The countdown to fall has begun with school in many are school districts getting ready to begin in a few weeks. But in the meantime, it’s time for the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair with plenty of animals, Italian sausage sandwiches, fried Oreos and funnel cakes. But if you aren’t up for fun down on the farm, there’s plenty of other things to do in the DMV.

This weekend, Yellow and Green line trains will operate at regular weekend intervals. Orange, Silver and Blue line trains will operate every 20 minutes and Red Line trains will operate every 24 minutes between Shady Grove and Glenmont with trains running every 12-14 minutes between Farragut North and Rhode Island Avenue between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.

It’s time for the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair. (Photo: Katie Maciocha)

Montgomery County Agricultural Fair

Looking for family friendly entertainment this weekend? Load the kids into the minivan and make for I-270: That’s the surest way to find the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair, which features a huge midway plus more than 2,000 animals, monster trucks and deep-fried curiosities. Special attractions, which are NOT included with admission include a truck and tractor pull on Monday, Monster Truck Madness on Wednesday and Thursday, and a demolition derby next Friday and Saturday. There is a free skid steer rodeo on Friday, a draft horse pull on Saturday, a draft horse and mule shown on Sunday and truck pull on Tuesday as well as ZuZu Acrobats, a comedy hypnotist, racing pigs and goats and a magician all week long. Animal and other exhibits, except commercial exhibits, do not open until Sunday.

Aug. 14-Aug 22 from 10 a.m.-midnight daily at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds, 501 Perry Parkway, Gaithersburg. The carnival area is ope from 3 p.m.-midnight on Aug. 14 and noon-midnight the rest of the week. Admission is $10 for adults and free for children 11 and younger. A season pass with parking is $75 and three-day pass with parking is $45. On-site parking is $10, but free parking and shuttle service is available from Lakeforest Mall.

Red Bull Global Rallycross

The Red Bull Global Rallycross returns to RFK Stadium this weekend. (Photo: Red Bull Global Rallycross)

After taking over city streets last June, the Red Bull Global Rallycross heads back to the nation’s capital for another event in Washington, D.C. This weekend’s race at RFK Stadium features 600-horsepower cars racing around a mixed-surface track with sharp turns and a 70-foot jump.

Aug. 14 from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. and Aug. 15 from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at RFK Stadium Lot 8, 2400 E. Capitol St. SE. Tickets are $45-$75 for two-day passes, $25-$35 for Friday and $40-$50 for Saturday.

Zac Brown Band and the Avett Brothers

The Zac Brown Band plays at Nationals Park on Friday. (Photo: Zac Brown Band)

On its summer tour of major league baseball stadiums, the Zac Brown Band will bring its Jekyll & Hyde Tour to Nationals Park outfield with another popular country crossover group, the Avett Brothers. Brown has been mixing in the hits he’s known for, such as Chicken Fried, with such newer songs as the single Homegrown and his cover of Jason Isbell’s Dress Blues. The Avetts, meanwhile, mix things up from night to night, pulling from nearly 15 years of playing together.

Aug. 14 starting at 7 p.m. at Nationals Park, Nationals Park, 1500 S. Captial St. SE. Tickets are $51.50-$108.50.

Live Music on the Plaza

The Southern Maryland Jazz Orchestra will perform a free concert at National Harbor on Friday. (Photo: National Harbor)

Enjoy live music by the Southern Maryland Jazz Orchestra at Live Music on the Plaza at National Harbor. The orchestra is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to performing contemporary big band jazz. A part of the Southern Maryland Concert Band organization, the SMJO performs jazz, rock and swing music in the American “Big Band” style and tradition that began in the 1930s and continues right up to the present day. Current repertoire includes tunes by Carlos Santana, Van Morrison, Lady Gaga, the Beatles, Black Eyed Peas, Adele and others.

Aug. 14 from 7-8:30 p.m. at The Plaza at National Harbor, 165 Waterfront St., Oxon Hill, Md. Admission is FREE!

Bikes & Brews brewery tour

Wrap up D.C. Beer Week with the Bikes & Brews brewery tour. (Photo: Capital City Bike Tours)

By the seventh day of D.C. Beer Week, you’ve probably consumed a few more calories than you meant to. Get rid of them during a special Bikes & Brews brewery tour sponsored by City Bikes. Beer-loving cyclists will leave the Adams Morgan bike shop heading for the Hellbender and Atlas breweries for tours and tastings, and then to Glen’s Garden Market for $4 draft beers. Maps and guides will be provided, but riders need to bring their own helmets, water bottles and locks.

Aug. 15 from noon-4 p.m. departing from City Bikes, 2501 Champlain St. NW. Admission is FREE, but advance registration is requested.

Washington Redskins training camp

Fans collect autographs at Redskins training camp, which wraps up this weekend. (Photo: Washington Redskins)

With the start of football season only weeks away, this is your last chance to see the Washington Redskins practice and clamor for autographs from your favorite players at this year’s Redskins Training Camp. Get an up-close look at quarterback Robert Griffin III’s progress, new players on the offensive and the overhauled defense. Savor the moment, Redskins fans: Every NFL team is tied for first in the standings, nearly every football player is healthy and in great shape, and unbridled optimism is the dominant emotions.

