity raffle starts at $10 per entry

Afro Latino Festival: Sun., noon to 8 p.m., Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring, free

Summer Concert: Larry Dennis & The Wild Rice Band: Sun., 6:30 to 8 p.m., Bladensburg Waterfront Park, free

What to do in Virginia

Line Dancing at Lost Boy Cider: Weds., 6:30 p.m., Alexandria, free entry

Rosslyn LIVE!: Love Story (Taylor Swift tribute): Thurs., July 18, 6-9 p.m., Gateway Park, $5

Wright at Twilight at Pope-Leighey House: Fri., 6:30 p.m., Alexandria, $25

Purcellville Wine and Food Festival: Sat., 2-8 p.m., Fireman’s Field Park, $5+ in advance or $10+ at the gate 

11th Annual Old Town Pub Crawl: Sat., 1:30-6 p.m., Alexandria, free to participate

Stand-up comedy night hosted by Leon Scott: Sat., 7:30 p.m., HIGHLINE RxR in Arlington, $4-$8

“Kicking and Screaming” screening with inflatable soccer: Sat., events start at 6 p.m., Reston Station Metro Plaza, free

Nas with the National Symphony Orchestra: Sun., 8 p.m., Wolf Trap in Vienna, $59+

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National Portrait Gallery exhibit is love letter to James Baldwin

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The exhibit — “This Morning, This Evening, So Soon: James Baldwin and the Voices of Queer Resistance” — features a larger-than-life portrait of Baldwin and includes artwork from contemporary artists who Baldwin surrounded himself with.

There are photographs of Baldwin with singer Nina Simone and with Bayard Rustin, a gay civil rights activist who was one of the main organizers of the March on Washington.

It also includes work from his mentor Beauford Delaney, a fellow gay, Black artist.

“The nexus or genesis of this exhibition was really to think about elements of chosen family, of community, of love,” Director of Curatorial Affairs Rhea Combs said. “Things that I think are really foundational to the ways in which James Baldwin wrote, the way in which he understood the world.”

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Hilton Als consulted on the exhibition, which runs through April.

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Fall season is here so it’s time to pull out boots and jackets to really set the cozy mood.

As the leaves turn orange and prepare to fall from the trees, now is the perfect time to pick some apples, get lost in a corn maze or pick out the perfect pumpkin for decorating or baking!

Here are some fall festivals to check out in Virginia and Maryland.

Maryland corn mazes, pumpkin patches and apple picking

Maryland Corn Maze: Taylor’s Version

📅 Sept. 14 through Nov. 3
📍 389 Gambrills Road, Gambrills, Maryland
💲 $17.95
🔗 Details

Maryland Corn Maze (Taylor’s Version) is open for all Swifties and non-Swifties alike!

Can’t get enough of Taylor? Visit the maze on Oct. 2 to listen to singer Kanin Wren’s Taylor Swift Experience live concert.

Answer Swift-themed quiz questions to find your way out of the maze. Don’t miss out on the Flashlight Nights if you want a challenge.

Pick your own pumpkins and explore the farm yard complete with a bounceyard, rodeo roping area and slingshots.

Gaver Farm Fall Fun Fest

📅 Through Nov. 5 (10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily)
📍 5501 Detrick Rd Mt. Airy, Maryland
💲 $14.50-$23 (Kids under 24 months are free)
🔗 Details

Gaver Farm has all of your fall fun needs. From sunflowers to pumpkins to apples — there’s just about everything for everyone.

This family-friendly affair offers over 65 attractions including the “Fun to the Core” Corn Maze, animal meet-and-greets, a zipline and pedal karts.

Guests can pick their own pumpkins, apples and sunflowers after riding a free hayride out to the fields. Don’t miss out on the sunflowers — the farm expects blooms through Sept. 22! The farm provides all the tools needed to make picking seamless.

Butler’s Orchard Pumpkin Festival

📅 Sept. 21 through Nov. 3
📍 22222 Davis Mill Road Germantown, Maryland
💲 $11-$22 (Make a reservation ahead of time to avoid higher prices)
🔗 Details

The Butler’s Orchard Pumpkin Festival is bigger and better than ever!

Hunting for the perfect pumpkin? This year, guests have three options. You can drive to the pumpkin patch for the classic picking experience, get a pumpkin at the festival’s market or visit the Pumpkin Yard to get pre-picked pumpkins.

You aren’t just limited to picking your own pumpkin. Once you purchase a ticket, you can take hayrides, visit some backyard buddies, turn through the Twisted Corn Maze and jump in the Corn Pool.

Magnolia Meadow Farms

📅 Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 27
📍13001 Creagerstown Road, Thurmont, Maryland
💲 $15 (online)/$20 (walk-in)
🔗 Details

Magnolia Meadow Farms says it is home to Maryland’s largest corn maze along with family-friendly activities like mini ziplines and a barrel train.

Don’t miss out on Moonlit Maze Nights on Oct. 5 and Oct. 26 where you can try out the corn maze under the stars for a good cause.

If you don’t want to stick to just pumpkins, you’re in luck! You can wander into three different fields to have your pick at sunflowers, pumpkins, gourds or cut flowers.

If you tire out from the fun, private campfires are available on-site. Reserve a campfire in case you want to get your own views of the farm away from the crowds.

Montpelier Farms Fall Festival

📅 Sept. 13-Nov. 3
📍 1720 North Crain Hwy, Upper Marlboro, Maryland
💲 $19.95 in advance/$24.95 at the gate
🔗 Details

Spend all day at the Montpelier Farms Fall Festival with its 7-acre corn maze, Barnyard Basketball and other fall activities. Try your hand at pumpkin bowling or tug of war. When it gets chilly at night, cuddle up by the public bonfire with loved ones.

If you want to pick your own pumpkins, you can visit the patch without purchasing a ticket to the festival — just pick your favorite (or favorites) and buy it there!

Virginia corn mazes, pumpkin patches and apple picking

Cox Farms Fall Festival

📅 Sept. 14 through Nov. 5
📍 15621 Braddock Rd., Centreville, Virginia
💲 $10-$25
🔗 Details

Cox Farms has just about everything you can think of when it comes to fall fun. The Fall Festival is a family-fun affair and there are many activities that you can choose from. You can ride the hayride, visit several attractions like themed slides, taste different apples and feed goats.

If you’re looking for a corn maze filled with surprises, the Cornundrum is just for you. Wind through the maze and you’ll come across pirates, caves and the Vortex!

The fun doesn’t stop there. Go back for spooky scares at their Fields of Fear starting on Sept. 20.

Great County Farms

📅 Aug. 31 through Sept. 30
📍 34345 Snickersville Turnpike, Bluemont, Virginia
💲 $12-$16 (advance tickets are highly recommended for weekends)
🔗 Details

If you’re looking for fresh pressed cider, apple picking and a fun corn maze, Great County Farms is for you!

You can visit the apple orchard, get lost in their 15-acre corn maze and the 15-acre play area that features the Farm Ninja Obstacle Course.

On weekends, guests can enjoy perfect fall activities like live music and visiting a snack bar complete with kettle corn and roasting marshmallows. You can even learn how to learn to press a bushel of apples!

Want to beat the weekend crowds? No worries! Guests can visit the farm during the week along with the weekend.

Wayside Farm

📅 Sept. 21 through Oct. 27
📍 5273 Harry Byrd Highway, Berryville, Virginia
💲 $17-$25 (Depending on ticket type)
🔗 Details

With great power comes great responsibility, and if you have great navigation skills, you can use that power to guide your group out of Wayside Farm’s Spiderman-themed corn maze! Make sure not to get lost in the mazeverse.

There are plenty of fun activities to choose from, including pig races and pumpkin smashing. If you’re interested in the pumpkin patch, reserve a spot in advance. The ticket will cover the first $20 worth of pumpkins.

Leesburg Animal Park’s Pumpkin Village

📅 Sept. 21 through Nov. 5 (closed on Tuesdays)
📍 19246 James Monroe Hwy, Leesburg, Virginia
💲 $18.95-$22.25 (weekend tickets must be purchased in advance)
🔗 Details

If you love the zoo and autumn equally, Leesburg Animal Park’s Pumpkin Village might be the place for you. There’s a whole bunch of family-friendly activities to enjoy such as a kiddie hay maze, animal petting and feeding and pony rides (for an extra fee).

Up the fun factor on the weekends and Columbus Day with live entertainment, face painting, free cider, apple and pumpkin cookie tasting.

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Research says children who read for pleasure and are motivated to read do significantly better at school than their peers who rarely read.

Thankfully, there’s motivation available in the form of free books, pizza and game tokens to get kids excited about summer reading.

Here’s a list of the best summer reading programs and freebies for kids and teens:

Your local public library

Your local public library is a great resource year-round and in the summer, many libraries offer fun summer reading programs with prizes, activities and enriching events.

If you haven’t visited the library in a while, be sure to stop in and see what they’re offering.

Barnes & Noble

Kids in 1st through 6th grade can earn a free book when they read any 8 books and record them in their summer reading journal.

After reading each book, kids should write down the author, title and their favorite part of the book. Beginning July 1 through August 31, kids can bring in their completed journal to a Barnes & Noble store to choose their free book from the selection listed.

Books-a-Million

Read any four books from the Books-a-Million Summer Reading Adventure section to receive a free Scholastic Books “Wings of Fire” hat, while supplies last.

Choose from titles like “Charlotte’s Web,” “Judy Moody,” “Only Ivan” and more. Write about the books you read in the Summer Reading Adventure logbook and when it’s complete, show it to a store associate to receive your hat.

The offer doesn’t specify any age limits so teens can participate.

Chuck E. Cheese

When the summer heat gets too intense, head inside your local Chuck E. Cheese as a reward for completing two weeks of consistent reading.

Parents should mark off every day that their child has done some reading on the Reading Rewards Calendar available on their website. When the chart is complete, present the certificate at checkout to earn 10 free play points with any food purchase.

A $1 play pass activation fee is also required according to the fine print.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Children under the age of five can get a free book mailed to them every month, all year round, through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

To participate in the program, complete the form on their website to check availability in your area and register.

Half Price Books

This summer, book lovers of all ages are welcome to participate in Half Price Books’ Summer Reading Camp.

The bookstore with locations in California, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Texas and other states is offering $5 Bookworm Bucks that can be redeemed for anything in-store in exchange for completed reading logs.

The reading logs are only available in-store and must be completed by Wednesday, July 31 for redemption through August.

For those that don’t live near an HPB, check out their suggested reading lists, coloring pages, craft ideas and other activities to get kids excited about summer reading.

Mensa for Kids

The Mensa Foundation’s Excellence in Reading Program is providing a year-round challenge to kids of all ages based on the National Endowment for the Humanities’ Summertime Favorites list.

Some may find it difficult to complete the reading challenge due to the long list of books that are required to complete it but summertime is definitely a great time to put a dent in it.

Upon completion, kids will receive a certificate of achievement and an Excellence in Reading t-shirt.

To participate in the challenge, print the list that corresponds with the child’s reading ability or grade level, check off each book and record the date it was read, along with a rating. Once it is complete, both the reader and an adult will need to sign the list and submit it for verification. Don’t forget to include the t-shirt order form.

Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut’s summer reading program, Camp Book It! is no longer accepting registrants due to an overwhelming response. However, they’re enrolling now for the 2024-2025 school year.

The Book It! program is available to PK-6th grade classrooms, homeschool families and parents wanting to help incentivize their own kids to read.

Now in its 40th year, the beloved program offers students a free one-topping personal pizza when they earn a Reading Award Certificate.

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Carpenter is scheduled to kick off her “Short n’ Sweet Tour” in San Francisco on Aug. 10, marking the first show out of 30 planned for the U.S. and Canada.

The singer will headline arenas in cities across the continent, including Baltimore, Maryland and Charlottesville, Virginia. Other major stops are set for New York City; Nashville, Tennessee; Toronto, Ontario in Canada; Los Angeles, California and Austin, Texas.

However, despite the extensive list, the nation’s capital is noticeably absent from her tour itinerary… and D.C. fans are not happy.

“Please artists, start coming to D.C. again! What’s going on?” said one TikTok user.

“I don’t consider Baltimore to be a part of the DMV,” said another. “So, because of that, I feel like a lot of artists are skipping out on a key part of the country.”

It’s not the first time D.C. has been snubbed by a major pop star. Swifties may still be nursing their wounds from when Taylor Swift skipped over the District during her spectacular Eras tour.

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While D.C. fans of Sabrina Carpenter may be feeling overlooked, they won’t need to go beyond Maryland or Virginia to see this show.

Carpenter’s tour will make a stop in Baltimore, providing a nearby option for those willing to make the trip. The tour will come to CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore on Oct. 5.

The stop closest to Virginia fans is a bit farther away from the District: The tour will be in Charlottesville at the John Paul Jones Arena on Oct. 20.

Carpenter is planning to release her newest album “Short n’ Sweet” on Aug. 23. The singer hasn’t shared her full tracklist; however, she confirmed that “Espresso” and “Please Please Please” are both included. 

