We reviewed 6,000+ Washington-area events to pick the 35 best things to do in the DC area between August 17 and August 23. Updated daily.
to see a personalized list by location, interest, and age group.
Highlights for August 17 – August 23
Maker Lab (Parklands-Turner Neighborhood Library)
A weekly maker session with STEM, arts and crafts, gaming and more activities for kids. Monday, August 17, 3:30–4:30 pm. Ages 5–12; open‑ended, no registration required.
Beach Scavenger Hunt (Northwest One Neighborhood Library)
Self‑guided hunt for beach‑themed pictures throughout the library, with a prize for completed sheets. Tuesday, August 18 – Sunday, August 24, all day. Ages 0–13; bring a completed sheet to the desk for a prize.
DC Way: Art & Soccer Summer Camp (Hill Center DC, 921 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Washington, DC)
Combined art projects and soccer drills led by professional coaches. Saturday, August 20, 9 am–5 pm. Open to all ages; bring sports gear and art supplies if desired.
Little Critters: Nature Play at the Bird House (Bird House Classroom, National Zoo)
Drop‑in rainforest play with hands‑on activities for young children and caregivers. Tuesday, August 18, 9:30 am–1:30 pm. Free. Ages 0–5; caregivers must stay with children.
Reston Plays Games (RCC Hunters Woods, Reston, VA)
Open tabletop gaming session where participants can bring and play board, card and dice games. Wednesday, August 19, 5 pm–10 pm. Free. All ages; bring your own games or join existing groups.
Family Fun Entertainment Series: Guava Jelly (Reston Town Square Park)
Caribbean‑style music, puppets, magicians and games for families. Saturday, August 22, 10 am–10:45 am. Free. All ages welcome; bring a blanket or chair for outdoor seating.
Sound Mapping: Discover the Park Through Listening (Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium)
Create a sound map by listening to birds, insects and water in the park. Monday, August 23, all day. Free. No artistic experience needed; suitable for kids and adults.
Wonderplace (American History Museum)
A hands‑on learning space with museum objects and activities for children six and under. Monday, August 23, 10 am–4 pm. Free. First‑come, first‑served; tickets may be limited during busy times.
Our best picks: things to do in the DC area — August 17–23
Monday, August 17
June 15 Tron: Ares (2026) (PG-13, 119) A highly sophisticated program, Ares, is sent from the digital world into the real world on a dangerous mission. June 22 Black Panther (2018) (PG-13, 135min) T'Challa, heir to the hidden but advanced kingdom of Wakanda, must step forward to lead his people into a new future and mu…
Join us for a lively and entertaining performance from local improv group Home Improv Mints. Enjoy a comedic journey that is sure to excite all audiences with spontaneous fun! ABOUT HOME IMPROV MINTS The Home Improv Mints are a Northern Virginia/Washington DC based improv troupe performing short form comedy sketches. T…
Join us for a cocktail and book discussion Newcomers are always welcome! Discussion is staff led. We meet in person on the third Monday of each month except on those Mondays that we are closed because of a holiday, in which case we meet on the fourth Monday of the month. Aug. "Heartwood" by Amity Gaige REGISTRATION REQ…
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Tuesday, August 18
As the summer nears the end, the nature center will provide daily opportunities for meeting some of our many resident animals. Meet snakes, turtles, vultures and other live and preserved wildlife. A great time to relax while meeting Arlington's hidden residents.
DC Way presents: Art & Soccer Summer Camp , a dynamic program combining creative expression with high-quality soccer training led by professional coaches. Can a camp build both athletic skills and creativity at the same time? DC Way’s Art & Soccer Summer Camp offers participants a balanced day of movement and imaginati…
For families with young children Enjoy music, dance, drums and stories highlighting West African culture! NO REGISTRATION. First-come, first-served seating. Call 703-228-5946 for more information. Summer Reading is made possible through the support of the Friends of Arlington Public Library.
In “Ancient Air,” award-winning bubble magician Meadow Perry brings science, storytelling, and spectacular bubble artistry together in a show that’s as educational as it is enchanting. Children will discover the wonder of how air travels through time, connecting us to the same atmosphere that once filled the lungs of a…
Wednesday, August 19
Spark!Lab is where museum visitors become inventors. The Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation invites children between the ages of 6 and 12 to create, collaborate, explore, test, experiment and invent. Activities for children and families incorporate traditional science, technology, engineering and…
Saluda y alimenta a simpáticos animales como una llama, un burro y una minivaca de Bar C Animal Ranch. (Todas las edades) Can't make it on August 19? Join Bar C Ranch for a petting zoo on June 20 from 10 AM - 3 PM, Duncan Branch Library Butterfly Garden. Sponsors: SummerQuest Jr. is made possible through a generous gra…
District Vibes / American Pride: How D.C. Changed American Culture tells the story of D.C. through striking images, artifacts, compelling history, and dynamic programming. Washington, D.C. is more than a federal city—it’s a mosaic of neighborhoods and communities that have nurtured creativity, learning, music, cuisine,…
Texas Chainsaw Horns: Blues Grab a spot by the lake and bask in the glow of summer evenings as great musicians take to the stage. Inclement weather can cause cancellations; check RCC’s Facebook/X pages or call 703-476-4500 close to the event time. Presented by Reston Community Center in cooperation with MSE Productions…
Thursday, August 20
Enjoy some end‑of‑summer fun at Northwest One Library by exploring the branch and spotting beach‑ and ocean‑themed pictures hidden throughout the space! Kids ages 0–13 can look for seashells, waves, sea creatures, and other summery images at their own pace during library open hours. Find all the pictures and bring your…
Do you want to connect with nature but you’re not sure how to get started? Do you want to be more present outside and escape the distractions of the modern era? Take a junior naturalist hike with a ranger and learn how to observe and study the natural world around you as you hike between ½ - 1 ½ miles through the Rock…
The short films, selected from MCPL's Kanopy streaming service, include the Oscar-winning "Toyland," about families supporting each other during WWII, and "Ave Maria," a comedy about an Israeli family stranded at a convent in the West Bank. Light refreshments will be served. Questions about this program? Contact the Da…
The Benning/Dorothy I. Height Neighborhood Library is excited to welcome families to our 3rd Annual Back to School Bash , an afternoon filled with fun, music, resources, and everything you need to kick off a successful school year. Bring the whole family and enjoy: 🎧 Live DJ & music 🎲 Games and activities 🎁 Prizes a…
Friday, August 21
Families. The whole family is invited to join us at the Long Branch or Gulf Branch fire ring for lots of old-fashioned fun. This engaging program will be filled with entertaining activities that may include stories, special animal guests, games, songs and of course, S’mores! (We will provide the marshmallows, chocolate…
Spark!Lab is where museum visitors become inventors. The Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation invites children between the ages of 6 and 12 to create, collaborate, explore, test, experiment and invent. Activities for children and families incorporate traditional science, technology, engineering and…
The Reflex: A Tribute to the 1980s Celebrating Everything Summer! Start your summer weekends with amazing tribute bands playing the hits you know and love. Inclement weather can cause event cancellations; check RCC’s Facebook/X pages or call 703-476-4500 close to the event time. Presented by Reston Community Center and…
Join us as we hike through the woods, meadow, and ponds of Maydale exploring the late summer sights and sounds that surround us! Please meet at the lower parking lot. All those six years and older must register, including adults.
