15 things to do in D.C. this weekend

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Every Thursday, we share weekend events happening around the city. Are you planning an event you’d like us to consider for this roundup? Send it to our team at 51st.news/submit-events.

Find even more events in our Civics Roundup, which focuses on ways to get more involved locally.

The Autumn equinox is right around the corner, signaling the end of summer and 8 p.m sunsets. However, festival season is in full swing with a plethora of celebrations, cultural events, and fairs to remind you that around here, fall is just as noteworthy.

Below, you’ll find opportunities to experience the District’s diversity by connecting with some of our international communities — as well as, for those who prefer to avoid crowds, more relaxed opportunities for learning.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 17

Arrive early to The Yards and enjoy a walk by the Anacostia River just before sunset. (Emma K Alexandra/Flickr)

Drinks with an Explorer
📍 National Geographic Museum of Exploration (1600 M St. NW)
⏰ 7 - 8 p.m.
💸 $20
Join biologist, educator, and conservationist Carmen Chávez for an after-hours event at the media and science organization’s Dupont Circle exhibition space. Enjoy a cocktail (or mocktail) while Chávez shares how she works to empower vulnerable Amazon communities affected by climate change.

Outdoor movie: Blue Crush
📍 The Yards Park (355 Water St. SE)
⏰ 7 - 10 p.m.
💸 FREE
Spend one of your last summer evenings at The Yards for their tropical-vibes summer movie series. For the finale, they’re screening the iconic 2002 surfing film. Bring a blanket and a friend — or just yourself — to take a trip to Oahu without leaving the city.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 18

A colorful mural along D.C.'s Metropolitan Branch Trail. — This mural along the Metropolitan Branch Trail has likely been replaced — see what’s new on Friday night. (Elvert Barnes/Flickr)

Noma in Color: Color Jam
📍 Alethia Tanner Park (227 Harry Thomas Way NE)
⏰ 4 - 8 p.m.
💸 FREE
If you have ever taken a stroll down the Metropolitan Branch Trail and marveled at the impressive murals, consider joining the NoMa BID in celebrating the artists that make it one of the city’s most colorful stretches. Listen to live music and connect with the community at this outdoor evening party!

Guided Tour: “¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa”
📍 National Museum of American History (1300 Constitution Ave. NW)
⏰ 10:30 p.m or 1:30 p.m.
💸 FREE
Dance into Hispanic Heritage Month with this guided tour of the Smithsonian’s exhibit on the history of salsa, from its African roots to its current place in American history and music. The exhibit is presented by the National Museum of the American Latino, which is aiming to move into the Smithsonian’s Arts and Industries Building in the coming years. Until then, you’ll find the material in the American history museum’s Molina Family Latino Gallery — including, for this exhibit, a dance floor.

Ethiopian New Year
📍 Ethiopian Embassy (3506 International Dr. NW)
⏰ 7:30 - 10 p.m.
💸 $73.71
If you don't feel like you got a fair shot at the year 2019, the Ge'ez calendar is giving you another chance! Join your Ethiopian neighbors in ushering in Enkutatash, the first day of their 13-month year. This celebration at the Ethiopian embassy in D.C. is complete with a buffet, an open bar, a dance presentation, and more!

Drunk Black History
📍 Penn Social (801 E St. NW)
⏰ 7 - 8:30 p.m.
💸 $29.56
This spin on the Comedy Central classic is equal parts fun and educational — and there may be more laughing than learning, as experts and comedians attempt to tell you about a niche Black history figure they think deserves more attention. Previous subjects include Elizabeth Jennings, an African American civil rights activist whose case was essential in the legal fight to end desegregation in New York City’s transit systems.

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From this week's Civics Roundup:
Film screening: The Elements of Mutual Aid
⏰ 6:30 - 8 p.m.
📍 Location shared upon RSVP
Harriet's Wildest Dreams is screening a four-part documentary highlighting 15 different mutual aid groups across the nation that examines the work, infrastructure, and principles required for successful organizing. You can RSVP here.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 19

Meet in Dupont Circle for your Bavarian getaway. (Diane Krauthamer/Flickr)

The Great Oktoberfest Crawl
📍 Dupont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW)
⏰ 2 - 10 p.m.
💸 $19.88
Adorn yourself in traditional Bavarian attire and get ready to shout O'zapft! Project DC Events are saving you the ticket to Munich and bringing the celebration to Dupont Circle. A ticket will get you access to exclusive drink specials along the way, as you make new friends and toast to the season.

