Celebrate a D.C. landmark

It’s going to be the perfect weekend to stay inside … perhaps at a museum? This is nearly the end of the four-month run of an exhibit celebrating the 20th anniversary of the African American Civil War Memorial and Museum, the U Street Corridor institution that tells the stories of black soldiers who fought in the Civil War. Artist Hubert Jackson created a series of paintings based on Civil War battles fought in Virginia, and the former D.C. Public Schools art teacher layers his works with relics found at the sites, including bullets, tree bark, and horseshoes.
African American Civil War Memorial and Museum, through Nov. 18.

Stock your cabinets

Instead of sourcing your dishes from the same unpronounceable Ikea line as everyone else, find something a little different at the annual Pottery on the Hill show. Seventeen ceramic artists will be in attendance showing off functional pottery, so peruse bowls, platters, vases, plates, and the like that will be available for purchase. If all this inspiration gets the creative juices flowing, from 2 p.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, The District Clay Center will lead a raku firing, where you can decorate your own pieces to take home.
Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital, Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Watch other people cook up a storm

If the Food Network came to life, it would look a lot like the Food History Weekend at the National Museum of American History. Saturday’s agenda during the three-day event includes cooking demonstrations, discussions, and performances all about the past, present, and future of food in the United States. We’re particularly excited for a conversation between Splendid Table host Francis Lam and Chefs Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken, winners of the 2018 Julia Child Award (12:30 p.m. Saturday); and a mole cooking demonstration from chef and frequent Chopped judge Aarόn Sánchez (12:15 p.m. Saturday).
National Museum of American History, Saturday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Have a night of big top fun on the water

What’s that? You managed to get that song from The Greatest Showman out of your head? That’s a shame, because The Yards is hosting a circus this weekend, tightrope walkers, fire eaters, contortionists, aerialists, and all. Agua 301, Ice Cream Jubilee, Due South, and more vendors will be on hand with snacks and drinks. Record your present likeness with the help of a caricature artist, hear all about your future goings-on from a fortune-teller, and mourn Hugh Jackman’s best actor Oscar that could have been with your fellow circus-goers.
The Yards, Saturday, 5 p.m.-9 p.m., register here

Baby’s day workout

If you have a baby, it likely lives in your house and eats your food for free without pitching in for rent at all. What a freeloader! Put your baby to work, finally, at Stroller Strides, a workout that incorporates a stroller for resistance and power-walking training. While you feel the burn, your baby will lounge in your stroller (typical) and enjoy tot-friendly music. Your first class is free. Bring along a water bottle, towel, yoga mat, and sunscreen, and save time afterward to shop at the Dupont farmers market.
Dupont Circle FRESHFARM Market, Sunday, 9:30 a.m., register here

Want more ideas for your weekend—even if they cost a little money?

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