Weekend Guide
Free Movies, Concerts and Theater on Tap
There’s only a few weeks left of Summer 2014, and it will be a perfect weekend to get out and take advantage of area events. From free concerts, to free movies, to free theater and more, there’s something for everyone happening in the DMV this weekend.
On Metro, the Takoma and Silver Sping stations will be closed beginning at 12:01 a.m. Saturday through closing on Sunday. Buses will replace Red Line trains between Fort Totten and Forest Glen. Riders should allow an extra 25 minutes on limited-stop busyes between Fort Totten and Forest Glen making one stop at Silver Spirng. Local buses will operate between Fort Totten and Forest Glen, making intermediate stops at Takoma and Silver Spring. Riders should add 10-12 minutes additional for each station stop. Trains will operate every 10 minutes between Shady Grove and Fort Totten and between Glenmont and Forest Glen. Silver and Green line trains will operate at regular weekend intervals. Orange and Blue line trains will operate every 20 minutes and Yellow Line trains will operate every 20 minutes between Huntington and Mount Vernon Square only.
Better Than Ezra concert
Better Than Ezra takes the stage on Tysons Corner Center’s new outdoor plaza tonight as part of the Fresh Artists Summer Concert Series. The opening act will be Stuart Lewis. Concerts continue Friday evenings through the end of the month. Performing Aug 22 is Andy Grammer and Jacquie Lee on Aug. 29. Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic. Lawn chairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis or you can take your own lawn chair or blanket. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis at the concierge desk on level 1 outside Macy’s and Starbucks beginning at 10 a.m.
Fridays through Aug. 29 starting at 7 p.m. at Tysons Corner Center’s new outdoor plaza, located on level 2 across from the Microsoft store, 1961 Chain Bridge Road, Tysons Corner. Admission is FREE, but limited to 1,500 people.
Let’s go to the fair
The Montgomery County Agricultural and Prince William County fairs are winding down this weekend after a week-long run. This is your last chance for an Italian sausage sandwich with grilled peppers and onions, fresh-squeezed lemonade, funnel cakes, candy apples or fried Oreos. There’s also animals, rides, games and more food. Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., the MoCo fair has demolition derbies, while the Prince William fair has monster truck shows both nights at 7 p.m.
Montgomery County Agricultural Fair through Aug. 16 from 10 a.m.-midnight at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds, 16 Chestnut St., Gaithersburg. The carnival area is open from noon-midnight. Admission is $10 online or at the gate, children 11 and younger are free. On-site parking is $10, but free parking and shuttle buses are available at the Lakeforest Mall.
Prince William County Fair through Aug. 16 starting at 5 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. Saturday and noon Sunday at the Prince William County Fairgrounds, 10624 Dumfries Rd., Manassas. Admission at the gate is $10, children 5-13 and seniors 60 or older are $5. Price includes parking.
Video game convention
Gamers of all genres and ages should head to the Video Gamers United’s VGU Con this weekend at the convention center. The event brings together the top gamers, developers and minds in the video gaming industry. There will be panel discussions, keynote speakers, video game demos, gaming tournaments, cosplay contests, a celebrity charity event, a free arcade and more.
Aug. 16 and 17 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place NW. One-day tickets are $40, two-day tickets are $75 and children 10 and under are free. Tickets are available online or at the door.
Hot August Music Festival
The Hot August Music Festival may have rebranded this year from the longer Hot August Blues & Roots Festival, but the music is still bluesy and rootsy. The undercard is a strong lineup of up-and-coming acts,such as roots rockers Sister Sparrow & the Dirty Birds, funky big band Turkuaz and bluegrass act Cabinet. But you’ll likely attend for one of the the headliners: Philadelphia-based indie rockers Dr. Dog, the reunited Nickle Creek or the band behind Wagon Wheel, Old Crow Medicine Show.
Aug. 16 from 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m. at Oregon Ridge Park, 13401 Beaver Dam Road, Cockeysville, Md. Tickets are $59 online. Parking is an additional $15.
Summer Wine & Peach Fest
All things peachy (and all things local) collide at the Summer Wine & Peach Fest, which feature food, wine, beer and live music. Enjoy live entertainment on two stages including jazz, Celtic, rock, country and slam poets. Local craft beer finds its way via Maryland breweries along with the harvest of local peaches from local farmers in peach mango salsa, a peach BBQ sauce on pulled pork, peach/pistachio biscotti, peach nectar sparkling soda, cousin of peach apricot squares, peach-filled cupcakes, cobbler in a Jar and decorate your own wine glass with a peach!
Aug. 16 from 2-7 p.m. at the Historic Silver Spring B&O Station, 8100 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring. Tickets cost $10-$39 online or at the gate.
Movies on the Green
Hop on the Silver Line and head out to Tysons Corner Center’s new outdoor plaza for a free screening of Jaws at Movies on the Green. Enjoy evenings outside with friends and family through the end of the month while watching your favorite films on the mall’s new outdoor plaza on level 2 across from the Microsoft store. The series continues Aug 23 with Man of Steel and Aug. 30 with The Blind Side. Visitors are encouraged to bring picnics, but alcohol is not permitted. Lawn seating is available on a first-come, first-serve basis as are lawn chairs, or you can bring your own chairs and blankets.
Saturdays through Aug. 30 starting at 8 p.m. on the plaza at Tysons Corner Center across from the Microsoft store, 1961 Chain Bridge Road, Tysons Corner. Admission is FREE!
SynchroSwim 2014
D.C.’s performance art explosion is taking to the pool with http://wpadc.org/synchroswim/ SynchroSwim 2014, the fourth presentation of Washington Project for the Arts’ synchronized swimming performance art competition. Typically, synchronized swimming demands advanced water skills and requires great strength, endurance, flexibility, grace, artistry and precise timing, as well as exceptional breath control. WPA’s SynchroSwim, celebrates creativity and enthusiasm! During the one-hour event, approximately six teams will perform short, unique routines set to musical compositions. Some may actually be synchronized, but the vast majority will be a free expression of creativity. Past performances have included a biting critique of BP’s role in the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, a celebration of the music of Van Halen, an excerpt from Fluid Movement’s Jason and the Aquanauts: 20,000 Legs Over The Sea and even a performance by an actual synchronized swimming team.
Aug. 17 at 5 p.m. at Capitol Skyline Hotel, 10 I St. SW. Admission is FREE beginning at 4:30 p.m.!
Shakespeare Free For All
The Shakespeare Theatre Company’s annual Free For All, now in its 28th year is back. This year’s free show is a revival of The Winter’s Tale, which the company staged in 2013. To secure your free tickets to one of 16 performances from Tuesday through Aug. 31, you’ll need to enter the theater’s online lottery between 12:01 a.m. and 8 p.m. the day before the performance you wish to attend or be among the first 200 people who line up in front of the theater two hours before curtain on show dates.
Aug. 19 through 31 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesdays, 8 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays at the Shakespeare Theatre’s Harman Hall, 610 F St. NW. Admission is FREE!
Editor-in-Chief Mark Heckathorn is a journalist, movie buff and foodie. He oversees DC on Heels editorial operations as well as strategic planning and staff development. Reach him with story ideas or suggestions at dcoheditor (at) gmail (dot) com.