Celebrating Water’s Edge
📍 National Museum of the American Indian
⏰ 1 - 3 p.m.
💸 FREE
Join the National Museum of the American Indian to celebrate the exhibition Water’s Edge: The Art of Truman Lowe. Experience a family-friendly interactive tour of the Water’s Edge exhibit and stay for a panel discussion on Ancient Canoes of Wisconsin: Ancestry and Archaeology.

Learn more

Sawasdee Thai Festival
📍 Pennsylvania Ave NW between 3rd and 6th Streets
⏰ 11 a.m - 7 p.m.
💸 FREE
Every year, the blocks leading up to the U.S. Capitol play host to a multitude of street parties — including this one, hosted by the Thai Embassy. Celebrate Thailand’s culture through performances, activities, demonstrations, and, of course, delicious food — from American favorites like mango sticky rice and Pad Thai to more traditional offerings. Look out for performances from Thai musical artists and a muay thai demonstration!

H Street Festival
📍 800 H St. NE
⏰ 12 - 7 p.m.
💸 FREE
Get down to H Street for one of D.C.’s most anticipated annual vents Centered around the arts, this festival is a huge block party that people of all ages can enjoy. Whether you are looking to shop local, catch performances by dozens of local bands and more, or just grab something fun to eat, you’ll find the opportunity. Be prepared for crowds!

Line Dancing in the Park
📍 Forest Hill Park Tennis Courts (2100 C St. NW)
⏰ 2 - 4 p.m.
💸 FREE
Those courts aren’t just for tennis and pickleball — join Coach Nia to get moving with your neighbors in a line-dancing lesson organized by Van Ness Main Street. Bring friends so that you can whip out a synchronized Latin, country, or trail ride line dance at your next function. People of all ages are welcome!

Doodle Wild: Birds, Plants & the Art of Filling a Page
📍 Langston Golf Course & Driving Range (2600 Benning Rd. NE)
⏰ 3 - 4:30 p.m.
💸 FREE
The whole family can enjoy this playful workshop, where the D.C. Bird Alliance will help you connect with both nature and your inner artist. Whether you’re into birds, drawing, or both, you’ll learn something new from local artist Summer Delehanty’s hands-on instruction. Materials will be provided, but feel free to bring your own!

Chuseok Family Festival
📍 National Museum of Asian Art (1050 Independence Ave. SW)
⏰ 11 a.m - 4 p.m.
💸 FREE
The National Museum of Asian Art brings this Korean mid-autumn harvest festival to Independence Ave. Arrive early with the little ones for Korean folk and fairy tale story time or come hungry for the art and vendor market featuring street food from Korean-American owned businesses.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 20

Bring the kids to a bike festival this weekend along the Metropolitan Branch Trail. (Courtesy of WABA)

Dogtober Fest
📍 Wunder Garten (1101 First St. NE)
⏰ 12 - 6 p.m.
💸 FREE (21+, unless with a parent or guardian)
You don’t need an excuse to spend Sunday with your dog at a beer garden — but this Sunday, Wunder Garten and City Dogs & City Kitties Rescue are teaming up to give you just that. Animal lovers and beer lovers alike can expect typical Oktoberfest fun, along with food and drink specials, but also free puppuccinos, a chance to meet adoptable dogs, and a host of dog-focused vendors. Prost!

D.C. Family Bike Fest
📍 Alethia Tanner Park (227 Harry Thomas Way NE)
⏰ 10 a.m.
💸 FREE
If you missed the DC Bike Ride last weekend, join the Washington Area Bicyclists Association in Eckington for free tuneups and snow cones, a bike parade for kids, and even a learn-to-ride class for the bike-curious. Could a different bike setup get your family out on the trails more often? Join your neighbors to test out the options!

Chocolate City Market
📍 Go-Go Museum & Cafe (1920 Martin Luther King Jr Ave. SE)
⏰ 12 - 5 p.m.
💸 FREE
The Go-Go Museum celebrates D.C black history by combining community service with this farmer and vendor market that also includes a screening of the DC International Film Festival–selected short film CHOCOLATE. Shop with local black businesses or volunteer to deliver groceries to seniors in the area — this event is about community.