Wanderlist: 90+ Awesome Things to Do in DC in August

It’s that time of year again when everyone starts asking, “Where did the summer go?” If you too feel like summer is fading out way too soon, let us remind you that we’ve got all the way until September 22 to make the most of it.

Although it might be a little late to start that herb garden, there's plenty of fun activities and celebrations to be had before the end of tourist season and the kiddos go  back to school. Take a gander at what's ahead:

• Barbie drag brunch
• Carrie, the Musical
• Rooftop punk show
• Dirty souf sunset yoga
• Day-long celebration of all things DC 
• Dining in the dark
  

That's just for starters--we've handpicked 90+ things to do in the District.

So soak up those summer rays and make August your best summer month yet!

Legend:

• ​🆓 ​:        This is a free event​
• 💲:         Donation or paid ticket required​​
• 💻:         This is an on-line/streaming event​
• ​👤:         This is an in-person event​

ONGOING

Look Here. National Building Museum kicks off its Summer Block Party with an installation that reflects images of activism as part of these important moments in our history. 💲July 1 - Sept 4

(Re)Visions of the Hirshhorn Collection. Hirshhorn unites almost a century of work by 49 women and nonbinary artists in a range of media drawn exclusively from the museum's permanent collection. One-quarter of the artworks have been made in the past decade by the likes of Loie Hollowell, Rachel Jones, Deana Lawson, Sondra Perry and Kiyan Williams. One-third have never been on view at the Hirshhorn. Recent acquisitions, including pieces by Dana Awartani, Zanele Muholi and Billie Zangewa, reflect the museum’s mission to acquire and highlight global voices. 🆓Now - Sept 23

‘Notorious RBG Exhibition. Explore Justice Ginsburg’s life and legacy through archival photographs and documents, contemporary art, media stations, and playful interactives.  💲Now - Nov 30, 2023

Red is Beautiful. Grand installations. Monumental paintings. See the first-ever retrospective in the US of Robert Houle, one of the most renowned indigenous artists from Canada. 🆓 ​Now - June 2, 2024

Frederick Douglass’ Exhibit. Frederick Douglass changed traditional rules of representation by explaining how “true art” (as opposed to insidious caricatures) could be an engine of social change. This exhibit illuminates the legacy of one of the 19th century’s most influential writers, speakers and intellectuals through prints, photographs and ephemera. 🆓 Now - April 2024

Distillery Tour & Tasting. Get a behind-the-scenes look at spirit production, explore the traditional grains and flavor profiles of the Mid-Atlantic, and enjoy a tour and in-depth tasting of District Made Spirits, Saturdays. 💲Ongoing

ENDING SOON

Monsters of the American Cinema. When Remy, a black man, finds himself not only the owner of his late husband’s drive-in, but also the guardian of his straight, white teenage son, the two forge a relationship around the classic horror movies they regularly screen for the public. However, the grief they harbor over their shared loss threatens to fracture their bond just when they need each other the most. 💲Thru August 6

Classic Movie Series. Make it a double feature. In a tie-in to the summer production of ‘Monsters of the American Cinema, Prologue Theatre screens classic monster movies and some other classics as well. Titles include The Bride of Frankenstein, The Maltese Falcon, Creature from the Black Lagoon and The Invisible Man. 💲 Thru August 6

Cyrano de Bergerac. A clowning, commedia-inspired adaptation of the timeless classic, in a production that earned an astounding nine Helen Hayes nominations. 💲Thru August 13

The Play That Goes Wrong. You’ll see an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything (including their lines) in this award-winning comedy that's a hilarious hybrid of Monty Python and Sherlock Holmes. 💲Thru August 13

Leonardo da Vinci. Don't miss this rare opportunity to see 12 original Leonardo da Vinci drawings from the Codex Atlanticus. This Codex is the largest collection of original drawings and texts by Leonardo da Vinci in the world, and this marks the first time that such a number will be on display in the United States. 🆓 Thru August 20

​Curated Guides to Can't Miss Events in DC
🎬 Summer Outdoor Movie Guide
***Updates****