Here’s the full list of tour stops and dates:

• Aug. 10, San Francisco, CA – Outside Lands
• Sept. 23, Columbus, OH – Nationwide Arena
• Sept. 25, Toronto, Ontario – Scotiabank Arena
• Sept. 26, Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena
• Sept. 29, New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
• Oct. 2, Hartford, CT – XL Center
• Oct. 3, Boston, MA – TD Garden
• Oct. 5, Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena
• Oct. 8, Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center
• Oct. 11, Montreal, Quebec – Centre Ball
• Oct. 13, Chicago, IL – United Center
• Oct. 14, Minneapolis, MN – Target Center
• Oct. 16, Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
• Oct. 17, Saint Louis, MO – Chaifetz Arena
• Oct. 19, Raleigh, NC – PNC Arena
• Oct. 20, Charlottesville, VA – John Paul Jones Arena
• Oct. 22, Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena
• Oct. 24, Orlando, FL – Kia Center
• Oct. 25, Tampa, FL – Amalie Arena
• Oct. 28, Austin, TX – Moody Center
• Oct. 30, Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center
• Nov. 1, Denver, CO – Ball Arena
• Nov. 2, Salt Lake City, UT – Delta Center
• Nov. 4, Vancouver, British Columbia – Pacific Coliseum
• Nov. 6, Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena

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Hurwitz, owner of the 9:30 Club and concert promoter I.M.P., says that ‘90s rock bands are experiencing a resurgence in popularity today. 

Recently, the Pixies, Modest Mouse and Cat Power played to a crowd of 12,000 at Merriweather Post Pavilion – an impressive accomplishment considering their historical attendance. The resurgence extends beyond that lineup, with other acts like Garbage, Incubus, Death Cab for Cutie and the Postal Service drawing enthusiastic audiences. 

“These bands are doing more business than they ever did,” said Hurwitz. 

Last week, I.M.P. teased the return of the HFStival and unveiled the lineup of 11 bands. Many of these bands had played the original HFStival decades ago. Hurwitz emphasized the careful curation of the lineup, aiming to feature artists who haven’t been seen in a long time but are still great performers. The inclusion of Garbage, Incubus, Death Cab for Cutie and The Postal Service reflects the strategy. 

While Hurwitz himself didn’t promote the original HFStivals, he had a personal connection to the legendary WHFS radio station that created the event. 

“Back in the caveman times,” Hurwitz said, “I was a DJ on WHFS during high school in the ‘70s.” 

However, the idea to bring back the HFStival wasn’t his. The Nationals approached him, recognizing the current craze for ‘90s music, and said they’d like to do “a festival or a show.”

“I have to give the Nationals credit,” Hurwitz said. “They came to us and said ‘Hey, ’90s music is going crazy right now. We’ve got to do something.'”

Hurwitz recalls the moment when HFStival was mentioned during a meeting. Everyone agreed: Why not bring it back? 

As for whether HFStival will become an annual event like it was in the ‘90s, Hurwitz remains optimistic. The lottery sign-ups indicate strong interest, and he hopes the event will be successful enough to warrant future editions. 

“I want people to have a lot of fun that day,” Hurwitz said. “And that’s really the key to future events.”

The HFStival is scheduled for Sept. 21 at Nationals Park. For those who missed out on the initial ticket lottery, there will be another chance to purchase tickets. 

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Founder C. Brian Williams and some of the company’s troop members stopped by NBC4 to share the theme of their new show “The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence.”

The production tells the story of the Great Migration, a pivotal moment in American history when African Americans left the South for the North, according to Williams.

Jacob Lawrence is a well-known African American painter who created the series “The Migration Series,” depicting the Great Migration era. The collection of all 60 panels is on display at the Phillips Collection in D.C.

“Step Afrika! is so honored to be able to interpret his work and bring those paintings to life,” Williams said. “So if you love the visual arts, if you love dance, if you love music, I think this show has so many elements in it that is really a must-see production.”

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Stepping is an important part of African American culture and it plays a big role in storytelling in their shows.

“Step is an art form created by African fraternities and sororities,” Williams said. “Step Afrika! is the first professional company to demonstrate stepping’s unlimited artistic possibilities and to really introduce stepping to the American Theater.”

Williams said that the production allows the company to expand on the type of stepping he did back at Howard University. When attending the HBCU, he learned how to step as a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

The show “The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence” will be performed at Arena Stage until July 14.

The Summer Movie Express deal will take place each week on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 11 a.m. from June 11 til August 7 at all participating theaters.

Some of the movies include Peter Rabbit 2, Puss in Boots, The Angry 2 Birds, and Despicable ME3 among many others. Click here to check out the full list.

Along with the movie, Summer Movie Express guests can also buy a $5 snack pack that includes a junior-sized drink, snack-sized popcorn, and fruit snacks. 

For more information on the Summer Movie Express, click here. 

Our Summer Movie Express is just $1, so the kids can bring a friend 🙂 #RegalMovies pic.twitter.com/Frq958ZWPI

— Regal (@RegalMovies) June 2, 2024

In “Tom’s Elton Tribute,” Tom Cridland devotes himself to honoring John’s classics with his live performances where he takes on the persona of John, complete with elaborate outfits and glasses.

Cridland’s musical journey started during the pandemic when he learned to play the piano. John wasn’t just an inspiration musically but personally too. 

“During the lockdown, I thought, Elton’s music has been kind of like a soulmate to me in good times and bad,” Cridland said. 

When he was comfortable playing the piano, he started performing John’s music in public. 

“I just wanted to get good enough at the piano to be able to play Elton John’s music in bars or in casual places like that,” Cridland said. “You know, things just kind of went quicker than I thought they might.” 

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Before he started performing, Cridland began listening to John’s music regularly when he met his wife Deborah at university when he was 18. He was struggling with sobriety before he started making music.

“I gave up drinking because my drinking was getting out of hand,” Cridland said. “Music was my way of staying sober.” 

He set John as an example of sobriety because the singer was doing concerts and living a “larger-than-life existence.” 

“I find that immensely inspiring when it came to getting sober,” Cridland said. “It’s like Elton’s music was there all the time and it’s a source of comfort.” 

Not many have the chance to meet their idol but Cridland met John and had a conversation with him. 

“I just wanted to say thank you for being a source of inspiration when it comes to staying sober,” Cridland said. ‘We talked about recovery and he was very gracious.” 

“Tom’s Elton Tribute” will perform at the Atlas Performing Arts Center on Sunday night. 

The holiday commemorates June 19, 1865, when news of liberation reached 250,000 enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, the Smithsonian Museum says. That was two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

Observances are often joyful and frequently celebrate the legacies of those who fought for freedom. They come through prayer, family gatherings and food. For many cities, it’s an opportunity to create larger events including parades and festivals.

One historically Black church congregation, Scotland AME Zion Church on Seven Locks Road in Potomac, is hosting a days-long celebration across multiple locations, and capping the celebrations with Montgomery County’s first Juneteenth fireworks show, according to a press release.

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Learning and education remain an integral part of the holiday,  Dr. Dennis Doster, Ph.D, the Black History Program Manager at Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, said.

“We have a lot of people that kind of jumped on the Juneteenth bandwagon without really knowing what the celebration is about. It’s really is about a time to learn about our history, reflect on our history,” Doster said.

Doster helped plan a Juneteenth festival at Watkins Regional Park in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, with a day of local bands, history experiences and art activities.

“For us, it’s one event of many that we do throughout the year that’s about lifting up and honoring Black history and culture. Because when we create those opportunities, for education, for better understanding for dialogue, it just makes us better as a society,” he said.

Juneteenth is the newest federal holiday, first recognized in 2021. But, it’s been celebrated for generations by Black Americans, Brandon Byrd, Associate Professor of History at Vanderbilt University, told NBCLX.

The federal holiday is heavily celebrated in the D.C. area and is also referred to as a second Independence Day, Emancipation Day, Jubilee Day and Black Independence Day. 

Here are some events in the D.C. area if you’d like to celebrate. 

Juneteenth events in Washington, D.C.

Display of the Emancipation Proclamation and General Order No. 3
June 18-20, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., National Archives, free
Details

The original versions of the Emancipation Proclamation and the document at the root of the Juneteenth holiday will be on display at the National Archives, which will open for extended hours to give visitors more chances to see them.

The Emancipation Proclamation famously declared some people who were enslaved in the Confederacy were free, but the struggle was far from over.

On June 19, 1865, U.S. Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger issued General Order No. 3, confirming the freedom of 250,000 people who remained enslaved in Texas.

The first sentence of the order reads: “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.”

The date “became known as ‘Juneteenth,’ and the African American community in Texas long celebrated it as Emancipation Day or Freedom Day,” Mary Ryan of the National Archives wrote.

This year will be the fourth that the National Archives has displayed General Order No. 3 in honor of Juneteenth.

ONE DC’s Juneteenth celebrations

June 17 to 21
Details

ONE DC, a community-based organization is hosting several days of Juneteenth events.

The centerpiece is the community festival on Wednesday at the Black Workers & Wellness Center at 2500 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE, including live music, history lessons, food and art.

Anacostia Community Museum’s Juneteenth Freedom Celebration

Weds., June 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free
Details

The Anacostia Community Museum will host a day of live music outdoors, including performances by Noochie, CuzzinB, Too Much Talent Band, Alex Vaugn and Dupont Brass, plus kid-friendly activities including Double Dutch.

Make sure to stop inside to the see the museum’s latest exhibition, “A Bold and Beautiful Vision: A Century of Black Arts Education in Washington, D.C., 1900-2000.”

You’re welcome to bring drinks, prepared food and a blanket for a picnic, but no cooking or alcohol are allowed. Local food trucks will also be available.

People’s Juneteenth on the White House Ellipse

Weds., June 19, 10:30 a.m., free

United States Colored Troops and Buffalo Soldier reenactors will lead a parade from the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial to the White House Ellipse. On the Ellipse, expect music and a Juneteenth flag-raising.

Fighters for Freedom: William H. Johnson Picturing Justice

Through Sept. 10, Smithsonian American Art Museum, free admission
Details

William H. Johnson made a series, “Fighters for Freedom” to honor Black activists, scientists, teachers, performers, and international heads of people who work to bring peace. The 34 painting exhibition honors some historical figures and their accomplishments.

In the virtual conversation on Tuesday, June 18, curators will discuss two pieces loaned by Hampton University Art Museum as well as other works from the exhibition. 

Step Afrika! performs “The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence”

Through July 14, Arena Stage in Southwest D.C., $41+
Details

Inspired by the series of Jacob Lawrence paintings at The Phillips Collection, Step Afrika! is using its telling the story of the Great Migration on the Kreeger Theater stage, using their signature percussive dance-theater style.

Juneteenth events in Maryland

The Annual Scotland Juneteenth Heritage Festival 

Sat., June 15 to Weds., June 19, various locations in Montgomery County, free
Details

Scotland AME Zion Church, a historically Black church off Seven Locks Road in Potomac, is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its founding and reprising its Juneteenth Heritage Festival for a second year in 2024. The church raised $60,000 for a repair and expansion project last year, when it drew nearly 10,000 people to celebrate. This year, it will share the proceeds with five community organizations, according to a press release.

The festival begins on Saturday, June 15, with a night of music headlined by Chuck Brown Band at the Bethesda Theater.

Sports clinics and an interfaith breakfast are also on the packed schedule of events.

Juneteenth will bring festivals to Cabin John Village and Cabin John Park, including a Children’s Caribbean Carnival, and the grand finale will be a fireworks show at Shirley Povich Field at 9:45 p.m. Organizers say they’ll be the first Juneteenth fireworks in Montgomery County.

Freedom Day Black-Owned Marketplace
Wed., June, 19, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Capital Canopy at National Harbor
Details 

National Harbor will host events all day with Black-owned businesses, including food and clothing vendors. There’s also a free Sip and Paint event at 1 p.m. Stick around for the Juneteenth Cultural Showcase from 5-7 p.m., featuring Secret Society Band, the Eleanor Roosevelt High School step team and Prince George’s Poet Laureate.

Carr’s Beach Reunion
Weds., June 19, 3-7 p.m., Annapolis Maritime Museum and Park, 7300 Edgewood Road, Annapolis, Maryland, free
Details

From the 1920s to the 1960s, Carr’s was one of the few beaches in the D.C. area where African Americans could swim freely and without the fear of discrimination. And it became famous for its live music.

Now, Annapolis is bringing back Carr’s Beach for Juneteenth with performances from The Voices of Motown, Philly Soul bands and J.J. Fingers band will perform at the Carr’s/Elktonia Beach. Get camera-ready if you want to speak to a videographer about your Carr’s beach memories (the videos will be presented at a future visitor’s center, according to a press release). You can also pick up goodies from food trucks and vendors at the event.

Juneteenth by the Prince George’s Parks Black History Program

Sat., June 15, noon to 5 p.m., Watkins Regional Park in Upper Marlboro, free
Details

Chuck Brown Band, Big Tony and Trouble Funk, Brencore Allstars Band and Luther ReLives (singing the ballads of Luther Vandross) are a big draw of Prince George’s County’s main Juneteenth festival, but it’s also about education and community.

“I think that this is a great event for people to, first, come out and have a great time and enjoy themselves, but also we cannot, you know, forget that this is an opportunity for education and learning,” Doster, one of the festival organizers, said.

History experiences and art activities are also in the works. Cheverly artist Jeffrey Felten-Green is the 2024 featured artist, and plenty of local food and merch vendors will be there, too.

Juneteenth events in Virginia

Arlington Community Juneteenth Celebration & Cookout

Weds., June 19, 4-7 p.m., Metropolitan Park in Arlington, free
Details

Come together in Arlington’s Met Park for live music, performances, food and family-friendly activities. This year’s theme is, “What freedom means to me.” It’s hosted by a group of Arlington organizations including the historical society, local NAACP and Arlington Coalition of Black Clergy.

Juneteenth at Manassas National Battlefield Park

Sat., June 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 12521 Lee Highway, Manassas, Virginia, free
Details

The historic site is dedicating its newest exhibit, dedicated to blacksmith Andrew Redman, on Juneteenth. Redman, who was born into enslavement and said he earned his freedom, ran a blacksmith shop in the wake of the Civil War, the National Park Service says.

