Your Guide To August In DC

August is a love-it-or-hate-it kind of month for D.C. But even if you hate it, you have to ride it out. Here are some ideas so you can make the most out of the last days of summer.

See Your Favorite Authors at the National Book Festival

Say hi to my middle school crush, the author of the Eragon series Christopher Paolini, and dozens of other big-name authors at this free book festival by the Library of Congress. There will be workshops, book signings, and lectures all throughout the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. (Aug. 24, 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.)

Go Tubing in West Virginia

Grab your bros, brats, and brews, and get your butt wet floating down a slow West Virginia river. River Raiders in Harpers Ferry is one of the most popular tubing companies, but Harpers Ferry Adventure Center is also a great option. Don’t forget the sunscreen and speakers.

Summer Restaurant Week 2024

Lots of new restaurants are offering Restaurant Week menus this year, including the Seven Reasons Group restaurants like Surreal and Seven Reasons, and newcomers like Bar Japonais, Ceibo, and Balos. So start thinking about where to make brunch, lunch, and dinner reservations; we’ll have more details for you next week! (August 12 - 18)

Hike At a National Park For Free

National parks around the U.S. are waiving entry fees on Aug. 4, which means some of the DMV’s best outdoor areas will be totally free. Classics like Great Falls and Shenandoah are bound to get crowded, but Prince William Forest, just 30 miles from D.C., is totally underrated. (Aug. 4)

Get Your Back-To-School Supplies

DCPS’ first day of school is Aug. 26 and it’s time to start stocking up on gel pens and smelly erasers. There are so many back-to-school events and giveaways with free backpacks, school supplies, hygiene items, school uniforms, haircuts, and more, like this Bread for the City event, or these DCPS ones.

Groove at DC JazzFest

The 20th annual DC JazzFest is coming up with some big names like Jacob Collier, Samara Joy, and D-Nice. The main stage is at The Wharf, but there will be performances all around D.C. with tickets starting at $25. (Aug. 31 - Sept. 1, 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.)