• Library of Congress Summer Movies on the Lawn (July 7 - August 10): Enjoy summer movies and music on the lawn of the Library of Congress with a screening of “Iron Man” and a performance by Batalá Washington, D.C.’s all-women Afro-Brazilian drumming troop. To celebrate the upcoming National Book Festival, all of the movies presented are adapted from books or comics
• Friends of Mitchell Park (Now - September 22): Titles include Best in Show, Breakfast at Tiffany's and the Incredibles​

🎸DC Outdoor Music Shows

NEW THIS MONTH

WEEK 1: AUG 1 - 6

Concert on the Avenue. Head to the Navy Memorial Plaza to hear the world-renowned U.S. Navy Band and Ceremonial Guard perform. 🆓 Aug 1

Dark Star Park Day. Come to the dark side to watch a unique display when the shadows of the spherical sculpture align with their permanent forms on the ground, marking the moment of Rosslyn’s founding. 🆓 Aug 1

Jazzy Colors. Adulting is hard. Take a break from it all with a relaxing session coloring while listening to old and new jazz. 🆓 Aug 2

Beginning ASL. Start learning ASL in this first of an 8-week class. Registration required 🆓 Aug 2

DIY Sushi Class. Learn how to make your own sushi at home with different ingredients like salmon, tuna, and avocado. 💲Aug 2

DC Punk Rooftop Show. The MLK Library rooftop will be getting loud at the DC punk series finale. with Hammered Hulls, Jenny Hates Techno and Emotional World. 🆓 Aug 2

R&B and Afrobeats Dinner Party. Dine on a pre-fixe menu, enjoy cocktail specials and experience dope music featuring Future Band and DJs spinning R&B, Afrobeats, more. 💲Aug 2

James Baldwin's Centennial. Celebrate the renowed writer's birthday with a screening of the documentary I Am Not Your Negro, followed by a discussion on his legacy. 🆓 Aug 2

Fanilect. Are you fluent in fanilect? Join Planet Word for a fascinating discussion about the short-hand that happens when fandoms and language meet. 🆓💻Aug 3

Dream Interpretation. Sweet dreams are made of these ... learn how dreams can be messages or warnings to yourself  and techniques for making sense of them. 💲Aug 3

Breakfast at the Duck Pond. Spend your morning at the Southwest Duck Pond connecting with locals over brekkie. Plus community bingo, postcard making and a poetry reading with Neha Misra. ​🆓 Aug 3

Golden Girls Bingo. Tara Hoot as Sophia and Jason B. Schmidt as Dorothy host six rounds of nostalgia, fun and prizes. 💲Aug 4

DC Brew Tour. Learn about the rich history of beer and be expertly guided through a taste of what some of DC's best breweries have brewed up for you.💲Aug 4

Flash Rooftop Party. Jump start the weekend with chill tunes, cocktails and rooftop views of the city at sunset. 💲Aug 4

Community Forklift Salvage Party. Come for the BBQ, beer and live music, stay for the great deals on modern and vintage salvaged materials at the reuse warehouse. 🆓 Aug 4

Barbie Drag Brunch. Come on Barbie, let's do brunch! Whether you see the movie or not, dine and sip mimosas with Crystal Edge and some of the most fabulous Queens in the DMV! 💲Aug 5

Hidden History of the First Ladies. The accomplishments of the country's First Ladies are often overlooked. Join this walking tour to hear their stories as you go past DC's fanciest hotels and iconic Pennsylvania Avenue. 💲Aug 5

Roosevelt Island Tour. Join a ranger or National Park Service volunteer for a walking tour to learn about the conservation legacy of the 26th president, Theodore Roosevelt, the island's connection with 1st United States Colored Troop and about the family who owned the island for more than one hundred years. (Editor note: It's a fascinating tour! Highly recommend for history buffs, nature lovers and curious people!) 🆓 Aug 5

Listen Live at the Lincoln. Admire the stunning view of the Lincoln Memorial at night while listening to the U.S. Army Band play on the East Steps. 🆓 August 5 + 12

U Street Walking Tour. Discover the history of the U Street neighborhood on a guided walking tour with sites ranging from the African American Civil War Memorial to legendary theaters to Little Ethiopia. 💲Aug 6

