10 Things Not to Miss This Summer

Smithsonian Folklife Festival One of the most anticipated festivals of the year, the Smithsonian's Folklife Festival is held over two weekends on the National Mall and features live music, food and artisan goods from around the world.

What to Know: The festival runs June 25 to June 29 and July 2 to July 6.

Click here
for complete details.

(Getty Images)
Kayaking in the Potomac Leave the traffic and Metro clutter behind as you glide down the Potomac in a kayak or canoe. Head north toward Great Falls or south toward the Monument, but make sure to bring plenty of snacks, water and sunscreen.

What to Know: You can rent from various companies in the area.

Click here
for a map of kayak rentals near you.

(Getty Images)
Maryland Crab & Beer Festival This one requires a little patience, because the festival doesn't happen until Aug. 16. But just think about how excited you'll be when the big day finally arrives! More than 50,000 crabs will descend on National Harbor for the annual festival. Wash them down with 50 varieties of beer and wine.

What to Know: There are two "seatings" for the feast. The first is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the second is from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets range from $59 to $119.

Click here for details.

(WTOP/Ed Kelleher)
American Beer Classic And speaking of beer, head to RFK Stadium July 12 for the American Beer Classic. Taste from hundreds of brews, or just sample delicious food from local vendors if you're a designated driver.

What to know: Choose between a day drinking session -- 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. -- or an evening session -- 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. There is a lounge for sober drivers to escape their annoyingly drunk friends for a while. Tickets start are $25 for DD's, while lushes will pay between $50 and $90.

Click here for details.

(Facebook Photo)
Safeway BBQ Battle Enjoy all types of pork, chicken and beef June 21 and 22 near the White House during the annual barbecue showdown. Thirty live bands will serenade foodies as they feast on BBQ from local and regional vendors.

What to Know: The festival will be held on Pennsylvania Avenue between 9th and 14th streets in Northwest D.C. Tickets are $12 to $15.

Click here for information.

(Courtesy Safeway BBQ Battle)
Jazz Fests Choose from the DC Jazz Festival or the Nordic Jazz Festival, both held from June 24 through June 29 at various locations throughout D.C.

The D.C. Jazz Festival is celebrating its 10-year anniversary with performances at Capitol Riverfront, Hamilton Live and other smaller clubs in the city.

The Nordic Jazz Festival will take place in Scandinavian embassies. What to Know: There's no reason to just choose one festival.

Check out the complete schedules for D.C. Jazz fest here and Nordic fest here.

(Courtesy D.C. Jazz Festival)
National Book Festival The biggest of its kind, the National Book Festival features authors, poets and illustrators for readers of all ages, including such writers as Jonathan Allen, Amie Parnes, Peter Baker, Ishmael Beah, Kai Bird, Billy Collins, Kate DiCamillo, Francisco Goldman, Henry Hodges, Siri Hustvedt, Cynthia Kadohata, U.S. Reps. John Lewis and James Clyburn, Alice McDermott, George Packer, Lisa See, Maria Venegas and Gene Luen Yang.

What to Know: The festival is Aug. 30 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

Click here for info.

(Courtesy National Book Festival)
AFI Docs The five-day international documentary film festival is one of the most prestigious in the world. Screenings start June 18 and last through June 22.

For a complete list of full-length and short films, click here.(Courtesy National Book Festival)
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