With summer officially here, events featuring beer, barbecue and local music draw us outside. And an excellent film festival offers an opportunity to cool off indoors. Five things to do this weekend.
Through June 27: Silverdocs in Silver Spring
The annual Silverdocs Festival once again boasts some fantastic documentaries. This year features 102 films representing 54 countries. Highlights include “Stones in Exile,” about the 1972 Rolling Stones album “Exile on Main St.” and “The Tillman Story,” about American serviceman Pat Tillman, among others. Single tickets are $10, various passes are also available. Visit silverdocs.com for film times and more details.
Coming attractions: AFI keeps busy this summer with its fourth annual ’80s film series, which starts July 2. afi.com/silver.
Saturday: Del Ray Music Festival
This quaint Alexandria enclave comes alive on Saturday with two stages’ worth of live music in a field near the neighborhood rec center. Local highlights include Chelsea Lee, Wes Tucker and Celeste Starchild on the main stage and Alexandria’s Tiffany Thompson on the second stage. Plus plenty of dining options. Best part about the music is that it is free. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. 2701 Commonwealth Ave., Alexandria. For details, visit delraymusicfestival.com
More live music in Del Ray: Evening Star Cafe has frequent live local music during the week, including the Reserves on June 30. eveningstarcafe.net.
Saturday and Sunday: Northern Virginia Summer BrewFest in Leesburg
This suds-filled event is back once again with more than 50 American breweries, plenty of food and live entertainment. New breweries at this year’s event include Green Flash, Speak Easy and Yards. Old favorites such as Dogfish Head, Harpoon and New Holland will also be in attendance. What Mama Said and the Monster Band headline the live music. Tickets at the gate are $25, $20 for designated drivers. From 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. At Morven Park. Visit the Web site for more information.
Can’t make it? Have no fear, the Fall BrewFest is scheduled for Oct. 23-24.
Visit novabrewfest.com for details.
Saturday and Sunday: National Capital Barbecue Battle on Pennsylvania Avenue
The XVII Annual Safeway Barbecue Battle takes over Pennsylvania Avenue once again this summer, featuring more meat than you can shake a shank bone at. Enjoy dozens of barbecue selections, as well as 30 bands on three stages, headlined by Chuck Brown. Just $10 for adults, $5 for kids. On Pennsylvania between Ninth and 14th streets NW. From 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sunday. bbqdc.com
Lower key: If you can’t make it to D.C., the beer garden next to Westover Market in Arlington is hosting a day of music Saturday, featuring six local bands and, as always, great beer. westovermarket.com
Friday and Saturday: RAIN – A Tribute to the Beatles at Wolf Trap
There are so many Beatles tribute bands out there, but this is one of the better ones. They cover it all, from the early stuff to the psychedelia through “Abbey Road” and into the solo efforts. Let’s just say they’ll take you on a “long and winding road.” Shows are at 8 p.m. each night. Tickets are $25 for the lawn, $40 in house.
Mark your calendar: Abbey Road on the River, a Beatles-inspired music festival, is scheduled for Labor Day weekend at National Harbor.
Details: Wolf Trap, 645 Trap Road, Vienna; 703-255-1900; wolftrap.org
