"MJ The Musical," starring Elijah Johnson (center) as Michael Jackson, follows the development of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour and offers audiences a look into the creative mind and direction that catapulted the King of Pop into legendary status. (Courtesy of MJ The Musical via Instagram)
"MJ The Musical," starring Elijah Johnson (center) as Michael Jackson, follows the development of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour and offers audiences a look into the creative mind and direction that catapulted the King of Pop into legendary status. (Courtesy of MJ The Musical via Instagram)

Check out a handful of the many events happening in the DMV this weekend, from musical adaptations to historical invitations. 

Thursday offers history buffs a chance to go to the National Museum of African History and Culture for “Big Objects, Big Stories: The Paradox of the Liberty.” 

Music lovers are in for bustling nightlife on Friday, between D.C.’s tribute to anime, and R&B fans’ opportunity to be mesmerized by the melodic tunes of Jon B

Don’t miss your chance to see the musical retelling of Michael Jackson at The National Theatre, or party like it’s Bollywood with the annual celebration of Indo-Pak Independence Day

Catch the 2024 Negro League Legends Hall of Fame East-West Vintage Baseball Game on Saturday, before ending the weekend with Sneaker Con, a showcase of 15 years of innovative shoemakers. 

To keep up with all the fun, don’t forget to check out the Washington Informer Calendar, and remember, there’s always something happening in the DMV to keep your spirit — and social life — lit.

Thursday, Aug. 15

Big Objects, Big Stories: The Paradox of the Liberty

10:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. | Free

National Museum of African American History and Culture, 1400 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, D.C., 20560

Join the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture for a docent-led tour, broken down into multiple 15-minute talks, where visitors will hear incredibly big stories about a big object.

The paradox of the American Revolution is the fight for liberty in an era of widespread slavery. Talk with a museum docent and explore the tension between slavery and freedom – who belongs and who is excluded. Consider how this paradox resonates through the nation’s history and spurs the American people to wrestle constantly with building “a more perfect Union.”

MJ Live (Touring)

7:30 p.m. | $89+

The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C., 20004

Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry comes to the stage in “MJ,” the multiple Tony Award®-winning musical centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour. Created by Tony Award-winning director and choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, “MJ” goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status.

The show has thrilled sold out crowds on Broadway, in cities across North America, and in London’s West End – and now “MJ” is “startin’ somethin’” in Washington, D.C. as it makes its premiere.

Friday, Aug. 16

Jon B.

7:30 p.m. | $69.50+

The Birchmere, 3701 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22305

Dive into the world of Jon B, a celebrated R&B artist known for his velvety vocals and timeless hits. His ability to blend classic soul with modern vibes creates an atmosphere that’s both nostalgic and fresh. Prepare for an evening that harmonizes smooth melodies and a vibrant ambiance, delivering a nightlife experience like no other. 

DC Anime Rave

10 p.m. | $28+

The Howard Theatre, 620 T St NW, Washington, D.C., 20001

Get ready for the ultimate annual anime party! #WeTouchGrass Presents: DC Anime Rave, where anime lovers can dance the night away to their favorite anime tunes, indulge in acclaimed local cosplayers, enjoy anime-inspired food and drink vendors, and more fun.

This 21+ event will also feature a cosplay contest and anime giveaways from event sponsors.

Saturday, Aug. 17

2024 NLLHOF East-West Vintage Baseball Game

1 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Free with registration 

Prince George’s Stadium, 4101 Robert S. Crain Hwy, Bowie, MD 20716

The Negro League Legends Hall of Fame (NLLHOF) is hosting the 2024 East-West Vintage Baseball Game, an event that celebrates the 50th anniversary of Hank Aaron breaking Babe Ruth’s home run record, featuring a USPS Forever Stamp in his honor. Attendees can explore a memorabilia section and enjoy a special salute to Levi “Champie” Drew and Sam Allen. Additionally, there will be an Auto Showcase Benefit beginning at 10 a.m.

UPDATE — From event organizers: “Due to a little rain in the forecast, we’ve rescheduled the 2024 East-West Vintage Baseball Game to our rain date, Sunday, September 1st, 2024, at the iconic Prince George’s Stadium in Bowie, Maryland.”

Indo-Pak Independence Day Bollywood Event

8 p.m. | $20+

Corral Lounge, 442 S Washington St, Falls Church, VA 22046

Indian-Americans and Pakistani-Americans unite annually to celebrate Pakistan Independence Day (Aug. 14) and Indian Independence Day (Aug. 15). This month on Saturday, Aug. 17, there will be an inaugural Bollywood-style Indo-Pak Independence Day celebration at Corral Lounge in Virginia. 

Bollywood Cinema, with its characteristic Film Music, has not only spread all over Indian society, but also been at the forefront of the spread of India’s culture around the World.  This year hundreds of guests will sing and dance to the popular tunes of Bollywood and Hollywood with celebrity DJ SVP. 

Sunday, Aug. 18

Sneaker Con

Noon – 7 p.m. | $34.60

Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mt Vernon Pl NW, Washington, D.C., 20001

Sneaker Con 2024 brings a joint celebration for anywhere from 300 to 500 vendors, brands, and partners to gather and commemorate 15 years of business and productivity. 

With a continued goal to serve the community and create a path for new sneakerheads to enter the world of buying, selling and trading, Sneaker Con has designed over 500 products in 15 years, and have collaborated with the likes of Jeff Staple, Diamond Supply Co., Steven Harrington, A Bathing Ape, Sean Wotherspoon, Jeff Hamilton, Spalding, Crocs, Mitchell & Ness, eBay, MGM Resorts, and the list goes on. 

This will be an epic year and commemoration for not just Sneaker Con but for all of the vendors, partners, attendees, and fans who have supported the collective for over a decade. Come out and embrace each event through exciting programming and exclusive merch capsules, hitting some iconic cities and some new ones, both in the U.S. and internationally. 

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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