Weekend Roundup: Chuck Brown Day News, Ledisi, Washington Folk Fest and More

Most schools in our area are reopening next week, which means this weekend is packed with some of the DMV's most iconic events. Thursday night brings French New Wave to a park. Friday night brings a Grammy winner to Strathmore. Saturday brings go-go legend Chuck Brown's legacy to the stage and dream-pop to a basement. Sunday brings The Washington Folk Festival, bluegrass, folk, and reggae to the outdoors. You have some great options. Do not waste them.

Breaking News: Family of Chuck Brown Withdraws Support

The family of Chuck Brown has withdrawn their support for the annual D.C. celebration of the Godfather of Go-Go, citing differences with event management. While the 12th Annual Chuck Brown Day is still scheduled to take place, it will now proceed without the official endorsement of Brown's estate.

12 things to do this weekend: Friday, Aug 21 - Sunday, Aug 23

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FEATURED EVENTS

Ledisi: For Dinah
- Fri Aug 21 8:00 pm

The Music Center at Strathmore

For Grammy-winning vocal powerhouse Ledisi, Dinah Washington is far more than a legendary jazz singer—she is a foundational pioneer whose towering contributions to music deserve global recognition. In this stunning live tribute, Ledisi shines a brilliant spotlight on the Queen, proving that Washington’s timeless vocal architecture and fierce independent legacy continue to shape modern rhythm and soul today. [more details]

12th Annual Chuck Brown Day - Sat Aug 22 2:00 pm

Fort Dupont Park

D.C.’s undisputed, maximum-volume outdoor summer anthem. We are invading the lawn to honor the legendary "Godfather of Go-Go" and throw down a massive, syncopated celebration for 50 glorious years of Go-Go music.
 Admission cost? Absolutely zero dollars.
 Your literal only assignments are to lock down a prime patch of grass, deploy your favorite lawn chairs, and assemble your most trusted, dance-ready crew. 
The sonic lineup is utterly stacked with heavy hitters who understand the… [more details]

DCs #1 Saint Yves Saturdays w/ Free Drinks
- Sat Aug 22 10:00 pm

Saint Yves

The ultimate Saturday night where absolute luxury collides with pure, unadulterated energy. Lock down your gear and prepare for a fast-paced, premium nightlife takeover at the iconic Club Saint Yves right in the heart of the city. The assignment for the night is strictly time-sensitive: cross the perimeter early to exploit the exclusive free drink window running from 10:00 PM to 11:00 PM sharp. FREE admission if you secure your spot on the digital RSVP. [more details]

Dog Days of Summer Bluegrass Fest - Sun Aug 23 12:00 pm

The Comus Inn

A high-energy, string-shredding outdoor spectacular to conquer the sweltering late-August heat. The historic lawn at The Comus Beer Garden is transforming into a full-blown picking paradise for a grueling but glorious nine-hour acoustic marathon. 

[more details]

Other Events

Cus Campbell - Fri Aug 21 7:00 pm

Rams Head On Stage

CusCampbell first exploded into the national consciousness after receiving a massive co-sign from hip-hop icon Snoop Dogg during the Peace Out 2020 Facebook Watch special hosted by Keke Palmer and David Dobrik. His signature style seamlessly fuses velvet-smooth vocals and contemporary, trunk-rattling R&B production with the raw, unexpected power of live instrumentation—anchored entirely by his own blazing trombone leads. [more details]

Ledisi: For Dinah - August 21 & August 22 - Fri Aug 21 7:30 pm

The Music Center at Strathmore

Powerhouse Ledisi brings her acclaimed tour, Ledisi: For Dinah, to the Music Center at Strathmore. This curated performance honors the legacy of legendary jazz and blues pioneer Dinah Washington, beautifully blending Washington’s iconic charisma with Ledisi's signature modern R&B and soul style. 

[more details]

14th Annual Back 2 School Health & Wellness Festival - Sat Aug 22 10:00 am

Second Baptist Church Southwest

The alliance of the Greater Washington Urban League and Second Baptist Church Southwest is taking over the parking lot at 5501 Silver Hill Road in District Heights for the 14th Annual Back 2 School Health & Wellness Festival. Mark your calendar for Saturday, August 22, 2026 (10:00 AM–3:00 PM), round up your family unit, and prepare for a fast-paced day of completely free resources. [more details]

Asia in a Bite Food Fest - Sat Aug 22 11:00 am

Tingey Plaza

Asia in a Bite Food Fest and its unique multi-month recurring series framework. The Big Draw: Highlighting free admission, community connection, and cultural celebration.The Venue: Tingey Plaza (101 Tingey St SE, Washington, DC 20003) in the vibrant Navy Yard neighborhood. Festival Operating Hours: Open daily from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Calendar of Dates: August 22–23, 2026/ September 26–27, 2026. October 24–25, 2026 [more details]

Live Music with Soft Palms & A Kid Named Rhi - Sat Aug 22 7:00 pm

Quarry House Tavern

A beautifully dark, hazy dive into dream-pop and jazz-tinted indie melodies. On Saturday, August 22, 2026, the legendary neon-lit basement at the Quarry House Tavern is hosting a spectacular double-billed sonic escape. [more details]

Secret Garden Summer Finale Reggae & Go-Go Festival - Sun Aug 23 11:00 am

Carroll County Farm Museum

DJ Tanz & Zubar Ent. are detonating summer on Aug 23 (12-7PM) with a max-volume, baseline-thumping backyard banger. Hosts April Watts & Neil Mattei marshal the mic while you down free custom tastings from Basignani, Dejon, Harford, and Bent. Secure your spot to witness the precise sonic alchemy of Black Alley and Lenny Kurlough Reggae Allstars. Grab your free glass, soak in local art, and prepare for a dual-genre, high-octane assault on your eardrums. [more details]

Washington Folk Festival - Sun Aug 23 12:00 pm

Glen Echo Park

A manic, high-energy, single-day takeover of Glen Echo Park that will completely redefine your understanding of acoustic music. Orchestrated by the Folklore Society of Greater Washington, this absolute beast of a festival has compressed its usual multi-day footprint into a singular, high-octane 7-hour marathon on Sunday, August 23, 2026 (12:00 PM–7:00 PM). Entry costs you a grand total of zero dollars—though dropping a donation keeps the cosmic gears turning. [more details]

Family Chess - Sun Aug 23 12:00 pm

Takoma Park Maryland Library

This is the ultimate, zero-stress zone for casual chess playing where the gatekeeping is strictly nonexistent—absolutely any and all interested kids, raw beginners, seasoned tacticians, and their respective caregivers are welcome. [more details]

You're in the loop! For more things to do, or to post your own event, visit our Community Calendar.

More News from Takoma Park

• What to do in the DC Area - Wednesday, Aug 26 - Tuesday, Sep 1 Check out our community calendar to find out what's happening this week.
• DC's Magic Festival Returns for Labor Day Weekend The 5th Annual DC Festival of Magic transforms the Capital Hilton into a wonderland of illusion over Labor Day Weekend. Expect immersive pop-up experiences after stage shows.