The main story of this weekend is the return of the World Cup to North America. We have a World Cup viewing guide that includes large outdoor public screenings, general soccer bars, happy hours, and places to watch your favorite team, whether that’s the U.S., France, Argentina or South Korea. Pride celebrations also continue, building up to next week’s parade and street festival, including a family day at Glen Echo Park and late-night dance parties. (We have even more ideas in our local Pride guide.) This weekend brings your first chances to celebrate Juneteenth this year, with festivals in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties. But don’t miss a costume ball at the Library of Congress, tall ships in Alexandria, multiple film festivals, a taste of Sweden on the National Mall, block parties, wine tastings and a Friday night tribute to the Warped Tour — also in town this weekend.
Editor’s note: Capital Weather says potential severe thunderstorms “are a concern” this weekend, so check the forecast before committing to outdoor activities.
Thursday, June 11
DC/DOX
Washington is a great town for those who love documentary films, particularly during the DC/DOX festival. The fourth edition takes over museums and theaters across the city to screen films from 32 countries, including 64 feature-length documentaries and 49 shorts. Subjects include everyone from super-agers in the “The Oldest Person in the World” to Martin Luther King Jr.’s closest adviser in “The Baddest Speechwriter of All.” DC/DOX also put together a special mini-retrospective celebrating the work of filmmaker Frederick Wiseman, who died this year. Some screenings include discussions with filmmakers, and the festival closes with “Earth, Wind & Fire (To Be Celestial vs That’s the Weight of the World),” director Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson’s behind-the-scenes look at the iconic band. Through Sunday. $18.89 for individual films or shorts programs; $225-$500 for all-access passes.
Fashion Through the Ages Costume Ball at Library of Congress
As part of the Library of Congress’ semiquincentennial celebrations, librarians have curated a small exhibit, “Fashion at the Library: The Threads that Connect Us,” which draws from the Library’s vast holdings, including photos and vintage copies of Vogue. Naturally, this calls for a party. Put on your best outfit and walk the catwalk during the Fashion Through the Ages Costume Ball, held during the “Live! at the Library” after-hours event. Prizes will be awarded, including Best Roaring ‘20s Look, Best Pop Culture Throwback, and, for those of you with powdered wigs or bustles lying around, Best Early American Look. A DJ will spin music all night, and fashion-related items from the library’s collections will be on display. 5 to 9 p.m. Free; Registration required.
Cocktails and Coloring Happy Hour at Wunder Garten DC
This is basically a “paint and sip” evening except the paint is swapped out for coloring books and colored pencils. Hosted by the Sierra Club, the event has pages featuring outlined wildlife and natural landscapes, and yes, supplies are included so you do not need to rummage through your junk drawer beforehand for half-used pencils. Pair your coloring session with a drink from Wunder Garten, the beer garden known for its picnic tables, lawn games and vaguely dive-bar-meets-backyard-cookout atmosphere. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Free; RSVP requested.
‘Benjamin Banneker, Astronomy and the Founding of Washington, D.C.’ at Jones Point Park
Join the National Park Service for a night of stargazing at Jones Point, the Alexandria park at the foot of the Wilson Bridge. You’ll learn about Benjamin Banneker, the astronomer and surveyor who assisted with mapping the original boundaries of D.C. Jones Point is the southernmost point of the District, marked with one of the 40 “boundary stones” that shaped the capital. A ranger will explain how surveyors used the stars, and show off the very first boundary stone. 8 to 10 p.m. Free.
Beat Ya Feet Festival
Around the turn of the millennium, a new dance evolved among the youth at D.C. go-go clubs. “Aside from the continuous foot-stomping motion, it really isn’t a specific dance at all,” Post reporter Natalie Hopkinson wrote in May 2002. “It is whatever comes to the mind of the dancer at that moment: A scene from a movie or music video, a street fight, what they did last night, a joke.” It was known as “Beat Ya Feet,” and not only is it alive decades later, it’s the subject of a new documentary and a four-day festival. The schedule includes a Kickoff Party Mixer at the Go-Go Museum and Cafe with music and dancing (Thursday from 6 to 10 p.m.); a screening of the doc “We Rep DC. We Are DC.,” about the dance crew Beat Ya Feet Kings at the ARC (Friday from 6 to 9 p.m.); a “world battle” between top dancers at H.D. Woodson High School’s gym (Saturday at 6 p.m.); and a Beat Ya Feet dance class at the Atlas Performing Arts Center (Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.) Through Sunday. Prices vary.
