The 26 best things to do in D.C. this weekend and next week

Movies on the Pitch: ‘Wonka’ at Audi Field

As Labor Day looms, outdoor concert and film series are wrapping up their seasons, if they haven’t already. This Thursday is the finale for Movies on the Pitch, which lets families spread blankets on Audi Field, though it’s technically a bonus week: Timothée Chalamet’s Willy Wonka origin story was supposed to have screened in mid-July but was washed out by intense thunderstorms. Make up for it by snagging a free ticket and arrive early — gates open at 6:30 p.m. — to snag a spot on the pitch. Food and drinks are available for purchase. 7:30 p.m. Free.

Rock the Dock at the Wharf

Speaking of rainouts, this week was supposed to be the last of the weekly dockside concerts at the Wharf, but the same storm that postponed “Wonka” (see above) bumped local soul group Pebble to Pearl until after Labor Day. So if you enjoyed a cold Pacifico and a breeze with a killer sunset view and a lively soundtrack, you have two more chances. Up this Thursday: Jazzy R&B group Perfekt Blend, which covers Destiny’s Child, Bruno Mars and the “Cupid Shuffle.” 7 p.m. Free.

Indie Disco at Kiki

As “brat summer” fades into a fall markedly less dominated by hyperpop, it might be time to return to your roots — as long as your roots are in “sad girl music.” Hosted by LGBTQ+ coordinator Alphabet Soup Events, this DJ night features nostalgic, vulnerable tracks by Boygenius, Lorde, Muna, Mitski and Clairo. 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Free.

Dupont Circle Twilight Market

Until outdoor market season returns after the steamy weather breaks, consider shopping during the cool(-er) evening in Dupont Circle. Peruse vintage clothes, art and more and sip specials from outdoor cafes while DJ Solstik plays tunes from the ’70s and ’80s. 4 to 10 p.m. Free.

Summer in the Parks at Fort Slocum

Pack a picnic for a family night out at the final edition of the Rock Creek Conservancy and Rock Creek Park’s Summer in the Parks series, held at Fort Slocum, a Civil War fort turned community gathering spot in Upper Northwest. DJ Lance Reynolds provides the soundtrack for an alfresco party, while kids can chat with national park rangers and try out games and activities — think bubbles and lawn games like horseshoes or oversize Connect 4. 6 to 8 p.m. Free.

D.C. JazzFest

D.C. JazzFest is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a bill that feels absolutely stacked. Where to begin? The contemplative ratatat of drummer Terri Lyne Carrington? The bottomless breadth of bassist Ron Carter? The atom-splitting melodies of pianist Kris Davis? The path-finding calm of guitarist Bill Frisell? The deep rigor of saxophonist David Murray? Whichever entry point you choose, don’t be afraid to get lost in the entirety of it.

Saturday’s and Sunday’s action is focused on the Wharf, with performances taking place outdoors on various piers and inside Union Stage, which is hosting the finals of the JazzPrix competition for up-and-coming groups on Saturday afternoon. Friday events are spread across the city, including Sharon Gunn’s Saffron in a free performance on the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage and a tribute to Donald Byrd and Kevin Toney of the Blackbyrds at the Westminster Presbyterian Church. Through Sunday. Friday concerts free-$299. Saturday and Sunday events at the Wharf $10-$500.

Two Friends at Nationals Park

At this point, party-rocking Los Angeles DJs Two Friends are more familiar with D.C.’s stadiums than its night spots. Their last appearance in town was at Project Glow in the shadow of RFK Stadium; tonight, the duo, known for dance-pop hits like “Life’s Too Short” and the kissed-by-progressive-house “If I Only,” is headlining Nationals Park, after the Nats and Chicago Cubs play a nine-inning warm-up. Admission to the concert is free with a game ticket. Baseball at 6:45; concert begins roughly 30 minutes after the final out. $5-$471.

D.C. Festival of Magic at the Capitol Hilton

Labor Day weekend promises to be magical, thanks to the annual D.C. Festival of Magic, which brings magicians from across the country to the Capital Hilton downtown. The festival begins Friday with sleight-of-hand tricks from New York City’s Eric DeCamps, and further offerings include a show geared toward kids and families by magician Chris Capehart on Sunday afternoon, plus a Saturday evening show from mind-reading duo Christian and Katalina. Meanwhile, local magicians roam the hotel’s Statler Lounge each night from 9 to 10 p.m., performing up-close magic tricks to those who sidle up to the bar. Through Sunday. $15-$49 for individual shows; $99 for an all-access pass.

