Get Out: Ideas for the Weekend

It’s Thursday, and you’ve got no idea what you’ll do for the weekend.

Patch is coming to the rescue. We’ve got the best bets for your done-work-outta-here time. Check our picks for the activities to hit, bars and restaurants to explore, and arts and entertainment choices.

Know of more fun events going on? Let us know in the comments section.

1.

Where/When: 7:30-10 p.m. July 7 at the Bumper Car Pavilion at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Boulevard in Glen Echo

Why Go:  Besides the free Thursday concert series in downtown Bethesda, you can also check out this series at Glen Echo Park. Enjoy carousel rides and fare from the Ballroom café as you take in the tunes of “Nobody’s Business.”

Pricing: free

2.

Where/When: 6-9 p.m. July 8 at downtown Bethesda art galleries

Why Go: It’s the second Friday of the month, so that means downtown Bethesda galleries will keep their doors open late and showcase the work of local, national and international artists in a variety of media.

Pricing: free

3.

Where/When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 9 on Norfolk Avenue between Fairmont and St. Elmo avenues.

Why Go: Peruse arts and crafts created by 25 local and regional artists at this outdoor event.

Pricing: free to attend; item pricing varies

4. TAKE IN A SHOW AT

Where/When: Ongoing at Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Avenue in downtown Bethesda

Why Go: Take the kids and check out one—or more—of several shows ongoing at Imagination Stage geared towards children and families. Check out (and read our before you go), or, back by popular demand,

Pricing: Check Imagination Stage’s website for ticket pricing.

5.

Where/When: 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through July 11 on the National Mall, with special events planned for the evenings

Why Go: If you missed it last weekend, now’s your last chance! This year’s themes are the culture of Colombia, rhythm and blues music and the Peace Corps, and features family-friendly activities and performances. (Our Bethesda Patch mom columnist Marly Carpenter it’s a great learning experience for kids, even if they might not think so at first.)

Pricing: free