We’re reaching new heights as the Air and Space Museum debuts five new galleries and flying high on carnival rides because county fair season is here.
Back on Earth, we’re so excited for August as NBC4 and Telemundo 44 help Clear the Shelters! Thanks for your support, whether you’re adopting, donating or helping spread the word.
- Weekend weather: Plan a hike or outdoor brunch because we’re getting a break from the heat. Here’s the forecast.
Weekend highlights
Free and family-friendly
New galleries at the National Air and Space Museum
Open now
The Smithsonian’s iconic National Air and Space Museum on the National Mall is one step closer to completing its multiyear renovation.
The museum debuted five new exhibitions Monday, as well as a redesigned entrance on Jefferson Drive and the Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater, now showing “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” and science documentaries. (IMAX tickets cost extra.)
The National Air and Space Museum in D.C. is free to visit, but timed-entry passes are required.
Free & family-friendly
Fairfax County Carnival and Fair
Thurs. to Sun., Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon
🔗 Details
“Old-fashioned family fun” for everyone! Come on out for fun at the petting zoo, tractor demos, carnival games and Big Truck Night from 5-7 p.m. Sunday. You can even try milking a cow or goat.
Thrill seekers can save $5 on an unlimited ride wristband by purchasing one before 10 a.m. tomorrow (Thursday).
There’s a $10 fee for parking after 4 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Clear the Shelters
CatVideoFest 2025
July 31 to Aug. 7, AFI Silver Theatre in Silver Spring (and other D.C.-area theaters), $14
🔗 Details
Join your fellow feline fanatics right meow for 75 minutes of kitty-themed music videos, animations and viral vids.
CatVideoFest is partnering with local cat charities and animal welfare organizations to support animals in need by donating a portion of the proceeds.
Here’s a full list of participating theaters, including ones in D.C. and Virginia.
MahoganyBooks is hosting “Black Books Matter Fest” in National Harbor, Maryland, on Saturday. The owners share what activities are available for all ages to discover Black authors and stories.
Free pick
Black Books Matter Fest
Sat., 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., MahoganyBooks – National Harbor
🔗 Details
The owners of MahoganyBooks want to help readers of all ages discover Black authors and stories. On Saturday, hear from writers including Jason Reynolds, plus enjoy activities including a book swap and kids’ crafts.
Clear the Shelters
Paws & Pints supporting Hero Dogs, Inc.
Sat., 2-5 p.m., Johnny Pistolas in Northwest D.C., $35
🔗 Details
Hang out with Hero Dogs therapy dogs and future assistance dog puppies while supporting a great cause: Getting service dogs to veterans and first responders in the D.C. area.
Each ticket includes a drink voucher.
Washington Spirit vs. Portland Thorns FC
Sun., 12:30 p.m., Audi Field, $30.65+
🔗 Details
The Washington Spirit are in the race for the NWSL Championship as they kick off the second half of the season with star Italian forward Sofia Cantore and a new head coach.
The team just announced a batch of new fan experiences, including theme nights and ticket promotion bundles.
Never been to a Spirit game before? Get a free ticket from the First Match on Us program.
Beyond the Spirit game, it’s a great weekend for sports fans with:
Concerts this weekend
MFs JMB & Co., 6 p.m. Thursday, Byrdland, free
An in-store performance by this instrumental improv trio featuring Geologist of experimental band Animal Collective on hurdy gurdy. RSVP.
Flowers for the Dead, 10 p.m. Friday, Comet Ping Pong, $18.54
These busy ‘90s revivalists recently played a scorching opening set for Die Spitz! at DC9. It’s a seamless blend of grunge, shoegaze and other alt/indie styles. And they’re already promising a change of pace on their new EP. (This is the release show.) This young band is why local, live music is so exciting. Details.
