Though Hispanic Heritage Month officially started earlier this week, there’s plenty to celebrate this weekend, from Fiesta DC to ZooFiesta. Also happening: Make your way to the REACH at the Kennedy Center as the opening festival continues.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
COOL COOKING: Take in a demonstration from Carlos Salgado, head chef of Taco María in L.A., named the city’s 2018 Restaurant of the Year by the Los Angeles Times. He’ll explain how to make masa, preparing it live and detailing his own culinary history and interests in the process. (National Museum of American History, 1 p.m., FREE)
GLOW ZONE: Don’t shoot the messenger, but this is our last weekend of summer. To say farewell to the season, head to Back to the Yards, a neon-hued, glow-in-the-dark celebration of the end of the season for throwback dance party featuring 80’s and 90’s hits. The night of nostalgia also features vintage arcade games under the night sky. (The Yards Park, 7 p.m.-9 p.m., FREE)
NO TENT REQUIRED: Inspired by American Myth & Memory: David Levinthal Photographs, the Smithsonian American Art Museum & Brightest Young Things’ End-Of-Summer-Camp event features a, well, camp, twist on all your favorite camp traditions. From s’mores sips to a “cowboi DJ” set from Dan Deacon, it’s a Western meets sleepaway camp mashup of influences. (Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8:30 p.m.-12 a.m., $60+)
MORE:Truckeroo (The Bullpen, 4 p.m.-11 p.m., free admission), Cheese Night (Glen’s Garden Market, 6 p.m.-7 p.m., $30), Mac Demarco with Dustin Wong and Takako Minekawa (The Anthem, 6:30 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show, $44+), Love, Gilda(The REACH at the Kennedy Center, 8:30 p.m., FREE)
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
ZOO GONE GLOBAL: Part of the Smithsonian’s system-wide celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, ZooFiesta shines a light on the animals of Latin America and what’s being done to protect creatures in those regions. The event also features live music from Ocho de Bastos and Zon Zandunga, plus lectures and animal demonstrations. (Smithsonian National Zoo, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., FREE)
EAT UP: This year, the Chesapeake Oyster Wine & Beer Festival expands to two Saturday sessions. Bottomless drinks and seafood, including oysters, and a commemorative cup come with your entry fee; both the afternoon and evening sampling time slots include live entertainment, too. (Dock 5 at Union Market, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., $69)
DANCING IN THE STREET: Spanning 11 city blocks, the H Street Festival is a celebration of the corridor. Explore the Artist Alley to see exciting work of local makers, or take in performances across mediums, from music and dance to fitness and fashion. New this year: There will be a live painting battle on the streets. (H St NE, 12 p.m.-7 p.m., FREE)
HOT DOG: Every dog has his or her day, and Saturday is for the dachshunds at the annual Wiener 500 Oktoberfest. Entry to the race is now closed, but spectating is free, and other pups are welcome to come and cheer on their brethren. Proceeds from the day support the Humane Rescue Alliance. (The Wharf, 1 p.m.-5 p.m., free admission)
MORE: Fall Bricnic (Thompson Boat Center, 7 a.m.-1 p.m., FREE), National Dance Day 2019 (The REACH at the Kennedy Center, 10 a.m.-11 p.m., FREE), Refurbished Bike Sale (Big Bear Cafe, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., FREE), DC Walk for the Animals 2019 (The Wharf, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., $35), Bluejacket Oktoberfest (Bluejacket, 12 p.m.-11:30 p.m., free admission), Great American Square Dance Revival (St. Stephen and the Incarnation Episcopal Church, 8 p.m.-11:30 p.m., $5)
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
MUSEUM MOMENT: At Sacred Dedication: A Korean Buddhist Masterpiece, fix your gaze on a sculpture of Gwaneum. On loan from the National Museum of Korea, the object is the oldest known gilded wood figure. The presentation continues through March 22, 2020. (Freer|Sackler, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., FREE)
FOODIE FETE: Dine on some of D.C.’s favorite dishes courtesy of Chaia, Georgetown Cupcake, District Doughnuts, Paul, Olivia Macaron and more at this year’s Taste of Georgetown. The food- and family-friendly event helps support the Georgetown Ministry Center. (K St NW between Wisconsin and Thomas Jefferson Avenues, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., free admission)
HERITAGE HIGHLIGHT: It’s the 48th year running for Fiesta DC 2019, the District’s annual celebration of the Latino community, the fastest growing group in D.C., according to festival organizers. Saturday’s Parade of Nations is followed by a massive street festival on Sunday with plenty of performances and food. (Pennsylvania Ave NW from 3rd to 7th Streets, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., FREE)
MORE: Power to the Pedal Tour (REI, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., FREE),Immigrant & Refugee Artisan Market (ANXO Cidery & Pintxos Bar, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., free entry), Amber Wine Festival (Maydan, 1 p.m.-3 p.m. $30), Labyrinth (Hirshhorn, 2 p.m., FREE), Fresh Talk: Judy Chicago New Views with Martha C. Nussbaum (National Museum of Women in the Arts, 4:30 p.m.-8 p.m., $65+), Brain Rapp Presents: Blawesome (Songbyrd, 5:30 p.m., FREE), Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé (The REACH at the Kennedy Center, 7 p.m., FREE)
