Saturday's Fest List: Live Long and Party

From 17th to Silver Spring

This Saturday, Sept. 25, you'll find more outdoor festivals than you can shake a stick at... although why you'd ever possibly want to shake a stick at a festival is beyond us. Seriously, why would you do that?

  • The 17th Street Festival celebrates the final stage of the 17th Street Street-scape Project. Go to Stead Park (1625 P St. N.W.) for musical performers , artist vendors, a pet zone, auctions and more. 2-6 p.m.; 8 p.m. movie; free admission.
      
  • At the Barracks Row Fest (8th Street S.E. between E and I streets), you can tour of the homes of the commandants and the Marine Barracks, plus peek at historic uniforms dating back to 1775. You'll also find the requisite food, music, and a cook-off. Oh, and Redskins Cheerleaders. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; free admission.
     
  • Clarendon Day (held around the Clarendon Metro station) adds some extra health-oriented touches this year in a partnership with the Virginia Hospital Center Foundation Family Fun Day. The day includes the annual 10K/5K/Kids' Dash, fitness classes, health screenings and dancing -- plus music on two stages, 50+ vendors, and food from 15 local restaurants. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; free admission.
     
  • The National Book Festival (on the National Mall, between 3rd and 7th streets) features readings and signings from dozens of notable authors, including Jonathan Safran Foer, Isabel Allende and Ken Follett. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; free admission.
     
  • Oktoberfest at National Harbor (137 National Plaza, National Harbor, Md.) has reduced ticket sales this year and expanded into two days in an effort to avoid last year's overcrowding problem. Go for German and international beers, German liquor, wine and schnapps, plus plenty of food vendors. Noon-6 p.m. general admission; VIP starts at 11 a.m.; $25-$85
     
  • The Silver Spring Block Party (Kennett Street by Acorn Park) features 60+ craft vendors, an international food court, DJs and a beer garden. You'll also find a bake-off with celebrity judges; raffles and pets on-site for adoptions. 1-6 p.m.; free admission.
     
  • OK, so the Virgin Mobile FreeFest doesn't have any free tickets left, but if you're willing to shell out, you can still catch artists including M.I.A., Pavement, Ludacris and Thievery Corporation at the Merriweather Post Pavilion (10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, Md). 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; $30-$125.

And when you're done with all that, see what's going on this Sunday.


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