News4’s Tommy McFly got a history lesson from the Mexican ambassador to the United States Esteban Moctezuma (yes, he said he’s related to the Aztec ruler!).

“It’s not just a Mexican celebration, but also an American celebration,” Moctezuma said.

Why? Because Cinco de Mayo celebrates a military victory that benefitted the United States, as well, according to Moctezuma.

Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexico’s victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. According to Moctezuma, President Abraham Lincoln was relieved that Mexico halted the advancement of the French toward the southern border in the midst of the Civil War. Then, the leaders of the two countries began writing letters to each other.

How should people who aren’t Mexican celebrate Cinco de Mayo?

“Enjoy family and really remember that Mexico is a very important partner of the U.S.,” Moctezuma said. “We became the first partner in trade.”

So, with that, consider yourself invited to fiesta on May 5 with music, tacos, tequila (enjoy responsibly!) and anything you appreciate from Mexican culture.

Cinco de Mayo in the D.C. area: What’s happening Friday and Saturday

Running of the Chihuahuas
Sat., 2-5 p.m., The Wharf in Southwest D.C., free entry
Details

Look at those little legs go! The Wharf’s adorable tradition returns this weekend.

Go for the delightfully cute chihuahua races, then stay for a pet photo booth, a dog costume contest featuring adoptable pups and all The Wharf has to offer. It’s free and kid-friendly. Dogs who aren’t participating in the races are welcome to cheer on their furry friends.

Big crowds show up for the main event, but you can watch the races on a jumbo screen.

Proceeds benefit Rural Dog Rescue, and Tommy will serve as emcee!

Bryant Street NE and Bryant Street Market
Fri. to Sun.
Details

The Northeast D.C. neighborhood is celebrating Cinco de Mayo all weekend long. On Friday, try free salsa dancing outside (weather permitting). On Saturday, stop by the Dreamer’s Collective Market and enjoy a block party from 3-10 p.m.

On the big day, swing by metrobar for the margaritas, beers, mezcal and tequila cocktails and food from Taqueria Habanero. Admission is free with an RSVP. Sol y Rumba, a mariachi band and DJ Kristy La rAt will provide the beats. For a more crafty option, return to Bryant Street Market for a piñata-making workshop.

Whitlow’s Derby de Mayo
Sat., 901 U St NW, Washington, D.C., free admission

Can’t decide between a Kentucky Derby party and a Cinco celebration? Don’t! Whitlow’s is adding dragonfruit margaritas to its bottomless brunch menu from noon to 3 p.m. All day, you can find frozen Jose Cuervo painkillers, tequila filled Jell-O shots and spicy jalapeno and cucumber margs. DJ Killa Beats will turn up the volume on the second floor starting at 10 p.m.

Wear your best sombrero or derby hat for a chance to win a prize!

Eavesdrop Brewery
Fri., Sat. and Sun., 7223 Centreville Rd Suite 115, Manassas, Virginia
Details

The brewery’s party lasts all weekend long with DJs and live music plus Mexican food trucks on Friday and Saturday.

Punch Bowl Social
Fri., Sat. and Sun., 4238 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1180, Arlington, Virginia, free admission with RSVP

Punch Bowl Social is always a fiesta with bowling, karaoke and games, but for Cinco de Mayo you can also find $9 margaritas made with Patrόn Silver and free chips and salsa for each table from 5-9 p.m.

Urbano
Sat. and Sun., Old Town Alexandria, Mosaic District and Chevy Chase, free admission

The colorful restaurant will put a slightly different spin on Cinco de Mayo at each of its three locations in Virginia and Maryland.

All locations are set to be open from 11 a.m. to midnight with special activities. The Chevy Chase and Mosaic parties lean more kid-friendly while Old Town will have DJ parties in the late afternoon. Here’s a rundown of what to expect.

C1NCO Fiesta
Sat., 3-8 p.m., 609 H Street Northeast, Washington, D.C., $65-$425
Details

The Skyline 609 Rooftop is turning up with live soca, salsa and international music and specialty cocktails.

Cinco de Mayo in the D.C. area: What’s happening Sunday

Anafre
Sun., 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., 3704 14th Street NW, free admission

The Petworth restaurant is mixing Mexico City street food into Cinco de Mayo. The menu includes $7 classic and strawberry margaritas, $3.50 draft beers, $7 ceviche cups and $3 street tacos. Seating indoors and outdoors will first come, first served with no reservations, and there will be a mariachi band from 7-8 p.m.

Casta’s Rum Bar
Sun., noon to 4 p.m., 1121 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, D.C., free admission
Details

A margarita bike that lets you pedal to power your own margarita blender is the big draw to this West End restaurant on Cinco de Mayo, but music by DJ Xavi, fun props and specials including $8 tequila shots, $35 margarita pitchers and every beer for $5 will sweeten the deal.

Diablo’s Cantina
Sun., National Harbor, $75-$95
Reservations

All-you-want Mexican eats, a live DJ, tequila tastings, a cigar rolling station and yard games are on tap at this Mexican restaurant at National Harbor. General admission tickets come with a cocktail; spring for VIP to get another cocktail, early admission and other perks.

dLeña
Sun., 476 K Street NW, Suite D, Washington, D.C., free admission

Grab a reservation for brunch or dinner at Chef Richard Sandoval’s popular cocina. A special Cinco de Mayo menu will feature Código 1530 and Mijenta tequilas, special cocktails and flights in the main restaurant and downstairs in the dLeña ROJA lounge. 

From 5-9 p.m., enjoy live music from the Trio Candela by Eli Staples.

Mariscos 1133
Sun., 1133 11th Street NW, free admission

Make a reservation for brunch with $7 cocktails and dishes including birria hash and pancita soup, or walk up to the outdoor patio to order $8 hibiscus and classic margaritas, $3.50 draft beers, and $3.50 tacos.

Mezcalero 14th Street and Mezcalero La Cosecha
Sun., 3714 14th Street NW or 1280 4th Street NE, free admission

The Mexican restaurant’s Petworth outpost will offer $3.50 street tacos, $8 classic margaritas, and $3.50 draft beer all day (no reservations, just walk in). The location in the La Cosecha market in Northeast will have happy hour from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Moe’s Southwest Grill
Sun., various locations

Moe’s Rewards Members can snag $5.55 burritos and bowls at participating locations. Remember to download the app first!

Want to know what’s up for your weekend? Sign up for The Weekend Scene, our newsletter about events, experiences and adventures for you and for your family around the DMV.

NBC’s live coverage of the Kentucky Derby begins at 2:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, but you can watch live Derby Day coverage on USA Network and Peacock from 12-2:20 p.m. ET. You can also stream Derby Day coverage on Peacock, NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app. Get the full viewing guide here.

However, if you want an excuse to dress to the nines, break out an ostentatious hat, and sip some bourbon here in the District, here are some parties, rooftop events and more you can check out.

Where to Watch the Kentucky Derby in DC

Derby de Mayo
Sat., 12-3 p.m., 901 U Street NW, D.C.
Details

D.C. landmark bar Whitlow’s is hosting a 2-in-1 celebration for what just might be this year’s biggest drinking holiday. The bar is hosting a bottomless brunch from noon to three, featuring Dragon Fruit margaritas, Jalapeno and Cucumber margaritas, and tequila Jell-O shots.

There will be a prize for the best Derby hat or sombrero, so no matter what direction you choose, commit to the ‘fit!

Run for the Rosés
Sat., 3-7 p.m., 1940 11th Street NW, D.C.
Details

If you’re still riding the high of last summer’s Barbie-pink shenanigans, Lulu’s Winegarden has the perfect Derby party for you. Their annual “Run for the Rosés” comes with eight different rosé bottle options for just $40, rosé magnums and frozen mint juleps to enjoy during the indoor-and-outdoor viewing party.

There are also, of course, bourbon specials. The party itself is free, but you’ll have to pay for food and drinks.

Kentucky Derby party
Sat., 3 p.m., 2007 18th St. NW, D.C.
Details

This is the 12th annual Kentucky Derby event hosted by Jack Rose Dining Saloon in Adams Morgan. If you couldn’t tell from how long the event has been running, it’s a popular one — and unfortunately, the reserved indoor seating is already sold out.

But never fear! The first-come, first-served rooftop terrace party is open to anyone, and that’s free. The bar opens early at 3 p.m. to serve mint juleps with whiskey from what WTOP calls one of the best lists on the East Coast. Sip away and watch the races on their many TVs.

Derby Day at Wren
Sat., 4-7 p.m., 1825 Capital One Dr., Tysons, VA
Details

Wren, a Japanese-American fusion restaurant on the 11th floor of the Watermark Hotel in Tyson’s Corner, is hosting its very own Derby Day watch party on May 4.

The ticketed party will feature live music, specialty cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and of course the race itself. There will be prizes for the best hat and the best dressed.

Kentucky Derby Experience
Sat., 3-8 p.m., Maryland 5 in Waldorf, MD
Details

The Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill is an equestrian event space — so it’s no wonder they’re ready to party in honor of the Kentucky Derby. They promise an event filled with “excitement, elegance, and of course, horse racing,” for everyone from the most season horse racing fan to those just looking for a fun day out.

150th Kentucky Derby Party
Sat., 12:30-6:30 p.m., Laurel Racetrack, MD
Details

This ticketed event hosted by the Maryland Jockey Club features a “mouthwatering buffet spread,” and a photo booth to capture your fancy outfits and hats.

The organization is sure to give the Derby gravitas, since they’re the same organizers that sell tickets to the second race in the Triple Crown: The Preakness Stakes.

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Other Derby-adjacent events

Happy to celebrate without the horses as long as you’ve got a mint julep in hand? Interested in Derby vibes but not necessarily attached to the one in Kentucky? We’ve got you covered.

Virginia Gold Cup & Jack Russell Terrier races
Sat., 10 a.m., 5089 Old Tavern Rd., The Plains, VA
Details

The Virginia Gold Cup, which organizers call “Virginia’s answer to the Kentucky Derby,” has been running for more than 100 years. It comes with a tailgate contest and a horse race of its own.

A fan-favorite part of the ticketed event are the Jack Russell Terrier races, where dogs jump over obstacles to be the first to reach a lure at the end of the course.

Derby Day Pig Roast
Sat., 2-6 p.m., 917 V St. NW, D.C.
Details

If you want a taste of the south, American Ice Company is hosting their annual Kentucky Derby Cookout, complete with roast pork, macaroni salad, baked beans and cornbread. There are two all-you-can-eat tiers — one that includes all-you-can-drink beers, one with just the food — and extra juleps and alcoholic lemonade for purchase.

There will also be live music on the patio, and dogs are encouraged.

Happy White House Correspondents’ Dinner weekend to all who celebrate!

Wanna spot celebrities? With plenty of famous people including Nerd Prom host Colin Jost expected to be in town, here’s our pro tip: Grab a drink at the bar in a fancy hotel (think the Conrad, Four Seasons, Hay-Adams, etc.) and see who you see …

Happy Maryland Day to all our Terps! On Saturday, the University of Maryland will host performances, a climbing wall, talks and many more events.

Saturday is also Independent Book Store Day.

For those of us not on the A-list, we’ve got plenty to do, including five ways to channel Parisian vibes without leaving the D.C. area.

Weekend highlights

Washington Capitals in the playoffs

The Capitals are playing the Rangers in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. They’ll be home Friday and Sunday for games three and four. If you’re itching to go, prepare to shell out. Tickets are going for well over $100 on the verified resale market.

Rock the red:

• Capital One Cafe locations have free light-up bracelets and coffee deals (while supplies last)
• The team store at Capital One Arena has free ALL CAPS yard signs (while supplies last)

Dentzel Carousel Day
Sat., 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Glen Echo Park, free entry, $2 per ride
Details

Glen Echo Park’s historic carousel opens for the season with a party and unlimited rides for $5.

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La Grande Boucherie opens in long-vacant bank building in downtown DC

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PNC Parkway Classic
Sun., Alexandria, $55-$100
🔗 Details

Lace up your sneakers for a run along the George Washington Memorial Parkway 

The 10-mile course begins at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, along the parkway and through historic Alexandria for spectacular spring views. The five-mile course stays in Alexandria, beginning and ending around Oronoco Bay Park.

Registration will be open through the end of the week. The kids’ race is sold out, so don’t delay if you’re excited to take over the parkway!

French vibes

• Free pick: The Georgetown French Market on Friday, Saturday and Sunday is a sidewalk sale with live music, stilt-walkers, face painting, a mime and more. You’ll find it on Wisconsin Avenue NW between Reservoir Road and O Street.
• Take a first look inside the dazzling French restaurant now open inside a historic bank.
• La Maison Française – AKA the Embassy of France – will host a jazz concert on Thursday and the 7th Annual DC Chocolate Festival on Saturday ($25 or free for kids under 12).
• Take a French-inspired dance lesson at Glen Echo Park at 2:30 p.m. Sunday followed by a social dance for just $15 (cash/Venmo only at the door). 
• Much-loved Great Falls restaurant L’Auberge Chez François celebrates its 70th anniversary with live music at a wine tasting and brunch.

Filmfest DC
Through April 28; most general admission tickets cost $14
Details

The District’s longest-running and largest film festival returns with international films, locally-made movies, shorts and more.

Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival
April 26 to May 5, Winchester, Virginia
Details

Cherry trees aren’t the only blossom game in the DMV! Centered in Winchester, Virginia, the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival includes parades, a carnival, a wine fest, sports tournaments, beauty pageants and more over 10 days.

Project GLOW
Sat. and Sun., RFK Festival Grounds, $215.90 (two-day pass)
Details

Get your neon raver gear ready! ILLENIUM, Zedd, Lane 8, REZZ and dozens of other electronic acts are descending on the RFK Festival Grounds for this two-day music festival.

Purcellville Music and Arts Festival
Sat., noon to 7 p.m., Dillon’s Woods and the Bush Tabernacle, free
Details

Pack a lawn chair and head to the park for a day of live music, an art show and kid-friendly crafts.

The event is family-friendly – even dogs are welcome!

Parking is available at Emerick Elementary School, and some vendors only accept cash.

Celtic Festival of Southern Maryland
Sat., Jefferson Patterson Park in St. Leonard, Maryland, $25 (presale)/$30 (at gate)
Details

Head to St. Leonard, Maryland, to celebrate the heritage of the Celtic nations: Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Isle of Man, Brittany, Cornwall and Galicia/Asturias.

Concerts this weekend

Teenage Fanclub, 6 p.m. Friday, 9:30 Club, $30

The classic Scottish band returns. With multiple singer-songwriter approach, TFC was making perfect power pop back when grunge was king. Details.

David Grubbs and Eli Winter, 7 p.m. Friday, Rhizome, $10-$25

Composer and guitarist David Grubbs has had a varied and winding career in music, beginning with the acclaimed Louisville punk band Squirrel Bait in the ‘80s, then the post-punk Bastro and the avant garde Gastr del Sol (with Jim O’Rourke). He’s since played with several bands like Codeine, The Red Krayola and Bitch Magnet while contributing to even more artists and bands and releasing more than a dozen records.

Now, he’s teamed up with 26-year-old guitar composition wiz Eli Winter, heralded as a genre-hopping master of folk, rock and jazz. Should be an interesting cross-generational show. Details.

Terrence Blanchard, 8 p.m. Friday, Strathmore, $28-$108

The seven-time Grammy winning, two-time Oscar nominated composer, trumpeter and pianist brings to town his second “opera in jazz” — “Fire Shut up in My Bones.” Details.

Ty Segall, 8 p.m. Saturday, Lincoln Theatre, $35

Incredibly prolific garage rocker can play it psychedelic, folkie or grungy. Interesting venue for such a wild performer. Details.

BODEGA, 10 p.m. Saturday, Comet Ping Pong, $18.54

Brooklyn’s post-punk band has pulled back the edginess of the music but not the anti-consumerism. The music has grown catchier while the lyrics continue to deliver witty commentary. Details.

Things to do in D.C.

