FRIDAY, AUGUST 23 

JAZZ SWAN SONG: It’s the last Friday of the summer that you can while away the evening sitting in the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden listening to jazz and sipping sangria. Hopefully the good vibes of the Funky Dawgz Brass Band will keep you dancing long enough to stave off the end-of-summer melancholy. (National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, 5 p.m.-8:30 p.m., FREE)

BEE GREEN: For the 10th year, the Fairmont hotel is dedicating a day to all things green for its Sustainability Fair. Local environmental groups are participating, bringing along samples like energy-conscious lightbulbs and sustainably made treats. You can also sample some local honey and then compliment the chefs—the hotel has hives right on the roof. (Fairmont Washington D.C., 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., FREE with RSVP)

TAKE A WALK: It was 205 years ago this weekend that British soldiers marched into our fair city and burned a number of buildings as part of the War of 1812. Yes, this is the episode of American history where First Lady Dolley Madison rescued that painting, but the battle also seriously changed the city and the people living here. Learn the stories behind the event at this one-and-a-half-mile walking tour ending at the White House, led by the community group Washington DC History and Culture. (Newseum, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., FREE with RSVP)

MORE: Hen House Art Show (Jackie Lee’s, 6 p.m., FREE), Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo Live Show (National Zoo, various times, FREE), Drake vs. Kanye (U Street Music Hall, 10 p.m., $15-$20)

SATURDAY, AUGUST 24 

WAGS N’ WHISKERS: Check out live music, $5 pet photos, onsite adoptions, and more at the 12th annual Wags N’ Whiskers event in Arlington. There’s going to be upwards of 65 vendors at the festival, and it’s all pet-friendly. And if you’d like to bring your kids, there’ll be face painting and balloon art. (The Village at Shirlington, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., freeentry)

MARGARITA CRUISE: Hop on a cruise of the Potomac River this Saturday, featuring $3 margarita specials and views of D.C.’s iconic sites. You’ll get to see Washington at night and enjoy the view of the monuments in moonlight, including the Jefferson Memorial, the Capitol, and more. (Washington Harbor – Georgetown, 8:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m., $30, 21+)

CLIMB THE CATHEDRAL: You want views? You can’t beat them from the National Cathedral, specifically up the 333-step staircase, all the way up to the ringing room. At one of their regular climbs this weekend, you’ll be able to get up-close views of the cathedral’s stained glass windows and access some of the oldest staircases in it. Then, climb the two western towers and scope out the gargoyles and figures that adorn the National Cathedral. (National Cathedral, 10:15 a.m., $75)

END OF SUMMER BBQ: It’s the end of the season, and the dance and food party Dear Summer BBQ is coming to D.C. for the first time. The event features music from DJ 5’9 from D.C.’s WKYS, free food from 4 p.m.-8 p.m., and alcohol available for purchase. (Dock 5, 4 p.m.-11 p.m., $40, 21+)

MORE: Global Impact Film Festival (The Renaissance Marriott, Friday-Sunday, various times, $5-$99), Afroveg Pop-up Brunch (734 7th St SE, 12 p.m.-3 p.m., $40), 17th Street Festival (1500-1600 blocks of 17th Street NW, 12 p.m.-6 p.m., freeentry), Gangstagrass (The Hamilton Live, 8 p.m.-11:30 p.m., $15-$20), Yoga in the Garden (U.S. Botanic Garden, 10:30 a.m., FREE), 70th Anniversary Season Community Day (Arena Stage, 1 p.m.-6 p.m., FREE)

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25 

GREAT FALLS FREEBIE: Entry to Great Falls Park, and all other National Park Service parks, is free on Sunday to mark the anniversary of the creation of the National Park Service. Grab some comfortable shoes and enjoy the park’s fifteen miles of hiking trails or kayak the Potomac Gorge. (Great Falls Park, normal park operating hours, FREE)

PRINTPALOOZA: There’s a day-long event dedicated to prints and patterns at The Coconut Market. Sport your best printed attire and enjoy music, food trucks, henna, and a full bar. There’s also going to be hookah, along with a market and exhibition area. All prints are welcome, and mixing and matching is encouraged. (Engine Company 12, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., freeentry with RSVP)

ROOFTOP VIBES: Summer is almost over, but CAMP at the Line Hotel rooftop is just getting started. The weekly event series, which kicks off this weekend, includes snacks from James Beard Award-winning Chef Spike Gjerde’s A Rake’s Progress, along with local beer available for purchase and an elevated view of the city. A portion of the entry fee goes towards supporting DC Central Kitchen. (Line Hotel, 11 a.m. – 7:30 p.m., $35 per person)

A COMEDIC CELEBRATION: DCBX Productions is holding a star-studded celebration for impressionist and comedian Sylvia Traymore Morrison, with appearances from actress Mo’nique and comedian Tony Woods, among others. D.C. native Traymore Morrison has been a figure in the city’s comedy scene (and beyond it) since 1969 and has got the approval of another landmark District establishment—Ben’s Chili Bowl. The eatery has a photo of Traymore Morrison on the Wall of Fame in their U St. location. (Renaissance Washington, 3 p.m.-8 p.m., $30)

CALLING ALL POTTERHEADS: Put all that magical knowledge to use at Harry Potter trivia at Blackfinn. You can compete solo or join forces with other Potterheads for a shot at some prizes.There’s also a costume contest, so come decked out in your best Hogwarts-themed ‘fit. Food and drink will be available for purchase. Registration is on-site, but space is limited, so you might want to RSVP. (Blackfinn Ameripub DC, 12 p.m.-2 p.m., free entry)

MORE: Contemporary Art of Pakistan Exhibition (Tysons Corner Marriott, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., FREE, RSVP encouraged), Disney’s Aladdin (Kennedy Center, 1:30 and 7:30, $95), Boozy Bee: A Spelling Game (Capitol Cider House, 7 p.m.-8 p.m., free entry), Yoga on the LAWN (National Building Museum, 10 a.m.-11 a.m, $25)