European Trivia Night at Sorso
If you miss your time abroad but not the airfare prices, Sorso’s European trivia night hosted by EurDC might scratch the itch. The 18th Street spot, known for its Ukrainian Italian fusion menu, is hosting a night of continent-spanning trivia covering topics including European history and geography. Come prepared to defend your honor over Sorso’s classic spritz (which you may want to know originated in the Veneto region of Northern Italy) and a plate of mlyntsi. 6 to 7:30 p.m. $2.
Friday, June 12
America vs. Paraguay with the American Outlaws at Solace Outpost and Franklin Hall
The World Cup is finally back on American soil, and the U.S. takes on Paraguay in its first match of the tournament. The most recognizable American supporters, both in the stands and at local bars, are the American Outlaws. The bandanna-wearing fans brought stadium vibes to the basement of Astro Beer Hall, with nonstop drums and chanting. No wonder there were lines down the block before matches in both 2022 and 2014. This time, the Outlaws will have two bars in D.C.: Solace Outpost taproom in Navy Yard and the spacious Franklin Hall near U Street. Solace promises custom American Outlaws-themed cans as well as $6 pilsner drafts during all games; Franklin Hall promises food and drink specials for all games. Both bars will offer full sound for all games throughout the tournament — if the fans don’t drown it out. Kickoff is at 9 p.m. Admission to both bars is free. Follow the American Outlaws D.C. Chapter on social media for updates.
United in Play at Franklin Park
For the first two weekends of the World Cup, D.C. United is hosting public viewing parties in two different outdoor spaces. From June 12 to 14, the team will be set up in Franklin Park, watching the U.S. and Paraguay on Friday night, Brazil vs. Morocco on Saturday, and a triple-header of matches on Sunday featuring Germany, the Netherlands and the Ivory Coast. All days include youth soccer activities, music, food trucks and interactive games. Free tickets are required. Through Sunday. Free.
Swedish Midsummer at the Sylvan Theater
Create a flower crown and groove to Abba hits on the National Mall during the Embassy of Sweden’s annual Swedish Midsummer Celebration. The major Swedish holiday of Midsummer, which celebrates the summer solstice, gets a D.C. spin with a bring-your-own picnic party right in front of the Washington Monument at the Sylvan Theater. Activities include lawn games, dancing around the maypole, giveaways, and sets from DJ G-Money and Swedish cover band One Hell of a Band playing songs by groups including Roxette and Ace of Base. Follow the event page for updates in case of inclement weather. 6 to 9:30 p.m. Free; online registration encouraged.
ALX Jazz Fest at Waterfront Park
Alexandria brings in three days worth of free musical performances for this year’s ALX Jazz Fest, happening at the Old Town’s Waterfront Park. Each day is themed around a different genre, starting with “Americana Roots Music” on Friday and “American Jazz” on Saturday, featuring performances by trumpeter Alex Parchment and mezzo soprano Kayazhanna Donaldson, interspersed with poetry readings. Sunday is dedicated to “Future Sounds of America,” including DJ sets and shows from 10-piece salsa group Orquesta Manplesa and multi-hyphenate hip-hop/soul/gogo outfit Future Band. The festival coincides with the nearby “Sails on the Potomac” event (see below). Friday from 1 to 6 p.m., Saturday from noon to 9:05 p.m., Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Free.
Sails on the Potomac in Old Town Alexandria
Decades before the Revolutionary War, Alexandria was the area’s most important port, utilized for both commercial and military purposes. As part of its America 250 celebrations, Alexandria welcomes the tall ships Gazela, Kalmar Nyckel and Sultana to “Sails on the Potomac,” where they join the Providence, a reproduction of a Revolutionary War sloop that is docked in Alexandria. Of the visitors, Kalmar Nyckel is a recreation of the ship that brought the first Swedish settlers to Delaware in 1638. The ships will be open for tours — timed reservations are suggested, but not required — and an onshore “History Village” offers exhibits and hands-on activities. Friday and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.; Saturday from noon to 9 p.m. Free.
