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The Weekend Scene: Fiesta DC, NMAAHC anniversary and more, Sept. 25-27

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Weekend weather:…

  • Weekend weather: Friday afternoon will be a sunny fall day, with temps in the low 70s. But a powerhouse of a storm off the New York/New Jersey coast will send increasing clouds our way on Saturday afternoon and could deliver a quick shower or two for areas east of I-95. Stay with StormTeam4 for updates. Expect clouds Sunday, with a high of about 70° and rain depending on the path of that storm.

D.C.

L: Alan Karchmer; R: Getty Images

L: Alan Karchmer; R: Getty Images

L: Alan Karchmer; R: Getty Images

(Photos: L: Alan Karchmer; R: Getty Images)

The National Museum of African American History & Culture celebrates 10 years with a jampacked weekend. Museum staff ask that people come together to celebrate 10 years and reflect on history. Enjoy music, dance and timely conversations. Here’s the full schedule of events. Fri.-Sun. 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture is having a multi-day celebration for its 10th anniversary. News4’s Jummy Olabanji reports.

It’s Hispanic Heritage Month, and Fiesta DC will bring a lot of joy to Pennsylvania Avenue this weekend. Remember when they broke a record two years ago with the world’s largest papusa? Don’t forget to head over to Constitution Avenue for the parade on Sunday. Sat. & Sun.; free.

The Washington Nationals are home for a series against the Mets this weekend — and you’re in luck, because it’s fan appreciation weekend! There’s a lot going on at Nats Park. Friday, fans can get a Nationals football jersey and see fireworks after the game. Plus: Sunday is Pups in the Park: a barking good time! Fri., 6:45 p.m.; Sat., 4:05 p.m.; Sun.4:05 p.m.; ticket prices vary.

Cotton enjoying Pups in the Park. (Photo: Haleigh Hoffman)

Haleigh Hoffman

Haleigh Hoffman

Cotton enjoying Pups in the Park. (Photo: Haleigh Hoffman, NBC4)

If you’re crafty or aspire to be … you’re sure to get inspiration for a new wardrobe at the Smithsonian’s Craft 2 Wear Show at the Smithsonian Arts & Industries Building (900 Jefferson Drive SW). More than 70+ artists will have their work on display. Fri.-Sun.; $20- $45.

All funds raised for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s go toward the work and research efforts of the nonprofit Alzheimer’s Association, so grab your sneakers and meet at the JFK Hockey Fields near the Lincoln Memorial. You can start a team, join a team or walk as an individual. Sat.; registration 8 a.m.; ceremony 9:30 a.m.; walk 10 a.m. Free, but donations or fundraising are highly encouraged.

Mark National Public Lands Day by participating in a cleanup at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens (1550 Anacostia Ave. NE). Projects may include litter cleanup, invasive plant removal, weeding or trail maintenance. Be ready to get dirty and wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Register here, then meet volunteer leaders at the visitor center to choose a project, receive instructions and collect the proper equipment. Sat., 9 a.m.

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 19:Water lilies and lily pads are seen at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens July 19, 2018 in Washington, DC. The annual Lotus and Water Lily Festival at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens is Saturday, July 21 and Sunday, July 22, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.(Photo by Katherine Frey/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Katherine Frey/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Katherine Frey/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Water lilies and lily pads at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. (Photo: Katherine Frey/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

There’s a show for everyone during Theatre Week. Love musicals? You got it! Dramas? Get your tissues ready! Reimagined classics? Keep your opinion until after the show! More than two dozen shows have discounted tickets. Thurs. through Oct. 11, $25- $65.

The Washington Spirit host Angel City FC as part of CVS Health Day. The first 8,000 fans through the gates receive a cherry blossom-themed “Rise Up, DC” T-shirt, with fitness and wellness activations throughout the match. Fans can buy tickets to the remaining three home matches as the Spirit chases the NWSL shield. Sat., 6:30 p.m.; Audi Field.

Maryland

Fans finally get to see their Washington Commanders play a home game this season. Well, most of their Commanders, anyway. Marcus Mariota will get his first start of the season after franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels suffered a dislocated elbow. The opponent? Super Bowl champs Seattle, who won this matchup 38-14 last season. Maybe the Seahawks’ long flight from the other Washington will slow them down. Sun.; 1 p.m.; Northwest Stadium, Landover.

