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For Your Weekend: Smithsonian Solstice Celebration, World Cup Watch Parties

It's official: Summer's here! Here are some fun things to keep in mind:

-- Outdoor movies are one of the best parts of a D.C. summer. This weekend's offerings include "La La Land," "Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory," "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" and "The Iron Giant."

-- Have some frugal fun with our Free & Cheap Things to Do in D.C. guide.

Community Connections

Creating World Peace
Friday, 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., Navy Yard

Join Buddhist nun Gen Demo for a talk on how promoting peace within can be a positive force across the world. Tickets cost $12 unless you're a member of the Kadampa Meditation Center.

Patuxent Wildlife Conservation Tram Tours
Weekends through Aug. 30, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., Patuxent Research Refuge

Hop on the free 30-minute tram tour to see animals in their natural habitats. Check the weather before you go: Tours are cancelled for thunderstorms, heavy rain or heat indexes over 100 degrees.

RiverPalooza 2018
Various dates through August 25

The Potomac Riverkeeper Network is hosting several boating trips along the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers through summer. Trips range from culturally-based tours, fishing trips and overnight paddles. Register in advance; costs vary.

Juneteenth Community Picnic & Resource Fair
Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Marvin Gaye Park

Black business owners and artisans will have tables alongside community organizations sharing information about community resources.

Smithsonian Solstice Saturday
Saturday, all day, various locations

The Smithsonian is pulling out all the stops to celebrate summer 2018! Several Smithsonians are extending their hours, including the National Zoo (9 p.m.) and the Hirshhorn (midnight).

Kids can enjoy games, crafts, activities including dressing up a llama (3:30 p.m., American Indian Museum), paper orchid making (5:30 p.m., Natural History Museum) and screenings of movies shot in D.C. (various times, Anacostia Community Museum). The National Air and Space museum will delve into the astronomy of the solstice with a day and night of activities. In the evening, the Enid A. Haupt Garden, Moongate Garden, National Museum of African Art, Freer Gallery and Museum of the American Indian will all host live music after dark.

Blagden Open Air Market
Sunday, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Blagden Alley

The coffee shop La Colombe is hosting an open-air market of vintage retailers, local artists and java.

Stories of Scottsboro Today
Sunday, 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Busboys and Poets Shirlington

Dr. Tawnya Pettiford-Wates, artistic director of the Conciliation Project, will lead a panel of experts discussing the injustice nine young black men faced in Depression-era America.

World Heritage Festival
Sunday, June 24, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Silver Spring

Enjoy cultural performances from around the world while trying ethnic foods, buying fine art, crafts, and more. This free family friendly event also has a kids zone with games and activities throguhout the day, so it's something everyone can enjoy.

Pike and Rose's "The Beach"
Open daily, Rockville

Now open for summer, a parking lot at Pike & Rose has transformed (via 250 tons of sand) into a staycation destination. Check out our preview here:

This summer, 250 tons of sand will transform a parking lot at Pike & Rose into a staycation destination.

Parties and Food

Lyft Recess
Friday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., NoMa

Enjoy free (!) beer and snacks, classic music from the '80s and '90s and games at this throwback party. Bring five non-perishable food items for entry into a raffle with prizes including Chia Pets and an old school Game Boy.

26th Annual Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle
Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., downtown

Sample tons of barbecue as cooks from across the country battle it out to make the best smoked or grilled meats in America. There's also a lineup of live music including the Plain White T's, plus cooking demonstration and exhibits. Tickets for adults start at $12.50, and some Giant food stores are giving out discounts.

Neon Paint Party
Saturday, one hour sessions from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Dupont Circle

ArtJamz is flicking on the blacklights and allowing guests to paint the walls neon! Tickets cost $15 and come with a beer or wine.

Men Who Cook
Saturday, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., University of District of Columbia

Enjoy an open bar and good food at this event, which benefits scholarships and community projects in the D.C. area. As of this writing, tickets are going for $45.

Annual North Carolina Society Seafood Festival
Saturday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Hill Center

Tickets start at $40 for non-members, which seems like a good deal for oysters, crabcakes, seafood boil, pork shoulder, beer, wine and sides. Go hungry!

