FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10

FILM PREMIERE: Head to Peirce Mill on Friday for a new film about Hattie Sewell: a Black woman who earned the contract to run the teahouse at the Mill in 1920. Although Sewell dramatically increased business, her contract was terminated by 1921 after a white neighbor complained about the business being “a rendezvous for colored people.” The new documentary is presented with support from the Friends of Peirce Mill, Howard University, the National Park Service, and Humanities DC. (Peirce Mill; 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.; FREE)

(Update: Friday’s film screening at Peirce Mill has been postponed.)

FINE ARTS FEST: Friday is the first day of the 30th Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival. The event, which runs through Monday, will feature works from hundreds of artists in the outdoor Reston Town Center. Festival-goers can expect performances, events — all with coronavirus safety precautions in place. (Reston Town Center, 10 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; FREE)

A.M. CHILDREN’S SHOW: This weekend, bring your tots to the By the Seashore performance at the Leonadus K. Plenty Amphitheater in Northern Virginia. The show “use[s] an imaginative mix of puppetry, movement, and sound.” Please note the event is really, truly, a children’s show and best suited for kids three-years-old and younger. (Leonadus K. Plenty Amphitheater at Lee District Park; 10:00 a.m.; $10+)

P.M. CHILDREN’S SHOW: If you weren’t able to bring your kid(s) to the By the Seashore performance (or if you’re looking for a double header kind of day), plan to attend the Kids Concert + Family Happy Hour with King Bullfrog. The event is being held at the Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital and will feature family-inclusive tunes and adult-exclusive drinks. (Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital; 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.; $5+)

MORE: Joe Gatto (The Theater at MGM National Harbor; 8:00 p.m.; $23+); Artist Talk with Lisa Tubach (Amy Kaslow Gallery; 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.; FREE)

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 11

FOOD BANK: To commemorate 9/11, join the Mayor’s Office on Volunteerism and Partnerships, AmeriCorps, Voices for National Service, and With Honor to pack 200,000 meals for the Capital Area Food Bank. The event is being hosted by 9/11 Day, the non-profit organizing the national September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance. (Walter E. Washington Convention Center; 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.; FREE)

PLANT PARENTHOOD: Stock up on some plants by stopping by Grounded’s plant pop-up at Sandlot Georgetown. The event will feature drinks, music, and new chloroplast-heavy friends that you better not forget to water. (Sandlot Georgetown; 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.)

BLACK CAT: Just don’t say they’re nearly thirty: on Saturday, Black Cat is hosting its 28th Anniversary Party. The in-person event will include performances from Algiers, Ted Leo, Teen Cobra, and Anna Connolly + HannahBurris. Party-goers can watch a hype trailer before doors open at 8:00 p.m. (Black Cat; 8:00 p.m. doors; $28)

MORE: New Orleans Suspects (The Hamilton Live; 6:30 p.m. doors, 8:00 p.m. show; $30+); Classified Comedy (923 F St NW; 10:00 p.m.; $10); The Towers of the World Trade Center: 51 Years of Photographs By Camilo José Vergara (National Building Museum; 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; $7+)

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

MORE ADMO: This year, the family-friendly Adams Morgan Day is back with both virtual and in-person options. The celebration touts itself as the District’s “longest running neighborhood festival” and festival-goers can expect everything from Songbyrd’s Byrdmobile, the Virtual International Dance Plaza, vendors, and a wealth of cultural education opportunities. (Adams Morgan; 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.; FREE)

DANCE EXCHANGE: On Sunday, Takoma Park’s Dance Exchange is hosting its season kick-off starting at noon. The community dance center will offer sample classes and performances — along with “opportunities to connect with Dance Exchange as well as other artists and local groups.” (Dance Exchange; 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.; FREE)

FOLK FEST: Close out your weekend by joining the Takoma Park Folk Festival. The event (available via livestream and in-person) will include “its usual diverse program of music, including traditional folk and roots with more than a little soul, rock, and topical thrown in.” In you attend in person, please note that the event space is informal — and will not include a full performance stage with a PA system or power source. (Takoma Park Community Center; 11:45 a.m. – 6:45 p.m.; FREE)

MORE: The Potomac River Jazz Club 50th Anniversary Special (Rosensteel Hall; 11:00 a.m. – 6:45 p.m.; $25+); Lost Barrel Brewing for our Sunday FUNDay (Lost Barrel Brewing; 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.); Black Broadway in Washington, DC (The Mansion on O Street; 3:00 p.m.; $10).

This post has been updated to reflect that Friday’s Peirce Mill screening has been postponed.