It won’t be long now.
Before we know it, all the kids will be back in school. The weather will be getting cooler, and the days will be getting shorter.
But we’re not ready to say goodbye to summer yet, and we want to help you make the most of it, too. Summer in the city has been filled with fun events and festivals and gatherings. The good news is that there’s plenty more where that came from.
No matter what you’re into, you can still find summer fun in D.C. before fall’s inevitable arrival. Here are 5 of our best recommendations …
Catch a Game at Nationals Park
OK, yes. The Washington Nationals are not very good this year. They have been hanging out at the bottom of the standings all year. So what? It’s summer. It’s baseball. It’s still an amazing way to spend an afternoon or an evening. Soak up the sunshine.
Find a local beer on tap and grab a bite from one of the many awesome local vendors — we recommend Ben’s Chili Bowl — and settle in to watch our national pastime. Got kids? Bring ’em! They’ll never forget it.
Enjoy an American Artform at DC Jazzfest
Jazz music is a distinctly American institution, and D.C. has always been one of the hotbeds of jazz. DC Jazzfest originated in 2005, and since then it has created an opportunity for music lovers to come together and enjoy some of the greatest jazz musicians on the planet.
DC Jazzfest 2022 is happening from August 31 through September 4 at venues around the city. Among the stars you can see are Ron Carter and Christian McBride, plus Jazzfest’s official Artist-in-Residency Orrin Evans, who is also serving as the musical director. You’ll also have a chance to get an early look and some up-and-coming stars, including Giveton Gelin, who recently was recognized with the LetterOne Rising Star Jazz Award.
Celebrate the Written Word at the National Book Festival
The theme of the 22nd annual Library of Congress National Book Festival is “Books Bring Us Together.” It’s certainly bringing out some of the bright stars in the literary world. The event is free and open to the public.
The festival is happening on Saturday, September 3, at the Washington Convention Center. Some programs and presentations will also be streamed online if you can’t be there in person. Featured authors attending the event include Sabaa Tahir, Nick Offerman, Janelle Monae, Nyle DiMarco and Geraldine Brooks.
Taste the City’s Best During Restaurant Week
The culinary scene in D.C. is one of the most extraordinary in the country. Metropolitan Restaurant Week is your chance to take advantage of big savings while you take your seats at some of the city’s finest restaurants.
More than 200 local restaurants are participating, including Annabelle, Baan Siam, Blend 111, Bindaas Cleveland Park and Foggy Bottom, Bresca, China Chilcano, Convivial, Cranes, Dauphine’s La Bis, La Cote d’Or Cafe, Mintwood Place, Moderna, Nama, Slate Wine Bar, Rasika West End and Sababa.
When you purchase a special ticket, you can enjoy a lunch or brunch for $25 per person or dinner for $40 or $55 per person.
Enjoy a D.C. Cruise with City Views
Of all the ways to enjoy the incredible sites that Washington, D.C., has to offer, one of the lesser-known yet most memorable ways is via a river cruise from The Wharf in Southeast D.C.
You can catch a water taxi bound for Georgetown, Old Town Alexandria or National Harbor. Or you can choose from a variety of sightseeing and dining cruises, ranging from basic to extravagant.
Departing from the docks off of Water Street, City Cruises offers a little something for everyone. And however you set sail, you’ll come back with epic photos of the monuments and the city skyline.
