Keep your eyes on the skies
Airplanes doing dramatic nosedives sounds terrifying, unless it’s intentional, and you’re safely on the ground. The 2019 Joint Base Andrews Air & Space Expo is this weekend. Two of the oldest aerobatic flying teams in the world will perform. The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the U.S. Navy Blue Angels will both take to the sky as headliners during the event. You’ll see demonstrations from a variety of different aircraft models, plus a performance by the Army’s Golden Knights parachute team. Just don’t try to go directly to the base: You’ll want to head to FedEx Field, where you’ll board a shuttle bus. The last ride to the show is at 1 p.m., but opening ceremonies begin at 10:30.
FexEx Field (Where you will board the shuttle), Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Keep funk alive
The Funk Parade is back for another day of music, dancing, and entertainment. The festival is under new supervision this year, with a signature beer, and will include the first-ever #DontMuteDC Conference at U Street Music Hall. Otherwise, it’s largely the same day-long event D.C.-area residents have been attending by the tens of thousands since 2014. There will be performances at multiple stages and a parade. There’s also the Night Music Festival, though that will cost you $10. Stick with the free stuff and you’ll still have plenty to do and see, including a 6 p.m. performance by Chuck Brown Band. We’ve got everything you need to know here.
U Street Neighborhood, Saturday, 1 p.m.-7 p.m.
Take that European vacation you’ve always wanted, no passport (or cash) required
The embassies of 28 European Union Member States are opening their doors this Saturday for the annual EU Open House. Nibble on Bulgarian banitsa while listening to traditional folk singing. Swing by the Embassy of Belgium for chocolate and a cycling expo. Sip on wine at the Embassy of Greece while watching traditional dancing and learning why your next trip should be to Santorini. Celebrate 100 years of Poland-U.S. diplomatic relations with pierogi at the Embassy of Poland. You can also enjoy the sunshine and view from the roof of the Embassy of Sweden. There will be plenty of treats at the embassies, but save some room for fish and chips at the British Embassy. It will be prepared by the Embassy’s Michelin-trained head chef, Craig Harnden, and you can wash it down with some whisky.
EU Embassies, Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Pull up a nice patch of lawn
For the seventh year, more than 40 bands will perform on the porches and front stoops of local homes this Saturday during the Takoma Porch festival. You’ll hear a variety of styles, including bluegrass, acoustic, folk, cumbia, jazz, and more. Each act is just 45 minutes long—enough time to find your new favorite local group—and short enough that you won’t get antsy. Plus, with all the venues spread out through the Old Town neighborhood, you should be able to get your daily steps in.
Old Town Takoma Park, MD, Saturday, 2 p.m.-6 p.m.
Window shop, or whatever the tent equivalent is
Indulge your cultured side at the Bethesda Fine Arts Festival. This Saturday and Sunday, 130 artists will display their work on the streets of Bethesda. The art is for sale, of course, but it won’t cost you anything to look. There will be photography, paintings, jewelry, sculpture, furniture, ceramics, and more. When you’re not walking around, mentally designing the furnishings of your dream home, you can stop by Del Ray Avenue for live rock, jazz, reggae, and other performances.
Del Ray, Auburn, and Norfolk Avenues, Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
