Bethesda Summer Concert Series
Veterans Park, Bethesda, MD
Every Thursday May 17-July 19 from 6:00pm- 8:00pm
Head to Veterans Park to enjoy free, weekly outdoor concerts featuring a different band every Thursday. Find a list of performers here.
Washington DC Water Lantern Festival
National Harbor, Fort Washington, MD
August 4 from 6pm-11pm
This water lantern festival is a unique opportunity to connect with those in your community, and create a memorable night of peace, happiness, and hope. First there are food trucks, music, and activities, all leading up to designing your personal lantern and concluding with the lantern launch into the harbor. Tickets are $40 through the end of July, and $50 for same day tickets. A floating water lantern, a keychain LED flashlight, a marker, and a wristband are included in the ticket price.
http://www.waterlanternfestival.com/washington-dc.php
Rio Summer Concerts
Rio Patio, Gaithersburg, MD
Every Friday and Saturday May 4-October 6 from 6pm-9pm
Find free twice-weekly outdoor concerts with performances in every genre near the Paddle Boats at Rio Centre. Check out the link below for a full schedule of acts.
http://riowashingtonian.com/events/washingtonian-rio-summer-concerts--4
Smithsonian Folklife Festival
National Mall, Washington, DC
June 27- July 1 and July 4-8 from 11:30am-6pm and evening concerts some nights starting at 6:30pm
People travel to DC to experience Smithsonian’s famous educational festival, which teaches visitors about cultural traditions through workshops, performances, food, and crafts. This year’s festival explores Armenian and Catalan culture. The festival is free, and its purpose is to preserve rich cultures.
https://festival.si.edu/
17th Street Festival
17th Street from P Street to R Street NW
August 25 from 12pm-7pm
With one hundred vendors comprised of artists, entrepreneurs, politicians, and more, there is something for everyone at this festival, which celebrates the many retailers and restaurants of 17th Street. In addition, there is a kids’ zone and although there are no food vendors, there are over 16 restaurants with outdoor patios. The festival is free, but for $10, you can purchase a wristband ticket for extra discounts.
http://www.17thstreetfestival.org/
Comcast Outdoor Film Festival
Strathmore, North Bethesda, MD
August 23-26 from 7:30pm (concessions begin) and 8:30 (movie begins) until whenever the movie ends
Comcast is hosting four nights of free, outdoor family movies to benefit NIH Children’s Charities. Picnics are encouraged, and food will be available for purchase. Do not forget to bring blankets and chairs, as it will be on the lawn outdoors.
http://www.filmfestnih.org/
Capital Fringe Festival
Various locations in Southwest, DC, check out the link for a full list
July 7-29 times for events in the link below
Come with an open mind to this independent festival comprised of theatre, art, dance, and performance and visual art. The purpose is to create an environment in which visitors can experience fringe art. Open the link below for a list of performances which vary in length and price.
https://www.capitalfringe.org/
The Fun House Installation at the National Building Museum
National Building Museum, Washington, DC
July 4-September 3 from 10am-5pm
This unique exhibit is a house that reimagines the traditional home. It is a series of interactive and innovative rooms, incorporating well-known Snarkitecture (a famous architectural design brand) items and environments. Adult tickets are $16.
https://www.nbm.org/exhibition/fun-house/
National Independence Day Parade
Parade route along Constitution Avenue
July 4 from 11:45am-2pm
With recommended viewing at 17th street, this free, historic parade celebrates American independence. Marchers include drill teams, bands, military units and more.
http://july4thparade.com/
Truckeroo
The Bullpen, Washington, DC
August 10 and September 28 from 4pm-11pm
This famous food truck festival brings the area’s most coveted food trucks to one location. Choose from many trucks, and enjoy food, live music, drinks, and games.
https://thebullpendc.com/truckeroo/
Montgomery County Agricultural Fair
Montgomery County Agricultural Fairgrounds, Gaithersburg, MD
August 10, 3pm-12 am and August 11-August 18 from 12pm-12am
Guests can enjoy animals, crafts, food, contests, entertainment, and a large carnival at this expansive fair. General admission is $12, and additional ticket prices for the carnival vary.
http://mcagfair.com/
No Spectators: The Art of Burning Man at Renwick Gallery
Renwick Gallery, Washington, DC
March 30, 2018-January 21, 2019 from 10am-5:30pm
The Burning Man event and cultural movement takes place one week a year in Black Rock Desert, Nevada. For the first time, the incredible installations have been brought to view and experience in DC. They represent the future of contemporary art. Admission is free.
https://americanart.si.edu/exhibitions/burning-man
GEICO All-Star FanFest
Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC
July 13-17 from 9am-8pm
Any baseball and softball fans will delight in this interactive theme park that will run for five days. This celebrates the 89th MLB All-Star Game, which is being held at Nationals Park.
https://www.mlb.com/all-star/schedule
Loudoun County Fair
Loudoun County Fairgrounds, Leesburg, VA
July 23-28 from 9am-10pm
This traditional county fair includes a carnival, rodeo bull riding, diary shows, horseback demonstrations, entertainment, live music, contests, and more. Admission is $12.
http://loudouncountyfair.com/
Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week
Many restaurants in the DC/MD/VA area; check out the link below for a comprehensive list.
August 13-August 19
Try three-course fixed price menus at 250 of the best restaurants in the area. Dinner is $35, and brunch and lunch are $22.
http://www.ramw.org//restaurantweek