From film screenings to Chuck Brown celebrations to sporting events all over town, here’s what’s happening this weekend.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 16
SAILING AWAY: You’ve taken photos by the monuments, but have you ever paddled past them? During Potomac Riverkeeper’s RiverPalooza Monuments Paddle, you’ll cruise through the Boundary Channel of the Potomac River, and enjoy snacks and drinks back at the Columbia Island Marina once you finish the route. (Columbia Island Marina, 9 a.m.- 12 p.m., $65 kayak rental)
HOW SWEET THE SOUND: Earlier this year, Amazing Grace, a three-decade old documentary presenting Aretha Franklin’s legendary 1972 performance at the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church was finally released. Honor the one-year anniversary of the Queen of Soul’s passing with a screening, part of the Smithsonian Year of Music 2019. (Allen Chapel AME Church, 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m., FREE)
SWIM AND SCORE: Just because you can’t wear your shirsey in the pool doesn’t mean you can’t show off your Nats spirit during your next swim session. Purchase a promotional ticket for Friday’s Swim Night game vs. the Milwaukee Brewers and you’ll cop a swim cap featuring the Racing Presidents. (Nationals Park, 7:05 p.m., $13+)
MORE: Jazz in the Garden (National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, 5 p.m.-8:30 p.m., FREE), Rosslyn Putt-Putt and Candy BAR (1401 Wilson Blvd., 5 p.m.-9 p.m., $3), Capitol Riverfront Friday Night Concert Series (The Yards Park, 7-9 p.m., FREE)
SATURDAY, AUGUST 17
GLOBAL GRUB: Explore the finest food from around the globe during the 2019 Around the World Cultural Food Festival. Feast on the fares of over 40 countries, and while you’re there, take in traditional dance and performances. Admission is free, but upgraded VIP tickets include separate queues and entrance to shaded dining sections. (Freedom Plaza, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., free entry)
DRINK UP: Sure, it’s sad to say so long to summer, but with fall around the corner, Oktoberfest is nigh. Start the celebrations early with DC Brau’s Oktoberfest Bash. Sip on Keller Pils, Cha Cha Cha Weisenbock, and El Hefe Speaks; your ticket includes a souvenir stein and German-inspired cuisine courtesy of Smoke & Ember. (DC Brau, 1 p.m.-6 p.m., $20-$60)
WIND ME UP CHUCK: This year marks the 5th annual Chuck Brown Day, a yearly celebration of the Godfather of Go-Go. The daylong program features performances from the Chuck Brown Band, Junkyard band, Bela’ Dona and Crank Crusaders, plus food trucks and a back to school giveaway sponsored by the Chuck Brown Foundation. (Chuck Brown Memorial Park, 2 p.m.-7 p.m., FREE)
LOCAL SOUNDS: Hosted DC Music Rocks, the 3rd annual DC Music Rocks Festival celebrates the emerging artists of the D.C. area. The night includes performances from the Eli Lev Collective, More AM than FM, Sub-Radio, Iza Flow, and Los Empresarios, plus sets from singer-songwriters and the MusicianShip Drumline. (9:30 Club, 7 p.m., $15)
MORE:Saturday Long Run (Potomac River Running Store, 7:30 a.m., FREE), Waterfront Yoga (Georgetown Waterfront Park, 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m., FREE), Sip & Sculpt (The Lemon Collective, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., $60), Drag Queen Storytime (East City Bookshop, 3 p.m., FREE), Milwaukee Brewers vs. Washington Nationals (Nationals Park, 7:05 p.m., $18+), Tony Bennett (Wolf Trap Filene Center, 7:30 p.m. gates, 8 p.m. show, $30+)
SUNDAY, AUGUST 18
HOOPS HIGHLIGHTS: You’ve only got a few opportunities left to see the Washington Mystics at home this regular season. This weekend, the home team, currently No. 1 in the Eastern Conference, takes on the Indiana Fever. (Entertainment and Sports Arena, 3 p.m., $9+)
SIP AND READ: Most book clubs calls for coffee or wine, but the Tequila Book Club has something a little stronger on the menu. Sip on a Fahrenheit 1517 margarita while discussing Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale. Your ticket also includes an entrée, dessert, and savings on the next book club selection. (Kramerbooks, 4 p.m.-6 p.m., $35)
MOVIE NIGHT: Join Porchfest DC for a Sunday potluck and outdoor film screening. Bring a dish to share (or cash to buy something to snack on from an on-site vendor) and lawn chair or blanket for an evening showing of Selma. (East Washington Heights Baptist Church, 6 p.m. potluck, 8 p.m. movie, FREE)
MORE: Outdoor Yoga (Total Source Fitness Union Market, 10 a.m.-11 a.m., FREE), Milwaukee Brewers vs. Washington Nationals (Nationals Park, 1:35 p.m., $13+) , The Custard Chase (Banneker Recreation Center track, 5:30 p.m., FREE)
