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A guide to fun things to do in D.C. this weekend.

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Big news for aspiring WAGs (and HABs) in Washington: The Croatian National Team will be training and staying in Alexandria during this summer's World Cup.

Why it matters: Do we have to spell it out for you? Okay, fine: There will be some hunky Croatian soccer daddies roaming our streets.

State of play: Croatia's team, aka the Vatreni, will practice at Episcopal High School and stay at The AKA Hotel near Old Town starting in June.

From ALX, the team will travel to matches in Dallas, Toronto and Philly.

Zoom in: If you want a crash course in the heritage of your future bae (or, you know, just want to celebrate another culture), Alexandria is hosting a Croatian cultural festival along the waterfront June 6.

Swing by for Croatian music, wine and food. 

Plus: In Old Town, wine bar Wine Gallery 108 will offer Croatian wines and tastings, and Old House Cosmopolitan Grill will have a Croatian-inspired menu. 

And keep your eyes peeled around ALX for a DASH bus wrapped in Croatian colors.

Or head into D.C. for a June 17 watch party at Franklin Hall celebrating Croatia's face-off against England cohosted by the Croatian Embassy and the "Slightly Overweight Fathers of Alexandria" group (yep, that's a thing), per a spokesperson.

The intrigue: Unfortunately, Googling "Who is single on the Croatian soccer team" doesn't pull up a list of resources we can share with our eligible readers.

That means it's up to you, Axios D.C. singletons, to do some hard-hitting, boots-on-the-ground journalism and report back to us. 

Flashback: ALX is making a name for itself as a haven for pro-athlete hotties: The city also served as the basecamp for the United Arab Emirates' Al Ain FC team during last year's FIFA Club World Cup.

Alexandria soon to be overrun with Croatian soccer hunks

Croatian flag waving on a flagpole against a clear blue sky, with green trees around; red, white, blue horizontal stripes and the checkered crest in the center.

Big news for aspiring <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="WAGs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.today.com/popculture/what-are-wags-rcna124752" data-vars-content-id="1b01516f-251c-43fe-aeda-76a1d06b5ffa" data-vars-headline="Alexandria soon to be overrun with Croatian soccer hunks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.today.com/popculture/what-are-wags-rcna124752" target="_blank">WAGs</a> (and HABs) in Washington: The Croatian National Team will be training and staying in Alexandria during this summer&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/12/08/world-cup-matches-near-dc-philadelphia-metlife-stadium-boston" data-vars-content-id="1b01516f-251c-43fe-aeda-76a1d06b5ffa" data-vars-headline="Alexandria soon to be overrun with Croatian soccer hunks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/12/08/world-cup-matches-near-dc-philadelphia-metlife-stadium-boston" target="_self">World Cup</a>.Why it matters: Do we have to spell it out for you? Okay, fine: There will be some hunky Croatian soccer daddies roaming our streets.

Sports

News

Music-loving Washingtonians will find plenty of ways to jam out this weekend.

Why it matters: We're finally getting some nice weather — aka it's time to leave your house and get your groove on.

State of play: Three big musical events are happening in the DMV:

🌟 Project Glow: Embrace your inner club kid at this EDM and dance music festival happening at D.C.'s RFK Festival Grounds on Saturday and Sunday.

Catch a lineup of dozens of performers across three stages, including names like Zeds Dead and Porter Robinson.

Plus: Check out food and drink vendors and art installations. (Ticket prices vary)

🏠 Petworth PorchFest: The annual D.C. neighborhood festival is back Saturday with tons of pop-up concerts and events across porches and sites in Petworth.

And we mean tons of concerts — 427 acts across 176 locations, to be exact.

Fuel your jam seshes with local deals hosted by area spots like Anxo, Casa Mia and Three Whistles. (Free)

🎤 Ari Lennox: The DMV-grown singer returns to her old stomping grounds for a two-night show Saturday and Sunday at MGM National Harbor.

The stops are part of the R&B star's Vacancy Tour, named after her third album, released earlier this year. (Ticket prices vary)

🇪🇸 Washington's very own top chef José Andrés will be at Lincoln Theatre on Thursday to chat about — and demo! — all the tasty recipes in his new cookbook, "Spain My Way." ($46)

☘️ Slap on some green and take a day trip to the Annapolis Irish Festival on Friday and Saturday, with live Irish music and dancing, whiskey tastings, contests like "Best Legs in Kilts," and events for the wee lassies and lads. (Ticket prices vary)

📚 Love that old book smell? Sniff around the Capital Rare Book Fair happening at the University Club Friday through Sunday, featuring antique book vendors from across the country and events like book talks and collector's chats. (Ticket prices vary)

🩰 CityCenter becomes center stage this weekend when the Washington Ballet's dancers stage a lineup of free performances Friday and Saturday. (Free)

📜 The Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum reopens Saturday with its new exhibit, "We Make History," which honors America's 250th birthday by highlighting how Washingtonians have contributed to the nation's history. (Free)

Your D.C. weekend: Tons of music, plus a rare book fair

Good weather is finally here — time to get out!

