Lionel Messi, polo on the National Mall and more to do this weekend in the DC area – NBC4 Washington

We’re still laughing big after the Capital Pride Parade and digesting the HFSTival lineup that came out with The Postal Service, Death Cab for Cutie, Incubus, and Bush.

But a new weekend is upon us with a busy to-do list, including celebrating Juneteth with festivals and Father’s Day with some unexpected sports – including the showdown between the national football teams of Guatemala and Argentina, the reigning FIFA World Cup champions under led by captain Lionel Messi.

As for the weather, we’re relieved that highs wouldn’t reach the 80s until Saturday and Sunday as a heat wave is on its way. Here’s the prediction.

Highlights of the weekend

Unexpected sports

Not to be cliché, but there are a lot of sporty things to do with Dad – and not just what you might expect. We have the Nationals, Mystics and Spirit in town, but… Pro pickleball, anyone?

• Argentina vs Guatemala: Lionel Messi on Commander’s Field?! It’s happening! The defending 2022 FIFA World Cup champions will take on Guatemala at Commanders Field on Friday in a friendly ahead of the Copa America. Tickets start at $130. Details.
• The District Cup: Polo comes to the National Mall, where four teams will compete to win on Saturday. All-access tickets, including food and drinks, start at $95. Details.
• Major League Pickleball: The league’s first-ever event in the DC area includes matches Thursday through Sunday, with grounds passes starting at $40. Details.
• The capital: CarCoterie is bringing its exhibit of 25 rare and classic cars to CityCenterDC for one day only. It is free and open to the public on Saturdays from 10am to 4pm. Details.
• Clipper Round the World Yacht Race: A group of sailing yachts just sailing from Panama will stop at The Wharf on Monday and Tuesday for your viewing pleasure. Later in the week you can view a Clipper 70 or visit the Fanzone. Details.

Free choice
Juneteenth through Prince George’s Parks Black History Program
Saturday, noon to 5 p.m., Watkins Regional Park in Upper Marlboro
🔗 Details

Live local bands are a big draw here, but the festival is also about education and community.

“I think this is a great event for people to come out first and have a great time and enjoy themselves, but we also can’t forget that this an opportunity for education and learning,” Doster, one of the festival organizers, said.

History experiences and art activities are also on the program. There will also be many local food and merchandise vendors.

Free choice
Juneteenth Heritage Festival
Sat. through Wednesday, various locations in Montgomery County
🔗 Details

A historically black congregation, from the Scottish AME Zion Church in Potomac, Maryland, hosts a days-long celebration at multiple locations and concludes the celebration with Montgomery County’s first Juneteenth fireworks show.

The festival kicks off Saturday with an evening of music headlined by the Chuck Brown Band at the Bethesda Theater.

On June 19th they are hosting the most extensive Juneteenth festival we found in the region. Head to Cabin John for a children’s carnival, car show, sports clinics, health and wellness fair, parade and more before the fireworks go off at Shirley Povich Field at 9:45 p.m. Here is the full schedule.

Sycamore & Oak Anniversary
Fri., Sat. and so on, 1110 Oak Drive SE, free

🔗 Details

Sycamore & Oak, the development site of 13 Black-owned businesses in Congress Heights, is celebrating its anniversary with food and wine tastings; live bands and a free Father’s Day workout with brunch discount.

Concerts this weekend

Boeckner, Friday, 6:30 p.m., The Atlantis, $25

Singer-guitarist Dan Boeckner of Wolf Parade, Handsome Furs and Divine Fits has released a new album, “Boeckner!”, which ranks among the best of his nervy indie rock. Not reinventing himself, but continuing a solid career. Details.

Pink Siifu, Friday 7:30 p.m., DC9, $20-$25

The singer and rapper is like a genre in itself. Smooth, R&B and jazz influenced, experimental hip hop. Details.

Sarah Shook & the Disarmers, Saturday 7pm, Songbyrd, $15/$18

Modern Americana rock with a classic outlaw country vibe. Details. https://songbyrddc.com/event/sarah-shook-the-disarmers/

Bonny Light Horseman, Sunday 7pm, Howard Theatre, $30-$50

The Grammy-nominated folk-rock super trio’s stellar new double LP “Keep Me on Your Mind/See You Free” is enhanced by Americana-influenced soft rock with an AM golden ’70s vibe and newgrass. Mellow with warm duets. Details.

Things to do in DC

DC/DOX Film Festival
Thursday. through Sunday, various theaters, $15 per showing or $195 for an all-access pass

Museum of Graffiti DC Pop Up: sneaker stories presented by Modelo
Fri. to Sunday, Union Market, free

Mystics: We salute her
Fri. June 14, 7:30 PM, Entertainment and Sports Arena

Don’t tell Seth! An evening with the writers of Seth Meyers
Fri. and Saturday, The Kennedy Center, $35 to $45

The mother of all yard sales
Saturday, Adams Morgan, free

16th Annual Columbia Heights Day
Sat., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Harriet Tubman Elementary Turf Field, free

The Gay Men’s Choir of Washington, DC presents “Portraits”
Sun., 5 p.m., The Kennedy Center, $25-$80

Go-Go on the roof of the DC Library
Sun., 1-5 p.m., MLK Library in Gallery Place, free

Things to do in Maryland

Mount Rainier Pride Parade
Sat., 10:30 a.m., City Hall Annex, free

Stand-up comedy with catfish
Saturday, 8 p.m., Glen Echo Park, $10 cash or Venmo at the door

Things to do in Virginia

Queen of Culture: June Jubilee
Fri, 10:30am, Charles E. Beatley Jr. Alexandria Central Library, free

Torpedo Factory Art Center 2nd Friday
Fri, 7pm-10pm, Alexandria, free

Columbia Pike Blues Festival
Saturday, South Arlington, free

Friday market and drag show
Saturday, noon to 6 p.m., Port City Brewing Company in Alexandria, free admission

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