Corn Maze and Apple Harvest at Great Country Farms

For some people, Labor Day means one last trip to the beach. For others, it means the welcome return of outdoor fall festivities. If you find yourself pining for wagon rides and corn mazes, you can get a jump on those activities this weekend. Great Country Farms is well-known for its Pumpkin Harvest Festival, but the vast Bluemont, Va., farm launches its Corn Maze and Apple Harvest this weekend. Take a wagon ride to the orchard to pick Honeycrisp apples, learn how cider is made, sample apple cider doughnuts and explore the one-and-a-half acre corn maze. Admission also includes the 15-acre play area with slides, mazes and games. Through Sept. 30. $14-$16; children ages 2 and younger free.

Flower Festival at Summers Farms

Need some colorful inspiration for social media, or just craving a day out in nature? Frederick County’s Summers Farms marks the end of summer with the return of its annual Flower Festival. Wander through fields filled with 35 varieties of sunflowers and zinnias to find the perfect photo (and blooms to take home), dive into a corn maze, listen to live music, play outdoor games such as cornhole and tetherball, and sip local beer and wine. Through Monday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. $16.50-$20.50; children 2 and younger free.

Washington Chinese Cultural Festival

Music and the scents of Chinese cooking fill the blocks of Pennsylvania and Constitution avenues around the National Gallery of Art Saturday during the Washington Chinese Cultural Festival, an annual street party sponsored by groups including the Greater Washington Chinese American Community. Hear Peking Opera and classical music; watch lion dances and kung fu demonstrations; learn to play traditional games and about Chinese folk costumes; browse a vendor market; and sample tea and purchase cuisine from local Chinese restaurants. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free.

D.C. Afro Latino Fest at Franklin Park

One of the area’s biggest musical celebrations of Afro-Latino culture pops up at Franklin Park this weekend, where you can spend a full day listening to beats from across the diaspora. The lineup includes Dominican música raíz and contemporary singer Xiomara Fortuna, guitarist and producer Yasser Tejeda, Dominican folkloric/Afro-beat band Afro-Dominicano, funk band Soul Searchers and DMV-based DJ Father Fonz. Bring a lawn blanket, folding chairs or just your dancing shoes. Noon to 9 p.m. Free.

H Street Bar Volley

Your finest tennis-inspired sportswear is the dress code on H Street NE on Saturday afternoon, and just because of the U.S. Open. The occasion is the H Street Bar Volley, which visits six establishments — Lydia’s, Hill Prince, the Pie Shop, Little Miss Whiskey’s, Irregardless and alcohol-free Binge Bar — in support of Leveling the Playing Field, a nonprofit that supplies sports equipment to underserved youths. Expect themed drinks, DJs and discounts during the tour. 1 to 7 p.m. $60.

R&B Bar Crawl on U Street

U Street’s long-running DJ-fueled hip-hop and Caribbean bar crawls slow down — just a little — over the holiday weekend to focus on soul and R&B tunes. Make your way to seven different bars between 12th and 14th streets, each with a DJ spinning a themed set like “R&B Queens” or “Face Tyme: LaFace vs. Flyte Time.” Specials like $5 Soul Mega beers, $5 shots and $9 await at each location. The crawl finishes with a party at Amsterdam Lounge. 2 to 10 p.m. $20.

Riverdale Artisan Market at the Station

The Station at Riverdale Park — the development home to Denizens Brewing Company’s tasting room and the Le Fantome food hall — hosts a pop-up vendor market featuring jewelry, skin care products, new and vintage clothing, original paintings, henna art and other treats in its square. Hang out and listen to live music from 3:30 to 5:30. 3 to 7 p.m. Free.

Summer Lovin’ at Sandlot Georgetown

Billed as the “ultimate singles block party,” this gathering at alfresco destination Sandlot Georgetown includes DJs Marvelous, Oowwee and Bundy; interactive games designed to get attendees mixing and mingling; food trucks and other vendors. 3 to 10 p.m. Free; Reservation required.

National Symphony Orchestra Labor Day Concert at the U.S. Capitol

The Capitol makes a stirring backdrop for the National Symphony Orchestra’s annual Labor Day Concert, held on its West Lawn. The performance is free, and seating is first come, first served, so arrive early to snag a great spot. This year’s show, led by conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañez, includes well-known tunes from Mozart, Ellington and Gershwin as well as a special appearance by D.C. beatboxer and rapper Christylez Bacon. Picnics and picnic blankets are welcome. If the weather is not cooperating, the concert will move to the Kennedy Center Concert Hall, so check the NSO’s social media for updates if the forecast seems ominous. 8 p.m. Gates open for security screenings at 3 p.m. Free.