Last chance: Artomatic
Through Sun., 2100 M Street NW, free entry

Last chance: Orchid exhibit
Through Sun., American Art Museum, free

Free wine tasting at Urban Grape
Thurs., 5-8 p.m., 1301 9th St NW, free

Ilana Glazer Live!
Thurs., Warner Theatre, $71+

“Here It Is: A Tribute to Leonard Cohen”
Fri. and Sat., The Kennedy Center, $49+

Disney Pixar’s “Elemental” screening
Fri., The Yards, free

DC United: Sustainability Night
Sat., Audi Field, $29+

Trevor Noah: Off The Record
Through Sun., DAR Constitution Hall, $150+ 

DC Cocktail Fest
Sat., 6:30 p.m., Dock 5 @ Union Market, $39+

The Illusionists magic show
Through Sun., The Kennedy Center, $35-$169

Things to do in Maryland

A Dance with Death: 1950’s Murder Mystery Dinner
Thurs., 7 p.m., Le Fantome Food Hall in Riverdale Park, $28-$35

Montgomery County GreenFest
Sat., 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown, free entry

Annual Montpelier Festival of Herbs, Tea, and the Arts
Sat., April 27, Montpelier House Museum in South Laurel, Maryland, free

Glow Golf Night
Sat., 7 p.m., Laytonsville Golf Course, $180 for two people

Arts and Crafts Fair
Sun., 1-6 p.m., Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring, free entry

Things to do in Virginia

Spring Plant and Garden Sale
Sat., Mount Vernon overflow parking lot, free entry
FYI: Credit card only

PNC Parkway Classic
Sat., starts and finishes at Oronoco Bay Park

Party for the Arts
Sat., 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Canal Center Plaza in Alexandria, free entry

Blue Ridge Arts & Crafts Festival
Sat., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sam Michaels Park, free entry

Astro Beer Hall Shirlington Patio Opening Party 
Sat., noon to 4 p.m., 4001 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, reservations encouraged

10th Annual Arlington Festival of the Arts
Sat. and Sun., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., N. Highland and Washington Boulevard in Clarendon, free entry

Family Magic Show W/ Magician Braden Carlisle!
Sat., noon, Arlington Cinema Drafthouse, $10 (child) or $15 (adult)

Earth Daze with Aslin Beer Company and Clean Fairfax
Sun., 11a.m. to 4 p.m., 767 Elden Street, Herndon, Virginia, free entry

Want to know what’s up for your weekend? Sign up for The Weekend Scene, our newsletter about events, experiences and adventures for you and for your family around the DMV.

Maybe you want to cruise by some iconic sights with out-of-town guests, or you’re looking for a quick but nature-filled escape. You can find both at the various kayak rental outposts along the Potomac River.

Boating in DC is the main company renting out kayaking and canoeing gear in D.C. proper. Four Boating in DC locations are open now, renting out all your gear for an hour or two of scenic paddling.

Prices may vary by location but generally start at $21 for a one-hour rental of a single-person kayak. Double kayak or canoe rentals, which are a good option for families with children, are available at many locations. Those start at about $31.

Rental prices include life jackets, paddles and cushions. Staff members will help guide you into and out of the water and can give you a few pointers before you take off.

Kids aged 7 and younger can float with an adult “as long as they can safely sit independently and fit securely” in a personal flotation device, while kids ages 8 to 15 can have their own boat but must be accompanied by a guardian, Boating in DC says.

If you’re looking for an option in Maryland, check out Bladensburg Waterfront Park Boat Rentals offered by the Prince George’s County parks department.

What’s open now:

Fletchers Boathouse is the most nature-filled location, letting you explore the C&O Canal and Potomac River. When rowing up the waterway, look to your left to try and find a hidden waterfall cove. You’ll find the boathouse off Canal Road, south of the Chain Bridge.

• Pro tip: We advise driving (there is parking!) or taking a rideshare. Google Maps will tell you that there’s technically a route for pedestrians. But at Canal Road, you’ll be walking alongside fast-moving traffic for a bit, then going down an often-busy driveway.

Key Bridge Boathouse and Thompson Boat Center in Georgetown are both great launching points to see the Kennedy Center and Lincoln Memorial. You can walk to both locations from the nearest transit stops in fewer than 15 minutes. Thompson Boat Center, which is near all the restaurants of Washington Harbor, will put you closer to the monuments.

• Pro tip: Row to Teddy Roosevelt Island, park your kayak for a few minutes and stretch your legs.

The Wharf Boathouse is open Fridays to Sundays. It is one of two locations to offer hydrobikes.

Coming soon:

Ballpark Boathouse near Nats Park will be open on weekends starting Friday, May 3. It will also rent out hydrobikes.

The Washington Sailing Marina in Alexandria will open when the time is right in May.

Paddleboards: Rentals of stand-up paddleboards are expected to begin at all locations in May, once temperatures warm up.

Bonus: Paddle around submerged WWI-era ships

If you want an extra adventurous paddling experience, you must check out Mallows Bay in Charles County, Maryland.

The largest graveyard of abandoned naval ships in Western Hemisphere waters is now a vibrant nature preserve that can be experienced up close.

The ships are best seen during low tide. Tours are offered by Atlantic Kayak ($65-$85), REI ($120+) and occasionally the Potomac Riverkeepers.

Want to know what’s up for your weekend? Sign up for The Weekend Scene, our newsletter about events, experiences and adventures for you and for your family around the DMV.

The RB19, the 2023 Championship-winning car, rolled onto a barge the morning of April 4 to float its way around major D.C. landmarks all day, to mark the car’s arrival ahead of the Red Bull Showrun Washington D.C. this Saturday afternoon.

This weekend, another Formula One car — the RB7 — will speed down Pennsylvania Avenue in a fun demonstration for racing lovers of all stripes.

That event will take place on Pennsylvania Avenue and 3rd Street NW from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on April 20. But if you’re a Formula One fan, the Red Bull Showrun DC Fan Fest at Union Market starts off Friday afternoon and continues into the evening.

Here’s what to know about the fan fest, the race, and the related road closures.

When is the Fan Fest?

The Red Bull Showrun D.C. Fan Fest is in front of Union Market and runs from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, April 19. It’s free, open to the public, and kid-friendly.

According to Union Market, the event will include the championship-winning car, along with “RB7 Fireups, Oracle Red Bull Racing team Q&A, Red Bull Pit Stop Challenge, racing simulators, merchandise sales, and more!”

You can get to the Fan Fest by taking a Red Line train and getting off at the NoMA-Gallaudet U stop, then walk or bike to Union Market.

Learn more about the event at Union Market’s FAQ page here.

When is the Red Bull Showrun?

While the showrun starts at 4 p.m., the Fan Zone opens at 1 p.m., according to the event FAQ.

Fans, or those curious about Formula One racing, will get to see Formula One legend David Coulthard drive an RB7 racecar down Pennsylvania Avenue. The event isn’t a race, just a demonstration — but a thrilling one for those who want to get up close and personal with the sport.

You can line up along Pennsylvania Avenue anywhere between 3rd Street and 7th Street to watch the demo, which is free and open to the public. No tickets are required.

There will be ADA seating for those who need it, “on the north side of the track just east of John Marshall Park,” the event site says.

There will also be food and drink vendors set up along Pennsylvania Avenue.

Organizers recommend bringing earplugs or other ear protection, as “Oracle Red Bull Racing will bring their RB7, a racing car with a V8 engine,” which can get loud.

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Washington DC Apr 4

Red Bull Showrun: Pennsylvania Avenue to transform into a race track

What roads will be closed for the Red Bull Showrun?

According to D.C. Police, the following streets will be posted as Emergency No Parking and closed to vehicle traffic from Friday, April 19, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. through Sunday, April 21, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.:

• Pennsylvania Avenue from 3rd Street to 7th Street, NW
• Constitution Avenue from 3rd Street to 7th Street, NW
• 4th Street from Madison Drive to Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
• 6th Street from C Street to Constitution Avenue, NW

The following streets will be posted as Emergency No Parking and closed to vehicle traffic from Sunday, April 21, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. through 10:00 p.m.:

• Pennsylvania Avenue from 3rd Street to Constitution Avenue, NW

Here’s a map of those closures:

Hello, tortured poets!

We’re waiting impatiently for Taylor Swift’s new album and the Paris Olympics which is fewer than 100 days away!

All the Olympic buzz has us ready to fly to Paris ourselves. And that’s why we’re debuting “Tommy Tries It”! Each week, Tommy McFly will show the couch commentators what actually goes into playing sports at a world-class level.

This week, we met the incredible Laulauga Tausaga who is currently number one on planet Earth for discus.  We love Laulauga – she’s a whole vibe.

“It’s pretty much bodybuilding ballet,” she said.

Saturday will have the best weather of the weekend, but cloudy and cool weather on Sunday will be OK for any outdoor plans, Storm Team4 says.

Whatever you and yours are trying this weekend, we’d love to know about it. Send pics to isee@nbcwashington.com (or tag us on social!). They may just end up on-air and in The Weekend Scene newsletter.

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Weekend highlights

National Cannabis Festival
Fri. and Sat., RFK Festival Grounds, $55-$130
🔗 Details

THUNDERCAT and Wu-Tang Clan are exciting headliners for the D.C. festival that’s grown massively over the past several years. The music festival is the big draw for most, but you’ll also find an exhibitor’s fair, the National Cannabis Championship and – never fear – plenty of munchies.

Pro tip: Read the fest’s FAQ to see what you’re allowed to bring inside.

Red Bull Showrun
Sat., gates open at 1:30 p.m., free
🔗 Details

D.C.’s iconic Pennsylvania Avenue is transforming into a race track as a Formula One car visits D.C. You’ll also find a Fan Fest at Union Market on Friday.

Expect road closures.

Free pick
Savor Bowie
Sat. and Sun., Bowie Town Center, free entry
🔗 Details

Complimentary wine tastings, two stages of live music, vendors and artisans: Savor Bowie has all the ingredients for a lovely spring day out. The event is free and proceeds benefit Concerts for Causes.

And if you’re up for more, check out the Funk After Fest concert at the Bowie Performing Arts Center ($29-39).

Free pick
Leesburg Flower & Garden Festival
Sat. and Sun., opens at 10 a.m., free entry
🔗 Details

Flowers and plants are taking over historic downtown Leesburg, Virginia, for a weekend of all things gardening.

A landscape display contest, three stages of entertainment, the rooftop wine and beer garden and a children’s area will give the whole family a spring in their step.

NVA Thai Street Food & Culture Festival
This Sun., plus May 5 and May 26, The Manassas Museum, free entry
🔗 Details

Take in the tastes, sounds and culture of Thailand right in Virginia. You’ll find performances, live music and games, plus tons of street eats and sweets.

Our friends Hype Foodies went inside!

Pro tip: Arrive early to avoid long lines for food.

2019 World Champions Five Year Anniversary Weekend
Fri. to Sun., Nationals Park, $13+
🔗 Tickets

Nats Park is marking half a decade since the World Series win. 

Go for Fireworks Friday, replica ring giveaways on Saturday or Screech’s Birthday plus Kid’s Opening Day on Sunday. Your kids can run the bases or get an autograph from a Nats Player; here are details.

We’re just over here banging on the trash cans with excitement (IYKYK) as the Nats take on the Astros.

ICYMI: Our Nats Park guide will help you get there and get in easily.

“Da Magic Boombox: A Hip Hop and Go-Go Evolution”
Fri. and Sat., Flowers High School in Springdale, $20-$25
🔗 Details

Flowers High School depends on ticket sales to fund its drama program. This very DMV play would be a fun time for the whole family. Molette Green got a first look.

Concerts this weekend

North Mississippi Allstars, 8 p.m. Thursday, Wolf Trap, $47

Rollicking, foot-stomping southern and blues rock that found its dedicated following amid the jam band scene. The Dickinson grew up in music — father, Jim, was a celebrated producer, singer and piano player. Details.

Robyn Hitchcock, 8 p.m. Friday, Hamilton, $15

Frequently referred to as the Bob Dylan of alternative rock, the British singer-songwriter first made the scene in the ‘70s with psychedelic folk rock heroes The Soft Boys. He’s spent decades delighting fans with his esoteric stage banter as well as his biting, witty songwriting. (Go watch “Storefront Hitchcock.”) Details. 

Stabbing Westward, 7 p.m. Friday, Black Cat, $30

Pioneering industrial band reformed several years ago, decades after helping define the scene alongside bands like Skinny Puppy and Nine Inch Nails. Details.

Griefcat, 7 p.m. Sunday, Jammin Java, $15/$25

Hilarious musical comedy duo harmonizes about sociopolitical issues. Musically, they don’t blend genres, rather hop them, from pop to rock to country and more. Details. 

Things to do in D.C.

The Rakim & DJ Jazzy Jeff & Ravi Coltrane Project
Fri., 8 p.m., The Kennedy Center, $59

ASL Jubilee
Fri., 5 p.m., National Union Building, free

Asian AF
Fri. and Sat., The Kennedy Center, $25-$40

Georgetown House Tour
Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m., $60

Hi Lawn’s Rooftop Beer Fest
Sat., Union Market, $40-$50

Fletchers Boathouse kayaking begins
Sat.

Wanda Sykes: Please & Thank You Tour
Sat., Warner Theatre, SOLD OUT

“Up Close with Paul Cezanne”
Through July 14, Phillips Collections, included with admission

Filmfest DC
April 18-28

Last chance: “One Life: Frederick Douglass”
Through Sun., National Portrait Gallery, free

Things to do in Maryland

The National Capital New Play Festival
Through May 5, Roundhouse Theatre in Bethesda

Mid-Atlantic Alpaca Association Jubilee
Sat. and Sun., Carroll County Ag Center in Westminster, free to spectators

Things to do in Virginia

“Hair” musical
Through July 7, Signature Theatre in Arlington, $40+

Paris Sashay Presents: Tequila Made Me Do It
Thurs., 7 p.m., Arlington Drafthouse, $10+

Historic Garden Week Old Town Alexandria Tour
Sat., $20-$55

Family Fun – Spring Fairy Houses
Sat., 10 a.m., Green Spring Gardens in Alexandria, $10

Bats Class
Sat., Huntley Meadows Park

Want to know what’s up for your weekend? Sign up for The Weekend Scene, our newsletter about events, experiences and adventures for you and for your family around the DMV.

Shakira announced Tuesday the 12 U.S. cities and two Canadian cities being visited on the first leg of her world tour, which begins in North America on Nov. 2 in California and ends Dec. 15 in Detroit.

The tour will make just one stop in the city, on Nov. 25 when she comes to Capital One Arena. Here’s a full list of stops on the tour.

Shakira 2024 tour dates

• Nov. 2 – Palm Desert, California — Acrisure Arena
• Nov. 7 – Phoenix, Arizona — Footprint Center
• Nov. 9 – Los Angeles, California — KIA Forum
• Nov. 16 – San Antonio, Texas — Frost Bank Center
• Nov. 17 – Dallas, Texas — American Airlines Center
• Nov. 20 – Miami, Florida — Kaseya Center
• Nov. 23 – Charlotte, North Carolina — Spectrum Center
• Nov. 25 – Washington, D.C. — Capital One Arena
• Nov. 30 – Toronto, Ontario — Scotiabank Arena
• Dec. 5 – Brooklyn, NY, Barclays Center
• Dec. 8 – Boston, Massachusetts — TD Garden
• Dec. 10 – Montreal, Quebec — Bell Centre
• Dec. 14 – Chicago, Illinois — United Center
• Dec. 15 – Detroit, Michigan — Little Caesars Arena

The tour is built around the March 22 release of Shakira’s 12th album, Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran (Women No Longer Cry). The 17-track album is the singer-songwriter’s first studio album in seven years.

International tour dates are expected to be announced soon.

Tickets go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. on April 22. Shakira’s Wolfpack members who join before Wednesday at 11:59 p.m. can access a pre-sale beginning at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 19.

On April 12, Shakira performed at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California with DJ Bizarrap.

