We reviewed 6,000+ Washington-area events to pick the 33 best things to do in Washington, DC between August 17 and August 23. Updated daily.
to see a personalized list by location, interest, and age group.
Highlights for August 18 – August 23
Beach Scavenger Hunt (Northwest One Neighborhood Library)
A self‑guided hunt for beach‑themed pictures hidden around Northwest One Library, with a prize for completed sheets. Wednesday–Sunday, August 18–24, all day. Ages 0–13; bring a completed sheet to the desk for a prize.
Little Critters: Nature Play at the Bird House (Bird House Classroom, National Zoo)
Drop‑in rainforest play with crafts and exploration at the Zoo’s Bird House. Wednesday–Friday, August 18–20, 9:30 am–1:30 pm. Free. Ages 0–5; caregivers must stay with children.
Gunboat Philadelphia: Save the Revolution! Virtual Reality Experience (3 East, American History Museum)
A virtual‑reality experience that immerses participants in a 1776 naval battle. Wednesday–Sunday, August 18–24, 10 am–5 pm. $10 per person. Suitable for teens and up.
Spark!Lab (Spark!Lab, First Floor, West Wing, American History Museum)
Kids 6–12 create inventions and experiment with STEM activities at the Lemelson Center’s Spark!Lab. Thursday–Monday, August 19–23, 10 am–4 pm. Free. Ages 6–12; first‑come, first‑served.
Back-To-School Pop-Ups (National Children’s Museum, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC)
Hands‑on activities to prep kids for school, including science, geometry, reading, and mindfulness. Friday–Sunday, August 21–23, all day. $18.95. Ages 5–12; includes museum admission.
2026 National Book Festival (Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Allen Y. Lew Place NW, Washington, DC)
A citywide celebration with author talks, book signings, and family activities. Saturday, August 22, 9 am. Free. Tickets required for entry.
Sound Mapping: Discover the Park Through Listening (The Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium, 5200 Glover Road NW)
Create a sound map of Rock Creek Park using listening skills. Sunday, August 23, all day. Free. All ages; bring a notebook to record sounds.
Our best picks: things to do in Washington, DC — 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 fellow yarn enthusiasts for a bi-monthly meet up to trade tips and encouragement. Bring your latest knitting or crochet project and a mug -- we'll make the tea.
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Tuesday, August 18
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…
Come explore the rainforest! Join us for creative, drop-in play at the Zoo as we explore the different plants and animals that live in the Amazon rainforest. Little Critters: Nature Play is designed for ages 0-5 and their caregivers and families. Activities are designed with early learners in mind, but all ages are wel…
Teens (ages 13 - 19) will enjoy board games such as Uno, checkers, chess and more. Throw in some teen approved beats, delicious snacks and boom we've got power - plenty of teen power!! New features like our full sized Ping-Pong Table, A Fuse Ball Table and "Shut the Box" add to all of the fun! Special teen event design…
This month we’ll be meeting in the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library’s conference room 401‑D to discuss The Memory Librarian: And Other Stories of Dirty Computer by Janelle Monáe. Join our Queer Book Club as we dive into a striking collection of speculative tales expanding the world first introduced in Monáe’s Di…
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…
Learn to spot common species, make a fun craft, and join our resident bird lover for a relaxed nature adventure. For all ages. All children must be accompanied with a parent and/or guardian. We will meet at the Oxon Run Park James E. Bunn Amphitheater. Weather permitting. Know Before You Adventure ✔ Bring Binoculars ✔…
Join us for end-of-Summer fun at Northwest One's 3rd annual Back 2 School Bash featuring entertainment, activities, community partners, and a limited backpack giveaway.
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,…
Thursday, August 20
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…
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…
Come for the games, stay for the mocktails.Try your hand at a variety of board and card games while enjoying our crafted mocktails and maybe meeting a few new friends along the way. Join us for a relaxed and fun evening with over 20 board games to choose from-classic favorites, new discoveries, and everything in betwee…
Join our neighborhood horror book club where we're reading everything creepy and scary. Whether you're new to the genre, a lover of horror from a young age, or just now wanting to get into it, all are welcome! Our upcoming reads are: July: Just Like Home by Sarah Gailey August: Lakewood by Megan Giddings September: The…
Friday, August 21
Celebrate the start of a new school year with a weekend of Back-To-School Pop-Ups - a program that helps prep young learners for the classroom! From Friday, August 21 to Sunday, August 23, join the National Children's Museum and let the students stretch their learning muscles while exploring things like science, geomet…
If you have a little one to take care of and are looking for something fun to do, come read and sing all about nature with a park ranger! This program includes nature books, animal puppets, body movements, and songs. Due to high summer temperatures, we will only be doing this program at Peirce Mill Barn for the month o…
Experience the art of basket weaving in a welcoming community setting with Valencia Wilson. This hands-on workshop blends simple weaving techniques with mindful movement and meaningful connection. No experience is needed, all materials are provided.
Join us for a docent-led experience and get a fresh look at the Museum's featured object. At each of these 15-minute talks visitors will hear incredibly big stories about a big object. About this program: Visitors learn about the African art that inspired the design of the Museum and explore the building’s unique archi…
Saturday, August 22
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.
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…
This learning space designed especially for children ages six and under combines age appropriate activities with museum collections and touchable objects to provide a gateway to history and a place to exercise curiosity for the youngest historians. Admission to Wonderplace is on a first come, first-served basis. At bus…
Phillips Educators will lead participants in an exploration of Jacob Lawrence’s The Migration Series, as well as a hands-on art activity inspired by the artworks. Participants will have the chance to experiment, create, and connect with artwork in a new way. This program is designed for learners ages 8 and up and requi…
Join us this month for a showing of Bugonia . The film will be shown with ASL and closed captions right on the screen. *Audio Description is available upon request. Running time:1 hour, 58 minutes Rated: R Sensory Notes: loud sounds For reasonable accommodations, please contact DCPLaccess@dc.gov or 202-727-2142.
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…
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…
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…
This learning space designed especially for children ages six and under combines age appropriate activities with museum collections and touchable objects to provide a gateway to history and a place to exercise curiosity for the youngest historians. Admission to Wonderplace is on a first come, first-served basis. At bus…
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…
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!
Calling all tiny fashionistas! Now's your chance to strut your stuff. Join us for our first ever Northeast Library Toddler Runway Show. You bring your child dressed to impress, and we bring the lights, camera and "press". Children who are able to move independently ages 4 and under are welcome to participate. Slots are…
Monday, August 24
Toddler Explorations is an open interactive engagement program for young children and caregivers that uses play and exploration to develop pre-literacy and social skills. Join us in the big meeting room in the basement! Otherwise, if weather and temperatures permit, join us outside in the garden!
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…
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…