Pho-Eating Contests, a Literary Festival, and More Fun DC Weekend Plans
Fun things to do in Washington DC this weekend.
We have to make the most of the summer weekends we have left (four by our count). With that being said, it’s a good time to pause and take in the beauty of the natural world around us. When’s the last time you looked up at the stars? Really looked up at the stars? Luckily there are places all around DC that make for optimal stargazing spots.
For those of us feeling more earthly-bound, there’s plenty happening in the city, from epic celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, to drive-in movies, salsa lessons, a national book festival, and so much more. Here’s everything fun you can do in DC this weekend.
Drinking in DC
The Centennial Cocktail at The Jefferson
August 11–13
Dupont Circle, $100
One of DC’s most historic hotels, The Jefferson, has unveiled a drink to mark 100 years in operation, and it’s a cocktail so special and indulgent that’ll probably only ever order just one. Developed by the experts behind the Jefferson’s bar program, the Centennial features coconut and peppercorn-washed barrel-aged bourbon, madeira selected from the Jefferson’s extensive madeira library, herbal and spiced liqueurs, and cherry-saffron bitters poured over an ice cube branded in 24k gold and topped with an aromatic smoke bubble. If you thought the price was excessive, now you know why. Head to the Jefferson’s bar, Quill, or restaurant, The Greenhouse, to sip this cocktail fit for royalty.
Happy Hour Mule Flights at Immigrant Food
August 12, 3 –7 pm
Multiple locations, $24
Stop in at Immigrant Food (we love their spot at Planet Word) for their Saturday afternoon into evening happy hour featuring unique mule flights. For the special, choose three options from the following menu of six: The Southern Belle (a peachy spin on a southern cocktail), The Watermelon Sugar…High (made with watermelon infused vodka),The Paloma Mule (a twist on a classic Mexican beach cocktail), The Arancia Rosmarino (a tangy London-inspired mule), Tokyo Flower Power (crafted with Japanese shochu), and The Tropics (a classic with a fruity Caribbean twist). It might be hard to just choose three, so we say just go ahead and add on a second flight.
Family-Friendly Events in DMV
Drive-In Movie Night: The Parent Trap
August 11, 8:30
Union Market, $20 per car (free for walk-ups)
Nothing says summer quite like a drive-in movie, and to go along with your Y2K fit, head to a showing of the 1998 version of The Parent Trap.” Reserve a spot this Friday at Union Market’s parking lot, which is transforming into a pop-up summer drive-in. But hurry, before they get booked out. And if you don’t have a car, don’t sweat it: Just pack a picnic blanket or camp chair for a spot in the area in front of the cars.
VietFest
August 12, 10 am–10 pm; August 13, 10 am–8 pm
Tysons, Free
When’s the last time you went out to Tysons? So much is happening in the Virginia town that it’s worth a weekend jaunt. And there’s no better weekend than this one as the town will be hosting its beloved two-day Vietnamese Heritage Festival. You can expect lots of amazing food, live music, traditional dance performances, and both a pho-eating and a crawfish-eating contest.
Arts & Culture in DC
DMV Hip-Hop 50
August 11–13
Various locations, Free
This weekend marks 50 years since hip-hop burst on the scene, an anniversary defined by a transformative party in the Bronx which was held on August 11, 1973 and is widely considered as the birth of this musical force. Don’t sweat it if you weren’t able to snag a ticket to the coveted Saturday block party at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, there’s still citywide parties happening all weekend long. Backed by Words, Beats & Life, DC's longest-running hip-hop-based arts educational nonprofit, head to a hip-hop karaoke party on Friday, a concert on Saturday, and a graffiti and paint jam on Sunday.
Friday Night Dancing at Transit Pier
August 11, 7 pm–9 pm
The Wharf, Free
Looking to heat up your summer? You can learn salsa 101 this Friday at a free class at the Wharf’s Transit Pier. Area expert, Salsa by Silvia, will guide you through the basics of the dance, all to live Cuban music. Bring a friend or a date, or come solo and open to meeting a new dance partner or two.
Library of Congress National Book Festival
August 12, 9 am–8 pm
Penn Quarter, Free
Who says DC is dead in the summertime? On Saturday, dozens upon dozens of award-winning writers will be gathering at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center for the Library of Congress’ National Book Festival. A line-up of panels, discussions, readings, classes and seminars, and book-signings will keep you busy all day. Did we mention it’s totally free? Link up with your favorite writers, and be introduced to new authors as well, like Joy Harjo, Elliot Page, Elizabeth Acevedo, George Saunders, Jesmyn Ward, and Chasten Buttigeg.