Weekend Roundup: Carter Barron hosts three nights of live music; Freedom 250 closes downtown; book festival, fairs, outdoor movies and more

# What's happening this weekend (Aug. 20–23)

Prix takes over downtown D.C. The IndyCar street race near the National Mall is sold out and event organizers say tickets are not transferable. Downtown will be tightly controlled: expect road closures and limited access to parts of the National Mall and some Smithsonian museums. There will be flyovers tied to the celebration, which could be visible without tickets.

National Book Festival draws big names. The festival runs Saturday at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center with doors opening at 8:30 a.m. Tickets are required. The lineup includes a wide range of writers and public figures such as Kate McKinnon, Cynthia Erivo, Martin Scorsese, Tia Williams and Ann Patchett. Expect author talks, signings and family programs.

Weather and practicalities. Forecasts call for wet weather on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Several outdoor events listed across the region recommend checking schedules and possible rain-related changes — download the NBC Washington app or check event pages before you go.

• Outdoor movies: Multiple free and low-cost screenings around the city and suburbs include "Top Gun: Maverick," "Michael," "Breathless," "New Jack City," "Forrest Gump," "Turning Red," "Creed," "Babe," "Cars," "Shrek," and "School of Rock." Verify times and weather updates.
• Music and concerts: Wolf Trap's week is packed with Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Jon Batiste, Josh Groban and the Gipsy Kings. The Birchmere hosts Robert Earl Keen for a multi-night engagement. Union Stage features D.C. alt-rock band Flowerbomb.
• Festivals and fairs: Montgomery County Fair wraps up this weekend in Gaithersburg (admission listed $20.74+). County and local fairs elsewhere offer food and family activities.
• Local events: Washington Spirit Pride Night at Audi Field (Sunday, $34+). A Metro-area pop-up for back-to-school supplies runs at 300 7th St. SW through Sept. 4. Montgomery's Bohrer Park water park hosts Mermaid Day (Saturday, 1–3 p.m., admission $7–$17).
• Theater and performance: The musical adaptation of "The Notebook" is playing at the National Theatre through Aug. 30.

• For outdoor screenings and concerts, have a rain plan and check event pages the same day for cancellations.
• Buy tickets in advance where required (National Book Festival, Wolf Trap shows, Birchmere engagements) and avoid resold Freedom 250 tickets labeled transferable.