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[title]August in the nation's capital is something special. Congress is on summer break, so you’ll see a lot of loosened button-ups, relaxed cufflinks and slacker slacks. It’s the last hurrah to celebrate the enormity of summer, and county fair season is in full swing, just a short ride from the city. The Smithsonian exhibitions are turning over for the fall, and the food—oh, the seafood—is primed for us to savor by the water. Ah, August is the perfect month if we do say so ourselves.
RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Washington, D.C.
Top Washington, D.C. events this weekend, Aug 9–11
Montgomery County Agricultural Fair
Gaithersburg, MD
Fri–Sun at various times
August marks the start of fair season, and the nation’s capital is the perfect midpoint for some of the country’s best county fairs. Our top pick this year is the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair, celebrating its 75th anniversary. Expect animals, entertainment, food, and carnival rides. Take the family (kids under 11 get in free), take yourself—just go have some fun!
National Oyster Week
Old Ebbitt Grill
Through Sun at various times
It’s National Oyster Week, so it’s time to eat as many oysters as your heart desires! The city has some fantastic spots to help you celebrate before it all wraps up on Sunday. Our top pick? Old Ebbitt Grill, one of D.C.’s oldest and most famous restaurants. They’ve got an oyster happy hour from 3–5pm and again from 11pm–1am this weekend. Don’t miss out!
The LOX
Howard Theatre
Fri at 8pm
Hip-hop legends The Lox are coming to the Howard Theatre this weekend. Jadakiss, Styles P, and Sheek Louch are celebrating their legendary run from the late '90s with Bad Boy Records and their 2016 comeback album. After a long hiatus, they’re back in action, making this a must-see event for any hip-hop fan.
Teddy Swims
Nationals Park
Fri at 6:45pm
Head to Nats Park to catch the Nationals playing against the Los Angeles Angels, and don’t miss Teddy Swims performing live afterward as part of the park's free summer series. With his fall tour already sold out, this is your best chance to see him live if you didn’t get tickets.
Rumours of Fleetwood Mac
The National Theatre
Fri, Sat at 8pm
Catch the ultimate Fleetwood Mac tribute band this weekend at The National Theatre. They’ll be playing a two-hour set covering some of the band's greatest hits, from "Rhiannon" to "Go Your Own Way," and more.
New Worlds: Women to Watch 2024
National Museums of Women in the Arts
Fri–Sun 10am–5pm
It’s the last weekend to catch the "New Worlds: Women to Watch 2024" exhibit at the National Museum of Women in the Arts. Check out works by 28 incredible artists who delve into the impact of global turmoil, reimagine the past, present alternate realities, and inspire new futures. The past few years have been marked by a global pandemic, social reform advocacy, and political division, and these artists capture it all. This is the seventh and largest installment of the museum’s Women to Watch series. Buy tickets
Juvenile & The 400 Degreez Band
Howard Theatre
Sat at 10:30pm
D.C. hip-hop fans, this weekend is for you. Howard Theatre is hosting Juvenile on Saturday. This iconic New Orleans rapper revolutionized the game with his 1998 album, 400 Degreez, bringing Cash Money Records and New Orleans rap to the masses. Get ready for an unforgettable show featuring a full band. Buy tickets
Watch The Olympics Closing Ceremony
Wundergarten
Sun at 5pm
The 2024 Paris Olympics come to a close this Sunday, and if you’re looking to either celebrate or commiserate, head to Wundergarten. The outdoor beer garden is hosting a watch party, so grab your friends and head over. Admission is free, but drinks are on you. RSVP
Rachel Bloom: Death, Let Me Do My Show
Lincoln Theatre
Sun at 8pm
Comedian Rachel Bloom, the creator and star of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, is taking the stage at Lincoln Theatre with her new comedy special. She tackles themes of death and grief, drawing from her own life experiences—her musical collaborator Adam Schlesinger died of Covid early in the pandemic, right around the time her daughter was born. In this one-woman show, she explores what that profoundly disorienting period was like for her. Buy tickets
"Multiplicity: Blackness in Contemporary American Collage"
The Phillips Collection
Fri–Sun 10am–5pm
The first large-scale exhibition dedicated to exploring collages by contemporary Black American artists is now at the Phillips Collection. This vibrant and colorful exhibit features pieces by 49 artists, including Derek Fordjour, Mark Bradford, Kerry James Marshall and Kara Walker. Spanning three floors in two buildings, it's an amazing display.
Gordon Parks at the National Gallery of Art
Daily 10am–5pm
New York photographer Gordon Parks was a Renaissance artist whose photos of everyday Black American life immortalized scenes from the early 20th century. Starting this week, you can view about 25 of his exceptional works in a free exhibition at the National Gallery of Art.
Pixar Putt at The Wharf
Fri, Sat at 7pm
Get ready to kick some serious putt! The Wharf is hosting a Pixar-themed mini-golf pop-up for a limited time. Open daily, this outdoor course features 18 interactive putt-putt holes inspired by Pixar's beloved films, including Toy Story, Inside Out, Cars, and Monsters Inc. On Fridays and Saturdays, once the sun goes down, the course transforms into Pixar Putt After Dark, with tee times after 7pm reserved for golfers 18 and older. While reserving tickets is strongly encouraged, walk-ups are also welcome.
Summer Evenings at Glenstone
Fri, Sat 5pm
Glenstone, the contemporary art museum in Potomac, stays open late until 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays for Summer Evenings at Glenstone. It's a perfect chance to grab tickets (they’re free) and check out their "Iconoclasts: Selections from Glenstone’s Collection" exhibit, featuring works by over 50 artists who have made some of the most radical contributions to 20th-century art. Besides the art, you can enjoy guided outdoor walks, savor snacks, wine, and local beer at the Café and Patio, and catch live music performances on the Patio every second Saturday of the month from 5 to 7:30pm.