From jazz performances and communal festivals to lectures on Frederick Douglass’s legacy, check out a handful of the many events happening in the DMV this weekend.
Further, to learn about more fun happenings around town, don’t forget to check out the Washington Informer Calendar.
Thursday, Oct. 16
Tribute to BB King and Koko Taylor
11 a.m. – Noon | $15
Prince George’s Publick Playhouse, 5445 Landover Road Hyattsville, MD 20784
A tribute celebrating the iconic King and Queen of the Blues, Koko Taylor and BB King, is coming to the DMV.
Taylor captivated audiences with her raw, powerful vocals, while King is revered as one of the most influential blues musicians ever, dedicating his life to sharing the soulful essence of music.
This tribute will feature soul blues favorites Ms. Zeno The Mojo Queen, a longtime performer on the world-famous Beale Street, and well-known D.C.-based artist Memphis Gold.
Tap into a night listening to renditions of some of the finest songs from these celebrated blues legends.
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. | $5
NOW Pop-Up Park, 1401 Wilson Boulevard Arlington, VA 22209
Kickstart autumn with the Rosslyn BID’s Fall Fitness Series, featuring a high-energy session presented by BASH Boxing.
In this 45-minute boxing-inspired class, participants will engage in a variety of exercises designed to challenge strength, endurance, and coordination. Expect a high-energy session that delivers the ultimate total-body burn.
For the best experience, bring a yoga mat and water bottle.
Friday, Oct. 17
Live Comedy Starring Robert Mac
8 p.m. – 10 p.m. | $15
Crystal City Sports Pub (3rd Floor Lounge), 529 23rd Street South Arlington, VA 22202
Robert Mac is the thinking-person’s non-thinking person.
A grand prize winner of Comedy Central’s Laugh Riots, Mac has been on NBC’s Last Comic Standing, and has not one, not three, but TWO Dry Bar Comedy specials.
Mac, known for an act that is clean, clever, and campy, will headline an evening promising laughter and brilliance and featuring mom comedian Nikkie Knowles and D.C. comic Angel Penn.
The Visionary Genius of Frederick Douglass: Contradiction and Change
10 a.m. – 11 a.m. | $20
Ripley Center, 1100 Jefferson Drive SW, Washington, D.C. 20004
Frederick Douglass was a visionary—a prophet who could see a better future that lay just beyond reach. With extraordinary talents put to use in the service of freedom, the Maryland abolitionist helped to drive American slavery into oblivion.
Historian Richard Bell, a professor at the University of Maryland, examines Douglass’s life to reveal more than another great man on a pedestal. As he explores this many-sided man’s life, family, and career, Bell observes that to understand how the boy born into bondage in 1818 became the abolitionist held in such esteem.
Through this program, the historian strives to frame the narrative – to be seen not as innate, God-given, and infallible, but instead as the imperfectly beautiful product of growth, change, self-doubt, and struggle.
This program has multiple registration options depending on choice to attend in person at the S. Dillon Ripley Center or as an online program using Zoom.
Saturday, Oct. 18
The 2025 Anacostia Crab Feast + Soul Vibes Sunday Market
2 p.m. – 6 p.m.| Free
Across from the Anacostia Arts Center, 1234 Marion Barry Avenue SE Washington, D.C. 20020
Wanda’s on 7th presents the Anacostia Crab Fest. A place to bring family for a communal gathering over live music, games and all you can eat crabs.
Enjoy live music from TCB Band, Perf3ction Band, Kenny Sway and Jenae Music.
In addition to the performances, there will also be caricature artists, face painters and games like spades and skee-ball.
Admission is free however, the crabs will require purchase.
Sampling Grapes | Wine Tasting Event
6 p.m. – 9 p.m. | $22.99
Rendezvous Lounge, 2020 9th St NW, Washington, D.C., 20001
Six Eleven Magazine presents Sampling Grapes – an intimate Black-owned wine tasting and art exhibit.
Ticketed guests will enjoy three wines to taste, light pairings, raffle entry, and good vibes.
Plus, meet the D.C.-based Sips of Soul Mobile over at the bar, jam to the sounds of Dj Since When, enjoy a special live performance with Artivism, and more!
Sunday, Oct. 19
1 p.m.- 7 p.m. | $16.09
Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE Washington, D.C. 20003
This “Sunday Funday” includes Black on the Block, with the third annual vendor festival right here in the nation’s capital.
Founded in 2021, Black on the Block was created to provide a dedicated space for Black-owned businesses and a vibrant community celebration, transforming a formerly local market into a cultural movement that spotlights entrepreneurship, Black joy, and community across the country. Now, Washingtonians get to join the fun.
Attendees can shop from 80+ Black-owned businesses, enjoy great food, drinks, and music, and partake in activations, giveaways, special guests, and more.
Early arrival is suggested and the first 100 people get a free tote bag. ️
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. | Free
Mount Rainier Nature Center, 4701 31st Place Mount Rainier, MD 20712
Connect with sustainable gardening and landscaping at the Mount Rainier Nature Center, to learn tips and tricks about backyard landscape design, unique uses of plant materials, seasonal garden maintenance on property, and other planting practices that are ecological or regenerative.
Don’t miss out on a chance to practice skills and learn how to coexist and nurture the native ecosystem.
