Experience the Vibrant DCBX Latin Dance Festival at the Renaissance Marriott Hotel: The 14th edition of this renowned festival — a perfect blend of dancing, celebration, and cultural immersion — spans four exciting days, drawing thousands of passionate dancers to the city. Participants can look forward to an exhilarating weekend filled with over 100 workshops that cover various dance styles including salsa, bachata, mambo, zouk, kizomba, and lambada, catering to all skill levels. These workshops are taught by expert instructors from around the globe. As night falls, the festival transforms into a lively atmosphere in multiple ballrooms where attendees can enjoy live music, DJs, and spectacular dance performances by championship couples and teams, with dance floors remaining open until 8 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday mornings. Tickets are available for either workshops, parties, or a combination of both experiences. Through Sunday, with optional Monday after-party. $69-$599.
Join the Outdoor Screening of ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ at the Kennedy Center: Gather your friends and family, and don’t forget to bring blankets and lawn chairs for an outdoor screening of the iconic film “The Empire Strikes Back” at the Kennedy Center’s Reach video wall, which kicks off at dusk. This event is completely free, and no registration is required, making it the perfect spontaneous outing. Feel free to pack a picnic, as outside food is permitted, allowing you to enjoy tasty snacks while watching Luke Skywalker embark on his adventurous journey to distant planets to train with Jedi master Yoda. In case of inclement weather, the screening will be relocated indoors to the Family Theater. 8 p.m. Free.
Enjoy ‘In the Heights’ Under the Stars at Audi Field: What could be more enjoyable than watching Lin-Manuel Miranda’s vibrant musical, “In the Heights,” projected on a giant jumbotron screen? Join the excitement at Audi Field for the latest installment of Movies on the Pitch, where you can soak in nearly two and a half hours of captivating singing, dancing, and the quest for a $96,000 lottery ticket. While the event is first-come, first-served, please note that chairs, non-service animals, and outside food or alcohol are prohibited. However, food and beverages will be available for purchase on-site to enhance your movie-watching experience. Doors at 5:30 p.m.; movie begins at 7 p.m. Free.
Experience the Groove at Moe World Order Concert at the Howard Theatre: Go-go music, the official sound of D.C., faces challenges as it strives to thrive in a rapidly changing cultural landscape. The latest incident occurred during the Moechella event in June, which was marred by gunfire that tragically resulted in the loss of 15-year-old Chase Poole. D.C. police faced criticism for their handling of the event, even as city officials were aware and supportive of the festival’s promotion. Adding to the turmoil, Moechella lost the rights to its name due to a trademark dispute with the California festival Coachella. Despite these challenges, Long Live GoGo is hosting a concert at the Howard Theatre, aiming to provide both entertainment and a sense of healing. The event features local go-go favorites such as TCB, TOB, and Reaction Band, promising an evening of vibrant music and community support. 8 p.m. $30-$75.
Catch Hoodie Allen Live at Union Stage: In recent years, Machine Gun Kelly’s transition from rap to pop-punk has captivated audiences, raising the question: Can Hoodie Allen replicate this success? Celebrating the 10-year anniversary of his debut rap EP, “All American,” Steven Adam Markowitz is embarking on a new tour showcasing a fresh sound that many believe is his most genuine work to date. “All American” marked the beginning of Markowitz’s career, generating buzz but lacking depth in its lyrical and musical content. After a decade of refining his artistry, the New York native recently released “Call Me Never,” a catchy pop-punk anthem that draws inspiration from iconic bands such as New Found Glory and Simple Plan. This new track showcases Markowitz’s melodic vocals in a brilliant new light, making it a performance not to be missed. 8 p.m. $29.50.
Attend the Premiere of ‘The Lost Record’ at AFI Silver: The debut film from acclaimed musician and writer Ian Svenonius, known for his work with D.C. bands such as the Nation of Ulysses and the Make-Up, introduces a dystopian world where only a single song remains legal. The narrative follows a would-be artist who discovers a sentient vinyl record, voiced by Svenonius, forcing him to choose whether to share this precious find with the world. Influenced by a range of cinematic styles from the French New Wave to Italian giallos, AFI classifies “The Lost Record” as “avant-garde.” The film’s premiere is set for Friday and Saturday nights, featuring post-screening Q&As with Svenonius and co-director Alexandra Cabral, who is also his collaborator in the band Escape-Ism, along with cinematographer Eric Cheevers. 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday. $8-$13.
Celebrate at Megafest Beer Festival at the Parks at Walter Reed: D.C.’s newest beer festival commemorates the third anniversary of Soul Mega, whose flagship Worldwide pale ale is a staple across the city, from casual beer-and-shot joints to Michelin-starred restaurants. Megafest aims to showcase the region’s flourishing community of Black-owned beer brands. Attendees can sample unlimited pours from local breweries including Sankofa and Urban Garden Brewing from D.C., along with Maryland’s Black Viking, Joyhound, and Patuxent. To elevate the experience, a diverse lineup of DJs, including Mathias and Bri Mafia, will provide the musical backdrop. Food vendors JetSet BBQ, J&J Mex-Taqueria, and Chefit will be present to satisfy your culinary cravings. According to Soul Mega co-founder Elliott Johnson, the event seeks to “merge the block party culture with the beer festival experience.” 1 to 6 p.m. $50.