The dedication of the shop, set for 1:30 p.m., will be followed by an interpretive program sharing Redman’s story and blacksmithing demonstrations. Walking tours, history talks and a hands-on children’s archaeology activity are also planned.

Frying Pan Farm Park
Sat., June 15, 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m., Herndon, Virginia, free
Details

Explore the history of the Black congregants of the Frying Pan Baptist Meeting House, who fought for greater freedoms and formed their own community after emancipation, according to Fairfax County Parks.

Alexandria Juneteenth celebrations

Fri., June 14 to Sat., June 22
Details

The commemorations kick off with a musical storytelling show from Grammy-nominated performer Culture Queen on Friday, June 14, followed by a remembrance ceremony at Douglass Cemetery on Saturday.

Head to Market Square on Juneteenth for storytelling, music and spoken word on Juneteenth, starting at 1:30 p.m.

Here’s the full list of events and historic sites to visit.

WalkArlington Presents: Juneteenth Black Heritage Walk

Sun., June 16, 1-3 p.m., Arlington, Virginia, free
Details

Join Craig Syphax, a leader in the Black Heritage Museum of Arlington, for a two-hour guided tour of sites with historical and family significance. Attendees can meet at Towers Park.

CORRECTION (June 15, 2024, 8:30 p.m.): An earlier version of this article misstated that Juneteenth is a holiday marking the event of slavery in the United States. It marks the end of slavery in the United States, not the event of slavery.

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I.M.P., the owner of D.C. venues including the 9:30 Club, teased the return of the festival last week and dropped major new details on Tuesday.

The Postal Service, Death Cab for Cutie, Incubus, Bush, Garbage, Jimmy Eat World, Girl Talk, Violent Femmes, Tonic, Filter and Lit are set to perform at Nationals Park on Saturday, Sept. 21.

The Postal Service and Death Cab for Cutie – both, as Pitchfork put it, “peak millennial nostalgia” projects of Ben Gibbard – will perform their hit 2003 albums, “Give Up,” which feature hit “Such Great Heights,” and “’Transatlanticism.”

HFStival 2024 will pack all those rock bands onto one stage for one day of dancing and moshing.

Fans will have to enter a lottery for the chance to buy tickets (so, no lining up at Mail Boxes Etc. or Hecht’s at Landmark Mall, as some wondered when news of the revival broke). You can request tickets via Ticketmaster through Sunday, June 16 at 11:59 p.m.

It costs $250 for pit tickets — the standing-room-only area closest to the stage — and $150 for seated tickets, before fees. VIP tickets cost $475. Fans who win tickets in the lottery will be automatically charged and notified by June 21, I.M.P. said.

Organizers I.M.P. and Nationals Park implemented the ticket lottery system anticipating huge interest in the festival.

“Quintessential HFStival acts have been doing an unprecedented business, selling more tickets than they ever came close to back in the day, so it all made sense to bring back the HFStival,” Seth Hurwitz, the owner of I.M.P., said in a release.

HFStival — pronounced H-F-estival — was a massive music festival held annually for more than a decade in the DMV, including several years at the District’s now-shuttered RFK Stadium. HFStival brought together some of the biggest names in college and alt rock, plus hip-hip and other genres (and even Tony Bennett!), across multiple stages. Even MTV’s website previewed the festival in 1997. (Also, today we learned MTV had a website in 1997, apparently). Artists that year included Beck, The Prodigy, The Cardigans and the Squirrel Nut Zippers.

A series of D.C.-area radio stations used the call letters WHFS across several decades. At the time of HFStival’s launch, the station was known for playing progressive and cutting-edge rock artists. But in 2005, under a different ownership group, it abruptly switched formats to a Spanish-language station without warning, famously playing Jeff Buckley’s “Last Goodbye” as its final song.

But 13 years later, I.M.P. shook D.C.’s rock music scene by striking a deal radio company Audacy to use the HFStival name. They heralded the blast from the past with a collage of photos showing massive crowd shots, a mosh pit, MTV’s Kurt Loder and physical paper tickets.

“This will be a show for everyone who went to HFStival in decades past and those who weren’t around to be a part of the scene,” Hurtwitz said.

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“Annie’s Way,” says the sign installed on May 24 in front of Annie’s Paramount Steak House on 17th Street NW. The sign honors restaurateur Annie Kaylor.

The sign went up more than 10 years after the D.C. Council and former Mayor Vincent Gray first approved the designation. As News4 reported, the installation was stuck in limbo for years, in part because Annie’s moved locations by a block-and-a-half.

The staff of the restaurant, a cornerstone of Washington, D.C.’s LGBTQ+ community for more than 75 years, have long awaited the installation of the sign honoring Kaylor.

Annie’s Paramount Steakhouse has a long history of supporting the LGBTQ+ community in the District, particularly during times of rampant discrimination. In particular, the restaurant’s support and commitment to D.C.’s gay community during the AIDS crisis of the 1980s will be remembered.

Kaylor, who served drinks, love and sass from behind the bar, became an iconic figure whose spirit is still celebrated a decade after her death in 2013. 

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After years of advocacy, D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto (D-Ward 2) and four colleagues introduced the Annie’s Way Designation Amendment Act of 2023, allowing the sign to be placed at the restaurant’s current location. The council and Mayor Muriel Bowser approved the bill in April.

The timing of the sign installation is especially meaningful because it went up in time for Pride Month.

Annie’s Way is near a section of 17th Street NW that was named Frank Kameny Way in 2010, as the Washington Blade reported. The honor was bestowed in recognition of a gay rights pioneer whose activism in D.C. and in the national gay rights movement began in the 1960s.

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Annie’s general manager Georgia Katinas told News4 this fall that she would be delighted to see Kaylor honored on a city street sign.

“That’s so rare. How many people get that recognition?” she said.

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Figure out your ‘fit for the mosh pit, because the D.C. and Baltimore area’s iconic (and long dead) HFStival is coming back to life this summer, concert planners say.

Only the broadest details are available so far, but the equally iconic music venue 9:30 Club, as well as Nationals Park, both teased the festival’s return on Instagram, sharing on Wednesday: “HFSTIVAL, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2024 • NATIONALS PARK.”

This message was shared below a collage of photos showing massive crowd shots, a mosh pit, MTV’s Kurt Loder (who, we’re shocked and confused to inform you, is now 79 years old) and physical paper tickets. (Gentle reader, are you old enough to remember those?)

We’d say the photos look heavily filtered, but honestly, that’s just how photos looked in the ’90s and ’00s.

Commenters were quick to jump into the vintage vibes, with one quipping, “Are we going to have to camp out at Mailbox Etc for tickets is the question?”

Another chimed in, “I’ll be in ticket line outside Hecht’s at Landmark Mall.”

For the uninitiated (or literally too young), HFStival — pronounced H-F-estival — was a massive music festival held annually for more than a decade in the DMV, including several years at the District’s now-shuttered RFK Stadium. HFStival brought together some of the biggest names in college and alt rock, plus hip-hip and other genres (and even Tony Bennett!), across multiple stages. Even MTV’s website previewed the festival in 1997. (Also, today we learned MTV had a website in 1997, apparently). Artists that year included Beck, The Prodigy, The Cardigans and the Squirrel Nut Zippers.

A series of D.C.-area radio stations used the call letters WHFS across several decades. At the time of HFStival’s launch, the station was known for playing progressive and cutting-edge rock artists. But in 2005, under a different ownership group, it abruptly switched formats to a Spanish-language station without warning, famously playing Jeff Buckley’s “Last Goodbye” as its final song.

Sounds like it might not be goodbye forever, though.

We’re working to get more details on the return of HFStival, including when tickets might go on sale and when the lineup might drop. A media contact at the 9:30 Club was not able to provide additional information yet. As of 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, the festival was yet not listed on Nationals Park’s events page, which doesn’t display anything past a Bruce Springsteen concert scheduled for Sept. 7.

A documentary about WHFS, “Feast Your Ears: The Story of WHFS 102.3,” won Best Documentary Feature at the DC Independent Film Festival this year.

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Washington, D.C., boasts one of the largest and most energetic pride celebrations in the country — up to a half-million people gather in the District for Pride Month events. And next year, the District is set to host even larger crowds for World Pride 2025.

But, of course, it wasn’t always this way. D.C.’s first “Gay Pride Day” was held on June 22, 1975. It drew 2,000 people, which founder Deacon Maccubbin considered a smashing success.

“It was a smidgen of what we think of as Pride today, but a wonderful smidgeon,” Maccubbin told News4’s Tommy McFly.

Since then, Pride has grown into a mega-popular event. But vitally, it’s also evolved to uplift people across the spectrums of gender and sexuality – and across abilities, locations, ages and more. Today, you have groups like DC Trans Pride, DC Black Pride and DC Youth Pride providing a space for people with unique experiences and challenges.

Capital Pride’s theme this year is “Totally Radical,” embracing how the LGBTQIA+ community is consistently at the forefront of social and political movements, especially during the HIV/AIDS crisis in the 1980s and ‘90s. You can find all of Capital Pride’s official events here.

No matter your Pride Month vibe, you can show your own pride or show up as an ally at events in D.C., Maryland and Virginia.

Subscribe to The Weekend Scene newsletter for more pride events all month long. It’s free!

Pride Month shows and performances

Live in Your Truth Nights & Drag Duels
Fri. May 31 and June 21, 6:30 p.m., Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring, free
Details

“The DMV’s most fierce Drag lip-sync competition” returns. Before the show, check out live entertainment, an artist pop-up, STI and health screenings or grab a drink from the adult beverage garden.

The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC presents “Portraits”
Sun., June 16, 5 p.m., The Kennedy Center, $25-$80
Details

The nine-movement oratorio aims to represent many colors of pride, centering “the vibrant spectrum of sexual, gender, racial, ethnic, and cultural identities,” according to the The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC.

Where can I celebrate LGBTQIA+ Pride in Maryland and Virginia?

From Annapolis and Baltimore in Maryalnd to Loudoun County, Virginia, there’s a good chance your city or county is hosting its own pride celebration. Events are listed in the order that they’re scheduled to occur.

Annapolis Pride
Details

The Maryland capital’s pride parade and festival are set for Saturday, June 1, but you can fill your whole weekend with events, including the Pride on the Pier opening party on Friday.

Fairfax Pride
Details

The City of Fairfax and George Mason University are kicking off Pride Month by collaborating to host Fairfax Pride on June 1 from 5-7 p.m. Check out the informational vendors from around Mason’s campus and the Northern Virginia area, listen to some speakers and grab some Fairfax Pride swag. Plus, the kids can enjoy some face painting and arts and crafts. The location is the Old Town Hall at 3999 University Dr. in Fairfax.

Alexandria Pride
Details

Alexandria is hosting its 7th annual Pride Fair on Saturday, June 1, “to recognize LGBTQ+ people and their contributions to Alexandria’s diverse community and the nation.” The fair features food trucks, live music, a dance workshop, free and confidential health services and local organizations tabling to share information. You can also check out a drag story hour inside City Hall at 3:30 p.m.

Arlington Pride
Details

Arlington, Virginia, is showing its pride all month long. Kick off Pride Month with a block party at Water Park in National Landing on June 1. Save the date for the third annual Arlington Pride Festival on Saturday, June 29. In between, try out speed dating or channel your inner Cowboy Carter at Clarendon Ballroom’s Ho-Down Party.

Loudoun Pride
Details

Loudoun’s three-stage pride extravaganza is ready for thousands of visitors to get loud and proud on Sunday, June 2. Check out the Dragstravaganza, the Alcohol Pavilion and Food Hall with 20+ vendors, the Vendor Alley with more than 150 local and regional businesses, and the Kid’s Zone with bounce houses and face painting. Get tickets early if you’re interested – the county warns that they sell out every year. Proceeds benefit “a 501(c)3 charitable organization fighting for LGBTQ+ advocacy and equality in Northern Virginia and beyond.”

Takoma Pride Day
Details

This family-oriented Pride Month celebration in Takoma Park on Sunday, June 9, includes a kids’ parade at 10 a.m. followed by a street fair with face painting and a guest appearance by drag queen Tara Hoot.

Baltimore Pride
Details

Baltimore’s major Pride Month celebration runs June 10-16, with the parade scheduled for 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 15.

Montgomery County’s Pride in the Plaza
Details

The day-long festival on Sunday, June 30, will feature drag shows, music and more on Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring. it runs from noon to 8 p.m.

When are Washington, D.C.’s pride parade, festival and concert?

The Capital Pride Parade happened Saturday, June 8 from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. This year, it followed a new, streamlined route – and it will no longer go through Dupont Circle.

In 2024, the Capital Pride Parade will start at 14th and T streets NW, then travel south on 14th Street before turning onto Pennsylvania Avenue NW, bringing the parade near the White House grounds. The ending point is 919 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, near the Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter Metro station.

Viewers can line up along the parade route or pay for prime viewing, including $25 for bleachers on Freedom Plaza, or a $5-$10 suggested donation for a special area on Thomas Circle. ADA-accessible viewing is also available.

Dupont, the historic home of D.C.’s pride celebrations, won’t be left out. The Capital Pride 17th Street Block Party will run on Saturday, June 8 from noon to 10 p.m. If you’re bringing children, head to Stead Park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for kid’s activities, games and drag story hour.

The Capital Pride Festival and Concert are scheduled for Sunday, June 9 from noon to 10 p.m. Ana Max, Billy Porter, Exposé, Sapphira Cristál and special guest KeKe Palmer will appear on the Capitol Stage at 3rd and Pennsylvania Avenue NW. Festivalgoers will also be able to explore two other stages, beverage gardens, exhibitors and more.

