All weekend
Smithsonian Folklife Festival
This free Festival takes place for two weeks ( .June 22-27 & June 20-July 4) every summer on the National Mall. It is an educational, research-based presentation that features master artisans and other tradition bearers. We invite visitors to sing and dance along, try craft and game workshops, learn traditional recipes, ask questions, and take part in this unique cultural exchange. Hours are 11:00am – 6:00pm each day and admission is free.
30th Annual BBQ Battle
For the past 30 years, tens of thousands of people have flocked to our nation’s capital to
celebrate the “Official Start of Summer” at the Giant® National Capital Barbecue Battle, one of
the largest and most unique food and music festivals in the country. It’s a celebration of unity,
community, inclusiveness, and cooperation in our Nation’s Capital.
Mr. Popper’s Penguins at Imagination Stage
Mr. Popper, a painter of modest means, dreams of taking an Antarctic adventure. So he’s thrilled when a penguin named Captain Cook waddles out of a mysterious box left on his doorstep. Full of puppets, songs, and fun, this musical is best for ages 3-10. Mr. Popper’s Penguins starts next Wednesday, June 22 at Imagination Stage.
Friday
5:00pm-8:00pm: Friday’s at the Park: The collective band
Did someone say live music and food trucks? We are moving our annual Fridays at the Fountain event to Long Bridge Park. This outdoor concert series features local bands and musicians and is free to attend.
6:30pm-8:30pm: Friday Night Concert Series: Pebble to Pearl Pop/RnB
The free Capitol Riverfront Friday Night Concert Series is back for its 12th Season, this year back on the Yards Park boardwalk! Every Friday night this summer, come to Yards Park to relax and enjoy the river view, fantastic bands, food and beverage, and a large variety of great restaurants within a few minutes walk from the park. Family-friendly lyrics and grassy open space make this an enjoyable event for adults and kids alike.
Dusk: Encanto at The REACH
Join for a FREE film screening outdoors on the REACH Video Wall. Films start at dusk and no tickets or registration required.
Saturday
The Smithsonian marks the first Saturday of summer—Solstice Saturday—by staying open late and hosting parties, programs, and performances, including a free concert on the National Mall hosted by the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, a late-night garden dance party with glow yoga, a wellness day, and more. The following museums will be open until midnight: Smithsonian Castle and Haupt Garden, Arts and Industries Building, National Museum of African Art, National Museum of Asian Art, and the National Museum of Natural History. The National Museum of African American History and Culture (passes not required after 5:30 p.m.) and the Hirshhorn Museum will be open until 8 p.m.
10:00am-1:00pm: Pollinator Festival
In honor of Pollinator Protection Week, the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) and Wildlife Biologist Natasha Garcia-Andersen will host fun and educational activities for all. Learn how our Pesticides Branch and Fisheries and Wildlife Branch interacts with pollinators and how you can help protect them! Grab some pollinator seed giveaways, enjoy themed coloring pages and more!
11:00am-2:00pm: Block Party at Generation Hope
This family-friendly event will be held in the outdoor area of Generation Hope’s office and will include food, music, games, and activities for all ages. Come celebrate the summer with our families! Purchase tickets here.
11:00am-6:00pm: One Journey Festival
Welcome to the One Journey Festival. We hope you are looking forward to a full day of music, dance, storytelling, food, arts & crafts, technology, and so much more. You’ll be taking part in the third national celebration of refugee talents, stories, and accomplishments – on the grounds of the Washington National Cathedral. At this beautiful venue, Festival goers will celebrate, interact, and connect with refugees and their families, and discover ways to get involved in assisting and advocating for refugees globally and locally. One Journey, a grassroots organization, is shifting the narrative about refugees worldwide. We counter hate and fear with compassion, connection, and celebration of the bonds that unite our human family. One Journey’s mission is to build welcoming host communities for refugees and displaced people so both can thrive together.
12:00pm-5:00pm: Georgetown Sweets Tour
Each tour-goer will visit 12 retail locations to pick up a different sweet prepared by a Georgetown bakery. That’s 12 sweets to take home by the end of the tour – if you don’t eat them along the way, of course! Details below, and information on participating bakeries and retailers can be found at the Eventbrite link here. $35 for an individual ticket; $125 for 4 tickets.
1:00pm-6:00pm: Summer Mercado Street Festival
The Summer Mercado is an outdoor street festival that highlights the best of the Crossroads international community. It offers delicious world cuisine, drinks, a variety of unique craft vendors, and local live music.
2:00pm-4:00pm: Caribbean American Heritage Month Celebration
Come join us for an afternoon of Caribbean-style, outdoor family fun. You’ll love this Caribbean “Jump up!”. This event is hosted by Caribeat Cuisine. Performances by leading dance and cultural arts studio Karibfit. Wear your Caribbean Carnival headpiece/costume and join the fun! CariBeat Cuisine’s delicious Caribbean Street Food, including Trini Doubles, Jamaican Jerk Chicken, and other Caribbean treats. Soca-Reggae Music by Image Band.
3:00pm-7:00pm: Friendship Height’s Maker Market
Join your friends and neighbors for a street festival and interactive cultural experience this summer! The Friendship Heights Makers Market will bring together world-class musicians, artists, diverse makers, prepared foods, and neighborhood small businesses to create an inviting, fun experience for all ages. Come early for giveaways for kids, and don’t miss the dance lessons and interactive fun. Stop by and shop from your favorite woman-owned local vendors, or stay the entire afternoon and hang out.
Sunday
12:00pm-5:00pm: Growing Pride at the Garden
A family-friendly Pride event at The Garden, featuring local LGBTQ+ makers & allies, crafting for kids, and local foodtrucks. Join us at The Garden this June for a day celebrating pride! This family friendly event at The Garden ALX will feature 15 local LGBTQ+ makers and allies set up throughout The Garden with locally crafted goods available for sale.
More Weekend Festivals
Arlington Pride Festival– Saturday 12:00pm-7:00pm
Van Ness Summer Pop-Up– Saturday 11:00am-4:00pm
Historic Oakland Summer Craft Fair– Saturday 10:00am-3:00pm
Streetsense’s Streetmarket– Saturday 10:00am-3:00pm
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