D.C., Maryland and Virginia have plenty of ways to get out and celebrate. There’s something to fit every mood from weekend ragers to family-friendly gatherings.

While we count down to summer (the solstice is June 20), mark your calendars for these festivals! And if you want reminders and updates on stuff to do every weekend, subscribe to The Weekend Scene newsletter.

Maryland Apr 16

All Things Go announces 2024 lineup with Janelle Monáe, Hozier, Reneé Rapp and more

Washington DC Apr 17

April is National Poetry Month. Here's how you can celebrate in and around DC

May festivals

Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival
April 26 to May 5, Winchester, Virginia
Details

Cherry trees aren’t the only blossom game in the DMV! Centered in Winchester, Virginia, the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival includes parades, a carnival, a wine fest, sports tournaments, beauty pageants and more over 10 days.

National Cathedral Flower Mart
May 3-4, National Cathedral in Northwest D.C., free entry
Details

In addition to the showstopping International Floral Display and the huge plant sale, Flower Mart visitors can ride an antique carousel, watch free performances and climb the cathedral’s skyscraping towers. Activities for kids and food vendors will be on-site.

The festival’s hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.

International City Food Festival
May 3, 4-9 p.m. and May 4, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., The Square (1875 I St NW, Washington, D.C.), free admission
Details

With a focus on how food brings people together, this festival is set to present performances, crafts and vendors from around the world inside the downtown food hall.

Running of the Chihuahuas
May 4, 2-5 p.m., The Wharf in Southwest D.C., free entry
Details

Look at those little legs go! Go for the delightfully cute chihuahua races, then stay for a pet photo booth, a dog costume contest featuring adoptable pups and all The Wharf has to offer. It’s free and kid-friendly. Dogs who aren’t participating in the races are welcome to cheer on their furry friends.

Big crowds show up for the main event, but you can watch the races on a jumbo screen.

Proceeds benefit Rural Dog Rescue, and News4’s own Tommy McFLY will emcee.

Around the World Embassy Tour
May 4, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., free
Details

Journey around the world without your passport. More than 50 embassies are set to open their doors so you can learn about different cultures — and get some international snacks if you’re lucky. It’s part of the month-long Passport DC program.

By the way: European Union embassies have their own open house day scheduled for Saturday, May 11.

Sligo Creek Fest
May 4, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Silver Spring, Maryland, free
Details

A stretch of Sligo Creek Parkway is going to the walkers, bikers, boarders (and dogs! as long as they’re leashed).

Along the road from Dennis Avenue to University Boulevard, you’ll find a stage with live music, kids’ performances, food trucks, a beer tent featuring local breweries and hands-on activities.

Anacostia River Festival
May 4, Anacostia Park at Good Hope Road and Anacostia Drive SE in Washington, D.C., free
Details

Celebrate the tenth annual Anacostia River Festival. The event is family-friendly and will have plenty of food, local performers and outdoor activities, including a free fishing workshop.

M3 Rock Festival
May 4-5, Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, $90 – $275 (two-day pass)
Details

The hard rock and heavy metal festival is celebrating its 15th year at the venue sharing an ‘80s arena rock experience with new and old audiences. It features performances from Queensrÿche, Bret Michaels and Bret Michaels of Poison fame. 

NVA Thai Street Food & Culture Festival
April 21, May 5 and May 26, The Manassas Museum, free entry
Details

Take in the tastes, sounds and culture of Thailand right in Manassas, Virginia. You’ll find performances, live music and games, plus tons of street eats and sweets. Pro tip: You’ll want to get there early to avoid long lines for food.

Arts and Culture Festival at the National Museum of Asian Art
May 10-12, 1100 Jefferson Dr SW, Washington, D.C., free
Details

More details and an exact schedule will be released soon, but the museum gave us a look at what we could expect.

“Activities like mindfulness practices will be integrated alongside arts and cultures resources that support mental health. Programming also includes panel discussions, interactive experiences, culinary pop-ups and art-making projects,” according to a press release.

EU Open House
May 11, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., free entry
Details

Rub elbows at the embassies of many European countries while getting acquainted with their culture, tourism, art and more. Details on each embassy’s offering usually come out in the weeks before the event.

Maryland Craft Beer Festival
May 11, noon to 5 p.m., Carroll Creek Linear Park in Frederick, Maryland, $15-$85
Details

Dozens of Maryland breweries will be pouring all the samples you care to drink. Live music and local food vendors will be on tap, too.

Greenbelt Green Man Festival
May 11-12, begins at 10 a.m., Roosevelt Center, free
Details

Music, fairy gardens and an environmental focus: Could this festival be more spring?

Kids will love body paint and fairy gardens while the whole family enjoys live music.

Bethesda Fine Arts Festival
May 11-12, Woodmont Triangle in Bethesda, Maryland, free admission
Details

More than 120 artists are expected to show and sell their fine art wares along Norfolk, Auburn & Del Ray avenues. Come to refresh your home décor, stay for live music, entertainment and restaurants.

Fiesta Asia Street Fair
May 18, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., downtown Washington, D.C., free
Details

Taking in a lively parade with dragons, live performances, kids’ activities, a talent competition, shopping and pan-Asian cuisine will keep you busy during this celebration for Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

Spring Wine Festival & Sunset Tour
May 17, 18 and 19, Mount Vernon in Alexandria, Virginia, $54-$60 for nonmembers
Details

Sip unlimited samples of wine while enjoying George Washington’s estate during the golden hour.

Lucketts Spring Vintage Market
May 17 to 19, Clarke County Ruritan Fairgrounds in Berryville, Virginia, $15
Details

This market turns Berryville, Virginia, into a destination for finding “vintage garden gems, architectural salvage, crusty antiques, and all kinds of crazy-good finds.” It’s been around for more than two decades.

Asian Festival on Main
May 19, noon to 6 p.m., Main Street in Historic Old Town Fairfax City, free entry
Details

Celebrate Asian heritage with food, arts and crafts and performances. The rain date is June 2, 2024.

Old Town Festival of Speed & Style
May 19, Old Town Alexandria, free
Details

Dozens of rare of exotic cars, a fashion show and live music will take over several blocks of Old Town, including parts of King Street.

Art in Nature Festival
May 25-27, Chantilly, Virginia, $35+ (one-day pass)
Details

The National Botanic Garden in Chantilly, Virginia, is a privately owned estate that only opens its gates a few times a year.

During the Memorial Day weekend festival, you can take in the lake, water-conserving garden, a hobbit village while viewing art and sampling wine and chocolate. Three tastings cost $10.

Jazz in the Garden at the National Gallery of Art
Fridays from May 31 to Aug. 9 (excluding July 5), National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., free if you win the ticket lottery
Details

An indigenous fusion quartet, funk and Soul, Caribbean Steelpan, and more—this concert series transcends jazz genres.

If you would like to enter the ticket lottery, it opens the week before the first concert. Winners will be notified the Monday before the show. Here are more details.

June festivals

Riverfest & Craft Show
June 1-2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Occoquan, Virginia, free
Details

Browse more than 250 artisan’s work, enjoy live concerts in River Mill Park and walk down the environmentally-conscious Conservation Alley.

Head down on Saturday for the Whatever Floats Your Boat Parade or Sunday f or the Duck Splash, where hoards of rubber ducks “race” down the river to benefit a good cause.

Fort Hunt concerts
Sundays in June, July and August, 7 p.m., Fort Hunt Park in McLean, Virginia, free
Details

The National Park Service at George Washington Memorial Parkway kicks off its free concert series on June 2 with a performance from the National Concert Band of America (NCBA). The group includes veterans and legendary players from military service bands.

Come back on late spring and summer Sundays for cover bands, a jazz orchestra and a blues and swing band — all native to the DMV. 

Capital Pride Parade and Festival
June 8-9, Washington, D.C., free
Details

Capital Pride’s big weekend is taking over the District with a massive parade and joyful block party in Dupont on Saturday, followed by a packed festival with a big concert downtown on Sunday. Bonus: it’s all free to attend!

Capital Jazz Festival
June 7-8, Merriweather Post Pavilion, $89+ (one-day pass)
Details

Grammy winners Anthony Hamilton and Chrisette Michele kick off “one of the longest-running festivals in the DMV and one of the premier black music events in the country” during Black Music Month, the Capital Jazz Festival says.

The Capital Jazz Festival features 30 acts over three days. Despite its name, artists span multiple genres, including soul, R&B and jazz.

Out & About Festival at Wolf Trap
Sat., June 22, Filene Center in Vienna, Virginia, $52+

In its second year, this festival continues to highlight LGBTQ+ artists and allies, integrating nature, pride and great music at the striking outdoor amphitheater.

Grammy winner Brittany Howard will headline a superstar lineup that also features Jenny Lewis, Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth and more.

Past events

April festivals

Leesburg Flower & Garden Festival
April 20-21, opens at 10 a.m., free entry
Details

Flowers and plants are taking over historic downtown Leesburg, Virginia, for a weekend of all things gardening.

A landscape display contest, three stages of entertainment, the rooftop wine and beer garden and a children’s area will give the whole family a spring in their step.

National Cannabis Festival
April 19-20, RFK Festival Grounds, $55-$130
Details

THUNDERCAT and Wu-Tang Clan + Redman are exciting headliners for the D.C. festival that’s grown massively since its 2016 debut. The music festival is the big draw for most, but you’ll also find an exhibitor’s fair, the National Cannabis Championship and – never fear – a whole zone dedicated to munchies. Do remember that D.C. cannabis laws still apply.

Savor Bowie
April 20 and April 21, Bowie Town Center, free entry
Details

Complimentary wine tastings, two stages of live music, vendors and artisans: Savor Bowie has all the ingredients for a lovely spring day out. The event is free and proceeds benefit Concerts for Causes.

And if you’re up for more, check out the Funk After Fest concert at the Bowie Performing Arts Center ($29-39).

Project GLOW
April 27-28, RFK Festival Grounds, $215.90 (two-day pass)
Details

Get your neon raver gear ready! ILLENIUM, Zedd, Lane 8, REZZ and dozens of other electronic acts are descending on the RFK Festival Grounds for this two-day music festival.

Purcellville Music and Arts Festival
April 27, noon to 7 p.m., Dillon’s Woods and the Bush Tabernacle, free
Details

Pack a lawn chair and head to the park for a day of live music, an art show and kid-friendly crafts.

The event is family-friendly – even dogs are welcome!

Parking is available at Emerick Elementary School, and some vendors only accept cash.

Celtic Festival of Southern Maryland
April 27, Jefferson Patterson Park in St. Leonard, Maryland, $25 (presale)/$30 (at gate)
Details

Head to Leonard, Maryland, to celebrate the heritage of the Celtic nations: Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Isle of Man, Brittany, Cornwall and Galicia/Asturias.

Filmfest DC
April 18-28, most general admission tickets cost $14
Details

The District’s longest-running and largest film festival returns with international films, locally-made movies, shorts and more.

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Janelle Monáe, Bleachers and Laufey will headline Saturday, sharing the day with Remi Wolf, Ethel Cain, Julien Baker and a dozen other artists spanning rock, rap, pop and jazz.

Hozier, Reneé Rapp and Conan Gray top the Sunday lineup along with Chappell Roan and Maren Morris.

In a sea of festivals, All Things Go always stands out for booking some of the most talented women touring in any year, and 2024 will be no different.

For one, Chappell Roan is having a huge moment. She’s toured with Olivia Rodrigo, captured a million views for her Tiny Desk concert and performed at Coachella for the first time (leading Rolling Stone reporter Tomás Mier to ask, “Is this what it felt like to watch Lady Gaga before she blew up?”).

And if you missed Ethel Cain last year – or wanted more Southern Gothic indie vibes – she’ll be back, and this time she’s getting promoted to a tier-two headliner.

The festival is also flexing its ability to bring together a very D.C. collab. Laufey, a GRAMMY-winning musician bringing jazz and classical music to Gen Z, is set to perform with the Kennedy Center Orchestra.

All Things Go is set for Sept. 28-29 at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland. Tickets go on sale this week, starting with a presale on Thursday before general admission goes live on Friday. Weekend passes start at $119 before fees.

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This weekend, are you headed to one of D.C.’s favorite brunches, sandwich shops or bars?

Well, show it some love!

Each year, the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington hands out RAMMY awards –  it’s essentially the Oscars for local restaurants. The big celebration happens in July when the winners are announced at a gala in the Washington Convention Center.

But first, NBC4 and Telemundo 44 are asking you for some help. We’re excited to bring YOU into the mix for the publicly-voted awards. These are some of our favorite categories and hopefully yours, too!

See the nominees and vote at nbcwashington.com/RAMMYs now!

Whatever your weekend plans, the weather is looking nice. Sunday’s forecasted high is 78°, Storm Team4 says.

Weekend highlights

Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street Festival
Sat. and Sun., Pennsylvania Avenue, NW between 3rd and 7th Streets, $15 in advance/$20 day-of
🔗 Details

Dubbed the largest celebration of Japanese culture in the United States, this festival is packed with music, food and performances on four stages – including one devoted to J-pop. You’ll stay busy hitting up the Ginza Marketplace, tasting sake and people-watching for incredible costumes. 

☝ Pro tips: We’ve seen the best food items sell out quickly! Go early and be prepared for lines. If you want to go on both days, you can get a two-day ticket in advance for $25.

Things to Do DC Apr 10

‘Beauty with a cause': Dutch Tulip Days blooms at Netherlands ambassador's DC residence

4 your reading Apr 11

Celebrity hair stylist Vernon Martin talks about his memoir

Free pick
Pink Beats
Sat., Water Park in National Landing (1601 Crystal Drive, Arlington)
🔗 Details

D.C.-based soul-rock group Oh He Dead is a great get for this free festival a short walk from the Crystal City Metro station.

Gordan Daniels, The Experience Band & Show, Wrizzards and Broke Royals round out the lineup.

The event starts at 4 p.m., and Oh He Dead is set to go on at 7:45 p.m.

Heads up: The park could close if it reaches capacity.

Human Museum
Begins Thurs., 1020 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.
🔗 Details

There’s so much being said about AI, our relationships with technology and how long humans have left on this planet.

Leave it to Rorschach Theatre to explore those issues through a thought-provoking, interactive dark comedy show in a former retail space.

“Human Museum” is a brand new play written by Miyoko Conley. It’s about a group of robots who are running a museum about humanity – commemorating a century since humans went extinct.

You can explore the “museum shop” and an exhibit about foods that might have survived the apocalypse before you take your seat for a 90-minute show.

This weekend, “Human Museum” is in pay-what-you-can previews. After that, shows are scheduled Thursdays through Sundays until May 5.

☝ Pro tip: Don’t just type “Rorschach Theatre” into your maps app. This show is near Farragut Square; it’s not at their headquarters on H Street NE.

DC Comedy Festival
Through Sat., $25+
🔗 Details

Venues from Silver Spring to Shirlington are hosting comedians from the D.C. area and nationwide every night this week. Seven Black Minutes, musical comedy and a “Hot Ones”-inspired show are on the docket.

Free pick
Emancipation Day
Sun., Freedom Plaza
🔗 Details

Nine months before President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, on April 16, 1862, he ended slavery in D.C. and freed 3,100 people.

The District’s commemoration of those who struggled for freedom has been an official holiday since 2005.

This year, festivities downtown include a parade at 2 p.m., a concert at 3 p.m. and fireworks at 8:30 p.m.

Over 20 restaurants are celebrating with deals.

Concerts this weekend

Linda Smith with The Smashing Times, 7 p.m. Thursday, Rhizome, $15-$20

Smith began self-releasing home-recorded cassettes in the ‘80s brimming with beautiful and sweet lo-fi pop. Fellow Baltimoreans The Smashing Times play jangly, fuzzy power pop. Details. 

Swans, 8 p.m. Friday, Howard Theatre, $35-$50

Possibly the darkest, heaviest band to take on noise/post/goth-rock. Terrifying at times. Beware. Details.

