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[title]It's been a scorching summer in the nation's capital, with temperatures soaring into the 90s. Although the Smithsonian debunked the idea that D.C. is built on a swamp, it certainly feels like it right now. Despite the heat, these are some of the best months in Washington, D.C. There's nothing quite like grabbing soft-serve from a food truck, enjoying a leisurely lunch at a D.C. restaurant, zipping around on a Citibike, or relaxing by the water. As you wind down this week, enjoy peak summer at the best things to do in Washington, D.C., this weekend—activities to make your weekend cooler than the summer heat.
RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Washington, D.C.
Top Washington, D.C. events this weekend, July 26–28
ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
Woolly Mammoth Theatre
Fri at 8pm; Sat at 7pm, 9pm
Named the number one comedy show of the year by The Guardian after a sold-out, four-week run at London’s Soho Theatre, ha ha ha ha ha ha (yes, seven ha's) is coming to D.C. at the Woolly Mammoth Theatre. Grab your tickets and get ready to laugh as Julia Masli, the “award-winning clown from Estonia,” makes her debut.
Back to the Future: The Musical
Kennedy Center
Fri–Sun at various times
Directed by Tony Award winner John Rando, the award-winning Broadway show features hit songs from the beloved classic, including "The Power of Love." If you're making a last-minute decision, a limited number of $39 rush tickets will be available at the Kennedy Center box office on the day of each performance. Buy tickets
Broccoli City Festival
Audi Field
Sat, Sun at 1pm
D.C.'s biggest summer festival is here! Broccoli City Festival returns to Audi Field in Navy Yard with an amazing lineup, including headliners Megan Thee Stallion, Gunna, Concrete Family, and Kaytranada. Hosted by comedians Desi Banks and Funny Marco, with an intro by Issa Rae, the festival will feature vendors, community events, and art installations celebrating culture and community all weekend long. Buy tickets
Mubadala Citi DC Open
Fitzgerald Tennis Center
Sat, Sun at various times
The District’s signature professional tennis tournament returns to the Rock Creek Park Tennis Center. Co-founded by Arthur Ashe, the Mubadala Citi DC Open is one of the oldest and most prestigious tournaments in tennis. The weekend will host top-tier talent from around the globe, including former World No. 10 and DMV native Frances Tiafoe, as well as 2023 US Open semi-finalist and recent U.S. Men's Clay Court Championships winner World No. 14 Ben Shelton. Don’t miss the action. Buy tickets
Happy Hour at El Presidente
Fri 3–6pm
In D.C., political news means stylish celebrations. At El Presidente, the Wolf Blitzer Spitzer cocktail, named after the CNN correspondent, is a perfect example. On Friday, head to this Mexican restaurant in NOMA for $10 snacks and cocktails. See if the spritzer with Aperol, mezcal, lemon, and cava is available, and get excited for all the other happy hour drinks and festivities this election season will surely bring.
See the Corpse Flowers bloom at the Botanic Gardens
Fri–Sun 10am–5pm
The Corpse Flowers at the U.S. Botanic Gardens are blooming! For those following along on Instagram, now is your chance to swing by, catch a whiff of their infamous stench, and see the massive flowers that can grow over eight feet tall. While you're there, explore the rest of the incredible gardens too.
"Multiplicity: Blackness in Contemporary American Collage"
The Phillips Collection
Fri–Sun 10am–5pm
The first large-scale exhibition dedicated to exploring collages by contemporary Black American artists is now at the Phillips Collection. This vibrant and colorful exhibit features pieces by 49 artists, including Derek Fordjour, Mark Bradford, Kerry James Marshall and Kara Walker. Spanning three floors in two buildings, it's an amazing display.
Gordon Parks at the National Gallery of Art
Daily 10am–5pm
New York photographer Gordon Parks was a Renaissance artist whose photos of everyday Black American life immortalized scenes from the early 20th century. Starting this week, you can view about 25 of his exceptional works in a free exhibition at the National Gallery of Art.
“ha ha ha ha ha ha ha” at Woolly Mammoth Theatre
Named the number one comedy show of the year by The Guardian, after a sold-out, four-week run at London’s Soho Theatre, "ha ha ha ha ha ha" (yes, seven ha's) is coming to DC at the Woolly Mammoth Theatre. Grab your tickets and get ready to laugh as Julia Masli, the “award-winning clown from Estonia,” makes her debut.
Pixar Putt at The Wharf
Fri, Sat at 7pm
Get ready to kick some serious putt! The Wharf is hosting a Pixar-themed mini-golf pop-up for a limited time. Open daily, this outdoor course features 18 interactive putt-putt holes inspired by Pixar's beloved films, including Toy Story, Inside Out, Cars, and Monsters Inc. On Fridays and Saturdays, once the sun goes down, the course transforms into Pixar Putt After Dark, with tee times after 7pm reserved for golfers 18 and older. While reserving tickets is strongly encouraged, walk-ups are also welcome.
Summer Evenings at Glenstone
Fri, Sat 5pm
Glenstone, the contemporary art museum in Potomac, stays open late until 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays for Summer Evenings at Glenstone. It's a perfect chance to grab tickets (they’re free) and check out their "Iconoclasts: Selections from Glenstone’s Collection" exhibit, featuring works by over 50 artists who have made some of the most radical contributions to 20th-century art. Besides the art, you can enjoy guided outdoor walks, savor snacks, wine, and local beer at the Café and Patio, and catch live music performances on the Patio every second Saturday of the month from 5 to 7:30pm.
Visit a farmers' market
Eastern Market
Fri, Sat 8am–6pm; Sun 9am–5pm
Nothing says summer like a farmer’s market, and luckily, D.C. has plenty, from Dupont to Columbia Heights. Our favorite is Eastern Market, open Tuesday through Sunday. Stroll through rows of stalls with your tote bag, picking up fresh foods from local vendors, pastas, baked goods, and art from local artists at the Flea Market. Don’t miss the golden pancakes at The Market Lunch down the street, a Washington D.C. institution that's been serving the neighborhood since 1978. It's a recipe for a perfect day.