Now that the 4th of July is here, your DC summer is officially in full swing. Thinking about all the exciting ways to fill your time over the next few months? Luckily, during July and August, cultural attractions are just as prevalent as quintessential warm weather diversions.

From festivals to concerts and beyond, keep reading for the best things to do in DC not just this month — but all season long!

#1 Movies On The Potomac: What screams summertime more than a free outdoor movie? Just outside of DC at National Harbor, the Movies on the Potomac series is running through September 29th. Fun for all ages, every 6 PM showing on Sunday features a family-friendly film, while couples and adults should gear up for Thursday’s 7 PM date night features. Check out the lineup here!

#2 Jazz In The Garden: DC’s favorite concert series Jazz in the Garden is back in action! Every Friday night through August 9, the National Gallery of Art hosts an outdoor concert in its Sculpture Garden. Featuring a range of jazz, bluegrass, and Afro-Cuban music, attendees can soak up the weather, tunes, and showstopping views. Guests are welcome to register at noon exactly one week prior to each concert.

#3 Capital Fringe Festival | July 11–21: This year’s Capital Fringe Festival, an annual celebration of theatre and freedom of expression, is fast approaching. In 2024, the Capital Fringe Festival will feature entirely original theatre, dance, and unclassifiable productions with a total of 150 cast and crew members, 83% of whom are from the DMV area and 17% from across the country and internationally. The festival has been moved to the Golden Triangle neighborhood, and will take place in three vacant retail storefronts on Connecticut Avenue NW.

#4 Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens: Dream you’re in a Monet painting at this serene, off-the-beaten-track park near Anacostia, where hundreds of water lilies, aquatic bamboo, and wild flowers can be discovered via boardwalks and pathways. Critters from blue herons to turtles also thrive here, and summer might be the most pleasant time to visit (if we were forced to pick, that is). Rangers lead tours of the gardens every Saturday and Sunday at 11 AM.

#5 USA Rugby | July 12: The 2024 American Series, presented by USA Rugby and AEG Rugby, offers four action-packed, coast-to-coast, international test matches featuring the USA Rugby Men’s Eagles team. In the DC edition of the series, the Eagles will take on Scotland in an epic match at Audi Field. The last time these two teams met, the USA team scored a dramatic and historic victory, marking the program’s first win over a major rugby nation. Secure your spot in the crowd here.

➤ Looking for more things to do in DC this summer? Read these posts next:

• How to Stay Cool in DC this Summer
• Coolest Beaches in the DMV Area
• Summer Day Trips a Short Drive From DC

#6 Broccoli City Festival | July 27–28: Now at Audi Field in Navy Yard, Broccoli City is a music festival focused on celebrating not just music but culture and community, featuring everything from concerts to interactive art installations and culinary vendors. Headliners this year include Megan Thee Stallion, Gunna, Concrete Family, Kaytranada, Lil Yachty, and PartyNextDoor, but the experience doesn’t stop there. The event will be hosted by comedians Desi Banks and Funny Marco, and there will even be an intro by Issa Rae!

#7 Mubadala Citi DC Open | July 27–August 4: The wait is over: The District’s signature professional tennis tournament returns to Rock Creek Park Tennis Center this month. Top-tier talent from all over the world will compete for a prestigious trophy, leading to action that you do not want to miss.

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#9 DC JazzFest | August 28-September 1: DC JazzFest brings national and local musicians to a range of venues all over the city, including The Wharf. A lineup stacked with talent and free performances are just some of the many reasons why you should check out the 2024 edition, which marks the 20th anniversary of the festival. Confirmed artists for the upcoming celebration include Samara Joy, Stanley Clarke, Kenny Barron, Dianne Reeves, Galactic, Bill Frisell, Bobby Sanabria, Cimafunk, Emmet Cohen, Nasar Abadey, and the Michael Thomas Quintet.

Thinking about buying or selling real estate in DC this summer? Reach us at 202.280.2060 or send us a note at jsmira@jennsmira.com.