America Now! Solstice Edition
Saturday, 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., downtown

One of the main draws of the Smithsonian's all-day soltice celebration, this party will feature free, fun history talks, a scavenger hunt and a "speakeasy happy hour" at the Museum of American History. At 8:30 p.m., you can hop in a free pedi-cab to the Smithsonian American Art Museum, which is set to host a beer garden and block party. The night ends at the National Portrait Gallery (which shares a building with the American Art Museum) with music from Ruby Velle and Soulphonics and rapper and producer Oddisee.

13th Annual Crab Cake Competition
Sunday, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., Ivy City SmokeHouse Tarvern & Market

It's all about the certified Maryland crab at this festival, which also benefits culinary students by funding scholarships. An $85 ticket gets you noms and samples of the crabcakes from chefs at Kaliwa, Lucky Buns, Himitsu and other delicious restaurants. Some beers and wines are also included.

Rock the Boat - Bollywood Edition
Sunday, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Georgetown Waterfront

Join DJ BIKS for an evening of Bollywood dancing on the Potomac. Early bird tickets are $15.

Pupusa Fest
Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Columbia Heights

Pony up $5 for two tasty pupusas and a drink. You'll also find zumba, games for kids and music.

Art, Exhibits, Comedy and Music

"Watching Oprah"
Ongoing

If you love Oprah, you'll love the exhibit devoted to her at the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

The exhibit "Watching Oprah: The Oprah Winfrey Show and American Culture" debuted last week and will remain open through June 2019. Here's a look at what you'll find:

Photos: Oprah Exhibit at African-American Museum Includes 'You Get a Car' Memorabilia, Pages From Her Diary

Jazz in the Garden
Friday, 5 p.m., National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden

The Hendrik Meurkens Quartet is set to bring jazz harmonica and vibraphone to one of D.C.'s favorite outdoor concerts.

No Kings Collective presents CONGRUENT
Opens Friday evening; runs through July 1, H Street Corridor

Artists' collectives are coming together to showcase D.C.'s art culture. This exhibit opens at 6 p.m. Friday, then you can visit through Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

ARTECHOUSE
All weekend, Southwest Waterfront

A one-of-a-kind experience from Paris has made its way to the District. Through June 30, art lovers have the chance to dance, celebrate and immerse themselves in the wonders of light.

Immersive Art Exhibit Celebrates the Wonders of Light

DC Shorts Laughs! 2018
Friday and Saturday, 9:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m., Miracle Theatre

Enjoy live comedians and video shorts. Tickets start at $20.

Jazz in the Basement: The James Brandon Lewis Trio
Sunday, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Goethe-Institut Washington

This D.C. Public Library tradition is moving while the MLK Library is under renovations.

DIY Wood or Fabric Design Workshop
Various days and times, Alexandria

Sometimes DIY needs to start with a little mentorship, and that's where Anders Ruff Workshop comes in. The studio offers classes on making signs, frames, throw pillows and more. Most classes run about $65 for adults.

Sports and Sporting

World Cup Specials & Watch Parties
Various locations

The FIFA World Cup is on, and the D.C. area is hosting plenty of watch parties with food and drink specials, food trucks and more so you can soak up all the excitement. There's one extra family-friendly party happening this weekend at the Wheaton Sports Pavilion.

Waterfront Workouts
Saturday, 9 a.m., The Wharf

You can partake in a free yoga class each Saturday in June on The Wharf, courtesy of Yoga Factory. Bring your own mat!

World Cup Viewing Party with D.C. United Player
Saturday, 11 a.m., Mt. Pleasant Library

The library isn't spilling on which D.C. United player is set to appear at a viewing of the South Korea versus Mexico match, but we're excited to find out.

Chicks in Bowls DC Metro Meetup
Sunday, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Fairfax

Bring your own equipment and learn to skate from dedicated hobbyists. All skill levels welcome.

The Nationals
Friday, 7:05 p.m. — Ladies' Night
Saturday, 4:05 p.m. — Decade Night: The '70s and Pups in the Park (see below)
Sunday, 8:05 p.m. — Kids' Max Scherzer eye patch

The Nats face off against the Phillies this weekend.

Pups in the Park
Saturday, 2:30 p.m., Nationals Park

Break out your pup's Nats gear and bring them down to the pet-friendly section at the Nationals game against the Phillies. The game is set to start at 4:05 p.m.

Oneness Festival 2018
Saturday, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., Yards Park

Enjoy yoga (for adults and kids), vegan food and more at this outdoor festival. Tickets start at $25.

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