The 34 best things to do in D.C. this weekend and next week

Phillips After 5: ‘Homecoming’ at the Phillips Collection

After 5 events have been a staple at the Phillips Collection since 2008, so it’s not surprising that the curators at America’s oldest museum of modern art have perfected the formula for their monthly gatherings. “Homecoming” is the theme on the first Thursday in September, drawing on exhibitions “Multiplicity: Blackness in Contemporary American Collage” and “Where We Meet: Selections from the Howard University Gallery of Art,” with curator-led tours and talks. The vibe continues at crafting stations, where visitors can make felt pennants, yarn boutonnieres and sashes worthy of prom royalty. Groove to performances by Capital City Mass Marching Band’s Drumline and indie rock band Home Remedies. Sample hard ciders from Lost Boy and purchase snacks from Bread Furst or beer, wine and cocktails at indoor and outdoor bar stations. 5 to 8:30 p.m. $20.

‘Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill’ at Atlas Performing Arts Center

Step into a circa-1959 Philly dive bar to hear one of Billie Holiday’s last performances in Mosaic Theater Company’s “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill,” which invites audiences into an immersive cabaret-style nightclub set up within the Atlas Performing Arts Center. Acclaimed D.C. actress Roz White, fresh off a national tour of “Tina: The Tina Turner Musical,” takes on the lead role. She’ll bring her powerhouse pipes to perform Holiday standards like “God Bless the Child” and “Strange Fruit” alongside a live band in this production that captures Holiday’s artistry as well as her demons. Through Oct. 6. $42-$80.

Washington Ballet season begins at Wolf Trap’s Filene Center

The professional ballet ensemble kicks off its 2024-2025 season with a performance at the Filene Center — the first with its new artistic director, Edwaard Liang. The program features George Balanchine’s “Stravinsky Violin Concerto,” two pieces celebrating Balanchine’s legacy, and Liang’s own “Murmuration.” Before the performance, catch Liang with choreographers Jennifer Archibald and Bart Cook on the Farmhouse Lawn for a pre-show talk about their creative process. 8 p.m. $34-$79.

Dog Days of Summer Yappy Hour at American Ice Co.

If the summer heat and humidity wore you down, they were probably just as rough on your four-legged friends. Perhaps you should treat your pup — and yourself — to happy hour on the patio at American Ice Co. Let your dog dive into the puppy pool or enjoy a $5 puppuccino or treats while an on-site engraver creates custom dog tags. Humans can partake of $5 Narragansett and a menu of “doggie-themed cocktails,” such as an $8 Salty Dog. Smiles and tail-wags all around. 5 to 8 p.m. Free.

The Square’s first birthday

Farragut Square-adjacent food hall the Square — an airy food court offering Spanish tapas, sushi, pizza, tacos, Venezuelan coffee and tiki cocktails — marks its first anniversary this week. Swing by between 4:30 and 7 p.m. Thursday for a party with live music, caricature artists, giveaways and discounts, or visit next week for treats such as free professional headshots (Tuesday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and half-price growlers of Brindle Boxer kombucha (Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Through Sept. 12. Free.

Peppercorn Saison release party at City-State Brewing

When 3 Stars Brewing closed in 2022, many D.C. beer lovers assumed they’d never get another taste of their favorite 3 Stars beers again. 3 Stars’ first beer was a saison, and one of its flagship beers became a peppercorn saison. Former 3 Stars brewers Greg Schmidt and Meth Gunasinghe are now working at City-State in Edgewood, and they and 3 Stars co-founder Mike McGarvey have revived the Peppercorn Saison to its original specifications. Try the refreshing, reborn beer at the brewery taproom, and ask Schmidt and Gunasinghe how they brought this cult saison back from the dead. 4 p.m. Free.

‘Declassified’ at the Kennedy Center

The late-night show hosted by the National Symphony Orchestra’s artistic adviser, Ben Folds, returns for its season kickoff. This edition features Matchbox Twenty frontman Rob Thomas, Grammy-winning singer Madison Cunningham and acoustic finger-style guitarist Yasmin Williams. Described as “part-party, part-concert,” the evening includes a more casual performance by the National Symphony than you might usually find in the concert hall. Come early for a pre-show performance by the Heidi Martin Quartet or drink tastings on the Concert House Tiers, or stay late for live band karaoke on Millennium Stage. 9 p.m. $44-$137.

