Top 9+ things to do this weekend in the DMV
- 1. Lotus & Water Lily Festival
- 2. Momentum Park(our) – Parkour at National Building Museum
- 3. Lake Arbor Jazz Festival
- 4. Mubadala Citi DC Open Tennis Tournament
- 5. Purcellville Wine & Food Festival
- 6. Shipgarten Family Fun Day
- 7. “Weird Al” Yankovic at Wolf Trap
- 8. Sesame Street: The Musical
- 9. Duel Reality – Shakespeare Meets Acrobatics
9 things to do this weekend in the DMV
Looking for something fun to do this weekend in the DMV? From live music and wine festivals to parkour adventures and family-friendly shows, there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of your time off. Whether you're in D.C., Maryland, or Virginia, here are 9 events happening July 18 through 20 that are worth checking out.
1. Lotus & Water Lily Festival
When/Where: Fri–Sun, July 18–20, 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, NE DC
Cost: Free
Why Go: Stroll among peak-bloom lotus and lilies, enjoy kid-friendly yoga, forest bathing, crafts, global music/dance performances, and a scavenger hunt. A serene and scenic escape in the city. More information here.
2. Momentum Park(our) – Parkour at National Building Museum
When/Where: Through Sun, July 20, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., National Building Museum, 401 F St NW
Cost: $5–$15
Why Go: Climb, vault, swing through foam-filled urban-style obstacle courses suitable for all ages and athletic levels. It's a playful way to cool off indoors. More information here.
3. Lake Arbor Jazz Festival
When/Where: Fri & Sat, July 18–19, 12 p.m.–4 p.m., Spirit Park, National Harbor, MD
Cost: Free
Why Go: Outdoor afternoons filled with live jazz by regional artists in a scenic harbor setting. It's perfect for families and music lovers alike. More information here.
4. Mubadala Citi DC Open Tennis Tournament
When/Where: Sat–Sun, July 19–20, Rock Creek Park Tennis Center, DC
Cost: Ticket prices vary by session
Why Go: This weekend marks the qualifying rounds for the Mubadala Citi DC Open. It's your chance to catch up-and-coming tennis talent before the big names hit the court. The main draw begin next week, with stars like Venus Williams, Frances Tiafoe, Madison Keys, and Taylor Fritz expected to compete. Great for sports fans looking to get in early on the action. More information here.
5. Purcellville Wine & Food Festival
When/Where: Sat, July 19, 2–8 p.m., Fireman’s Field Park (Dillon’s Woods), Purcellville, VA
Cost: General admission $5 in advance; drink tickets $5; kids 16 & under free
Why Go: Sample Virginia wines, craft beers, food trucks, live music, and artisan vendors in a charming small-town setting—a fun day trip. More information here.
6. Shipgarten Family Fun Day
When/Where: Sun, July 20, noon–6 p.m., Shipgarten (Tysons, VA)
Cost: Free
Why Go: A family fest featuring a petting zoo, bounce houses, playground, magic show, and live music—all while parents enjoy food and drinks in the outdoor beer garden. More information here.
7. “Weird Al” Yankovic at Wolf Trap
When/Where: Sun, July 20, 8 p.m., Filene Center at Wolf Trap, Vienna, VA
Cost: Tickets start at $61, but appear to be sold out. Available for resale on stubhub and SeatGeek.
Why Go: Enjoy an evening of comedic parody classics performed live by the legend himself. Lawn seats or resales—great nostalgia-fueled summer fun. More information here.
8. Sesame Street: The Musical
When/Where: Now through August 31, multiple shows daily at Kennedy Center, DC
Cost: Tickets available at various pricing
Why Go: Elmo, Cookie Monster, and friends take the stage in a colorful, indoor production perfect for families looking to stay cool. More information here.
9. Duel Reality – Shakespeare Meets Acrobatics
When/Where: Through July 20, Shakespeare Theatre Company (Harman Hall), DC
Cost: Tickets start around $35
Why Go: What happens when "Romeo and Juliet" meets Cirque-style acrobatics? "Duel Reality" reimagines Shakespeare’s classic tale as a high-energy competition between two rival teams, using aerial straps, flips, pole-climbing, and physical theater. It’s the final weekend to catch this visually stunning, all-ages show at Harman Hall. It's a perfect pick if you want something bold, modern, and totally unexpected. More information here.
Whether you're planning a day trip, a family outing, or just looking for something new to do, these 9 events happening July 18–20 offer some of the best ways to experience the D.C. area this weekend. From free outdoor festivals and live jazz in Maryland to food and wine in Virginia and family-friendly shows in the heart of Washington, D.C., there's something for everyone. Bookmark this list and check back each week for more things to do in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.
