FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 17
BTS x DANCE: On Friday, bust your moves to BTS with CityDance. The Sippin’ event is part of CityDance’s monthly workshop, where participants are invited to “explore iconic dances from everyone’s favorite music videos with a glass of liquid courage.” The event offers both in-person and livestreamed options — and zero prior dance experience is required. (CityDance Friendship Heights; 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.; $20 – $30)
BLACK RESTAURANT WEEK: Kick off your weekend by joining Black Restaurant Week DMV and “No Crumb Left Behind”, a campaign supporting Black Owned Businesses. From Friday through September 26, purchase specials from participating Black-owned businesses including Po Boy Jim, The Chosen Chef, and Creole on 14th.
YOU SCREAM: I scream. You can try an ice cream tasting flight that celebrates the flavors of Hispanic Heritage Month. Starting this Friday (and running through October 3), Ice Cream Jubilee is offering flavors including Strawberry Tres Leches, Mexican Hot Chocolate, Mango Habanero, and Toasted Horchata. Pre-ordered flights benefit La Clínica Del Pueblo. (Ice Cream Jubilee at Ballston, 14th Street, and Yards Park; $16 per flight)
FILM FEST: This Friday, students from American, Catholic, Georgetown, GWU, and Howard Universities will come together for the first annual DC Student Film Fest. The event includes 90 minutes of short films from over sixteen filmographers. Arrive early for a networking reception prior to the event. (Wharf DC; 6:00 p.m. reception, 8:00 p.m. screening; FREE)
SHAED: Start your weekend at The Plaza at Tysons Corner Center to attend the multi-platinum DC trio SHAED’s first live performance in the region in almost two years. The event comes on the heels of the group’s debut LP High Dive in May. (The Plaza at Tysons Corner Center; 5:00 p.m. doors, 6:30 p.m. show; FREE)
MORE: Red Wanting Blue (The Hamilton Live ; 6:30 p.m. doors, 8:00 p.m. show; $25+); In Everything, EP Release (Eaton DC; $10 livestream, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.; $12 in-person)
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 18
CZECH OLYMPIC VILLAGE: On Saturday, the Embassy of the Czech Republic is hosting an “Olympic Village” celebration. Building on the hype of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, participants will learn more about the Czech Olympic team and even get to participate in activities including soccer darts, basketball shootouts, and a not-so-competitive moon bounce. The event also includes live music, gymnastics performances, and a beer garden. (Czech Embassy; 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.; FREE)
MARKETPLACE: On Saturday, mark the start of Hispanic Heritage Month by heading to La Cosecha, “a contemporary Latin American marketplace in Washington DC that celebrates centuries of heritage.” Market-goers can expect vendors from La Casita Pupuseria (Salvadoran street food) to Zumo (a toast and juice bar) to Arcay Chocolates. You can also check out La Cosecha’s full month of programming here. (La Cosecha; Times Vary By Vendor)
DANCE FESTIVAL: On Saturday, celebrate Dance Place’s 41st season by attending the District Choreography (D.C.) Dance Festival. The free outdoor show will include performances by BANDPortier, BREathe Dance Project, Culture Shock Washington D.C., DC Casineros, Heart Stück Bernie, PEARSONWIDRIG DANCETHEATER, and Xing Dance Theater. (8th St Arts Park; 1:00 p.m.; FREE)
CHEVY CHASE DC DAY: Chevy Chase DC Day is back. On Saturday, head to the Chevy Chase Library & Community Center for an outdoors celebration. The event will include entertainment (from a juggler to a magician) to puppet decoration, and a book giveaway and sale. (Chevy Chase Library & Community Center; 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.; FREE)
PLANT SWAP: On Saturday, the Black Cat is hosting the Little Swap of Horrors: Plant & Harvest Equinox Exchange. Here’s the deal: participants bring an item (including live plants, seeds, bulbs, roots, cuttings) to share with community members, and receive a gift in return. If you don’t have a plant, you are also welcome to bring anything made from your garden (pesto, anyone?). (The Black Cat; 6:00 p.m.; FREE with an item to share, $10 without)
HOOP FOR ALL: Turn out to cheer on the Hoop for All Foundation’s ninth annual Hoop for Hope event to benefit cervical cancer awareness. Cheer on teams as they compete in 3-on-3 games (with one optional sub), learn more about cervical cancer prevention, and visit a free testing site for blood pressure, heart rate, HIV/STI, and COVID-19. (Banneker Park; 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.; FREE for spectators)
BLAIRS MURAL FESTIVAL: Head to Silver Spring to experience the eight new featured murals in the Blairs District. The Blairs Mural Festival will also include include Pho on Wheels and Astro Lab Brewing, live music, and an arts center for the whole family. (The Blairs District in Silver Spring; 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.; FREE)
ORCHESTRA: Wind down with the orchestra, Musica Viva Kentlands in Gaithersburg. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a picnic, folding chair, and a blanket. For those who can’t attend in person, a virtual option is available. (Kentlands Clubhouse; 6:00 p.m.; FREE)
MORE: Make War (DC9; 7:00 p.m.; $12+); Escape to Miami (Abigail; 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.; $30 – $600); The Nth Power (The Hamilton Live; 6:30 p.m. doors, 8:00 p.m. doors; $20+).
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 19
YOGA FEST: This Sunday, head to Lost Barrel Brewing for the Greater DC Yoga Festival. The event is presented by Hikyoga & Be Well Company and will feature yoga, hiking, music, and local artisan vendors. Some of the classes available will include Uplifting Yoga Flow, a Feel the Beat! Flow-BASH Boxing, and Upbeat Vinyasa Flow. (Lost Barrel Brewing; 9:00 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.; $25 – $60)
ARTS PARADE & FESTIVAL: Close out your weekend in Maryland at the Wheaton Arts Parade. The outdoor event is for the whole family and will include an art gallery, art workshops, and — of course — an energy-filled parade. (Centered around Marian Fryer Town Plaza; ; 10: a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; FREE)
MORE: Art in the Park presented by Jazz Beyond Borders (Cafe Mezzanotte; 1:00 p.m.; $35); Potomac River Jazz Club Jam Session (Normandie Farm Restaurant; 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.; FREE for members, $10 for non-members) .
