Get Out: What To Do This Weekend, July 1-3

It's Thursday, and the Fourth of July weekend is quickly approaching.

Before you make plans, check out our suggestions of what to do and see around North Potomac and Darnestown.

1. 11th International Submarine Races (click on visitor info for directions)

Where/When: Carderock Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Bethesda. July 1 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Contact: Paula McGee, 703-347-4713.
Why Go: The biennial engineering design competition, organized by the Foundation for Undersea Research and Education, involves 29 teams of high school and university students, and submarine connoisseurs. Check out the array of human-powered designs and watch the teams race their submarines along an underwater 100-meter course in Carderock’s model basin.
Price: Free. Print and complete Visit Approval Request form (PDF) in photo gallery to right. Go to front gate with form and request a visitor's badge.
Price: Free

2.

Where/When: Washingtonian Center, 209 Boardwalk Pl., Gaithersburg. July 1 from 6-9 p.m.
Why Go: Live music, family fun, merchant open houses and special shopping events throughout the center. Musical entertainment on The Lakefront Plaza by Willie Barry!
Price: Free

3.

Where/When: 7th St. NW & Constitution Ave NW, Washington, D.C. July 1-3 (July 4, too) from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Why Go: The Smithsonian celebrates the culture of Colombia, the Peace Corps and Rhythm and Blues at the annual Folklife Festival. Enjoy activities for the entire family along with exciting performances in the evening. Please see Web site for each day's schedule.
Price: Free

4. Summer Fun Deal: Kids Free at the Newseum

Where/When: 555 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. July 1 to Sept. 5 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Why Go: Seven levels of galleries, theaters, retail and visitor services make this one of D.C.'s must-see destinations. The museum pays homage to news, offering visitors five centuries of news history with up-to-the-second technology and interactive exhibits.
Price: Youth (18 and under) free with one paid adult admission.

5.

Where/When: The Art Gallery of Potomac, 10107 River Rd., Potomac. July 1-3 from noon to 4 p.m.
Why Go: Local artists Claire Howard, palette artist, and David Therriault, stone sculptor, join forces in their exhibit "The Colors of Sunshine," a display of original art that brings together two perspectives on nature—its color and beauty.
Price: Free