14 Things to do around D.C. this weekend
Art All Night. Black Cat Anniversary Party. Stamps.
The days are still warm but nights are getting crisper. Soak up the sun's rays while you can at festivals, walking tours, and the side lines of a half marathon. Grab a jacket in case it gets chilly during late nights filled with salsa dancing and art shows.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
Mount Pleasant Clean Up Crew
Join a community clean-up with District Bridges, ANC 1D, The Mount Pleasant Library Friends, and Mount Pleasant Village. Bags, gloves, and trash pickers are provided – just bring yourself. (Meet at Lamont Plaza; 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.; FREE)
After Hours @ Art Enables
The D.C. art gallery dedicated to creating opportunities for artists with disabilities is holding a celebration of their 19th annual "Outside Forces" exhibition. Light snacks and drinks will be available for purchase. (Art Enables; 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.; FREE)
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
Black Cat Anniversary
Wish Black Cat a happy birthday at a part for their 32nd year. DJs include Baby Alcatraz, Just-In-Time, and Booji Boy. (Black Cat; 8 p.m. Doors; FREE)
Art All Night, Night One
It's the opening night of this District-wide celebration, which features over one hundred artists from across the region. Friday’s lineup includes a Night Market in Georgetown, the closing exhibition of the Pan-African World's Fair in Petworth, and Let’s Eat! – A Taste of Southeast in Anacostia. (Locations Vary; 7:00 p.m. - 3:00 a.m., with some individual events beginning earlier; FREE)
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Watch the 2000 Ang Lee film that helped introduce wuxia martial arts to American audiences. Starring Michelle Yeoh and Chow Yun-fat, this Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon screening is part of the Smithsonian Asian Art Museum’s After Five event series. Prior registration is encouraged. (Meyer Auditorium, Freer Gallery of Art; 7 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.; FREE)
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
Art All Night, Night Two
The show isn’t over yet: step out for the final night of celebrations across all eight wards. Attend the Festival of Homegrown Culture in Congress Heights, the Block Party @ MLK Library, and outdoor festivals in neighborhoods including U Street, Lower Georgia Ave, and H Street. (Locations Vary; 7:00 p.m. - 3:00 a.m., with some individual events beginning earlier; FREE)
WalkingTown
This is the first of eight days of walking tours in each of D.C.’s wards. Walkers can choose from various themed events, including “Echoes of Black History: Stories Between the Stones” along the National Mall and a tour of the only Civil War battlefield in the District. (Locations & Times Vary; FREE)
Freedom Reads Celebration
Reginald Dwayne Betts founded Freedom Reads to bring books and literacy to the incarcerated. This fall, the organization is opening its 500th “Freedom Library” – all built inside prisons. Mark the occasion by attending Betts’ book talk, where he’ll celebrate his two decade anniversary of his release from the criminal justice system. (Planet Word; 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.; FREE)
Stamp Spectacular
Learn all about postage stamps through storytelling, hands-on crafts, games, and exhibitions. This family-friendly festival is for everyone, from stamp experts to the “stamp-curious” among us. (Postal Museum; 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.; FREE)
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
DC Half Races
Cheer for your favorite local runners as they compete in the annual DC Half Marathon and 5K. It’s too late to sign up to run (the event has been sold out for several weeks), but there’s still time to make a homemade sign and cheer participants along the course. (Locations Vary; 7 a.m. Half Marathon Start, 7:40 a.m. 5K Start; FREE to watch)
Art Walk
It’s day two of an Art Walk featuring over 150 artists in more than 70 locations across Capitol Hill. Presented by the Capitol Hill Art League Shop, stroll the streets while browsing ceramics, textiles, and other handicrafts from both established and emerging artisans. (Capitol Hill Neighborhood; 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.; FREE)
Adams Morgan Day
It’s the 47th year of this festival celebrating the Adams Morgan Neighborhood – that makes it the longest-running neighborhood festival in the District, according to organizers. Catch live reggae, learn about community history, and purchase art from local vendors. (Adams Morgan; 12 p.m. - 7 p.m.; FREE)
Salsa on the Farm
In all the ways: Start with a salsa-making workshop (as in the food) and follow it up with a salsa lesson (as in the dance). Follow up with open dancing and a live DJ. (Common Good City Farm; 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.; $5 - $15)
Stand Up Comedy
Avoid the Sunday Scaries by catching the Underground Comedy’s longest-running weekly show. Please note this event is 21+. (Wonderland Ballroom; 8 p.m. Doors; FREE)