‘Bleak Week’ at AFI Silver Theatre
Consider this the feel-bad movie event of the year: “Bleak Week: Cinema of Despair,” AFI Silver’s upcoming film festival presented in partnership with the American Cinematheque pulls together more than a dozen of the most depressing flicks ever made. Naturally, a Lars von Trier film is on the docket (“Breaking the Waves”), along with Stephen King adaptation “Misery” and movies that live in infamy, like Pier Paolo Pasolini’s “Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom.” Buy a ticket for Béla Tarr’s 439-minute “Sátántangó,” which will include two intermissions, and the price includes a caffeinated drink as well as a certificate upon completion of this epic. Stick around for an “Unhappy Hour” on Friday after Soviet anti-war film “Come and See” to decompress with fellow moviegoers over drinks. Through Thursday. $8- $25.
Warped Tour night at the Wharf
The Vans Warped Tour rolls onto the RFK Stadium grounds this weekend, and if you’re hedging your bets about spending $209 to relive your 2000s emo glory days with Taking Back Sunday, New Found Glory and Plain White Ts, let us point you to the Wharf, where you can get the full nostalgia experience without the high price tag on Friday night. Pearl Street Warehouse’s early show is the Vans Warped Tour Tribute Night, with a trio of cover bands: The Dude Ranch performing the music of Blink 182 (to honor the 25th anniversary of “Take Off Your Pants and Jacket”); the Great Heights Band doing a full set of Weezer; and Kings of the Wild Things tackling songs by Bowling for Soup. Doors are at 5:30 p.m.; free.
The weekly Rock the Dock waterfront concert series, held on the Transit Pier, is getting nostalgic with The Warped Band, a group that covers songs by Panic! at the Disco, Good Charlotte, Fall Out Boy, and a number of this weekend’s RFK performers, including Hawthorne Heights (“Ohio is for Lovers”) and Jimmy Eat World (“The Middle”). If you have strong feelings about what you want to hear — how emo! — you can vote on the setlist before the show. The free concert begins at 7 p.m.
Friday Night Outdoor Concert Series
Nothing says summer in D.C. quite like an outdoor concert where the lawn chairs you’ve had in your storage for years finally make their debut. Around Fort Totten, DC Fray and Art Place are bringing back their Friday concert series through Aug. 28, turning the neighborhood into an after-work hangout spot with live music, games, food vendors and drinks. This week features DMV-area band Ahzay and the Squad, with other performers throughout the series including the Rock Creek Kings and La Unica. Bringing your own chair is encouraged, though there will be seating if you are just wandering over from the Metro or showing up straight after work.
And if you are nowhere near Fort Totten, Yards Park is launching its own Friday concert series this week along the boardwalk, complete with river views of the Anacostia River and a grassy area where kids can run around. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs, with food and drinks available on site. The music lineup has not been released yet, but organizers say performances will stay family-friendly. 6 to 8 p.m. at the Art Place Fort Totten, free. 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the Yards Park, free.
2016 Throwback Party at Strand Club
There’s a growing theory online that 2026 is slowly morphing into 2016 again, and between fashion comebacks and the sudden return of older music, the evidence is stacking up. Fortunately, you do not need to squeeze yourself back into a Triangl bikini or a bomber jacket in the heat of summer to participate. Strand is throwing a throwback night dedicated to the songs that dominated summers a decade ago, meaning you can expect plenty of opportunities to scream the lyrics you still know by heart. Drink specials will run through the night, or at least until the club closes at 1 a.m. This may be a reunion for both you and the playlist that raised you 10 years ago. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Free; RSVP required.
Summer Bash Party at Kennedy Street NW
For parents, the start of summer break might feel less like a celebration and more like the beginning of three months of logistical gymnastics. But for kids, it is absolutely the cause for a party. This one comes with foam cannons, so make sure they show up in clothes and shoes you are fully prepared to see soaked by the end of the block party. Beyond the bubbles, families can hang out with ice cream, music and one last chance for kids to run around with their classmates before everyone disappears into camps, vacations and summer schedules. 5 to 7 p.m. Free.
42 Dugg and Babyface Ray at Fillmore Silver Spring
42 Dugg and Babyface Ray are two of the leading lights in Detroit’s underground rap scene, delivering lived-in detail on street rap tunes that bounce, bob and weave. The pair broke through with songs such as “The Streets,” a tribute to a fallen comrade on which 42 Dugg cries out about how he leaves it all — his heart, soul and freedom — on the beat. The two continue to do it for their day ones, hitting the road on the “4 the Trenches” tour. 8 p.m. $52.
