Broccoli City Festival at Audi Field
D.C.’s homegrown Broccoli City Festival has a new venue in 2024, swapping the RFK Stadium grounds for Audi Field. But this annual rap extravaganza still features two days with some of the biggest names in the game (Megan Thee Stallion, Gunna), as well as some of the most exciting (Veeze, Sexyy Red). Nota bene: Do not miss Karrahbooo — one of the most cool-minded, numb-tongued rappers to emerge in years — when she performs with Lil Yachty and the Concrete Boys. There’s much to experience beyond the music: appearances by actress Issa Rae and comic Desi Banks, a set with amapiano star Uncle Waffles, Trap Karaoke, and interactive art experiences. Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 11 p.m. $225-$1,200 for two-day passes; $89.50-$544.50 for one-day passes.
SAAM Arcade at the Smithsonian American Art Museum
For one day each summer, the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Kogod Courtyard transforms into the world’s most beautiful video game arcade. The 11-year-old SAAM Arcade is, on its face, about the museum’s endorsement of “video games as part of the national visual culture” and video game graphics as art. But it’s also a chance to explore brand-new games from nine independent developers, this year with the theme “Adventure Awaits,” as well as play on console and old-school arcade games that span the decades — a joyful interactive experience for multiple generations. After you’ve played a few games, go on a scavenger hunt through the museum, or win prizes on a “side quest” asking questions of game developers. The first two hours of the day are “quiet hours” with reduced noise. 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Free.
Kids World at Franklin Park
Kids rule in Franklin Park this weekend, as Kids World lets them take over downtown D.C.’s largest green space. The day includes (deep breath) live music and poetry; workouts with costumed superheroes; story times and read-alongs with favorite characters; crafting and painting areas, including face painting; a teddy-bear-themed space where little ones can have tea with Paddington or make their own bear; bubble mazes and giant bubbles; vehicles to climb; double Dutch jumpers; video games; and a trackless train traversing the whole park. Saturday and Sunday from noon to 7 p.m. Free.
DMV Made Festival on the National Mall
Celebrate the diversity of the DMV with multiple stages of homegrown performers: the Chuck Brown Band, DuPont Brass, Cryptid Summer and more. There’s also a family-friendly game zone, a poetry and storytelling pavilion, live muralists, and an interactive dance stage. 1 to 7:30 p.m. Free.
Tales of Cinema: The World of Hong Sangsoo at the National Gallery of Art
The National Gallery of Art, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art, the AFI Silver Theatre and the National Museum of Korea have teamed up to honor Hong Sangsoo, the prolific and acclaimed South Korean filmmaker who has produced 25 feature films since 2000, turning everyday life into epically structured and memorable dramas. Seven films are shown over three weekends, beginning with “On the Occasion of Remembering the Turning Gate” (Saturday at 2 p.m.) and “Tale of Cinema” (Sunday at 2 p.m.) Through Aug. 17. Free; registration required.
WalkingTown D.C. Summer Tours
Every September, WalkingTown D.C. offers dozens of free walking tours that show Washingtonians a different side of their city, from the rebirth of Southwest to the mansions of Meridian Hill to key sites in LGBTQ+ history. In honor of WalkingTown’s 25th anniversary, the group is offering special preview tours over the summer. There are two in coming days: On Saturday, explore the history of Blagden Alley and Naylor Court, two of the city’s remaining alley communities, including a meet-and-greet with Kim Williams, the author of “Hidden Alleyways of Washington, D.C.” (3:30 p.m., Free.). On Monday, attention turns to an overlooked aspect of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center: one of the largest public art collections outside of a museum, with more than 130 pieces by artists like Sam Gilliam and Sol LeWitt. (6:30 p.m. Free.) Registration is required for both tours, and space is limited.
