Things to Do in the DMV This Month

August 7, 2025 | Lifestyle

August is heating up in the DMV — and not just because of the weather. From historic garden parties to anime conventions and Shakespeare remixed with jazz, this month’s cultural calendar is stacked. Here are the can’t-miss events happening around DC this August!

Looking for more of the best of DC? Check out the Lifestyle Section of our blog for everything from the best places in DC to grab a cocktail to the latest after-school programs for kids!

EventsDC Summer Movie Series
August 7, 13, & 19 | Free Admission
Outdoor movies are a summer staple, and EventsDC takes things up a notch. Each screening includes a live DJ, themed activities, and snacks. This year’s lineup:

Piece by Piece (Aug. 7 @ DC Armory)
Mufasa: The Lion King (Aug. 13 @ Carnegie Library Lawn)
Moana 2 (Aug. 19 @ The Wharf Transit Pier)

AdMo Vibe Summer Concert Series
August 7, 14, & 21 | Kalorama Park | Free Admission
Enjoy live music under the trees in Adams Morgan. This Thursday evening series features local talent and neighborhood vibes. The lineup:

Emma G (Aug. 7)
The Montaines (Aug. 14)
Justin Trawick & The Common Good (Aug. 21)

Otakon 2025
August 8–10 | Walter E. Washington Convention Center
One of the biggest conventions on the East Coast for fans of Asian media, Otakon is a high-energy, family-friendly celebration of anime, manga, music, video games, and pop culture. Expect cosplay contests, panels, artist alleys, and more.

Strawberry Soirée @ President Lincoln’s Cottage
August 9
Step into a Victorian garden party inspired by Mary Lincoln’s favorite summer indulgence. Come ready to partake in swing dance lessons & flower crown-making while enjoying jazz under the stars amidst a crowd of DC’s young professionals. Hosted by DC Social Collective.

Broccoli City Block Party
August 9
DC’s ultimate summer block party is back with food trucks, pop-up vendors, dancing, and a stacked DJ lineup that includes DJ Flow, King Flexxa, Bearded Drummer, and more!

Play On! @ Signature Theatre
August 12 – October 5
Shakespeare meets Duke Ellington in this musical twist on Twelfth Night. Set in 1930s Harlem, the story follows Vy as she disguises herself to chase a dream in a world not yet ready for her.

Nationals Postgame Concert Series: Sam Hunt
August 15 | Nationals Park
Stick around after the Nats take on the Phillies for a postgame concert by country-pop megastar Sam Hunt. Your game ticket gets you into the show!

Summer Restaurant Week
August 18–24
More than 150 restaurants across the DMV will roll out multi-course prix fixe menus at can’t-beat prices. It’s the perfect excuse to finally try that place you’ve bookmarked.

PARADE @ The Kennedy Center
August 19 – September 7
Winner of the 2023 Tony Award for Best Revival, PARADE tells the harrowing story of Leo Frank, a Jewish factory manager in Georgia accused of a terrible crime. The powerful musical tackles justice, prejudice, and resilience all in one outing.

Silversun Pickups @ 9:30 Club
August 26
Indie rock favorites Silversun Pickups bring their shimmering guitars and anthemic energy to the 9:30 Club for one night only.

Summer Films at The REACH
Fridays through August 29 | Free Admission
Bring a blanket and settle in on the lawn at The REACH for Friday night movie screenings under the stars. Wondering what’s on tap? A mix of classics and contemporary favorites that light up the Kennedy Center’s video wall weekly.

American Landscapes in Watercolor @ The National Gallery of Art
Now through February 1, 2026 | Free Admission
Travel coast to coast without leaving the city behind. The NGA’s latest exhibit spotlights American watercolor works from the Corcoran Collection, capturing everything from the Washington Monument to Yosemite and New England’s rocky shores. What began as a medium for mapping and landscaping is elevated here into pure art.

DC JazzFest – August 29 – September 1
One of the city’s signature summer festivals returns, bringing top-tier national and local talent to stages across DC. Thanks to a mix of free and ticketed shows not to mention a lineup packed with standout performers, DC JazzFest is always worth the listen.

The bottom line? The sun may soon be setting on summer, but we’re here to help you soak up every last drop. So stay cool, stay curious, and get out there — August in the DMV won’t wait.

Curious about more than just DC events? For all your DMV real estate needs, we’re here to help! Get in touch with us by filling out the form on this page, calling us at 202.280.2060, or emailing connect@jennsmira.com.