Fritz Hahn

Alexandria celebrates its 277th birthday with music and fireworks, the Library of Congress's outdoor movies return with "Clueless," and embassies host World Cup viewing parties.

The question among staffers and alumni: “Are they returning to the Smithsonian as a target?”

A decade-by-decade look at the books, music, art and ideas that shaped 250 years of society.

Admire colorful blooms at the Lotus and Water Lily Festival, enjoy art at the Smithsonian Castle after-hours, immerse yourself in a film festival or watch the World Cup final.

Museums host after-hours parties, video game festivals and family days, while treats abound for foodies. Don't miss an LGBTQ+ book festival, tennis stars and a "craft rave."

Summer in the Parks brings three nights of performances to the outdoor concert venue in Rock Creek Park, which opened in 1950.

Highlights include sunflower festivals, outdoor movies, a pair of county fairs with monster trucks, and the area's largest celebration of Asian pop culture.

After an extended closure, the observation deck above the Waldorf Astoria — formerly the Old Post Office Pavilion and the Trump International Hotel — is open to visitors.

There’s nothing better than enjoying views and the breeze next to the water — unless you’re getting discounted food and drinks, too.

Explore fields of sunflowers, catch one last outdoor movie, stuff yourself at an all-you-can-eat crab feast, and watch water-loving dogs leap off of docks.