Whether you're hankering for some French-inspired celebrations or an all-American baseball day, this July weekend will deliver.
But first:
-- Feeling hungry? You definitely will feel the stomach rumbles after checking out the best ways to eat and drink your way through summer.
-- Outdoor movies are one of the best parts of a D.C. summer.
-- Have you checked out our guide to 100+ Things to Do in D.C. This Summer? Get ready to make this the #BestSummerEver.
Here are our top picks for your weekend:
Lotus and Water Lily Festival
Saturday and Sunday starting at 10 a.m., Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
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Peak bloom isn't just for cherry blossoms: This weekend is your best time to spot a lotus or water lily. You'll also find a number of cultural performances, including dance from around the world, old-timey jazz and a talk on the importance of lotuses in Buddhism.
The park suggests bringing a blanket and a picnic on Saturday, July 28 for jazz in the gardens. It starts at 5:30 p.m.
On July 27, you can visit the garden after dark for a unique ranger-led tour to see lilies that bloom at night and to spot wildlife.
Baseball Americana
Friday and Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Library of Congress
Go deep into baseball history at the Library of Congress' new exhibit, featuring some amazing artifacts including Babe Ruth's shoes and tons of retro photos.
Here are a few things we learned from the exhibit:
The Nationals play the Atlanta Braves
Friday at 7:05 p.m., Nationals Park
Saturday at 7:05 p.m., Nationals Park
Sunday at 1:35 p.m., Nationals Park
Free Chocolate Factory Tour
Saturdays and Sundays, 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Gaithersburg
Learn about the journey of a chocolate from cacao to your mouth with this free tour at SPAGnVOLA Chocalatier. Tours last between 30 and 45 minutes; register in advance.
For Your Friday
Mural Jamz — D.C. Fireworks Party Sessions
Friday, various times, Dupont Circle
Everyone can paint some fireworks, right? Achieve your graffiti dreams with ArtJamz by painting a large-scale patriotic scene. Tickets cost $15.
For Your Saturday
The International Colombian Festival
Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., The Yards-Canal Park
Food vendors, music and a fashion show put Colombian art and culture in the spotlight. Tickets cost $15 in advance.
Fiesta Asia Street Fair
Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., 400 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Numerous performers representing countries from across Asia will descend on downtown D.C. Catch Bollywood dancing and martial arts demos, check out crafts or visit numerous food stalls. It's free to attend and kid-friendly. The Judiciary Square, Federal Triange and Archives stations are closest, organizers say.
Purcellville Wine Festival
Saturday, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Purcellville
Take a trip up to Purcellville and visit the Purcellville Wine and Food Festival. Drink wine, listen to live music and have a great time in this western Loundon county town. Tickets are $30 for adults and $5 for non-alcoholic entry.
For Your Sunday
Yoga in the Fun House at the National Building Museum
Sunday, 10 a.m., the National Building Museum
Stretch out in the National Building Museum's Fun House by Snarkitecture. A $20 ticket gets you into the yoga class and a pass to the exhibit.
Check out our first look here:
SAAM Arcade
Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Smithsonian American Art Museum
Whether you're itching to test out a lineup of fresh indie games or want to seek out an older console you've never never gotten to play yourself, the American Art Museum is the place to be if you like games this weekend. The event is free to attend.
CORRECTION (July 20, 2018, 8:50 a.m. ET): A previous version of this story included an incorrect date for the Lotus and Water Lily Festival. The festival will be held July 21 and 22, with a night tour planned for Friday, July, 27.