Aug. 15 from 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. with practice at 1:35 p.m and Aug. 16 from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. with walkthrough at 10:35 a.m. and practice at 3 p.m. at the Bon Secours Training Center, 2401 W. Leight St., Richomond. Admission is FREE, but pre-registration is required.

Capital City Showcase

Pete Bergen is among the entertainers at the Capital City Showcase’s fifth anniversary. (Photo: Pete Bergen)

The DMV is full of talented comedians, musicians and performance artists, some of the best of which have performed as part of the monthly Capital City Showcase variety show. This weekend, the show celebrates its fifth anniversary with set from musician Don Kim and comedians Jenn Tisdale, Pete Bergen, Shahryar and Kasaun Wilson.

Aug. 15 at 10 p.m. at the D.C. Arts Center, 2438 18th St. NW. Admission is $10.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Hot 5 @ Hill Center

Sine Qua Non will perform at the Hill Center. (Photo: Stuart Dahne Photographer

If District jazz band Sine Qua Non has a reliable signature, it might be the timbre of Victor Provost’s steel-pan sparks raining down over Michael Bowie’s bass lines, which can swerve and slink and pop. There’s an airiness to the group’s approach, but it can tighten up on a groove, too. Onstage, the band is mixing its new material in with the old, and a new album is expected this autumn. The band performs in the gardens as part of Hot 5 @ Hill Center, perfect for an evening picnic with family and friends. Beer, wine and other concessions will be available for sale.

Aug. 16 at 5 p.m. at the Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. Admission is FREE!

Movies on the Potomac

Watch a free movie each Sunday beginning at 6 p.m. at National Harbor. (Photo: National Harbor)

Nothing says summer like an evening under the stars, and there’s no better way to enjoy the season than Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor. Pack your chairs, grab food to go from one of the area restaurants and meet at the Plaza’s jumbo screen. This week’s screening is Back to the Future Part II.

Aug. 16 from 6-8 p.m. at National Harbor’s Plaza, 165 Waterfront St., Oxon Hill, Md. Admission is FREE!

Since the early 19th century of the Edo period, it has been a Japanese custom to eat eel to regain energy and stamina during the hot summer months. With its high protein content and excellent digestive properties, eel can stimulate the appetite even during the blazing heat of summer.

Sushiko will be serving ina-jyu, a dish made of broiled eel and rice, all month long. (Photo: Paula Olinto)

To honor this Japanese tradition, Sushiko, 5455 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, is serving ina-jyu, a dish made of broiled eel and rice, as a featured special on its a la carte menu. Brothers and co-executive chefs Piter and Handry Tjan are preparing their version with tamaki rice and kinome, a Japanese herb from a Szechuan peppercorn tree. It is priced at $28 and will be available throughout August during both lunch and dinner.

Jaleo brings La Tomatina festival to DMV

Spain has many well-known festivals, from the running of the bulls in Pamplona to its festive carnival. But chef José Andrés’ favorite festival is La Tomatina of Buñol. In celebration of LA Tomatina, his D.C.-area Jaleo restaurants will shine the spotlight on tomatoes. Through Aug. 16, the menu will feature tomato-centric dishes.

Jaleo’s ajo blanco de piñones con sorbete de tomate y tomatillos caramelizados (Photo: Jaleo)

The special menu includes ajo blanco de piñones con sorbete de tomate y tomatillos caramelizados, white gazpacho of pine nuts with tomato sorbet for $9; ensalada de tomates de temporada con queso Valdeón, heirloom tomato salad with Valdeón blue cheese for $7; pulpo a la plancha con pure de cebolleta y tomates confitados, seared Spanish octopus with caramelized tomatoes and green onion purée for $16; bonito con salsa de tomate, Spanish ‘bonito’ with an heirloom tomato salad for $15; tarta de tomates con paleta ibérica de bellota, a tomato tart with cured ham from acorn fed black footed pigs of Spain for $11; and sorbete de tomates y fresas con espuma de yogurt, tomato and strawberry sorbet with a yogurt ‘espuma’ for $8.

Jaleo is located at 480 Seventh St. NW, 7271 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda and 2250-A Crystal Drive, Arlington.

City Tap House hosts D.C. Beer Week events

City Tap House, 901 Ninth St. NW, is hosting a week of special events in honor of D.C. Beer Week.

