FRIDAY AUGUST 20
RESTAURANT WEEK: Kick off your weekend by supporting local restaurants. During the upcoming Alexandria Restaurant Week, more than 70 restaurants in Northern Virginia will be offering specials on their meals with dine-in and to-go options available. The specials last through August 29. You can find all the menus from participating businesses here. (Various locations; $25+ meals)
GO-GO: Through Saturday, the artist collective Don’t Mute D.C. is celebrating go-go at The REACH at the Kennedy Center. On Friday, the line-up of events includes an arts market, a DJ set, and a live performance. Portions of the event will be live-streamed and in-person availability is offered on a first come first serve basis. (The REACH at the Kennedy Center; programming begins at 6 p.m.; FREE)
Sponsored COMIC CON: Washington DC’s Comic Con – Awesome Con – is back! A star-studded celebration of geek culture where fans come together to enjoy all-things comics, movies, television, cosplay, gaming, and more. This year’s celebrity headliners include Back to the Future’s Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd. (Walter E. Washington Convention Center; Friday through Sunday; $20-$90).
MORE: Meditation & Mindfulness with the Smithsonian Institute (12 p.m.-12:30 p.m.; FREE); Justin Trawick & The Common Good (Hamilton Live; 6:30 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show; $10)
SATURDAY AUGUST 21
CHUCK BROWN DAY: Head over to Chuck Brown Memorial Park to celebrate Chuck Brown Day. Brown, the music legend behind go-go music, “pioneered a form of expressive culture that represented the artistic, unapologetic soul of DC.” The first 1,000 RSVPs receive a free t-shirt. (Chuck Brown Memorial Park; 2 p.m.-7 p.m.; FREE)
BOOK LAUNCH: On Saturday, attend the virtual book launch of The Forgotten River, a collection of poetry and art inspired by the Anacostia River. The project is led by the Anacostia Swim Club — named to encourage residents to imagine a future where the Anacostia is swimmable. (7 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; FREE with $15 book purchase available)
QUIDDITCH: This weekend in Elkridge, Md., athletes will gather for the Major League Quidditch Championships. (Yes — that kind of quidditch.) The top 12 ranked teams in the United States and Canada will compete for the Benepe Cup — stick around on Sunday to watch a showcase of the practice squad. (Troy Park; 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; $25+)
INDIGENOUS HISTORY: This Saturday is the second Garfield Park History Day, an event from the DC Native History Project to learn more about the indigenous Anacostans who once lived where Garfield Park and the Carroll Estate are today. (2nd & E Street Southeast; 12 p.m.-4 p.m.; FREE)
FOOD TOUR: This weekend, join Historic America for their latest Soul Food Saturday: a walking tour of Old Town Alexandria that uses historical landmarks to learn about the influence of Black culture on American cuisine. It ends with — what else? — a meal, inspired by the tour and served outdoors. (Starts at Carlyle House Historic Park; 1 p.m.-3 p.m.; $95)
ROSES AND ROSÉ: On Saturday, you’re invited to a garden party at the Woodrow Wilson House. The Roses and Rosé Summer Soireé will feature music and mingling with a guest DJ and a “summer chic” dress code. Arrive by 7 p.m. for a complimentary glass of rosé, while supplies last. (Woodrow Wilson House; 5-9 p.m.; $50+)
MORE: Growing Community: Summer Harvest with the Anacostia Community Museum (10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.; FREE)
SUNDAY AUGUST 22
EARLY MORNING GARDEN: This Sunday is one of Meadowlark Botanical Garden’s early morning openings, when they allow visitors in starting at 5:30 a.m. Head to the Northern Virginia garden to venture in photography, take a peaceful morning walk, or go birding. (Meadowlark Botanical Garden; Gates open at 5:30 a.m.; $3+)
GAME, SET: Spend your Sunday with the Washington Spirit at Audi Stadium. The Sunday match against the Orlando Pride will also celebrate Japanese culture with themed activities and Taiko performers. Arrive early to watch Japanese Ambassador Koji Tomita mark the installation of the “Blossoms on the Mall” Sculpture at the stadium. (Audi Stadium; Art installation at 3 p.m., game at 4 p.m.; $25+)
CREOLE SUNDAYS: Close out your weekend on 14th Street Northwest at The Creole. The restaurant’s regular Creole Sundays celebration includes crowd-favorite brunch foods, hookah, and a DJ — with VIP table and bottle services available. Be sure to RSVP and arrive before 7 p.m. for no cover charge. (Creole on 14th; 4:30 p.m. onwards)