Past events

RIOT! The Capital Pride Official Opening Party
Fri., June 7, Echostage in Northeast D.C., $50 at the door, cheaper in advance
Details

Capital Pride officially kicks off its biggest weekend with a massive dance party at Echostage in Northeast D.C. “RuPaul’s Drag Race” star Sapphira Cristál headlines a list of performers that includes local drag performers and DJs. This party is for people aged 18 and up.

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

May closed out busy as we said goodbye to D.C.’s favorite little cherry tree, Stumpy, and hello to the prospect of new giant panda bears in the National Zoo.

And as if that emotional roller coaster wasn’t enough, we’re holding out hope for good weekend weather. Storm Team4’s Chuck Bell says Friday and Saturday are looking nice, but showers are possible on Sunday. Keep an eye on the forecast here.

Weekend highlights

Pride Month kicks off

Pride Month kicks off with celebrations in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax and Loudoun in Virginia, plus Annapolis and Rockville in Maryland. These community festivals are free and have activities for the whole family.

If you’re ready to party – with an Olympian – for a good cause, look no further than the Pride! at the Disco Brunch presented by Worthy Mentoring! Carson Kressley will host the party with performances, live music, bottomless food and drink. Olympic gold medalist and WNBA Seimone Augustus will be honored as the 2024 Worthy Mentor Honoree. Tickets cost $200.

On Wednesday, The Weekend Scene newsletter subscribers will get our Pride Guide newsletter packed with pro tips for Capital Pride’s biggest weekend (June 7-9).

Things to Do DC May 31

Your guide to Pride Month in the DC area

Things to Do DC May 29

Dance the summer away at these free outdoor concert series in DC, Maryland and Virginia

Free pick
Opera Italiana is in the Air
Sat., 6 to 7:30 p.m., The Lincoln Memorial, free
🔗 Details

Arias and symphonies will waft over the Lincoln Memorial for Opera Italiana is in the Air. Don’t worry about tickets or dress codes – just show up (perhaps with a blanket to soften seating on the Lincoln Memorial steps).

“For over 400 years, opera was considered ‘pop’ music and only very recently wrongly perceived as music for the elite. In its purest form, it is sheer entertainment for everyone,” maestro and founder Alvise Casellati said in a release, encouraging everyone to give opera music a try.

More summer jams

Free concerts will pop up at parks, the MLK Library rooftop and town squares all summer long – here’s our guide.

Some highlights include:

• Already underway in D.C., there’s live band karaoke at The Wharf on Saturdays and Fridays at Fort Totten.
• In Virginia, kick off Reston’s Fab Fridays with a Tom Petty tribute band. Or try Herndon’s Friday Night Live! featuring a cover band doing dance, rock, country and pop.
• In Maryland, get patriotic with National Harbor’s Salute the Sunset on Saturdays or funky as Higher Hands plays Bowie’s Summer Sunset this Sunday.

Free pick
Pageant of Positive Masculinity
Sat., noon, 205 Harrison St. SE, Leesburg
🔗 Details

Mr. Leesburg will be crowded at Crooked Run Fermentation in Leesburg on Saturday. Last year, the bartenders and some other dudes competed in “talent,” “swimsuit,” “interview” and other categories to vie for the coveted title and raise money for charity.

This year, $12,000 and counting is being raised for LAWS which seeks to empower victims of domestic and sexual violence so that they may live lives free from fear, anxiety and danger. 

Free pick
Occoquan Riverfest & Craft Show
Sat. and Sun., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Occoquan, Virginia
🔗 Details

Browse the work of more than 250 artisans, enjoy live concerts in River Mill Park and walk down the environmentally-conscious Conservation Alley.

Head down on Saturday for the Whatever Floats Your Boat Parade or Sunday for the Duck Splash, where hoards of rubber ducks “race” down the river to benefit a good cause.

Concerts this weekend

Dwight Yoakim, 5:30 p.m. Friday, The Anthem, $55-$125

No intro necessary, right? But a cool venue to catch the iconic country singer-songwriter who achieved major popular and critical success over a four-decade career while remaining outlaw. Well-traveled, long-lived (with a couple of extended breaks) country band The Mavericks, with plenty of songs on the country charts to their record, open. Details.

Shannon and the Clams, 8 p.m. Saturday, The Black Cat, $25 (advance)/$30 (day of)

Garage punks have mined the sounds of early pop and rock ‘n’ roll, psychedelia and R&B for a decade-and-a-half, with songs both rollicking and poignant. The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach produced their latest album, “The Moon Is in the Wrong Place.” Don’t miss DJ Baby Alcatraz’s set to open the night – crate-digger supreme unearths rock ‘n’ roll jams you’ll wonder why you haven’t heard before. Details.

Things to do in D.C.

DanceAfrica DC
Thurs. to Sat., Dance Place in Northeast, free

“Mindbender Mansion” at the National Children’s Museum
Through Sept. 2, included with admission

Mystics vs. Dream in Women Game Changers theme night
Weds., May 29, 7 p.m., Entertainment and Sports Arena

Spring Night Market
Weds. and Thurs., 5-11 p.m., Hi-Lawn at Union Market, free entry

Jeff Goldblum and the The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra
Thurs., 8 p.m., The Lincoln Theatre, $55-$149

NGA First Saturdays
Sat., National Gallery of Art, free

Fiesta Asia Street Fair
11 a.m. to 7 p.m., downtown D.C., free

Daybreaker PEACE TOUR yoga and dance party
Sat., 8 a.m., The Kennedy Center, $25-$40

The Biggest Beyoncé Block Party Ever
Sun., 2-8 p.m., The Bullpen in Southeast D.C., $10-$100

Cleveland Park Day
Sun., noon to 5 p.m., free

Pixar Putt
The Wharf, $32+ for adults

What to do in Maryland

Shake it Off in Gaithersburg: A Taylor Swift Sing-A-Long
Fri., 8:30 p.m., Concert Pavilion, free

Taste of Riverworks festival
Sat., Poolesville, Maryland, free

Asia on the Creek
Sat., noon to 5 p.m., Carroll Creek Amphitheatre in Frederick, free

Outdoor film screening: “Bee Movie”
Sun., 6 p.m., National Harbor, free

Things to do in Virginia

Watch the finale of Bravo’s “Summer House”
Thurs., 8-10 p.m., The Boro in Tysons, free, check in for a free drink ticket

Sari-Sari Pop-Up Night Market
Fri., 5-10 p.m., UPSIDE on Moore in Arlington, free entry

Celebrate South Riding carnival
Fri. and Sat., $10 admission

Old Town Alexandria Scavenger Hunt benefitting Inova Alexandria Hospital
Sat., 1-4 p.m., $15

SummerFest w/Eric Bellinger and more
Sun., noon to 8 p.m., Lerner Town Square in Tysons, $51+

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As much as we love the big names set to perform in D.C. this summer like Olivia Rodrigo, Jennifer Lopez and Janet Jackson, you don’t have to shell out the big bucks for some excellent music.

One free series celebrates go-go, the official music of D.C., on a rooftop above Gallery Place-Chinatown.

The D.C. Public Library’s Go-Go on the Rooftop of the Martin Luther King Jr. Library will happen on Sundays in June. Performers at the free series include E.U., Black Alley, Backyard Band and Junkyard Band.

We’ve rounded up some of the most popular summer concert series across the D.C. area. This list isn’t exhaustive – or complete! For example, we’re waiting for Fort Reno’s super popular summer concert series to announce their schedule. So, check back for updates throughout the season.

If we missed something great, email tips@nbcwashington.com to let us know!

Want more D.C. music, culture and things to do? Subscribe to The Weekend Scene newsletter for reminders about these shows and free festivals including the Columbia Pike Blues Festival and Home Rule Music Festival.

Washington DC concerts

• Rock the Dock, Wednesdays on The Wharf from May 29 to Aug. 28
• Fridays at Fort Totten running from May 31 to Aug. 23
• Jazz in the Parks at the historic Walter Reed campus on the second Saturday of each month from June 8 to Sept. 7
• The D.C. Public Library’s Go-Go on the Rooftop of the Martin Luther King Jr. Library in Gallery Place will return on Sundays in June
• Brunch & Beats at The Wharf brings music to several stages on Sundays from 3-6 p.m.
• DowntownDC Live! in Franklin Park happens 12:30-1:30 p.m. on Thursdays from June 6 to July 25.

Maryland concerts

• Bethesda: Friday Summer Concerts at Norfolk and St. Elmo Avenues, through Sept. 20
• Bowie: Summer Sunset concert series on Sundays at Allen Pond Park until Sept. 1
• Bowie: The Fairwood Community Park Performance Series happens on Sundays June 9, July 7 and Aug. 4, before capping the season with the Fairwood Music Festival on Aug. 25.
• College Park: Friday Night Live! runs between June 7 and Sept. 6
• Gaithersburg: Daytime performances for kids at the Gaithersburg City Hall Concert Pavilion on Wednesdays starting at 10:30 a.m. The series runs June 5 to July 24
• Glen Echo Park: Glen Echo Park concerts on Thursdays from June 13 to Aug. 22
• Montgomery County: Montgomery Parks’ Summer Concert Series on Thursdays from July 11 to Aug. 15
• Prince George’s County: The parks district has several series throughout the summer, including Jazz on the Lawn at the Riversdale House Museum.
• National Harbor: Salute the Sunset on Saturdays through Sept. 11
• Riverdale Park: The Summer Concert Series at Bear Square returns every Saturday.
• Silver Spring: The Sligo Summer Music Series on Fridays between June 7 and Oct. 18

Virginia concerts

• Alexandria: Fort Hunt concerts on Sundays in June, July and August
• Arlington: Lubber Run Amphitheater on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from June 8 to Aug. 2
• Arlington: Netherlands Carillon Concerts on select Saturdays between June 15 and Oct. 19
• Fairfax: Mosaic Live on Saturdays from June 15 to Aug. 17
• Fairfax County: The Fairfax County Park Authority will host concerts at a wide variety of venues several nights a week through August. Here’s the full list.
• Herndon: Friday Night Live! is scheduled through Aug. 23
• Lorton: Mt. Vernon Nights at Workhouse Arts Center happens every other Saturday through Aug. 24
• Reston: Fab Fridays continues until Aug. 16
• Vienna: Summer on the Green starting June 7 and ending July 28

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For decades, they were the focus of tours. But a few weeks ago, that all changed with the opening of a new exhibition.

The Woodlawn reboot gives gives a more complete picture of history and of the people who lived there.

‘Woodlawn is not the fully encompassing history of just one group of people’

In a major shift, visitors will hear about an enslaved cook named Hanson and see his recipes, learn about the Quakers who later bought the land, and meet the free Quander and Holland families, who farmed there.

“The overarching goal is, definitely, we want more people to feel themselves and see their stories reflected in the history of this site, that Woodlawn is not the fully encompassing history of just one group of people,” said Elizabeth Reese, an associate marketing manager for Woodlawn.

Perhaps the most interesting story came after the Lewis family left. Quakers bought the land and launched an antislavery colony well before emancipation. A map shows how Woodlawn plots were split up and sold to both white and Black families.

“So they subdivided the land here into smaller farm plots where white families and free Black families worked side by side to prove that this was a success,” Reese said.

That’s where the Quanders and Hollands entered the picture. One of the land buyers was a descendent of those who were once enslaved on the property.

“One of their descendants, William Holland, purchases 20 acres here in 1856 and he works here,” Reese said.

The Quanders and Hollands are not lost to history — their descendants still live and work nearby in Fairfax County. And the Quakers’ Alexandria Friends meeting house still holds services on the property.

Woodlawn was purchased by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1952.

“It’s part of the tour experience to have the stories of these people to really shine through with this site, because they’re a part of this history just as anyone else is,” Reese said.

The new storylines are not tucked away but interspersed throughout the house.

The research needed to start providing a more complete picture is ongoing. George Mason University students were tasked with creating a display exploring the indigenous people called the Doeg, who were there long before Woodlawn was built. Local descendants are bringing in indigenous artifacts as offerings.

“Both of these exhibits are really a first step for us in exploring the histories here in working in conjunction with community members,” Woodlawn Interim Director Heather Johnson said.

They hope that by shining a light on Woodlawn’s fuller story, even more visitors will want to make their way to the history-rich property.

Woodlawn is open Thursdays through Mondays — including Memorial Day — from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Memorial Day is an occasion to honor the sacrifices of all those who have died serving in the United States military.

Arlington National Cemetery says it hosted the first official national celebration of Memorial Day in 1868, when it was known as Decoration Day because people would bring flags and flowers to the graves of fallen servicemembers.

In Washington, D.C., Memorial Day is marked every year with official ceremonies at war memorials and Arlington National Cemetery, as well as events like the Rolling to Remember demonstration ride raising awareness about prisoners of war and those missing in action (POW/MIAs).

Here’s how to salute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

National Memorial Day Concert

Sat., 8 p.m., U.S .Capitol, free
Details

Head to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol for a patriotic concert featuring U.S. military bands and famous singers, plus celebrity hosts including Gary Sinise and Bryan Cranston.

Gates, located at the southwest corner of the Capitol grounds, are expected to open at 5 p.m. The performance is set to run from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The concert is free and open to the public; you don’t need any tickets to attend.

You’re allowed to bring a picnic, nonalcoholic beverages and camp chairs that are low to the ground. Expect a security screening; all backpacks, closed containers and coolers will be searched, U.S. Capitol Police said.

Leave bikes, pets, large umbrellas, luggage, drones and other prohibited items at home.

