When is the last time you visited some of D.C.’s iconic monuments or museums? Between COVID, summer travel, humidity, mosquitos… maybe it’s been a while.
The Air and Space Museum’s National Mall building will reopen Oct. 14 with eight galleries that have been updated and redesigned. Free, timed tickets are available now.
It is also a great time to rediscover The Kennedy Center, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary with special events this weekend, not to mention big productions of “Hamilton” and “Dear Evan Hansen.”
This weekend you can catch a reprisal of Leonard Bernstein’s “MASS” (which debuted at the KenCen’s opening gala), visit a new JFK exhibit on the roof level or boogie along to National Dance Day festivities.
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Be among the first to see the permanent exhibit “Art and Ideals: President John F. Kennedy” when it opens at noon Saturday with a ribbon cutting in the Atrium. The 7,500-square-foot gallery includes features that show Kennedy’s greatest speeches or let visitors create a self-portrait. Going with kids? Craft in the Moonshot Studio on Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. — or even build a mini-boat to sail in the Victura Pool.
On top of that, the Joint Base Andrews air show and the H Street Festival are back, plus President Lincoln’s Cottage is hosting a homecoming.
Curious about what’s on our radar for next weekend? Sign up for The Weekend Scene newsletter so you don’t miss an insider look at Art All Night, a mountain of activities at the Czech embassy plus the Virginia State Fair.
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Things to Do in D.C. This Weekend
Free Pick
H Street Festival
Saturday, noon to 7 p.m.
H Street Corridor in Northeast
Spend the afternoon dancing, shopping and eating your way through H Street Fest.
More than 40 concerts, dozens of other performances and local pop-up shops will take over 12 blocks of H Street Northeast on Saturday from noon to 7 p.m. It’s free and open to the public. Keep an eye on their Instagram for schedule and programming updates
Homecoming at President Lincoln’s Cottage
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
President Lincoln's Cottage (140 Rock Creek Church Road NW, Washington, D.C.)
This historic site is hosting a full day of family fun. Start the day with a 5K and a tot trot, then enjoy the Petworth Jazz concert, kids’ activities, a petting zoo and tours of the cottage. Pack a picnic or grab lunch from food trucks.
“Art and Ideals: President John F. Kennedy”
Saturday, noon
The Kennedy Center
Catch the grand opening of a new roof-level exhibit devoted to President John F. Kennedy's patronage of the arts.
Kingman Island Cleanup
Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon
Kingman Island (Northeast D.C.)
Join the global International Coastal Cleanup effort on Saturday right in D.C. Breakfast, lunch and supplies will be provided, but wear closed-toed shoes and bring a water bottle.
Celebrate Petworth
Sunday, 11 a.m to 5 p.m.
800 block of Upshur Street NW
Learn about Petworth's history, listen to bands on the main stage and bark for joy at the Dog Show.
Things to Do in Maryland This Weekend
Free Pick
2022 Air & Space Expo
Saturday and Sunday, gates open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Show at Joint Base Andrews; park at FedEx Field
Joint Base Andrews will host its 2022 Air & Space Expo this weekend, showcasing aerial demonstrations, to celebrate the Air Force’s 75th anniversary.
The event will feature dozens of aerial performers, civilian performers and aircraft static displays. Air Force pilots and demo teams will perform shows demonstrating their abilities, and civilians are set to showcase their talents for the crowds as well. The static display will consist of more than 25 military aircrafts on the ground for spectators to view.
Attendees may park at FedEx Field (1600 FedEx Way, North Englewood, Maryland), from which buses will run continuously to the JBA flight line. Buses will operate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., although arrivals will stop running at 1 p.m.
The Great Frederick Fair
Sept. 16-24
The Frederick Fairgrounds
It's a big week at the Frederick Fairgrounds with concerts (including a Sunday set from Joan Jett & The Blackhearts), motorsports, pig races, funnel cakes and rides. Buy tickets online for a discount.
Ukrainian Festival
Friday, Saturday and Sunday
St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Silver Spring
After a special dinner on Friday, enjoy Ukrainian performances, music, food plus kids’ activities and a beer garden on Saturday and Sunday.
Admission is $20 for adults, $10 for seniors and free for people under 21. A portion of the proceeds will go toward humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.
Free Pick
Orange Festival
Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Bowie Town Center
Celebrate fall with music, food trucks, breweries and more.
Free Pick
Fall Fiesta
Lake Arbor Community Center (Mitchellville)
Sunday, 1-4 p.m.
Celebrate the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month with dancing, live music and food at this event for the whole family.
Things to Do in Virginia This Weekend
Free Pick
Dulles Day Plane Pull
Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Dulles International Airport
Which group can pull an entire airplane 12 feet the fastest? Watch the contest while enjoying aircraft displays, a classic car show, bounce houses and music — all to benefit Special Olympics Virginia. Parking and admission are free. Bring cash for purchases.
Oktoberfest Tysons
Saturday, 2 to 5 p.m.
The Boro Tysons
Celebrate Oktoberfest German-style without leaving the DMV. The Boro will host a polka concert, games, pretzel necklace making and more for the whole family. Beer will also be available, of course. The first 150 people will receive a free branded beer mug.
Admission is free, but you are encouraged to register online ahead of time.
