WASHINGTON — August provides a rare reprieve from traffic congestion along many of D.C.’s major arteries as a large portion of the population heads on vacation. Of course, that means that while you’re freely cruising down Constitution, your friends are having fun at the beach. Worse still, you’re drowning in the city’s oppressive heat and humidity.

But this weekend, you’ll have the opportunity for some cool, refreshing relief without having to break the bank.

The Yards will host a free, adult-only outdoor water festival on Saturday from 2 to 6 p.m. at Tingey Street and 3rd Street, in Southeast.

“We’re going to kind of bring the pool and beach and resort experience to the Capitol Riverfront,” says Gary McManus, director of marketing for Forest City, the developer behind The Yards.

Sure, it’s not the same as being out in the sand and surf, but you can still stay cool — and have some fun — with a giant inflatable water slide, a few wading pools, human-sized hamster balls and a water battle that promises to put the Dupont snowball fight to shame.

If you prefer to stay dry (good luck), ’90s cover band White Ford Bronco will play at the event, and multiple DJs will be on hand to keep the live entertainment going.

Lawn games such as Jenga, ladder ball and corn hole will be available, and an 18- foot tiki bar will serve up brews from Bluejacket Brewery and frozen drinks. Because what’s an outdoor water festival without a pi