WEEK 2 : AUG 7 - 13

Sizzling Summer Cocktail Class. Rosa Mexicano puts you through your mixology paces as you learn to make four of their new margaritas. Plus, nibble on some of their most popular snacks while you work. 💲Aug 7

Cool Night Market. Spend a warm summer night at an outdoor frozen bar with a tasty frozen drink while shopping for cool local art, like up-cycled apparel, spooky candles, sci-fi and pop culture artwork, and more! There will also be tarot readings. 🆓 Aug 7

Dining in the Dark. Talk about a blind tasting--experience lunch or dinner while completely blindfolded. 💲Aug 8

Chocolate + Wine Tasting. Indulge in chocolate, truffles and wine, and learn how to pair complementary flavors. 💲Aug 9

11th Street Bridge Park Walking Tour. Check out what's in store for the future site of the park and its progress. 🆓 Aug 9

Beginner Hip Hop Dance. Bust a move and learn the hottest hip-hop dance moves in this class for newbies or anyone who just loves to dance.  💲Aug 9

Speakeasy Cocktail Making. Step back in time to a Prohibition-era inspired speakeasy where you'll learn to craft three drinks of the time. 💲Aug 9

Herstory: A DMV Hip-Hop Love Story. In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop, this panel discussion shines a spotlight on the immeasurable contributions of women in the dynamic DMV area Hip Hop scene, 🆓 ​Aug 10

Sake 101. Sake is making it big in the US. Learn about sake’s history, how it’s made, and how it’s categorized from a ​ kikizakeshi (aka sake sommelier). Then use your new-found knowledge as you enjoy samples of sake following the presentation.💲 Aug 10

 Mending 101. Before you throw  out that shirt, learn basic stitching to patchwork and fix woven fabrics, such as your softest shirt, best fitting jeans, or even a silk blouse. 🆓💲Aug 10

Carrie, the Musical. The most unlikely musical about young woman with telekinetic powers and her terrible, horrible, no good, very bad prom., based on the 1988  movie. 💲Aug 10 - 12

Lot 18 w/ Silent Island + Pachyderm. Rock out as local alternative rock group Lot 18, DC transplants and surf punk rockers Silent Island, and Pachyderm psychedelic rock band from PA play at the Pocket.  💲Aug 11

Barkfit Dog Yoga. There's goat yoga so why not with dogs? Grab your pup for a yoga session that's all about sweaty poses and wet noses. 💲Aug 12

Architecture on the Nation’s Front Lawn. Put your your comfy shoes for a walking tour to learn all about the  Mall’s history, design, and architecture, from the Smithsonian’s buildings to the Department of Agriculture. 💲Aug 12

Foggy Bottom Guided Art Walk. Experience Foggy Bottom's outdoor sculpture show featuring work from 12 celebrated artists from the DMV on an artist-led walk of the exhibition. 🆓  Aug 12

Jazz in the Park. Bring a blanket and picnic and chill out on the Great Lawn listening to Amy K. Bormet’s Washington Women in Jazz. Voted by Washingtonian magazine as one of the area’s top five outdoor spots to listen to live music! 🆓  Aug 12

Hip-Hop Block Party. Dig out your chains, kangol hats and Adidas for a day-long festival celebrating 50 years of hip-hop history, culture and influence. Features live performances from local and national artists and activities. 🆓 Aug 12

Literature to Life: The Great Gatsby. One actor will tell the story of F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby," performing all the characters. 🆓 Aug 12

How Did This Get Made: Live. Dive into the depths of cinematic absurdity with the live broadcast of the podcast that celebrates the best of the worst: Join the dynamic trio of Paul Scheer, Jason Mantzoukas, and June Diane Raphael as they expertly dissect and hilariously roast some of the most mind-boggling movies ever made. 💲Aug 13

Sunday Supper. Connect and break bread with southwest residents over dinner, plus live painting with a music and sound design workshop and try your hand at writing a haiku. 🆓  Aug 13