“Taking the Metro to the concert site is strongly advised due to traffic volume and street closures put in place for the event. The nearest stations are Federal Center SW (Orange/Blue lines) and Union Station (Red line),” according to PBS, which is hosting the concert.

Pro tip: If you can’t make it on Sunday or want to try and avoid crowds, go to the dress rehearsal. It happens at the same time, but on Saturday.

USAA Poppy Wall of Honor

Fri. to Sun., National Mall, free
Details

More than 600,000 poppies – the flower of remembrance – will cover a 133-foot-long wall on the National Mall to commemorate servicemembers who have lost their lives since World War I.

The display will also include a digital exhibit to mark 80 years since the D-Day invasion.

The poppy wall will be open during these times:

• Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Head to the southwest corner of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool to see the display.

Arlington National Cemetery

Details

On Thursday, members of The Old Guard will place flags at each gravestone to pay respects. Flags In is not open to the public, but visitors will be able to see the acknowledgment.

The public is invited to participate in Flowers of Remembrance Day on Sunday. It’s “the only time of the year where visitors can walk across the Memorial Plaza and place a flower before the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier,” according to The Memorial Day Flowers Foundation, which provides all flowers for the commemoration. It’s just the third year the public has been invited to participate.

At 10 a.m., cemetery historians will also offer a talk on the history of the event.

On Monday at 11 a.m., Arlington National Cemetery is set to recognize fallen servicemembers. Seating will be available first come, first served.

“Scheduled public events include performances by the United States Air Force Band’s Singing Sergeants and the U.S. Coast Guard Band, followed by a parade of colors by veterans’ organizations and remarks from dignitaries,” the website says.

If you’re visiting Arlington National Cemetery, brush up on the parking and security rules. All visitors over the age of 16 should be prepared to show a photo ID.

Rolling to Remember

Details

Thousands of motorcyclists will converge in the D.C. area this weekend to raise awareness about prisoners of war, soldiers missing in action and veterans losing their lives to mental health crises.

The motorcycle ride is scheduled for Sunday. Riders will meet in the Pentagon’s North Parking lot between 7 a.m. and noon. There will be a vigil at the Lincoln Memorial after the ride.

On Friday, Rolling to Remember also hosts a blessing of the bikes at the National Cathedral at 5 p.m. and a candlelight vigil at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at 9 p.m.

National Mall war memorials

Details

The National Park Service will host wreath-laying ceremonies at the major war memorials on the National Mall.

The first ceremony will be at the World War II Memorial on Saturday at 9 a.m.

Monday’s ceremonies include:

• 10 a.m.: Vietnam Women’s Memorial
• 1 p.m.: Vietnam Veterans Memorial
• 1:30 p.m.: United States Navy Memorial
• 4:15 p.m.: Korean War Veterans Memorial
• 5 p.m.: Taps played across the National Mall

National Memorial Day Parade

Mon., 2 p.m., Constitution Avenue between 7^th and 17^th Streets NW, free
Details

Line up anywhere along the parade route to watch marching bands and more in the Memorial Day parade hosted by Anthony Anderson and Drew Carey.

Pre-parade performances are set to begin at 1 p.m., followed by the big event itself between 2-4 p.m.

“The National Archives/Penn Quarter/Navy Memorial stop on the Green and Yellow lines are located one block from the route.  Federal Triangle & Smithsonian on the Orange, Blue, and Silver lines are also a short walk from the route,” The Americans Veterans Center said.

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You can find a movie under the stars almost every night of the week at venues including the Kennedy Center, the historic Congressional Cemetery, National Harbor and parks throughout Northern Virginia.

So, grab a blanket and chairs, pack some popcorn and settle in for a movie night with your neighbors.

Scroll to find sections for Maryland and Virginia. We’ve organized these lists starting with the movie series that begin earliest in the season.

DC outdoor movies

Library of Congress Summer Movies on the Lawn

📅 Thursdays through Aug. 8
📍 Thomas Jefferson Building lawn at the corner of 2nd Street SE and Independence Avenue
💲 Free
🔗 Details

Every summer, the Library of Congress screens selections from the National Film Registry. This August, watch “Rocky” (Aug. 1) and “Lady and the Tramp” (Aug. 8).

Movies on the Memorial

📅 Thursdays at sunset through Aug. 1
📍  U.S. Navy Memorial
💲 Free
🔗 Details

Head to downtown D.C. for some classic movies including “Night at the Museum” (July 18), “National Treasure: Book of Secrets” (July 25) and “Top Gun” (Aug. 1).

Lawn Flicks

📅 Thursdays at 9 p.m. from June 6 to Aug. 27
📍 Hi-Lawn at Union Market
💲 Free
🔗 Details

Head to the rooftop above Union Market for some of the most-loved summer movies from the 1980s to today.

You can rent lawn chair seating for $5 via Resy, or bring your own picnic blanket.

Hi-Lawn will offer also curated movie “picnic baskets,” drink specials including $6 cans of Happy Thursday refreshers and $69 bottles of Veuve Clicquot.

Head to the movie nights early for free trivia from 7-9 p.m. No reservations or registration are required.

Kids are allowed at movie nights, but dogs have to stay home.

“You are welcome to bring outside food specifically from Union Market vendors downstairs, or can bring outside cakes/cupcakes for special celebrations. But all outside alcohol is strictly prohibited,” Hi-Lawn’s FAQ says.

Here’s the full schedule:

• June 6: “Dirty Dancing”
• June 13: “The Birdcage”
• June 20: “Everything, Everywhere All At Once”
• June 27: “The Big Lebowski”
• July 4: no movie during the holiday celebration
• July 11: “Jaws”
• July 18: “Ferris Bueller”
• July 25: “Top Gun: Maverick”
• August 1: “Clueless”
• August 8: “One Love”
• August 15: “Friday”
• August 22: “Footloose”
• August 27: “Breakfast Club”

Movies on the Pitch

📅 Select Thursdays
📍 Audi Field
💲 Free, but reservations required
🔗 Details

Catch some relatively new blockbusters right from the green at Audi Field. The screenings are free, but you’ll need to reserve a ticket on Fevo. Ticket sales will begin two weeks before each movie.

• May 30: “The Little Mermaid” (2023)
• June 6: “Barbie”
• June 20: “Mean Girls” (2024)
• June 27 – “The Marvels”
• July 18 – “Wonka”

Audi Field is set to open the gates at 6:30 p.m. before the 7:30 p.m. show time. Chairs, outside food and alcohol and bags larger than 14 inches by 14 inches by 6 inches are not allowed inside. Here’s the full bag policy.

Sunset Cinema

📅 Thursdays through Aug. 29
📍 Transit Pier at The Wharf
💲 Free
🔗 Details

The Wharf’s movie nights include classics and newer releases for all ages. Movies are set to begin at 7:30 p.m. every Thursday from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

A few chairs will be available, but it’s a good idea to bring your own blanket or folding chairs. You’re allowed to bring food from any Wharf restaurant, as well. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for weather updates.

Here’s the full list:

• May 30: “Toy Story 2”
• June 6: “Love & Basketball”
• June 13: “Mean Girls” (2004)
• June 20: “Captain Phillips”
• June 27: “50 First Dates”
• July 11: “Angels in the Outfield”
• July 18: “Dreamgirls”
• July 25: “King Richard”
• Aug. 1: “Top Gun: Maverick”
• Aug. 8: “Boys in the Boat”
• Aug. 15: “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again”
• Aug. 22: “Wonka”
• Aug. 29: “Soul”

Cinematery: Summer of Spirits

📅 May 31, plus first Fridays of July, August and September
📍 Congressional Cemetery (Southeast D.C.)
💲 $10 per person recommended donation
🔗 Details

Congressional Cemetery is leaning into its spooky surroundings by reviving some ghostly films.

You’re welcome to bring your own food and beverages, including alcohol, or pick up something from the snack bar.

Here’s the full schedule:

• May 31: “Beetlejuice” (June 14 rain date)
• July 5: “The Sixth Sense” (July 12 rain date)
• Aug. 2: “The Haunted Mansion” (Aug. 9 rain date)
• Sept. 6: “Casper” (Sept. 13 rain date)

Extraordinary Cinema at The REACH

📅 Fridays, May 31 to Aug. 30
📍 The REACH at the Kennedy Center
💲 Free
🔗Details

The Kennedy Center will present outdoor films all summer long in its Extraordinary Cinema series. The REACH Video Wall, situated near the Potomac River, is a picturesque spot to spend a summer evening. Come early and prepared with a blanket or chair and snacks. There’s a snack bar on site, and bathrooms are available inside the REACH building.

This season, expect a diverse lineup of films including classic action flicks, documentaries and family films, including “Elemental” (June 21), “In the Heights” (July 5), Alfred Hitchcock’s “Rear Window” (Aug. 9) and “Free Solo” (Aug. 16).

The Drive-In at Union Market

📅 First and third Fridays
📍 Union Market (Northeast D.C.)
💲 Free walk-ins, or $20 per car
🔗 Details

The Drive-In at Union Market is back for its 11th season.

Showings cost $20 per car. Audio is played over the FM radio.

This drive-in is open to those without a car: You can walk up to Neal Place, and audio will be played over speakers.

Of course, you’re welcome to hit up any of Union Market’s eateries for snacks or dinner. Alcoholic drinks are only permitted at Neal Place, not in the parking lot.

Here’s the schedule:

• June 2: “King Richard”
• June 16: “Clueless”
• July 7: “Top Gun: Maverick”
• July 21: “Hairspray”

Films at the Stone

📅 One Friday per month
📍 Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial (Southwest D.C.)
💲 Free
🔗Details

Catch a film at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial to watch stories of individuals who displayed love and courage.

This year’s films are:

• June 21: “Elemental”
• July 19: “Kung Fu Panda 4”
• Aug. 16: “The Little Mermaid” (2023)

The films start at 8 pm. Organizers suggest coming early with blankets or low-profile lawn chairs.

Van Ness Main Street Movie Night in the Park

📅 Wednesdays, June 26 and July 31, plus Saturday, Sept. 14
📍 UDC Ampitheater (Northwest D.C.)
💲 Free
🔗 Details

Watch “Barbie” (June 26), “Aquaman” (July 31) and “Spy Kids” (Sept. 14) at the University of the District of Columbia’s outdoor amphitheater. There are wooden seats, but you can bring a cushion or blanket to up the “cozy” factor.

You’re allowed to bring food and drinks, including alcohol, organizers say.

Maryland outdoor movies

Summer Movie Nights

📅 Friday, Aug. 16
📍 Cosca Regional Park in Clinton
💲 Free
🔗 Details

Watch the family-favorite “Kung Fu Panda 4” under the stars in Clinton, Maryland.

Movies in the Park: Watkins Regional Park

📅 Fridays through Aug. 9
📍 Watkins Regional Park in Upper Marlboro
💲 Free
🔗 Details

Bring the whole family, plus a picnic and lawn chairs, to watch some relatively new releases including “Kung Fu Panda 4” (July 19), “The Little Mermaid” (2019) (July 26) and “Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” (Aug. 9).

Movies on the Potomac (National Harbor)

📅 Thursday date night movies and Sunday family night movies through September
📍 National Harbor
💲 Free
🔗 Details

Movies on the Potomac are back! Pack your chairs, grab food to go and meet at the plaza’s big screen for free fun with Thursday date night movies beginning at 7 p.m. and Sunday family night movies beginning at 6 p.m. 

All you need to bring is a chair or a blanket to enjoy these free screenings. Food is available to purchase at nearby restaurants.

Here’s the full calendar.

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Movies on the Beach (North Beach)

📅 One Saturday a month
📍 North Beach (Calvert County)
💲 Free
🔗 Details

Bring a beach chair for family-friendly films projected onto a giant inflatable screen right on the sand.

Here’s the schedule:

• June 15: “Elemental”
• July 13: “Top Gun: Maverick”
• Aug. 17: “Lady and the Tramp”
• Sept. 21: “Migration”

FYI: There’s also a Movies on the Beach series in Ocean City, Maryland, if you’re heading to the shore.

Bethesda Outdoor Movies

📅 Fri, July 26; Sat. Aug. 2 and Fri., Aug. 9
📍 Woodmont Triangle, Corner of Norfolk & Auburn avenues
💲 Free
🔗 Details

Some chairs will be provided, but it’s a good idea to bring your own. Screenings begin about 9 p.m.

This year’s movies are:

• July 26: “Men in Black”
• Aug. 2: “Battle of the Sexes”
• Aug. 9: “Sister Act”

Movies in the Parks (Rockville)

📅 Wednesdays, July 31 to Aug. 21
📍 Various locations
💲 Free
🔗 Details

Explore four Rockville parks to see some well-loved family films on select Wednesday nights. Each movie is set to begin at dusk; you’re encouraged to bring your own blanket, chairs, food and non-alcoholic beverages.

• July 31: “The Emperor’s New Groove” at Fallsgrove Park
• Aug. 7: “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” at Montrose Park
• Aug. 14: “Encanto” at Calvin Park
• Aug. 21: “Matilda” at Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park

Virginia outdoor movies

Lovettsville’s Summer on the Green

📅 Various dates starting Saturday, May 25
📍 Lovettsville Town Green
💲 Free
🔗 Details

Check out the movie listings on the Lovettsville Facebook page throughout the summer.

Summerbration (Reston)

📅 Saturdays, June 1 to Aug. 31
📍 Reston Station Metro Plaza
💲 Free
🔗 Details

Go for gold with Reston’s sports-themed movie nights every Saturday starting at 6:30 p.m.

