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Things to do in the DC area: Sunflower Festival, luau and pig roast … and more!

As the late summer weather finally returns to more manageable temperatures, it’s a good time to take advantage of the great outdoors.

This weekend, the is a solid opportunity to get away from it all and spend the weekend smelling the flowers and enjoying family-friendly activities.

The Southern Maryland Sunflower Festival includes hay rides, face-painting, a petting pen and a local art show. It’s located at Serenity Farm in Hughesville, Maryland, about an hour from D.C. proper.

Set for Aug. 30 and 31, the festival costs $12 per person for online purchases or $15 at the in-person festival entry gate. Children aged 7 and under enter for free.


Check back every Thursday for a roundup of Things to do in the D.C. area.


Here’s what else is happening in the D.C. area:

DC

D.C. JazzFest

Lively jazz music will flood the District this weekend for the  celebration. You don’t need a ticket to listen to performances from the Wharf Street promenade, but performances on the District Pier or Transit Pier, Union Stage and Arena Stage require a ticket. Find the full schedule and ticket prices on .

D.C. Festival of Magic
If you’re a fan of all things involving illusions and trickery, the is being hosted at the Capital Hilton from Aug. 29 through 31. Ticket prices vary per show.

Food Is Medicine Festival
Rhizome D.C. is celebrating all things raw, vegan and holistic with health workshops, herbalists and more as part of the on Saturday, Aug. 30. Entry is free.

Fort Dupont Park Summer Event Series
Enjoy an evening of rhythm, rhyme and culture as part of a during the Fort Dupont Park Summer Event Series. The event on Saturday, Aug. 30, is free with no tickets required. It is recommended to bring lawn chairs or blankets.

The Alt Comedy Revival Show
For those looking to scratch their funny bone with something “alternative,” Rhizome D.C.’s is sure to bring some laughs. The event is on Saturday, Aug. 30, with “pay what you can” tickets that start at $10.

Luau and Pig Roast
This Sunday, Aug. 31, Whitlow’s on U Street is celebrating a with drink specials, hula dancers and live DJs. The event runs from 6 p.m. through 1 a.m.

Maryland

African Art & Fashion Fusion Showcase
In Rockville, Maryland, African artists and fashion designers are coming together to on Aug. 30 and 31. The event features art displays and vendors, crafts and pop-up boutiques. Admission is free.

Labor Day Art Show
Glen Echo Park is hosting the 54th annual from Aug. 30 through Sept. 1 with works from over 400 artists from the mid-Atlantic region. Admission to the event in Glen Echo, Maryland, is free.

CatVideoFest
If you are paws-itively in love with cats, the event has over 70 minutes of videos featuring fluffy and rambunctious cats on the big screen. General admission tickets cost $15. The event is hosted at the Creative Alliance in Baltimore, Maryland.

Virginia

Arlington Beer Garden Cookout
As part of a Labor Day celebration, the Arlington Beer Garden in Arlington, Virginia, is hosting a on Monday, Sept. 1. General admission costs approximately $28 per person, while late general admission increases to roughly $45. This event is for those ages 21 and over.

Bluegrass Jam Night
Port City Brewing Company is hosting a live with a jam night on Wednesday, Sept. 3. For those who may want to join in on the jam, this event is for acoustic instruments only, but bass players may bring a small amplifier. No hand drums.

Fairfax City Restaurant Week
Don’t miss the tail-end of , which runs through Aug. 31. Support local eateries and other participating businesses with prix fixe menus of $25 for brunch or lunch and $40 for a three-course dinner.

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Michelle Goldchain

Michelle Goldchain’s reporting has focused primarily on the D.C. area, previously working as Editor of Curbed DC for Vox Media and Audience Growth & Engagement Editor for Washington City Paper. She is the author of “D.C. by Metro: A History & Guide.” She also reports for 'Artsplained' on YouTube.

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