Archer, 7 p.m. Friday, Rhizome, $10-$25

Legendary Dutch punk guitarist Terrie Ex (founder of The Ex) teams up with lauded Chicago free jazz saxophonist Dave Rempis and Norwegian rhythm section Jon Rune Strøm (bass) and Tollef Østvang (drums) in a new improvisational quartet. This is their first U.S. tour.  Details.

The Feelies, 8 p.m. Saturday, Black Cat, $30

Among the forefathers of American indie rock, this New Jersey group channels the Velvet Underground for its nervous post-punk sound. Details.

Things to do in D.C.

AdMo Art Walk
Through April 30, free

“Message in a Bottle” musical powered by Sting’s biggest hits
Through April 21, The Kennedy Center, $45+

“VOCA: A Not So Quiet Nocturne”
April 11-21, Atlas Performing Arts Center, $40+

Paws and Petals Yappy Hour
Thurs., metrobar in Northeast D.C., free 

Local dancers in “Chronicles of Nina…What now?”
Fri. and Sat., The Kennedy Center, $10

Georgetown Flower Tour
Sat., noon to 4 p.m., $40

DC Beer Festival
Sat., noon to 3 p.m. or 5-8 p.m., Nationals Park, $50

51st Capital Classic basketball game
Sat., noon, Entertainment and Sports Arena in Southeast, $25+

DC United: Cherry Blossom Night
Sat., Audi Field, $29+

Cherry Blossom 5k
Sat., Congressional Cemetery, $35+

National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade
Sat., 10 a.m. to noon, Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th street NW, free or seating starts at $25+

Jacqueline Woodson’s Block Party!
Sat., 1 p.m., REACH at The Kennedy Center, free but registration encouraged

An Evening With Esther Perel: The Future of Relationships, Love & Desire
Sat., DAR Constitution Hall, $66.50

Cemetery Speaker Series: The Lincoln Assassination
Sun., 1 p.m., Congressional Cemetery, $5

“New Worlds: Women to Watch 2024” at the National Museum of Women in the Arts
April 14 through Aug. 11

Things to do in Maryland

The National Capital New Play Festival
Through May 5, Roundhouse Theatre in Bethesda

“The Color Purple”
April 12-21, BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown, $40-$55

Mount Rainier’s Garden Crawl & Nature Center’s Open House
Sat., Mount Rainier Nature Center, free

Things to do in Virginia

American Horticultural Society’s Spring Garden Market
Fri. and Sat., 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., River Farm in Alexandria, $5 per person or $20 per car

Blossom Fest
Sat., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Springfield Town Center, free and kid-oriented

Vola’s Spring Oysterfest
Sat., Vola’s Dockside Grill in Alexandria, $99

Big Lick Comic Con
Sat. and Sun., Dulles Expo Center, $40 for a weekend pass

Theater: “Chicks in Heaven”
April 11-28, Creative Cauldron in Falls Church, $20-$45

Want to know what’s up for your weekend? Sign up for The Weekend Scene, our newsletter about events, experiences and adventures for you and for your family around the DMV.

It’s a beautiful backdrop set against the serious themes that will be discussed during this year’s Dutch Tulip Days from April 10 to 12. 

“We tried to combine beauty with a cause,” Birgitta Tazelaar, Netherlands ambassador, said. 

This year’s themes revolve around believed and shared values between the Netherlands and the U.S., sustainability, innovation and freedom, Tazelaar said.

“We celebrate freedom because we should not take it for granted. And we only have to look at Ukraine to see what freedom actually means,” Tazelaar said. 

There’s a nearly 10-foot-tall 3D-printed replica of the Netherlands Carillon in Arlington, Virginia. The original was gifted from the Dutch to the U.S. for support during and after World War II.

The replica is meant to represent freedom. It’s recycled waste and plant-based material structure represents sustainability. 

A garden box highlights sustainability with plants native to the Netherlands that require less water and fertilizer.

There are tulips in yellow, red, white and purple along the grand staircase of the home.  

Over the next three days, the residence will host hundreds of visitors, including politicians, entrepreneurs and invited members of the public.

“We’ll talk about innovation during these days when it comes to, for example, the semiconductor industry and cyber security. Those are also that they demand a lot of innovation in order to protect ourselves,” Tazelaar said. 

Once Dutch Tulip Days ends, the thousands of tulips will be donated to various charities around D.C. 

Things to Do DC Mar 27

‘Holland in Virginia': Tulip and daffodil festival springs forth

Washington DC Apr 9

Jazz in the Garden 2024 to include zydeco, a Juneteenth celebration and horn-heavy funk: Here's how to get tickets

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Cue thoughts of clocking off work, dressing in linen, packing snacks and taking the Metro to the Sculpture Garden for an evening of dancing and sangria. Plus, lounging on lush green grass and admiring the garden’s modern art.

This summer, the concert series features 10 genre-spanning acts starting with zydeco then a Juneteenth jazz celebration and ending with a D.C.-based saxophonist. The series kicks off the weekend after Memorial Day and wraps up the second Friday in August.

It’s not known as “D.C.’s favorite summer concert series” for nothing.” You’ll need to enter a ticket lottery to get in. Each concert is on a Friday night from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Here’s how to plan to start each weekend on the National Mall:

How to get Jazz in the Garden tickets

Anyone who wants to attend Jazz in the Garden can join the lottery the week prior to the event. Lottery winners will be notified the Monday morning before the concert.

“Those who are selected are welcome to register for up to four passes. Registration is required for all ages 2 and above,” the gallery said on its website.

Jazz in the Garden schedule

May 31: Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas
Genre: Zydeco

• Lottery opens: Monday, May 20, 10 a.m.
• Lottery closes: Friday, May 24, noon
• Results announced: Monday, May 15, 10 a.m.

June 7: Anderson Quartet
Genre: Indigenous fusion

• Lottery opens: Monday, May 27, 10 a.m.
• Lottery closes: Friday, May 31, noon
• Results announced: Monday, June 3, 10 a.m.

June 14: 8 Ohms Band
Genre: Horn-heavy funk and Soul

• Lottery opens: Monday, June 3, 10 a.m.
• Lottery closes: Friday, June 7, noon
• Results announced: Monday, June 10, 10 a.m.

June 21: Muneer Nasser Quintet
Genre: A Juneteenth jazz celebration

• Lottery opens: Monday, June 10, 10 a.m.
• Lottery closes: Friday, June 14, noon
• Results announced: Monday, June 17, 10 a.m.

June 28: Josanne Francis
Genre: Caribbean steelpan

• Lottery opens: Monday, June 17, 10 a.m.
• Lottery closes: Friday, June 21, noon
• Results announced: Monday, June 24, 10 a.m.

The Scene Apr 9

2024 RAMMY Awards: Vote for your favorite bar, brunch, sandwich and more

Things to Do DC Mar 29

Dozens of embassies in DC to open doors to the public this May

July 12: US Air Force Band’s Airmen of Note
Genre: Big band jazz

• Lottery opens: Monday, July 1, 10 a.m.
• Lottery closes: Friday, July 5, noon
• Results announced: Monday, July 8, 10 a.m.

July 19: Jake Blount
Genre: Afrofuturist roots

• Lottery opens: Monday, July 8, 10 a.m.
• Lottery closes: Friday, July 12, noon
• Results announced: Monday, July 15, 10 a.m.

July 26: Brent Birckhead
Genre: Contemporary jazz

• Lottery opens: Monday, July 15, 10 a.m.
• Lottery closes: Friday, July 19, noon
• Results announced: Monday, July 22, 10 a.m.

Aug. 2: Plena Libre
Genre: Afro-Latin fusion

• Lottery opens: Monday, July 22, 10 a.m.
• Lottery closes: Friday, July 26, noon
• Results announced: Monday, July 29, 10 a.m.

Aug. 9: Leigh Pilzer’s Seven Pointed Star
Genre: Jazz septet

• Lottery opens: Monday, July 29, 10 a.m.
• Lottery closes: Friday, August 2, noon
• Results announced: Monday, August 5, 10 a.m.

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Thousands of people in the Washington, D.C., area stepped outside Monday for a glimpse of a last-in-a-generation solar eclipse.

The total solar eclipse moving across the United States will be the last one visible over the continental U.S. for another 20 years. While D.C., Maryland and Virginia aren’t in the path of totality, the moon blocked out nearly 90% of the sun at the moment of totality, about 3:20 p.m.

Since D.C. wasn’t in the path of totality, people needed eclipse glasses to safely view the sun at any point.

Still, a crowd that could rival the Fourth of July throng gathered on the National Mall. When the solar eclipse hit its maximum over D.C., and only a crescent-moon-shaped sliver of the sun was visible through eclipse glasses, the crowd erupted into cheers.

As the paths of the sun and moon partially aligned around D.C. beginning shortly after 2 p.m. the sky grew slightly darker, like when sunset approaches in the dead of winter. Crescent-shaped shadows formed underneath trees.

“We did notice the temperatures drop by a good 5 degrees here,” Storm Team4 Meteorologist Amelia Draper said.

A smattering of clouds in the sky didn’t stop D.C. from enjoying the view.

During the eclipse, the moon casts its shadow on parts of North America as it comes between Earth and the sun, said Gina DiBraccio, the deputy director of heliophysics at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.

“If you have the opportunity to view this, whether it’s the total eclipse or a partial eclipse in the D.C. area, you should absolutely do it because it’s just a special kind of lifetime event,” DiBraccio said.

Residents from across the D.C. area and beyond were staking spots on the grass on the National Mall hours before the eclipse began. Tents representing various Smithsonian museums were handing out eclipse glasses and sharing information on the scientific and cultural importance of the eclipse.

You wouldn’t have known it was a Monday from the size and enthusiasm of the crowds. It feels more like a busy Saturday — people were seen walking dogs, biking and setting up picnics with friends and family.

From the National Mall to the NASA Goddard Visitor Center, eclipse viewers are partaking in a human tradition that predates written history — although records of eclipses stretch back thousands of years.

According to a NASA article, petroglyphs found in County Meath, Ireland, may be our earliest records of an eclipse; they date back to 3340 B.C.E. Scribes in Anyang, China, wrote on shells and bones that “the sun has been eaten” around 1200 B.C.E. Much later, the 1918 eclipse helped confirm Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity, rocketing the physicist to fame, according to the National Park Service.

Read below to learn when the solar eclipse is and where to see it around D.C.

What time was the eclipse in the D.C. area?

The solar eclipse on Monday was seen in the D.C. area from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Maximum eclipse happened about 3:20 p.m., but the exact timing depended on location.

The moon will begin to move in front of the sun about 2 p.m., slowly covering more of the sun until about 3:20 p.m. It will then move off the sun until about 4:30 p.m., according to the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club (NOVAC).

What’s the path of the eclipse?

Parts of Mexico saw the eclipse first. The path of totality in the U.S. stretches across 13 states from Texas to Maine.

Some people are expected to witness the eclipse from special flights. Businesses around the country are planning to offer special deals and creative souvenirs, such as eclipse-themed beer.

Is the DC area in the path of totality?

No, the D.C. area will not see a total solar eclipse. The moon covered about 90% of the sun’s width in the D.C. area during the solar eclipse, according to NOVAC.

In Greenbelt, Maryland, the moon blocked about 86% of the sun’s light, NASA’s Goddard Visitor Center said. It was said to obscure 87% of the sun at its maximum in College Park, according to the University of Maryland’s Department of Astronomy.

In Rosslyn, Virginia, the moon blocked about 75% of the sun, the Rosslyn BID said.

A map depicts solar obscuration by area during the 2024 solar eclipse.

What to know about eclipse glasses

Take it from former president Donald Trump! Be sure to protect your eyes from the sun during the phases of a solar eclipse.  

For safe viewing, NASA recommends the use of eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers. It’s important to note that regular sunglasses are not dark enough to safely filter the bright light.

Eclipses can be briefly viewed without protection when the moon completely blocks the sun. However, since D.C. isn’t in the path of totality it is recommended to wear eye protection the entirety of the eclipse.

Here’s where to find solar eclipse glasses in D.C., Maryland and Virginia.

For more safety information, visit NASA’s website.

When is the next solar eclipse after 2024?

Total solar eclipses are rarely visible throughout a huge swath of the United States.

The next total solar eclipse to sweep across the continental United States is set to occur on August 12, 2045, following a path from northern California to Florida, according to NASA (although Alaska will see one in 2033, and a total eclipse will pop over Montana and North Dakota in 2044, Forbes reports).

Solar eclipse events in the DC area

It’s totally (totality?!) OK to take an afternoon break from work to enjoy the sky. If you do, take a look at the list below.

If you want to experience the solar eclipse from your backyard, check out these kid-friendly solar eclipse activities from the National Air and Space Museum.

solar eclipse Apr 2

Where to find solar eclipse glasses in DC, Maryland and Virginia

solar eclipse Apr 7

When and where the solar eclipse will be crossing the U.S.

DC partial solar eclipse events

Solar Eclipse Festival on the National Mall

📅 April 8, noon to 4 p.m.
📍 National Mall, D.C. between 4th and 12th streets
🔗 Details

Eclipse 2024 Watch Party
📅 April 8, 1 to 4 p.m.
📍 MLK Library’s Garden Rooftop; 901 G St NW, Washington, D.C.
🔗 Details

Solar Eclipse Party @ Hedy’s Rooftop

📅 April 8, 2 to 6 p.m.
📍 Hotel Zena; 1155 14th St. NW, Washington, D.C.
🔗 Details

Solar Eclipse Viewing Party at Deck 11 Rooftop

📅 April 8, 2 to 4:30 p.m.
📍 YOTEL; 415 New Jersey Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.
🔗 Details

Solar Eclipse Viewing Party at Tag Rooftop Bar

📅 April 8, 1 to 4 p.m.
📍 The Ven at Embassy Row; 2015 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC
🔗 Details

Maryland partial solar eclipse events

Partial Solar Eclipse Event at the Visitor Center

📅 April 8, noon to 4 p.m.
📍 NASA Goddard Visitor Center; 9432 Greenbelt Road, Greenbelt, MD
🔗 Details

Skywatching: Partial Solar Eclipse

📅 April 8, 2 to 4:30 p.m.
📍 Observatory Park; 100 Desellum Ave., Gaithersburg, MD
🔗Details

Solar Eclipse at College Park

📅 April 8, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
📍 University of Maryland; grassy area in front of Martin Hall, College Park, MD
🔗Details

Solar Eclipse Watch Party

📅 April 8, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
📍 Maryland Science Center; 601 Light St., Baltimore, MD
🔗Details

Virginia partial solar eclipse events

Solar Eclipse Viewing

📅 April 8, 2 to 4 p.m.
📍 Gateway Park; 1300 Langston Blvd, Rosslyn, VA
🔗 Details

Solar Eclipse at Sky Meadows

📅 April 8, 1 to 4:30 p.m.
📍 Sky Meadows State Park, 11012 Edmonds Lane, Delaplane, VA
🔗 Details

Eclipse Where Sun, Moon and Wonder Align

📅 April 8, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
📍 Sweet Run State Park, 11661 Harpers Ferry Road, Hillsboro, VA
🔗 Details

Partial Solar Eclipse Celebration Monday

📅 April 8, 2 to 4 p.m.
📍 Fairfax County Parks; Ellanor C. Lawrence Park; Burke Lake Park, VA
🔗 Details

Safely See the Partial Eclipse

📅 April 8, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
📍 Fairfax County Parks; Historic Huntley; Turner Farm Park, VA
🔗 Details

View the Total Solar Eclipse!

📅 April 8, 3 to 4 p.m.
📍 Sherwood Regional Library; 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria, VA
🔗 Details

Solar Eclipse Party!

📅 April 8, 1 to 4 p.m.
📍 Centreville Regional Library; 14200 Saint Germain Drive, Centreville, VA
🔗 Details

Partial Solar Eclipse Event

📅 April 8, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
📍 George Mason University Observatory; Research Hall, 10401 York River Road, Fairfax, VA
🔗 Details

Solar Eclipse – Watch Party

📅 April 8, 2 to 4 p.m.
📍 Settle Down Easy Brewing Co.; 2822 Fallfax Drive, Falls Church, VA
🔗Details

When was the last total solar eclipse? Let’s rewind to 2017

In August 2017, a total solar eclipse moved across the U.S. from the West Coast to the East Coast for the first time in 99 years.

