🌸 Go see a concert this weekend

Good morning, DC. Friday is here and the summer events are heating up as fall closes in.

In today’s District Download:

• Weekend plans

• Burgers every night next week

• Romance on the horizon

Let’s get to it.

THE DIGEST

🎡 Fairs, Flavor & Fandom: A DMV Weekend That Delivers

This weekend’s lineup reads like a choose-your-own-adventure: from adrenaline-pumped demolition derbies at the Prince William County Fair to the quirky thrills of the Arabian Cultural Market in Vienna on Saturday, where you can sample Middle Eastern flavors and crafts under one roof. Cultured types can swing by the elegant Strawberry Soirée at Lincoln’s Cottage—think swing dancing, champagne, and garden games in tribute to Mary Lincoln’s favorite fruit. Foodies and festival hoppers, don’t miss Taste Leesburg, a happening street-festival vibe with vendors, artisans, and live tunes on Market Street. Meanwhile, the Broccoli City Block Party in Southwest DC will crank up the energy with DJs, dancing, and food trucks galore. Whether you’re chasing nostalgia, noshing on tasty bites, or just enjoying a beat under the sun, the DMV’s weekend has something for every flavor of fun.

🍔 Burger Bliss: Where to Bite into DC’s Best

If you thought picking a favorite child was hard, try naming the best burger in the DMV. Washingtonian just dropped its updated guide to the area’s juiciest stacks, and it’s a mouthwatering mix of old standbys and fresh contenders. From the smashed-and-crispy perfection at Lucky Buns to the double-patty decadence of Ghostburger, each spot earns its place on the list with personality and flavor to spare. Suburban gems get love, too—think backyard-style bites in Arlington and over-the-top creations in Silver Spring. Whether you’re chasing a classic cheeseburger, something plant-based but indulgent, or a burger topped with half the pantry, this list will keep your summer weekends deliciously busy. Warning: reading it on an empty stomach is a rookie mistake.

LOCAL BUSINESS

📚 People’s Book Opens Chapter on Literacy Support

Former hedge fund CEO Dave McCormick is making headlines for more than politics—he’s partnering with Maryland CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) to boost literacy and access to books for kids in foster care. The initiative, run through his People’s Book project, will distribute thousands of free books to young readers across the region. Organizers hope the program not only fosters a love of reading but also provides a sense of stability and imagination for children navigating tough transitions. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most powerful investments aren’t financial—they’re in stories that spark futures.

💘 DC Bookstores Turn the Page on Romance

August might be sweltering, but local bookstores are turning up the heat in a different way—by celebrating the booming romance genre. Shops like East City Bookshop and Kramerbooks are hosting themed displays, author talks, and book clubs devoted to love stories of all stripes. The trend reflects a national surge in romance readership, with DC’s indie booksellers leaning in to give fans a chance to connect over everything from slow-burn paperbacks to spicy contemporary tales. Whether you’re a hopeless romantic or just romance-curious, there’s a shelf waiting for you.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Here’s what’s going on around DC this weekend:

Friday

🎭 Otakon Pop Culture Extravaganza

Dive into a weekend of anime, manga, gaming, and live performances at one of the East Coast’s biggest pop culture conventions.

📍 Walter E. Washington Convention Center | 🕒 10 AM

🎡 Montgomery County Agriculture Fair

Enjoy carnival rides, live music, pig races, and even a cheese-carving contest at this beloved annual fair.

📍 Gaithersburg | 🕒 3 PM

🧵 Weaving & Threading Workshop

Learn the art of weaving and threading fabrics at this hands-on Arlington Artists Alliance workshop.

📍 Arlington | 🕒 12 PM

Saturday

🎶 Broccoli City Block Party

Dance to live DJ sets, enjoy food trucks, and shop local vendors at this summer hip-hop and R&B bash.

📍 Navy Yard | 🕒 3 PM

🌸 Big Bloom Festival

Strathmore and the Good Hope Neighborhood Recreation Center serve up the second annual celebration featuring performances by The Experience Band and Show, plus vocalist IO—free music, community vibes, and Silver Spring summer magic.

📍 Silver Spring | 🕒 5 PM

Sunday

🩰 Marquee: World Premiere by Moveius Contemporary Ballet

Catch the world premiere that peels back Hollywood's glittering facade to reveal the sweat, retakes, and chaotic mischief behind every flawless finish—contemporary ballet meets vintage glamour in the Portrait Gallery's stunning Kogod Courtyard.

📍 Portrait Gallery | 🕒 4 PM

🎒 Back-to-School Bash

Families can score school supplies and more giveaways at this community celebration—because nothing says "new school year ready" quite like free backpacks, supplies, and National Harbor waterfront vibes.

📍 National Harbor | 🕒 10 AM

WEATHER

Friday

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Saturday

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Sunday

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LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

Friday

Capital One Hall | Tracy Lawrence | 7:30 PM

The Birchmere | Who's Bad - Michael Jackson Experience | 7:30 PM

The Theater at MGM National Harbor | Jodeci | 8 PM

Saturday

Jiffy Lube Live | The Doobie Brothers | 7 PM

The Atlantis | Esha Tewari | 7:30 PM

The Birchmere | 1964 the Tribute | 7:30 PM

EagleBank Arena | Clipse with EarthGang | 8 PM

Soundcheck | Senpai Squad | 10 PM

Echostage | Getter | 10 PM

Sunday

The Birchmere | Switch | 7:30 PM

The Theater at MGM National Harbor | Rob Thomas | 7:30 PM

The Vault at Capital One Hall | Albert Cummings | 8 PM

DC9 Nightclub | Charlotte Lawrence | 8 PM

DC Sports

⚡ Weekend Swings, Camp Buzz & Lineup Questions

The Nats head into the weekend nursing bruised egos and a record that has them firmly planted in last place in the NL East, but they'll get a fresh start against the Giants in San Francisco—San Francisco is in the thick of the NL West race, so this series could serve as a measuring stick for how far Washington still has to climb. Meanwhile, the Mystics face their biggest test yet when they visit the top-ranked Minnesota Lynx, who've dominated the WNBA with the league's best record. Closer to home, Commanders training camp is in full swing at Ashburn with rookie cornerback Trey Amos stealing headlines for his lockdown coverage and quick adaptation to the pro level. The camp's biggest storyline remains Terry McLaurin's contract holdout—the two-time Pro Bowler skipped all voluntary work and remains unsigned as the team looks to build around second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels, who's showing continued growth in his footwork and decision-making. With Military Appreciation Day scheduled for August 10 and the preseason opener against New England on Friday, the football hype train is officially picking up steam.

Did You Know? The Washington Monument actually sways up to 0.125 inches in 30 mph winds, but you'll never feel it thanks to its 36,000-ton marble and granite construction. During the 2011 earthquake, the 555-foot obelisk swayed a full 1.5 inches and developed 150 cracks—proving that even America's most iconic monuments occasionally need a chiropractor.

Till next time,

District Download