City Tap House has week of specials to observe D.C. Beer Week. (Photo: Mark Heckathorn/DC on Heels)

The events include:

• On Aug. 9, City Tap House will feature a Stoudt’s tap takeover from 11 a.m.-close starting with a brunch with Carol Stoudt, founder of Stoudt’s Brewing Co. from Adamstown, Pa., and will load its beer lines with the best year-round, seasonal, and brewer’s reserve style beers. Featured drafts — all of which follow the Bavarian purity laws allowing nothing but barley, hops, water and yeast to be used — include Pils, Gold Lager, Scarlet Lady ESB, American Pale Ale, Fourplay IPA, Karnival Kolsch, Hefe, and Multiple Personality Disorder. Prices range from $6-$10 per draft.
• If King George Won will be held Aug. 11 from 11:30 a.m.-close. City Tap House will examine what the U.S. craft beer scene would be like if the British had won the Revolutionary War, and pour flavorful English craft beers including Harviestoun Old Engine Oil, JW Lees Vintage Harvest Ale 2011, The Wild Beer Co. Evolver IPA and the Beavertown Gamma Ray. Other planned featured breweries include Buxton, Siren and Fyne Ales. Prices range from $8-$12 per draft.
• How to Start a Brewery will be held Aug. 12 from 6-7 p.m. DCBeer.com’s co-editor Chris Van Orden will host a panel discussion about how to start a brewery with local brewers including Jeff Hancock from DC Brau Brewing Co., Mike McGarvey from 3 Stars Brewing Co., Justin Cox from Atlas Brew Works and Josh Chapman from Bluejacket Brewery. RSVP to [email protected] to reserve a seat.
• Cider & Mead will take over the taps on Aug. 13 from 11:30 a.m.-close. A selection of ciders and meads will be on tap in addition to 10 cask beers. Ciders include Millstone Cellars, Jack’s Cider, Bold Rock Hard Cider, Potter’s Craft Cider and Mckenzie’s Hard Cider. Featured meaderies include Charm City Meadworks and B. Nektar Meadery, as well as casks from breweries such as Flying Dog Brewery, Oliver Brewing Co., 3 Stars and Mad Fox Brewing Co. Prices range from $6-$14 per draft.
• Monkey Three Way will be held Aug. 14 from 4 p.m.-close. The restaurant will dedicate at least five of its tap lines to beers from Victory Brewing Co. from Downingtown, Pa. Available beers include Sour Monkey, Golden Monkey, Cask-Conditioned Golden Monkey and more. Prices range from $6-$12 per draft. There will be a variety of banana food specials available in addition to the regular menu during dinner such as banana fritters with lime crèma and cilantro chimichurri; crispy plantain mofongo with lump crab, rock shrimp, Benton’s ham and charred tomato broth; and banana and toasted coconut cream pie. Food specials are priced from $8-$22.

Macon Bistro & Larder hosts Heritage Brewing takeover

Macon Bistro & Larder will host a Heritage Brewing tap takeover for D.C. Beer Week. (Photo: Mark Heckathorn/DC on Heels)

Macon Bistro & Larder, 5520 Connecticut Ave. NW, is participating in D.C. Beer Week a Heritage Brewing tap takeover from Aug. 9-16. Guests can enjoy $6 drafts and $10 flights from 4-6 p.m. and $7 and $12 drafts from 6 p.m.-close.

The Royal launches seven-day-a-week happy hour

The Royal, 501 Florida Ave. NW in LeDroit Park, will launch a seven-day-a-week happy hour and weekday late-night happy hour starting Aug. 10. Available from 3-6 p.m. daily and 10 p.m.-1 a.m. on weekdays, The Royal will offer specials on classic cocktails, housemade vermouth on draft, wine by the glass and tallboy cans.

The Royal’s happy hour specials include housemade vermouth from a vintage copper fire extinguisher. (Photo: The Royal)

The happy hour specials include $5 house vermouth made by beverage director Horus Alvarez and aged in 53-gallon barrels for months at a time and served on draft from a vintage copper fire extinguisher. Also, $5 Narragansett tallboys and $7 wine by the glass including one red and one white that rotate daily. There are also eight $7 classic cocktails ranging from a daiquiri with El Dorado white rum, lime juice and sugar; a Paloma with Cimarron tequila, lime, grapefruit and soda; a Caipirinha with cachaca, fresh limes and sugar; and a rye Old Fashioned with Pikesville Rye, bitters, sugar and water.

For night owls, the same specials will be offered Sundays through Thursdays.

Le Diplomate introduces summer menu

Summer has arrived at Le Diplomate, 1601 14th St. NW, in the form of new cocktails and seasonal dishes. The seasonal cocktail menu ranges from boozy to sweet, while executive chef Michael Abt is serving his interpretations of the season in several new dishes.

Le Diplomate has a new summer drink and food menu. (Photo: Brian Oh)

The new cocktail menu features five seasonal libations. The drinks include the tropical, sweet-bitter caraībes made with rhum agricole, Punt e Mes, cherry liqueur, Fernet Branca, lime and pineapple; the Américain à Paris, a French cognac-based take on the classic Italian Americano with Byrrh Grand Quinquina, Dolin Rouge vermouth and bitters; the Coup de Soleil, a rye-based version of a grown-up lime-ade with Aperol and bitters; Le Papillon with lime, cardamom bitters and basil finished with a squeeze of orange juice; and the Quatre Feuilles, a fresh version of the classic egg white-topped Clover Club cocktail using whole raspberries and curaçao.

