The second half of July has arrived with the kind of summer week that reminds you why this season always seems to fly by.
Hereâs what to get into this week:
EDITORâS PICKS
đ° Smithsonian Dreams: Castle Illuminations (7/17 - 7/18)
Watch the Smithsonian Castle become a canvas for âSmithsonian Dreams,â a free, 20-minute nighttime projection show by artist Refik Anadol that transforms millions of Smithsonian images and artifacts into an immersive, AI-powered light show celebrating Americaâs 250th anniversary. Food and drinks will be available for purchase at the neighboring Arts and Industries Building (show starts at 9p, free)
đ„ Go-Go Meets Afro Beats Festival (Saturday)
DCâs homegrown sound meets Afrobeats during this free music festival celebrating two rhythm-driven musical traditions (Anthem Row, 4p - 9p)
đȘ· Lotus & Water Lily Festival at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens (7/18 - 7/19)
One of DCâs most beautiful summer traditions returns as Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens bursts into bloom with cultural performances, guided tours, family-friendly activities, and stunning lotus and water lilies at their seasonal peak (10a - 8p, free)
đ Rich Grillz DC Grand Opening (Sunday)
Rich Grillz expands to the District this weekend with the opening of its new studio at Black + Forth, celebrating with music, champagne, and community vibes (12p - 5p, free)
ACTIVITIES + EXPERIENCES
7/15 - 7/19
Lake Arbor Jazz Festival
Celebrate smooth jazz with four days of live performances from acclaimed artists, plus brunches, workshops, after-parties, and special events hosted across MGM National Harbor, Newton White Mansion, Wellspring Manor & Spa, and other venues throughout Prince Georgeâs County (event tickets $40+)
THURSDAY
Summer Evening Hours at the Garden - US Botanic Garden | 5p - 8p, free
Will have live music and mocktails, snacks, & ice cream available for purchaseLive! at the Library Outdoor Screening of âRockyâ - Library of Congress | 8p - 10p, free
FRIDAY
Concerts in the Courtyard at Nat Geoâs Museum of Exploration | 6p, $20
Live music series with access to the exhibits and drinks available for purchaseWok & Roll Nightclub Grand Opening in DuPont Circle - 10p - 3a, free
The Chinatown karaoke bar and restaurant has expanded to the former location of The Big Hunt
Takoma After Dark Night Market - The Streetery on Laurel Avenue in Takoma Park, MD | 5p - 9p, free
Sips of Summer - Mortons the Steakhouse | 6:30p, $100+
âGreat American Road Tripâ themed 4-coure dinner with drink pairingsGarden Party at the Embassy of France - 7p - 10p, $120+
Ticket includes a wine open bar & buffet, will have live music, historic cars on display, & more
DTSS Outdoor Movie Screening of âLilo & Stitchâ - Downtown Silver Spring in MD | 8:30p - 11p, free
Happy Hour on the Plaza: 80âs Explosion - The Parks at Walter Reed | 5:30p - 7:30p, free
Films at the Stone Outdoor Screening of âWicked: For Goodâ - MLK Memorial | 8p, free
SATURDAY
Taste of the South - The Anthem | 8p, $400
Experience the flavors of 13 Southern states at Taste of the South, where regional cuisine, live music, dancing, and Southern hospitality come together for one of DCâs signature summer galasLibraryFest - Central Library in Arlington, VA | 10a - 7p, free
Will have live music, crafts, food trucks, & moreGoombay Adventures: Black Men Hike, Grill, & Chill - Patuxent River Park - Jug Bay Natural Area in Upper Marlboro, MD | 10a - 3p, $40
A Tuftân Good Time: Game Night - Tuftân Up Studio & Social in Hyattsville, MD | 7p - 10p, free with RSVP
Stars, Stripes, and Stadiums: Americaâs 250th & FIFA 2026 - Smithsonian National Museum of African Art | 3p - 10p, free
Will have a popup library, a panel discussion, live music, artmaking, & moreImmersive Weighted Pilates Sculpt Class & Wellness Party - Hamilton Hotel | 11:30a - 3p, $53
Punch & Pints - Aslin Beer Company | 11a - 12p, $18
Boxing class followed by a beer social
SUNDAY
MUZE MRKT - Dock5 | 12p - 5p, free
GROUNDED: A Menâs Wellness Experience - The Mark Manhattan Laundry | 10:30a - 1:30p, $60
Will have a yoga session, soundbath, & a fireside chat about mental health & community
PARTIES + MIXERS
FRIDAY
Late Checkout - WILD DAYS | 9p - 2a, free
ACT XXIV: A PARTY IN THE DISTRICT WITH FAREZONE - STFU | 10p - 3a, free before 11p with RSVP
SATURDAY
THE9AMBANGER PRESENTS: RNB at 9AM - Howard Theatre | 9a - 3p, $40
Tequila sunrise open bar until 11aGreen Room: A Matcha Social & Day Party - Llamabar | 11a - 5p, free with RSVP
Dinner Party at Lagos District - 8p - 3a, free
Feels on Saturdays - Lydia in DuPont | 10p - 3a, free
The Whine Up - Culture | 4p - 9p, $25+
Where Tall People Meet All White Party - Air Restaurant | 5p - 10p, free
One Caribbean Festival - Strand | 10p - 3a, $20+
FĂȘte En AprĂšme: Soccer Jersey Edition - ONYX Rooftop | 4p - 9p, $36
SUNDAY
The South Takes Over DC: Gold Teeth + Gumbo - Rosebar | 4p - 10p, free before 6p with RSVP
Send Nudes Brunch & Day Party - GAIA | 12p - 7p, free with RSVP
Nude & neutral tones recommended for attireACT XXIV: SHHH...ITâS AN R&B PARTY - STFU | 4p - 9p, free before 5p with RSVP
LGBTQIA+-friendlyR&B on the Water - HQO Events | 6p - 12a, $50+
Any Given Sunday Part II - Shanklin Hall | 4p - 9p, free
CONCERTS + SHOWS
TUESDAY
India Shawn - Pearl Street Warehouse | 8p, $34+
WEDNESDAY
Buju Banton & Stephen Marley - Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, VA | 7p, $55+
THURSDAY
Lyfe Jennings - The Birchmere in Alexandria, VA | 7:30p, $92
FRIDAY
Trina - Bethesda Theater in MD | 8:30p, $100+
Ne-Yo & Akon - Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, VA | 8p, $35+
SATURDAY
T.I. - The Fillmore in Silver Spring, MD | 8p, $80+
Alice Smith - Lincoln Theatre | 8p, $64+
The Thank Me Later Comedy Show - Lost Origins Gallery | 8p - 10p, $23
Finesse2Tymes - Chateau Lounge | 10p - 3a, $36
SUNDAY
Lauryn Hill: Acoustic - Pier Six Pavilion in Baltimore, MD | 7p, $74+
Phone-free concert, attendees will be given locked pouches to place their devices inSoul Oasis - Wangari Gardens | 4p - 6p, free
Live music by a Black queer-led music collective