The 23 best things to do in D.C. this weekend and next week

July 27, 2024

Saturday, July 20

‘The Cookout: A Celebration of Black Improv’ at Studio Theatre

Eight D.C. improv groups (plus two from Baltimore) are putting on two sets of performances interrupted, from 6 to 7 p.m., by a “cookout-style” dinner with jerk chicken, mac and cheese, hush puppies and peach cobbler. Celebrate the local Black improv community at Washington Improv Theater’s largest gathering of Black performers in its 26-year history. 5 p.m. $15 for the 5 p.m. performance; $20 for the 7 p.m. performance; $45 for dinner and the shows.

Colombian Festival at Catholic University

The annual Colombian Festival at Catholic University falls on Colombia’s independence day this year, making the day extra festive for the thousands of revelers who come out for the celebrations. There’s live music all day, including salsa, cumbia, reggaeton and rock, as well as traditional folk music and dancing, vendors, food and drink. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. $20-$25; free for children under 12.

The D.C. Crit at Lost Generation

The D.C. Crit isn’t just another road race: Runners traverse a half-mile loop course on streets around Eckington and the Metropolitan Branch Trail, with hairpin turns and spectators right on top of the participants. The afternoon of fun includes community and elite 5K races, a mixed 4x800 relay, and an 800-meter dash for kids, all while the Lost Generation brewery keeps the beer flowing and food trucks serve snacks. 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Free for spectators; race registration $42 for adults, $22 for children.

Summer Matsuri at Japan Information and Culture Center

Summer in Japan is a time for festivals, or matsuri, and its embassy’s Japan Information and Culture Center is channeling that spirit with a Saturday open house. Learn about yukata (a summer kimono) and how to wear one, watch a traditional Japanese paper theater performance, and play with Japanese toys and games. Note that separate (free) registration is required for yukata activities and suikawari, a Japanese game that involves smashing a watermelon similar to a piñata. Adult spots are full for the latter, but spaces are still available for children. 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Free; registration required for some activities.

‘Brat’ drag show at Kiki

With “brat summer” well underway, it’s no surprise that Kiki’s last slime-green-hued drag show sold out. Luckily, Charli XCX fans have another chance to catch local queens dancing to “club classics” and “360” at the Shaw LGBTQ+ bar. 8 to 10 p.m. $15.

‘Hamilton’ sing-along at Penn Social

Fans of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hit 2015 musical have two ways to participate in “Hamiltunes DC: Summer in the City” — take a shot at playing a Founding Father and let the audience be your ensemble, or hang back and sing along from your seat. 6:30 p.m. $20-$25.

Smol Beer and Seltzer Fest at Saints Row Brewing

If you like your craft beers and seltzers on the lighter side — say, below 5 percent alcohol by volume — you’ll want to take notice of Saints Row’s Smol Beer and Seltzer Festival. The Gaithersburg brewery invited friends including Crooked Crab, Elder Pine, Waredaca and Silver Branch to serve beers indoors and out while Soultet and 1990s cover band Holding a Grunge perform. Food truck options include Black Hog BBQ, El Jefe pizza and Pop-Up Poutine, and “pool party games” are set up outside. Noon to 9 p.m. Free.

Belgian National Day at Granville Moore’s

Granville Moore’s has been satisfying H Street’s cravings for the oh-so-Belgian combo of mussels, frites and beer since 2007, and it’s getting an early start on its National Day celebrations Saturday night with free beer samples, food and beer specials. Celebrations continue Sunday. 5 to 9 p.m. Free; reservations accepted but not required.

Moon Day at Union Pub

Did you know that the United Nations has designated July 20 as Moon Day, an annual celebration that falls on the day the Apollo 11 astronauts landed on the moon? Mark the anniversary at Capitol Hill’s Union Pub, where NASA scientists Valerie Connaughton, Marie Henderson and Garth Henning discuss the past and future of the space program. Food and drink specials include “meteorite shots” and “Houston, We Have Some Mini-Dogs.” 6 to 8 p.m. Free.

Christmas in July at Shakers

Need a break from thinking about the oppressively hot weather? How about sipping “not so hot” chocolate and singing along to “All I Want for Christmas Is You”? The Christmas in July party at Shakers is your reminder that the heat can’t last forever — it can’t, right? — with $5 rail drinks, $7 chocolate cocktails and DJ Stylzz spinning holiday hits all night. 10 p.m. Free.

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7uK3SoaCnn6Sku7G70q1lnKedZLGkecydZK%2BZX2d9c4COaW5oaWhkr6a%2F02aroaGenMBuwM5mm6hllJh8