FRIDAY, AUGUST 14

STORY TIME: Take a midday break from work for a quick story hour. The D.C. Public Library is reading a short story aloud every Friday at noon. This week’s story is “The Colonel’s Lady” by M. Somerset Maugham, about a colonel’s shock when his wife’s poetry becomes a massive success. Sit back and enjoy a thought-provoking read. (12 p.m., FREE)

FRONTRUNNER: Meet the Black women who played foundational roles in the legacy of go-go. This Smithsonian Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden virtual event gives the chance to hear what it’s like to be a woman in the go-go music scene. It’s part of ARTLAB’s series on celebrating women in go-go. The ARTLAB is a digital art studio for teens, but this program is open to all music lovers. (6 p.m., FREE)

TAKE A DAY OFF: Songbyrd Music House & Record Cafe is inviting you to dinner and a movie. Get a date and enjoy a showing of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Seating will, of course, be limited so moviegoers are encouraged to arrive early. A $25 minimum is required to spend per table. (2475 18th St NW, 9 p.m., $25 minimum)

ARTSY PARTY: Alexandria’s Torpedo Factory Art Center is hosting an online celebration of its new exhibits and emerging artists. Tune into Facebook Live for a virtual tour of its exhibit Through the Kitchen Door, an artistic look in the history of American kitchens. Afterwards, listen in on an in-depth panel with emerging artists in the region.  (7 p.m., FREE)

COUNTY FAIR GOES VIRTUAL: Don’t miss out on the Arlington County Fair — which is going virtual this year! All weekend long, you can log on for a variety of events from: bingo, trivia, pie eating contest, cooking demos, and more. All events will be streamed on Facebook Live and you can tune in any time from the opening ceremony on Friday at noon to the closing ceremony on Sunday at 6 p.m. (Noon, FREE)

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15

PICNIC IN THE PARK: Cling to the last month of summer with a picnic in the park with Big Bear Cafe. Local band Aztec Sun will be playing funk and soul music from the cafe’s balcony. Onlookers will be able to spread out blankets in the park across the street to enjoy the music. Don’t forget to grab a frozen piña colada or peach daiquiri from the patio while munching on some hand-held boardwalk street food, including fry bread and Sonoran dogs. (1700 1st St. NW, 6 p.m., prices vary)

YOGA FOR GOOD: Join Mt. Pleasant yoga studio Past Tense for an outdoor, all-levels flow yoga class. It will be held on the rooftop of The Lane and a virtual option is available for those more comfortable joining remotely. All ticket sales go towards the scholarship fund for Flex Academies Social Learning Clubs. Participants are asked to wear masks and bring their own mat. (1408 Okie St. NE, 9:30 a.m., $20-$200)

GET COLORFUL: Learn the basics of shibori, or Japanese tie-dye, with Rhizome DC. This backyard event will teach participants how to make vats of indigo dye, dye cloths, and how to best care for them. Each participants will receive one tea towel, but you’re free to bring your own materials to dye. Registration is required. (6950 Maple St. NW, 4 p.m., $15-$25)

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16

POTTERHEAD: Go back to Hogwarts at the Bullpen on Sunday night. The venue will be holding an outdoor showing of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, so grab your wand and owl. A ticket includes access to the film, drink specials, and complimentary popcorn. There will be a costume contest. If you’re a big Potter fan, the Bullpen is also showing the first movie on Friday. (1201 Half St. SE, 8 p.m., $15)

COMMUNITY DAYS RETURN: The National Museum of Women in the Arts’ free community days are back. Visit the museum on Sunday for free and for a last chance to view its exhibit on Mexico since the late 1960s through photography. There is also a new spotlight installation on nature photography. Timed tickets are required for entry. (1250 New York Ave. NW, 12 p.m., FREE)

SOAK IN THE SUN: Alexandria’s annual summertime bargain tradition is returning this year. More than 60 boutiques in Old Town Alexandria and Del Rey will be participating in this weekend’s Alexandria Sidewalk Sale. Shoppers are asked to wear face masks and walk around to each shop. The sale runs Saturday and Sunday and parking is free all weekend. (Old Town Alexandria, all day, prices vary)