Our end-of-the-week picks for Aug. 6-8
We've gathered up some live virtual events and other fun things to do that are going on this weekend. You can also read the latest info regarding what's open and reopening in the District, as well as things to do during the week and throughout the month.
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Friday
Take to the sky again with the National Air and Space Museum
Reinvigorate your love for the stars at this immensely popular museum. Glimpse the 1903 Wright Flyer, run your hands over moon rock and experience the larger-than-life world of aviation and space travel with the entire family. Please note that some areas of the museum are undergoing a large-scale renovation. For details regarding your visit, check out the museum’s website and note that masks are required at all times when inside the museum.
Free admission
National Air and Space Museum, 655 Jefferson Drive SW, Washington, DC 20560
Welcome Home: A Portrait of East Baltimore, 1975-1980
As part of a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, three women photographers – Elinor Cahn, Joan Clark Netherwood and Linda Rich – captured East Baltimore for a five-year stretch from 1975 to 1980. In this exhibit at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, you can view the stunning work of Cohn, Netherwood and Rich in all its glorious detail, as the trio captured celebrations, luncheons, homes, businesses and the everyday strife that members of the community faced. These images are being presented in an exhibition setting for the first time.
Wednesday – Sunday, 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free admission
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
Citi Open
One of DC’s longest-standing sports traditions, the Citi Open is taking place at the Rock Creek Park Tennis Center for the first time since 2019. You'll see talented players from the men's and women’s circuit compete for valuable tour points and prestigious trophies, including Rafael Nadal (his first time at the tournament), Coco Gauff and Nick Kyrgios. Visit the event’s website for updates, ticket information and scheduling.
Rock Creek Park Tennis Center, 4850 Colorado Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20011
Victura Park at The REACH
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts' grand expansion, The REACH, hosts this outdoor pop-up wine garden and cafe from Thursday through Sunday every week. The Hilton Brothers and Chef Erik Bruner-Yang have collaborated on this winery-inspired setting, which offers charcuterie boards and light snacks, as well as beer, wine, adult seltzers and other beverages. Check out the full menu. Note that guests are required to maintain social distance and wear a mask when not sitting down. No more than 10 guests are allowed inside the Pavilion for ordering and payment. You can read about the health precautions before attending.
Thursday & Friday: 4-9 p.m. | Saturday & Sunday: 12-9 p.m.
The REACH at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Saturday
Check out the reopened Smithsonian Castle
This gateway to history has reopened its doors. While the Victorian arches and dark woodwork of the Castle suggest a bygone era, it now holds a thoroughly modern visitors center with interactive 3-D maps pinpointing and detailing the 17 DC-area Smithsonian Institution properties, including museums, galleries and the National Zoological Park. Visit the Castle’s webpage for more information regarding its reopening.
Open daily, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free admission
Smithsonian Castle, 1000 Jefferson Drive SW, Washington, DC 20560
Enter the National Museum of Women in the Arts for free
One of DC’s most fascinating museums will undergo a renovation beginning this Sunday. Before its doors close, the National Museum of Women in the Arts is offering free admission. Marvel at the museum’s wondrous collection of art by women. Note that the gift shop and library are currently closed to the public. The museum will still offer virtual programming during its renovation.
Plan your visit
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
Experience The Capital Wheel
Soar 180 feet in the air on the area’s only observation wheel, which spins right on the National Harbor’s majestic waterfront. The Capital Wheel features 42 climate-controlled gondola cars that seat up to eight and circle every day and night of the year, providing stunning views of Alexandria, Va., DC’s monuments and the Potomac River. Sunset rides are particularly scenic. Use code VISITDC for a 10% discount on tickets through Dec. 31.
Monday – Thursday, 4-8 p.m. | Friday – Sunday, 12-8 p.m. | Tickets
The Capital Wheel at National Harbor, 141 American Way, National Harbor, MD 20745
Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons
Pop royalty comes to The Anthem this Saturday, marking the venue’s exciting reopening. Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons rose from blue-collar backgrounds to become one of the greatest pop music groups ever. Their story is so epic that it was turned into a smash hit Broadway play, Jersey Boys. Expect Valli and the group to play all of their classics during a vibrant set.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Sunday
SAAM Arcade 2021
This beloved gaming-focused celebration returns virtually for 2021 with a theme of “Building Community, Embracing Individuality”. A week-long game jam begins today (Aug. 2), in which users can build their own video and tabletop game. On Sunday, all games created during the jam will be available for discovery and enjoyment. Participation in SAAM Arcade 2021 is free of charge!
More info
Renewal 2121
After the COVID-19 pandemic and rising concerns over climate change, this installation at ARTECHOUSE transports you 100 years into the future. You’ll be immersed in an industrial city where nature is combating the onslaught of an overreaching metropolis, a stark warning if mankind continues at its current pace. Hope is found through cherry blossoms peeking through neon lights, showing the way for those ready to take action. Renewal 2121, which is open through Sept. 6, is an original ARTECHOUSE production and was inspired by DC’s illustrious cherry blossom season. Use the 'Tickets' link below for a special 10% discount.
Monday – Thursday: 12-8 p.m. | Friday – Sunday: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. | Tickets
Safety guidelines
ARTECHOUSE, 1238 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024
Georgetown GLOW: Summer Edition
After the 2020 edition was postponed due to the COVID-19 crisis, Georgetown GLOW has returned with a two-part series of outdoor installations, with the second lighting up the neighborhood through Sept. 26. The region’s only free, curated, outdoor public light experience will be open to all both day and night, and you can read up on the artists and installations on Georgetown GLOW’s official website.
#MyDCcool Photo of the Week
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