Hot to Go: A Chappell Roan Party at 9:30 Club

Did you miss Chappell Roan’s 9:30 Club shows last fall? Bad news: She probably won’t be back on a stage that size anytime soon. Good news: You can still dance it out to “Hot to Go” at the same venue. Expect tracks like “Red Wine Supernova” and “Good Luck, Babe,” plus other pop hits of the summer. 10 p.m. $22.

Birds, Bubbles and Bourbon at I Egg You

Barracks Row’s I Egg You is known for its five-napkin breakfast sandwiches and plates loaded with sausages, butter-fried eggs and milk bread, but it’s far more than an all-day brunch option. This special Friday happy hour promises food and drink specials alongside live music from the Capitol Hill Jazz Foundation. Space is limited, so early arrival is suggested. 4 to 7 p.m. Free.

Back to the Yards at Yards Park

Neon attire is requested for Yards Park’s family-friendly retro dance party, which features ’80s and ’90s hits, breakdancing demos, photo booths, face painting and glitter tattoos, and hands-on crafting. 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Free.

Silver Spring Jazz Festival at Veterans Plaza

This is the best time of year for local jazz fans. The DC JazzFest took over the Wharf on Labor Day weekend, and less than a week later, there are two free (but very different) festivals happening on either side of the Potomac. The 20th anniversary of the Silver Spring Jazz Festival brings legendary Cuban pianist Chucho Valdés to the outdoor Veterans Plaza to perform the heady mix of Afro-Cuban jazz, bop and swing that has earned him multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy awards. A plethora of local talent, including the Ethiopian jazz of the Feedel Band, pianist Marcus Johnson and the DuPont Brass ensemble, performs on two stages. 3 to 10 p.m. Free.

Rosslyn Jazz Fest at Gateway Park

The 32-year-old Rosslyn Jazz Fest takes a more expansive view of the genre, featuring Ranky Tanky, whose sound is steeped in South Carolina’s Gullah culture; the raucous New Orleans roots of the Rumble; and the propulsive Afro-Puerto Rican bomba rhythms of El Laberinto del Coco. Picnics, pets and lawn chairs are permitted, and a beverage garden offers beer, wine and hard seltzer. Noon to 7 p.m. Free.

Fort Dupont Summer Concert Series

“Better late than never” is the message from the National Park Service, as the 52-year-old Fort Dupont Summer Concert Series finally gets underway, with just two weeks of summer remaining. Bring lawn chairs and coolers of fruit salad and cold drinks to the wide, sloping lawn at the Southeast Washington park, and just try to keep from dancing in the grass as jazz-funk favorites the Blackbyrds and go-go originals E.U. Featuring Sugar Bear take to the amphitheater stage. The following two weeks bring vocalist Rahsaan Patterson (Sept. 14) and the soulful R&B of Avery Sunshine (Sept. 21). 7 to 9 p.m. Gates open at 5:30. Free.

DC State Fair

On the first Saturday in September, Franklin Park transforms into a downtown fairground (of sorts) during the 15th annual DC State Fair. This quirky free event is a smaller-scale version of the classic fair, with deep-fried delicacies, vendor stalls and many, many blue ribbons. Agricultural, artistic and culinary contests will crown winners for a wide range of categories: the best compost, the funkiest-looking vegetable, the best District-themed tattoo, the best nail art, the best vegan mac and cheese. In addition to all the homespun competitions, this day-long celebration includes activities for kids, demos and live performances ranging from music to double Dutch. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free.

Arena Stage Community Day

Arena Stage’s 2024-2025 season gets underway this weekend, but you don’t have to buy a ticket to get inside. The Southwest theater’s Community Day opens the building to the public for behind-the-scenes tours; stage combat demonstrations; a discussion about current production “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding”; the chance to learn about costumes and props; live music; interactive art; lawn games; family activities, such as face painting; and a selection of food trucks and vendors. There’s no need to register — just drop in. 1 to 6 p.m. Free.

Bear Chase Oktoberfest

Tired: complaining about Oktoberfest beers showing up in your grocery store in August. Wired: celebrating Oktoberfest right after Labor Day weekend. So what if the taps in Munich don’t start flowing until Sept. 21? This week’s cooler weather has us thinking about fall beers. Start at the mountaintop Bear Chase Brewing in Bluemont, Va.: Its sweet, malty Oktoberfest Marzen has twice been awarded the gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival, in 2019 and 2021, and the beer might be one thing that’s more of a draw than the sweeping views of the Loudoun Valley, observed from the comfort of an Adirondack chair. Oktoberfest hits taps this weekend at a party that features live music by One Hot Mess from noon to 4 p.m., and Levi Stephens from 6 to 9. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Free.