New additions the menu of interpreted French classics include appetizers such as frog legs provençale, pan-seared frog legs served in a savory heirloom tomato vin blanc with garlic, shallots and parsley and sliced fresh baguette; pea soup poured over jumbo lump crab meat, English peas and a dollop of crème fraiche; tri-colored roasted beet salad with fresh purple plums tossed in an ice wine vinaigrette and served with Cloumage cheese, roasted hazelnuts and beet leaves; pan-seared scallops nicoise cooked in butter, garlic and thyme and served over a summer vegetable-orzo salad, almond-parsley pistou, frisee and chives; and roasted duck brease with polenta made with mascarpone, sautéed swiss chard and an aromatic cherry jus.

The weather is expected to be mostly sunny over the weekend with temperatures in the low- to midMetr-80s – perfect for outdoor activities. There’s a charity crab feast, concerts and cultural events. For tennis fans, the Citi Open tennis tournament is at the Rock Creek Park Tennis Center. The men’s and women’s quarterfinals are on Friday, the semifinals are Saturday and the final matches are on Sunday. Play starts at 1 p.m. Friday and at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

This weekend, Green Line trains will operate at regular weekend intervals. Yellow and Blue Line trains will operate every 20 minutes. Red Line trains will operate every 15 minutes between Shady Grove and Glenmont and 8-10 minutes between Silver Spring and Friendship Heights from 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. From 12:01 a.m. Saturday through closing Sunday, buses will replace Orange and Silver Line trains between Ballston, West Falls Church and McLean stations. East Falls Church station is closed. Orange Line trains will operate every 12-20 minutes between Vienna and West Falls Church and every 10 minutes between Ballston and New Carrollton. Silver Line trains will operate on a regular weekend schedule between Wiehle-Reston and McLean only with shuttle buses between McLean and Ballston stations, where riders can board the Orange Line trains into the city to Stadium-Armory. To continue to Largo Town Center, riders will need to transfer to the Blue Line.

The Annapolis Rotary Club’s crab feast will serve 320 bushels of crabs to raise money for charity. (Photo: Rotary Club of Annapolis)

Rotary Crab Feast

Nearly 2,500 people are expected to finish off 320 bushels of crabs, 3,400 ears of corn, 100 gallons of crab soup and more at the 70th annual Rotary Club of Annapolis Rotary Crab Feast is back benefiting more than 30 local charities. Your ticket includes all-you-can-eat large, #1 male crabs, Maryland crab soup, corn-on-the-cob, barbeque beef sandwiches, hot dogs and watermelon, as well as all-you-can-drink draft beer, soda and water. There will also be a back sale and cake raffle. The event is rain or shine, but most tables are under cover.

Aug. 7 from 5-8:30 p.m. at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, 550 Taylor Ave., Annapolis. Adult tickets are $65 in advance or $75 at the door. Children age 3 to 12 are $20. Advance sales end at noon Friday. Parking is FREE!

Luce Unplugged Community Showcase

Concertgoers watch a band perform at a Luce Unplugged Community Showase at the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Luce Foundation Center. (Photo: Smithsonian American Art Museum)

The Luce Unplugged Community Showcase series presents acoustic sets from District-based bands in the middle of a museum. Friday’s show features indie rockers Fellow Creatures with Sam McCormally, formerly of Ugly Purple Sweater, following a talk from museum staff about Howard Finster’s “Visions of a Great Gulf on Planet Hell.”

Aug. 7 with the talk beginning at 5:30 p.m. and the concert from 6-7 p.m. at the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Luce Foundation Center, Third Floor, West Wing, Eighth and F Streets NW. Admission is FREE!

Astronaut Academy

The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center’s Astronaut Academy lets visitors become an astronaut-in-training for a future trip to Mars. (Photo: NASA)

Can you be one of the first astronauts on Mars? Astronaut Academy is a new alternate reality game at the National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center that will challenge you to become an astronaut-in-training for a future trip to Mars. What skills will you need to survive a long trip to the Red Planet and return safely? Find out by choosing what role you will play on the mission, engaging in fun, interactive activities and exploring the science, technology, engineering and math skills you need as a member of the next generation of space travelers. Along the way, you’ll learn about some of the museum’s fascinating artifacts.

Saturdays from 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, 14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy., Chantilly. Admission is FREE, but parking is $15.

FestAfrica!

Visitors to Silver Spring’s FestAfrica! watch Eddy Kenzo perform last year. (Photo: Eddy Kenzo)

Pride for African culture runs deep at the 13th annual FestAfrica!, a free event that will be held at Veterans Plaza this weekend featuring live music, dance performances, fashion shows, art vendors, family fun and African food. Click http://www.festafricausa.com/entertainment/ here for the full schedule.

