Events July 5-7: Listen to Air Force Tunes, Dance the Day Away and Get Local with Art

Friday, July 5: United States Air Force Band

Don’t let your patriotism wane after the last firework lights up the sky on the Fourth. Instead, continue celebrating the courage of the members of the military as the U.S. Air Force Band performs at the Air and Space Museum. These talented musicians strive to positively represent the Air Force in the United States and abroad, as well as boost the morale of military service members and their families. The band will perform as part of the museum’s summer concert series, which takes place every Friday and features renowned military bands. Free. 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Air and Space Museum.

Saturday, July 6: Dance Jam Family Day: Art on 8th Street

Put on your dancing shoes, step outside the box and join the National Portrait Gallery and Dance Place, a D.C. dance company for all ages, for a day of innovative art and movement. Watch a West African dance and music performance as well as an intergenerational dance spectacular followed by a hula-hoop jam and a lesson in line dancing. For those more visually inclined in the arts field, there will also be a crafting table where participants can make art out of recycled materials. People of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to participate and help foster creation and appreciation for art and movement. Free. 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Portrait Gallery.

Sunday, July 7: Luce Artist Talk with Sam Scharf

Get an inside look at the works in the American Art Museum from the perspective of local artist Sam Scharf. As part of the museum’s Luce Local Artist Series, Scharf will discuss his own work in relation to some of the 3,300 pieces of art in the museum. The D.C. artist likes to challenge the expectations of his audience with his art and uses a variety of media, from sculpture installations to videos. Free tea and coffee will be provided during the lecture. Free. 1:30 p.m. American Art Museum.

Also, check out our Visitors Guide App. Get the most out of your trip to Washington, D.C. and the National Mall with this selection of custom-built tours, based on your available time and passions. From the editors of Smithsonian magazine, the app is packed with handy navigational tools, maps, museum floor plans and museum information including ‘Greatest Hits’ for each Smithsonian museum.

For a complete listing of Smithsonian events and exhibitions visit the goSmithsonian Visitors Guide. Additional reporting by Michelle Strange.