Saturday, August 22
DC Public Library and DC Puzzle Swap are teaming up this summer to finish the build on a donated Ravensburger puzzle—first activated at Awesome Con 2026! From now until the end of August, you’re invited to help us finish the build, one Disney scene at a time. Stop by a participating location to pitch in and then join u…
Come join us for a light walk through the woods to explore the diversity of the fungus kingdom, from the littlest mushrooms to giant shelf fungi, to bizarre lichens. We’ll discuss the secret lives of our fungal friends, including their ecology and identification. Teens ages 12 and up welcome to attend with a registered…
Join two days of fast-paced motorsports set in the backdrop of our nation’s most iconic monuments and historic landmarks. Please check the organizer’s website for event activities, schedules, and things to know before you go.
Guava Jelly: Caribbean Reggae Vibes Laugh, dance and play with silly puppets, magicians, live music and fun for the whole family. Inclement weather can cause event cancellations; check RCC’s Facebook/X pages or call 703-476-4500 close to the event time. Presented by Reston Community Center and Reston Town Center Associ…
On August 22, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., gather for an exclusive evening with Saint London at Arlo Hotel Rooftop. Presented in partnership with Saint London Suiting by Fedú, the event features a special performance by October London, bringing together fashion, music, and culture for an unforgettable night above Down…
Meet your neighbors around the campfire! Learn a bit about living with local wildlife, roast a marshmallow, play some games, and take a guided evening hike (optional). Marshmallows and roasting sticks provided, bring other treats if you'd like! All attendees over 3 must register; no registration required under 3.
Sunday, August 23
Slow down and experience the park in a whole new way! In this fun, hands-on activity for kids and adults, participants will create a sound map by using their sense of hearing to explore the natural world. Listen for birds, insects, rustling leaves, flowing water, and other sounds that reveal what's happening around you…
Join our educators at this hands-on activity table where creativity takes flight! Perfect for budding engineers and aviation enthusiasts, this interactive program allows visitors to design and build their own creations. — Join our educators at this hands-on activity table where creativity takes flight! Perfect for budd…
Festivities include: Bilingual Story Time (1:30pm, English and Spanish) Zumba (2:15 -3:00pm) Children's Craft Corner Teen Gaming Lounge Children's Scavenger Hunt Sidewalk Chalk Art See you there!
Bring a blanket or lawn chair, plus join artist Linda S. Campbell for fun, hands-on art projects! Presented by Reston Community Center and Reston Association. Project Locrea Project Locrea (from LO-ve and CREA-tivity) is a multi-cultural jazz-fusion ensemble dedicated to creating and performing original compositions an…
Join us for a screening of Why Dinosaurs? a documentary from the father-son team behind Pinto Productions, presented by MPT and PBS. From prestigious museums and universities, to blockbuster films and toys--dinosaurs have always fascinated us. But, why? Join dino-obsessed teen James Pinto and his filmmaker father as th…
Sounds of the ‘60s Hits from The Beatles, Neil Diamond & More Shenandoah Conservatory’s class of 2027 musical theatre students celebrate the music of the 1960s with a performance featuring hit songs by The Beatles, Neil Diamond and more. Inclement weather can cause event cancellations; check RCC’s Facebook/X pages or c…
Monday, August 24
Preschool STEAM Play Join us for open play featuring a mix of games and activities that explore the STEAM-based concepts of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, or Math! No registration. Attendance is first-come, first-served until event capacity is reached. For more information, email Lib-Courthouse@arlingtonva.us.
In a continued celebration of Disability Pride, the Center for Accessibility, in partnership with the DC Assistive Technology Program , is having an tabling event. Participants will be able to learn about assistive technology available, getting a hands-on feel for what might work for their home! For direct questions to…
Happy Summer! Join us for an Ice Cream Face Storytime and related craft. 18 months - 6 years require adult participation.
Join us Mondays in the Youth Program Room from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. for a variety of STEAM programs (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). Included activities are: Snap Circuits, Owl Pellet dissection, messy concoctions, collabs with the Teen STEAM Club, and many more! Swing by to see what's happening t…