Otakon at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Cosplay parties and anime screenings, fashion shows and dance classes, maid cafes and a masquerade — the fun never stops at Otakon, Washington’s largest celebration of Asian pop culture. This year, the con’s 30th anniversary, is no exception: Drop into guest panels covering topics such as Japanese folklore, a day in the life of a K-pop star or “how Studio Ghibli uses animation to portray difficult topics.” Watch a sumo bout, or try “Sailor Moon”-inspired yoga. Shop stands full of collectible merchandise or original art, or browse the “30 Years of Otakon” exhibit. Try live-action role playing; learn how to sew your own costumes for next year’s Otakon; or meet animators, directors and voice actors. And definitely don’t miss the signature formal ball and masquerade, which bring all the themes of Otakon together. Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m., Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. $100 for three-day passes; $40-$70 per day; $50 ages 9 to 12; free for under 9.
African Diaspora International Film Festival at GWU University Student Center
George Washington University hosts the 17th annual African Diaspora International Film Festival, with a docket of 17 features, shorts and documentaries shining a light on Black culture in the United States and around the world. The festival opens Friday with “Breaking Boundaries,” a documentary about African American rhythmic gymnast Nastasya Generalova’s quest to make it to the 2020 Olympic Games, followed by a Q&A with Generalova. The closing-night event is the D.C. premiere of “One Person, One Vote?,” an examination of America’s electoral college, followed by a Q&A with director Maximina Juson. The rest of the lineup includes contemporary and classic flicks about life in Suriname, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Brazil, Cuba, the United States, France, Jamaica and Tunisia. Through Sunday. $13 for regular screenings; $11 for students and seniors; $20-$35 for opening night or closing night; $120 for an all-access festival pass; $45-$55 for one-day passes.
Our neighbors to the north have been hosting the Artscape festival for 40 years, as it’s grown to become one of the nation’s largest destinations for free art and culture. For three days, the neighborhoods around Penn Station — Station North, Mount Vernon, Charles Street and Bolton Hill — are filled with music, pop-up installations, activities and public art exhibitions, making it an easy day trip for Washingtonians. Chaka Khan, Sheila E. and the Original Wailers headline one of four music stages, but there’s so much more to be found: fashion shows; juried markets with artists and makers; interactive gaming; dance, puppet and improv comedy performances; beer gardens; Baltimore house DJs and drag performances. Stick around each night for activities like karaoke or voguing. Friday from 5 to 11 p.m.; Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free.
‘Emily in Paris’ pop-up bar at Morris American Bar
Between the Olympics and the upcoming fourth season of “Emily in Paris,” the City of Light is enjoying an extended moment in the spotlight. And if you’re trying to capture some of that Parisian joie de vivre, Emily’s Netflix overlords would steer you away from the likes of Le Dip, Bar à Vin or Bistrot du Coin in favor of their official pop-up bar at Morris American Bar. The press release promises “a chic Parisian cafe featuring neon signs, scaled-down Tour Eiffels” and cocktails made with French aperitif Lillet, an official sponsor. Come Aug. 15, when the new season of “Emily” launches, you’ll be able to view it on a 15-foot projection screen. Until then, the Olympics will be the focus. Through November. Reservations suggested.
Jane Austen Ball at Dumbarton House
Georgetown’s circa-1800 Dumbarton House plays host to the ultimate night out for Jane Austen fans: a formal Regency ball, complete with waltz lessons for newbies. The evening includes the chance to tour the mansion and explore the gardens after dark, and guests can opt for a ticket that includes an hour-long dance lesson before the festivities begin, or a cheaper option that nixes the dance lessons in favor of an 8 p.m. entrance to the ball. Wine and dessert will be available for purchase, and as for the dress code, “Regency attire” is requested (but black tie works, too). 6:30 to 10 p.m. $95-$145.
‘The Ultimate Improv Show’ at the Kennedy Center
Catch some of the improv scene’s finest at the Kennedy Center’s week-and-a-half-long string of shows. The shows kick off when a rotating celebrity monologuist — including Punkie Johnson (Aug. 6), Scott Simon (Aug. 7 and 8) and Harvey Guillén (Aug. 10) — takes a prompt from the audience to share a true story. A cast of improvisers then weave scenes into a full show, made up in real time. Through Aug. 11. $40-$65.
Suarez Family Brewery at the Sovereign
Lager lovers rave about the clean, sharp and eminently quaffable pilsners and dark lagers from New York’s Suarez Family Brewery. But the family-run operation’s offerings run deeper, including saisons and mixed-culture ales aged on locally grown rhubarbs or peaches. Try six of these rare beers, including sours aged in oak barrels with cherries and satsuma plums, during a tasting at the Sovereign in Georgetown. And if your tastes lean classic, they’ll have pours of the crowd-pleasing Palatine Pils and While unfiltered Helles, too. 5 p.m. Free admission; beers priced individually.
