A Local’s Guide to the Coolest Things Happening in DC in August

August in DC means you’re either sweating through your shirt or chasing down the next great event—sometimes both. Forget tourist traps. This is the real DC: open-air concerts, late-night food trucks, neighborhood festivals, and art shows locals actually talk about. If you want a summer worth remembering, these are the experiences and places you won’t want to miss.

David Levithan & Jens Lekman: Songs for Other People's Weddings

What happens when a bestselling author and a Swedish indie-pop artist sync their hearts and talents? You get a novel with a soundtrack. David Levithan reads from his latest book while Jens Lekman's custom-written wedding tunes bring it to life. Free, first-come seating on August 7 at 7 PM at Politics and Prose.

17th Annual UkeFest at Strathmore

Show up at Strathmore from August 9 to 13 for five days of pure ukulele energy. Whether you’re a total beginner or already obsessed, UkeFest offers classes, jam sessions, and a big showcase. Registration is $535. It’s the only event in the country with an advanced track—serious talent and plenty of fun.

Carmen at Wolf Trap

You don't have to speak a word of French to feel every spark of drama in Bizet's Carmen. This fiery opera storms the stage August 15 with passion, betrayal, and two of the most famous arias in history. The pre-show talk starts at 7 PM; gates open at 6:30, and tickets are from $39. It's drama guaranteed.

Scott McGill & Susannah Wright—The Aeneid at Union Market

Rome wasn't built in a day, but this literary powerhouse might convince you it was written with fire. Join professors McGill and Wright on August 19 at 7 PM for a free discussion on their bold, contemporary translation of Virgil's epic. Arrive early—seating is first come, first served, and this one's sure to draw classics fans.

Parade at The Kennedy Center

Parade lands at The Kennedy Center from August 19 to September 7, and it’s the kind of musical that grabs you and doesn’t let go. Leo and Lucille Frank’s story is tough, moving, and true. Michael Arden directs. Ticket prices run $49 to $159. If you’re after real drama, this is the one to see.

State Fairs: Growing American Craft at the Renwick Gallery

This sprawling exhibit (opening August 22) redefines state fairs through 240 creative works, including butter cows and giant boots. It is open daily and has free admission. And yes, you'll spot a 700-jar pyramid of canned produce. See how artists from all 50 states shaped the fairground's role in American craft.

DC Jazz Festival at The Wharf & The Anthem

Jazz takes over DC August 27–31 with a lineup that hits hard: Branford Marsalis, the legendary Ron Carter, and the 101-year-old Sun Ra Arkestra. Local stars like The String Queens hold their own too. Concerts span The Wharf and The Anthem.

Afro Plus Fest at RFK Festival Grounds

Asake’s set is the talk of Afro Plus Fest, but there’s plenty more—Gunna, Machel Montano, and rhythms from every corner of the African diaspora. Bring the kids (under two get in free), come hungry for sound, and grab your spot when gates open at 1 PM on August 31. Pick your pass: GA or Gold VIP.

Soccer Season in DC: Washington Spirit vs. Chicago Stars at Audi Field

Catch the electric energy of pro women's soccer as the Washington Spirit take on Chicago Stars FC at Audi Field on August 31. Kickoff's at 4 PM. Spirit's lineup includes some of the country's finest players, and whether you're new or hardcore, the atmosphere is unmatched. Again, the racing mascots are wild.

Washington Nationals Baseball: 20th Anniversary Season at National Park

The Nationals hit the 20-year mark in DC, and Nationals Park is throwing a season-long party. All August, expect packed crowds, themed nights, and those famous racing presidents circling the field. Whether you love home runs or come for the snacks, this is classic summer baseball—and it’s the one locals keep coming back for.

Five New Galleries at National Air and Space Museum

After major renovations, five dazzling galleries are back, with icons like the Apollo Lunar Module 2 and John Glenn's capsule on display again. There's even a touchable moon rock. Entry is free, but timed passes are required. Open daily from 10 to 5. And yes, the Spirit of St. Louis made the cut.

American Landscapes in Watercolor from the Corcoran Collection

Watercolor takes center stage at the National Gallery of Art, where American landscapes feel almost sunlit on the walls. See sweeping views from Yosemite to New England, all on display through February 1, 2026. Admission is free, and the gallery is open every day. These paintings once charted land, but now they capture something more—how it felt to be there.

EventsDC Summer Movie Series

EventsDC's free series returns August 7, 13, and 19 with screenings at DC Armory, Carnegie Library Lawn, and The Wharf, respectively. Highlights include Moana 2 and Mufasa: The Lion King. Bring a blanket, claim a spot, and enjoy movies under the stars.

Otakon at Walter E. Washington Convention Center

If you walk by the Convention Center August 8–10, don’t be surprised to see Pikachu crossing the street. Otakon is back—three days of anime, J-pop, art, panels, and costumes that get more creative every year. It’s a wild mix of fans and artists, packed with music and energy.

