The Smithsonian Folklife Festival is a national, even international, family reunion asserting the ability of people to converse with and understand each other. At the Festival, tradition bearers, local scholars, and Smithsonian curators speak for themselves, with each other, and to the public. The Festival typically includes daily and evening programs of music, song, dance, celebratory performance, crafts and cooking demonstrations, storytelling, illustrations of workers' culture, and narrative sessions for discussing cultural issues. The Festival encourages visitors to participate -- to learn, sing, dance, eat traditional foods, and converse with people presented in the Festival program."
» Folk Life Festival website

Now in its sixth year, Screen on the Green returns for its sixth year to the National Mall (between 4th and 7th Streets). This year, the movies which begin at dusk on Mondays will feature two films set in the DC area: All the President's Men and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.

1. Arrive early. Some people start staking a claim around 5 p.m. Bring at least one extra person to help guard your spot once you've found one.
2. Bring blankets and bug spray but don't bring tall-backed chairs or alcohol.
3. Movies play on except in extreme weather, and there aren't makeup dates for cancelled flicks. For updates, call 877-262-5866.

Come on out to the Virginia Wine Festival to enjoy a wide selection of Virginia wine, good food, arts, crafts and more. Usually held in early June.
» Virginia Wine Festival website