Drive-By Truckers and Deer Tick, 5:30 p.m. Saturday, The Anthem, $57.75 (general admission)
The modern kings of southern rock — blue collar and guitar driven but not too retro — Drive-By Truckers are appropriately paired on tour with the likewise roots-revering Deer Tick, folk rock through a grunge filter. Details.
More things to do in D.C.
Visit five new galleries at the National Air and Space Museum: Starting Mon., free but timed tickets required
Summer Movies on the Lawn – “The Muppet Movie” (1979): Thurs., 8 p.m., outside the Library of Congress (10 1st St. SE), free
Extraordinary Cinema – “Bend It Like Beckham”: Fri., dusk, The Kennedy Center REACH, free
Nationals home games and Friday Night Fireworks: Fri., Sat. and Sun., Nationals Park, $17+
First Saturdays at the National Gallery of Art: Sat., 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., East Building Atrium, free
Paws & Pints supporting Hero Dogs, Inc.: Sat., 2-5 p.m., Johnny Pistolas in Northwest D.C., $35
D.C. United vs. Ethiopia National Team: Sat., 5 p.m., Audi Field, $23.40
Shark Bites & Brews: Sat., 5-8 p.m., The Wharf, free
1991 Washington Football Champions Cruise with Mark Rypien, Gary Clark, and Chip Lohmiller: Sat., 6:30 p.m. boarding, District Wharf, $80
Drive-By Truckers & Deer Tick: Sat., 7 p.m., The Anthem, $57+
Washington Spirit home game: Sun., 12:30 p.m., Audi Field, $30.65+
Accessory Swap: Sun., 1:30-3:30 p.m., Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, free
Embroidery Class: Sun., 3-5 p.m., Shop Made In DC – Union Market, $53.95
Theater – “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child”: Through Sept. 7, The National Theatre, $59+
Things to do in Maryland
Chesapeake Baysox home games and special events, including Friday fireworks: Tues. to Sun., Prince George’s Stadium in Bowie, $13.33+
Parks Summer Concert Series – Ocho de Bastos: Thurs., 6-8 p.m., North Four Corners Local Park in Silver Spring, free
Concerts in the Park – Get2Gether Band: Thurs., 7-8:30 p.m., Watkins Regional Park in Upper Marlboro, free
US Capitol Classics Open Martial Arts Tournament: Fri. and Sat., National Harbor, $25+
Bethesda Outdoor Movies – “Akeelah and the Bee”: Fri., 8:45 p.m., 4650 Willow Lane, free
Wine & Jazz at Marietta: Sat., 2-7 p.m., Marietta House Museum in Glenn Dale, $10 entry
Concert – The Weeknd: Sat., 7 p.m., Northwest Stadium, $170+
Movies on the Potomac – “Snow White” (2025): Sun., 6 p.m., National Harbor, free
Things to do in Virginia
Fredericksburg Agricultural Fair: Daily through Sun., Fredericksburg Fairgrounds, $15 for adults, $10 for those over 60 and free for kids 3 and under
Fairfax County Carnival and Fair: Thurs. to Sun., Frying Pan Farm Park, free admission (rides cost extra and parking costs $10 after 4 p.m. Friday to Sunday)
Rosslyn Rocks – Dueling Pianos: Thurs., 5:30-7:30 p.m., Central Place Plaza, free
Tax Free Weekend at Select Old Town Boutiques: Fri. and Sat.
Dark Star Park Day 2025: Fri., 9-9:45 a.m., 1655 N Fort Myer Dr., free
Middleburg’s 19th Annual Summer Sidewalk Sale: Fri. to Sun., Middleburg, Virginia, free entry
Silent Reading Party: Sat., Hotel AKA Alexandria, $33.85
Back to the Future in Concert with the National Symphony Orchestra: Sat., 8 p.m., Filene Center at Wolf Trap, $51.50
“Aladdin” screening and meet Princess Jasmine: Sat., 6:30-9 p.m., Reston Row Plaza, free
MoCA on the Move at Met Park: Sun., 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Metropolitan Park in Arlington, free
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