Share your feedback·Privacy·Terms·© 2026 The Ember List
The Ember ListThe Ember List
Browse events

The Ember List · Washington, DC

Things to do this weekend in Washington, DC

We reviewed 6,000+ Washington-area events to pick the 15 best things to do in Washington, DC this weekend (Sep 4–6). Updated daily.

Our best picks: things to do in Washington, DC this weekend (Sep 4–6)

FRIDAY
4
SEPTEMBER

DC Festival of Magic

Capital Hilton, 1001 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20036

Experience an unforgettable weekend of wonder at the DC Festival of Magic this Labor Day Weekend, from September 4 to September 6.

Add to calendarDetails →Source ↗

SHOUT

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…

Add to calendarDetails →Source ↗

Nature Journaling

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…

Add to calendarDetails →Source ↗

Rock the Dock at The Wharf featuring Perfekt Blend

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.

Add to calendarDetails →Source ↗
SATURDAY
5
SEPTEMBER

Saturday Bird Walk

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…

Add to calendarDetails →Source ↗

Painted Expressions: Masks on Canvas Workshop

12 PM – 2 PM·Program Room, Anacostia Community Museum · Washington

Join us for a creative, hands-on workshop led by artist James S. Terrell. Inspired by the symbolism and storytelling power of masks, participants will design and paint their own expressive mask artwork on canvas. Inspired by the work of David Driskell and Lois Mailou Jones, James S. Terrell will walk participants throu…

Add to calendarDetails →Source ↗

Tours | Arts of China

12 PM – 1 PM·Meet at Information Desk, Asian Art Museum · Washington

Examine the diverse artistic and cultural traditions of one of the world’s oldest civilizations in this in-person, docent-led tour. Learn about Chinese artworks such as ritual bronze vessels, calligraphy, brush paintings in ink and color, and exquisite ceramics. Please meet at the West Building Information Desk for the…

Add to calendarDetails →Source ↗

District Vibes / American Pride Exhibition Tours

1 PM – 2 PM·Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library - Central Library · Washington

District Vibes / American Pride: How D.C. Changed American Culture tells the story of D.C. through striking images, artifacts, compelling history, and dynamic programming. Washington, D.C. is more than a federal city—it’s a mosaic of neighborhoods and communities that have nurtured creativity, learning, music, cuisine,…

Add to calendarDetails →Source ↗

May You Grow Old on One Pillow: Food, Music, and the Armenian American Wedding Table

1 PM – 2:15 PM·Wallace H. Coulter Plaza, 1 West, American History Museum · Washington

Rhythms, Roots, Recipes: Community Stories of Food and Music brings together cooking demonstrations, live music, and storytelling. Each program in the series explores traditions that animate families and communities across the United States—and beyond. Join us for an afternoon of Armenian American culture as found in o…

Add to calendarDetails →Source ↗

22nd Annual DC JazzFest at The Wharf

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.

Add to calendarDetails →Source ↗
SUNDAY
6
SEPTEMBER

Sunday Bird Walk

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…

Add to calendarDetails →Source ↗

English Conversation Club

9 AM – 10 AM·Georgetown Neighborhood Library · Washington

Want to improve your English language speaking skills? Want to practice speaking English in a comfortable group setting? Stop by the Georgetown Library English Conversation Club! See you soon! Want to improve your English language speaking skills? Want to practice speaking English in a comfortable group setting? Stop b…

Add to calendarDetails →Source ↗

Sketch & Discover Tour

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.

Add to calendarDetails →Source ↗

SHOUT

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…

Add to calendarDetails →Source ↗

DC State Fair 2026

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…

Add to calendarDetails →Source ↗

Other events in Washington, DC

  • For everyone
  • Free events
  • Kids & family events
  • Comedy shows
  • Live music events
  • Craft & maker events
  • Jazz shows

This weekend in other cities

  • All of the DC area
  • Arlington, VA
  • Alexandria, VA

Less searching. Better weekends.

Get your personalized event picks for free

A thoughtful list, delivered every week. Free, local, and personalized to you.

  • Personalized event feed based on your interests, city, and age groups.
  • Weekly event picks delivered to your email inbox.
  • Search and filter the full event catalog.
or

How it works

  1. 1

    Create your free profile

    About a minute. No payment required.

  2. 2

    Tune your picks

    Choose ages, interests, and nearby cities.

  3. 3

    Get your weekly shortlist

    Fifteen event picks for you.

  4. 4

    Explore the full list

    Browse the complete local catalog anytime.