Weekend Scene: What to Do in DC for the Holiday Weekend

Here's what to do for the holiday weekend, July 5-7

What to Know

  • Expect scattered showers that could be widespread on Sunday afternoon. Temps stick in the 80s

The Fourth of July is over, but there's still plenty of fun to be had over the holiday weekend.

Here's everything you need to know for the weekend in D.C.

But first...

Ongoing Activities

Jane Austen Film Festival
Through July 31
Dumbarton House, 2715 Q St. NW (Georgetown)

It is a truth universally acknowledged that the Dumbarton House is hosting its annual Jane Austen Film Festival. Tickets for individual films are $6 each, while a full series pass for all five films costs $25. There will be refreshments and concessions available for sale, and the Dumbarton House encourages blankets and picnics. It's a good idea to buy tickets early. Get more information here.

The Lawn at the National Building Museum
Through Sept. 2

The National Building Museum's latest summer installation showcases a sloping indoor lawn made from sugarcane and soybean, with lounging areas and a mural of the sky. Hammocks will be suspended from the 100-foot-tall ceiling and will have audio playing from "prominent American storytellers," the museum says. Kids can catch augmented reality fireflies on the lawn, and the museum will also host yoga, meditation and movie events at the space. Tickets are $13 for kids and $16 for adults. You can buy them here.

Capital Fringe Festival
July 5-28
Various locations

This year is the 14th Capital Fringe Festival, which celebrates "self-made performing arts" in the DC area. The festival starts on Friday at 8 p.m. with a performance of "A People's History" at the Arena Stage, but there are productions and performances going all the way into the end of the month. Ticket prices vary depending on which event you want to see, but tickets to "A People's History" are $35, while a 50 show pass (the maximum you can get) costs $500. Find out more information and see the full event schedule here.

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Friday, July 5

"A League of Their Own" at the Union Market Drive-In
July 5, 6 p.m.
Union Market, 1309 5th St. NE

Union Market's drive-in theater is back for its seventh season this summer, and on July 5th you can go there to watch the 1992 movie "A League of Their Own." The lot opens at 6 p.m., but the movie starts at 8:55 and goes until 11. There's a $15 parking fee per car, but walk-ups are free (bring a low chair or blanket). There's also food from market vendors and pre-show activities for movie lovers of all ages.

Watergate Break-In/All the President's Men Guided Walking Tour
July 5, 6-8 p.m.
Starts at the Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro station, 2301 I St. NW

The 47th anniversary of the Watergate break-in is on July 17th, and this Friday, Robert Kellman (founder of the nonprofit Washington, DC History & Culture) is leading a program to commemorate the event. History buffs and fans of the 1976 movie starring Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman can now walk around D.C. on a guided tour to see exactly where history took place. Tickets are $8. The tour starts near the Foggy Bottom Metro station.

Apollo at Nationals Park
July 5, 7:05 p.m.
Nationals Park, Navy Yard

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing with a space-themed night of Nationals baseball. Stargaze and snap photos with a life-sized replica of Neil Armstrong's space suit while watching the Nationals and the Royals face off. Tickets start at $11, and you can learn more and buy online here.

OOPS... I Did It Again! 2000s Dance Party
July 5, 10 p.m. to late
DC9 Nightclub, 1940 9th St. NW

Flash back to the early 2000s, when velour tracksuits ruled and your phone flipped open and still had buttons, with this event at DC9. The party is 21+, and will feature songs by Britney Spears, the Black Eyed Peas, NSYNC, Ke$ha and more. The event is free if you register ahead of time here, or $5 if you show up at the door.

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Saturday, July 6

Washington DC's Immigrant & Refugee Music Festival
July 6, 4 p.m.-12 a.m.
Echostage, 2135 Queens Chapel Road NE

Echostage
2135 Queens Chapel Road Northeast
Washington, DC 20018
Echostage2135 Queens Chapel Road Northeast

Echostage is taking the opportunity to amplify the voices of immigrant and refugee artists, including tabi Bonney, Chief Obi, Martha Afework and more. Tickets start at $40.

2019 Jollof Festival
July 6, 3-8 p.m.
UDC ASCE Student Chapter, 4200 Connecticut Ave. NW

Jollof rice is a one-pot dish native to many countries in West Africa, considered by some to be the predecessor to jambalaya, and now the University of D.C.'s Student Chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers is putting on a day-long celebration of the meal. Visitors will get to enjoy the food, vote to determine the winner of the "Jollof Wars," watch special performances and join a dance party. The event is open to all ages, and ticket prices range from $20 to $90. Get them here.

Late Night Grown-Up Takeover at Sandy Spring Adventure Park
July 6, 6-9 p.m.
Sandy Spring Adventure Park, 16701 Norwood Road, Sandy Spring, MD

This after-hours experience is adults-only, and gives you the chance to return to your playground days. Sandy Spring Adventure Park will provide a harness and equipment, teach you how to safely climb and zipline in the park, and then set you free to explore at your own pace. The park features 13 trails consisting of "bridges" between tree platforms made of rope, cable, and wood. The event is 18+, and there are 6 different 20 minute sessions you can register for here. Tickets are $34.

Story District's Out/Spoken
July 6, 8 p.m.
9:30 Club, 815 V St. NW

Pride month may be officially over, but this event showcasing funny and true stories that amplify LGBTQ+ voices continues to celebrate DC Pride. The show is hosted by Rayceen Perdavis, and tickets are $25.

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Sunday, July 7

Free Pick
Women’s World Cup Viewing Party at The Wharf
Pearl Street
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Head down to The Wharf to cheer on the U.S. team in the Women's World Cup Final. It's free to attend, and several restaurant patios will be slinging food and drinks.

Free Pick
DC Art Book Fair

July 7, 12-5 p.m.
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Ave. NW

For the last three years, the DC Art Book Collective has put on the DC Art Book Fair to help artists sell their books, zines, comics, and other forms of art. This year, the event will go from noon until 5 p.m. outside the National Museum of Women in the Arts, and there will be 40+ tablers participating. The event is free and kid-friendly.

National Museum of Women in the Arts Free Day
July 7, noon to 5 p.m.
1250 New York Ave. NW

Beyond the Art Book Fair, you can also enter this museum for free this Sunday — and every first Sunday of the month.

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