RhinO’Fest at Lost Rhino Brewing

Bear Chase doesn’t boast the only award-winning Oktoberfest brew in the D.C. area: Lost Rhino’s RhinO’Fest is also a serial champion, with gold medals at the Great American Beer Festival in 2013 and 2020, and a silver at the 2016 World Beer Cup. It’s a traditional copper-colored German lager, which should pair well with a menu of brats and pretzels at the Ashburn brewery. The day includes live music from 2 to 8 p.m., a stein-holding contest, a costume contest and other games. 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Free.

Capitol Hill Art Walk

Capitol Hill transforms into an open-air gallery during the Capitol Hill Art Walk, which finds around 80 artists displaying their works in front yards, on porches and in alleys as well as studios. The heart of the action is the Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital, where members of the Capitol Hill Art League are featured in the galleries. But then it’s time to hit the neighborhood’s brick sidewalks to find watercolors, ceramics, photographs, prints and other art for show and sale at dozens of locations. (A map and list of artists is available online from Hill Rag.) The hours for the two-day event conveniently overlap with Eastern Market and popular brunches on Barracks Row, making it easy to plan a whole day. Note: Artists may close if it’s raining. Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Free.

Bethesda Row Arts Festival

The “largest outdoor fine arts festival” in the Washington area, the Bethesda Row Arts Festival features a juried selection of 185 artists in the streets of downtown Bethesda, divided into 14 categories, including ceramics, watercolors, sculpture, fiber and jewelry. This year’s selection features 82 artists making their debuts at the festival — 52 of whom work within an hour of Bethesda. Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free.

DC Bike Ride

During the DC Bike Ride, it’ll just be you and 10,000 other riders pedaling Washington’s most scenic streets, with no cars in sight. The automobile-free course covers 20 miles, offering views of the Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Georgetown and the Potomac, before crossing the finish line near the U.S. Capitol. This year’s ride begins at a new location on Constitution Avenue downtown, with the aim of creating a smoother experience for riders. The easygoing DC Bike Ride is meant for riders of all abilities and fitness levels, and ends with a Finish Festival offering food, fitness classes and live entertainment. 8 a.m. $43-$199; free for riders ages 3 to 7.

Boot ’N Scoot at Hi-Lawn

Hi-Lawn’s country throwdown was originally scheduled for June, and we should be relieved that a storm postponed the event until September. This is weather better suited to a weekend hanging out on a rooftop with mechanical bull riding, line dancing lessons, fancy roping lessons, and live country music from the likes of Melissa Quinn Fox, who has won Wammies for her original tunes, and Wil Gravatt, who has become a local favorite for a mix of classic country covers and weathered originals. Saturday from 2 to 10 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. Free.

Solace Outpost Lager Fest at Falls Church location

The brewery’s original location is hosting one of its biggest events of the year. The Lager Fest celebrates Virginia brewers, including Port City, Silver Branch, Cedar Run, Dynasty, Ono and Lost Boy Cider. Each ticket comes with a commemorative tasting glass that will get you unlimited glasses of dozens of local lagers (and a few ciders), plus Solace’s draft options. Noon to 5 p.m. $40.

Teaching Africa Day at Smithsonian Arts and Industries Building

Bring the kids to this annual interactive event to learn about Africa’s rich cultural heritage. In its ninth year, Teaching Africa Day from the National Museum of African Art brings together educators and families to showcase books, films and games about Africa. The museum is also presenting intergenerational panel discussions; readings; performances; a marketplace; and arts workshops on African weaving, beading, doll making and painting. Lunch is provided. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free.

Adams Morgan Day

At 46 years, Adams Morgan Day is the longest-running neighborhood festival in D.C. Last year, 18th Street NW was closed to traffic between Columbia and Kalorama roads, allowing bands, vendors and activities in the middle of the street. At our deadline, we haven’t heard from organizers, but it doesn’t look like the street will be closed again. AdMo Day plans to have an artisan market and dance performances in the field at Marie Reed school, live music at Kalorama Park and an exhibit about the neighborhood from American University’s Humanities Truck. Noon to 7 p.m. Free.

‘Highball Musical’ at JR’s Bar

It’s the 11th show from Highball Productions, a local company that combines drag artistry and musical theater. Since 2019, the group has staged shortened productions like “Shecago,” “Queeney Todd” and “Slaytress.” The shows are heavily adapted from their original scripts, with plenty of lip-syncing, pop culture references and dramatic gags to suit a bar audience — which is why you can expect more twerking in this rendition of “Get’cha Head in the Game” than in Zac Efron’s version. Sunday at 7 p.m. Sept. 13 at 9 p.m., and Sept. 14 at 5 and 9 p.m. $5-$10.

