Your D.C. Weekend: National Gallery Block Party, Takoma Pride, World Cup warm-up

📚 "District Vibes / American Pride": This new DC Public Library exhibit, which opened Wednesday, is a love letter to D.C.'s outsized cultural footprint.

• It explores how the city shaped everything from jazz to go-go, sports and medical innovation, with artifacts, images and programming spread across libraries citywide (the main exhibit is at MLK Library). Through September 27, free

🦅 Spirit of Independence Festival: The National Archives hosts a three-day festival under a massive tent outside the main building.

• Programming runs day to night — much of it free and family friendly — from a patriotic pet "yappy hour" to face painting, military tributes and a ticketed evening gala with filmmaker Dawn Porter. Through Sat, free or ticket prices vary

😋 Taste of America: Part of the Spirit of Independence Festival, this Constitution Avenue culinary event brings together four chefs from across the country to tell the story of American cuisine through regional menus — from New England seafood to Oregon clam chowder, Southern fish-camp fare and New Mexican classics. Saturday, tickets $200

🎉 National Gallery Block Party: NGA throws its biggest party ever with art talks, community quilting, zine-making, sound baths, face painting, family yoga, live music, food and more all-ages fun. Saturday, free

• NGA's Sculpture Garden just started extended hours this week (until 8pm, Weds-Sat, plus a happy hour from 3-7pm).

🇺🇲 "American Icon: The U.S. Flag in Art": See how major artists, including Jasper Johns, Gordon Parks and Faith Ringgold, have interpreted the American flag from the 1800s to today at the National Gallery. Opens Saturday (through Dec. 6)

🏰 Smithsonian Castle and "American Aspirations": The historic castle just temporarily reopened, pausing renovations, with a new Lonnie Bunch-curated exhibit featuring prized objects from across the Smithsonian (through July 26) — plus a summery café serving lobster rolls. Open daily, free

More weekend fun

🌈 Phillips After 5 (Tonight): Drag performances, gallery talks focused on LGBTQIA+ artists and cocktails after hours at the Phillips museum in Dupont. Tickets $20

🐴 Upperville Colt & Horse Show (through Sun): The nation's oldest horse show is happening in Virginia, about an hour from D.C., with elite show jumping, equestrian competitions, family activities like Saturday's "pup parade" and Sunday's grand prix finale. Free

⛵ Sail Into Summer Yacht Rock Concert (Fri): Throw on your captain's hat and enjoy yacht-rock favorites, waterfront views and drinks by the river. Free with registration

📕 Foggy Bottom Book Crawl (Sat): Wander between neighborhood venues for author readings from journalists, novelists and poets, including Susan Page and Michael Isikoff. Free; $10 donation suggested

👯‍♂️ La Boum Brunch (Sat): La Boum is back — the notorious brunch party takes over Abigail in Dupont Circle with DJs, cocktails and house-rave energy. Tickets $30+

📍 Merry Pin's Anniversary Party (Sat): The craft shop near Takoma celebrates its second birthday with a "Too Hot to Handle" party featuring DIY projects, giveaways, cake, cocktails and Pride-themed festivities. Free with registration

🌺 Atlas Luau (Sat): Tropical cocktails, a pig roast, live music and island vibes take over Atlas Brew Works' Bridge District brewery. Free entry

🚶 Dupont-Kalorama Museum Walk Weekend (Sat-Sun): Tour Anderson House, Dupont Underground and other neighborhood landmarks during this annual open-house weekend. Free

🏳️‍🌈 Takoma Pride Parade & Street Fair (Sun): Celebrate Pride with a family-friendly parade, drag performers, roller derby skaters, crafts, face painting and community vendors. Free

⚽ USA vs. Senegal Watch Party (Sun): Head to NoMa's Wunder Garten to cheer on Senegal's Sadio Mané or the U.S. men's national team in a World Cup warm-up match. The watch party kicks off World Cup festivities, co-hosted by Volo, at the beer garden. Free entry