Aug. 8 and 9 from 1-8 p.m. at Veteran’s Plaza, 1 Veterans Place, Silver Spring. Admission is FREE!

Vietnamese Cultural Days

Essence of Vietnam, a performance that showcases the colorful cultural diversity of Vietnam through traditional musical instruments, dance and traditional costumes, comes to the Kennedy Center on Saturday. (Photo: Kennedy Center)

The Kennedy Center hosts the Vietnamese Cultural Days in the U.S. The presentations celebrate the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the United States. Saturday brings Essence of Vietnam, a performance that showcases the colorful cultural diversity of Vietnam through traditional musical instruments, graceful dances and traditional costumes by the National Art Troup of Viet Nam. Sunday features Miraculous Transformation, a fashion show in which designers Lan Huong, Quang Nhat, Chula and Minh Hanh are introduction special collections made from Vietnamese ethnic fabric. Miss Vietnam Ngoc Han and Super Model winner Hoang Yen joing the model team to present the collections.

Aug. 8 and 9 at 6 p.m. at the Kennedy Center’s Terrace Theater, 2700 F St. NW. Admission is FREE on a first come, first served basis beginning at 5:30 p.m.

The Music of John Williams

Star Wars Imperial Stormtroopers attend last year’s NSO tribute to John Williams. (Photo: Oscar Banos)

While scoring the music to the movies you know by heart, composer John Williams has collected five Academy Awards and 22 Grammy Awards. You can’t think of Star Wars, Jaws or Indiana Jones — just to name a few of the contemporary classic movies he’s worked on — without thinking of Williams’s soaring scores. The Music of John Williams with the National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Emil de Cou, will bring those compositions back to life under the stars.

Aug. 8 starting at 8:15 p.m. at Wolf Trap’s Filene Center, 1645 Wolf Trap Road, Vienna. Tickets are $20-$58.

Brewers on the Block

D.C. Beer Week kicks off with Brewers on the Block at Suburbia outside Union Market. (Photo; D.C. Beer Week)

D.C. Beer Week runs Sunday through Aug. 16 with events all week long. The week kicks off with Brewers on the Block, the official open party for D.C. Beer Week, which features at least 20 breweries, meaderies and cideries outside Union Market. Participants include 3 Stars Brewing, Atlas Brew Works, Blue Mountain Brewery, Bold Rock Cider, The Brewer’s Art, Charm City Meadworks, D.C. Brau Brewing, Devils Backbone Brewery, Flying Dog Brewery, Hellbender Brewing, Lost Rhino Brewing, Mad Fox Brewing, Oliver Ales, Port City Brewing, Realerevival Brewing, Stillwater Artisinal Ales and Union Craft Breweing. It’s one of the bargains of Beer Week too.

Aug. 9 from 2-5 p.m. outside Union Market, 1309 Fifth St. NE. Tickets are $35 for general admission with unlimited drinks, or 60 for VIP admission, which includes early admission at 1 p.m. and extra beers and frozen cocktails from the Suburbia trailer, the summery pop-up bar outside Union Market.

This is Pride weekend in the DMV with the area’s gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender residents celebrating their pride with events all week culminating this weekend. But you don’t have to be gay to enjoy the festivities with Carly Rae Jepson, En Vogue and Wilson Phillips slated to perform at Sunday’s Festival. There’s plenty of other events going on as well. The DMV will be under a heatwave this weekend with temperatures in the low- to mid-90s on Friday and Saturday — 10 to 15 degrees above normal – and the upper-80s on Sunday. If you’ll be heading out to any of the events going on this weekend, be sure to use sunblock, wear a cap and drink plenty of water.

Reconstruction of the Metrorail system continues over the weekend with Orange line trains operate every 18 minutes beginning at 10 p.m. Friday, rather than every 12-15 minutes. Green Line trains will operate at regular weekend intervals between College Park and Branch Avenue stations; buses will replace trains between College Park and the closed Greenbelt Station. Red Line trains will run every 12-15 minutes between Shady Grove and Glenmont and every 6-8 minutes between Medical Center and Silver Spring from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Silver, Blue and Yellow line trains will operate on their regular weekend schedules.

The Hermoine docked in the Alexandria Marina on Wednesday. (Photo: Lafayette College/Twitter)

Hermione

Don’t miss your chance to see the Hermione in Alexandria before it heads up the coast for Annapolis and Baltimore. The Hermione, which docked at Old Town on Wednesday, is an exact replica of the tall French ship that brought the Marquis de Lafayette and a wealth of supplies to the United States to aid the American Revolution effort in 1780. To commemorate Lafayette’s historic voyage, the reconstructed French tall ship will sail 3,819 miles from France to the U.S. before docking in Alexandria

June 12 from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. at the Alexandria Marina, 0 Cameron St., Alexandria. Admission is FREE, but timed tickets are require to go onboard the ship. Tickets will be distributed on a first come, first served basis beginning at 8:30 a.m.