It crossed in a narrow path over 14 states between Lincoln Beach, Oregon, and Charleston, South Carolina, NASA wrote on its 2017 Total Solar Eclipse page.

The D.C. area experienced a partial solar eclipse with the sun blocked from 79 to 90%, WTOP reported in 2017.

Photos from the eclipse show eyes glued to the sky in downtown D.C. and on the National Mall, with shorts-clad tourists and business casual workers donning solar eclipse glasses or using specially made viewing tools.

The moon is relatively close to Earth right now, meaning Monday’s eclipse will have a longer period of totality than the 2017 eclipse did, the National Air and Space Museum’s Dr. Teasel Muir-Harmony said.

“Solar eclipses in general are quite special,” Muir-Harmony said. “This particular one, the sun is at its solar maximum. So, it’s very, very active right now. The one in 2017, it was actually at its solar minimum. So, there could be interesting things to see.”

Solar maximum means eclipse viewers may be more likely to see special streams of light and prominences, “which appear as bright, pink curls or loops coming off the Sun,” according to NASA.

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Everything this weekend will be eclipsed by… well, Monday’s eclipse! The celebrations start this weekend, including at both Air and Space Museum locations.

From rooftop parties to viewing events in parks, you’ll find tons of places to watch the solar stunner in our full eclipse guide.

The Nats’ first weekend home games of the season should have fine weather. They play the Phillies on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

It’s also the last weekend of March Madness! The women’s final, refusing to be eclipsed, is on Sunday afternoon. The men’s final is on Monday night.

Weekend highlights

“Super Freak: The Rick James Story”
Through Sun., National Theatre, $39+
🔗 Details

“Super Freak: The Rick James” story is being performed at The National Theatre. James’ daughter, Ty James, and playwright Je’Caryous Johnson told News4’s Tony Perkins what theatergoers can expect.

“There was more to him than sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll, and I felt like his legacy was being reduced to just that,” Johnson said.

Nationals vs Phillies
Fri., Sat. and Sun., Nationals Park, $13+
🔗 Details

Spring is here, and the Washington Nationals and Major League Baseball are back in the Capital.

The Nats are set to play against the Pittsburg Pirates on Wednesday and Thursday, but some unfavorable weather could get in the way.

But Storm Team4 is predicting pleasant weather for the Nats vs. Phillies games – Nats Park’s first weekend games of the season!

• The season’s first Pups in the Park is scheduled for Friday.
• Saturday is the Blossoms & Baseball game.
• Got kids? Save the date for Kids Opening Day on April 21.
• Before you go to Nats Park, get up to speed on the clear bag policy, transportation options, special theme days and how to snag deals in our guide.

Cherry Blossoms Mar 20

Cherry blossom afternoon teas to sip and savor around DC

Things to Do DC Mar 29

Dozens of embassies in DC to open doors to the public this May

Free pick
Petalpalooza
Sat., 1-9 p.m., Capitol Riverfront

The Official National Cherry Blossom Festival Fireworks Show at 8:30 p.m. will be a grand finale to a day packed with multiple stages of live music, kids’ activities, art and more.

A rock wall for kids, silent disco and gardening activities for all are just a few highlights.

Free pick
Jazz & Blossoms Park Jam
Sun., noon to 7:30 p.m., Franklin Park
🔗 Details

A free Digable Planets show in downtown D.C.? Count us in.

The jazz-rap group behind “Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat)” is headlining the free, daylong finale of the Words, Beats & Life Festival. Sun Ra Arkestra, Madison McFerrin, Kassa Overall and JoGo Project are among other performers.

Bring the whole family for a day of art, music and kid-friendly activities.

• Franklin Park is right next to the McPherson Square Metro station.
• Words, Beats & Life has programming all week, including parties, poetry readings and shows.

Concerts this weekend

Chatham County Line, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jammin’ Java, $20/$22
Twenty-five years on, the Americana stalwarts from North Carolina are finding new ways to modernize a classic style and sound. Details. 

The Sadies, 7 p.m. Sunday, Jammin’ Java, $20/$30
Another quarter-century-old roots-rock group to play the Vienna venue this weekend, the Canadian band is alt-country at its core with assists from garage rock and psychedelia while also handy with infectious power pop. Details.

Things to do in D.C.

DC History Conference
Fri. to Sun., MLK Jr. Memorial Library, free

Reckoning with Remembrance: History, Injustice, and the Murder of Emmett Till
Opens Sat., National Museum of American History, free

Mumbo vs. Gumbo: Music, Food & Culture
Sat., 3-7 p.m., Sycamore & Oak in Southeast, free entry

DC Defenders vs Houston Roughnecks
Sat., 7 p.m., Audi Field, $25+

Blossom Block Festival and flea market
Sun., noon to 5 p.m., Sycamore & Oak in Southeast, free entry

Credit Union Cherry Blossom runs
Sat. and Sun.

Things to do in Maryland

Bethesda Film Fest
Fri. and Sat., Landmark’s Bethesda Row Cinema, $15

Spring Fever Fashion Show
Fri., 6-9 p.m., Westfield Montgomery mall, free entry

“Dancing at Lughnasa”
Fri. and Sat., Silver Spring Black Box Theatre, $18

Springtime Egg Hunt
Sat., 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Mount Ranier Nature Center, free but do register online

Greenbelt Museum open house
Sun., 1-5 p.m., 10B Crescent Rd., free

Things to do in Virginia

Art Blooms at Mosaic
Sat. and Sun., Fairfax, Virginia, free

DC Metro Area Interior Design Tour
Sat., Alexandria, Georgetown, Hyattsville and Kent, $50 (single) or $80 (for two)

Ikebana Floral Design Workshop for Adults
Sat., 10 a.m., Green Spring Gardens in Alexandria, $42

Alexandria 275th Anniversary Kickoff Event
Sat., noon, Waterfront Park, free

Pink in the Pool
Sat., 9 a.m. to noon, Long Bridge Aquatics Center, free

Tall ship Providence begins sailing for the season
Weds., Alexandria

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Rather than hunting last-minute online or frantically messaging your group chat for spare solar eclipse glasses, you can plan ahead for Monday, April 8, like a pro eclipse chaser.

What will the solar eclipse look like in D.C., Maryland and Virginia? The moon is expected to cover the sun at about 87% at maximum eclipse in the D.C. area at about 3:20 p.m. But without the special glasses, not much will be visible, according to Storm Team4 Meteorologist Amelia Draper.

“It’s not really going to change here; we could have some shadows. But for the most part, it’s going to be unnoticeable. That’s right, unnoticeable unless you have those special glasses,” Draper said.

Storm Team4 Mar 31

When is the next solar eclipse after 2024 in the DMV?

solar eclipse Mar 30

Blind people can hear and feel April's total solar eclipse with new technology

solar eclipse Mar 27

105-year-old Texas man plans to chase his 10th total solar eclipse

You could risk a severe eye injury if you view an eclipse without special glasses or a handheld solar viewer, according to NASA. The concentrated solar rays will be so strong that they can burn the inside of your eyeball, just like a sunburn an optometrist told CNBC. Ouch!

Be careful to avoid purchasing eclipse glasses online to avoid fakes and counterfeits. The American Astronomical Society maintains a list of reputable solar eclipse glasses that have UV-blocking filters. They advise against searching for the glasses on Amazon, eBay or Temu.

“Staring at a partial solar eclipse for more than a few seconds at a time, even through perfectly safe solar viewers, isn’t much fun anyway,” the American Astronomical Society said in a warning about counterfeit and fake eclipse glasses.

What about regular sunglasses? Safe solar glasses are “at least 1,000 times darker” than regular sunglasses, the society said.

It’s also recommended to wear eye protection for the entirety of a partial solar eclipse.

Here’s where to find solar eclipse glasses in D.C. Maryland and Virginia:

Where to find solar eclipse glasses in DC

DC Public Library: Starting April 1, D.C. residents can pick up eclipse glasses at their local library branch. The free eclipse glasses are available while supplies last until April 8. 

 “Get your solar shades on!” @dcpl wrote on X. 

National Air and Space Museum, National Mall: The museum will offer free eclipse glasses on the first floor left of the museum store until Sunday, April 7. Distribution times are noon to 4 p.m. Timed-entry tickets are required to enter the museum.

There will be no eclipse glass hoarding here. “One pair of glasses per family or individual,” according to the museum’s website. The museum’s store will also have eclipse glasses available for purchase.

Smithsonian Museums, National Mall: If free glasses run out, the following museums will have three pairs of solar eclipse glasses for $6: the National Museum of African Art, National Museum of African American History and Culture, National Museum of American History, National Museum of the American Indian, National Museum of Asian Art, National Museum of Natural History, National Postal Museum and Hirshhorn Museum.

The above map shows libraries participating in the Solar Eclipse Activities for Libraries program that may have free eclipse glasses.

Where to find solar eclipse glasses in Virginia

Arlington County Central Library, Arlington: Pick up solar eclipse glasses during the “Solar Eclipse Extravaganza” on Saturday, April 6. Attendees will learn about NASA’s Eclipse Soundscapes and craft their own Eclipse Pinhole Viewer.

David M. Brown Planetarium, Arlington: Snag free eclipse glasses before “Lights Out! Eclipses: Whys, Wonders and Wows” on April 6 and 7. The kid-friendly show will explore the fascinating science stories and wonderous changes that occur during eclipses.

National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Chantilly: Between noon to 4 p.m., free solar eclipse glasses will be available across from the John F. Plueger Family Welcome Center. The museum’s store will also have them available for purchase.

Virginia State Parks, various locations: Solar-viewing glasses will be sold for $1 plus tax at all 42 state parks in the state.

Where to find solar eclipse glasses in Maryland

Warby Parker, various locations: The eyeglass store is helping customers see the solar eclipse by offering free and ISO-certified eclipse glasses at all stores. Find a location here.

College Park Aviation Museum: During the eclipse viewing event on Monday, the museum will hand out eclipse glasses as long as supplies last. The event and glasses are free.

Montgomery County Public Library: Several libraries will host events and give out free glasses. To find an eyewear giveaway near you, search “eclipse” then select relevant dates on the events calendar webpage.

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More into DIY projects? Here’s how to make a box pinhole protector at home.

This article will be updated with additional places to find solar eclipse glasses.

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If you’re planning to head out for any Major League Baseball game at Nationals Park, here’s what to know.

What’s the Nationals schedule for 2024?

You can see the Nats’ 2024 regular-season schedule online here, and tickets are available online here.

We have a list of the fan-favorite special event days and promotions below.

Things to Do DC Apr 18, 2022

What are your weekend plans in the DMV? Our free newsletter has ideas

How did the Nationals’ 2024 season start?

The Nationals won one game and lost two in their opening series against the Reds.

In the home opener, the Pittsburgh Pirates, featuring several former Nationals players, bested Washington 8-4.

The Nats played in front of an announced sellout crowd of 40,405 for the club’s home opener on a gray, dreary afternoon with the temperature in the low 50s.

Washington went 71-91 overall and 34-47 at home last season.

Hey, do you have a seating chart for Nationals Park?

Why, yes, we do. (More accurately, the Nats’ website does.)

It is here.

What’s new at Nationals Park in 2024?

Nationals Park is deploying facial recognition technology in four entry lanes. The ballpark says the technology provides a hands-free entry experience and can speed up the entry process.

Fans can register using the MLB Ballpark app, according to the Nationals.

“Fans can enroll in Go-Ahead Entry by logging into the MLB Ballpark app and following the prompts to capture an image of the user’s face. The image is converted into a unique alphanumeric code and then deleted, while the code, also known as a token, is associated with the individual fan’s account. When an enrolled fan walks through a Go-Ahead Entry lane, a facial authentication camera scans their face to match it with the enrolled token in the system and then allows access. Enrolled fans can use MLB Go-Ahead Entry at any park where the service is in place,” the team said.

Here’s more information.

Nationals Park recently installed a brighter scoreboard, too. In previous years, the scoreboard has overheated, Nationals Park senior vice president and general manager Frank Gambino said. Now, there will be no need to dim the scoreboard which will allow for improved legibility.

There is also a new preset of light scenes that fans will see and experience after home runs.

Fans can expect some new food vendors, including some that are grab-and-go. New local favorites will also be making an appearance as well, including Ssong’s Hotdog from Columbia, Maryland, which specializes in Korean hot dogs; barbecue spot Emerald Amor Cafe, selling giant turkey legs; Los Cinco Tacos from Shaw; and Eli’s Crepes.

If you haven’t been to a game in a few years, you should also know that concessions and ticket sales are cashless (you can exchange cash for Nats Bucks in the park if needed). A strict clear bag policy is in effect and most fans will need to download the MLB Ballpark app to show their mobile tickets before entering the park.

Where can I eat near Nationals Park?

Outside the park, there are also many options to grab a bite nearby.

Nicoletta Pizza, a fast-casual dining spot on the waterfront, reopened April 1 with the return of their gameday special, the “Curly W pizza,” which features the Nats’ logo made out of pomodoro sauce. Another spot for pizza on the waterfront is All-Purpose Pizza, where you can find deck-oven pizza and seasonal antipasti.

The Bullpen, a large, outdoor venue, offers beer, frozen cocktails and food. During the third through seventh innings of ever Nationals home game, you can pick up happy hour drinks for $6 at the main bar. Patrons must be at least 21 or accompanied by a parent or guardian. Unless there’s a special event, entry is free and dogs are welcome.

Beresovsky’s Deli opened in Navy Yard on the day of the home opener. Fans can enjoy sandwiches, boozy and non-boozy milkshakes and classic deli sides.

Budweiser says it’s also selling limited-edition Nationals-themed cans all around D.C. and is available wherever Budweiser is sold.

Should I download the MLB Ballpark app?

Yes! Most fans will need to show their tickets on the MLB Ballpark app.

It’s where you can manage and display your digital ticket; you can also forward tickets to others. Print-at-home tickets won’t be accepted. There’s no will call for the 2024 season, so the suggested way to send tickets to friends and family is through the app. “You will need to find alternative options to distribute physical hard tickets to any groups or individual persons,” the Nats said.

The app also has schedules and maps. You can use it to order concessions or merchandise. You may need to verify your email to use the app.

If your device runs out of battery, visit the Ticket Services Lobby next to the Center Field Gate for help.

Getting to Nationals Park

You have plenty of options, including:

Metrorail: If you’re taking Metro, the closest station is Navy Yard-Ballpark on the Green Line, which is just a block from Nats Park. Another option is the Capitol South station on the Orange, Blue and Silver lines, which is a 1-mile walk from the ballpark. Need to drive to the Metro station? Forty-one Metro stations have parking options; see details and availability here.

Metrobus & Circulator: Several Metrobus routes serve the area. See timetables here and a map of all Metrobus routes here. You can also get to the ballpark via D.C.’s Circulator. The Union Station-Navy Yard route drops off riders at the M Street and New Jersey Avenue SE entrance to the Navy Yard Metro station. Find more info here.

Parking Garages: You can buy parking passes ahead of time online here. Drive-up parking is available on a game-by-game basis and is not available for all games. Note that Nats parking facilities are now cashless and will only accept credit cards. All lots will open 2 hours and 15 minutes prior to the start of each game and will close an hour after the end of each game. Tailgating is not permitted at Nats parking facilities.

Bicycle: Have your own bike? Nats Park has a free bike valet to the left of Garage C at the corner of N and First streets SE. You’ll find the access point on First Street, to the left of the garage’s vehicle entrance. Want a short-term bike rental? Capital Bikeshare has four docking stations within a 10-minute walk from Nats Park: 1st & N streets SE; 1st & K streets SE; 3rd & Tingey streets SE, and M Street & New Jersey Avenue SE.

