Photo by John J. Young.
FRIDAY
ARTY PARTY: Art Museum of the Americas (201 18th Street NW) hosts Art After Dark. Two exhibitions — “Small Guide to Homeownership” and “Femininity Beyond Archetypes” — and an outdoor garden — hosting “video art projected on the building, live music, iPad raffle and other prizes, DJ Shea Van Horn, performance art and food trucks” — will be open until 1 a.m. $50 general admission, $95 VIP. Booze included in price of admission. Don’t wear high heels.
WIND ME UP: On what would have been his 78th birthday, the Chuck Brown Band will perform at the Howard Theatre (620 T Street NW) to release the Godfather of Go-Go’s final album, Beautiful Life. Tickets $22.50 to $40. Door at 8 p.m., show at 9 p.m.
OUTDOOR MOVIE: The Rosslyn Bid hosts its last outdoor movie of the summer. Anchorman begins at 8 p.m. in Gateway Park (1300 Lee Highway). Free.
RISKY SWIMMING: As public pools continue to close, the Capitol Skyline Hotel (10 Eye Street SW) will host a pool party that doubles as a trunk show. Swimwear from Design Army and Karla Colletto will be on display, and drink specials will be available. “Poolside-chic attire” required. Free. 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
SATURDAY
DRAGON BOAT: Several teams will compete at the DC Dragon Boat Club’s Capital Dragon Boat Regatta starting at 9 a.m. Races, “which last just a few exhilarating minutes each,” according to organizers, will be broadcast on a 17-foot screen. Alcohol will be available in a beer garden, while vendors and food trucks will handle your hunger. Along the Southwest Waterfront between Water and 7th streets. See a schedule here [PDF].
BAO BAO B-DAY: Celebrate Bao Bao’s first birthday at the National Zoo (3001 Connecticut Avenue NW) with a public celebration from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bao Bao and Mei Xiang will eat a special frozen cake at 11:30 a.m., while keepers will give talks at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. “Guests will enjoy complimentary dandan (dahn-dahn) noodles (a cold dish from Sichuan province where the China Conservation and Research Center in Wolong is located) on a first-come first-served basis.” Free.
JAZZ: Vocalist Akua Allrich returns to Bohemian Caverns on Friday and Saturday for her annual tribute to Miriam Makeba and Nina Simone, women who were ahead of their time in temperament and talent. Now in its 6th year, Allrich’s weekend sets always feature D.C.’s top musicians, making it a highlight of the summer jazz calendar. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $20 online/$25 at the door. —Sriram Gopal
WASHINGTON BURNING: To mark the Burning of Washington, the National Park Service will host interactive programs at President’s Park (15th and E streets NW). “Valor of a Few, Saves Treasures of a Nation,” both Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. and noon, will discuss Dolley Madison’s experience. A replica of the flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write what became the national anthem will be on display Sunday at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. for “Broad Stripes and Bright Stars!” Key’s story will be told at 1:30 p.m. that day. All events free.
ZINE TIME: Help the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library (Dream Lab, 901 G Street NW) make its own zine at a 4 p.m. workshop. “We’ll also show you how to use Adobe InDesign CS6 to create a zine and begin our plans for this new publication, including picking out what we’ll call it!” Free.
SUNDAY
TO THE DOGS: Vinoteca (1940 11th Street NW) will host a BBQ fundraiser for City Dogs Rescue from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Some of DCist’s favorite hot dogs and “Dog Days of Summer” punch will be sold with $1 from each donated to the rescue, which will bring some adoptable dogs to the event. All-night happy hour will be available on the plaza for a $10 donation to City Dogs.
DOLLEY DAY: As part of its commemoration of the War of 1812, Dumbarton House (2715 Q Street NW) will host Dolley Day. From the museum: “n August 24, 1814, as the British marched toward Washington, Dolley was preparing for a dinner party. As the British came closer, Charles Carroll, owner of Dumbarton House and close friend of the President and Dolley Madison, sent his carriage to the White House to bring Dolley to safety. During her flight, Dolley stopped at Dumbarton House on her way to Virginia.” To mark the historic occasion, make ice cream, eat “Dolley” cake and play period games. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Free.
