Venture out of Foggy Bottom this weekend to enjoy an arts-filled weekend throughout different corners of the District.
On Friday, take a mural walk in Northeast D.C., celebrate dance at the Kennedy Center on Saturday and experience Mount Vernon as George Washington himself would have at the annual Colonial Market and Fair on Sunday.
Friday
D.C. Walls
Stroll around Northeast D.C. to see the sixth installment of the D.C. Walls International Mural Festival before it ends on Saturday. In seven locations, the sides of local businesses display the colorful work of nearly twenty local, national and international artists, each with their own unique take on mural art. The festival is part of the Hawai’i-based POW! WOW! collective which holds mural festivals worldwide, aiming to share culture and beautify the community.
Multiple locations. Runs through Saturday. Free. Find more information here.
Saturday
Kennedy Center’s National Dance Day Celebration
On National Dance Day, stop by the Kennedy Center for free, dance-themed festivities as the Center celebrates dance all weekend. Classes on Cuban, hip hop and Chinese contemporary dance will be held at the Reach Plaza on Saturday. The celebration is not exclusive to dancers and you can attend performances by SoundXpressed Dance Company and the Washington School of Ballet, hear DJ sets with DJ Rita Burns or drop by the Arts Market on the Reach Plaza from 1 to 8 p.m. The full list of performances can be found on their website, and events last Thursday through Sunday.
The Reach Plaza, 2700 F St. NW. Events will run from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Free. Register here.
Sunday
Mount Vernon’s Annual Colonial Market and Fair
Visit the home of George Washington and experience an 18th century-style market on Mount Vernon this Sunday. Music of the time period will play throughout the day from Donna Nomick on the hammered dulcimer and the Ship’s Company Chanteymen – a group that performs traditional maritime songs. Period-dressed artisans will show off their crafts from woodworking and ceramics to blacksmith and painting. Visitors will be able to go on tours, like a photo cruise on the Potomac River ($11), and watch performances of conjurers, rat catchers and air balloons to name a few. View the full list of events and demonstrations here.
Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, Va. 22121. Open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $26. Find tickets here.