Experience Global Flavors at the Around the World Cultural Food Festival at Oronoco Bay Park: This free waterfront festival in Old Town Alexandria is more than just a food extravaganza; it offers a rich cultural experience. In addition to restaurants presenting international dishes, the festival features a vibrant stage for live folk music, showcasing performances from countries such as Brazil, Scotland, Egypt, and India. Attendees can enjoy a dazzling fashion show featuring traditional attire and browse through various merchant stalls offering unique goods. This event is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in diverse cultures while enjoying delicious food. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Free.
Join the Grilled Cheese Social at Sandlot Anacostia: The Rock Creek Social Club has a long history of raising the bar for social events in D.C., famously hosting the Good Life Tuesday parties at Recess, which showcased an eclectic mix of hip-hop, electro, go-go, and moombahton until its closure in 2012. In 2014, they introduced the Grilled Cheese Social day party on Marvin’s rooftop deck, where a combination of savvy DJs and a menu featuring delicious, gooey sandwiches created an unforgettable Saturday atmosphere. While Marvin is no longer around, the Grilled Cheese Social continues to thrive. This time, the fun shifts to Sandlot Anacostia, the first outdoor bar and music venue east of the river, developed by the same team behind Sandlots in Navy Yard, Tysons, and Georgetown. Expect an exciting mix of sounds from Rock Creek Social Club DJs, a special menu of grilled cheese sandwiches, and a vibrant crowd ready to enjoy a sunny day of festivities. 4 to 10 p.m. $20-$30.
Experience Open Streets in Brookland: Following successful car-free days in Anacostia and Shaw, Brookland now gets its turn to embrace the Open Streets initiative. A half-mile stretch of 12th Street NE between Monroe and Franklin streets transforms into a lively playground on Saturday morning. Visitors can participate in rollerblading and e-scooter lessons, enjoy double Dutch and hula hooping zones, and partake in face painting, music, and family-friendly activities. Local restaurants and businesses will expand their outdoor seating areas onto the street, with favorites like Primrose and Brookland’s Finest participating in the festivities. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free.
Don’t Miss Amulet’s Performance at Pie Shop: The captivating duo Amulet, known for their dark and theatrical sound, has garnered a Washington Area Music Award nomination and is set to headline the popular H Street venue, Pie Shop, with their powerful rock ballads. The talented pair, comprising bassist MJ Phoenix and vocalist Stephanie Stryker, crafts cinematic, melodic, and bass-driven tunes that take listeners on a surreal journey. Attendees at their Pie Shop show can expect a night filled with “faerie dancers, tarot reading, and group rituals,” alongside three other musical acts that explore the darker side of music: Talking to Shadows, the Neuro Farm, and DJ Johnny Panic. 8 p.m. $15-$20.
Immerse Yourself in the Maryland Renaissance Festival: Witches, wenches, knights, and jesters — the Renaissance Festival is back, ready to enchant visitors with live brawls, enormous smoked turkey legs, traditional ales, and hand-crafted treasures. Attendees are encouraged to dress in period costumes to fit this year’s theme: 1536. King Henry VIII is engaged in his third marriage while awaiting the execution of his second wife, Anne Boleyn. Thomas Cromwell will oversee the court’s proceedings as the regime begins to falter, and a nearby village prepares to welcome the king and his entourage. Events vary each weekend through late October, featuring professional performances, live music, and much more. Prepare for a weekend full of laughter and merriment! 10 a.m. $24 for adults through Sept. 11; $30 from Sept. 12 through Oct. 23.
Explore the Dupont Circle Back-to-School Pop-up Market: As the new school year approaches, it’s not just kids who are in need of fresh looks and accessories. The Dupont Circle Main Streets’ seasonal pop-up market showcases over 50 vendors selling a variety of goods, including stunning jewelry, unique ceramics, captivating art, refreshing soap, and much more. The market extends along the sidewalks of Connecticut Avenue and P Street, with an information booth located at the north exit of the Dupont Circle Metro Station to provide maps and directions to attendees. This vibrant community event is a wonderful opportunity to discover new treasures while supporting local artisans. Noon to 5 p.m. Free.
Join the Girls Pint Out Summer of Seltzers at DC Brau: Girls Pint Out is a national organization dedicated to women who appreciate craft beer and seek to connect with fellow beer enthusiasts in a welcoming environment. The local chapter in D.C. regularly hosts happy hours and brewery tours, and this month’s featured event centers on hard seltzer. Spend an afternoon at DC Brau, where you’ll take a guided tour of the seltzer-making process and sample their entire lineup of hard seltzer offerings, alongside “a few other surprises.” While the tour and tasting are exclusively for women, a meetup will be held afterward in the brewery open to everyone. This is a fantastic chance to learn and enjoy in a friendly atmosphere! 4 to 6:30 p.m. $15.