WEEK 3: AUG 14 - 20

Arsenic and Adobo. Join Bold Fork Books for a night of food and conversation about Mia P. Manansala's killer new culinary series. Feel free to bring a dish inspired by the book; totally optional. 💲Aug 14

NPG Happy Hour Trivia.  Inspired by the “1898: U.S. Imperial Visions and Revisions" exhibit at the National Portrait Gallery, test your knowledge about countries and territories spanning the globe for a chance to win prizes and bragging rights. 🆓 Aug 15

Dirty Souf Sunset Yoga. Namaste, ya'll. Practice your downward facing dog and mindfulness while listening to the sounds of the dirty south at sunset. 💲Aug 15

MLK Library Exhibit Tour. Take a  guided tour of the "We Who Believe in Freedom: Black Feminist DC" exhibit. Registration required. 🆓 Aug 16

Dance on the Lunar Lawn. Spend a summer evening in the gardens and enjoy a performance by the Dance Institute of Washington. 💲Aug 16

Take Five: Jazz at Smithsonian American Art Museum. Talent obvs runs in the family as siblings and saxophonists Ebban and Ephraim Dorsey perform while you unwind, play board games or enjoy refreshments in SAAM’s airy Kogod Courtyard. 🆓 Aug 17

Third Thursday @ Phillips. Visit America's first modern art museum for free ​during extended hours. 🆓  Aug 17

Soul Violinist. Omari Dillard takes you on a R&B journey through his violin, playing hits by artists like New Edition, Maxwell, Charlie Wilson, Babyface, Johnny Gill. Brian McKnight, Usher and Earth, Wind, & Fire. 💲Aug 17

Hula Monsters. Get your dancing shoes on for some swing dancing with a Hawaiian flair, including a variety of genre like Hawaiian, rockabilly, blues, country and jazz standards. 🆓 Aug 17

Out to Lunch. Enjoy an early afternoon live performance with DC Strings at Hancock Park. 🆓 Aug 17

Flava Food Truck Block Party. Dig in as Black-owned food trucks bring the flava to Sandlot Anacostia.  🆓 Aug 18

National Mall Art Installation. Installations from six artists on the National Mall explore public memory, the historical record, and how we use civic spaces—including monuments to contralto Marian Anderson and an Apsáalooke nation chief, and interactive pieces recalling desegregation, the AIDS crisis, and the Southeast Asian immigrant experience. 🆓 Aug 18 - Sept 18

Films at the Stone. Bring a blanket and head to the MLK Memorial for a screening of "The Woman King," the remarkable story of the Agojie, the all-female unit of warriors who protected the African Kingdom of Dahomey. 🆓 ​Aug 18

Forest Bathing and Tree Walk . Experience Kenilworth Aquatic Park in a whole new way---take part in a guided forest bathing session, then learn about the tress around the park.​ 🆓 Aug 19

CityFest DC. Experience all DC has to offer beyond the monuments and memorials with food, art and shopping from local artisans, plus you'll see murals painted on the spot and enjoy music from Dre Thompson, Jhoan and DJ Skeem. 💲Aug 19

Unique Market. Meet 70+ local designers and small business owners while browsing everything from clothing to gourmet snacks, jewelry to home goods. Plus check out photo moments and kick up your feet in the lounge after shopping till you drop. 💲Aug 19

Risers Fest. It's part music festival, part comedy show, part live painting and part art market. Wait, how many parts is that? Whatever, it all totals up to a good time with something for everyone.  Nicole Yun headlines the music stage, plus Anthony Pirog , Natural Velvet,  Same Heads Haircuts and more.💲Aug 20

Granny & The Boys. The uber popular house band is BACK at Showtime for a live show! Tickets are going fast so get 'em while you can. 💲Aug 20

Tai Chi in the WELLderness. Give Tai Chi a try surrounded by the beauty of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. 🆓 Aug 20

WEEK 4: AUG 21 - 27

“I Wish I Had Stayed” EP Release Show. I Wish I Had Stayed, latest indie emo endeavor of Washington, DC based songwriter Landon Philip, is here to find tomorrow’s solutions to yesterday’s problems one shout at a time. One day he will run away and live in the woods. But for now, he is making music with his friends. 💲Aug 21

