🌸 Your weekend guide is here

Good morning, DC. Late August is serving up a perfect storm of last chances and fresh starts, from Restaurant Week's final curtain call to brand-new rooftop bars reaching for the sky, plus enough live music to soundtrack every mood from James Taylor's gentle folk to punk shows that'll rattle your fillings. Whether you're chasing down those summer dining deals, catching craft exhibits that celebrate Americana, or just trying to squeeze every drop out of these warm evenings, this weekend's got you covered.

In today’s District Download:

Let’s get to it.

DC's Summer Restaurant Week wraps up this Sunday, August 24, but don't panic if you haven't made your reservations yet. More than 350 restaurants across the DMV are still serving up those coveted prix fixe menus, with brunches and lunches for $25 or $35, and dinners ranging from $40 to $65 (which beats trying to decode a regular menu after a long week anyway). The savvy diners know that some spots like a.kitchen+bar and Ambar are extending their deals into September, so your FOMO can officially take a breather. Pro tip: this is your last weekend to eat like royalty without the royal price tag, so book now and thank yourself later.

The Renwick Gallery opens "State Fairs: Growing American Craft" today. It's the first major exhibition dedicated to artists' contributions to that great American tradition of funnel cakes, Ferris wheels, and prize-winning pickles. This isn't just about blue ribbons and butter cows; the show explores how state fairs have been breeding grounds for American craftsmanship for generations, featuring everything from quilts to woodworking that'll make you appreciate those weekend fair trips in a whole new light. The timing couldn't be better, as fair season is in full swing across the region, so you can get your culture fix before heading out to ride the Tilt-A-Whirl. The exhibition runs through September 2026, giving you plenty of time to work up an appetite for both art and corn dogs.

Concert season is reaching fever pitch with James Taylor gracing Wolf Trap and intimate Candlelight concerts featuring Neo-Soul favorites and Hip-Hop tributes lighting up venues across the city. From the folksy charm of Wolf Trap's outdoor amphitheater to the moody ambiance of candlelit performances at St. Francis Hall and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, there's a soundtrack for every summer mood. Tickets for the Candlelight series start around $45-58, making them an affordable way to experience live music in some pretty magical settings. Whether you're in the mood for James Taylor's gentle storytelling or want to hear Prince and Childish Gambino reimagined by candlelight, this weekend proves DC's music scene is anything but sleepy in late August.

Lobby Bar has officially opened with elevated American comfort food and a standout martini program, featuring everything from local oysters to a caper-brined Dirty Martini that's already turning heads. Meanwhile, Fish Shop joins the waterfront lineup with a spacious 180-seat dining room and three private dining areas, focusing on sustainability with fresh Potomac River shellfish and locally sourced vegetables. Both spots are capitalizing on The Wharf's continued transformation into DC's go-to destination for dining with a view. Between the two, you've got options whether you're craving raw bar classics or a perfectly crafted cocktail overlooking the water.

DC's rooftop scene is having a moment with fresh additions like Deck 11 at YOTEL Washington DC, complete with a stylish pool and sweeping city views, plus day passes for those who want to make a whole afternoon of it. Smoke & Mirrors atop the AC Hotel Capitol Hill is serving up craft cocktails and shareable plates with direct sightlines to the U.S. Capitol Building, because nothing says "power lunch" quite like mumbo wings with a side of democracy. These new sky-high spots join an already impressive roster of rooftop destinations, proving that DC's obsession with elevated drinking and dining shows no signs of slowing down. Perfect timing too, since late August weather is basically designed for sipping cocktails above the city streets.

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

Comedian, podcaster, and former late-night host Pete Holmes takes the Lincoln Theatre stage for an evening of his signature observational humor and philosophical musings that have made him a comedy favorite.

📍 Lincoln Theatre | 🕐 8 PM

DC's own Teen Mortgage joins the bill for Glitterer's high-energy show at Black Cat, bringing their raw punk sound to one of the city's most iconic music venues for a night of sweat-soaked rock.

📍 Black Cat - Shaw | 🕐 7 PM

The Washington National Opera brings Gershwin's Porgy and Bess to the ballpark for their annual Opera in the Outfield screening, complete with pre-show festivities that'll make you forget you're not at the Kennedy Center. Expect family-friendly crafts, a balloon twister for the kids, and Puerto Rican-inspired song and dance performances by Semilla Cultural before the musical magic begins on the big screen.

📍 Nationals Park | 🕐 6:30 PM

Old Town's waterfront transforms into a global culinary adventure at Oronoco Bay Park, where you can sample authentic dishes from Afghanistan, Ghana, China, Peru, and beyond without needing a passport. The child- and pet-friendly festival sweetens the deal with song and dance performances plus traditional artisan and craft vendors, making it a perfect Saturday outing for the whole family (pets included).

📍 Oronoco Bay Park - Alexandria | 🕐 11 AM

The rising vocalist brings his dreamy, genre-blending sound to the Fillmore Silver Spring for the second night of his two-show run, proving that sometimes the best way to end a weekend is with melodies that'll stick in your head all week long.

📍 Fillmore Silver Spring | 🕐 8 PM

DC's own Soul Meets Body takes the stage at Songbyrd Music House, delivering their signature blend of pop sensibilities and hardcore edge that'll have you questioning why more bands don't mix sweet melodies with face-melting breakdowns.

📍 Songbyrd Music House - Union Market | 🕐 8 PM

Friday

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Songbyrd Music House | Jake Minch with Hana Bryanne | 7 PM

9:30 Club | Dream, Ivory | 7 PM

Birchmere Music Hall | Magical Mystery Doors | 7:30 PM

Jiffy Lube Live | Thomas Rhett | 7:30 PM

The Fillmore Silver Spring | Bop To The Top | 9 PM

Soundcheck | Phantoms | 10 PM

Echostage | Adventure Club with Sabai | 10 PM

Lisner Auditorium | Chris Fleming | 3 PM

Birchmere Music Hall | Eric Roberson | 7:30 PM

9:30 Club | Kream | 8 PM

Capital One Hall | Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular | 8 PM

The Wolf Trap | James Taylor with His All-Star Band | 8 PM

The Fillmore Silver Spring | d4vd with LAUNDRY DAY | 8 PM

Soundcheck | Giuseppe Ottaviani with Luccio | 10 PM

Echostage | Joe Kay | 10 PM

Birchmere Music Hall | Eric Roberson | 7:30 PM

EagleBank Arena | Manuel Turizo | 8 PM

The Fillmore Silver Spring | d4vd with LAUNDRY DAY | 8 PM

The Wolf Trap | James Taylor with His All-Star Band | 8 PM

The Washington Mystics dropped a tough 80-69 decision to the Connecticut Sun on Wednesday, with Sonia Citron leading the way with 19 points in the losing effort while Connecticut's Saniya Rivers paced the winners with 17. The loss stings extra as Washington remains in a tight battle for the final playoff spot, sitting 1.5 games behind Seattle for the eighth and final postseason berth with the season winding down. The Nationals provided a bright spot on Wednesday, rallying to beat the Mets 5-4 behind Josh Bell's two-RBI homer and clutch relief pitching from rookie Cole Henry. The Commanders continue their preseason preparations as the team fine-tunes for the regular season opener, with training camp battles heating up across the roster.

Did You Know? The Kennedy Center's Grand Foyer stretches 630 feet long—longer than the Washington Monument is tall—and when it was built, it was specifically designed so that every president could host the entire diplomatic corps of Washington without anyone having to wait in line for the bathroom.

Till next time,