Saturday, June 13
Juneteenth celebrations
Juneteenth is next Friday, but celebrations get started on Saturday in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties. The annual Juneteenth Festival takes over Watkins Park in Upper Marlboro, with live music from artists including Rare Essence and the Proverbs Reggae Band; living history demonstrations and exhibits; dance performances; craft activities; food trucks; and a marketplace with local vendors. (Noon to 5 p.m. Free.)
The birthday of Josiah Henson, who escaped enslavement in Montgomery County before writing a book that may have served as an inspiration for “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” is celebrated with a family day at the Josiah Henson Museum and Park in North Bethesda. Activities include stories told by griot the Honorable Baba-C, games and crafts. (10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free.)
The Scotland community was founded by William Dove, the first Black man to own land in Potomac. Now, Scotland’s week-long Juneteenth Heritage Festival is one of the biggest in the area. Celebrations begin Saturday night at the Bethesda Theatre, with gospel star Hezekiah Walker and his Love Fellowship Choir. (7 p.m. $60.) Festivities continue throughout next week, including a comedy show at the BlackRock Center for the Arts (Monday) and football, cheer and basketball clinics for students. A full schedule is available on the festival’s website.
Pride Family Day at Glen Echo Park
The sixth annual Pride Family Day at Glen Echo includes free carousel rides and admission to the park’s aquarium while supplies last, arts and crafts activities, and snacks and drinks. Discounted admission to the day’s Puppet Co. performances of “The Little Price” and “The Community Helpers Experience” with the discount code “PRIDE26.” 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free; $10 suggested donation.
Columbia Pike Blues Festival
The Columbia Pike Blues Festival has a new location at Penrose Square this year, making it more of a block party than a street festival. But expect the same formula that has made the festival so popular over the last 29 years, with a full day of music, food trucks, vendors and family activities. Soulful Kentucky band Joslyn and the Sweet Compression headlines, while Connecticut guitarist Amani Burnham brings blistering, Jimi Hendrix-infused blues-rock with his trio. Local performers include D.C.’s “Queen of the Blues” Stacy Brooks and the modern blues guitar duo Guy Bouchie and Bobby Thompson. Noon to 8 p.m. Free.
U.S. Air Guitar Championships Qualifier at DC Brau
Everyone has played air guitar at some point in their lives, but almost no one plays air guitar like the competitors at the U.S. Air Guitar Championships, where the competitors shred on their imaginary Les Pauls and Flying Vs like they’re melting faces on stage at the Super Bowl halftime show. There are costumes. There are adopted personas. There are occasional injuries. Each contestant gets 60 seconds to perform a song of their choice in the first round, with the best facing a surprise selection in Round 2. The ultimate goal: Making the U.S. Air Guitar National Championship in San Francisco in August, then qualifying for the worlds. But first, they have to be the best in D.C., and that showdown takes place at DC Brau this weekend. 7:30 p.m. $12.51.
2 Mile Run and Pilates Day Party at Anacostia Park
Calling all superheroes, or at least people capable of running two miles and then willingly doing pilates afterward. The morning starts at the Poplar Point parking lot in Anacostia Park with the run, led by Club Timeless, followed by a pilates cooldown hosted by StrongHer, a women’s health initiative. If your ideal version of wellness begins after the running part, walkers are welcome too, and all paces are encouraged. Just bring your own mat for pilates, and stick around for community vendors after. 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Free but limited; RSVP requested.
Heartbreakers at the Howard Theatre
“No Boys, Just Bangers” is the theme at Heartbreakers, a women-only dance party that has thrown events across the country. The keys: An early start time and plenty of sing-along girl-power pop and R&B anthems by Beyoncé, Dua Lipa and Rihanna. 5 p.m. $25.
Stars and Smiles Foodie Festival at the National Harbor
The MGM National Harbor in Maryland is home to plenty of distractions: the giant Ferris wheel that’s truly hard to miss, waterfront views of the Potomac and enough restaurants to make deciding where to eat mildly stressful. But this weekend, the real draw is the food festival taking over the harbor. Local and regional vendors will line the waterfront selling everything from comfort food carbs to desserts to beverages that will make your Instagram before you taste it. While Tom’s and TAP Sports Bar may be tempting with the World Cup and NBA Finals on, the better move might be wandering outside with family and friends. Even picky eaters should be able to find something worth the trip, and if Saturday gets too packed, the festival returns Sunday, too. 11 a.m. on both days;. $12 to $40.
