PANDAS: Wild at Heart
Through Aug. 31
Head over to the National Zoo if you haven’t this summer to view the original documentary PANDAS, narrated by actress Kristen Bell. The film follows an American biologist, an Inner Mongolian scientist and a baby panda as they explore the efforts to protect the species and life of this iconic black-and-white animal. // National Zoo Visitor Center Theater: 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC; $7.50-$9
Dear Evan Hansen
Aug. 6-Sept. 8
Don’t be on the outside looking in when Dear Evan Hansen comes to the Kennedy Center. Experience the roller coaster of events and feelings of the title character when he finds himself stuck in a lie that changes his life. The show won six Tony Awards in 2017, including Best Musical. // The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts: 2700 F St., Washington, DC; $79-$175
World Cultural Food Festival
Aug. 17, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Explore more than 30 countries just by traveling into DC. Focusing on culture, the festival offers authentic cuisine, brief traditional dance lessons, music and the debut of a cultural fashion show. // Freedom Plaza: 1455 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC; $0-$95
The Wiggles Party Time Tour
Aug. 29, 6:30 p.m.
If you have preschool-aged children, chances are, you’re familiar with The Wiggles, the Australian singing-and-dancing sensation that’s been performing globally for more than 25 years (and getting their cheery songs stuck in parents’ heads on repeat for just as long). This month, the happy quartet makes a stop at the Warner Theatre in DC as part of their Party Time Tour. Prior to the group’s trip to the District, we chatted with Emma Watkins, also known as the Yellow Wiggle, who is the group’s first-ever female member. // The Warner Theatre: 513 13th St. NW, Washington, DC; $40, children under 12 months free
National Book Festival
Aug. 31, 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
The National Book Festival returns for its 19th year, featuring authors like Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Barbara Kingsolver, David McCullough, José Andrés and others who span various genres. Book talks will be held by the authors at this annual event hosted by the Library of Congress. // Walter E. Washington Convention Center: 801 Mount Vernon Place NW, Washington, DC; free
This post originally appeared in our August 2019 print issue. Subscribe to our biweekly Things to Do newsletter to fill your calendar with even more fun.