From art exhibits to comedy shows, sporting events and chances to showcase one’s skills, there are plenty of events happening in the Washington metropolitan area the last true weekend of summer, which officially ends Sept. 22.
Check out a handful of the many events happening in the DMV this weekend and to keep up with all the fun, don’t forget to check out the Washington Informer Calendar.
Thursday, Sept. 18
Streets of Solidarity Mural & Neighborhood Revitalization Project
5 a.m. – 8 p.m. | Free
Colmar Manor Community Center, 3701 Lawrence Street, Colmar Manor, MD 20722
The Town of Colmar Manor, in collaboration with local organizations Operation ARTS Foundation and We Are Limitless Studios are leading their Streets of Solidarity Mural & Neighborhood Revitalization Project.
Artistic designers Brandon Bell, Chyna Mae and Renee Ackerson created a unifying message for Colmar Manor and are teaching 10 upcoming artists how to paint murals through their guidance.
These 10 local artists will receive a stipend for their participation, in addition to gaining invaluable experience, mentorship and merchandise.
The word “solidarity” refers to people coming together to stand in support of one another and in this project they are working together to unify the neighborhood through art. This community-driven project was funded by a grant award from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development.
This 5,000 sq. ft. roadway mural will engage local residents in painting a vibrant message of cultural unity and anti-gun violence at the four-road intersections of 38th Avenue, 37th Avenue, Newmark Street, and Newton Street, that is also adjacent to Colmar Manor’s historic Dueling Grounds site.
WIN Exhibit Reception + Regional Business Forum
6 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Free
Gallery O on H, 1354 H Street NE, Washington, D.C. 20002
Come out for The Washington Informer’s “WIN 60 Exhibit Reception & Regional Business Forum”— an evening of culture, history, and business insight.
Tour the powerful and engaging Washington Informer Visual Legacy Photo Exhibit, produced in partnership with CareFirst and Events DC, celebrating six decades of The Informer’s impact.
In addition, hear from regional chamber of commerce leaders on how DMV businesses can navigate change and position themselves for growth in this economy.
Friday, Sept. 19
7 p.m. | $61.00
DC Improv, 1140 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington D.C. 20036
A true comedy superstar, DL Hughley has conquered the worlds of stand-up, television and radio.
Having packed concert halls, hosted talk shows, and starred in his own sitcom, this show at DC Improv is a fantastic opportunity to see this Original King of Comedy and celebrated comedian in action, and enjoy a great laugh.
2 Hours of fun, picking veg at THEARC Farm
9 a.m. – 11 a.m. | Free
THEARC Farm, 1901 Mississippi Avenue SE, Washington, D.C. 20020
Want time in a peaceful, outdoor space, learn more about gardening, or help grow food for the neighbors? Come harvest vegetables, fruits and herbs for a food giveaway in the afternoon.
Adults of all skill levels are welcome and young people under 16 should be accompanied by an adult.
Saturday, Sept. 20
4 p.m. | $30+
Audi Field, 100 Potomac Avenue SW, Washington, D.C. 20024
Few rivalries in historically Black college athletics carry the history and intensity of Howard University versus Hampton University. Often called “The Battle of the Real HU,” the matchup is about more than the scoreboard — it’s about pride, legacy and tradition.
The schools, both founded shortly after the Civil War, have faced off in football and basketball for decades, with fans packing the stands to witness one of the most anticipated games of the season.
Bragging rights for “the Real HU” shift with every contest, but the rivalry has stood the test of time, uniting generations of alumni and students on both sides.
Whether played in the nation’s capital or Hampton, Virginia, this game serves as a celebration of Black educational excellence, school spirit and the enduring bond between two of the nation’s most storied institutions.
7 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Free
Montgomery College Planetarium in the Catherine and Isiah Leggett Math and Science Building,
7615 Fenton Street, LB 103, Takoma Park, MD 20912
Go check out the new Montgomery College Planetarium, where there is a presentation that will explore the September equinox, its astronomical cause, its effects on the seasons, its role in calendars and cultural traditions around the world.
With the help of the astronomy faculty, who will be on hand to answer questions about the universe, guests will leave with a star chart and the ability to find celestial objects on their own.
The planetarium is a state-of-the-art facility offering an immersive experience under a tilted 30-foot dome.
It features stars, nebulae, galaxies, layered Earth simulation software, and 360-degree virtual reality video and sound.
The minimum age requirement is 5 yrs, and youth must be accompanied by an adult.
Sunday, Sept. 21
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Free
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library – Central Library , 901 G Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
Do you have a song or poem that you would like to perform? Come out to MLK’s Open Mic to share it!
An event that takes place each month, sign up begins at 3:15 p.m. at the Information Desk in the New Books area on the first floor for performers to take the stage and showcase their talents! ASL interpretation available upon request.
Please note that the library only supplies a speaker and microphone. If additional equipment is needed, it must be supplied by the performer.
For special requests, including interpretation, please email adultservices.dcpl@dc.gov at least one week prior to the event for consideration.
Film Legacies of the Black Arts Movement
2 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. | Free
National Gallery of Art, 6th and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20565
Programmed in conjunction with the exhibition “Photography and the Black Arts Movement: 1955-1985,” this film series approaches the movement’s legacy, featuring key cultural figures like Sonia Sanchez, Gordon Parks, Barbara McCullough, and many others.
This series also highlights the influence of the Black Arts Movement on today’s media artists and filmmakers, who exercise self-determination and expression through cinema.
This selection of short videos includes four titles by Ulysses Jenkins. A video griot, Jenkins’ video and media work is remarkable for its fusion of forms to conjure vibrant expressions of how image, sound and cultural iconography inform representation.
For more information and to register, visit nga.gov. Registration is required.