Things to do this weekend in the DC area

Fort Hunt Park (Pavilion A), 8999 Fort Hunt Rd, Alexandria, VA 22308

Come to Fort Hunt on September 4 at 7:30 PM for a special screening of Empire of the Sun at Pavilion A! Every Friday in September, a new movie will screen. In lieu of previews, a park ranger will deliver a talk about how each movie connects to Fort Hunt’s twentieth century history and this year’s sub-theme of science a…

11 AM – 1 PM·1st Floor, Hall of Human Origins, Natural History Museum · Washington

Do primates learn from one another? Did early humans learn in the same way? How can scientists uncover evidence of learning from the past? Come chat with Dr. Elaine Miller to explore the evolution of learning! An expert in evolutionary brain anatomy and function, Dr. Miller will use puzzles to illustrate the advantages…

11 AM – 1 PM·Smithsonian Gardens · Washington

Drop by the Enid A. Haupt Garden between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and join Smithsonian Gardens for nature journaling! Nature journaling is an opportunity for visitors to slow down, reflect, and connect to the gardens. This program is designed to foster appreciation and connection to the natural world through observation, ref…

7 PM – 9 PM·Transit Pier · Washington

Genre‑defying high entertainment group Perfekt Blend is performing on the Floating Stage at Transit Pier on Friday, September 4. This free concert, presented by Pacifico Beer, begins at 7:00 pm.

Netherlands Carillon, N Meade St, Arlington, VA 22209

Enjoy sweeping views of Washington, D.C. while guest carillonneurs play free concerts of jazz, pop, and patriotic music on the carillon's 53 bells. Join Park Rangers to learn more about the Netherlands Carillon's history, and it's symbolism of friendship. We recommend bringing lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the perfo…

10 AM – 11:30 AM·Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park · Sandy Spring

Learn about the experience of 19th century freedom seekers and Montgomery County residents in a guided hike of the Underground Railroad Experience Trail. Discover techniques used for navigation, eluding detection, and finding food/shelter on the perilous journey. Woodlawn Museum admission included. Hike covers 2 miles…

11 AM – 11:45 AM·College Park Aviation Museum, 1985 Corporal Frank Scott Drive, College Park, MD

Discover the vital role women have played in powered flight, beginning with Katharine Wright in 1903. Explore the groundbreaking achievements of female pilots with ties to College Park Airport, and engage in a conversation about the opportunities and challenges women face in aviation careers. — Discover the vital role…

11 AM – 8 PM·Rockville Town Square (The Square)

Anime-themed food fest in Rockville, MD. 20+ food vendors, main stage, beer garden

2 PM – 10 PM·District Pier · Washington

The signature event of DC JazzFest will take place from September 5-6 on District Pier. Join us for live music performances by incredible artists—from homegrown talent to NEA Jazz Masters.

6 PM – 8 PM·Meadowside Nature Center · Rockville

Looking for the ultimate summer date night or an evening out with friends? We’ve got you covered—and we’ll even watch the kids. Grab a cold drink and join a naturalist for a twilight stroll down to the creek. We'll keep it relaxing as we walk among the woods, noticing the natural beauty of Maryland. Once we wrap up our…

Fort Hunt Park (Pavilion A), 8999 Fort Hunt Rd, Alexandria, VA 22308

The Hot Lanes is a 16-piece culmination of a vision Bobby Jasinski had in 2014. With influences ranging from Wynton Marsalis to the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, the focus of The Hot Lanes is to promote jazz in the D.C. metropolitan area. Featuring diverse and talented group of musicians, The Hot Lanes encourages j…

Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens · Washington

We invite you to join a National Park Service volunteer birder for an engaging bird walk at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. This event is open to all, including those new to birding. We encourage participants to bring water, sunscreen, and binoculars if available. A limited number of binoculars are available for loan with…

10 AM – 12 PM·Huntley Meadows Location, 3701 Lockheed Blvd., Alexandria, VA

(12-Adult) Drawing water can be made a little less tricky by learning a few techniques. Rippled, still or running, we will learn all about how water behaves. Join artist and naturalist Margaret Wohler to learn how to draw this surface that is both transparent and reflective. All art materials provided.

11 AM – 12 PM·Meet at Information Desk, Asian Art Museum · Washington

Join docent Sushmita Mazumdar every first Sunday of the month as she guides you to use pencil and paper to consider the unique ideas and expressions of Asian artists from various traditions spanning the continent across centuries. All materials will be provided. No reservation needed.

11 AM – 11:30 AM·Wallace H. Coulter Performance Plaza, 1 West, American History Museum · Washington

Join our ensemble of performers as they sing, dance, and teach through storytelling. Learn about the ring shout—a powerful practice blending song and rhythmic movement created by enslaved communities in the 1700s and 1800s. They combined various religious practices of Europe and Africa, creating a cultural tradition th…

11 AM·Anthem Row, 800 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20001

Celebrate everything homegrown, handmade, and proudly DC at the 17th Annual DC State Fair. On September 6, Anthem Row comes alive with a free, all-day celebration of the District's agricultural, culinary, and artistic talents. From 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., rain or shine, enjoy live music, local vendors, creative demons…