Sing Democracy 250 at D.A.R. Constitution Hall
In honor of the country’s 250th birthday, Sing Democracy 250 will bring its final concert to the D.A.R. Constitution Hall with a family-friendly night of protest songs, solidarity anthems and affirmations, positioned as a slightly more harmonious alternative to the cage fight downtown. The stirring musical leans into music’s role throughout American history, from movements of resistance to moments of unity, with performances by several choruses and choirs, including The National Children’s Chorus of the Washington Chapter, alongside Grammy Award-winning mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves. The concert is also part of the Smithsonian’s Festival of Festivals programming, which has focused on different corners of American culture. 4 p.m. $16 to $41.
Father at Union Stage
Rapper Father broke through more than a decade ago with “Look At Wrist” and “Nokia” but has never stopped upping his game, finding new sonic palettes on which to paint with his laconic, lecherous bars. The Awful Records founder returns to D.C., with Maryland upstart JabbaGotDaJuice in support. 10 p.m. $27.
Sunday, June 14
Gays & Graves: A Big Gay Festival at Congressional Cemetery
Randy Wicker, an LGBTQ+ activist credited with organizing the first demonstration for gay civil rights in New York City in 1964, is the special guest at Congressional Cemetery’s Gays and Graves festival, where Wicker will speak at a ceremony unveiling new signage in the cemetery’s landmark “Gay Corner.” The day also includes a marketplace with LGBTQ+ makers, panel discussions about LGBTQ+ history, a drag story hour and hands-on crafting. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free.
No Aesthetic Block Party at the Parks at Walter Reed
This is not your average block party where one playlist controls the entire afternoon. Instead, the event doubles as a celebration of DMV art, music and style, with DJs pulling from a wide mix of sounds rather than sticking to a single aesthetic. Expect house and hip-hop, R&B, amapiano, Afrobeats and more — meaning there is a strong chance at least one set will speak to you and your group. Beyond the music, local vendors will turn the park into a marketplace full of clothes, art and other pieces. The party is just as much about fashion and community as it is about dancing. 4 to 9 p.m. Free.
Rosé on the River at District Winery
For city-dwelling lovers of rosé, it doesn’t get much better (or more convenient) than District Winery’s annual Rosé on the River soiree. Sample the winery’s house-made still and sparkling rosés alongside hors d’oeuvres and desserts, a DJ, wine trivia, crafting stations, photo ops and a chance to explore all three levels of the winery. VIP tickets add a guided tasting with the winemaker, VIP areas and other extras. 2 to 5 p.m. $113.76-$181.56.
Monday, June 15
‘A Deep Dive into the Declaration of Independence’ at Penn Social
We’re approaching the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, but how much do you really know about America’s foundational document? Join Denver Brunsman, chairman of George Washington University’s history department and a lecturer at Mount Vernon, to examine the conflicts that led the American Revolution, the structure of the arguments within the declaration, and its effects on revolutions and events around the world. 6 to 8:30 p.m. $14.77 in advance; $15-$17 at the door.
Pride Kickoff Showtunes at JR’s
Pride Week is busy on the 17th Street strip — JR’s is participating in the 17th Street block party with entertainment, a DJ and a giant beer garden on June 20. But before all that gets underway, there’s a special edition of the bar’s long-running Showtunes Monday with pop-up performances in addition to the usual lineup of Broadway and musical numbers, plus $4 draft beers and Truly hard seltzer. It’s worth noting that unlike at some other bars, JR’s has no cover for events during Pride week. 9 p.m. Free.
Tuesday, June 16
Reopening of the Smithsonian Arts and Industries Building
America’s first “National Museum” has, over the years, displayed triceratops bones, the Star-Spangled Banner and dresses worn by first ladies. But for most of this century, it’s opened to the public only for special events. This summer, it’s open regular hours to showcase the traveling exhibit “Voices and Votes,” about participation and democracy, and to house the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage’s activities, including music, demonstrations and discussions with curators and artists. Tuesday’s opening day features “Latin Music Fans: Making Culture & Keeping Tradition,” a conversation that includes DJs and the curator of the new “¡Puro Ritmo!” exhibition at the American History museum. See the Smithsonian’s website for a full schedule. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Sept. 7. Free.
Wednesday, June 17
District of Pride Showcase at the Lincoln Theatre
This annual night showcasing D.C. talent, put on by the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs, mixes drag performances, comedy, storytelling and performances while honoring community leaders. “Goddess of D.C.” Rayceen Pendarvis is the host. 7 p.m. Free.
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