24 of the Best Things To Do in DC in August
Heat have you melting into the sidewalk? August in DC is no joke, but we have many events throughout the month to keep you cool, calm and always having fun. From magic carpets, to trivia and soccer, we got it all this month, read on!
Thursday, August 1
Aladdin
We all remember seeing Disney’s iconic animated 90’s film Aladdin from our childhoods right? With the re-release of the film, this is the best time for the hit Broadway musical to make its way to the Kennedy Center. So grab your pet monkey and hop on your magic carpet and go see it! (The Kennedy Center // 8pm // $39-$179)
Friday, August 2
2019 Citi Open Tennis
Big tennis fan? Lucky for you we have our own tournament, right here in our backyard of DC! This year hosting big names like Sloan Stephens and Nick Kyrigos, head out to the Rock Creek Tennis Center for a day or night filled with matches, drinks and tasty snacks. They have even created parking areas, where you can park your car and then a shuttle will take you to the tournament. ( William H.G. Fitzgerald Tennis Stadium // Various Times // $44-$125)
Saturday, August 3
All American Beer Festival 2019
The All American Beer Fest celebrates America with unlimited tastings of America’s finest beers. Rock your red, white, and blue and get ready for a full day of star-spangled entertainment with thousands of fellow Americans in your Nation’s Capital! Your ticket gets you unlimited beer wine, and you can try tasty DC food trucks! ( The Bullpen // 12pm-10pm // $25-$40 )
Where To Next? Race DC
This travel-based adventure race is coming to the District for the first time! Race around the city and complete challenges at each checkpoint, each race will include 3 or more classic DC sights, two local spots, and 1 wildcard location! This race combines a hybrid race, scavenger hunt and escape the room and an interactive city tour. ( Dacha Beer Garden // 9am-1pm // $45-$170 )
Monday, August 4
AfroBeats DC Sunday Day Party
Dancing isn’t just for Saturday nights! Add a little step to your Sunday afternoon with this dance party. Featuring Hip Hop, Afrobeats and Dancehall making for good vibes and a fun way to celebrate the end to your weekend. Grab your dancing shoes and your friends and head to this party. ( Decades DC // 3-9pm // Free )
D.C. United vs. Philadelphia Union
Come cheer on DC United to the playoffs, and enjoy a night of fun at the brand new Audi Field.
United! United! For our Fray community, we are offering up to 30% off tickets, using code FRAY. You won’t want to miss out on cheering for your home team, come on out! ( Audi Field // 7:30pm // $35 )
Atlas Obscura Society DC: Hidden Union Station
Join Atlas Obscura in partnership with the Union Station Redevelopment Corporation and the National Trust for Historic Preservation for a behind-the-scenes tour of Union Station, where you’ll learn the secrets of Daniel Burnham’s architectural masterpiece. On this tour, you’ll climb steps and open doors into areas where the public is not normally granted access. This tour will be about two hours and will involve a lot of walking, wear comfortable shoes. ( Union Station // 10am-12pm // $26 )
Wednesday, August 6
21 SAVAGE- i am > i was Tour
21 Savage is on tour again, his latest album having dropped last December with a few notable singles and hitting the top of the Billboard 200. You won’t want to miss this intimate concert at the Anthem. Grab some friends, get their early and grab a bite to eat and catch what will be an amazing show. ( The Anthem // 8pm // $55 )
Parks and Rec Trivia
“Treat yo’ self”, recognize this quote? Then you will definitely want to attend this trivia event, with five challenging rounds for a chance to win all of the bacon and eggs that can be had! To reserve tickets, choose a team captain in your group and have them reserve tickets for everyone on your team. Don’t miss your chance to honor Li’l Sebastian! ( Pinstripes Georgetown // 7-9pm // Free)
Thursday, August 8
Dear Evan Hansen
Coming from Broadway, this musical featuring Ben Platt focuses on the story of a teenage boy trying to find his way amongst the chaos that is high school. A letter that was never meant to be seen, a lie that was never meant to be told, a life he never dreamed he could have. Evan Hansen is about to get the one thing he’s always wanted: a chance to finally fit in. Don’t miss their limited run at the Eisenhower Theater, grab some tissues and a friend and go see it. ( Kennedy Center // 8pm // $79-$175)
Friday, August 9
Chinatown Block Party
Start off your weekend with some fun and free activities in Chinatown Park, enjoy live performances while also being able to participate in graffiti art, DJing, double dutch, mega chess, and a dance workshop and drumming. This event is free and open to everyone, but make sure to check the website in case of inclement weather cancellation. ( Chinatown Park // 5pm // Free)
Mission Impossible: Party Protocol
Have you heard there is a new spy museum near the Wharf? It is spy-tacular! (puns aside, it’s incredible). This after-hours party will provide complete full access to the entire museum and building to explore! On top of that your ticket also will include an open bar, so like James Bond, you’ll take that “shaken, not stirred.” Tickets can be purchased online. ( International Spy Museum // 8:30pm-12am // $65 )
Sunday, August 11
DC Veg Fest
Considered to be the largest vegan gathering on the east coast, there will be over 100 vendors, speakers and cooking demos to see. Everyone is welcome, whether you are a vegan, vegetarian or meat-eater, it is a space for everyone to learn and be educated on all things veggie. ( Nationals Park // 11am-5:30pm // Free )
Tuesday, August 13
DC United Glow Yoga
This is no ordinary yoga class because you’ll be GLOWING right on the pitch of Audi Field!
