FRIDAY, SEPT. 23
ATLANTIC FESTIVAL: The Atlantic is hosting a housewarming party: The annual Atlantic Festival is back this week and, for the first time, takes place in-person at the Wharf, the new location of the magazine’s D.C. headquarters. On Friday, the festival’s last day, catch Atlantic writers and editors, as well as big names like actor Constance Wu and director Chinonye Chukwu, in compelling conversations. End the day with a sunset jam and happy hour. (The Wharf; 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; $400 in-person; $25 for students; FREE to stream virtually)
KRISTIN CHENOWETH: What do Gloria Steinem, Lena Waithe, Brandi Carlile and Billie Jean King have in common? They’ve all authored essays for Kristin Chenoweth’s new book, My Moment. Broadway darling Chenoweth will swing by East City Bookshop this Friday to discuss her book, a collection of essays written by women about moments in which they found empowerment. (East City Bookshop; 6 p.m.; $27.99+)
ART ALL NIGHT: There’s no reason not to attend an Art All Night event this weekend. Why’s that? They’ll be taking place in all eight wards at no cost. Find art exhibitions, performances, and interactive activities all over the city, from Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE to Wisconsin Avenue NW. Visit the official DC Art All Night website for the full list of events taking place near you. (Various locations; 7 p.m. to 3 a.m.; FREE)
KARAOKE BATTLE OF THE BREWERS: Beer and karaoke are a match made in heaven. That’s why metrobar is celebrating DC Beer Week with Karaoke Battle of the Brewers, a karaoke battle between D.C.’s best brewers. While you watch the battle go down, enjoy a wide selection of local brews and mingle with fellow beer lovers. (metrobar DC; 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.; FREE)
CINEMA HEARTS: Former pageant queen Caroline Weinroth is taking the stage again — but this time it’s to front her power pop group, Cinema Hearts, as they celebrate the debut of their EP, Your Ideal. Support the local group, and maybe treat yourself to a pizza, when they play Comet Ping Pong this Friday. (Comet Ping Pong; 10 p.m.; $18.54)
MORE: Sporcle Con(Washington Hilton; Friday through Sunday; $99+); Cocktails by Candlelight (George Mason’s Gunston Hall; 6 p.m.; $35); Alec Benjamin (The Anthem; 6:30 p.m.; $35+); Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen (The Hamilton; 6:30 p.m.; $20+); All Boys Aren’t Blue (Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library; 7 p.m.; FREE); Karaoke Battle of the Brewers (metrobar DC; 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.; FREE); Einstein’s Wife(Atlas Performing Arts Center; through Oct. 26; $25+); Legacy: 50 Years of Dance on the Edge(Corcoran Galleries; through Dec. 10; FREE); Saved by the Barrel (Barrel; through Dec. 31; FREE)
SATURDAY, SEPT. 24
IN THIS TOGETHER: If you were planning on taking a walk this weekend, consider making it the In This Together Community Walk at Anacostia Park. Your $30 ticket will go towards Calvary Women’s Services, a group working to end homelessness and support the women experiencing it. (Anacostia Park; 10 a.m.; $30)
WIKIPEDIA EDIT-A-THON: Make Wikipedia a more inclusive encyclopedia this weekend at the National Gallery. At this Wikipedia Edit-a-thon, museum employees will walk you through the process of adding and editing articles on Wikipedia. The event, inspired by the Gallery’s exhibition Called to Create: Black Artists of the American South, will focus on Wikipedia entries about Black southern artists. (National Gallery; 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; FREE)
NEXT FEST: Summer’s ending, but outdoor concerts aren’t over yet. This weekend, don’t miss NEXTfest at Malcolm X Park. The event, now in its second year, celebrates D.C.’s music culture (go-go, jazz and funk) with a series of free, outdoor musical performances. (Malcolm X Park; Saturday and Sunday; FREE)
PET FESTIVAL: Have a four-legged furry friend, or looking to find one? Put Leesburg’s Pet Festival into your calendar this weekend. Taking place on Saturday afternoon, the festival will feature a pet goodies market, live music, photo booths, and adoption events. (Village at Leesburg; 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.; FREE)
MORE: Mountaineering Day (Embassy of Czechia; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; FREE); Theatre Week Kickoff (Arena Stage and District Wharf; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; FREE); Fotos y Recuerdos Festival (National Portrait Gallery; 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; FREE); R&B Bar Crawl (U Street NW; 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.; $20+); Vista Kicks (9:30 Club; 6 p.m.; $20); Victor Provost (National United Methodist Church; 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; $10); House Rules Comedy Show (1320 Harvard St. NW; 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.; FREE); Jacob Bennett Album Release Show (The Pocket; 7 p.m.; $12+); The Comedy Karaoke Trivia Funtime Show (Arlington; 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; $15+); Danger Bird (B Chord Brewing Company; 8 p.m.; FREE); DC Braulesque: Shiver Me Tassels (DC Brau; 8 p.m.; $25+)
SUNDAY, SEPT. 25
PRINCE GEORGE’S FILM FESTIVAL: To celebrate 40 years of the Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council, the council is hosting the first yearly Prince George’s Film Festival. The event, taking place all weekend, will highlight rising and established independent filmmakers, and put the spotlight on locals. In addition to film screenings, don’t miss panels covering topics like entertainment law and how to depict revolutions on film. (MGM National Harbor, Bowie State University, and virtual; Thursday through Sunday; $15+)
WHEATON ARTS PARADE: Before Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion, WAP meant one thing only: the Wheaton Arts Parade. The annual celebration, which showcases local artists with an art gallery, a parade featuring homemade floats, and free art workshops, is back in Maryland this Sunday. (Wheaton; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; FREE)
OPERA OUTSIDE: Operas are often expensive to attend, and demand particular decorum and dress codes. Not Opera Outside, Washington Concert Opera’s annual outdoor and free opera event. This year’s event features tenor Matt Hill, soprano Jessica Harika, and pianist, assistant conductor and chorus master David Hanlon. You can catch it twice: Friday at Union Market and Sunday at Malcolm X Park. (Union Market and Malcolm X Park; Friday 6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.; FREE)
CELEBRATE AFRICA: Every year, comedians, storytellers, musicians and dancers come together in Bladensburg to celebrate the African community in Prince George’s County and beyond. The Celebrate Africa Festival returns for its fifth year with appearances from Nigerian-Canadian singer TolumiDE, Fela Kuti-inspired funk group Chopteeth and Ghanian-born designer Afua Sam. (Bladensburg Waterfront Park; 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.; FREE)
MORE: Rise and Shine Yoga (Malcolm X Park; 9 a.m.; $5+); Echo Arts Festival (Glen Echo Park; 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.; FREE); National Landing Unplugged (Virginia Highlands Park; 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.; FREE); Workshop: 16mm Film Loops (Rhizome DC; 1 p.m.; $5+); Jocelyn Pettit & Ellen Gira (Germantown; 3 p.m.; $25); Mic Check With Gray West (DC Comedy Loft; 6:30 p.m.; $15)