Many screenings are paired with special events, including “Cool Runnings” with a Jamaican food truck (June 15) and an inflatable batting cage for “The Sandlot” (July 27) and “Angels in the Outfield” (Aug. 24).

South Riding Movie Night

📅 Every other Tuesday, June 11 to Aug. 13
📍 Town Green or SRC Stage
💲 Free
🔗 Details

Bring a blanket or chairs to watch family-friendly movies every other Tuesday at the Town Green or SRC Stage. The movies start at sunset. Check the schedule for movie listings.

Mosaic Films in the Park (Fairfax)

📅 Thursdays, June 20 through Aug. 15
📍 Strawberry Park in Fairfax, Virginia
💲 Free
🔗 Details

The large outdoor screen will show a mix of PG and PG-13 films starting at 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays from June 20 to Aug. 15.

The schedule is:

• June 20: “Barbie”
• June 27: “High School Musical 2”
• July 4: “Top Gun: Maverick”
• July 11: “Migration”
• July 18: “Trolls Band Together”
• July 25: “Wish”
• Aug. 1: “The Marvels”
• Aug. 8: “PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie”
• Aug. 15: “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3”

Columbia Pike Movie Nights

📅📍 Fridays at Arlington Mill and Saturdays at Penrose Square starting in July
💲 Free
🔗 Details

Set up a blanket or lawn chairs and get comfy for outdoor movies at two locations in Columbia Pike.

Arlington Mill will run movies on Fridays from July 5 to Aug. 23, while Penrose Square offers a Saturday night out from July 6 to Aug. 24. Visit the website for the full schedule and more information.

Movies, which will be shown in English with Spanish subtitles, are set to begin between 8 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Leashed pets are welcome, but alcohol is not allowed.

Past events

Adams Morgan Movie Nights

📅 Tuesdays, May 21 to June 25
📍 Soccer field at Marie Reed Elementary (Northwest D.C.)
💲 Free
🔗 Details

Gear up for the Summer Olympics with sports-themed movies every Tuesday on the soccer field at Marie Reed Elementary.

Screenings are scheduled to begin about 9 p.m.

Here’s the full schedule:

• Tuesday, May 21: “Bring It On”
• Tuesday, May 28: “I, Tonya”
• Tuesday, June 4: “Bend It Like Beckham”
• Tuesday, June 11: “Battle of the Sexes” (Pride Night)
• Tuesday, June 18: “Race”
• Tuesday, June 25: “Space Jam”

CiNoMatic (NoMA)

📅 Wednesdays through June 5
📍 Alethia Tanner Park (Northeast D.C.)
💲 Free
🔗 Details

Go on an “epic expedition” right on the big screen in Alethia Tanner Park. Movies begin at sunset; registration is recommended, the NoMA BID says.

Here’s the schedule:

• May 22: “O Brother, Where Art Thou?”
• May 29: “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull”
• June 12: “The Goonies”

Rosslyn Cinema

📅 Fridays in June
📍 Gateway Park
💲 Free
🔗 Details

Watch “Hairspray” (June 7), “The Secret Life of Pets” (June 14) and “Barbie” (June 21) under the stars in Gateway Park. Each night is set to include extra family-friendly activities.

Beer and wine sales are set to begin at 6 p.m. Movies will begin just after sundown.

Downtown DC Summer Flicks

📅 Thursdays at sunset from June 6 to July 18, except July 4
📍  Franklin Park
💲 Free
🔗 Details

DowntownDC is putting blockbusters on the big screen in Franklin Park, which is near the McPherson Square Metro station.

The fun starts at 7:30 p.m. each Thursday with a live DJ, followed by the movie at sunset. Bring your own chairs or blankets!

On July 18, DowntownDC will pay tribute to Prince with a special mini-concert by Grammy nominee Edward “Junie” Henderson before screening “Under the Cherry Moon,” a romantic musical starring Prince.

Here’s the full schedule:

• June 6: “The Equalizer 3”
• June 13: “The Marvels”
• June 20: “Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3”
• June 27: “Wonka”
• July 11: “John Wick Chapter 4”
• July 18: “Under The Cherry Moon” for A Night With Prince in the Park

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The 2024 NFL schedule is out, and things start tough for Washington.

For their first regular season game, the Commanders are going to be on the road at Tampa, and the Buccaneers won a playoff game last year at Raymond James Stadium.

The home opener is slated for Sept. 15. It will be Jayden Daniels’ first time playing at Commanders Field in front of a home crowd. It should be electric, especially with the NFC East New York Giants coming to town (FedEx ended its naming rights agreement with the stadium in Landover, Maryland, in February).

Then, it is back-to-back road trips, beginning on the road in Cincinnati for Monday Night Football. After that, it’s another roadie – this time to Arizona – on a short week.

Things settle down on the first Sunday in October as the Commanders face Cleveland at home. Next up is a road trip to Baltimore, but that’s really not much of a road trip.

Then, fans can enjoy two home games in a row. These are winnable games against the Carolina Panthers and the Chicago Bears, featuring this year’s number one pick at quarterback, D.C. native and Gonzaga College High School alum Caleb Williams.

The Commanders get back on the road to start November against the Giants before returning home, taking on the Pittsburgh Steelers on Nov. 10.

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On the short week, they’re going to Philly to play the Eagles on a Thursday night. After that, there’s a little bit of a layoff before facing Dallas and Tennessee at home.

This is almost unheard of: For the third season in a row, Washington has their bye week in December.
Then, they’re headed to New Orleans for a Dec. 15 game.

Expect back-to-back home games before and after Christmas. The Philadelphia Eagles come to Landover on Dec. 22, and then it’s unclear what the date will be for the week 17 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. It’s either Dec. 28 or 29.

For the last game of the regular season, the Commanders will be at Dallas.

Football is coming, folks!

Here’s the full schedule.

Washington Commanders 2024 schedule

Commanders preseason games

Commanders regular season games

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More than 50 Red Lobster locations are closing their doors amid the seafood chain’s financial struggles, including seven restaurants across Maryland and Virginia.

The closures represent just a fraction of Red Lobster’s approximately 700 locations.

List: Red Lobster locations closing in Maryland and Virginia

• Gaithersburg, Maryland
• Columbia, Maryland
• Silver Spring, Maryland
• Laurel, Maryland
• Colonial Heights, Virginia
• Williamsburg, Virginia
• Newport News, Virginia

Red Lobster closures come just months after ‘endless shrimp’ losses

Restaurant liquidator TAGeX Brands announced this week that it would be auctioning off the equipment of over 50 Red Lobster locations that were recently closed as part of the seafood chain’s “footprint rationalization.” The locations span across more than 20 states — cutting back on Red Lobster’s presence in cities like Denver, San Antonio, Indianapolis and Sacramento, California.

It’s unclear if Red Lobster plans to shutter any additional restaurants in the near future. The Orlando, Florida-based company did not immediately respond to The Associated Press’ requests for comment.

On Red Lobster’s website, a handful of impacted locations were listed as “temporarily closed” or “unavailable” Tuesday morning.

Red Lobster has been struggling for some time. With lease and labor costs piling up in recent years, the chain is now reportedly considering filing for bankruptcy protection. A potential Chapter 11 filing could help Red Lobster exit from some long-term contracts and renegotiate many of its leases, unnamed sources familiar with the matter told Bloomberg News last month.

Maintaining stable management has also proven difficult, with the company seeing multiple ownership changes over its 56-year history. Earlier this year, Red Lobster co-owner Thai Union Group, one of the world’s largest seafood suppliers, announced its intention to exit its minority investment in the dining chain.

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Thai Union first invested in Red Lobster in 2016 and upped its stake in 2020. At the time of the January announcement on its plans to divest, CEO Thiraphong Chansiri said the COVID-19 pandemic, industry headwinds and rising operating costs had impacted Red Lobster and resulted in “prolonged negative financial contributions to Thai Union and its shareholders.”

For the first nine months of 2023, the Thailand company reported a $19 million share of loss from Red Lobster.

And then there’s been the problem of endless shrimp. Last year, Red Lobster significantly expanded its iconic all-you-can-eat shrimp deal. But customer demand overwhelmed what the chain could afford, which also reportedly contributed to the millions in losses.

TAGeX Brands’ auctions for the more than 50 closing Red Lobster locations it’s handling liquidation for began Monday and will run through Thursday. The sales are “winner takes all” — meaning that one winner will receive the entirety of contents for each location. Images on TAGeX Brands’ website indicate that includes ovens, refrigerators, bar setups, dining furniture and more.

TAGeX Brands called the liquidation “the largest restaurant equipment auction event ever.” In a statement, founder and CEO Neal Sherman said that the goal of such online auctions was to “prevent high-quality items from being discarded in landfills” and instead promote sustainable reuse.

As of Tuesday morning, auctions for 48 locations were still live after another four sales closed Monday, TAGeX Brands said via email.

Red Lobster’s roots date back to 1968, when the first restaurant opened in Lakeland, Florida. In the decades following, the chain expanded rapidly.

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The Washington Mystics are one of eight teams that started their regular season on Tuesday and there’s plenty of hype for Washington. Aaliyah Edwards was the number six overall pick in the draft. And just a year after the league hit a 13-year high for attendance, some Mystics games were moved to Capital One Arena to accommodate larger crowds. Then, there’s the Olympics: We’ll know in early June if any Mystics players are going to Paris.

The Mystics’ Dana Campbell says D.C.’s team is building off the momentum and encourages people to come to games at the team’s regular home, the Entertainment and Sports Arena in Southeast D.C.

“Getting bigger. We have a lot of great themes and promotions that will be available this season,” Campbell said. “Come out to all of our games this season, we have 20 home games.”

Single-game tickets for the 2024 Washington Mystics season are currently on sale at washingtonmystics.com.

Mystics will host some games at Capital One Arena this season

The Washington Mystics play at the Entertainment and Sports Arena in Southeast D.C., which seats 4,200 people. But as interest in women’s basketball soars, the home of the Mystics might be too small for a few high-profile games.

Three games will be moved to Capital One Arena in downtown D.C., which seats 20,000 people.

Ahead of their home opener, the Mystics announced Capital One Arena would house the Thursday, June 6 game against the Chicago Sky. Maryland native Angel Reese is one of the Sky’s new players and was a top 10 pick in the draft this year along with Kamila Cardoso.

Citing the unprecedented demand for tickets, the Mystics also moved their Friday, June 7 game against the Indiana Fever to the Capital One Arena, giving more fans hope to watch Clark play.

Brittney Griner’s team, the Phoenix Mercury, will face the Mystics at Capital One Arena on Tuesday, July 16. You can find the Mystics schedule here.

The demand for a bigger capacity follows the women’s NCAA Tournament title game between South Carolina and Iowa, the most-watched basketball game since 2019. 

You can likely expect more Mystics games at Capital One Arena in the future.

“That is why we specifically negotiated in our Term Sheet with D.C. that at least four regular season games and all post-season games should have the option to move to Capital One Arena to facilitate larger crowds. We fully anticipate that we could need to accommodate high demand for WNBA games,” Ted Leonsis, CEO of Monumental Sports and Entertainment said in a release. 

Tips for a fun and safe time at the games

Don’t dribble with your head down! You’ll want to brush up on entry policies before heading to any pro sports game. That’s why we have put together a list of items that are not allowed in the arena, as well as some tips to make your day a slam dunk.

The Entertainment and Sports Arena says it enforces a strict no bag policy, so leave backpacks, purses and luggage at home. There are no bag storage options at the arena.

“Wallet-size clutches no larger than 5” x 7”, medical bags or parenting/diaper bags no larger than 14″ x 14″ x 6″ are permitted. Any medical or parenting bags (child must be present) that are exempted are subject to security screening,” the bag policy FAQ says.

The same bag policy applies to Capital One Arena. 

Entertainment and Sports Arena says that prohibited items include, but are not limited to:

• Adhesive stickers
• Balloons
• Cans or coolers
• Cigarette lighters
• Confetti and streamers
• Fireworks
• Frisbees or inflated balls
• Illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia
• Large flags and banners 
• Laser pointers
• Glass containers of any kind (Guests are allowed one empty, plastic or metallic bottle for use at Arena water fountains/bottle refilling stations)
• Missile or projectile-like objects
• Monopods, tripods or selfie sticks 
• Noisemakers of any kind (such as can operated air horns, sirens, kazoos, whistles, etc.)
• Outside food and beverages
• Pets (with the exception of service animals)
• Poles and staffs (metal, plastic or wooden)
• Professional cameras with fixed or detachable zoom lenses longer than 6″ and/or tripods. Please see the “Camera Policy” in the FAQ section for more information.
• Umbrellas larger than 15” when closed. (Under 15″ are permitted)
• Vaping pens and any smoke/vapor emitting products
• Video camera and audio recording devices (including camcorders, GoPros, Contour cameras)
• Weapons of any kind (includes but not limited to guns, knives, mace, chains, spikes, projectiles, tasers, etc.)
• Wrapped gifts

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Fall season is here so it’s time to pull out boots and jackets to really set the cozy mood.

As the leaves turn orange and prepare to fall from the trees, now is the perfect time to pick some apples, get lost in a corn maze or pick out the perfect pumpkin for decorating or baking!

Here are some fall festivals to check out in Virginia and Maryland.

Maryland corn mazes, pumpkin patches and apple picking

Maryland Corn Maze: Taylor’s Version

📅 Sept. 14 through Nov. 3
📍 389 Gambrills Road, Gambrills, Maryland
💲 $17.95
🔗 Details

Maryland Corn Maze (Taylor’s Version) is open for all Swifties and non-Swifties alike!

