Summer may be winding down, but Washington, DC has plenty happening this weekend. Saturday, August 29 and Sunday, August 30, 2026 bring live music, professional soccer, special museum exhibitions, Restaurant Week dining, Broadway and plenty of opportunities to explore the capital.
Whether you’re visiting DC for the first time or looking for something different to do around town, here are some of the best ways to spend your weekend.
🎨 Explore the FEMME Art Fair
The inaugural FEMME Art Fair takes place August 27–30 at The Square in Downtown DC. The contemporary art fair puts women artists at the center, bringing together artists, collectors and visitors for exhibitions, conversations and special programming.
More than 100 established and emerging artists are featured, and the organizers say 100% of artwork sales go directly to participating artists.
Where: The Square, 1850 K Street NW
When: August 27–30
FEMME Art Fair details and tickets
🍽️ Enjoy the Final Weekend of DC Summer Restaurant Week
Food lovers have one last chance to take advantage of Metropolitan Washington Summer Restaurant Week, which runs through Sunday, August 30.
Participating restaurants throughout DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia are offering special three-course brunch, lunch and dinner menus. It’s a great excuse to try a restaurant you’ve been saving for a special occasion—or discover a new neighborhood favorite.
Reservations at popular restaurants can fill quickly, so booking ahead is recommended.
Browse participating Restaurant Week restaurants and menus
⚽ D.C. United vs. LAFC — Saturday Night
Soccer fans can head to Audi Field on Saturday evening as D.C. United takes on Los Angeles Football Club.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 29, making this an easy addition to an afternoon of sightseeing or dining around the Navy Yard and Southwest Waterfront.
Where: Audi Field
When: Saturday, August 29 at 7:30 p.m.
D.C. United information and tickets
🎶 Sounds of Africa: Live Music Saturday Night
For another Saturday-night option, the National Museum of African Art is hosting a Sounds of Africa concert featuring Son Cubano Subterraneo.
The program is scheduled from 7 to 10 p.m. on August 29, giving visitors a chance to add live music and culture to their weekend on the National Mall.
While you’re there, you can also explore the museum’s exhibitions before the evening program.
National Museum of African Art events and visitor information
🏗️ Last Chance to Experience THE PLAYGROUND
This weekend is your final opportunity to experience THE PLAYGROUND at the National Building Museum.
The massive 14,000-square-foot summer installation transforms the museum’s Great Hall into an interactive landscape featuring nine different activity areas designed for climbing, building, exploring and relaxing. The installation closes on August 30.
It’s not just for children—the installation was designed as an all-ages experience, making it an interesting stop for families, couples and groups.
Where: National Building Museum, 401 F Street NW
THE PLAYGROUND information and tickets
🖼️ See Mary Cassatt at the National Gallery of Art
Art lovers also have a last-chance exhibition this weekend.
Mary Cassatt: An American in Paris closes Sunday, August 30 at the National Gallery of Art. The exhibition brings together roughly 40 paintings, drawings and prints exploring the work of the groundbreaking American impressionist.
Even better, admission is free and passes are not required.
The National Gallery is also offering an Impressionism and 19th-Century France guided program at noon on both Saturday and Sunday.
Where: National Gallery of Art, West Building
Exhibition ends: Sunday, August 30
Mary Cassatt: An American in Paris details
⚽ Washington Spirit vs. Bay FC — Sunday
Sunday afternoon brings another big soccer match to Audi Field.
The Washington Spirit take on Bay FC at 12:30 p.m. on August 30. The team is also marking the home game with its first Hello Kitty Day, making it an especially fun Sunday outing.
Where: Audi Field
When: Sunday, August 30 at 12:30 p.m.
Washington Spirit match information and tickets
🎭 See The Notebook on Broadway
Looking for an evening indoors? The Notebook is playing its final weekend at Washington’s historic National Theatre.
There are performances scheduled for 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, giving you several chances to fit the musical into your weekend plans.
The theatre’s Pennsylvania Avenue location also makes it easy to combine the performance with dinner downtown and an evening look at DC’s illuminated landmarks.
Where: The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
The Notebook showtimes and tickets
🌅 Explore DC’s Monuments at Sunset and After Dark
You don’t need a special event to enjoy one of the best experiences Washington has to offer.
Late August evenings are a great time to explore the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, World War II Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, White House and other famous DC landmarks.
If you’ve already spent the day walking through museums, sightseeing in the evening is an excellent way to experience a different side of the city. Many of the monuments become especially impressive once the lights come on.
Want to see more of Washington without spending hours walking between attractions? Consider taking a guided sightseeing tour with Hello DC Tours.
Explore Washington DC tours with Hello DC Tours
🌊 Spend Some Time Along the Waterfront
For a slower-paced part of your weekend, head to The Wharf or Georgetown waterfront. Grab lunch or dinner, walk along the Potomac, enjoy the views or simply find a spot outside and relax.
Combining a waterfront afternoon with monuments at sunset makes for an easy summer day in DC without trying to squeeze too much into your schedule.
Make the Most of Your DC Weekend
August 29–30 offers a little bit of everything: art, live music, professional soccer, Broadway, food and some final-chance summer exhibitions.
A good plan is to spend the daytime exploring museums and neighborhoods, grab dinner through Restaurant Week, and save the monuments—or a game, concert or show—for the evening.
Whatever you choose, give yourself some extra travel time around Downtown DC and the National Mall, especially when major events are taking place.
Events, schedules and ticket availability can change, so always check the official event website before heading out.
More Washington, DC Ideas
Ready to explore the nation’s capital? Visit Hello DC Tours for sightseeing options and more ideas for experiencing Washington’s monuments and memorials.