Sip + Color.  Enjoy painting colorful doors with handy paint-by-number prints while you sip wine. 💲Aug 22

Garden Gong Bath. Take part in this ancient practice, letting the rhythmic sounds of the gong reverberate wash over you as you relax in Temperance Garden. 🆓 Aug 23

An Evening of Comedy: Dulcé Sloan. One of the sharpest, fastest rising voices in comedy, The Daily Show with Trevor Noah correspondent has been hailed by Variety Magazine as a Top 10 Comedian To Watch, Recommended for mature audiences (18+). Registration recommended. 🆓 Aug 24

Modernkind + Tennis Courts w/ Pleasure Business. Get In the Pocket for a stacked musical lineup that ranges from From  energetic synth pop  to hypercaffeinated indie rock and romantic electro-pop, 💲Aug 24

British Conquest and Burning of Washington Walking Tour. August 24, 1814 was a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day in DC. Join this walking tour and learn how British burning the Capitol, White House and other buildings that fueled “America’s Second War of Independence”. 💲Aug 24

GAY Love Jones. New, original play follows the staff of the poetry spot, The Sanctuary, as they find heartbreak, chosen family and love in many forms through unforgettable spoken word performances that explore the many facets of black, LGBTQIA+ life. 💲Aug 25

Dear Summer BBQ. Say good-bye to summer with all the things that make it awesome: BBQ, good vibes and DJ sets. Plus, some special surprises are being planned! 💲Aug 26

National Cathedral: African American Voices. Celebrate notable African Americans who have made significant contributions in areas ranging from human rights, social justice, and civil rights as depicted in the sculptures, stained glass windows, and needlepoint throughout the Cathedral. See where Martin Luther King, Jr., Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and former President Barack Obama became part of Cathedral history.💲Aug 26

Kennedy Center Happy Hour. Celebrate the best part of every day with live DJs, dancing, and lawn games against the backdrop of the Potomac River. 🆓 Aug 26

Little Image. Get "Out of My Mind" and snag tix to see the breakout, pop-rock trio. Supporting act Hastings rounds out the bill. 💲Aug 27

Tempest in the Park. Chill out and enjoy a performance of Shakespeare’s "The Tempest" in Canal Park. 🆓 Aug 27

A View from the Side. Produced by the Embassy of Sweden, take a gander at the collected works of Lars Tunbjörk, one of Sweden’s most internationally renowned photographers. 🆓 Now - Aug 27

WEEK 5: Aug 28 - 31

New Fiction Book Club. Join Solid State Books to discuss All the Sinners Bleed by S.A. Cosby,  New York Times bestselling and LA Times Book Prize-winning author, about the first Black sheriff in a small Southern town , and his hunt for a killer. 🆓 Aug 28

One Moment Now.  Tune in for this new table-top audio-experience where you'll hear fragments of a story through headphones about memory, about grandsons and grandmothers, about coffee shops and hospital visits - and be invited to participate as it plays out on the table in front of you. 🆓 Now - Sept 1

Cocktails + Cake. Learn to make a delicious cake and pair with the perfect accompanying cocktail. Yum, that's the kind of two-for-one deal we like!💲Aug 30

Karaoke Night. Rock the mic and live out your rock star dreams at Throw Social. Hopefully, your performance doesn't get the ax. 🆓 Aug 30

DC JazzFest. There’s no place better than Duke Ellington’s hometown for this annual tribute to all things jazz. Taking place across several neighborhoods, the five-day event wraps up on Labor Day weekend with water views, local restaurants and performances from renowned jazz artists, including Grammy-winning musicians and groups. Some of this year's lineup includes Gregory Porter, Samara Joy, Arturo O'Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz Ensemble and lots more. 💲 Aug 30 - Sept 3

Jazz at Kreeger. Relax and listen to live jazz surrounded by gorgeous artwork in the museum's sculpture garden. 💲Aug 31

Spanish Paella and Tapas Cooking Class. Calling all foodies: learn how to make a classic Spanish paella and traditional tapas, At the end of the class, sit down and enjoy all the delicious dishes prepared during the class. 💲Aug 31

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