Can’t get enough of Taylor? Visit the maze on Oct. 2 to listen to singer Kanin Wren’s Taylor Swift Experience live concert.

Answer Swift-themed quiz questions to find your way out of the maze. Don’t miss out on the Flashlight Nights if you want a challenge.

Pick your own pumpkins and explore the farm yard complete with a bounceyard, rodeo roping area and slingshots.

Gaver Farm Fall Fun Fest

📅 Through Nov. 5 (10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily)
📍 5501 Detrick Rd Mt. Airy, Maryland
💲 $14.50-$23 (Kids under 24 months are free)
🔗 Details

Gaver Farm has all of your fall fun needs. From sunflowers to pumpkins to apples — there’s just about everything for everyone.

This family-friendly affair offers over 65 attractions including the “Fun to the Core” Corn Maze, animal meet-and-greets, a zipline and pedal karts.

Guests can pick their own pumpkins, apples and sunflowers after riding a free hayride out to the fields. Don’t miss out on the sunflowers — the farm expects blooms through Sept. 22! The farm provides all the tools needed to make picking seamless.

Butler’s Orchard Pumpkin Festival

📅 Sept. 21 through Nov. 3
📍 22222 Davis Mill Road Germantown, Maryland
💲 $11-$22 (Make a reservation ahead of time to avoid higher prices)
🔗 Details

The Butler’s Orchard Pumpkin Festival is bigger and better than ever!

Hunting for the perfect pumpkin? This year, guests have three options. You can drive to the pumpkin patch for the classic picking experience, get a pumpkin at the festival’s market or visit the Pumpkin Yard to get pre-picked pumpkins.

You aren’t just limited to picking your own pumpkin. Once you purchase a ticket, you can take hayrides, visit some backyard buddies, turn through the Twisted Corn Maze and jump in the Corn Pool.

Magnolia Meadow Farms

📅 Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 27
📍13001 Creagerstown Road, Thurmont, Maryland
💲 $15 (online)/$20 (walk-in)
🔗 Details

Magnolia Meadow Farms says it is home to Maryland’s largest corn maze along with family-friendly activities like mini ziplines and a barrel train.

Don’t miss out on Moonlit Maze Nights on Oct. 5 and Oct. 26 where you can try out the corn maze under the stars for a good cause.

If you don’t want to stick to just pumpkins, you’re in luck! You can wander into three different fields to have your pick at sunflowers, pumpkins, gourds or cut flowers.

If you tire out from the fun, private campfires are available on-site. Reserve a campfire in case you want to get your own views of the farm away from the crowds.

Montpelier Farms Fall Festival

📅 Sept. 13-Nov. 3
📍 1720 North Crain Hwy, Upper Marlboro, Maryland
💲 $19.95 in advance/$24.95 at the gate
🔗 Details

Spend all day at the Montpelier Farms Fall Festival with its 7-acre corn maze, Barnyard Basketball and other fall activities. Try your hand at pumpkin bowling or tug of war. When it gets chilly at night, cuddle up by the public bonfire with loved ones.

If you want to pick your own pumpkins, you can visit the patch without purchasing a ticket to the festival — just pick your favorite (or favorites) and buy it there!

Virginia corn mazes, pumpkin patches and apple picking

Cox Farms Fall Festival

📅 Sept. 14 through Nov. 5
📍 15621 Braddock Rd., Centreville, Virginia
💲 $10-$25
🔗 Details

Cox Farms has just about everything you can think of when it comes to fall fun. The Fall Festival is a family-fun affair and there are many activities that you can choose from. You can ride the hayride, visit several attractions like themed slides, taste different apples and feed goats.

If you’re looking for a corn maze filled with surprises, the Cornundrum is just for you. Wind through the maze and you’ll come across pirates, caves and the Vortex!

The fun doesn’t stop there. Go back for spooky scares at their Fields of Fear starting on Sept. 20.

Great County Farms

📅 Aug. 31 through Sept. 30
📍 34345 Snickersville Turnpike, Bluemont, Virginia
💲 $12-$16 (advance tickets are highly recommended for weekends)
🔗 Details

If you’re looking for fresh pressed cider, apple picking and a fun corn maze, Great County Farms is for you!

You can visit the apple orchard, get lost in their 15-acre corn maze and the 15-acre play area that features the Farm Ninja Obstacle Course.

On weekends, guests can enjoy perfect fall activities like live music and visiting a snack bar complete with kettle corn and roasting marshmallows. You can even learn how to learn to press a bushel of apples!

Want to beat the weekend crowds? No worries! Guests can visit the farm during the week along with the weekend.

Wayside Farm

📅 Sept. 21 through Oct. 27
📍 5273 Harry Byrd Highway, Berryville, Virginia
💲 $17-$25 (Depending on ticket type)
🔗 Details

With great power comes great responsibility, and if you have great navigation skills, you can use that power to guide your group out of Wayside Farm’s Spiderman-themed corn maze! Make sure not to get lost in the mazeverse.

There are plenty of fun activities to choose from, including pig races and pumpkin smashing. If you’re interested in the pumpkin patch, reserve a spot in advance. The ticket will cover the first $20 worth of pumpkins.

Leesburg Animal Park’s Pumpkin Village

📅 Sept. 21 through Nov. 5 (closed on Tuesdays)
📍 19246 James Monroe Hwy, Leesburg, Virginia
💲 $18.95-$22.25 (weekend tickets must be purchased in advance)
🔗 Details

If you love the zoo and autumn equally, Leesburg Animal Park’s Pumpkin Village might be the place for you. There’s a whole bunch of family-friendly activities to enjoy such as a kiddie hay maze, animal petting and feeding and pony rides (for an extra fee).

Up the fun factor on the weekends and Columbus Day with live entertainment, face painting, free cider, apple and pumpkin cookie tasting.

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The bank building at 14th and G streets now has new life – and it’s delicious.

The new French restaurant La Grande Boucherie opened in the long-vacant bank building. The Scene got a First on 4 grand tour and a history lesson.

“La Grande Boucherie, for us, is a concept that ages well. When we opened our doors, we always feel like we’ve been around for a while,” Mehdi Limani of La Grande Boucherie said. “If you see any of our locations in New York and Chicago and here, they are all unique and beautiful and gorgeous.”

The restaurant’s tables are filled with French favorites and steakhouse showstoppers. Limani showed off seared salmon with braised leeks and potatoes, seared scallops, tuna tartare and a niçoise salad.

The building had been vacant for more than 30 years. Built in 1925, it was the home of Federal Bank and several other banks over the decades until, in 1990, National Bank emptied its vault for good.

In the early 2000s, the building was the intended home of an Armenian museum. Then Lincoln Property Company acquired it a few years back.

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The millwork, lighting and flooring in the building are all historic, said Brandon Ernst of Lincoln Property Company.

“During the construction of this, we had scaffolding all the way to the ceiling, and we had people laying on their backs, hand-painting the ceiling,” Ernst said. “There were weeks and months that went into this, and this is what it looked like back in the ‘20s and the ‘30s.”

La Grande Boucherie is just the first offering at the building, Limani said. An Italian concept is planned for late spring or early summer, to be joined by a Japanese concept, he said. A speakeasy will open in the bank’s original vault, he said.

La Grande Boucherie seeks to provide something for everybody, Limani said.

“From lunch to late-lunch menu – if you want to leave the office and come here, have a nice glass of wine, dinners, brunches also,” he said. “We will focus on la joie de vivre – the joy of living.”

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Fall season is here so it’s time to pull out boots and jackets to really set the cozy mood.

As the leaves turn orange and prepare to fall from the trees, now is the perfect time to pick some apples, get lost in a corn maze or pick out the perfect pumpkin for decorating or baking!

Here are some fall festivals to check out in Virginia and Maryland.

Maryland corn mazes, pumpkin patches and apple picking

Maryland Corn Maze: Taylor’s Version

📅 Sept. 14 through Nov. 3
📍 389 Gambrills Road, Gambrills, Maryland
💲 $17.95
🔗 Details

Maryland Corn Maze (Taylor’s Version) is open for all Swifties and non-Swifties alike!

Can’t get enough of Taylor? Visit the maze on Oct. 2 to listen to singer Kanin Wren’s Taylor Swift Experience live concert.

Answer Swift-themed quiz questions to find your way out of the maze. Don’t miss out on the Flashlight Nights if you want a challenge.

Pick your own pumpkins and explore the farm yard complete with a bounceyard, rodeo roping area and slingshots.

Gaver Farm Fall Fun Fest

📅 Through Nov. 5 (10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily)
📍 5501 Detrick Rd Mt. Airy, Maryland
💲 $14.50-$23 (Kids under 24 months are free)
🔗 Details

Gaver Farm has all of your fall fun needs. From sunflowers to pumpkins to apples — there’s just about everything for everyone.

This family-friendly affair offers over 65 attractions including the “Fun to the Core” Corn Maze, animal meet-and-greets, a zipline and pedal karts.

Guests can pick their own pumpkins, apples and sunflowers after riding a free hayride out to the fields. Don’t miss out on the sunflowers — the farm expects blooms through Sept. 22! The farm provides all the tools needed to make picking seamless.

Butler’s Orchard Pumpkin Festival

📅 Sept. 21 through Nov. 3
📍 22222 Davis Mill Road Germantown, Maryland
💲 $11-$22 (Make a reservation ahead of time to avoid higher prices)
🔗 Details

The Butler’s Orchard Pumpkin Festival is bigger and better than ever!

Hunting for the perfect pumpkin? This year, guests have three options. You can drive to the pumpkin patch for the classic picking experience, get a pumpkin at the festival’s market or visit the Pumpkin Yard to get pre-picked pumpkins.

You aren’t just limited to picking your own pumpkin. Once you purchase a ticket, you can take hayrides, visit some backyard buddies, turn through the Twisted Corn Maze and jump in the Corn Pool.

Magnolia Meadow Farms

📅 Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 27
📍13001 Creagerstown Road, Thurmont, Maryland
💲 $15 (online)/$20 (walk-in)
🔗 Details

Magnolia Meadow Farms says it is home to Maryland’s largest corn maze along with family-friendly activities like mini ziplines and a barrel train.

Don’t miss out on Moonlit Maze Nights on Oct. 5 and Oct. 26 where you can try out the corn maze under the stars for a good cause.

If you don’t want to stick to just pumpkins, you’re in luck! You can wander into three different fields to have your pick at sunflowers, pumpkins, gourds or cut flowers.

If you tire out from the fun, private campfires are available on-site. Reserve a campfire in case you want to get your own views of the farm away from the crowds.

Montpelier Farms Fall Festival

📅 Sept. 13-Nov. 3
📍 1720 North Crain Hwy, Upper Marlboro, Maryland
💲 $19.95 in advance/$24.95 at the gate
🔗 Details

Spend all day at the Montpelier Farms Fall Festival with its 7-acre corn maze, Barnyard Basketball and other fall activities. Try your hand at pumpkin bowling or tug of war. When it gets chilly at night, cuddle up by the public bonfire with loved ones.

If you want to pick your own pumpkins, you can visit the patch without purchasing a ticket to the festival — just pick your favorite (or favorites) and buy it there!

Virginia corn mazes, pumpkin patches and apple picking

Cox Farms Fall Festival

📅 Sept. 14 through Nov. 5
📍 15621 Braddock Rd., Centreville, Virginia
💲 $10-$25
🔗 Details

Cox Farms has just about everything you can think of when it comes to fall fun. The Fall Festival is a family-fun affair and there are many activities that you can choose from. You can ride the hayride, visit several attractions like themed slides, taste different apples and feed goats.

If you’re looking for a corn maze filled with surprises, the Cornundrum is just for you. Wind through the maze and you’ll come across pirates, caves and the Vortex!

The fun doesn’t stop there. Go back for spooky scares at their Fields of Fear starting on Sept. 20.

Great County Farms

📅 Aug. 31 through Sept. 30
📍 34345 Snickersville Turnpike, Bluemont, Virginia
💲 $12-$16 (advance tickets are highly recommended for weekends)
🔗 Details

If you’re looking for fresh pressed cider, apple picking and a fun corn maze, Great County Farms is for you!

You can visit the apple orchard, get lost in their 15-acre corn maze and the 15-acre play area that features the Farm Ninja Obstacle Course.

On weekends, guests can enjoy perfect fall activities like live music and visiting a snack bar complete with kettle corn and roasting marshmallows. You can even learn how to learn to press a bushel of apples!

Want to beat the weekend crowds? No worries! Guests can visit the farm during the week along with the weekend.

Wayside Farm

📅 Sept. 21 through Oct. 27
📍 5273 Harry Byrd Highway, Berryville, Virginia
💲 $17-$25 (Depending on ticket type)
🔗 Details

With great power comes great responsibility, and if you have great navigation skills, you can use that power to guide your group out of Wayside Farm’s Spiderman-themed corn maze! Make sure not to get lost in the mazeverse.

There are plenty of fun activities to choose from, including pig races and pumpkin smashing. If you’re interested in the pumpkin patch, reserve a spot in advance. The ticket will cover the first $20 worth of pumpkins.

Leesburg Animal Park’s Pumpkin Village

📅 Sept. 21 through Nov. 5 (closed on Tuesdays)
📍 19246 James Monroe Hwy, Leesburg, Virginia
💲 $18.95-$22.25 (weekend tickets must be purchased in advance)
🔗 Details

If you love the zoo and autumn equally, Leesburg Animal Park’s Pumpkin Village might be the place for you. There’s a whole bunch of family-friendly activities to enjoy such as a kiddie hay maze, animal petting and feeding and pony rides (for an extra fee).

