WASHINGTON — Enjoy the very last summer days and ring in fall with a few exciting weekend events across the DMV!
Every week, WUSA9 is giving you the details on at least nine local activities to check out in your off time. We'll give you three ideas (and, sometimes, a bonus item or two) every week each in D.C., Maryland and Virginia. Have any more events you think your neighbors should know about? Email the time, place and description to bashford1@wusa9.com.
DC
- Friday, Sept. 16 and Sunday, Sept. 17 at 7:30 p.m.
- 1523 22nd St NW, Washington, DC 20037
- Admission: $20
- Organizer: Local Comedian Eddie Liles (Editor's Note: Our friends at WUSA9's Open Mic have participated in this festival previously)
Organizers say that the D.C. Comedy Festival is set to bring out a diverse line-up of comedians from across the country. Get your laughs out at the final days of the fest this weekend!
"From open mics and dinners to showcases, headliners and brunch, the festival is guaranteed to bring out not only the talent but the laughs to everyone who attends," organizers said.
- Saturday, Sept. 17 at 12 p.m.; open daily from noon to midnight
- Address: States Gallery, 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC 20566
- Admission: Free
- Organizer: The Kennedy Center
"Join us this fall to experience an immersive new permanent exhibit on President John F. Kennedy, his connection to the arts, and the national cultural center that would bear his name," The Kennedy Center shared about its newest addition, the JFK Gallery.
The exhibit is divided into four areas: Art and Democracy, Art and Social Change, Art and the White House, as well as Art and Culture, all of which explore the themes of Kennedy’s presidency through photographs, video, and artifacts, organizers say. Visitors will also find multiple unique interactive features.
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- Saturday, Sept. 17 and Sunday, Sept. 18, daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Address: District Square at The Wharf, 1 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024
- Admission: Free
- Organizer: The Mayor's Office of Latino Affairs and U.S. Embassy of Guatemala
Experience Guatemala without leaving the District this weekend at the Wharf! Right off the water, locals and visitors alike can hang out near the pier and learn about Guatemalan culture and taste authentic Guatemalan foods, according to organizers.
MARYLAND
- Saturday, Sept. 17 and Sunday, Sept.18, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Montgomery County Agricultural Fairgrounds, 501 Perry Parkway Gaithersburg, MD 20877
- Admission: Tickets are $20 for adults, $8 for Kids. Ages 5 and under are free. Tickets at the Gate are higher; $30 for adults and $15 for Kids. Balloon Rides are an additional $25 per person.
- Organizer: Hot Air Balloon Management, Inc
A festival in Gaithersburg could have you soaring this weekend.
"See incredible Hot Air Balloons, check that bucket list and get a ride on an actual Hot Air Balloon!" organizers tout, sharing that they'll have kids' zones, live music games and rides, bounce houses, rock walls and more.
The nightly grand finale after dark will feature a hot air balloon glow and laser show, where the balloons will light up in unison.
- Friday, Sept. 16 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 17 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m, Sunday, Sept. 18 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- 1450 Generals Highway, Crownsville, MD 21032
- Admission: age 10 and over $10, age 9 and under free
- Organizer: Nonprofit Anne Arundel County Fair Inc.
"Both young and old alike will enjoy daily entertainment, contests, shows, demonstrations, displays, foods and goods offered by a variety of fair vendors," organizers share about this festive fair event.
"Come along and admire the photography, artwork, crafts, baked goods, honey, jams, jellies, pickles, relishes, summer vegetables and more!" they said, also highlighting the amusement rides, games, live music and other fair food that will be at the event.
- Sunday, Sept. 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Address: 620 Ridgely Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21401
- Admission: Charitable donation of $1 for admission will be accepted
- Organizer: Order Sons & Daughters of Italy in America
"Mangia! Come Hungry!" the event description reads, inviting enthusiasts near and far to enjoy the Italian delights of calamari, meatball, pizza, porchetta and more. Guests can also take part in face painting or shopping around with Italian artisan vendors.
VIRGINIA
- Saturday, Sept. 17 and Sunday, Sept. 18, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Address: 300 John Carlyle St. in Alexandria, VA
- Admission: Free
- Organizers: Howard Alan Events and American Craft Endeavors
Art enthusiasts might feel right at home at this festival lining Alexandria streets this weekend.
"The 20th Annual Alexandria Old Town Art Festival is heading back to John Carlyle Square in 2022!" organizers announced.
"Alexandria is recognized as one of the country's premier artistic hubs. All artwork is juried, which provides a higher level of quality, diversity and creativity of art on display, exemplifying the gifted artists in regions from all over the country."
- Saturday, Sept. 17 and Sunday, Sept. 18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m
- Address: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway Mount Vernon, Virginia 22121
- Admission: Free
- Organizer: Mount Vernon
Check out this unique market at Mount Vernon and step back in time. Visitors will experience food and wares by colonial artisans, theatrical entertainment, live music, and demonstrations – all included in the regular price of admission, Mount Vernon details.
- Saturday, Sept. 17 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Address: South Madison St. and Federal St., Middleburg, 20117
- Admission: Free
- Organizer: Town of Middleburg
It's that time of year again! Middleburg is throwing their Oktoberfest bash, featuring two German biergartens, German-inspired food, a stein holding contest, a local artist showcase, live music, interactive activities for children and more.
Plus, if you're looking to break out a new outfit, this might be the time to shine. "Traditional Bavarian attire is encouraged, but not required," organizers say.
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