The week of August 23, 2026, presents a wide array of cultural activities across different cities. In Palo Alto, the annual Festival of the Arts, running from August 22-23, showcases works from 250 fine artists and craftspersons. New this year, the festival collaborates with the Pacific Art League for live demonstrations by member artists, while the Italian Street Painting Expo features 17 chalk artists. The culinary arts are also highlighted with gourmet food, wines, and beer.
Theater enthusiasts can catch "Pickleball," a one-act comedy by Jeff Daniels, playing through September 13 at Hillbarn Theatre in Foster City, with ticket prices ranging from $32 to $67. In Menlo Park, The Guild Theatre will host a performance by The Untouchables and The Inciters on August 22, with tickets priced between $30.46 and $61.39.
Music events include pianist Bill O'Connell performing with bassist Lincoln Goines at Meyhouse Palo Alto on August 21, with two shows priced from $38 to $48. Jazz at LACMA in Los Angeles will feature Janis Mann on August 23. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) also offers various tours and workshops on August 23, including "Modern Art" tours, interactive family tours of outdoor sculptures, and drop-in fiber art workshops led by Connie Rohman.
Art exhibitions and talks are prominent in Washington D.C. New exhibitions opening this week include "Ann Barbieri Nature, Color, Mood" at 868 Estate Vineyards, with an opening reception on August 23 from 2 pm to 4 pm, and "Andrea Fort Imbued" at Ashe & Norton, with an opening reception on August 23 from 4 pm to 6 pm. The Korean Cultural Center opens "Lee Seung-chul Hanji: Embracing Color" on August 20. Other events include artist talks at Amy Kaslow Gallery and Hillyer, as well as a Fall 2026 Open House at Washington Studio School.
Streaming entertainment for the week includes the final season of Netflix's "Outer Banks" and the HBO Max drama "Mother Mary" starring Anne Hathaway. Music releases feature Anthony Hopkins' classical album "Life Is a Dream," while the game "The Sinking City 2" offers a survival horror experience.