Mid-Autumn Festival at Vietnamese American Services headquarters

Vietnamese American Services is celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as Moon Festival or Tet Trung Thu, with lion dancing, lantern processions, traditional foods and more. Expect two large moon bounces for the little ones, performances from community members, raffles, eating contests, a talent show and more. 2 to 7 p.m. Free.

Now That’s What I Call ’90s at the Roost

Everything ’90s is totally hot right now — we have PJ Harvey and the Lemonheads in this very column, and we’re just weeks away from the return of the beloved HFStival. The Roost’s Show of Hands cocktail bar, which you might remember from its Taylor Swift-themed parties, is leaning in to the nostalgia with Now That’s What I Call ’90s, a Sunday Funday happy hour with a DJ spinning ’90s hits, seven retro-inspired drinks, old-school personal pan pizzas from the food hall’s Slice Joint, and a chance to win a pair of HFStival tickets. (See this Instagram post for the rules.) Costumes, or original vintage outfits, are encouraged. 5 to 9 p.m. Free.

The Lemonheads at 9:30 Club

Nostalgia is cyclical: A punk cover of “Mrs. Robinson” timed to the 25th anniversary of “The Graduate” helped propel the Lemonheads to stardom, and now the band is celebrating a pair of its best-loved albums, “It’s a Shame About Ray” and “Come On Feel the Lemonheads,” about three decades on. Expect to hear the jangly power-pop of those albums, if not the Simon and Garfunkel cover. 7 p.m. $40.

Jazz in the Heights at Sycamore and Oak

The Howard Theatre sponsors this five-week jazz series, which brings acclaimed trumpeter Brandon Woody to the Southeast development next to Entertainment and Sports Arena. 5 to 6:30 p.m. Free.

Built to Spill at 9:30 Club

On 1994’s “There’s Nothing Wrong With Love,” Idaho outfit Built to Spill wrung lo-fi pop tunes out of Doug Martsch’s childhood memories, crafting a landmark indie rock album in the process. Martsch and a rotating cast of bandmates were a consistent presence in rock’s Pitchfork phase and are also on the 30th anniversary circuit. 7 p.m. $40.

Presidential debate viewing parties

Not much has changed from our last set of recommendations about where to watch the presidential debates. A quick refresh: Union Pub will have massive crowds, with drink specials and bingo. Shaw’s Tavern, which recently introduced the Madam Mojito and Kamala’s Coconut Cocktail, has taco and margarita specials all night, with reservations required for tables. Busboys and Poets hosts viewing parties at all locations, some with progressive guest hosts. Red Derby streams the debate on both floors with deals including $7 margaritas and half-price chicken tendies. Fight Club has bingo and drink specials. D.C. drag queen favorite Tatianna hosts “She’s Speaking” at Shakers.

Three Year Anniversary Party: The Pocket Open Mic at 7DrumCity

The Pocket, the North Capitol Street jewel of a venue that hosts folk singers, jam bands, hip-hop cyphers and disco dance parties, celebrates the third anniversary of its open mic with featured performances by Radiohead cover band No Surprises and other surprise guests — after all, anyone is welcome to sign up beginning at 7. Stick around for a screening of “A Night at the Pocket.” Proceeds benefit Sitar Arts Center. 7 to 10:30 p.m. $5 donation requested.

PJ Harvey at the Anthem

PJ Harvey is the rare artist to emerge during the height of grunge and remain vital more than three decades later. “Dry” and the Steve Albini-produced “Rid of Me” are touchstones of the era; she later tilled new ground and won Mercury Prizes for two very different albums. Last year’s “I Inside the Old Year Dying” is inspired by Harvey’s own epic poem, “Orlam,” and is yet another album from a lifelong seeker that defies definition. 8 p.m. $55-$95.

Bad Moves listening party at No Kisses

With clever, politically minded post-punk jams that clock in around three minutes, Bad Moves is the no-nonsense D.C. band for our era. The power-pop quartet’s new record drops this week, alongside an exclusive IPA created by the band members with Dulles’s Ocelot Brewing. Head to a listening party at Park View’s No Kisses, where the Outta My Head IPA is available at 6 p.m., and the needle drops on the new LP at 9 p.m., once everyone is warmed up. 6 p.m. Free.