MidAtlantic Best Bets

These events are sure to keep you coming back for more. Planning a trip to the MidAtlantic? Look here first before you book your flights to get the latest on upcoming events to explore while you're in the region.

August 9

Washington, DC: Stone Soul Picnic, RFK Stadium, 2400 East Capitol Street, SE -- The Stone Soul Picnic is an annual event celebrating the best in jazz and urban soul culture. FREE.

August 10

Vienna, VA: B.B. King, Wolf Trap Center, 1551 Trapp Road, 8pm -- Vienna, VA is easily accesible from Washington, DC. B.B. King fans should plan their travel to this area to also include a visit to Washington, DC's legendary U Street area. It is home to nearly a dozen live jazz clubs and features many of the area's top artists. And who knows? Perhaps B.B. King will stop by one of these great places for an after-concert jam session.

September 21

Washington, DC: Mos Def, Kennedy Center, 7pm -- The Kennedy Center has always been known for hosting the greatest jazz and classical musicians. These days, they're also headlining with popular artists known chiefly to underground enthusiasts. Mos Def will be performing at the Kennedy Center with his band and his performance will feature renditions of popular works by Beyonce, Miles Davis, and others.


Ongoing Events:

Shepherdstown, West Virginia

This weekend in West Virginia marks the 10th annual Contemporary American Theater Festival. Like most art festivals you’ll find throughout the country this summer, the Contemporary American Theater Festival highlights the extraordinary works of talented theatrical artists and playwrights throughout the West Virginia region. What you might not expect are the workshops available for playwrights ages 16-30. These are great for new artists looking for ways to hone their craft while networking with seasoned professionals already in the field. This event is also great for a campus visit and a great way to introduce a young person to the creative culture surrounding Shepherd University, where the festival is being held.

Allegheny, Maryland

When you’re in love, everything is beautiful. And even when you’re not, a great train ride with a loved one or even by yourself can you help you get connected. Each weekend in Western Maryland, there are train rides on the Western Maryland Railroad that you can take through the scenic byways of the region. The railride lasts about 3 hours and includes one meal for first-class ticket holders. It’s a great deal and a great getaway right in the MidAtlantic’s own backyard. Offerings also include murder mystery trains throughout July and August.

Washington, DC

The art scene in Washington, DC is always hot, if not because of the historic value of the place then because of its continual surge of visiting artists. And then there’s the legendary Smithsonian museum. Showing this weekend, are several A-list offerings, including art from Afghanistan, the art of Aaron Douglas: African American Modernist at the American Museum of Art, and poster portrait art at the National Portrait Gallery. When coming to DC to visit these or other museums, be sure to take the Orange Line train to the Smithsonian stop. For more information about the Washington, DC metro, visit the MidAtlantic USA resource pages.



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