Yes, it’s going to be dangerously hot this weekend, but the events, including a lot of space-centric programming, must go on. Find an air conditioned event or go for a swim—whatever you do, don’t forget to stay hydrated!
FRIDAY, JULY 19
HOORAY FOR SPACE: Apollo 11 launched from Kennedy Space Center 50 years ago this week. Ahead of the anniversary of Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin’s historic lunar mission, head to the center of all things space-related at the National Air and Space Museum’s Discover the Moon Day featuring Armstrong’s newly restored spacesuit and Moon meteorites. (National Air and Space Museum, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., FREE)
ESPORTS SIPS: Drink Company’s already done cherry blossoms, Christmas and Game of Thrones. For the group’s latest pop-up, the Levels Unlocked PUB, the theme is all esports in homage to D.C.’s gaming scene, with Overwatch, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and NBA2K19 serving as inspiration for the decor and the menu. Expect cocktails including the Japanese whisky-based Super Dragon Bros, and the Pikachu-Hi, made with shochu and sake. (1843 7th St. NW, 5 p.m.-1 a.m., a la carte)
USA, USA, USA: If you haven’t had enough over-the-top Americana this summer, pledge your allegiance to Astro Pop’s America The Game Show. F*ck Yeah! The red, white, and blue-everything production includes audience participation. Beer pong with Uncle Sam, anyone? There’s also a Saturday 8 p.m. performance. (Gala Hispanic Theatre, 9 p.m., $22)
MORE: Truckeroo (The Bullpen, 4 p.m.-11 p.m., free entry), Jazz in the Garden (National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, 5 p.m.-8:30 p.m., FREE), Jimmy Eat World and Third Eye Blind with Ra Ra Riot (Merriweather Post Pavilion, 5:30 p.m. gates, 7 p.m. show, $29.50+), Sideways & Wine Tasting with Maxwell Park (Smithsonian Warner Bros. Theater, 6 p.m. tasting, 7 p.m. screening, $10-$35), Capitol Riverfront Friday Night Concert Series (The Yards Park, 7 p.m.-9 p.m., FREE), Beyoncé vs Rihanna Summer Dance Party (9:30 Club, 9 p.m., $15)
This week’s Jazz in the Garden has been canceled due to heat.
SATURDAY, JULY 20
DANCE DANCE REVOLUTION: Since it already feels like Florida outside, why not bring the South Beach to the Smithsonian Carousel? 305 Fitness hosts its fourth annual Miami on the Mall, an outdoor iteration of its dance-inspired workout outside to celebrate five years in D.C. Come for the party, stay for the giveaways. (East of the Carousel on the National Mall, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., FREE)
MOON MOMENT: It’s the final day of the Apollo 50 Festival, a massive celebration honoring the first lunar landing hosted by NASA and the National Air and Space Museum. Saturday’s lineup includes presentations about lunar science and lessons from the moon for Mars from NASA scientists, plus live performances. (National Mall between 4th St. and 7th St., 9 a.m.-8 p.m, FREE)
ZINE SCENE: Get ready to read you way through the 9th annual DC Zinefest at the air-conditioned (!), all-ages Art Enables space. Organizers recommend bringing cash, especially smaller bills, as some artists of the self-published zines and books on sale won’t accept credit or debit cards. (Art Enables, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., FREE)
ONE SMALL STEP: Can’t get enough space? The National Symphony Orchestra teams up with NASA for the Apollo 11: A 50th Anniversary iteration of NSO Pops. The program, titled “One Small Step, One Giant Leap,” features Meredith Vieira, Pharrell Williams, LeVar Burton and more. (The Kennedy Center Concert Hall, 9 p.m., $29-$149)
MORE: Summer of Yoga Series (Lululemon 14th St., 9 a.m., FREE), Jazz History Tour (The Howard Theatre, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., $45), America’s Best Brew Fest (The Bullpen, 12:30 p.m.-8 p.m., $29.95+), BGC Kickback (The Caged Bird, 5 p.m.-10 p.m., $10), Civil War Times in Washington (National Mall, 7 p.m., FREE), Dave Matthews Band (Jiffy Lube Live, 8 p.m., $49+), Crystal City Twilighter 5K (Crystal City, 8:30 p.m., $28 youth/$38-$50), Hot In Herre: 2000s Dance Party (9:30 Club, 9 p.m., $16)
The Jazz History Tour has been postponed to Sept. 21. The Crystal City Twilighter 5k has been canceled.
SUNDAY, JULY 21
LACE UP: Ready, set, run! The annual Grand African Run 5K and kids 1K event celebrates the contributions and achievements Africans have made to the sport and the running community. The event helps benefit African charitable organizations. (The Yards Park, 8 a.m., $25-$50)
WHAT’S MY AGE AGAIN: It’s an unlikely pairing, but Gen X-ers and millennials alike are sure to feel nostalgic as Blink-182 and Lil Wayne end the week at Merriweather. And despite Lil Wayne’s apparent dissatisfaction with the crowds on the tour, the show’s still on. (Merriweather Post Pavilion, 5:30 p.m. gates, 7 p.m. show, $37.50+)
SO BAD IT’S GOOD: Bad movies are a unique type of art. From bad acting to poor concepts, there’s a lot to unpack. Actors Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas explore the worst of the worst on the regular on their podcast How Did This Get Made? The trio will present the show live this weekend in D.C. (DAR Constitution Hall, 7:30 p.m., $45)
MORE: Veterans and Yoga (American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial, 7 a.m., FREE), Make and Eat the Longest Sundae in D.C. (The Yards, 11:30 a.m.-12:3- p.m., $6), Yappy Hour (Wunder Garten, 12 p.m.-2 p.m., FREE), D.C. United Watch Party (Pearl Street at The Wharf, 2 p.m.-6 p.m., FREE), Atlanta Dream vs. Washington Mystics (Entertainment & Sports Arena, 3 p.m., $9+),
