Welcome to the unofficial start of fall! It's kicking off with festivals celebrating our favorite neighborhoods, jazz, short films and delicious gelato.
-- Nothing beats free. We've got you covered in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia.
-- Outdoor movies are one of the best parts of a D.C. summer.
Here are our top picks for your weekend:
DC Shorts
Through Sept. 16
D.C.'s short film festival is back! You can catch dozens of short films among 18 different showcases. And since it's opening weekend, every showcase is followed by a Q&A. All-access passes start at $125 and tickets cost around $15. You can also get a pass to watch the films online for $30.
Gelato Festival Washington DC 2018
Saturday and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., City Market at O
Local
Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia local news, events and information
D.C.'s gelato festival is one showcase in a 5-year quest to find the best gelato in the world. The grand finale — in Italy, of course — will take place in 2021. For now, you can sample endless flavors at D.C.'s own competition. Tickets cost $30 for adults, with discounts for seniors, kids and veterans. Ciao!
John Lennon: The Green Album
Sept. 7 through Feb. 3, The National Postal Museum
Were we the only ones who didn't know John Lennon had a stamp collection? Not only does it exist, but it's going on display this weekend in D.C.
Revolutions & Movements
Through Sunday, various times, Dupont Underground
Music, art and film have galvanized activists from Tehran to D.C., and Dupont Underground is putting some of those works on display. Tickets for each night are sold separately.
Maryland Renaissance Festival
Weekends through Oct. 21, Crownsville, Md.
Hear ye! Hear ye! Don your best 15th-century garb and grab a turkey leg at the Maryland Renaissance Festival. Performances, including jousting, music, science demos and Shakespeare, are plentiful. Check out the schedule in advance so you don't miss your favorite thing. Tickets are discounted through Sept. 9; they cost $19 for adults.
Sports and Sporting
The team is home and playing against the Cubs.
Friday, 7:05 p.m.
Saturday, 7:05 p.m. - International Food Festival
Sunday, 1:35 p.m.
Nats Park International Food Festival
Saturday, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Nationals Park
Buy a special ticket to Saturday's game against the Cubs for access to a food-filled celebration of the international community in D.C. Embassies will be handing out food and drink samples. Tickets start at $35, and you get a free apron for attending.
Your Friday
Free Pick
First Friday Dupont
Friday, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Dupont Circle
The Embassy of Peru, Heurich House Museum, National League of American Pen Women, Korean Cultural Center and Washington Studio School are only some of the Dupont sports opening their doors for free exhibits. You will need to purchase a ticket for some events, including ArtJamz' Party like Banksy party and Take Five Meditation's classes,
Free Pick
Underground Comedy
11:30 p.m., The Big Hunt
Your Saturday
Free Pick
Rosslyn Jazz Fest 2018
Saturday, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Gateway Park in Rosslyn, Virginia
Grammy winner Cory Henry and The Funk Apostles will close out a day of outdoor jazz performances. It's free.
Hello Kitty Cafe Truck
Saturday, 10 a.m., Pentagon Row
One of the country's two mobile Hello Kitty-themed cafes rolls into Arlington on Saturday.
Free Pick
Celebrate Petworth Festival
Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., 800 block of Upshur Street
Catch some live music and a dog show on the main stage, learn about D.C. history from your neighbors and munch some Petworth favorites. Entry is free.
Great Grapes Wine & Food Festival
Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Leesburg, Virginia
Choose tastes of more than 100 wines, nom on festival food and enjoy live music. Adult tasting tickets, which come with a glass to be filled with unlimited samples, start at $30.
Atlas Brew Works Five Year Anniversary Party
Saturday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Atlas Brew Works
Welcome to the Steam Punk Carnival! Atlas Brew Works will be — surprise — serving up $5 beers and food all day. Tickets cost $15 and come with a beer ticket.
Silver Spring Jazz Festival
Saturday, 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., Veterans Plaza, Silver Spring, Maryland
Five-time Grammy winner Dianne Reeves headlines this festival.
Truck & Toss
Saturday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., 3233 Annandale Road, Falls Church, Virginia
Grace Christian Academy is raising money for the school's tuition assistance program at the third annual food truck festival. Craft beer samples, cornhole games and hot rods from the Old Dominion Corvette Club will also be on-site. Tickets start at $5.
John Kerry In Conversation with David Ignatius
Saturday, 7:30 p.m., Sixth & I Synagogue
John Kerry discusses his new book, "Every Day is Extra." Tickets cost $45 and come with a book.
Tarara Summer Concert Series - The Legwarmers
Saturday, 6-9:30 p.m.
Saturday is the last time this season to jam with The Legwarmers, an 80s party band, at Tarara Winery. Tickets run from $10 to $45.
Free Pick
Words Ignite: DC Public Library X Bell Visuals
Saturday, 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., The Line Hotel
It's Banned Books Week and the D.C. Public Library is kicking it off with a projection on The Line Hotel.
Free Pick
Underground Comedy
11:30 p.m., The Big Hunt
Your Sunday
Free Pick
Underground Comedy
8:30 p.m., Wonderland Ballroom
8th Annual Polo Classic
Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Great Meaow in the Plains, Virginia
Tickets to the rousing polo match start at $60 at the gate (Bring cash). Proceeds benefit the National Sporting Library & Museum.
Free Pick
Love and Letters
Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., The Line Hotel
Writer and poet Ajolique Jude and calligrapher Josefina Sanders lead a female-centered afternoon of affirmations and writing.
Free Pick
Adams Morgan Day 2018
Sunday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The best music, art and good Adams Morgan has to offer can be found at the heart of Adams Morgan at 18th and Columbia Road. It's free to attend.
Free Pick
The Capital Area Food Bank's Food Truck Rally
Sunday, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Capital Area Food Bank
Eat from a variety of food trucks, tour the food play games and enjoy music. You can RSVP and make a donation on their website.