Up the fun factor on the weekends and Columbus Day with live entertainment, face painting, free cider, apple and pumpkin cookie tasting.

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American University students can soon take a course on Taylor Swift.

The new economics course, dubbed “Swiftonomics,” will focus on the financial impact Taylor Swift had on the economy last year. The class will explore the pop star’s business footprint, earnings from the billion-dollar Eras Tour and her impact on the Ticketmaster monopoly debate.

The American course was designed by two economics students. They hope it will get more people interested in economics while making it more understandable.

The Swiftie lessons follow in the footsteps of Harvard University’s English class “Taylor Swift and Her World.” In the class, Professor Stephanie Burt teaches students about the themes and writing mechanisms in Swift’s songs.

Swift’s next album, “Tortured Poets Department,” is set to be released at midnight on Friday, April 19.

In case you missed these two easter eggs: the DC-area is celebrating National Poetry Month and News4 spoke to the Library of Congress about Clara Bow, who inspired a song on Swift’s new album.

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Shakira announced Tuesday the 12 U.S. cities and two Canadian cities being visited on the first leg of her world tour, which begins in North America on Nov. 2 in California and ends Dec. 15 in Detroit.

The tour will make just one stop in the city, on Nov. 25 when she comes to Capital One Arena. Here’s a full list of stops on the tour.

Shakira 2024 tour dates

• Nov. 2 – Palm Desert, California — Acrisure Arena
• Nov. 7 – Phoenix, Arizona — Footprint Center
• Nov. 9 – Los Angeles, California — KIA Forum
• Nov. 16 – San Antonio, Texas — Frost Bank Center
• Nov. 17 – Dallas, Texas — American Airlines Center
• Nov. 20 – Miami, Florida — Kaseya Center
• Nov. 23 – Charlotte, North Carolina — Spectrum Center
• Nov. 25 – Washington, D.C. — Capital One Arena
• Nov. 30 – Toronto, Ontario — Scotiabank Arena
• Dec. 5 – Brooklyn, NY, Barclays Center
• Dec. 8 – Boston, Massachusetts — TD Garden
• Dec. 10 – Montreal, Quebec — Bell Centre
• Dec. 14 – Chicago, Illinois — United Center
• Dec. 15 – Detroit, Michigan — Little Caesars Arena

The tour is built around the March 22 release of Shakira’s 12th album, Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran (Women No Longer Cry). The 17-track album is the singer-songwriter’s first studio album in seven years.

International tour dates are expected to be announced soon.

Tickets go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. on April 22. Shakira’s Wolfpack members who join before Wednesday at 11:59 p.m. can access a pre-sale beginning at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 19.

On April 12, Shakira performed at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California with DJ Bizarrap.

D.C., Maryland and Virginia have plenty of ways to get out and celebrate. There’s something to fit every mood from weekend ragers to family-friendly gatherings.

While we count down to summer (the solstice is June 20), mark your calendars for these festivals! And if you want reminders and updates on stuff to do every weekend, subscribe to The Weekend Scene newsletter.

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Upcoming May festivals

Art in Nature Festival
May 25-27, Chantilly, Virginia, $35+ (one-day pass)
Details

The National Botanic Garden in Chantilly, Virginia, is a privately owned estate that only opens its gates a few times a year.

During the Memorial Day weekend festival, you can take in the lake, water-conserving garden, a hobbit village while viewing art and sampling wine and chocolate. Three tastings cost $10.

Jazz in the Garden at the National Gallery of Art
Fridays from May 31 to Aug. 9 (excluding July 5), National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., free if you win the ticket lottery
Details

An indigenous fusion quartet, funk and Soul, Caribbean Steelpan, and more—this concert series transcends jazz genres.

If you would like to enter the ticket lottery, it opens the week before the first concert. Winners will be notified the Monday before the show. Here are more details.

June festivals

Riverfest & Craft Show
June 1-2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Occoquan, Virginia, free
Details

Browse more than 250 artisan’s work, enjoy live concerts in River Mill Park and walk down the environmentally-conscious Conservation Alley.

Head down on Saturday for the Whatever Floats Your Boat Parade or Sunday f or the Duck Splash, where hoards of rubber ducks “race” down the river to benefit a good cause.

Fort Hunt concerts
Sundays in June, July and August, 7 p.m., Fort Hunt Park in McLean, Virginia, free
Details

The National Park Service at George Washington Memorial Parkway kicks off its free concert series on June 2 with a performance from the National Concert Band of America (NCBA). The group includes veterans and legendary players from military service bands.

Come back on late spring and summer Sundays for cover bands, a jazz orchestra and a blues and swing band — all native to the DMV. 

Capital Pride Parade and Festival
June 8-9, Washington, D.C., free
Details

Capital Pride’s big weekend is taking over the District with a massive parade and joyful block party in Dupont on Saturday, followed by a packed festival with a big concert downtown on Sunday. Bonus: it’s all free to attend!

Capital Jazz Festival
June 7-8, Merriweather Post Pavilion, $89+ (one-day pass)
Details

Grammy winners Anthony Hamilton and Chrisette Michele kick off “one of the longest-running festivals in the DMV and one of the premier black music events in the country” during Black Music Month, the Capital Jazz Festival says.

The Capital Jazz Festival features 30 acts over three days. Despite its name, artists span multiple genres, including soul, R&B and jazz.

Out & About Festival at Wolf Trap
Sat., June 22, Filene Center in Vienna, Virginia, $52+

In its second year, this festival continues to highlight LGBTQ+ artists and allies, integrating nature, pride and great music at the striking outdoor amphitheater.

Grammy winner Brittany Howard will headline a superstar lineup that also features Jenny Lewis, Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth and more.

Past events

April festivals

Leesburg Flower & Garden Festival
April 20-21, opens at 10 a.m., free entry
Details

Flowers and plants are taking over historic downtown Leesburg, Virginia, for a weekend of all things gardening.

A landscape display contest, three stages of entertainment, the rooftop wine and beer garden and a children’s area will give the whole family a spring in their step.

National Cannabis Festival
April 19-20, RFK Festival Grounds, $55-$130
Details

THUNDERCAT and Wu-Tang Clan + Redman are exciting headliners for the D.C. festival that’s grown massively since its 2016 debut. The music festival is the big draw for most, but you’ll also find an exhibitor’s fair, the National Cannabis Championship and – never fear – a whole zone dedicated to munchies. Do remember that D.C. cannabis laws still apply.

Savor Bowie
April 20 and April 21, Bowie Town Center, free entry
Details

Complimentary wine tastings, two stages of live music, vendors and artisans: Savor Bowie has all the ingredients for a lovely spring day out. The event is free and proceeds benefit Concerts for Causes.

And if you’re up for more, check out the Funk After Fest concert at the Bowie Performing Arts Center ($29-39).

Project GLOW
April 27-28, RFK Festival Grounds, $215.90 (two-day pass)
Details

Get your neon raver gear ready! ILLENIUM, Zedd, Lane 8, REZZ and dozens of other electronic acts are descending on the RFK Festival Grounds for this two-day music festival.

Purcellville Music and Arts Festival
April 27, noon to 7 p.m., Dillon’s Woods and the Bush Tabernacle, free
Details

Pack a lawn chair and head to the park for a day of live music, an art show and kid-friendly crafts.

The event is family-friendly – even dogs are welcome!

Parking is available at Emerick Elementary School, and some vendors only accept cash.

Celtic Festival of Southern Maryland
April 27, Jefferson Patterson Park in St. Leonard, Maryland, $25 (presale)/$30 (at gate)
Details

Head to Leonard, Maryland, to celebrate the heritage of the Celtic nations: Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Isle of Man, Brittany, Cornwall and Galicia/Asturias.

Filmfest DC
April 18-28, most general admission tickets cost $14
Details

The District’s longest-running and largest film festival returns with international films, locally-made movies, shorts and more.

Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival
April 26 to May 5, Winchester, Virginia
Details

Cherry trees aren’t the only blossom game in the DMV! Centered in Winchester, Virginia, the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival includes parades, a carnival, a wine fest, sports tournaments, beauty pageants and more over 10 days.

National Cathedral Flower Mart
May 3-4, National Cathedral in Northwest D.C., free entry
Details

In addition to the showstopping International Floral Display and the huge plant sale, Flower Mart visitors can ride an antique carousel, watch free performances and climb the cathedral’s skyscraping towers. Activities for kids and food vendors will be on-site.

The festival’s hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.

International City Food Festival
May 3, 4-9 p.m. and May 4, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., The Square (1875 I St NW, Washington, D.C.), free admission
Details

With a focus on how food brings people together, this festival is set to present performances, crafts and vendors from around the world inside the downtown food hall.

Around the World Embassy Tour
May 4, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., free
Details

Journey around the world without your passport. More than 50 embassies are set to open their doors so you can learn about different cultures — and get some international snacks if you’re lucky. It’s part of the month-long Passport DC program.

By the way: European Union embassies have their own open house day scheduled for Saturday, May 11.

Sligo Creek Fest
May 4, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Silver Spring, Maryland, free
Details

A stretch of Sligo Creek Parkway is going to the walkers, bikers, boarders (and dogs! as long as they’re leashed).

Along the road from Dennis Avenue to University Boulevard, you’ll find a stage with live music, kids’ performances, food trucks, a beer tent featuring local breweries and hands-on activities.

Anacostia River Festival
May 4, Anacostia Park at Good Hope Road and Anacostia Drive SE in Washington, D.C., free
Details

Celebrate the tenth annual Anacostia River Festival. The event is family-friendly and will have plenty of food, local performers and outdoor activities, including a free fishing workshop.

M3 Rock Festival
May 4-5, Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, $90 – $275 (two-day pass)
Details

The hard rock and heavy metal festival is celebrating its 15th year at the venue sharing an ‘80s arena rock experience with new and old audiences. It features performances from Queensrÿche, Bret Michaels and Bret Michaels of Poison fame. 

NVA Thai Street Food & Culture Festival
April 21, May 5 and May 26, The Manassas Museum, free entry
Details

Take in the tastes, sounds and culture of Thailand right in Manassas, Virginia. You’ll find performances, live music and games, plus tons of street eats and sweets. Pro tip: You’ll want to get there early to avoid long lines for food.

Arts and Culture Festival at the National Museum of Asian Art
May 10-12, 1100 Jefferson Dr SW, Washington, D.C., free
Details

More details and an exact schedule will be released soon, but the museum gave us a look at what we could expect.

“Activities like mindfulness practices will be integrated alongside arts and cultures resources that support mental health. Programming also includes panel discussions, interactive experiences, culinary pop-ups and art-making projects,” according to a press release.

EU Open House
May 11, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., free entry
Details

Rub elbows at the embassies of many European countries while getting acquainted with their culture, tourism, art and more. Details on each embassy’s offering usually come out in the weeks before the event.

Maryland Craft Beer Festival
May 11, noon to 5 p.m., Carroll Creek Linear Park in Frederick, Maryland, $15-$85
Details

Dozens of Maryland breweries will be pouring all the samples you care to drink. Live music and local food vendors will be on tap, too.

Greenbelt Green Man Festival
May 11-12, begins at 10 a.m., Roosevelt Center, free
Details

Music, fairy gardens and an environmental focus: Could this festival be more spring?

Kids will love body paint and fairy gardens while the whole family enjoys live music.

Bethesda Fine Arts Festival
May 11-12, Woodmont Triangle in Bethesda, Maryland, free admission
Details

More than 120 artists are expected to show and sell their fine art wares along Norfolk, Auburn & Del Ray avenues. Come to refresh your home décor, stay for live music, entertainment and restaurants.

Running of the Chihuahuas
Rescheduled to Sunday, May 19, 2-5 p.m., The Wharf in Southwest D.C., free entry
Details

Look at those little legs go! Go for the delightfully cute chihuahua races, then stay for a pet photo booth, a dog costume contest featuring adoptable pups and all The Wharf has to offer. It’s free and kid-friendly. Dogs who aren’t participating in the races are welcome to cheer on their furry friends.

Big crowds show up for the main event, but you can watch the races on a jumbo screen.

Proceeds benefit Rural Dog Rescue, and News4’s own Tommy McFLY will emcee.

The event was rescheduled to May 19 because of rain on the original date.

Spring Fling: A Village Block Party
May 18, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., The Village at Shirlington in Arlington, free admission
Details

Peruse the Maker’s Market filled with hand-crafted gifts, watch live performances and eat your way through The Village at Shirlington. Bring the kids for games and activities, too.

Fiesta Asia Street Fair
May 18, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., downtown Washington, D.C., free
Details

Taking in a lively parade with dragons, live performances, kids’ activities, a talent competition, shopping and pan-Asian cuisine will keep you busy during this celebration for Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

Spring Wine Festival & Sunset Tour
May 17, 18 and 19, Mount Vernon in Alexandria, Virginia, $54-$60 for nonmembers
Details

Sip unlimited samples of wine while enjoying George Washington’s estate during the golden hour.

Lucketts Spring Vintage Market
May 17 to 19, Clarke County Ruritan Fairgrounds in Berryville, Virginia, $15
Details

This market turns Berryville, Virginia, into a destination for finding “vintage garden gems, architectural salvage, crusty antiques, and all kinds of crazy-good finds.” It’s been around for more than two decades.

Asian Festival on Main
May 19, noon to 6 p.m., Main Street in Historic Old Town Fairfax City, free entry
Details

Celebrate Asian heritage with food, arts and crafts and performances. The rain date is June 2, 2024.

Old Town Festival of Speed & Style
May 19, Old Town Alexandria, free
Details

Dozens of rare of exotic cars, a fashion show and live music will take over several blocks of Old Town, including parts of King Street.

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