A live outdoor band performs on a gray porch with white railings. Three musicians play guitars and drums while a crowd sits and claps; string lights hang above.

Musicians perform during 2023's Petworth PorchFest. Photo: STEFANI REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images

Music-loving Washingtonians will find plenty of ways to jam out this weekend.Why it matters: We&#x27;re finally getting some nice <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="weather" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/climate" data-vars-content-id="24746d19-2a6b-47db-8ecb-eb4b9eeb15e7" data-vars-headline="Your D.C. weekend: Tons of music, plus a rare book fair" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/climate" target="_self">weather</a> — aka it&#x27;s time to leave your house and get your groove on.

Things to Do

Suit up: Pools and splash parks are opening across the DMV over Memorial Day weekend.

Why it matters: Snowcrete winter makes pool season that much sweeter.

State of play: D.C.'s public pools open Saturday — chilly forecast be darned.

17 city-run outdoor pools and 35 spray parks will be open through Memorial Day (10am-6pm), and then operate on a weekend-only schedule through June 21.

Starting Monday, June 22, all full‑service outdoor pools will open six days a week, and spray parks daily. 

The pools are free for D.C. residents, but those outside the District can purchase day and summer passes (prices vary by age).

Between the lines: The parks department posts real-time updates and pool capacity status here. When a pool reaches capacity, a one‑in, one‑out policy applies. 

Children cool down at the Petworth Spray Park in Washington, DC, on July 19, 2019. - Some 100 heat records are expected to fall this weekend, according to the National Weather Service, as a heat wave hits the midwest and eastern US. (Photo by Alastair Pike / AFP) (Photo credit should read ALASTAIR P

Kids cool down at Petworth's spray park. Photo: Alastair Pike/AFP  via Getty Images

Inside scoop: Having trouble picking a pool? Park staff tell us their favorites for:

🤸 Busy but cool: Hearst in Upper Northwest is fully accessible, with great summer vibes and lap lanes for exercise. 

🕶️ Under-the-radar: Theodore Hagans for a low-key hang in Fort Lincoln, Northeast.

👪 Good for kids: Langdon is the only pool-splash park combo, plus a kiddie pool.

👙 On the river: Anacostia Pool in Southeast is surrounded by more water, plus a park for walking and boating. 

 Sassy, a four year old mix breed, takes a break from swiming during the fifth annual Doggie Day swim at Upshur Pool on Arkansas Avenue in Northwest Washington.The event which allows dogs to swim in the pools before they are drained for the winter s sponsored by the D.C. Department of Parks and Recr

D.C.'s "Doggie Day Swim" caps off pool season. Photo: Jonathan Newton / The Washington Post via Getty Images

More ways to stay cool: NoVa Parks' five huge water parks offer fun for all ages (entry prices vary).  

Residents and non-residents can get day or summer passes to use Alexandria's three outdoor pools and its splash park.

Fairfax County's Martin Luther King, Jr. pool — the only outdoor pool operated by the county — is free for residents, with $50 summer passes for non-residents. The county also has a water park (tix required) and splash pad.

Montgomery County boasts seven outdoor pools. Passes are available to county residents and non-residents for varying prices.

Prince George's County's outdoor pools and splash parks are available to both county residents and non-residents with passes (prices vary).

🐶 What's next: D.C. public pools close on a rolling basis starting in August. Mark your calendar (September 6) for the final hurrah: Doggie Day Swim! 

DMV pool guide: Where to swim around D.C. this summer

The best public pools in the DMV — many free!

Urban waterfront park with a long shallow pool, people swimming and playing in clear water, modern glass apartment buildings line the left, lush trees and a walkway on the right, a central fountain.

Yards Park splash park, a popular place to cool off in Navy Yard. Photo: Courtesy washington.org

Outdoor activities

Suit up: Pools and splash parks are opening across the DMV over Memorial Day weekend.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Snowcrete winter" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/01/28/snow-emergency-extended-as-snowcrete-slows-dc-cleanup" data-vars-content-id="570de5ab-d6f4-4a15-9cf5-94eda14c5b79" data-vars-headline="DMV pool guide: Where to swim around D.C. this summer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/01/28/snow-emergency-extended-as-snowcrete-slows-dc-cleanup" target="_self">Snowcrete winter</a> makes pool season that much sweeter.

Newcomers Guide

Fire up your Libby app: There's a new D.C.-based novel out this week from a local author.

Why it matters: The book takes readers on a journey through the District's indie music scene and its queer culture and history, with plenty of local references along the way.

