1. The National Capital Barbecue Battle, now in its 17th year, takes place Saturday and Sunday along Pennsylvania Avenue between Ninth and 14th streets, Northwest. In addition to tons of free samples and three stages of music, a dunk contest featuring the Washington Wizards stars will take place all day Saturday. Entrance is $10.
2. Before modern emo, there was the Cure and the Smiths. What better way to relive the ’80s than with two battling deejays who hope to put to rest an age-old question: Which ’80s icons are more danceable? You can decide Friday at Black Cat’s Cryfest dance party for $10.
3. Celebrate native cultures this weekend on the Mall at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. This year, African-American, Latin American, and Welsh cultures are the focus. And, like all things Smithsonian, admission is free.
4. Speaking of the Folklife Festival, fans of the movie Barbershop can experience the real deal with the Barbershop/Beauty Parlor Humor performance. Phyllis Stickney and James Hannah get the laughs going at 2 PM this Sunday in the Giving Voice section of the free-of-charge festival.
5. With the humidity, Washington can feel like the Caribbean in the summer. Live it up this weekend at the Caribbean Carnival at Georgia and Mississippi avenues, Northwest. Admission is $10.
6. Besides cheap drinks ($2 Coronas and Miller Lite drafts), Union Jack’s British Pub in Bethesda gives away three tropical vacations every Friday between 5 and 8. You can actually get to the Caribbean if the carnival isn’t enough.
7. Bueller? Bueller? Okay, well, you’ll do . . . . Head over to Tingey Plaza Thursday night to catch Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, part of Capitol Riverfront’s free outdoor movie series. If the movie, cheap drinks, and nice weather don’t do it for you, there’ll be free Slinkies!
8. A favorite elementary-school pastime is all grown up with Recess, which combines drinks, board games, and partying. This Saturday, you’re invited to the cool kid’s house as Aloft Washington National Harbor Hotel hosts the night at its fancy place on the water. Tickets are $10. Get them here.
9. Bring your dog to the Montgomery County Historical Society for a pet expo on Sunday. You and Fido can try your hand (and paw?) at arts and crafts and take a walking tour of Rockville. A professional photographer will be on hand to snap a keepsake. All of the activities are free.
10. Help out a good cause at Cocktails Without Borders, a fundraiser for Doctors Without Borders on Friday night at Josephine. Entrance is $10 in advance ($20 at the door), with drink specials all night.
A bonus on this week’s list: Weezer and a newly reunited Blink-182 headline this year’s Virgin Fest at Merriweather Post Pavilion on August 30. It’s not this weekend, but if you want to go to the area’s biggest festival, you’ll have to be up early this Saturday to snag the free tickets—35,000 are available. Make sure you’re on Ticketmaster.com at 10 AM. Girl Talk, the National, and local favorite Wale are also on the bill.
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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.
