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You may be counting down the days until Labor Day, but don’t miss out on all the fun stuff happening in the D.C. area this weekend.

Here’s what to do this week in the Washington, D.C. area.

What to do in Washington, D.C.

Usher: Past Present Future: Tues. and Weds., Capital One Arena

DCBX16: “The Super Bowl of USA Latin Dance Festivals”: Thurs. to Mon., Westin DC Hotel, $40+

Embassy Row Rooftop Night in Havana Under the Stars with Latin Band: Fri., 7-10 p.m., The Ven at Embassy Row, $25-$35

Oh He Dead: Fri., The Atlantis, $25

WWE Smackdown: Fri., Capital One Arena

DC United: United Night Out: Sat., Audi Field, $27+

National Book Festival: Sat., Walter E. Washington Convention Center, free

Joy of African Movement dance class: Sat., 9-10 a.m., National Museum of African Art, free

Opera in the Outfield: Sat., gates open at 4:30 p.m., free
FYI: Remember Nats Park’s strict bag policy

Hi Lawn’s Caribbean Festival: Sat., Hi-Lawn at Union Market, $10

Washington Spirit International Friendlies Double Header
Spirit vs. Kansas City Current at noon
Chelsea FC vs. Arsenal FC at 4 p.m.
Audi Field, $64-$125

Women’s Equality Day Power Up Concert: Sun., 6:30 p.m., The Kennedy Center, $50-$150

What to do in Maryland

Maryland Rennaissance Festival: Weekends through Oct. 20, plus Labor Day, Annapolis, $14-26 (before Sept. 8)

• FYI: Kids can go for free on Aug. 24 and 25. “One child aged 7 through 15 is admitted free with each adult ticket purchased. Children 6 and under are always free,” the festival said.
• Seniors aged 62 and over can go for free on Labor Day. No ticket is needed.

Maryland State Fair: Aug. 22 to Sept. 8, 200 York Road, Lutherville-Timonium, admission is $8.25 (ages 6-11) or $13.25 (age 12 and older) if purchased in advance

Foodie Fridays – Taste the Land: Fri., 6:30-8:30 p.m., Josiah Henson Museum and Park in Bethesda, $15

Kensington Community Block Party: Sat., 2-4 p.m., Kensington House Lawn, free

Fairwood Music Festival: Sun., 1-6 p.m., Fairwood Community Park in Bowie, free

Hand Dance Social: Sun., 6-8:30 p.m., Roosevelt Center in Greenbelt, free
Lesson from 6 to 6:30 followed by open dance

Free dog rides on the Capital Wheel for National Dog Day: Mon., National Harbor, free

What to do in Virginia

Indigo Girls and Melissa Etheridge: Sat. and Sun., Filene Center at Wolf Trap, $55

Around the World Food Festival: Sat., 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Oronoco Bay Park in Alexandria, free entry

Blues, Brews & BBQ feat. The Nighthawks: Sat., 6-9 p.m., Dirt Farm Brewing in Bluemont, Virginia, $20

Lake Accotink Park Celebration Day: Sat., 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Springfield, free
Free boat rentals, nature activities and amusements

Starlight Drive-in Cinema double feature of “Migration” and “Elemental”: Sat., gates open at 6 p.m., Sully Historic Site, free

Want to know what’s up for your weekend? Sign up for The Weekend Scene, our newsletter about events, experiences and adventures for you and for your family around the DMV.

The NPR Network will be reporting live from Chicago throughout the week bringing you the latest on the Democratic National Convention.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser took her moment during the ceremonial roll call to call for something close to the heart of many of the city’s residents — a push for D.C. statehood.

“We are Washington, D.C., home to 700,000 Americans, where millions have marched for jobs and justice,” Bowser said.

“We know Kamala Harris will fight for our freedom, and we will work together to make Washington, D.C., the 51st state,” Bowser announced to a cheering crowd before casting the District’s 51 votes for Harris.

While D.C. residents are American citizens, Washingtonians do not enjoy the full rights of states. Residents of D.C. do not have voting members in the House of Representatives and do not have representation in the Senate.

D.C. has home rule, which allows the city to have a locally elected government that can draft its own laws — but those laws can be overturned by Congress.

A November 2016 referendum found that 86% of D.C. residents support statehood, but the idea has not found adequate support in Congress.

Copyright 2024 NPR

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WASHINGTON, DC — Giant Food is implementing new rules for shoppers at some Washington, D.C. and Maryland stores in an effort to combat “unprecedented levels” of theft, according to a company spokesperson.

In a statement provided to Patch, Giant said it was revising its bag policy to allow backpacks no larger than 14 inches by 14 inches by 6 inches at select stores experiencing high shrinkage. To bring a bag into the stores, customers must consent to have the bag tagged when they enter and searched before they leave.

Starting Thursday, the spokesperson said anyone under 18 years old will not be allowed to enter some Giant stores after 6 p.m. unless accompanied by an adult.

“Retail theft in our market area affects everyone. It limits product availability, creates a less convenient shopping experience, and, most critically, puts our associates and customers in harm’s way,” the company said in a statement. “Still, we continue to invest in improving safety for our associates and customers and reducing theft. At Giant Food, the well-being of our community, customers, and associates is paramount.”

The following locations will be affected by the new policies:

Stores that will allow backpacks and ban those under 18 without an adult after 6 p.m.

1. 1400 7th St. N.W., Washington, D.C.
2. 300 H St. N.E., Washington, D.C.
3. 4303 Conn Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C.
4. 1345 Park Rd., NW Washington, DC 20010
5. 3336 Wisconsin Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. (will allow minors)

Stores that do not allow backpacks and ban those under 18 without an adult after 6 p.m.