Experience the Caribbean Crawl on U Street NW: U Street is known for its vibrant nightlife and diverse bar scene, and this exciting crawl takes participants on a journey to visit six of the most beloved locations over the course of just eight hours. Guests can dance to the rhythm of international DJs spinning the latest Afrobeats, reggae, Latin, and kompa music at themed stops in popular venues like Cloak & Dagger and Amsterdam Lounge. Kicking off at nightclub Elements, this event promises discounted drinks that vary by stop and exciting giveaways throughout the night. Gather your friends and prepare for a memorable evening filled with fun and cultural exploration! 2 to 10 p.m. $10-$20.
Enjoy Live Music at Fairwood Music Festival at Fairwood Community Park: The Fairwood Music Festival marks the grand finale of Prince George’s County Parks’ annual concert series, returning to Bowie’s Fairwood Community Park after a two-year hiatus. This beloved festival features an impressive lineup of four performers, including smooth jazz artist Kevin Jackson, R&B sensation Elyscia, and the dynamic cover bands D.C. Fusion and the Exclusives. Attending this free festival is a fantastic way to enjoy an afternoon filled with live music and community spirit. Gather your friends and family, and don’t miss this exciting celebration of local talent! 1 to 6 p.m. Free.
Participate in the Makers Market and Plant Swap in Silver Spring: Plants Alive!, a nursery and plant rental location in Silver Spring, is inviting guests to trade in their houseplants for a chance to acquire someone else’s prized greenery. During this engaging plant swap event, visitors can also explore a concurrent outdoor Makers Market featuring a variety of artistic creations from local vendors, including stunning jewelry, artisanal body care products, vintage clothing, and handcrafted candles, all available for purchase. This community event offers a refreshing way to connect with fellow plant enthusiasts and local artisans while discovering unique treasures. Noon to 4 p.m. Free.
Laugh Along with Hilarious Colombian Americans at the D.C. Comedy Loft: The comedic ensemble Hilarious Colombian Americans, consisting of five talented stand-up comics — three from Colombia and two from the United States, all based in New York City — first collaborated during the 2019 New York Comedy Festival. Due to their overwhelming success, they are now on a national tour, featuring veteran Colombian actor Antonio Sanint, known for his roles in popular telenovelas like “Alicia en el País de las Mercancías,” who has also made a name for himself in stand-up comedy for over a decade. This talented group will grace the Comedy Loft stage, where they promise an entertaining night filled with laughter. The performance will be in English, with a sprinkle of Spanish for added flavor, ensuring that all attendees can enjoy the show. Please note, there is a two-item minimum (food or drink) per person. 7 p.m. $28.
Explore ‘Art Pop: Visual Remembrance’ Workshop at the National Portrait Gallery: The After Five happy hours at the American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery present a unique opportunity to unleash your creativity while enjoying a relaxed atmosphere. Illinois artist Donna Castellanos will lead a workshop in the Kogod Courtyard, where she’ll guide participants in creating their own portraits of loved ones using similar materials as her own selected portrait, “Bertha, I’d Like to Know Where You Got the Notion,” crafted from zippers, buttons, and fabric. All necessary supplies, along with two drink tickets, are included in the ticket price, making this an excellent chance to explore artistic expression while sipping on drinks. 5 to 7 p.m. $20.
Kick Off the DC Jazz Festival at the Howard Theatre: While the headlining events of the annual DC Jazz Festival take place at the Wharf over the weekend of September 3 and 4, the musical festivities actually commence on Wednesday. The celebrated vocalist Kurt Elling, known for his extraordinary four-octave range, will showcase his talent at the Howard Theatre with his funky new ensemble, SuperBlue. Elling is renowned for his ability to twist and extend familiar melodies, seamlessly blending them with vocalese, all while maintaining an innate sense of swing. The evening will also feature D.C.’s own Christie Dashiell and her quartet as the opening act, promising an unforgettable night of jazz music. 8 p.m., $39.
Join Tarot Night at Dew Drop Inn for a Mystical Evening: As the seasons shift from summer to autumn, it’s the perfect moment to re-center yourself, and what better way to do so than with tarot and cocktails? Join a “chill and witchy night” at the Dew Drop Inn, where attendees can enjoy tarot readings, participate in a tarot deck swap for those seeking a new set, enter a raffle, and sip on a special menu of “witchy” drinks. This enchanting evening promises to be a delightful blend of relaxation and mystical exploration. 7 p.m. Free.
Sienna Blake is a licensed aesthetic consultant and beauty writer specializing in cosmetic surgery advancements and non-invasive treatments. With a background in dermatology and over eight years of industry experience, Sienna is passionate about helping people achieve confidence through informed beauty decisions. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Health Sciences and regularly collaborates with top plastic surgeons to stay at the forefront of aesthetic innovations. Outside of her work, Sienna enjoys traveling, skincare research, and practicing Pilates.
