Your D.C. Weekend: Citi Open, Lotus and Water Lily Festival

Axios

3 days ago

If you didn't hop the pond to catch Wimbledon IRL, fear not — you can still see some big-name tennis stars in person at the Citi Open, which kicks off in D.C. this weekend.
Why it matters: The tournament will bring hometown hero and two-time U.S. Open semifinalist Frances Tiafoe, seven-time Grand Slam winner Venus Williams, 2025 Wimbledon semifinalist Taylor Fritz, four-time Grand Slam champ Naomi Osaka and more to Rock Creek Park Tennis Center.
[[CUT THE FOLLOWING SINCE IT WAS RUNNING LONG BUT LMK IF U FEEL STRONGLY ABOUT ONE OF THESE NAMES... 2025 French Open semifinalist Lorenzo Musetti, 2024 U.S. Open finalist Jessica Pegula ]]
State of play: Qualifying matches are Saturday and Sunday, with the main draw beginning Monday.
Hungry? Snag food from DMV staples like Ben's Chili Bowl, Roaming Rooster, Duke's Grocery and Dolcezza. Wash it all down with cocktails at the Tequila Lounge or a trip to the Heineken Beer Garden.
VIPs will get to nom on bites from big-name chefs like Patrick O'Connell of The Inn at Little Washington and The Dabney's Jeremiah Langhorne.
Leading up to the final on July 27, there will be daily opportunities to snag autographs and attend meet-and-greets.
Plus: a kids day with tennis games on Saturday.
If you go: Onsite parking is $50 a car, and is first-come, first-served. There are also $10 shuttles that run from Columbia Heights.
More events to check out this weekend:
🍿 Get your outdoor movie on during Thursday's screening of " Moneyball" at The Wharf's Transit Pier. (7:30pm; free)
🍃 The two-day National Cannabis Festival kicks off Friday at the RFK Campus, with music by artists like Three 6 Mafia and Big Boi, an exhibitor's fair, a marketplace for home growers, and plenty of munchies. (Ticket prices vary)
🪷 Head to the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens for the Lotus and Water Lily Festival running Friday-Sunday. Check out the blooming lotuses and water lilies, plus events like nature walks, forest bathing, yoga, and performances by international dance groups and musicians. (Free; some events require registration)
💃 Hit the International Colombian Festival on Saturday at Catholic University for food, live music and dance, and a chance to learn about the country's folklore and culture. (Tickets $24, 11am - 8pm)
🤣 The GOAT of the humor essay, David Sedaris, will be at Wolf Trap on Saturday for an evening of laugh-out-loud storytelling. (Tickets start at $41, 8pm)