Rideshare and Taxis: You can rideshare or take a taxi to Nats Park. Getting dropped off a block or two away could save you time and money sitting in traffic. After the game, you can catch a cab at the taxi stand on the north side of M Street SE between South Capitol and Half streets SE. If you want to Uber or Lyft home, Nationals Park recommends you don’t order a rideshare vehicle to South Capitol Street because it’s very busy. Try walking a few blocks north.

Water Taxi: The Potomac Riverboat Company offers water taxi service from Georgetown; Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, and National Harbor, Maryland, to the Diamond Teague Park pier, located across the street from Nationals Park. You can see the route and buy tickets here.

Nats Park with kids

Nationals Park hosts Kids’ Opening Day on Sunday, April 21, plus special Girl Scout and Boy Scout days throughout the season. Big-time fans can also check out the Jr. Nationals Kids Club for kids aged 4 to 12.

The family-favorite Kids Run the Bases tradition will return for the Kids’ Opening Day game on April 21 and will repeat after every home game on a Sunday.

“The line for Kids Run the Bases forms outside the ballpark on the First Street sidewalk – participants should exit the ballpark through the right field gate and proceed to the line,” Nats Park said.

Other experiences kids will love include getting an autograph on Signature Sunday; photos with the Racing Presidents; first game, foul ball and home run certificates and a playground near Right Field Gate.

Strollers are permitted on all concourses. If your stroller folds up small enough, you can put it underneath your seat. Otherwise, you must check the stroller at a Guest Services location.

Diaper and medical bags are exempt from the clear bag policy. Families with these bags must use ADA/Family lanes at the Center Field and Home Plate gates.

Kids under the age of 2 don’t need a ticket (but they must sit on their parent or guardian’s lap).

How can I get deals and discounts for Nationals tickets?

Every Tuesday, you can cash in on the deals and steals promotion. Tickets are available for as low as $9; you must book them through the links on this page. Discount food items include $3 pretzels, $4 hot dogs, $5 pizza and $5 fountain sodas. Parking in the W lot will cost $10 (it’s regularly $20).

The Nationals also offer D.C. residents $5 tickets for every home game. The catch: The cheap tickets must be purchased in person at the National Park Center Field Gate box office with proof of D.C. residency. They can be bought before and on game days as available. The program is called District Tickets. “All buyers must have the MLB Ballpark app, an MLB account, and a valid Washington, DC driver’s license in order to purchase,” the Nats Park guide says.

Discount tickets are also available for military members, first responders, government employees, students, young professionals (age 21 to 39) and health care professionals. Here’s more info. The Nationals are set to release more information soon on its Harris Teeter Family Fun Pack which includes a free meal with each ticket.

Finally, you may have access to ticket discounts through a Costco membership or employee benefit programs including PlumBenefits.

What giveaways are at Nationals Park? When is Pups in the Park for 2024?

You’ll find plenty of promos and special events all season long, starting with Opening Day (naturally!), when the first 20,000 fans to arrive will get a free reversible bucket hat.

Back by popular demand, take your dog to a game with Pups in the Park. Human tickets are $35, and dog tickets are $10, with all proceeds from dog tickets going to the Humane Rescue Alliance. With the exception of service animals, dogs will only be allowed in sections 136-143, and you must bring a signed waiver to the game. You can download the waiver and by tickets here. Dates for Pups in the Park are April 5, April 23, June 3, Aug. 2, Sept. 10 and Sept 27.

Baseball fans can also enjoy special events including concerts or fireworks after select Friday games.

Here are some of the major promotions and specials:

• April 5: Branch Appreciation Day: National Guard and Pups in the Park
• April 19: 2019 World Champions Five Year Anniversary Weekend and Friday Night Fireworks: 2019 World Champion Music
• April 20: 2019 World Champions Five Year Anniversary Weekend with giveaway: 2019 World Series Replica Ring (first 20,000 fans)
• April 21: 2019 World Champions Five Year Anniversary Weekend, kids’ opening day & Screech’s birthday with giveaway: kids 2019 world champions viewing toy (first 8,000 fans age 12 & under)
• April 23: Pups in the Park
• April 24: Patriotic Series: Military Appreciation Day
• May 3: Star Wars Weekend with Friday Night Fireworks: Star Wars-themed music
• May 4: Star Wars Weekend with giveaway: X-Wing Pilot Finnegan Bobblehead (first 15,000 fans)
• May 5: Star Wars Weekend with giveaway: Light Side vs Dark Side reversible beanie
• May 7: Beltway Series
• May 8: Beltway Series
• May 24: Branch Appreciation Day: U.S. Navy
• May 25: Giveaway: Lane “Train” Bobblehead (first 20,000 fans)
• May 26: Patriotic Series: Memorial Day
• June 3: Pups in the Park
• June 7: Flo Rida will perform after the game. It’s part of the Nationals Summer Concert Series.
• June 8: Giveaway: Nationals soccer jersey (first 20,000 fans age 21+)
• June 14: Giveaway: Mike Rizzo Bobblehead (first 20,000 fans)
• June 16: Giveaway: kids Kei “Bear” Ruiz plush (first 8,000 fans age 12 & under)
• June 18: Branch Appreciation Day: U.S. Army
• July 3: Freedom Fireworks
• July 4: Patriotic Series: Independence Day
• July 6: Branch Appreciation Day: Marine Corps
• July 7: Giveaway: kids autograph cap (first 8,000 fans age 12 & under)
• July 19: Branch Appreciation Day: U.S. Space Force. Carly Rae Jepsen will perform after the game. It’s part of the Nationals Summer Concert Series.
• July 20: Giveaway: MacKenzie Gore mystery jersey bobblehead (first 20,000 fans)
• July 24: Giveaway: Nationals Christmas in July ugly sweater tank top (first 20,000 fans)
• Aug. 2: Pups in the Park
• Aug. 3: Harry Potter Day with giveaway: mystery house jersey (first 10,000 fans)
• Aug. 4: Giveaway: kids’ shoe charms (first 8,000 fans age 12 & under)
• Aug. 5: Branch Appreciation Day: U.S. Coast Guard
• Aug. 9: Teddy Swims will perform after the game. It’s part of the Nationals Summer Concert Series.
• Aug. 11: Giveaway: Nationals Football jersey (first 20,000 fans)
• Aug. 21: Giveaway: Nationals All-Star sunglasses (first 20,000 fans)
• Aug. 31: Giveaway: CJ Abrams streetwear bobblehead (first 20,000 fans)
• Sept. 1: Giveaway: Kids Ruiz catching gear t-shirt (first 8,000 fans age 12 & under)
• Sept. 10: Pups in the Park and the Pups Parade
• Sept. 11: Patriotic Series: Heroes Day
• Sept. 13: 1924 Championship Centennial Weekend with Friday Night Fireworks: 1924-themed music
• Sept. 14: 1924 Championship Centennial Weekend with 1924 senators-themed giveaway (first 20,000 fans)
• Sept. 15: 1924 Championship Centennial Weekend with giveaway: 1924 Championship pennant (first 20,000 fans)
• Sept. 25: Branch Appreciation Day: U.S. Air Force
• Sept. 27: Lady A will perform after the game. It’s part of the Nationals Summer Concert Series. There’s also Pups in the Park.
• Sept. 28: Giveaway: Nationals hockey jersey (first 20,000 fans)

What’s the clear bag policy at Nationals Park? What if I bring the wrong bag?

Yes, the clear bag policy is still in place, with limited exceptions. The Nationals Park clear bag policy allows you to bring a small clutch bag, diaper bag or medical bag. Bags larger than 5 inches by 7 inches by 3/4 inches must be clear (and this policy is strictly enforced — trust us!). Backpacks, including clear ones, are not allowed.

Limited storage is available if your bag doesn’t fit the requirements.

According to the Nats’ website:

“Binbox is available for fans whose bags do not comply with ballpark regulations. Binbox will be positioned outside Right Field Gate and Home Plate Gate; they will be in position two hours prior to first pitch and will remain in position until one hour after last pitch. Guests may choose between a medium or a large locker to check their belongings for a small fee. Security personnel will be in position at both Binbox locations, and Binbox staff will be on site at each location to troubleshoot any website/app issues for purchases.”

Can I bring a snack and water bottle? What’s prohibited?

You may bring:

• certain bags:
  • clutch bags 5″x7″x¾” or smaller
  • clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags measuring 16″x16″x8″ or smaller — but any buckles, grommets, hardware or other décor can’t conceal any part of the bag
  • diaper bags or bags used for ADA/medical reasons measuring 16″x16″x8″ or smaller
  • bags purchased inside the Nats Park complex during the game will be tagged and permitted for that day only
• clear, factory-sealed or empty plastic water bottles no larger than one liter, juice boxes, insulin containers and baby food
  • Note: only one water bottle per person will be permitted
• single-serving food items, if they are contained in one of the approved bags under the Nationals’ current bag policy, or carried in your hands so the food items can be screened by security
• collapsible umbrellas

You may not bring:

• metal or glass containers of any kind, except for those mentioned above
• food items not adhering to the food policy above
• bags not adhering to the bag policy above
• non-collapsible umbrellas
• soft-sided coolers, hard coolers or ice chests
• brooms, poles or staffs of any kind
• weapons (including pocket knives), fireworks and other illegal substances
• camera lenses greater than eight inches, tripods, monopods and selfie sticks
• animals (except service animals)
• beach balls and other inflatable items
• laser pens and laser pointers
• baseball bats (however, baseball bats purchased inside the Nats Park complex during the game will be tagged and permitted for that day only)
• alcohol not purchased at the Nats Park complex
• noisemakers not provided by the Nationals
• skateboards, hoverboards, helmets and wheeled footwear
• drones or other unmanned aerial vehicles
• self-defense sprays (such as pepper spray and mace)
• toy guns (including water guns) and toy knives
• Any other item deemed dangerous, inappropriate or otherwise violating Nats Park’s Guest Conduct Policy

Nationals Park is also non-smoking and a tobacco-free facility under D.C. law.

“There is no exception for electronic cigarettes or any other type of smoking device, or for smokeless tobacco or any other type of marijuana or tobacco product,” the park’s code of conduct says.

Correction: Screech will be riding behind the Budweiser Clydesdales on the hitch.

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Events DC announced the mega-popular embassy open houses are returning this spring.

First up is the Around the World Embassy Tour on Saturday, May 4, when the embassies of countries from Angola to Zambia host performances, share food and put on exhibits highlighting culture and tourism opportunities. The event is scheduled to run from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The EU Open House on Saturday, May 11, is when you can check in on your favorite European Union countries. In past years, the embassies of Germany, France, Hungary, Italy and Norway have celebrated with everything from folk music to free food to dance lessons.

More information on what each embassy will offer is usually released shortly before the open houses.

Both events are free, and you don’t need any tickets or a passport!

They’re two of the most popular events during Passport DC. The festival, in its 17^th year,  highlights the District’s diplomatic ties and international flavors.

Fiesta Asia! on Saturday, May 18, and the Flower Mart at the National Cathedral on May 3-4 are two other big events in Passport DC.

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Spring is all about new beginnings.

Beyoncé’s new album “Cowboy Carter” is here (but don’t call it a country album!), baseball is coming back and it’s a big weekend for cherry blossom parties!

Maybe it’s a good time to plant the seeds for a new friendship?

We see a lot of people asking how to make friends in the D.C. area, so we went to the experts.

Marisa G. Franco, author of “Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make and Keep Friends,” gave us some great research-based advice we love.

This weekend’s weather will be great for getting the crew together for a picnic at the Blossom Kite Festival or any Easter brunch plans, Storm Team4 says.

Weekend highlights

Free pick
Blossom Kite Festival
Sat.,10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Washington Monument

Normally when we say “go fly a kite,” it’s… not good. But we’re tickled pink for the Blossom Kite Festival ascending at the Washington Monument.

Hundreds of kites will soar around the National Mall in one of the most magnificent visuals of cherry blossom season.

Professional flyers will host performances and demonstrations, but anyone is invited to fly one themselves or enter a kite-making competition. Stop by the outdoor Sylvan Theater for the Sakura Taiko Festival showcasing Japanese drummers.

Pro tip: Learn the ropes (strings?) before you go! Kite building expert and springtime Santa Val Deale can show you how to make a simple kite at home and how to fly a kite.

More cherry blossom fun:

• Start your weekend partying in pink for Cherry Night. Highlights include Wunder Garten’s Nicki Minaj Pink Friday Dance Party and tarot readings at metrobar. Entry to both parties is free.
• Bloomaroo is back on Saturday at The Wharf (it was postponed last weekend because of rain). The festival will take place from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. — with fireworks at 8:30 p.m. — and is free to attend.

Things to Do DC Mar 14

13 key dates and can't-miss events for the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC

Black Opry Revue
Fri., doors open 6:30 p.m., The Barns at Wolf Trap, $37
🔗 Details

Just as Beyonce’s “Cowboy Carter” drops Friday, Wolf Trap brings the Black Opry Revue to The Barns.

Sug Daniels is one of the talented performers bringing her beautiful music to the stage. We’ve been streaming her songs “Heavy” and “Take Your Time” all day.

“The idea of community really made me want to be a part of something that was bigger than myself,” Daniels told Tommy. “This isn’t just a ‘come witness these Black musicians.’ This is a big part of American history.”

Tulip and daffodil festival
Through April 14, Burnside Farms in Nokesville, Virginia, $19 to $25 per person (in advance)/$25 to $31 (day-of)
🔗 Details

D.C.’s cherry blossom season is in full swing, but just across the state lines, Burnside Farms’ Festival of Spring is blooming in Nokesville, Virginia.

The festival opened Sunday, March 24, and runs through April 14, but could extend longer depending on flower conditions, according to Burnside Farms’ Instagram.

“We’re still early in our season and we estimate about 25% of our tulips are in bloom. Full bloom is expected to begin later in the first week of April and usually lasts about 10 days,” Burnside Farms said on Tuesday.

Burnside Farms said they’ve planted more than 150 kinds of tulips and 30 varieties of daffodils.

“It’s like Holland in Virginia,” Burnside Farms said.

Spring Wine Fling
Through March 31

The Spring Wine Fling is essentially Restaurant Week for cherry blossom season — with a twist you can toast to. Participating restaurants are offering $55 specials that generally include two courses paired with two glasses of wine.

Here’s the full list of participating locations.

Theater this weekend

The theater scene is also in bloom, budding new shows like “Nancy” at Mosaic Theatre. It looks at Nancy Reagan’s family connection to Pocahontas.

Rhiana Yazzie, a Navajo playwright, stumbled across the little-known fact while writing a different play.

“It’s a fun comedy that does this crazy, absurdist, madcap of a journey where you get to see Nancy Reagan but also the story of Esmeralda, this Navajo woman who’s fighting, actually, the clearing of uranium mines on her reservation,” the play’s director Ken-Matt Martin told us.

More shows to know about:

• A world premiere of “Hester Street,” an adaption of the 1970s film by the same name, is premiering at Theatre J. 
• “School Girls” has been called the “African ‘Mean Girls’” and takes the stage at Next Stop in Herndon. 
• “Unknown Soldier,” an original musical, brings a three-generation family mystery to Arena Stage.
• Olney Theatre’s “Avaaz” is timed perfectly with the Persian New Year, Nowruz. It tells the creator’s mom’s story of fleeing Tehran to, as he says, “Theran-geles,” California.

Concerts this weekend

Cor de Lux, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Rhizome, $10-$15

Often sounding dark and always sounding urgent, this North Carolina post-punk band also draws on garage rock and goth. Details. 

Lime Cordiale, 8 p.m. Thursday, Howard Theatre, $25

Witty, playful pop rock band from Australia that you can bounce around to. Details. 

The Messthetics & James Brandon Lewis, 8 p.m. Friday, Black Cat, $20

At first a marriage of Fugazi’s rhythm section (drummer Brendan Canty and bassist Joe Lally) and versatile guitarist Anthony Pirog (jazz to punk and anything in between), the trio came together like Voltron with saxophonist James Brandon Lewis for an LP of heavy fusion. At times, it sounds like Fugazi added a saxophone – which now sounds like an intriguing idea. Details. 