Meet us at Audi Field at the Premium entrance on the east side of the stadium to light up the night in glow sticks and paint.Bring your own mat, and we’ll bring the glow! We’ll glow against the skyline during golden hour. All levels welcome, so grab some friends and get zen! ( Audi Field // 7pm // $25 )
The Office Trivia
“Identity theft is not a joke, Jim”, know who said that? Then you should definitely head over to Pinstripes to participate in The Office Trivia night, prizes will be awarded in lieu of Dundees, and you don’t want to be left empty handed… that’s what she said! Select a team captain and have them be in charge of tickets for all members of the team, teams can be at max 8 people. (Pinstripes Georgetown // 7-9pm // Free )
Saturday, August 17
FrayLife//River Tubing Event
The sweet, long summer days are finally upon us, and we are so ready to get lit at our River Tubing trip! Grab your cooler, favorite drinks, and swimsuit—we’ll provide the transportation, tubes, and water guns. This is a 21+ event, Waivers are required to party with us. Tickets can be purchased online. (Front Royal Canoe // 7am // $75)
DC Music Rocks Festival
Sponsored by The MusicianShip, which is a nonprofit that facilitates music lessons, experiences and opportunities for students. DC MusicRocks have been covering the DC region’s music scene since 2016. This festival will showcase all of the local diverse DC musical talents, so there will be something for everyone! (9:30 Club // 7pm // $15 )
Wednesday, August 21
Speed Dating
Tired of swiping? Come meet real people in person for great conversation and simple, old school speed dating! And sorry… we’re not sorry.. nothing quite beats meeting your new person, in person. Skip the screen time and get face to face with someone. No pressure. Just potential. This isn’t your typical speed dating event. You can relax and be yourself! Consider our DC Fray emcee your wingwoman to help you break the ice all night long! Register online. (Location TBD // 7pm // $25 )
Friday, August 23
Chinatown Park Movie Night
What’s better than a picnic in the summer, adding an outdoor movie to that equation, that’s what! Join for an Asian-themed movie night, featuring Swing Kids; Chinatown Park will be featuring an Asian-themed line up of films for the remaining Fridays in August and early September. (Chinatown Park // 7pm // Free)
Sunday, August 25
Infinite Space at Artechouse
Step inside infinite space, and open your senses to the endless transformation and infinite possibilities at the intersection of both man and machine. On top of that, the interactive exhibitions will make for a pretty sweet Instagram backdrop, you won’t want to miss this! (Artechouse // 10am-5pm // $16)
DC Polo Society: Playdate
A day made for you and your special someone (kids and pups included)! We’ll have fun team games and special bistro seating available for reservation.Transportation will be available from Dupont Circle, come enjoy an afternoon in the countryside! ( Congressional Polo Club // 2-5pm // $15)
Monday, August 26
Capitol Riverfront Summer Fitness Series: Yoga
Join VIDA Fitness instructor, Alia Peera for an hour of yoga flow in the beautiful Yards Park! The class is free but, please bring your own mats and water! Find your zen and enjoy this outdoor flow. ( Yards Park // 7pm // Free)
Wednesday, August 28
DC Night Out With the Nats
Join us for pre-game drink specials at Walters Sports Bar and then cross the street to watch the game in the Scoreboard Pavilion at Nationals Park!Tickets are only $20 (no fees added!) and include admission to the happy hour, exclusive drink specials, and group seats in section 238! (Walter’s Sports Bar // 6pm // $20)
Saturday, August 31
Dye Club- DC
Come learn about indigo + natural dye in a casual, fun and social setting! Dye Club DC is an event for those curious about dyeing with plants and who love learning with others. There will be several stations set up featuring different dyes and techniques, bring your own items to dye, it helps the planet! (The Lemon Collective // 1-4pm // $15)
National Book Festival
Join for the 19th annual Library of Congress National Book Festival, featuring notable authors like humanitarian and chef, José Andrés and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. This event is free and open to the public. Attendees will be able to listen to a variety of authors speak as well as participate in family-friendly activities. ( Walter E. Washington Convention Center // 8:30am-8pm // Free)
Did we miss anything amazing happening this month? Let us know in the comments and don’t forget to tag us on socials using #DCFray and #FrayLife.
Looking for more activities this summer? Here are 4 Day Trips To Get You Out of Dc This Summer!