Gilt City Warehouse Sale

Gilt City is having its semi-annual warehouse sale at Dock 5 at Union Market. (Photo: Gilt City)

Gilt City’s semi-annual Warehouse Sale at Union Market is always a popular shopping destination, so much so that you have to pay to get in. If you do, you’ll access designer clothes and accessories for up to 80 percent off, plus snacks to munch on and drinks to sip on while you shop

June 12 and 13 from 9-11 a.m., 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 1-3 p.m. or 3-5 p.m. at Dock 5 at Union Market, 1309 Fifth St. NE. Friday tickets are sold out. Tickets for Saturday are $10.

Truckeroo

Food truck will gather Friday at Truckeroo at the Half Street Fairgrounds by Nationals Park. Photo: Truckeroo)

Truckeroo returns to the Half Street Fairgrounds, with participants including Pepe, Rito Loco, Red Hook Lobster Pound, Captain Cookie, Big Cheesse, Curbside Cupcakes, Surfside, BBQ Bus and 19 other food trucks. There’s also music, drinks and other fun to be had.

June 12 from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. at the Half Street Fairgrounds, 1299 Half St. SE. Admission is FREE, but you’ll have to pay for food and drinks.
 
 

D.C. Jazz Festival

A band performs during the 2013 D.C. Jazz Festival.(Photo: Bridget Arnwine)

The D.C. Jazz Festival which runs through Tuesday, is devoted wholeheartedly to the genre. This weekend alone there will be 69 concerts all over the city from morning til night. The fest takes place at the Hamilton Live and the Yards Park, as well as churches, restaurants, hotels, museums, neighborhood libraries and the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage.

Through June 16 at various times and locations around the city. Most concerts are free with others ranging from $28-$150. See the full schedule and purchase tickets online.

Soccer in the Circle

Viewers watch a movie on video screen in Dupont Circle Park. (Photo: Borderstan)

After successful outings for the two most recent men’s World Cup tournaments, Soccer in the Circle is set to embrace the women’s game when the United States takes on Sweden. Sponsored by the Embassy of Sweden, the event will take place in Dupont Circle Park, with the match shown on giant screens. There will be a Swedish festival, DJ and fun before the match kicks off.

June 12 with events starting at 5:30 p.m. and the game kicking off at 8 p.m. in Dupont Circle Park, . Admission is FREE!
 

Summer Escape at Mount Vernon

Visitors enjoy the views from the lawn of Mount Vernon. (Photo: Mount Vernon Estate)

Experience Mount Vernon after hours and indulge in gourmet fare, historic chocolate and other culinary treats. Summer Escape at Mount Vernon offers the opportunity to visit after hours and enjoy the breathtaking views of George Washington’s estate at sunset while enjoying locally brewed craft beer from Old Ox Brewery, Port City Brewing Co., Atlas Brew Works, Old Bust Head and Forge Brew Works. Take an evening tour of the mansion and relax to live music while watching the sun set against the Potomac. Delight in 18th-century music, dancing, bocce and more historic fun. Stroll the lantern-lit grounds as you mingle with costumed residents or chat with a gardening expert and try flavorful herb-infused dips, teas and cocktails. Food-loving guests will delight as 18th-century artisans demonstrate the arts of making beer, cheese and chocolate. Food and refreshments will be for sale.

June 12 and 13 from 6-9 p.m. at Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, Va. Tickets are $20 each or four for $60.

Taste of Annandale

The first Taste of Annandale celebration will showcase local restaurants during a daylong, family-friendly event. The street will be closed to traffic and lined with booths sponsored by local restaurants, so visitors can sample food from a variety of cuisines. There will be live music and dance groups representing a mix of cultures, a chili cook-off pitting Fairfax County police officers against firefighters, cooking demonstrations and a children’s corner with games, crafts and storytelling.

June 13 from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Tom Davis Drive between Columbia Pike and John Marr Drive, Annandale. Admission is FREE!

Peter Pan Family Fun Day

Tyson Corner Center’s Plaza will become Neverland on Saturday. (Photo: Tysons Corner Center)

Celebrate Peter Pan Family Fun Day on the Plaza with a day of fun for all ages. Face painting, balloon swords, photo prop booths and Tinkerbell bubbles for the younger crowd and a very special bungy jump ride where kids of all ages can fly like Peter and Tinkerbell. The event will also include raffles, giveaways and craft centers to explore the magical world of Peter Pan. Finish the day with an outdoor showing of Hook on the Plaza at 4 p.m.

June 13 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on the Plaza at Tysons Corner Center, 1961 Chain Bridge Road, Tysons Corner. Admission is FREE!

Summerfest D.C.

Summerfest D.C. comes to the Half Street Fairgrounds with beer, cider and wine. (Photo: Capital Brewfest)

Summerfest D.C. hits the Half Street Fairgrounds near Nationals Park for three 3-hour sessions, promising more than 115 beers, seven ciders and 25 wines from around the world. There’s plenty from the locals you know like Atlas, D.C. Brau, Dogfish Head, Flying Dog and Heavy Seas, but also some tasty pours from out of town from Ommegang, Firestone Walker and Boulevard, just to name a few. There will also be food trucks, a DJ and games. You can take your own food and unopened bottles of water.