Things to do in D.C.

A Conversation: The Enduring Legacy of Frederick Douglass
Thurs., National Portrait Gallery, free

Eckington Flea Market returns
Saturdays, March 30 to May 4, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Quincy Lane, free entry

Robert Glasper—Black Radio: A Duke x Dilla Celebration
Sat., The Kennedy Center, $119

DC United: Women’s History Night
Sat., Audi Field, $29+

Environmental Film Festival
Through Sat.

Nationals home opener
Mon., April 1, Nationals Park

Bunny Bash!
Sun., noon, St. Vincent Wine in Park View, $15

Things to do in Maryland

Free photo with the Easter Bunny
Sat., noon to 4 p.n., and Sun., noon to 2 p.m., Ellsworth Place in Silver Spring

Green Eggs and Kegs
Sat. and Sun. World of Beer in Rockville and Bethesda, $45+

City of Greenbelt Annual Egg Hunt
Sat., 10 a.m., Buddy Attick Park, free
Ages 18 months to 4th grade

MatchboxCon
Sat. and Sun., Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Gaithersburg, $4-$10

Easter Bunny Hoppy Hour
Sun., 2-4 p.m., Le Fantome in Riverdale, free entry

Things to do in Virginia

PEEPS® Show
Through Sat., historic Occoquan, Virginia, free

Taylor Williamson (as seen on “America’s Got Talent”)
Fri. and Sat., Arlington Drafthouse, $20

Baskets and Bunnies
Sat., Burke Lake Park in Fairfax Station, $5 for egg hunt, $10-$15 for amusements

Jurassic World Live Tour
Weds., Fri., Sat. and Sun., EagleBank Arena, $20+

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D.C.’s cherry blossom season is in full swing, but just across the state lines, Burnside Farms’ Festival of Spring is blooming in Nokesville, Virginia.

The festival opened Sunday, March 24, and runs through April 14, but could extend longer depending on flower conditions, according to Burnside Farms’ Instagram page.

“We’re still early in our season and we estimate about 25% of our tulips are in bloom. Full bloom is expected to begin later in the first week of April and usually lasts about 10 days,” Burnside Farms said on Tuesday.

Burnside Farms said they’ve planted more than 150 kinds of tulips and 30 varieties of daffodils.

“It’s like Holland in Virginia,” Burnside Farms said.

Day-of-tickets for the festival are on sale for $25 to $31 before fees. The festival is closed March 27 and 28 due to forecasted rain.

Advanced purchase tickets range from $19 to $25 per person and include five flowers per visitor. Here’s more information.

Want to know what’s up for your weekend? Sign up for The Weekend Scene, our newsletter about events, experiences and adventures for you and for your family around the DMV.

Things to Do DC Mar 27

Finding Friendship: How to make friends as an adult in the DC area

Things to Do DC Mar 24

Cherry blossom cocktails and bites to try this spring

How do you make friends as an adult?

It’s not an easy task, but know this: you are not alone. When we asked our viewers about finding new friends since the pandemic, nearly 40% said they’re looking but struggling.

We asked experts and neighbors who’ve built meaningful connections to share their best advice for finding friendship.

Build yourself up

Marisa G. Franco, author of “Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make and Keep Friends,” shared some of her best advice for making new friends. Taking care of yourself is an important step.

It’s okay if you feel scared or afraid, Franco said.

To combat nerves, remind yourself of your strengths. People will probably like you more than you think, she said.

“That’s all part of the process of connection,” she said.

It’s normal to feel some worry when branching out. Before you send that text message or head to an event, give yourself a pep talk to calm your nerves and boost your confidence.

“Take a moment before you’re about to go into an interaction,” Franco said.

Jessica Lewis, who founded PlayPlay DC, a community of LGBTQIA+ people who come together to find friends through play, says you can take inspiration from kids, who often seem to have an easier time making friends.

“What are they doing right? They are not in their head. They are being themselves,” Lewis said.

You can treat making friends like dating

We often feel that strong attraction to new friends (we like to call it a friend crush!).

“Romantic attraction can crop up without sexual attraction,” Franco said. “Romantic attraction as in, I’m thrilled by you, I’m excited by you. I’m passionate about you. I want to spend all my time with you!”

Many people compartmentalize friendships and relationships – but that could stop you from flexing social skills that are useful in both kinds of interactions.

So, why not think of making new friends like dating? You can get to know people and see who you click with.

Dr. Imani Cheers, an associate professor at George Washington University, shared a pro tip for a friendly pick-up line.

“Go in with a compliment,” Cheers said. “Just make sure it’s genuine. Be open to the person either saying thank you and walking away, or pause and have a conversation.”

And just like with dating, you can look for new friends online! Online friendships can be very meaningful, and there are a lot of active communities in D.C. Local Dischord servers, Reddit channels and Facebook groups like Welcome2DC can yield in-person meetups (take the same safety precations you would with an online date).

Rekindle relationships

Rekindling old friendships could be a good way to boost your social life.

“The first thing that I say is reconnect with people. Because those are people you already have trust with. The relationship will move a lot more quickly.”

Her “low-stakes baby step”?

Pick up your phone, go through your messages and see who you haven’t spoken to since this time last year.

“Say, ‘Oh, I was just thinking about you, just remembered this memory we had together and I wanted to check in,’” Franco said.

If they seem responsive, ask if they’re open to reconnecting sometime.

Worried you’ll come off as clingy or weird? According to Franco, the research suggests you won’t – in fact, if things just fizzled out without a good reason, showing your interest will likely spark good feelings.

“The research finds there’s this theory called the theory of inferred attraction,” Franco said. “People like people that they think like them. The secret to being likable is to like people.”

Finding your tribe

Franco’s next piece of advice is to join a group that has repeated meetings. Regular encounters make finding your tribe easier.

“You capitalize on something called the mere exposure effect, our unconscious tendency to like people when they are familiar,” Franco said.

City Girls Who Walk DC is the kind of group that offers a step-by-step path to friendship. They host weekly walks, happy hours and events, and even have subgroups including book clubs and a grief group.

Do you like sports, gaming, music or animals? Here are some specific ideas:

• Club sports are a super popular option. District Fray, Team DC and your local department of parks and recreation all offer programs.
• Play Play DC “is committed to curating refreshing, creative, fun, healing, and playful experiences for grown and queer adults.” Events range from concerts to basketball tournaments.
• Sober or sober-curious? BoozeFreeinDC is a great resource. (By the way, we spoke to the group’s founder Laura Silverman for Dry January).
• Volunteer at a local animal shelter or other nonprofit. The Animal Welfare League of Arlington is just one example.
• Hit up your local game store. Fantom Comics in Dupont hosts beginner-friendly events regularly. Labyrinth DC hosts general board game nights and events for more advanced players. Curio Cavern is another option.
• Try a book club! The D.C. Public Library has tons of options. Many bookstores offer them, as well.
• Meetup is THE website for finding activities with others who are open to friendships, whether you want to craft, find other couples, learn a language, drink coffee, talk a walk in the park…

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Heavy rain may be in the forecast for Saturday, but that’s not stopping us from reveling in the last days of the cherry blossoms’ peak bloom.

Friday and Sunday will have nice weather for a stroll through cherry trees.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival’s welcome area on the Tidal Basin is set to open Saturday with performances scheduled on the ANA Stage from noon to 6 p.m. daily through April 7.

We’ve listed more than a dozen favorite places to see the cherry blossoms. That includes the U.S. National Arboretum, which offers a self-guided tour. Bonus: The Native Plant Sale is happening Saturday morning!

Before you head out this weekend, check the forecast and the social media pages for any events you’re attending. We’ve already seen postponements, including Bloomaroo at The Wharf (now on March 30) and National Landing’s Pink in the Park.

But there are lots of ways to celebrate the season indoors, as well.

Indoor activities for cherry blossom season

• The Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Cherry Blossom Family Celebration happens on Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. with performances, crafts, face painting and more.
• The Northern Virginia Science Center in Fair Oaks Mall is hosting a cherry blossom festival on Saturday. It’s included with admission ($15 for visitors age 2 and up).
• Many bars are decked out for peak bloom! Check out Union Station’s 1908 Lounge, sweeping rooftop views at Ciel Social Club and themed drinks at Residents Café and Bar or Jack Rose Dining Saloon.
• Something about cherry blossom season puts us in the mood for afternoon tea! Here are six terrific teas you can visit, including Bar Pendry’s boozy tea and an Alexandria tea house with river views.
• Hundreds of LEGO cherry trees have sprouted up around the D.C. monuments depicted in brick form at the LEGO Discovery Center Washington, D.C. in Springfield, Virginia.
• ARTECHOUSE, the immersive art space in Southwest D.C., recently debuted “ISEKAI: Blooming Parallel Worlds,” a cherry blossom-themed experience inspired by manga and anime. Timed tickets are available now; they start at $27 for adults.

Ready to plan your perfect bloom-filled weekend? Check out our guide to the Tidal Basin, other stellar places to see blooms, cherry blossom-themed teas and our roundup of top events.

Top weekend picks

Washington Spirit home opener
Sat., 7:30 p.m., Audi Field
🔗 Details

Washington Spirit play Bay FC in their first home game of the season.

The festivities begin when gates open at 6 p.m. White Ford Bronco, the much-loved ’90s cover band from D.C., will perform at the Spirit Stage next to gate A from 6-7:15 p.m.

Then, dance group JABBAWOCKEEZ will take the field before the game begins.

Metro’s Fleet of the Future Expo
Through April 3
🔗 Details

Relive your “I love trains” phase and get a sense of what your future commute will feel like at Metro’s Fleet of the Future Expo, featuring a mock-up of 8,000-series rail cars.

Free pick
Sakura Sunday
Sun., 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., National Harbor
🔗 Details

Celebrate all things Japanese culture at National Harbor’s festival. Sword training, dance, storytelling and live music are just some of the performances scheduled for the main stage.

Visitors can also shop for Japanese crafts, goods and treats at the marketplace.

Concerts this weekend

Mclusky, 8 p.m. Saturday, Black Cat, $25/$28 (day of)

Incredibly heavy, edgy Welsh post-hardcore trio closes out its reunion tour in D.C. after its original 2022 dates were canceled due to health issues. Details. 

Unwound, 10 p.m. Saturday, 9:30 Club, $38

Another noisy, recently reunited, post-hardcore band — this one from Washington state. Unwound was a mainstay on the Northwest indie rock scene of the 1990s. Details. 

Laetitia Sadier, 7 p.m. Saturday, Songbyrd, $17/$20 (day of)

French musician and singer cofounded the highly influential neo-krautrock band Stereolab in the early 1990s, later leading dream pop band Monade. Details. 

Otoboke Beaver, 7 p.m. Saturday, 9:30 Club, $28

Hyperactive Japanese riot grrrl band whose frenetic style is reminiscent of their noise-rocking countrymates Melt-Banana. Details. 

Things to do in D.C.

Annual Paws & Petals Yappy Hour
Fri., Embassy Suites Washington DC Convention Center, free

SHOP! The Square pop-up market
Sat., 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., free entry

A Dabble of Scrabble
Sat. and Sun., begins at 10 a.m., Planet Word at 925 13th St., NW (Enter on K Street), free

Things to do in Maryland

United by Hockey Mobile Museum
Fri., 3-9 p.m. and Sat. 12 -7 p.m., Piney Orchard Ice Arena in Odenton, free

Six Flags America opens for the season
Sat., Upper Marlboro, $40+

Things to do in Virginia

OmBaked Holi Festival
Sat., noon to 4 p.m., Lake Anne Plaza in Reston, free

Egg-Ceptional Egg Hunt Egg-Stravaganza
Sat., 10 a.m. to noon, Calvert Hills Park in College Park, free

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Kings Dominion in Doswell, Virginia and Six Flags America in Bowie, Maryland open for their respective seasons on Saturday, March 23.

What’s new at Six Flags America

Six Flags America is celebrating 25 years of thrills in the DMV in 2024. The park is touting the season as the “largest investment in more than two decades.” 

“The season will feature new attractions in both the theme and water park, a completely reimagined realm with three remodeled rides and a season-long list of new and returning special events,” the park said in a news release. 

SteamTown: Where the Past Meets the Future takes guests into the world of steampunk. Some of your favorite rides, including Mind Eraser, Renegade Rapids, and Coyote Creek Crazy Cars, have been re-themed with new features and surprises. The reimagined area will also feature the return of a popular stunt show and a new quick-service dining location with a large, air-conditioned eatery.

In the Hurricane Harbor waterpark, the RipQurl Blaster will debut on May 25. The water coaster shoots riders through 550 feet of twists and turns, the park says.

“The ride features three breathtaking drops, three Reverse AquaLucent hairpin turns, and a pitch-black wall-hugging helix finale before the final splashdown,” a press release said.

2024 season passes are on sale now and start at $50 each. 

What’s new at Kings Dominion

Park guests will be able to enjoy the return of fan-favorite special events, including Grand Carnivale, Halloween Haunt, and WinterFest. SoakCity water park splashes into the season Memorial Day weekend.

New at Kings Dominion in 2024, Prestige Season Passholders will be able to enjoy Old Dominion Inn, a newly-designed VIP lounge.

“The exclusive lounge has air conditioning, a private shaded patio with a bucolic view of the park, cable television, cushioned seating, device charging stations and complimentary light snacks and bottled water,” the park said in a news release. 

A full calendar of events can be found here. Guests can experience the fun and thrills all season with a 2024 Gold Pass.

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Eric Church, Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, Tyler Childers, Martina McBride, Brothers Osborne and others will perform at the Country Calling Festival, set for Friday, Oct. 4 and Saturday, Oct. 5. The festival will feature a total of 25 artists across three stages on the boardwalk at the Ocean City Inlet Beach. 

Check out the full County Calling 2024 lineup here.

If the name and feel of the festival feels familiar, that’s because it’s produced by the team behind Oceans Calling, a popular music festival offering beachside vibes for reggae-rock fans. This year’s Oceans Calling fest will be held Sept. 27-29, the weekend before its country counterpart.

Like at Oceans Calling, attendees of Country Calling will be able to enjoy epic sunsets from the Ferris wheel or have an adrenaline rush on the classic rides of the Jolly Roger at the pier amusement park.

After one too many hoedowns, music fans will find food available at curated vendors and restaurants along the boardwalk. Think mid-Atlantic beach fare such as fries, soft-serve ice cream, Orange Crush cocktails, pizza and more. 

How to get County Calling tickets

Presale tickets become available Friday, March 22 at 10 a.m. Tickets for the general public will go on sale an hour later.

The festival offers both one-day and two-day tickets for general admission (GA), GA+, VIP and platinum. Two-day general admission tickets start at $199, and one-day general admission tickets start at $155.

Things to Do DC Mar 14

13 key dates and can't-miss events for the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC

Things to Do DC Mar 18

Megan Thee Stallion, Gunna, PartyNextDoor to headline Broccoli City Festival at new DC location

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Maybe it’s because we’re already dressed up to get a petal-filled picture, or we want to warm up after a cool spring day of hanami (the Japanese word for cherry blossom viewing). The delicate flowers certainly remind us of the adorable finger-food treats you find at a high tea. Also, they’re both the perfect excuse to pull out your fanciest fascinator.

Cherry blossom joy is coming into hotels and tea rooms around D.C. Here are some of the prettiest cherry blossom teas to enjoy this spring.

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The St. Regis Washington, D.C.
923 Black Lives Matter Plaza NW, Washington, D.C..

Plucking desserts from an artistic cherry tree statue is the centerpiece of the five-star hotel’s cherry blossom tea. Savory bites sit at the base of the tree, and you can complete the experience with a custom seasonal blend from Dammann Frères. The tea is available from 1-5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday and costs $109 per person. Reservations are open into June.