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 20: Marcus Mariota #8 of the Washington Commanders looks to pass against the Dallas Cowboys in the third quarter of a game at AT&T Stadium on September 20, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Marcus Mariota #8 of the Washington Commanders looks to pass against the Dallas Cowboys in the third quarter of a game at AT&T Stadium on Sept. 20, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo: Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

We’ll be the first to say it … the All Things Go Music Festival is getting better every year. They’ve really outdone themselves this year. Thankfully, you can still get tickets. Headliners: Friday: Mitski, Ethel Cain; Saturday: Hayley Williams, MUNA, Zara Larsson; Sunday: Brandi Carlile, Lola Young. Fri.-Sun; Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia; $169+ (general admission).

If you’re in desperate need of unwinding this weekend, why not … UnWine? The UnWine Festival is serving up fun and drinks at Patuxent River Park (16000 Croom Airport Road, Upper Marlboro). Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; $50 general admission.

NOTE: Organizers of the Oceans Calling music festival in Ocean City (originally scheduled for Fri.-Sun.) announced that Friday’s events have been cancelled due to the effects of a coastal storm. “The safety of our fans, artists, crew, and community comes first. Friday single-day tickets and 33% of 3-day tickets purchased through Front Gate Tickets will be automatically refunded to the original payment method within 30 days,” organizers posted on social media. They said they are hopeful that conditions will improve for the rest of the weekend, but anyone who was planning to go should follow the festival’s official channels for updates.

Virginia

Last year, when many Hispanic Heritage Month events canceled out of fear that ICE would target attendees, the Manassas Latino Festival made the decision to continue in the name of community support and strength. Now the oldest Latino festival in the area is back. Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at the Harris Pavilion (9201 Center St., Manassas) with live music, dance performances, foods from all across Central and South America, and plenty of art and culture. ¡Vamos a celebrar! Sat., 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.; free admission.

Check out the antique and modern aircraft on the ground, then take in some awe-inspiring, gravity-defying stunts at the Leesburg Airshow at Leesburg Executive Airport (1001 Sycolin Road, Leesburg). You’ll also find plenty of festival food and local craft beer available for purchase, and family-friendly activities including face painting and inflatable slides. Sat., 11 a.m.-4 p.m., free admission.

Now open to haunt your dreams: Nightmare on the Avenue (2312 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria), a Del Ray pop-up bar that’ll let you commune with spirits … both the scary kind and the beverage kind. Snack from a menu of small bites, cocktails and mocktails in an immersive yet ~terrifying~ setting, just in time for spooky season.

Doswell, Virginia USA: September 28th 2024: The Ferris Wheel starts in motion at the State fair of Virginia which is one of many rides that you can partake in.

A Ferris Wheel at the State Fair of Virginia. (Photo: Getty Images)

County fairs are just about over, but you can still hit the road for the State Fair of Virginia (13191 Dawn Blvd., Doswell) to see farm animals, spin on your favorite rides and catch concerts on the main stage. Fri. through Oct. 4; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. daily; rides open at 11 a.m. daily; buildings open until 9 p.m. General admission $17-$21/adults; $16-$18 kids ages 5-17; free for kids age 4 & younger. 

Music Snob’s concert picks

Circle Jerks, Thurs., 7 p.m.; 9:30 Club, $45.65
Among the first — and the best — to do it. Rushmore of hardcore. And as invigorating live as I could hope. Details.

Messer Chups, Thurs., 7 p.m.; State Theatre, $17/$20
Retro rock ‘n’ roll band lets some of its Russian heritage in but remains mostly loyal to early rock ‘n’ roll, surf and rockabilly. Some psychobilly cramps in, but mostly authentic, early rock. Details.

Jenny Owen Youngs, Fri., 8 p.m.; Pie Shop; $27.11/$29.18
Singer-songwriter could just sing and strum her folk songs but she has many more arrows — terrific pop and folk rock tunes, country, americana, experimental songwriting. There’s heartache and hope at once in her music. Details.

Flowers for the Dead, Sat., 7 p.m.; Songbyrd; $18/$20
Nineties respecting alternative trio plays scorching live sets. Grunge forward with shoegaze atmosphere. Vocal hooks that’ll stay with you. FFTD is among D.C.’s most exciting bands. Details.

Armand Hammer, 8 p.m. Sunday, Union Stage, $34
ELUCID and billy woods share biting humor, social consciousness and crushing humanity. Their art rap duo gels so well, raises the bar for literary rap. The music is just as engaging. Roomy, outsider beats and mellow jazz. Details.