FRIDAY, AUG. 18
ARLINGTON COUNTY FAIR: Nothing screams summer more than a county fair. Make the most of what’s left of the season and head to Arlington County’s version, which brings rides, games, funnel cake, deep fried Oreos, a pie-eating contest and more this weekend. (Thomas Jefferson Community & Fitness Center; through Sunday; FREE)
BEYOND GRANITE: What stories remain untold on the National Mall? Find out this weekend at “Pulling Together,” the kickoff exhibit for Beyond Granite, a series of upcoming installations designed to make the National Mall a more inclusive, equitable and representative commemorative space. The first-of-its-kind exhibit opens Saturday with special artist programs and activations. (National Mall; through September 18; FREE)
MONTGOMERY COUNTY AGRICULTURAL FAIR: Can’t get enough county fair? Keep the party rolling at the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair, which brings carnival games, farm animals, art demonstrations and demolition derby to Gaithersburg. (Gaithersburg; through Saturday; $12+)
WINE TASTING FOR TREES: This Friday, clink your glasses for a good cause. ForestPlanet, a reforestation nonprofit, presents Wine, Micro-Brew, and Spirits Tasting that Plants Trees, a tasting event taking over Verified Wines & Spirits in Friendship Heights. Wine will be discounted 10%, and for every bottle sold, a tree will be planted. (Verified Wines & Spirits; 5 p.m.-9 p.m.; $30+)
SQFT: SQFT, a new exhibit at the Asian Fusion Gallery, has challenged over 50 artists from the D.C. region to create artworks that measure 1’x1′ — no more, no less. Swing by the exhibit’s opening reception this Friday evening to see what they came up with. (Asian Fusion Gallery; 6 p.m.-11 p.m.; FREE)
MORE: Beirut Nights Party (Koi Club DC; 8:30 p.m.-1 a.m.; $20+), Slightly Stoopid and Sublime with Rome (Merriweather Post Pavilion; 5:30 p.m.; $29.50+), Summer Sounds at Chevy Chase Lake: Emma G. (Chevy Chase Lake Terrace; 6 p.m.; FREE), Live Comedy Showcase Starring Matt Bergman (Crystal City Sports Pub; 8 p.m.-10 p.m.; $15+), The Ventures (Pearl Street Warehouse; 8 p.m.; $35+)
SATURDAY, AUG. 19
MARCH ON WASHINGTON TOUR: It’s been 60 years since the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom took place on August 28, 1963. This weekend, you can walk the route taken by the march’s 250,000 demonstrators in this March on Washington Tour, presented by Washington Walks. (Union Station; 9 a.m.; $50)
BIG A$$ HIKE: No hiker will be left behind at this weekend’s Big A$$ Hike, which takes participants on an easy 3-mile hike along the Anacostia River Trail before celebrating with an afternoon cookout. The event is presented by Hike Crew and Goombay Adventures, two social wellness organizations that focus on making the outdoors a welcoming space for Black folks. (Anacostia Park; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; $20)
DOLLEY DAY: We’re not talking Parton. In 1814, first lady Dolley Madison had to flee from the White House when the British burned it during the War of 1812. Learn about her journey at Dumbarton House’s Dolley Day, a day full of history, yard games and ice cream. (Dumbarton House; 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; FREE)
CITYFEST: Bring your wallet — you won’t want to leave CityFest empty handed. The festival, taking over Culture House this Saturday, is a love letter to D.C.’s creative scene, bringing together artists, DJs, performers, and a long list of local vendors. (Culture House DC; 12 p.m.-8 p.m.; $10+)
MORE: Equinox Fitness Summer Series (Great Lawn at City Ridge; 10 a.m.; FREE), Children’s Business Fair (Rockville Town Center; 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; FREE), Sounds of the City: Black Owned Pop-Up Shop (Anacostia Arts Center; 12 p.m.-5 p.m.; FREE), Woodley Park Main Street’s August Mini Market (Woodley Park; 12 p.m.-5 p.m.; FREE), Pepsi Dig In Block Party featuring Pusha T, Alex Vaughn, and more (Sandlot Anacostia; 1 p.m.-8 p.m.; FREE) Tygerian Lace Fashion Show (Yours Truly; 2 p.m.; $35), Wren x Shababi Collaboration (Wren; 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.; $95), Oropendola (Rhizome DC; 7 p.m.; $12+), White Ford Bronco: DC’s All ’90s Band (9:30 Club; 8 p.m.; $25), Sweat (Keegan Theatre; through September 16; $55)
SUNDAY, AUGUST 20
WOMEN’S WORLD CUP FINAL: Rise and shine — the Women’s World Cup comes to an end this Sunday at 6 a.m. Watch along from a local bar as England and Spain fight for the championship title. As you are., Atlas Brew Works, Franklin Hall, Midlands, and many more will be open bright and early. (Various locations; 6 a.m.; prices vary)
MARCH OF DADS: Five years ago, the March of Dads was born as an attempt to shatter negative stereotypes about Black fatherhood. Since 2018, the march has taken place in Atlanta, Los Angeles and New York. This weekend, the march is bringing its intersection of fatherhood, activism, and joy to downtown D.C. (Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial; 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; FREE)
SUMMER BOOK SALE: Did you burn through all your summer reading already? Lost City Books is here to help. Before taking a summer break, the Adams Morgan bookstore is discounting its stock by 20% this weekend. Pick up a new book along with a very cool fanny pack. (Lost City Books; Saturday and Sunday; prices vary)
MORE: The R&B Club Presents: Michael Jackson (Songbyrd Music House; 12 p.m.-2 p.m.; $19.32), Bluegrass at the Barn (Mt. Defiance Cider & Distillery; 1 p.m. -4 p.m.; FREE), Harlem Renaissance on U Street Walking Tour (The Howard Theatre; 2 p.m.; $25), Washington Mystics vs. Dallas Wings (Entertainment and Sports Arena; 3 p.m.; $50+) Seduction: The Cruel Woman (Suns Cinema; 6 p.m.; $12)
