Home » What to Do This Weekend Around Maryland, DC, and Fairfax County: Aug 30 – Sept 1
What to Do This Weekend Around Maryland, DC, and Fairfax County: Aug 30 - Sept 1
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What to Do This Weekend Around Maryland, DC, and Fairfax County: Aug 30 – Sept 1

Are you scratching your head, wondering “What am I going to do this weekend?” If so, you’re in luck! We’ve compiled a helpful list of some of the best events, festivals, activities, shows, and more happening around town this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Invite your friends out to the Baltimore Comedy Fest or take the kids to the Maryland Renaissance Festival. You can even wow your whole group with tickets to the DC Festival of Magic!

Shows, Activities, Events & More in Maryland This Weekend

Whether you’re in the mood for an evening of laughter, an afternoon of Caribbean music, or a day full of family-friendly Renaissance fun — there’s something for everyone this weekend around Maryland!

8th Annual Baltimore Comedy Fest

Where? 400 Cathedral Street, Baltimore
When? August 28th-September 2nd

This year’s annual Baltimore Comedy Fest will be hosted at the Enoch Pratt Free Library. There is no admission charge, so make plans to swing by and have an evening of laughs with your friends! The fest kicks off at 6:30 PM on Friday and will last approximately 2 hours. The festival is for ages 18 and up, so prepare to have your ID ready at the door. The Baltimore Comedy Fest is known for bringing together 50-100 professional comedians from around the country for a 6-day showcase in Baltimore across multiple venues. Beer and wine will be served at the library, and the showcase will be held in the stunning Central Hall. Space is limited, so make sure to register beforehand so organizers know how many attendees to expect!

2024 Summer Fest

Where? 1401 Mercantile Lane, Upper Marlboro
When? August 31st

This Saturday’s Summer Fest is organized by Love AME Church! Bring the whole family out for a day filled with live music, delicious food, and fun activities for all ages. The fest will also be handing out free school supplies to those who need them! Head over to the church anytime between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM for a jam-packed day of memories at this summer bash. Local vendors will be on-site, so you’ll have the chance to shop stylish back-to-school clothes and snag some last-minute end-of-summer deals.

Billie Holiday Music & Arts Festival

Where? 1201 Pennsylvania Avenue, Baltimore
When? August 31st

The Billie Holiday Music & Arts Festival is excited to make its return to the historic Pennsylvania Avenue in Baltimore. The festival displays musical and artistic talents that highlight achievements from past generations while celebrating modern contributions as well. The 2024 Festival lineup includes performances by Jamar Dukes, Jasmine Blanks Jones, the Panama Band, Rio, and CRJAZ. Previous festivals have attracted over 5,000 attendees, so prepare for a fun Saturday filled with live music, food, and art. The festival is scheduled from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Entry is free, so no need to stress about rising ticket prices! Spread the love by supporting local vendors, food trucks, and more.

12th Annual Caribbean Wine Festival

Where? 2210 Fairgrounds Road, West Friendship
When? August 31st

Whether you’ve been to 11 Caribbean Wine Festivals or this year marks your first one — you’re sure to have a blast! The festival celebrates all things Caribbean cuisine, Caribbean music, arts and crafts, and even integrated dancing! On Saturday from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM, head over to the Howard County Fairgrounds to dance, sing, and vibe with your local community members. Dive into savory jerk chicken, mouthwatering curries, and delicious plantains. 2024’s top DJs include DJ Illicit, DJ Jason Frass, and DJ Stoka. Jam out to reggae, dancehall, afro beats, and soca throughout this dynamic celebration of Caribbean culture. Featured wineries at this year’s festival include Society Wines, Ricco’s Wine Adventures, and Reggae Wines.

2nd Annual Taste of the City Wine Festival

Where? 8440 Fairgrounds Road, La Plata
When? August 31st

The 2nd Annual Taste of the City Wine Festival will be taking place this Saturday from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM. In addition to delicious wine and tasty bites, attendees will enjoy the sounds of soulful live music while they congregate with their community members at this exciting event. There will be a performance by Grammy and award-winner Regina Belle, as well as music by Johnny Steele and the Steele 4Real Band, Suttle, the After U Band, and Bela Dona! Tickets range from $150 to $300, so snag yours now to get the best deal. The festival will be held at the Charles County Fairgrounds in La Plata, Maryland.

Maryland Renaissance Festival

Where? 1821 Crownsville Road, Annapolis
When? August 31st & September 1st

This year’s Renaissance Festival kicked off on August 24th and will run through the weekend of October 19th & 20th. Festivities are hosted from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Renaissance weekends and tickets are priced at $26 for adults ages 16 to 61 and $14 for children ages 7 to 15. Children under the age of 7 don’t need a ticket. On Labor Day Monday (September 2nd), all seniors ages 62 and up get in free! Events and entertainment scheduled throughout the day include live music, magic shows, Shakespeare reenactments, comedy sets, and more. There will be plenty of food and drink options, as well as a jousting show you won’t want to miss! Within the Renaissance Village, no pets other than trained service animals are allowed and no beverages aside from a personal-sized, sealed water bottle are permitted per person.

First Sunday Arts Fest

Where? West Street, Annapolis
When? September 1st

Hailing as one of Maryland’s premier art festivals, this weekend’s Sunday Arts Fest is hosted along the beautiful West Street in downtown historic Annapolis. Attendees will find over 100 vendors, an array of live entertainment, and cafe dining. From 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM on the first Sunday of the month, celebrate the local culture and delve into beautiful handmade artwork and crafts created by your neighborhood artists across mediums such as metalwork, painting, wood carving, pottery, jewelry, glass, and more. This Sunday’s event will feature live music by Soul Journers, the Johnson Male Chorus, and the Salvation Army Band at Stan and Joe’s Lot. At People’s Park from noon to 5:00 PM, enjoy tunes by Aaron Hawkins and Mike Waskey.