Lady Camellia
229 Strand St., Alexandria, Virginia

With a view of the Old Town Waterfront, Lady Camellia is a pretty place for tea any time of day throughout the year. But the pink decor and floral dishes fit right in with cherry blossom season.

You can choose from a range of menus and seatings, including weekday afternoons and weekend evenings. Teas cost $30 to $65 per person, plus you have the option to add mimosas or wine. Make your reservations on OpenTable.

Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown
2401 M Street, NW

Cherry blossom afternoon tea at Fairmont includes a three-tiered display with scones, savory bites and cherry-filled desserts, plus a selection of Lott 35 loose-leaf teas. It costs $95 per person (before tax and tip) and comes with a glass of G.H. Mumm Champagne. It will be available on Saturdays and Sundays through April 14, excluding Easter Sunday. Make a reservation by emailing wdc.holidaysorders.dl@fairmont.com. 

Pendry Hotel Washington, DC – The Wharf
655 Water Street SW, Washington, D.C.

Bar Pendry’s boozy tea menu includes a tea sampler featuring dirty chai with vodka and two cold options, plus savory and sweet eats. It’s $65 per person before tax and tip. Located inside Bar Pendry on The Wharf, this tea is just a 1-mile walk from the blooms on the Tidal Basin.

Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens
4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 

Within the estate of Marjorie Merriweather Post, once one of the richest women in the U.S., Merriweather Cafe offers a seasonal tea menu of classic tea savory treats and sweets with cherry blossom twists, including a white chocolate raspberry scone and a sakura cherry profiterole.

It’s $40 per person, including tax and tip, but four people are required. Cherry blossom afternoon tea is available Thursdays through Sundays through April 14. You can book on Resy.

Hillwood is also currently running an exhibit of the heiress’ luxury fashion and jewelry brought from France.

Peacock Alley at the Waldorf Astoria Washington DC
1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.

Cherry blossom decor is blooming across the Waldorf Astoria’s grand atrium, and you can sit for a perfectly petaled tea through June 30. The menu features sandwiches, including vegan options, scones, sweets and a cherry blossom blend on its list of eight teas.

Seatings are Thursday through Sunday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Reservations are recommended!

Things to Do DC Mar 14

13 key dates and can't-miss events for the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC

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Where to see cherry blossoms in DC, Maryland and Virginia

Things to Do DC Mar 18

Visiting cherry blossoms at DC's Tidal Basin: 5 things to know for peak bloom

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At Fleet of the Future Expo, visitors can walk inside a mock-up rail car to experience their future ride on an 8,000-series rail car.

The display is not full-size, and it won’t be a replica of the real deal. However, walk inside and you’ll get a feel for the trains of the future – and you can give Metro feedback on their designs.

Some of the features of the 8,000-series rail cars will include:

• Increased seating along the walls, facing toward the middle of the train
• Increased standing room
• Marked spaces for mobility devices like bikes, strollers, and luggage
• ‘Energy-efficient radiated heated floors’

Bus riders won’t be left out at the expo! You can tour Metro’s new generation of 60-foot electric buses that were designed for better air quality and quieter commutes.

While visiting the expo, visitors of all ages can check out a train-themed photobooth, a cutout of their Baby Bus mascot, plenty of historical pictures and a Metro history quiz.

The expo will be located at 12th Street and Madison Drive NW near the Smithsonian National Museum of American History and National Museum of Natural History.

The last time Metro showed off its newest trains like this was in 1968 when President Lyndon B. Johnson toured the 1000-series car on the White House lawn.

Metro General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Randy Clarke said the designs were inspired by the best practices across the world.

“We are proud of all the improvements we were able to pack into this new fleet and welcome everyone to come out and see the future of America’s transit system,” Clarke said in a press release.

Up to 800 of the new 8,000-series rail cars will be assembled in Hagerstown, Maryland. They will replace the oldest trains that date back to the 1980s, dubbed the 2000s and 3000s series.

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Megan Thee Stallion, Gunna, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Kaytranada, Victoria Monét, Key Glock, Sexxy Red and more artists are set to perform on July 27 and 28 at Audi Field, Navy Yard’s 20,000-seat soccer stadium.

It’s Broccoli City Fest’s first time at Audi Field, so things will look a little different.

Among the biggest changes: The Audi Field fest will primarily be a seated one.

This year, most festivalgoers will buy a ticket for a reserved seat (Field access is reserved for VIP reserved seated pass holders. Those tickets start at $845). But the changes may be welcome after organizers issued refunds last year following problems with heat, storms and long lines.

Broccoli City Fest co-founder Brandon McEachern said the lineup and move reflect the festival’s eclectic tastes and vibrant spirit.

“It’s the perfect time to take another step in our evolution and offer consumers a nontraditional, inclusive, and innovative festival experience where people from all walks of life can come together to celebrate music and culture.” McEachern first brought the festival to D.C. in 2013, bringing people together for music and a focus on socially conscious, sustainable living.

How to get Broccoli City tickets

Presale tickets went live on Monday.

“General admission and VIP Tickets go on sale Friday, March 22, at 10 am ET., with various options available to suit every budget and preference,” Audi Field said in a press release.

General admission tickets started at $225, but prices are subject to increase.

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And peak bloom is here! The National Park Service made the big announcement on St. Patrick’s Day. Peak bloom — when 70% of the Yoshino cherry trees along the Tidal Basin are flowering — lasts for several days, but it’s highly weather dependent, according to NPS.

Huge crowds turn out every year for the blooms and the National Cherry Blossom Festival — so you’ll want a plan.

From transportation to timing your trip, here are some essential things to know.

Peak bloom came early this year

If you feel like peak bloom came quickly this year, you’re right! This year’s peak bloom is tied for the second-earliest on record. March 17 marked the start of peak bloom in 2000, as well. That’s just a few days behind the record of March 15, 1990.

The beginning of March was so warm that it pushed the blossoms along their blooming cycle quickly. The early bloom also highlights the impact of our changing climate on D.C. landmarks.

What to do at the Tidal Basin

Peak bloom is underway, and the National Park Service has invited anyone to come see a "splendid spring spectacle."

Storm Team4 Meteorologist Chuck Bell says Monday, March 18, and Tuesday, March 19, will be your best days to see peak bloom in full force.

Most people opt to walk along the 2.1-mile Tidal Basin Loop Trail. Permanent restrooms are available at the Jefferson and Roosevelt memorials along the trail.

Stop along the way and take plenty of pictures. And prepare to wait for others who are doing the same! If there's ever a time to stop and patiently smell the flowers, this is it!

Starting on March 23, the National Cherry Blossom Festival is set to open its welcome area with shopping, refreshments, kids' activities, a pet comfort station and all the information you need to enjoy the trees. Live performances will be featured on the ANA Stage from 12 to 6 p.m. between March 23 and April 7.

You can also rent a pedal boat — boats are rented on a first-come, first-served basis during cherry blossom season.

Finally, there are a few things you should NOT do at the Tidal Basin: Don't climb the trees, shake branches or pick the flowers.

Where is Stumpy, the celebrity cherry tree?

This year is also your last chance to visit one of D.C.'s favorite cherry trees. “Stumpy” is blooming one last time.

The scraggly-looking tree on the southeast part of the Tidal Basin, near the Jefferson Memorial, captured the hearts of D.C. residents in 2020. But after this year's cherry blossom festival, that tree and more than 150 others are slated for removal so the National Park Service can make critical repairs to the sea wall. Don't worry: Even more trees will be replanted once the project is done.

Our reporter Maggie More explained on TikTok how to find Stumpy.

"Go between the Ohio Street Bridge... and the Jefferson Memorial," she said. "It's on the southeast side. And if you get really lost, you can just look for the crowds of well-wishers."

Cherry Blossoms Mar 19, 2023

Where to See Cherry Blossoms in DC, Maryland and Virginia

Cherry Blossoms Mar 13

Goodbye, Stumpy: DC's favorite little cherry tree to be removed from Tidal Basin

How long will peak bloom last?

In ideal conditions, peak bloom can last as long as 10 days. A cool spell in March is helping the flowers stick around. So, go enjoy those blooms!

How to get to the Tidal Basin

Parking near the cherry blossoms

As our D.C. parking guide says, expect to battle gridlocked traffic and spend a long time looking for parking if you drive into D.C. for the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

Yes, there are 400 free parking spaces in Hains Point and metered parking near the Tidal Basin — but you would be extremely lucky to find a spot.

If driving is still your best option, here’s how to find a spot:

• Use an app like SpotHero to find a garage or lot close enough to walk, bike share or scooter to the Tidal Basin. Several lots can be found between 14th Street, Independence Avenue, Maine Avenue and 7th Street NW.
• Park at the Union Station garage and take the Circulator’s National Mall route.
• Drop your car at one of Metro’s parking garages or lots — they’re available at 51 stations and free on weekends.

Accessible parking is available at the Tidal Basin, plus at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt, World War II, Thomas Jefferson, Lincoln, Korean War Veterans and Vietnam Veterans memorials, plus the Washington Monument, NPS says.

Metro stations near the Tidal Basin and cherry blossoms

Public transit is the best way to get to the Tidal Basin. You can purchase SmarTrip cards at Metro stations, but many people may find it easier to set up mobile pay.

Here are the Metro stations closest to the Tidal Basin:

• 🟠🔵⚪ The Smithsonian/National Mall station on the Orange, Blue and Silver lines is the closest Metro station to the Tidal Basin.
• 🟠🔵⚪🟡🟢 L’Enfant Plaza, served by the Orange, Silver, Blue, Yellow and Green lines, is about 1 mile away from the Tidal Basin
• 🔴 The closest Red Line stations are Farragut North and Metro Center, about 1.2 miles away.

Metrobus is also an option — use Metro’s Trip Planner or Google Maps to plan your route.

Don’t sleep on The Circulator, either. It costs $1, and the National Mall route stops at all the tourist hot spots.

Check out all our cherry blossom coverage here, including:

• Where to see cherry blossoms in DC, Maryland and Virginia
• 13 key dates and can't-miss events for the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC
• Goodbye, Stumpy: DC's favorite little cherry tree to be removed from Tidal Basin
• Diplomats, Nematodes and a Travel Writer: How DC Got Its Famous Cherry Trees

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Washington, D.C.’s, most famous cherry trees along the Tidal Basin are approaching peak bloom, and you can see beautiful cherry blossoms throughout D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia.

So, it’s time to start planning your perfect bloom-filled day! Maybe you’re eager to see the splendor of the Tidal Basin trees, or maybe you’d rather avoid those crowds by visiting another cherry tree enclave.

Here are spots to see the cherry blossom trees in D.C., Maryland and Virginia. Remember to tag @nbcwashington on social media or email isee@nbcwashington.com for a chance to be featured!

• Sign up for The Weekend Scene newsletter — we’ll deliver things to do, free picks and cherry blossom joy every Wednesday.

Best places to see cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C.

Tidal Basin
South of the National Mall

The epicenter of cherry blossom spring fever is the Tidal Basin. Peak bloom is when 70% of the Yoshino trees in this area have flowers — it’s a spectacular sight to see, but expect thick crowds. Your best bet is to take public transit, bikes or scooters, then walk along the Tidal Basin Loop Trail.

Here’s our guide to visiting the Tidal Basin.

From the Water

The pedal boats returned to the Tidal Basin on March 15. Rentals are available 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Each boat can hold up to four people (with a weight limit of 805 pounds). A one-hour rental costs $38 on weekdays and $40 on weekends. During cherry blossom season, rentals are walk-up only; there are no prepaid reservations.

Or, add a boozy twist to your paddling experience with the Sea Suite Cruises’ line of boat tours.

New this year, you can even climb aboard a popular D.C. bar’s outpost on the Potomac. Whitlow’s on Water is decked out in tiki bar style and ready to set sail for private sightseeing charters or public guided tours, which start at $24 per person. The boat cruises past trees lining the Potomac and provides a glimpse of the Tidal Basin while you sip drinks from the bar.

Things to Do DC Mar 6

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Things to Do DC Mar 14

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Potomac Paddle Club’s pontoon pedal boat – described as a “cycle boat tour meets booze cruise” – has BYOB options.

Would you rather row your own boat? Cherry blossom tours from Thompson Boat Center in Georgetown and The Wharf Boathouse begin March 29.

The Cherry Blossom Water Taxi offers audio tours on its Georgetown-Alexandria Sightseeing Route and Georgetown-Wharf Sightseeing Route if you download the app. Of course, you can also sit back and simply savor the views!

American University
4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.

The American University campus in Northwest D.C. is a designated arboretum with over 3,000 trees of all types — including collections of cherry trees.

Congressional Cemetery
1801 E St. SE, Washington, D.C.

This dog-friendly cemetery has both Okame (Taiwan) cherry trees, which bloom on the early side, and Kwanzan cherry trees which typically bloom about two weeks after the famed Yoshino ones at the National Mall.

Oxon Run Park
1200 Mississippi Ave. SE, Washington, D.C.

This park could give the Tidal Basin a serious challenge: More than 200 cherry blossom trees have been planted there.

The Wharf
760 Maine Ave. SW, Washington, D.C.

Stroll down The Wharf or sit down on a restaurant patio, then look out across the Washington Channel for some cherry blossom views. You could also rent a kayak or canoe or board the Cherry Blossom Water Taxi. Bonus: Visit on March 23 for Bloomaroo, a family-friendly festival with live music, art and fireworks.

Hains Point (East Potomac Park)
1100 Ohio Dr. SW, Washington, D.C.

The Hains Point Loop Trail is one of the most bike-friendly places to see cherry blossoms. The 4-mile loop offers views of the Anacostia River, Potomac River, Washington Channel and The Wharf. Bike this tree-lined trail and see several different kinds of cherry trees including Okame, Takesimensis and Kwanzan.

Stanton Park
226 4th St NE, Washington, D.C.

This family-friendly park in the Capitol Hill neighborhood is filled with cherry blossom trees. Plus, it has a playground, a statue of Nathanael Greene and is within walking distance of the Supreme Court and the U.S. Capitol.

U.S. National Arboretum
3501 New York Ave NE, Washington, D.C. 20002

The Arboretum has its own collection of cherry trees alongside numerous other plants. You can find a self-guided tour here.

Your Neighborhood

Check out this map to find cherry blossom trees throughout the District.

All the Neighborhood Cherry Blossom Trees in the District

Cherry trees on non-federal land in D.C., color-coded by type of tree and sized according to the tree’s diameter. Click on the magnifying glass at the bottom of the map to search for your address.

Source: D.C. Department of Transportation (DDOT) Street Spatial Database (SSD)
Credit: Anisa Holmes / NBC Washington

Maryland cherry blossoms

Brookside Gardens and other Montgomery County Parks
Various locations

Twenty-five of Montgomery County’s public parks have cherry trees — here’s how to use their interactive map to find one. You can even look for a specific species!

Brookside Gardens is a standout spot because it has 26 Yoshino and weeping cherry trees that are particularly impressive — look in the Gude Garden.

South Germantown Recreational Park and its HeartSmart Trail are another option.

Centennial Park (Howard County)
1000 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, Maryland

Cherry trees have been planted in three spots in Centennial Park in Howard County. View some from your car, or walk the Lake Loop. Here’s a map.

National Harbor
Oxon Hill, Maryland

National Harbor, in Oxon Hill, Maryland, boasts 200 cherry trees of their own. Try a kayak or paddleboard rental for some extra adventure.

Fort McHenry
2400 E Fort Ave, Baltimore, Maryland

The grounds of Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland, host cherry blossom trees.

Kenwood Neighborhood
Bethesda

Stroll through this Montgomery County neighborhood filled with cherry trees. Kennedy Drive, Dorset Avenue and Kenwood Avenue have some of the best views. The Kenwood trees often bloom three to four days after the Tidal Basin trees, according to Bethesda Magazine.

Virginia cherry blossoms

Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington, Virginia

More than 400 cherry trees grow throughout the Arlington National Cemetery. Most are Yoshino trees, but weeping Higan cherry trees, Kwanzan trees and more bloom annually.

Founder’s Park
351 N Union St, