FRIDAY, SEPT. 25
FLYOVER: The Arsenal of Democracy is doing its National Mall flyover in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II. You’ll witness more than 70 WWII warbird aircrafts flying in battle formation over D.C. landmarks, starting with the Lincoln Memorial. The planes will fly in sequence over the Mall every 2 minutes. (National Mall, 11:30 a.m., FREE)
TAKE A HIKE: Each month, Montgomery County Parks takes you on a hike. This two- to three-mile hike, starting at Brookside Nature Center, will focus on migrating birds, late flowering plants, spiders, and the changing leaves. Each hike is done twice monthly, so if you miss it this time around, there’s always another chance. (Brookside Nature Center, 10 a.m., FREE)
REOPENING CONTINUES: Get excited, more Smithsonian museums are opening their doors on Friday as part of their gradual reopening plan. Now, museums lovers can once again visit the National Museum of American History as well as the National Museum of the American Indian. Like the others, timed entry and reduced hours are enforced. Face coverings are also required. Reserve free tickets here. (The National Museum of American History or the National Museum of the American Indian, 11 a.m., FREE)
SATURDAY, SEPT. 26
GREEN THUMB: The D.C. Environmental Film Festival continues its virtual programming and this weekend. Sit back for a screening of Mossville: When Great Trees Fall. This documentary takes a deep look at Mossville, Louisiana, once a thriving community founded by formerly enslaved and free people of color but now is struggling with pollution and prolonged exposure to chemicals from nearby plants. The screening includes a pre-recorded discussion with the filmmakers and is available to watch all weekend. (Any time, $10)
ROSSLYN READS: The Rosslyn BID and bookstore Carpe Librum are hosting a pop-up book sale on Saturday. The sale at Central Place Plaza will include more than 8,000 used books, CDs, DVDs, and vinyls and supports Turning the Page, a non-profit that helps underserved students. All items will be on sale for between $2 and $6. So stock up for some cozy fall quarantine reads. (Central Place Plaza, 10 a.m., prices vary)
DEADHEADS: Alright, Deadheads, it’s time to go back in time. Head to the Bullpen on Saturday to jam out to two iconic Grateful Dead shows. Tickets include a table set six feet apart from others, unlimited beer buckets, and food available for purchase. There will be two different jam sessions both featuring “recorded live” performances—June 14, 1991, at RFK and June 21, 1989, at Shoreline Amphitheater — so choose wisely. (The Bullpen, 3 p.m. or 7 p.m., $40)
SUNDAY, SEPT. 27
GRAND REOPENING: Welcome back the Martin Luther King, Jr. library with weekend long programming. The newly renovated space will be holding virtual performances and fun in celebration of its reopening. On Sunday, join in for music, a session on how to register to vote, story time, and dancing. (12 p.m., FREE)
GET COZY AT HOME: If you want to celebrate the changing temperatures but aren’t ready for outdoor dining, Stable DC is unveiling seasonal at-home packages this weekend. These to-go packages have themes including picnics and Oktoberfest, with plenty of wine, cheese, and beer to go around. Starting this weekend, you can also pick up a pumpkin to display or carve. Happy autumn! (Stable DC, any time, $22-$79)
BOOKS ARE MAGIC: The Library of Congress National Book Festival is going virtual this year. So enjoy the speaker panels, read alouds, and literacy activities from the comfort of home. There will be plenty of activities appropriate for all ages as well as event tracks related to three timely topics: the anniversary of women’s suffrage, reading Black voices, and democracy in the 21st century. (9 a.m., FREE)
