Your D.C. weekend: National Book Festival, plus fair fun
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David M. Rubenstein at last year's National Book Festival. Photo: Shannon Finney/Getty Images
Yes, the Grand Prix is happening this weekend, but there’s also another big event hitting downtown D.C.: The Library of Congress’ National Book Festival on Saturday.
Why it matters: It's a chance to see tons of big-name writers and celebs all in one day and all in your backyard.
State of play: Celebrities like Cynthia Erivo, Martin Scorsese and Kate McKinnon will be at the festival to chat about their books and craft.
- Other popular authors and writers on the list of 80-plus speakers include: Ann Patchett, Arthur Sze, Tia Williams, Tayari Jones, Andrew Sean Greer, Patrick Radden Keefe, Jenny Lawson, Chanel Miller, Maria Semple, David M. Rubenstein and Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney.
- Plus: Check out other events like story time for kiddos, STEM-centric literary fun, and presentations by Library of Congress experts.
The intrigue: Tickets are required to enter the festival for the first time ever, but they're free.
Yes, but: Beware all the Grand Prix road closures and crowds downtown — you’ll want to Metro, if possible.
- Also expect an increased law enforcement presence downtown
Zoom out: This year's festival has widened its offerings to celebrate America's 250th birthday, with programming that dives into the country's films, music and folklife.
If you go: The festival will happen Saturday at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center from 9am to 8pm. Doors open at 8:30am.
More fun weekend events:
🎬 Thursday marks the last night to see an outdoor movie at Audi Field this summer — this one will be “Top Gun: Maverick.” (Free, registration required)
🎡 Catch the last few days of the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair, with a rodeo on Thursday and Friday nights and a demo derby Saturday to close out this year’s event. (Ticket prices vary)
🎶 Rock Creek Park’s Carter Barron Amphitheater has been closed since 2016, but it will reopen Thursday, Friday and Saturday for concerts by local groups like JazzDC AllStars. (Tickets $15, Saturday sold out)
😂 Giggle at Washington Improv Theater’s Improvapalooza, aka a “marathon of experimental improv shows” happening every day until Sunday. (Tickets start at $25)
🎻 Head to the Washington Folk Festival in Glen Echo on Sunday for tons of music ranging from Celtic to bluegrass, plus food trucks and a space for kiddos. (Free)