Thursday
Washington Improv Theater’s Improvapolooza 2026
Studio Theatre, 1501 14th St. NW, 7:30 p.m., $25 for a nightly pass
Thursday marks Day 2 of this five-day festival, which features hundreds of local improv pros and amateurs (many of them federal employees) aiming to entertain, as long as you supply a country, a favorite food and the name of your ex-boyfriend. Thursday’s lineup includes a cast of former athletes, several vampire-themed sessions and a sketch entirely sung a cappella.
JazzDC AllStars at Carter Barron Amphitheater
4850 Colorado Ave. NW, 6 p.m., $15
Trending
For 10 years, Rock Creek Park’s Carter Barron Amphitheater has lain fallow like a cursed castle in a modern fairytale, surrounded by chain-link fence and overgrown with plants. That all changes this weekend, when live music returns to the venue for the first time since 2016. The Rock Creek Conservancy, D.C. Jazz Festival and Washington Performing Arts teamed up to revive the amphitheater with a trio of shows. Sunday’s show is already sold out, but tickets remain for the JazzDC Allstars on Thursday and Sylver Logan Sharp and the Groovement ALLstars on Friday.
More to explore: “Wine and Design” origami night at the Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum
Friday
Ledisi: For Dinah at Strathmore
5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, 8 p.m., $29 to $139
The versatile vocalist Ledisi has portrayed gospel legend Mahalia Jackson twice in films and received a Grammy nomination for covering songs made famous by Nina Simone. Now she’s honoring jazz chanteuse Dinah Washington, and touring in support of her 2025 album, “For Dinah.” Produced by “Jazz Night in America” host Christian McBride, this album of sultry night music includes standards like “Caravan,” “What a Difference a Day Makes” and “This Bitter Earth.” She will be performing at Strathmore on Friday and Saturday.
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“Michael” screening at Films at the Stone
1964 Independence Ave. SW, 8 p.m., free
Outdoor movie season continues this weekend as “Michael” screens at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial on Friday night. The Michael Jackson biopic released this year focuses mostly on the singer’s musical milestones, and there’s no more thrilling way to see the film than projected onto the memorial’s flat side, along the Tidal Basin.
More to explore: “Beltway Bungalow” vintage fair in Alexandria
Saturday
National Book Festival
Washington Convention Center, 801 Allen Y. Lew Place NW, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., free (tickets required)
This annual celebration of literature is as much about books as it is celebrities with books to promote. This year’s A-list authors include “Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo debuting a memoir; SNL alum Kate McKinnon chatting about her foray into young adult fiction and filmmaker Martin Scorsese talking about — well, there doesn’t seem to be a book involved but there’s always “Taxi Driver.” Don’t take kids to that, but younger readers will enjoy read-aloud events on the Story District stage. For Orioles fans, owner David Rubenstein will sit down with announcer Kevin Brown. But be forewarned: Rubenstein will not be signing copies of his book “Inside the Owner’s Box,” probably because he doesn’t want to hear your thoughts on the Adley Rutschman trade.
Richard O’Brien’s “The Rocky Horror Show”
Monumental Theatre Company at Dance Place, 3225 8th St. NE, 8 p.m. $45
You’ve seen the movie — maybe you’re even sung along at one of those late-night screenings — but have you ever seen “Rocky Horror Show” live? Now’s your chance, especially if the current Broadway run is beyond your budget. Monumental Theatre Company’s marquee event is its annual summer musical, and this year it’s offering a cult classic staged as an immersive cabaret. The Brookland venue Dance Place remains transformed into Dr. Frank-N-Furter’s laboratory through Sept. 6.
More to explore: “Summer Saturdays” at George Mason’s Gunston Hall
Sunday
“The Notebook” at The National Theatre
1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., $81 to $223
May we suggest taking Mom to brunch, then to The National Theatre for a Sunday matinee performance of “The Notebook”? The mid-aughts indie pop ingénue Ingrid Michaelson adapted the 2004 film, which was already an adaptation of the Nicholas Sparks novel, into a Broadway musical that drew mixed reviews. “What makes you sigh and weep may leave the person next to you bored and stony,” opined New York Times critic Jesse Green. The tour runs at The National through Aug. 30. Grab the tissues (just in case) and see if watching lovers embrace as the rain falls onstage turns on the waterworks for you (or your mom).
“A Very Laufey Day”
Candlelight concerts at National City Christian Church, 5 Thomas Circle NW, 6:45 and 8:45 p.m., $52 to $105
The Icelandic singer Laufey is not performing Sunday at National City Christian Church (which also functions as a rental venue), but the former DMV resident did personally curate this tribute performance. Surrounded by onstage candles, the Listeo String Quartet will perform 21st century torch songs including “Dreamer,” “Lover Girl” and “Let You Break My Heart Again.”
More to explore: Perreito and Coffee social at Llamabar
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