Strawberry Soirée at President Lincoln's Cottage

You’ll know summer’s in full swing when President Lincoln’s Cottage hosts its Strawberry Soirée on August 9. Think garden games, cocktails, fresh berries, and jazz drifting across the lawn. Flower crowns and swing dancing keep things loose. It all happens from 6:30 to 10:30 PM. The setting’s historic, but the party is pure fun.

Broccoli City Block Party at 1201 Half Street SW

Get ready to dance, snack, and vibe your way through August 9 at this high-energy block party. DJs like King Flexxa and DJ Flow turn up the volume while food trucks and surprise pop-ups keep things fresh. General and VIP tickets are available. Think music fest, community hangout, and foodie paradise all in one.

Apropos of Nothing, a Comedy at The Keegan Theatre

Now through August 10, this whip-smart comedy has audiences cracking up. Owen admits he's in love with his best friend's wife, tries to take it back, and chaos ensues. With sharp writing and a millennial agitator stirring things up, it's a funny, messy dive into modern relationships. Shows run Thurs–Sun with tickets tiered.

Uncanny at the National Museum of Women in the Arts

At the National Museum of Women in the Arts, surreal scenes and strange beauty fill the galleries through August 10. Women artists take the familiar and flip it, creating works that are both unsettling and bold. Admission is free, and there is plenty to puzzle over.

DC Bachata Congress at The Westin DC Downtown

Five days, hundreds of dancers, and music pulsing from morning to late night—that’s DC Bachata Congress at The Westin DC Downtown, August 14–18. You’ll find workshops, live shows, and every style from salsa to bachata on the schedule. First-timers and pros all fit in. Bring your energy; sleep can wait until next week.

Nationals Postgame Concert: Sam Hunt at Nationals Park

Baseball and country music meet on August 15 when Sam Hunt performs live at Nationals Park right after the Nats take on the Phillies. One game ticket gets you both the game and the concert. Expect hits like "Body Like a Back Road" about 30 minutes after the final out.

The Armed: Everything Needs To Be Destroyed at The Atlantis

The Armed show returns August 16 with a mind-bending, genre-breaking set that refuses to be defined. Known for wild energy and boundary-smashing music, they'll take over The Atlantis for one night only. The show starts at 7:30 PM. Hold onto your brain—it might explode (in a good way).

Pictures of Belonging at the Smithsonian American Art Museum

Until August 17, see the powerful stories of Miki Hayakawa, Hisako Hibi, and Miné Okubo—three Japanese American women artists whose work spans WWII and beyond. Their paintings reflect strength, identity, and creativity amid upheaval. Open 11:30–7 daily and always free. This is American art history you don't usually get in textbooks.

2025 James McLaughlin Staff Show at The Phillips Collection

The Phillips Collection puts its own staff in the spotlight for the annual James McLaughlin show, where the people who run the museum step up as artists. Expect a range of styles and fresh perspectives you won’t find elsewhere. Hours and admission vary. This behind-the-scenes look kicks off August 19 and runs into next year.

Pete Holmes: The Pete Here Now Tour at Lincoln Theatre

Comedian Pete Holmes brings his quirky, self-deprecating humor to the Lincoln Theatre on August 22. Holmes, known from Crashing and his podcast You Made It Weird, delivers a night full of laughs and unexpected wisdom. Doors open at 6 p.m.; the show starts at 7. Don't be late—he might talk about you onstage.

Friday Evening Parades at Marine Barracks

The Marines know how to put on a show. Through August 22, watch "The President's Own" band, the Silent Drill Platoon, and more in a precise 75-minute spectacle of pageantry and power. It kicks off at 8:45 p.m. every Friday. Admission is free, but reservations are required. Patriotic chills included with no extra charge.

Arena Stage Community Day

Arena Stage brings music, theater previews, games, and food trucks to 6th Street SW for a full day of free fun—no ticket or RSVP required. Families and newcomers are all welcome. Whether you want to watch, play, or eat, there’s something to keep you smiling. Save the date: it all happens August 23.

Opera in the Outfield: Porgy and Bess

Nationals Park swaps bats for bravado on August 23 with a free outdoor screening of Porgy and Bess. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. with pre-show activities like crafts, balloon art, and a mini-opera at 5:30. Then settle in for the main performance as twilight turns the field into an open-air opera house.

Delighting Krishna: Paintings of the Child-God at the National Museum of Asian Art

Bright colors and big canvases fill the National Museum of Asian Art now through August 24, thanks to rare pichwais showing Krishna as a mischievous child. These massive paintings, last seen in the ’70s, were made to celebrate and delight. Free entry every day, 10 to 5:30. This show is as joyful as its subject.

Silversun Pickups at 9:30 Club

On August 26, the LA alt-rockers bring their dreamy fuzz and explosive choruses to the legendary 9:30 Club. Their latest album, Physical Thrills, was born during lockdown but hits like a cathartic release. Doors open at 7 p.m. and tickets are required. Expect a sea of fans singing along with every gritty, echoing note.

Robert Randolph at The Atlantis

Robert Randolph takes over The Atlantis on August 28, pedal steel in hand and a fresh set from his Preacher Kids album. Gospel, rock, blues, and soul all come together in his live shows. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The crowd always finds the groove, and even the quiet folks end up tapping along.