The free annual Takoma Park Folk Festival is presented each September with a mission to celebrate the arts and the Takoma Park-Silver Spring community. Held this year on Sunday, Sept. 8, the festival promises a great lineup of musicians, international food, community nonprofit tables, and family-friendly games and activities. (Courtesy of Takoma Park Folk Festival)
The free annual Takoma Park Folk Festival is presented each September with a mission to celebrate the arts and the Takoma Park-Silver Spring community. Held this year on Sunday, Sept. 8, the festival promises a great lineup of musicians, international food, community nonprofit tables, and family-friendly games and activities. (Courtesy of Takoma Park Folk Festival)

From democratic escape games to Persian festivals and the annual Takoma Park Folk Festival, keep your outlook vibrant with a handful of the many events happening in the DMV this weekend. 

Intersect art and alleviation with The Healing Project exhibit, or party like it’s Y2K before enjoying a theatrical homage at Sunday’s Go The Way Your Blood Beats: Young Artists Honor James Baldwin.

Enjoy comedic performances and NextNOW Fest’s local talent, plus more merriment, and most importantly, don’t forget to check out the Washington Informer Calendar to keep up with all the fun. 

Thursday, Sept. 5

The Healing Project Exhibit

11 a.m. | Free

Kennedy Center, 2700 F St NW, Washington, D.C. 20566

The Healing Project is an arts organization based in New York City, originally conceived as a project in 2014 by composer, multidisciplinary artist, and activist Samora Abayomi Pinderhughes. The project creates artistic works, collective healing spaces, and advocacy initiatives in partnership with individuals impacted by structural violence to build a world based around healing rather than punishment.

This is the last day that The Healing Project Exhibit will showcase at the Hall of States and Welcome Pavilion.

Washington DC National Mall: Outdoor Escape Game

4 p.m. | $9.99+

Columbus Circle Northeast, Near Northeast, Washington, D.C., 20002

‘Dinner and a movie’ might be traditional, but if you’re looking for a new and exciting way of spending time with your loved ones, join a real-world adventure in a democracy city game that will take you through the grounds of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. 

Take on the challenge and learn about the symbol of America’s democratic government and legislature, while encountering architectural and art masterpieces.

The route you’re going to follow in the city is sprinkled with charming and picturesque places, fun clues and challenges, and unique stories of past and present. The experience will play out like you’re the main characters of a movie, only that you’re experiencing everything in first person! 

Fun dialogue, intrigue, and unexpected interactions are guaranteed.

Friday, Sept. 6

Like A G6 – 2010’s Bangers Nite 

10:30 p.m. | $25

Union Stage, 740 Water Street SW, Washington, D.C., 20024

Rock your leopard-print tights, T-Mobile Sidekick, and your tallest furry boots as Harder Better Faster Stronger presents the 2000 – 2010 club banger vibes in an epic throwback celebration. 

Dance to the sounds of your favorite hits and artists from the Y2K era, including Katy Perry, Pharrell, Akon, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Calvin Harris, LMFAO, David Guetta, Beyoncé, Chainsmokers, and more!

NextNOW Fest: Chase on Aux

10:30 p.m. – Midnight | Free

The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, 8270 Alumni Drive #3800, College Park, MD 20742

Enjoy five days of live music, comedy, visual arts, workshops and more with Clarice Presents annual  NextNOW Fest, a signature event in University of Maryland’s Arts for All initiative. 

Catch Chase on Aux, DJ and producer from Prince George’s County, Maryland as he shows off his unique approach to local sound and remixes DMV classics with mainstream beats.

The NextNOW Fest concludes Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024.

Saturday, Sept. 7

Go The Way Your Blood Beats: Young Artists Honor James Baldwin

1 p.m. | Free with registration

The Mansion at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, MD 20852

In continuation of leading cultural institution Strathmore’s two-month celebration of James Baldiwn’s centennial, Howard University’s Department of Theatre Arts students will perform select scenes from Baldwin’s dramatic works: “The Amen Corner” (1955) and “Blues for Mister Charlie” (1964). 

Directed by Dr. Khalid Y. Long, an associate professor of Theatre Arts at Howard University, the presentation will also include a scholarly overview of Baldwin’s contributions to African American Theatre. 

Additionally, The Youth Poets of DIALECT of Prince George’s County celebrates the 100th birthday of one of America’s most influential voices with a series of events for youth poets – documentary screenings, book readings, and panel discussions, culminating in a live multimedia showcase with poetry, music, and visual art by the poets.

Rickey Smiley

8 p.m. | $25+

The Theater at MGM National Harbor, 101 MGM National Avenue, Oxon Hill, MD 20745

Don’t miss the legendary comedian, television host, and radio host of the award-winning, top-rated, nationally syndicated show, The Rickey Smiley Morning Show at The Theater at MGM National Harbor. 

Sunday, Sept. 8

Takoma Park Folk Festival

10:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Free

Takoma Park Middle School, 7611 Piney Branch Road, Takoma Park, MD 20912

The free, all-day 45th annual Takoma Park Folk Festival is here, and will feature a great line-up of musicians and selection of artists in a juried craft show. The event, which is held rain or shine, presents six stages of music, international food, community nonprofit tables, and children’s games and activities. 

Sounds from old-time fiddle, bluegrass, folk-rock and Afro-Latin fusion fill the air as dozens of artists perform. Participants can also shop for handcrafted items such as jewelry, quilts and soap. 

PERSIAPALOOZA

6 p.m. – 11 p.m. | $25+

Shipgarten, 7581 Colshire Drive, Tysons, VA 22102

Welcome to the ultimate celebration of all things Persian. Get ready for a day filled with delicious food, vibrant music, and exciting cultural performances. 

Join Shipgarten for a memorable, in-person event where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of Persian traditions. 

Whether you’re a fan of Persian cuisine, music, or art, there’s something for everyone at PERSIAPALOOZA.

Jada Ingleton is a Comcast Digital Equity Local Voices Lab contributing fellow through the Washington Informer. Born and raised in South Florida, she recently graduated from Howard University, where she...

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