Adobo Gigante at Echostage
Over the last six years, Adobo has blossomed into one of D.C.’s most popular dance parties, sprinkled with Afrobeats, soca, bachata, hip-hop, go-go, amapiano and other Afro-Latinx sounds at clubs across the city. Adobo’s sixth anniversary finds a truly heavy lineup with Nina Sky, Pedro Night, DJ Puffy and Yvain Amour playing for the crowds at Echostage. After this, organizers are taking Adobo on a coast-to-coast road trip, so get a taste while you can. 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. $20-$25.
Olney Outdoors at Olney Theatre
Olney Theatre’s Olney Outdoors series brings six weeks of music and comedy to its outdoor stage. This weekend includes comedian Glen Tickle (Friday, $40); Grateful Dead tribute band Better Off Dead (Saturday, $35); and afternoon Drag and Drinks hosted by Evon Michelle Dior of Baltimore’s Sad Brunch and featuring local queens (Sunday, $35). Saturday afternoon is Olney’s annual Summerfest open house, with backstage tours, performances, a prop sale, games and food trucks (1 to 6:30 p.m., free). The grounds offer a mix of seating options, from bleachers to open lawn where attendees can dance or, as the theater puts it, lie back and “stare at the stars.” Upcoming weeks include tributes to Dolly Parton (Aug. 2) and Queen (Aug. 24), magic shows (Aug. 3), and sing-alongs with Disney princesses (Aug. 17). Through Aug. 31. Prices vary; Saturday’s Summerfest is free.
Mubadala Citi DC Open at Rock Creek Tennis Center
This year’s Mubadala Citi DC Open coincides with the Olympics, when many of the world’s top tennis players will be in Paris. Still, the ATP-WTA 500-level tournament held in Rock Creek Park snagged some heavy hitters who are focusing on their hard court game during the lead-up to the U.S. Open instead of on French clay. This year’s lineup includes hometown tennis hero Frances Tiafoe, No. 10 Grigor Dimitrov and No. 14 Ben Shelton, while British star Emma Raducanu, 2024 Australian Open champion and No. 3 Aryna Sabalenka, and U.S. favorites including Sloane Stephens and No. 13 Madison Keys feature on the women’s side. Through Aug. 4. Single-session tickets for outer courts start at $22.
Jerk x Jollof and Souled Out Dates at the Bullpen
Detroit’s Afro-Caribbean party starters Jerk x Jollof could have probably thrown a successful event at the Bullpen by themselves, but they’re teaming with the high-energy vibes of D.C.’s Souled Out Dates — a combination of nine DJs that should ensure an amazing afternoon on Half Street SE. And, yes, there will be jerk and jollof platters available. 2 to 10 p.m. $20-$50.
Aslin Summer Games at Aslin Beer Company
The same weekend the Olympics kick off in Paris, teams of tipsy contestants in Washington can compete for something even better than the gold: Aslin gift cards, trophies and bragging rights. Eighteen teams of four players will compete in sprint versions of lawn and party games, like bean bag tossing, Big Wheel pedaling and … eating the most ice pops in an allotted time frame. The games will earn teams points, but extra points can be won via costume and fan favorite contests. Four players are required to play per team, which must be registered in advance. 3 to 8 p.m. $40 per team; free to watch.
Ballroom on the Block at the Clarendon Ballroom
The Clarendon Ballroom is taking its usual Saturday night dance party to the streets of Clarendon this weekend, shutting down North Irving Street between Wilson Boulevard and 12th Street. Your headliners are DJs 9B49 and Misha B2B Late London, with seven more on the bill. The block party includes beer gardens, bars, food trucks, lawn games and lounge seating from 2 to 10 p.m.; after that, the music moves back inside with more DJs and dancing. 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. $40; $52 VIP.
Shark Bites and Brews at the Wharf
The Discovery Channel hosted its annual Shark Week a few weeks ago, and now it’s time for selachimorphaphiles — that is, lovers of sharks — to gather at the Wharf. Try riding a mechanical shark, which is like a mechanical bull but with teeth instead of horns, and enjoy a dunk tank and outdoor games, live cover tunes from the 7 Deadlies Band, a doughnut-eating contest with shark-shaped treats, and a beer garden. 5 to 8 p.m. Free.
