A little culture, a couple of festivals and a few opportunities to cool off inside are some of the non-Independence Day things to do this weekend.
Through Saturday: Source Festival
This year's Source Festival includes 18 10-minute plays, special collaborations and a talent show. The event wraps up with three full-length plays through Saturday. Performances this weekend are at 8 p.m. Friday and 1, 4 and 8 p.m. Saturday. $18, at the Source Theatre.
Grab a bite or a drink: Cafe Saint-Ex (saint-ex.com) and Cork Wine Bar (corkdc.com) are two good options nearby to grab some food and an alcoholic beverage.
Details: Source Theatre: 1835 14th St. NW; 202-204-7800; sourcedc.org
Friday and Saturday: Outdoor Films
The summer series of outdoor films continues this weekend. On Friday, Rosslyn's '90s film series rolls on with "Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead." At National Harbor on Sunday, the retro mood continues with "Ghostbusters." Films start at sundown. Rules vary, but generally allows a low-back chair or blanket and a picnic. Visit their Web sites for details: rosslynva.org or nationalharbor.com.
Prefer air conditioning? E Street Cinema is showing "Troll 2" at midnight Friday and Saturday night. 'Nuff said. landmarktheatres.com
Saturday: Jon Kaplan at Dogfish Head Alehouse, Fairfax
There are two reasons to go to Dogfish Head on Saturday, though one should be enough. The first is excellent local singer-songwriter Jon Kaplan. The other is the fine Dogfish Head beer. If you've never enjoyed this brewery's selections, try a sampler and thank us later. Kaplan goes on at 9 p.m. The beer is always there.
Not in Fairfax: There are alehouses in Gaithersburg and Falls Church. Or you can drive to Rehoboth.
Details: Dogfish Head Alehouse, 13041 Lee Jackson Memorial Highway, Fairfax; 703-961-1140; dogfishaleahouse.cokm
Through Monday: Smithsonian Folklife Festival
There is a handful of D.C.-centric activities that take place every year that, just perhaps, the longtime area resident may take for granted. The Smithsonian Folklife Festival shouldn't be one of them. This annual event is a celebration of different cultures, right on the National Mall. This year, learn all about Mexico, Asian Pacific Americans and the Smithsonian itself. The entertainment is free, and the food outstanding. Have family in town this weekend? Take them to the Folklife Festival and wander around a bit. It'll do ya good. 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day, with some special evening events. festival.si.edu
Another event on the Mall not to miss: There's something special about seeing fireworks over the Washington Monument on Independence Day. Don't miss out Sunday.
Through Sept. 12: Da Vinci -- the Genius at National Geographic Museum
This exhibit opened two weeks ago, so now is the time to check it out. Da Vinci features more than 60 of Leonardo's works, re-created by modern-day inventors from found sketches and notes. Also check out a special look at the "Mona Lisa." 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Contact the museum for more information.
Brunch: Beacon Bar & Grill -- right up 17th Street -- is offering a three-course Saturday brunch from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. $16.95. capitalhotelswdc.com
Details: National Geographic Museum, 1145 17th St. NW; 202-857-7588; nationalgeographic.com/museum