June 13 at noon, 3:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. at Half Street Fairgrounds, 1299 Half St. SE. Tickets are $39.95-$70.

Capital Pride Parade

Marchers in last year’s Capital Pride parade carry balloons in the rainbow colors. (Photo: S. Pakhrin)

This weekend wraps up the annual Capital Pride celebration, which is making its 40th anniversary this year. The colorful parade, which grows larger each year, starts at 22nd and P Streets NW and travels 1.5 miles through Dupont Circle and 17th Street and ends in the Logan Circle neighborhood. The parade includes more than 170 floats, vehicles, marchers and entertainment including local businesses, politicians, community groups, drag queens, dogs and more. From 3-8:30 p.m., there will be a family fun zone this year at Stead Park, providing a place to give the kids a break with balloon art, face painting, snacks and more.

June 13 from 4:30-7:30 p.m. beginning at 22nd and P Streets NW winding around Dupont Circle, north on New Hampshire Avenue, east on R Street NW, south on 17th Street, east on P Street then north on 14th Street to the finish at R Street NW. Admission is FREE!

Capital Pride Festival

Visitors to the 2014 Pride festival visit booths set up along Pennsylvania Avenue. (Photo: Tim Evanson)

Thousands are expected to attend the Capital Pride Festival the closing event for this year’s Pride celebration along Pennsylvania Avenue NW in front of the U.S. Capitol. The festival includes vendors, food and drink, and educational opportunities, as well as musicians and DJs. The headliners on the Capitol Concert Stage are a mix of stars from the 80s and 90s along with a few from recent years. Amber is scheduled to perform in the 2 p.m. hour, Katy Tiz in the 3 p.m. hour, En Voge in the 4 p.m. hour, Wilson Phillips at 6 p.m. and Carly Rae Jepson at 7 p.m. There will also be local entertainers on two other stages.

June 14 from noon-7 p.m. with the concert from 1-9 p.m. on Pennsylvania Avenue between Third and Seventh Streets NW. Admission is FREE!

Miss D.C. 2014 Teresa Davis (Photo: Matt Boyd Photography)

Miss D.C. Pageant

The Miss D.C. Pageant is a competition to select the young women – Miss D.C. and Miss D.C.’s Outstanding Teen – who woo represent the District in the upcoming Miss America and Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Competitions. The winner and top five finalists are awarded scholarships.

June 14 at 6:30 p.m. at Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW. Tickets are $35-$65.

It’s Mother’s Day weekend, so spend some time with Mom if you can. Take her to see the V-E Day flyover on the mall today, send her to a tour of Europe without leaving the city, take her on a tour of wineries near and far, treat her to a gospel concert or just take her out to brunch to celebrate her special day. If it wasn’t for her, you wouldn’t be here.

This weekend, Red, Silver and Green line trains will operate at regular intervals. Orange, Blue and Yellow line trains will operate every 18 minutes with Yellow Line trains operating between Huntington and Mt. Vernon Square only. Metrorail will open at 5 a.m. on Saturday for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

Visitors to the Embassy of Italy open house last year watch performers on stilts. (Photo: Yuri Gripas)

Shortcut to Europe

Once a year, European embassies hose Shortcut to Europe when they open their doors to visitors, serenade them with songs and performances and – best of all – fill their bellies with delicious native foods. The best way to do Saturday’s embassy day is to start early (lines fill up fast), wear sunscreen for line-waiting and hit up countries with the best food and drink. The Polish Embassy serves pierogis and beer; the Spanish Embassy serves tapas and wine; and the Belgian Embassy serves the country’s famous chocolates and beer. Check out participating embassies and what each is offering here.

May 9 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at 28 European Union embassies around the city. Admission is FREE, but lines are long. Parking is near impossible, but free shuttle buses carry participants between embassies.

Arsenal of Democracy Flyover

Seventy World War II vintage aircraft will participate in a 50-minute flyover of the National Mall to mark the 70th anniversary of V-E Day at 12:10 a.m. Friday. (Photo: Arsenal of Democracy Flyover)

Seventy World War II vintage aircraft will perform in 50-minute Arsenal of Democracy Flyover aerial salute to veterans and mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe. The planes will come south down the Potomac then follow Independence Avenue east before heading home. The 15 sequenced formations are the climax of a ceremony and wreath laying at the World War II Memorial celebration V-E Day, which is scheduled to start at 10:30 a.m. Hundreds of World War II veterans as well as foreign dignitaries are expected.

May 8 at 12:30 p.m. over the National Mall. Admission is FREE! If you’re stuck at the office, you can watch the flyover here.