LoCo Fest at 868 Estate Vineyards

Catch more than a dozen performances at the Purcellville winery’s seventh annual fundraiser for up-and-coming Loudoun County musicians. This year’s lineup includes Ramona, the Darby Brothers, Laura Cashman and Delta Spur. Proceeds from tickets, which throughout past years have totaled over $50,000, go toward music equipment for local artists. Grab a glass of 868 Estate wine, beer from Lost Rhino or fare from local food trucks, bring a pop-up tent, chair or blanket, and settle in for over nine hours of live jamming. Noon to 9 p.m. $25 in advance; $30 day of event; children under 16 free.

The Funset at Dew Drop Inn

The DJs dropping greasy funk, disco, hip-hop, funk and yacht rock at Dew Drop Inn make every Sunday a vibe, as you may have seen in a viral clip of a woman who stopped crossing a bridge over the Metro tracks to boogie to DJ Mathias. And while the weekly party is live, it goes especially hard on holiday weekends, when one more tequila-fueled Twister cocktail or a frozen margarita doesn’t seem like a bad idea. DJs Harry Hotter, Geena Marie and J@y and host Smudge take over the decks all night. 5 p.m. until late. Free.

Daylight Rooftop Party at Hotel Hive

The rooftop bar at Foggy Bottom’s Hotel Hive can feel a little overlooked. That shouldn’t be the case on Sunday, when the crew behind Daylight, one of D.C.’s most enjoyable retro parties, takes over. Expect golden age hip-hop, throwback R&B jams, and ’80s and ’90s pop from DJs Divine and Buddah Brown, and arrive early to claim seats in the lounge area. 5 to 10 p.m. $10.

Bey All Day at Metrobar

When you think about it, every day could be a celebration of Beyoncé, but it’s more fun when you have the day off. DJ Nah FR gives the Queen an early birthday party by spinning hits, remixes, deep cuts and related artists while you vibe with cocktails. Doors open at noon. 2 to 8 p.m. Free.

Labor Day Yoga and Sound Experience at the National Building Museum

If you’re looking for a relaxing activity on your day off, start at the National Building Museum’s cavernous Great Hall — you’ll find an all-level flow yoga class led by Beth Wolfe followed by a “sound experience” by Yoga in DelRay owner Liat Pisco. During an extended savasana, Liat offers a meditation set to gongs, ocean drums, chimes and crystal bowls. Bring your own yoga mat. 9 to 10 a.m. $30.

Electric Coney 0.5K at Electric Cool-Aid and Ivy & Coney

If the Olympics left you feeling a little, uh, insecure about your athletic ability, here’s a race that most of us can easily complete, if not medal in: The third annual Electric Coney 0.5K. The competition, as it is, starts with frozen cocktails at Electric Cool-Aid, before heats of runners make the grueling two-block/0.2-mile run to Ivy & Coney, where they get a hot dog and a drink before reversing course to break the tape, receive a medal and wrap themselves in a foil blanket. Costumes — from neon training gear to dressing like a hot dog — are as plentiful as Jello shots, though entry includes a race shirt and bib. It’s a lot of fun for a good cause: A portion of proceeds benefits Girls on the Run. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. $50.

Wine School Reunion at Reveler’s Hour

During the dark days of March 2020, Reveler’s Hour co-owner and sommelier Bill Jensen began hosting informal wine classes from his basement over Zoom and YouTube. Filled with humor, pathos and seriously good takeout wine, they were a weekly godsend for a large crowd of homebound bon vivants, even as restrictions eased. (You can still watch them online.) Jensen is inviting the old crowd, as well as interested newcomers, for a reunion at the Adams Morgan wine bar, and tickets include all pours by the glass, a buffet, passed hors d’oeuvres, wine-themed trivia games and talks about whatever you’re tasting — and some reminiscing as well. 6:30 p.m. $155.

Rare Scotch whisky tasting at Jack Rose Dining Saloon

Join the world’s largest whisky club, the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, for a tasting of rare single malt Scotch at the Adams Morgan bar. Participants will be among the first to try six malts, which will be featured in the group’s upcoming September outturn. The tasting is seated and guided. 7 to 9 p.m. $100.

Stone Temple Pilots at Jiffy Lube Live

Stone Temple Pilots dominated the ’90s with two albums loaded with grunge hits powered by Dean DeLeo’s macho riffs and Scott Weiland’s swaggering growl; even a surprisingly glammy follow-up couldn’t dim their fortune. But after many tumultuous years, Weiland was fired from the band and, after a long struggle with substance abuse, died in 2015. The band has soldiered on, playing those early hits with “X Factor” veteran Jeff Gutt. STP will be joined by long-running act Soul Asylum (so ’90s they played Bill Clinton’s inauguration) and Live, an un-Googleable band that left a huge mark in the middle of the decade by showing a more vulnerable side of grunge but are more of a footnote these days. 7 p.m. $41.30-$341.40.