News & Politics

Where & When: What to Do This Weekend

Fall fun! Fall fashion! Fall football! Oh, and lots of wine! All this and more in this weekend’s nightlife guide.

Related:
Where to Watch NFL Football
Fall Festival Guide
Bottoms Up: Oktoberfest in Washington

Thursday, September 17: Their summer pool parties have wrapped up for the season, but the folks of Brightest Young Things are still going strong. Tonight, they’re co-sponsoring a preview concert (with free booze) at the Kia Soul Collective Warehouse (3330 New York Ave., NE). The band Ponytail will perform, and DJ Dave Nada will emcee the party. To attend you must RSVP here. 7:30.

Friday, September 18: A ’90s-era flannel shirt will come in handy Friday night at the State Theatre for the grunge-tribute concert Sounds of Seattle. Performers include Ten, a tribute to Pearl Jam; Badmotorfinger, a tribute to Soundgarden and Temple of the Dog; and an Alice in Chains tribute performance. Doors open at 7, show starts at 9. Advanced tickets $13, $15 at the door. Rock on.

With fall in full swing, the feeling of sand between your toes is fading fast. What’s a Washingtonian to do? Town Tavern (and more than two tons of imported sand) come to the rescue! Friday’s Flip Flop Farewell party at the Adams Morgan bar will be stocked with half-price drink specials for flip-flop wearers, free drinks for ladies from 7 to 8, and yes, imported sand to soothe the burn of summer’s end. Sign up for the guest list here. Saturday, September 19: The Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church hosts its 49th annual Greek Festival with traditional foods, a book and trinket marketplace, and live music. It runs through Sunday at the corner of 16th and Upshur streets, Northwest. Click here for more information.

It looks like lovely fall weather this weekend. Why not go for a hike? And, look at this—we just happen to have a roundup of some great local hikes for you. Get your boots on and get out there!

Fashion fans seeking advice on upping their fierce factor need to look no further. Tim Gunn, chief creative officer of Liz Claiborne and Project Runway’s pep-talk extraordinare, will host Saturday’s All Access: Fashion at Tysons Galleria (2001 International Drive, McLean) []. The all-day event includes runway shows, a cocktail reception, sponsor lounges throughout the mall, in-store trunk shows, makeovers and previews, and a presentation by Gunn. 10 AM to 9 PM. Free.

For the prepster set, cable-knit cardigans and popped collars will flood the National Mall Saturday for the Land Rover America’s Polo Cup. Get in on the action as the US team saddles up their horses and takes on India for the cup. Wine tastings, half-time shows, the United States Marine & Drum Bugle Corps, and an after-tournament reception at the Fairfax at Embassy Row, Washington, D.C., are also scheduled. Tickets $25 to $150. Gates open at 2.

The Virginia Wine Festival brings live entertainment, educational seminars, and lots of local wineries together at Bull Run Regional Park this weekend. We’re always up for free tastings, but today’s seminar topics—which include everything from the history of American wine to tips on hosting a home wine-sampling party—make the festival sound especially fun. It runs from 11 to 6 Saturday and Sunday, and general admission is $25 per day. For tickets and a complete list of events, click here.

The H Street Festival & Bazaar takes over DC’s Atlas District from noon to 6 today. Expect music and dance performances, craft stalls, international foods, rock climbing, carnival games, and more—including a showcase of local design talent in the 3 PM fashion show. H Street, Northeast, between 12th and 14th streets. For more information, click here.Sunday, September 20: Crystal City throws a wine festival with a Latin twist at the third annual Vintage Crystal event (220 20th St. South, Arlington). Wines, liquors, and cuisine from Spain and South America will be available for sampling, and flamenco-infused jazz will play all day. The festival, $20 per person, runs from 2 to 6. Click here for more information.

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, the National Zoo holds the Fiesta Musical at the National Zoo celebration, which is chock-full of Hispanic cultural events—music, dancing, food, crafts, and more. There are also animal demonstrations and opportunities to talk with zoo scientists about research in Latin American countries. Get the details here.

The Boston-based indie-pop troupe Hands and Knees brings its quirky sound to Galaxy Hut tonight. You can expect good things from bandmates Joe O’Brian on guitar, Carina Kelly on bass, Scott Hoffman on lead guitar, and Phillip Ilatovsky on drums. The band Club Scout opens. Show starts at 9:30. $5.

At Mount Vernon’s 18th Century Craft Fair, 50 costumed artisans will demonstrate George Washington-era crafts and sell their wares today (and Saturday). There’ll also be entertainers and a free sightseeing cruise on the Potomac. Tickets are $15 for adults and $7 for kids ages 6 to 11; under 6 free. There are also discounts for seniors. More info on the Web site here.    

Sarah is the Editor-in-Chief of Washingtonian Bride & Groom, and writes about weddings, fashion, and shopping. Her work has also appeared in Refinery29, Bethesda Magazine, and Washington City Paper, among others. She is a Georgetown University graduate, lives in Columbia Heights, and you can find her on Instagram at @washbridegroom and @sarahzlot.