The month of August is in full swing and welcomes the community to a weekend full of outdoor activities with opportunities to shop, watch, eat and interact with the best of what the DMV can offer.
Check out a handful of the many events happening and dive into the Washington Informer Calendar for more.
Thursday, Aug. 6
6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Free
Georgetown Neighborhood Library, 3260 R Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20007
Come for the games, stay for the mocktails. Try a variety of board and card games while enjoying crafted mocktails and maybe meeting a few new friends along the way. Join Georgetown Library Friends for a relaxed and fun evening with more than 20 board games to choose from. Sip, play, unwind, and enjoy the warm community vibe.
Friday, Aug. 7
2026 Community Food & Craft Festival
10 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Free
John Carlyle Square, 300 John Carlyle Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314
Get ready to taste local flavors and check out cool handmade crafts at the biggest community bash of the summer!
The 2026 Community Food & Craft Festival is a fun-filled event featuring local vendors, artisans, food businesses and unique shopping opportunities. Browse a wide variety of products and services, including handmade crafts, home décor, sweet treats and local small businesses.
Bethesda Outdoor Movies: Featuring Bring it On
8:45 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. | Free
County Parking Lot 24, 4650 Willow Lane, Bethesda, MD, 20815
“Bring It On” (2000) is a high-energy teen comedy following Torrance Shipman (Kirsten Dunst), the new captain of a champion suburban cheer squad. She discovers her predecessor stole their winning routines from an inner-city team, led by Isis (Gabrielle Union) the determined captain of the other squad, forcing her to create an original, authentic routine for Nationals.
Attendees are encouraged to arrive early. A limited number of chairs will be provided, and guests can bring their own lawn chairs. Parking is available in the county parking lots adjacent to the event site.
Saturday, Aug. 8
5:30 p.m – 9:30 p.m| $25 to $50
Key Bridge Boathouse, 3500 Water Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20007
Water Lantern Festival is an incredible experience where friends and families will create a magical memory together by writing down hopes and dreams, or a letter to a loved one, and then sending it out into the Potomac River. Enjoy food trucks and music before the lantern launch at 8:30 p.m.
2 p.m – 8 p.m| $18.69 – $59.23
Sycamore & Oak, 1110 Oak Drive SE, Washington, D.C., 20032
The CareFreeBlackGirl CookOut is a safe space for Black femmes and allies to celebrate in full color. Come for the vibes, leave with community.
The cookout will feature an all-black women lineup including DJs, performers, and hosts that bring the energy. There will also be local Black, femme, and community-owned vendors for guests to shop, creative activations, giveaways and good vibes.
Sunday, Aug. 9
ROOTS x OYATO Fashion Pop-Up Experience
11 a.m to 6 p.m.| Free with general admission, $103.22 VIP Access
Yolk Studio, 5600 Tuxedo Road, Hyattsville, MD, 20781
ROOTS x OYATO is a curated fashion pop-up experience celebrating the creativity, craftsmanship, and cultural influence of African and diaspora designers.
Created by Lhaude Africa and The OYATO Collective in partnership with TapTap Send and DC Magazine, this marketplace brings together a select group of designers, tastemakers, and cultural brands for an immersive shopping experience rooted in heritage and elevated through modern design.
Whether a fashion lover, stylist, buyer or someone who values intentional design, ROOTS x OYATO invites the community to discover brands that are shaping the future of African fashion.