State of play: "The Maidenheads" is the debut novel from Montgomery County-based journalist and writer Benny B. Peterson.

It follows a former D.C. musician who's given a chance to get on stage again — but it requires reuniting with the ex-girlfriend-slash-bandmate who broke her heart.

What they're saying: "I was really drawn to the idea of writing a novel about a world in D.C. that most people don't see," Peterson tells Axios. "D.C. is a really cool place to be a musician, it's a cool place to be an artist. There's so much going on, it's a very gay city."

Between the lines: Peterson isn't originally from D.C., so they dove into research to land the novel's music deets.

Think: books like "Dance of Days: Two Decades of Punk in the Nation's Capital," YouTube videos of old Fugazi and Bikini Kill shows in the area, and a backstage tour at the 9:30 Club (the site of a pivotal scene).

The intrigue: Other D.C. spots featured include Comet Ping Pong and an 18th Street karaoke bar that Peterson says is Muzette. 

One made-up place: A music venue called The Atrium, which Peterson said was inspired by The Anthem — which they couldn't include in the 2012-based book, as the venue wasn't built yet.

What's next: Peterson is working on another novel about D.C. and its queer history — "Fascinations that I keep coming back to."

And you can hear Peterson talk IRL about "The Maidenheads" at Takoma Park's People's Book on June 3.

This new novel explores D.C.'s indie music scene and queer culture

Collage-style book cover on a blue textured background with pink tape banners reading "THE MAIDEN HEADS", a kissing couple, a green microphone and keyboard, and a blue quote card in the corner.

Fire up your Libby app: There&#x27;s a new D.C.-based novel out this week from a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="local author" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/04/washington-dc-kids-book-111-places-austin-graff" data-vars-content-id="b3d7b4d5-b8d9-4fb4-a36c-217e5834fbe6" data-vars-headline="This new novel explores D.C.&#x27;s indie music scene and queer culture" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/04/washington-dc-kids-book-111-places-austin-graff" target="_self">local author</a>.Why it matters: The book takes readers on a journey through the District&#x27;s indie music scene and its queer culture and history, with plenty of local references along the way.

Culture

Big-time D.C. developer Monty Hoffman has listed his Wharf penthouse for $11 million.

Why it matters: Hoffman didn't just live at The Wharf — he created it.

He's the founder of Hoffman & Associates, the developer behind neighborhoods like The Wharf and Buzzard Point that have shifted the District's landscape. 

State of play: The penthouse is located in the Vio building, and has three bedrooms and four bathrooms across two levels.

It also has views of the Potomac River and the monuments, three parking spots, retractable glass walls, and a private rooftop with terraces, a garden and spaces for outdoor dining and lounging.

More cool perks: An outdoor shower, two-sided fireplace and private elevator, per a spokesperson.

The intrigue: If the penthouse goes for the listing price, it could be one of the city's most expensive condo sales ever.

The record is held by an Amaris penthouse — also located at the Wharf — that sold for almost $13 million in 2023. 

Rooftop terrace with gray cushioned sectional seating around a square fire pit, glass railing, and large planters. A river, park, and distant city skyline glow at sunset.

Wharf developer lists D.C. penthouse for $11 million

It could be one of the city's most expensive condo sales ever.

Modern rooftop lounge at sunset with beige sofas, brown lounge chairs, a circular ottoman, a long dining table, sheer curtains, and glass railing overlooking a distant city skyline.

Big-time D.C. developer <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Monty Hoffman" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2022/12/10/power-players-dc-taylor-heinicke-carla-hayden-hany-hassan" data-vars-content-id="d6c610b7-8314-4838-8f11-0db0428cc5b3" data-vars-headline="Wharf developer lists D.C. penthouse for $11 million" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2022/12/10/power-players-dc-taylor-heinicke-carla-hayden-hany-hassan" target="_self">Monty Hoffman</a> has listed his Wharf penthouse for $11 million.Why it matters: Hoffman didn&#x27;t just live at The Wharf — he created it.<ul><li>He&#x27;s the founder of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hoffman &amp; Associates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hoffman-dev.com/about-us/our-team/" data-vars-content-id="d6c610b7-8314-4838-8f11-0db0428cc5b3" data-vars-headline="Wharf developer lists D.C. penthouse for $11 million" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hoffman-dev.com/about-us/our-team/" target="_blank">Hoffman &amp; Associates</a>, the developer behind neighborhoods like The Wharf and Buzzard Point that have shifted the District&#x27;s landscape. </li></ul>

Mimi Montgomery

Featured stories

Wharf developer lists D.C. penthouse for $11 million

Your D.C. weekend: Tons of music, plus a rare book fair

This new novel explores D.C.'s indie music scene and queer culture

Alexandria soon to be overrun with Croatian soccer hunks

DMV pool guide: Where to swim around D.C. this summer