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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 16–18
Montgomery County Agricultural Fair
Gaithersburg, MD
Through 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!
Summer Restaurant Week
Various restaurants
Through Sun
It's that magical time of the year again—Restaurant Week! Time to graze your way through the city with discounted menus at some of your go-to spots. Over 350 restaurants across the D.C. area are rolling out the red carpet (well, more like the red tablecloth) with brunches, lunches, dinners, and even some cheeky drink pairings. Be sure to swing by some of our top picks, like Bar Chinois in Mt. Vernon and Bronze on H Street.
MAMMA MIA!
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Fri–Sun at various times
Stop singing along to Mamma Mia! on your TV and head to the Kennedy Center to catch a live performance instead. The beloved film is hitting D.C. with a live performance that’s packed with ABBA’s greatest hits and a feel-good story that’ll transport you straight to the Greek islands, all without leaving the city.
Ben Schwartz & Friends
The Anthem
Fri at 8pm
Parks & Rec fans, rejoice! Ben Schwartz is bringing his comedic genius to The Anthem at the Wharf. Get ready for an evening of side-splitting standup that you won't want to miss.
Future & Metro Boomin’
Capital One Arena
Sat at 8pm
Name a better duo than Future and Metro Boomin’—go ahead, we’ll wait. The three-time Grammy-winning rapper and Grammy-nominated producer are set to take over Capital One Arena for the We Trust You tour, celebrating their first collaborative studio album. This special event is happening for one night only, so don't miss the opportunity to see these iconic artists live.
Collaging with Helina Metaferia
The Phillips Collection
Sat 2–4pm
The Phillips Collection's fantastic exhibit, "Multiplicity: Blackness in Contemporary American Collage," is upping the ante with a can't-miss conversation between artist Helina Metaferia and Baltimore-based curator and art critic Teri Henderson. Plus, they’re throwing in an interactive, experimental writing workshop for good measure. Grab your tickets for the museum and workshop combo at $20.
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.