Our end-of-the-week picks for Sept. 5-7, 2025
We've gathered up some fun things to do in DC this weekend. You can also read what else is going on during the week and throughout the month.
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Friday
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
The Harry Potter franchise continues to offer spellbinding entertainment. The record-breaking play that won six Tony Awards, including Best Play, comes to The National Theatre. Harry’s son, Albus, befriends Draco Malfoy’s son, leading to a riveting adventure that can alter the past and future.
Tickets
The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
PARADE – Final Weekend
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts stages the 2023 Tony Award® winner for Best Musical Revival. PARADE focuses on Leo and Lucille Frank, a recently married Jewish couple who are struggling to adjust to life in Georgia. Leo is then accused of a heinous crime, leading to a rigorous test of justice, devotion and humanity.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Frankie Cosmos
The lead singer, guitarist and songwriter of Frankie Cosmos is Greta Kline, daughter of actors Phoebe Cates and Kevin Kline. She’s carved out her own distinct career with a series of albums that have established an unmistakable sound and approach: short, rhythm-driven tracks dressed in Kline’s gorgeous voice and introspective lyrics. Black Cat hosts the Cosmos for one night only.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Black Cat, 1811 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Saturday
DC Bike Ride
If you’re looking for fun activities in the District this fall, you’ve found a gem with DC Bike Ride. With a family-friendly course, the event is one of the biggest celebrations of cycling in DC and offers a unique experience to its participants, winding riders through city streets and by monuments and memorials. The 20-mile excursion welcomes riders over the age of three and includes a Finish Festival with food, music and fun activities.
DC State Fair
Enjoy a free showcase of the District’s agricultural, culinary and creative talents with a daylong celebration of all things homegrown. Inspired by time-honored state fair traditions, growing and gardening, contests and delicious foods, the DC State Fair honors what makes the nation's capital one of a kind. Some past activities have included: competitions for best photographer, best mumbo sauce, the most creative use of space in a micro-garden, slime for kids and much, much more.
The Wharf
Women in Sports
The Wharf hosts a free and family-friendly day of recognition of today’s female athletes. The next generation can also learn how to get in the game with some of DC’s leading tennis organizations. You can enter to win a pair of tickets to the 2025 U.S. Open and there will also be live music and ice-cold samples of Heineken for those 21 and over.
3-8 p.m. | Free Admission
Transit Pier at The Wharf, 970 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
The Lumineers
Fresh off the success of their fifth LP, Automatic, folk-rock stars The Lumineers visit Nationals Park for a Saturday night show in one of the coolest concert settings in the District. Vance Joy and Chance Peña serve as special guest stars. The event is rain or shine.
6:30 p.m. | Tickets
Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Pulp
One of England’s most adored rock bands comes to The Anthem in celebration of the release of their eighth LP. Pulp, led by the imitable Jarvis Cocker, formed in 1978, but did not achieve massive success until the mid-1990s. Since then, the ever-changing and evolving group have released some of the most critically acclaimed music of the era.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Sunday
CultureFest Block Party
From the Plaza Stage at Nationals Park comes an awesome end-of-summer party that will feature soca, reggae and Afrobeat music. Performers will include Lyrikal, Charly Black, Ricky Platinum, Freshy K, DJ Showtime and many more. The event offers VIP ticket options, a food court and several bars as well.
5 p.m. | Tickets
Plaza Stage at Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
American Landscapes in Watercolor from the Corcoran Collection
The National Gallery of Art’s new exhibit of stunning watercolors allows you to travel from the Washington Monument to Yosemite National Park and back to the waters of New England. Experience how artists took a format meant for mapping and landscaping and elevated it to transcendence.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565
Play On!
Does a musical based on Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night set to the music of Duke Ellington sound like a good time to you? Us too. Signature Theatre’s latest production follows Vy, who discovers that the doors of opportunity in 1930s Harlem are closed to her. She then disguises herself as a man to sing her songs for the Duke himself. A tale packed with intrigue, mistaken identity and incredible jazz tunes ensues.
Tickets
Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
Places to Stay
Need some inspiration for a place to stay in between events? Washington, DC is filled with a multitude of hotels to fit your needs. Whether you are looking for that specialty boutique hotel or booking at your favorite hotel brand, Washington, DC's booking engine has it all. Find your stay today!
Do you know where you’ll be dining pre- or post-event? From pop-up restaurants to award-winning hot spots to laid-back food halls, our DC food guide is perfect for helping you plan a more memorable experience.