Arctic Spring Festival

Flowers bloom on a hill overlooking the settlement of Qaarsut, Greenland. (Photo: Wilfred Richard)

The Smithsonian is hosting an Arctic Spring Festival celebrating the people, cultures and science of the Arctic region. At the weekend-long National Museum of Natural History event, you’ll learn about the territory and the people who inhabit it through film, art, performances and family-friendly activities. Friday features a panel discussion starting at 1:30 p.m. Other weekend events include family events such as educational games, craft workshops talks with scientists and other experts in the Q?rius Education Center. For the full schedule, click here.

May 8 from 1:30-4:30 p.m., May 9 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and May 10 from noon-6 p.m. at the National Museum of Natural History, 10th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. Admission is FREE!

Through the African American Lens

A behind-the-scenes look at the installation of the LENS exhibition. (Photo: Michael Barnes/Smithsonian Institution)

Construction on the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture may be a year behind schedule, but a display of some of the artifacts that will fill the museum’s 400,000 square feet will go on display Friday at the National Museum of American History. Through the African American Lens: Selections from the Permanent Collection will have sections dedicated to history, community and culture. The scaled-down display will include shackles, a sugarcane knife, the shawl of Underground Railroad conductor Harriet Tubman, the tennis racket used by Althea Gibson to win the women’s singles title at Wimbledon in 1957, “Godfather of Soul” James Brown’s electric organ and a section on African Americans in the military among others.

Opens May 8 during regular museum hours at the National Museum of American History, 1400 Constitution Ave. NW. Admission is FREE!

A Toast to D.C.

A Toast to D.C. takes place at Carnegie Library across from the convention center. (Image: Smithsonian at 8)

Tourists may think of it as a town of monuments, but those who live here really know why Washington is such a vibrant place: Its character and history make this a city like no other. Add the burgeoning home-grown beer and cocktail scene, and you’ve got one more reason to celebrate. Raise a toast to D.C.’s unique local flavor and home-town pride at the Smithsonian’s A Toast to D.C., a party that salutes the city’s distinctive collection of neighborhoods — and the newest generation of brewers and distillers to make the city their home. The event, part of the Smithsonian at 8 series, will feature beer and cocktails from various local breweries such as Atlas Brew Works, Port City Brewing Co., D.C. Brau, New Columbia Distillers/Green Hat Gin and Catoctin Creek Distilling Co. as well as a dance party, photography displays and a digital scavenger hunt.

May 8 from 8-11 p.m. at Carnegie Library, 801 K St. NW. General admission is $40 in advance or $50 at the door and includes five drink samples. A two-ticket combo is $65. VIP admission is $65 in advance or $75 at the door and includes early access from 7-8 p.m. with drinks and hors d’oeuvres and a commemorative pint glass.

Bird Fest 2015

Celebrate International Migratory Bird Day at the National Zoo. (Photo: National Zoo)

In honor of International Migratory Bird Day, the National Zoo is hosting Bird Fest 2015, a free festival full of family-friendly feathered fun celebrating the springtime return of millions of birds that spend winters in Latin American and the Caribbean. This year’s theme is “Restore Habitat, Restore Birds.” The event, taking place in the zoo’s Bird House, promises up-close looks at live birds, interactive displays from conservation groups, games and crafts, bird-banding demonstrations, talks from the zoo’s bird keepers and more.

May 9 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW. Admission is FREE!

VinoFest D.C.

Participants sample wines at the 2014 VinoFest D.C. (Photo: VinoFest D.C.)

The massive presentation of delicious summery wines with high acidity, lighter alcohol and easy to drink on a beautiful spring day and local food selections are enough reasons to attend VinoFest D.C. Wine selections will feature local Virginia wineries as well as some rom classic wine regions in South Africa, Italy, France and California and some lesser known regions of Brazil, Romania and Greece. But, you also get a pretty great bill of live music too, including performances from local bands Trouble Funk and White Ford Bronco as well as Alison Carney and a DJ set from Questlove from the Roots and band The Tonight Show and other DJs. Food trucks from Dirty South Deli, Gouter, Red Hook Lobster Pound, Slate Wine Bar + Bistro, Straw Stick & Brick Delicatessen, Snocream Co., Swizzler and Puddin’ will be selling food to go with your wine.

May 9 from 5-10 p.m. at Storey Park, 1005 First St. NE. General admission is $59.99 and include eight wine samples, a souvenir glass and access to the concerts. VIP admission is $84.99 and includes two extra hours beginning at 3 p.m., a wine tasting glass, a wine education class and a VIP bar during the festival.

Stanley J. Thurston conducting the WPAS Men and Women of the Gospel, Choral Arts. (Photo: Milton Miller)
Margot Schulman

Gospel at the Cathedral

Hear the splendor and joyful sounds of the Washington Performing Arts’ Men and Women of the Gospel Choir under the direction of artist in residence, Stanley J. Thurston.

May 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW. Tickets are $15-$50 online or at the door.
 
 

Mother’s Day

Happy Mother’s Day to all moms!

It’s Mother’s Day. The day to celebrate your mom. Give her a call, take her out to dinner and tell her how much you lover her!

May 10 all day all around the world.