Shows, Activities, Events & More in Washington D.C. This Weekend 

Check out what’s happening around the capital city this weekend, such as live jazz music, baseball games, and even a magic show!

Washington Nationals Vs. Chicago Cubs

Where? 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC
When? August 30th-September 1st

Catch the Washington Nationals as they take on the Chicago Cubs during a three-day home stand this weekend at Nationals Park. Friday’s game is part of the Nats Summer Concert Series, with a postgame performance by Two Friends to celebrate Labor Day Weekend! Saturday’s game includes a CJ Abrams streetwear bobblehead for the first 20,000 fans in attendance and Sunday’s game will present a kid’s Ruiz catching gear t-shirt for the first 8,000 fans ages 12 and under. Simplify game day by purchasing a parking pass in advance so you have several options for covered and uncovered parking.

DC Festival of Magic

Where? Capital Hilton
When? August 30th – September 1st

Did you know that DC has been dubbed the “Magic Capital of the Country”? Snag your tickets now to see why! Kids and adults of all ages are sure to be wowed! Enjoy an array of entertainment across five amazing performances that showcase DC’s finest magicians who have teamed up to make you laugh harder and gasp louder. Performers include Eric DeCamps, Jason Michaels, Chris Capehart, Oscar Muñoz, and more! Pick up your all-access pass for just $99! The show will be hosted at DC’s Capital Hilton. There is valet parking available, as well as limited parking garages and street parking.

DC JazzFest

Where? 1001 7th Street SW, Washington, DC
When? August 31st & September 1st

Head over to The Wharf this Saturday and Sunday for some live jazz tunes. This year’s festival is star-studded in celebration of the 20th anniversary! From 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM, keep the good vibes rolling with artists such as Eliot Seppa, James Morrison, Antonio Hart, Sharón Clark, Samara Joy, and Shannon Gunn’s Saffron. Attendees can opt for standing tickets ($25) which grant them access to outdoor performances or seated ($150) and VIP tickets ($275), which include indoor performances at Union Stage and Arena Stage. There are three parking garages at The Wharf, though parking can still be challenging so consider using a taxi or rideshare if possible!

Shows, Activities, Events & More Near Arlington, VA This Weekend 

Looking for things to do around Fairfax County and Arlington? Check out these great festivals, farmers markets, and Alexandria’s Mount Vernon Nights!

Mount Vernon Nights

Where? 4710 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Alexandria & 2351 Field Point Road, Herndon
When? August 30th & 31st

Mount Vernon Nights are hosted on Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 PM. Friday nights are at Grist Mill Park in Alexandria and Saturday’s festivities are held at the Workhouse Arts Center. This weekend, enjoy performances by Melissa Quinn Fox, a rising singer/songwriter and Cloud Cult in Herndon. Mount Vernon Nights are meant to reflect the diversity and culture within Fairfax County while bringing community members together to enjoy a picnic dinner and live music. Enjoy beer, wine, sodas, and snacks that are for sale at the Workhouse on Saturdays!

Lobster Festival at the Winery at Bull Run

Where? 15950 Lee Highway, Centreville
When? August 31st

Do you love all things lobster and wine? Well, you’re in luck because the Winery at Bull Run is hosting a day full of delicious lobster-based dishes from Cousins Maine Lobster, such as lobster mac & cheese, lobster grilled cheese, lobster quesadillas, lobster tots, lobster and shrimp tacos, and of course — lobster tail. Pair these decadent dishes with delicious Bull Run wines and you’re in for a day you won’t soon forget. Soak in the gorgeous views from the winery and enjoy live music from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. This is a free event, so don’t worry about tickets or pesky reservations. The festival is open to all ages, so bring your lobster-fanatic little ones along!

Barks and Brews Festival

Where? 7581 Colshire Drive, Mclean
When? August 31st

This Saturday, head over to Shipgarten for their Barks and Brews Festival to celebrate all things pups and beer and cider. From 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM, let your furry companions roam off-leash in the park while you sip on a cold one. There will be various doggy competitions throughout the day, as well as 40+ beer and cider samples from local breweries and a photo booth equipped with accessories so you can get the perfect shot. Attendees can also partake in outdoor games and activities, as well as giveaways and prizes. There will also be a kid’s corner with face painting, a moon bounce, crafts, and more!

FRESHFARM Arlington Market

Where? 1400 North Courthouse Road, Arlington
When? August 31st

The FRESHFARM Arlington Market is one of the largest farmers markets in the region. The weekly celebration of fresh food brings the community together to support local farmers, growers, and makers. Whether you’re shopping for farmstead goat cheese or pastured bison, you’ll find a bit of everything at the market. Participating farmers and producers include Cheese Goatees, Dimitri Olive Oil, Potomac Vegetable Farms, Green Acres Family Farmstead, and Toigo Orchards. Produce currently in season includes bell peppers, stone fruit, summer squash, sweet corn, and tomatoes — so plan your menu around these delicious staples to enjoy a farm-fresh home-cooked meal.

We Hope You Enjoy Your Weekend!

Whether you want to enjoy some live music, check out a local festival, or enjoy a low-key day at the farmers market — there’s plenty to do and see across Maryland, DC, and Virginia this weekend. Make sure to check back next week for an updated list of events & activities!