FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 24

ALMA THOMAS: Start your weekend by joining the National Gallery of Art’s celebration of legendary local artist Alma Thomas. Participants can explore a display of works by other local artists honoring Thomas, pick up a free “art kit” (including a coloring book and cut out doll), and experience an installation inspired by Thomas’s Pansies in Washington. (National Gallery of Art; 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.; FREE)

ART ALL NIGHT: On both Friday and Saturday, the District’s Art All Night music and arts festival is back and in-person. The event spans all eight wards and includes three new neighborhoods: Pennsylvania Ave. East, Uptown, and The Parks. Event-goers can expect live performances, art installations, food and artisan vendors, and more. (Locations Vary; 4:00 p.m. – 12:00 p.m., dependent on location; FREE)

PAELLA: On Friday, make a reservation at Jaleo in Crystal City or Penn Quarter to join their 19th annual Paella Festival. The specials kicked off on Monday (for World Paella Day) and includes tailored pairings of the dish with sommelier-selected Spanish wines and craft cocktails. (Penn Quarter and Crystal City locations)

DC IMPROV: Unwind from the week by hanging out with DC Improv. The Friday show is headlined by Kiran Deol (you know them from Crooked Media’s “Hysteria” and the NBC/Hulu comedy “Sunnyside”) and will feature Sahib Singh and Simone. (DC Improv; 6:15 p.m. doors, 7:30 p.m. show; $17)

MORE: SUKKAH CITY x DC (Self-Guided Tour; FREE); Bruce in the USA (The Hamilton Live; 6:30 p.m. doors, 8:00 p.m. show, $25+).

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 25

FEST AT MALCOLM X: This weekend, CapitalBop is hosting NEXTFest 2021 at Malcolm X Park to celebrate and engage in the District’s jazz, funk, and go-go roots. The line-up for the festival includes showstoppers like Maimouna Youssef a.k.a. Mumu Fresh, Plunky & Oneness of Juju, and Nasar Abadey & SUPERNOVA. (Malcolm X Park; 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.; FREE)

FALL FEST: It’s the most wonderful time of the year. This weekend, The Boro in Tysons Corner is hosting Fall Fest, a family-friendly outdoor celebration of the changing seasons. Festival-goers can expect cider tasting, a hayride photo booth, scavenger hunts, and giveaways. (The Boro Tysons; 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.; FREE)

CELEBRATE PETWORTH: This Saturday is Celebrate Petworth: “A free neighborhood festival organized by and for the residents of Petworth—celebrating the creativity, diversity, culture, and people of Petworth and its surrounding neighborhoods.” The festivities include a dog show, family-friendly events, history storytelling, and live performances. (800 block of Upshur Street NW; 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; FREE) 

CYCLE ON: This weekend, get some fresh air by getting in on the car-free 2021 DC Bike Ride. The event is open to cyclists three-years-old and up, takes place on up to 20 miles of car-free roads, and a finish festival that includes music and food. Scope out the a full course map ahead of time and be sure to register ahead of time. (Starts at West Potomac Park and ends at the Capitol; 8:00 a.m.; $0 – $175)

5K FOR RECOVERY: This weekend, Rock Recovery is back with its regular Grub for Good 5k. Participants will rock, run, or jug along the National Mall and are invited to a recovery bake sale with Green Island Bakery at the Potomac River Running store. Proceeds from the event support Rock Recovery and its disordered eating treatment services and resources. (Starts at Potomac River Running store; registration open at 9:45 a.m., race begins at 10:15 a.m.; $20+)

MORE: Franklin Park Block Party (Franklin Park; 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.; FREE); Kinda Live Comedy Copacobana Showcase (Copacabana Catering & Cafe; 7:30 p.m.; FREE); DC Water For People 2021 Fall Hike (Rock Creek Park & Virtual; 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.; $30+); Clay Festival (Brookland Arts Walk; 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.; FREE); HEY! HO! LET’S GO! (DC9 Nightclub; 3:00 p.m.; FREE); The Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever DC! (National Arboretum; 2:00 p.m.; FREE); STORY DISTRICT @ MIRACLE THEATRE (Miracle Theatre; 6:30 p.m. doors, 8:00 p.m. show; $25+); The Heavyweights Comedy Show: FALL BRAWL! (Lost Origins Gallery; 8:00 p.m.; $7)

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 26

REACH CONCERT: This Sunday, head to the REACH at the Kennedy Center for a free, outdoor performance of American composer John Luther Adams’s Sila: The Breath of the World. The event is being presented Washington Performing Arts and in cooperation with The United States Air Force Band. ( Kennedy Center’s REACH; 5:00 p.m.; FREE)

SHOWCASE: Close out your weekend at National Harbor to watch the Choreographers’ Showcase: Abundant Around the World. The show is presented by Capitol Heights own Abundant Dance and Artistry Studios, highlights dancers from across the region. (National Harbor; 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.; FREE)

DISTRICT CLEAN UP: On Sunday, spend your morning making the District a little bit cleaner. District Cleanups is hosting its next event at the Tidal Basin, where the group will be collecting trash before grabbing drinks together at The Wharf. Participants are encouraged to bring their own trash bag, water, sunscreen (plus gloves and grabbers if you have them). (Tidal Basin; 10:00 a.m.; FREE)

MORE: Carousel 100th Season Final Celebration (Glen Echo Park; 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; FREE).