Weekend Roundup, August 1-4
By • August 1, 2024 0 497
We are now into the final stretch of the season the glorious dog days of summer full of sunshine and long, relaxing days. If you’re looking for something to do, check out this list of weekend activities.
Tonight at Wolf Trap: “Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me!”
This evening, don’t miss NPR’s weekly news quiz program “Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me!” at Wolf Trap’s Filene Center. The show tests your knowledge of what’s real versus made up. The show will be hosted by Peter Sagal with Bill Kurtis, who serves as official judge and scorekeeper. More information on tickets for the show can be found here.
The Kennedy Center Continues Its Summer Contemporary Music and Jazz Programs
Frederic Yonnet, who will be appearing at the Kennedy Center’s summer contemporary music programming. Photo courtesy of The Kennedy Center.
This evening and Sunday at the Kennedy Center’s Terrace Theater and tomorrow at River Pavilion, don’t miss summer programming celebrating jazz artists. Expect to see French urban jazz harmonicist Frederic Yonnet, Shacara Rogers West, an award-winning vocalist, songwriter and vocal coach, and two-time Edison Award-winning and six-time Grammy trumpeter, composer, producer, and sonic architect Chief Adjuah. More information on the shows can be found here.
Laugh it Up at “The Ultimate Improv Show”
The cast of the Ultimate Improv Show. Photo courtesy of The Kennedy Center.
Now through August 11, The Kennedy Center’s Theater Lab is hosting “The Ultimate Improv Show.” Each show features a celebrity guest like Nicole Byer (“Nailed It!”), Betsy Sodaro (CBS’s “Ghosts”) and Neil Casey (SNL, “Curb Your Enthusiasm”). More information on the performance schedule can be found here.
Celebrate “James Baldwin: The Price of the Ticket” at AFI Silver Theatre
Courtesy of The New York Public Library.
Head to AFI Silver Theatre Friday evening to a free screening (tickets are limited to four per reservation) of “James Baldwin: The Price of the Ticket.” The event celebrates the film’s 35th anniversary. The movie includes Baldwin’s telling of his story using rarely seen archival footage from nine countries, using interviews and public speeches too. More information on the show can be found here.
Honor the Military at Mount Vernon Saturday and Sunday
Celebrate the military this weekend at Mount Vernon. Photo courtesy of Mount Vernon.
This weekend at Mount Vernon, head to a Purple Heart Commemoration. Throughout the weekend, pay tribute to the country’s military personnel and see wreath layings throughout the day. Both Martha and George Washington will be making appearances and there will be the chance to write letters to veterans thanking them for their service. More information can be found here.
The 30th Anniversary of Otakon is this Weekend
The 2017 Otakon. Photo by Jeff Malet.
Interested in anime? You’ll want to check out the family-friendly weekend event at the convention center. There will be lots of anime, manga, music, movies and more. Festivities include cosplay, skits, panel discussions, artwork for sale and other celebrations. More information on the event can be found here and in our piece from arts editor Richard Selden.
Don’t Miss the Final Weekend of “ha ha ha ha ha ha ha”
Clown Julia Masli. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.
Woolly Mammoth Theatre is ending its run of the Julia Masli show named the number one comedy show of the year by The Guardian. Masli’s is an award-winning clown based in London who wants to solve problems and win the Nobel Prize, however, the plan keeps going awry as she continuously wins prizes in comedy. More information on tickets can be found here.
Wingardium Leviosa! Harry Potter Day is at Nats Park Saturday
Harry Potter House jerseys will be available for the first 10,000 fans. Photo courtesy of The Washington Nationals.
Grab tickets to the 4:05 p.m. Saturday game versus the Milwaukee Brewers for the family-friendly “Harry Potter Day.” Be one of the first 10,000 fans and get one of four mystery House jerseys (sizes, styles subject to availability). There will be Harry Potter-themed photo booths, sand art potion making, balloon animals, face painters and even a Harry Potter- themed Presidents Race. More information on tickets can be found here.
See “Glen Kaino: Bridge” at the Smithsonian American Art Museum
Installation photography of Glenn Kaino: Bridge, Smithsonian American Art Museum, 2024; Photos by Albert Ting
See an amazing aerial sculpture made from 200 golden arms hanging from the ceiling of the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Luce Foundation Center. Each piece of this puzzle-like exhibit fits perfectly together. The pieces are castings of the right arm of Tommie Smith, the American winner of the men’s 200-meter race at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. During the medal ceremony, Smith bowed his head and raised a fist in protest. Visual artist Glen Kaino collaborated with Smith on this exhibit. More information on the SAAM hours can be found here.
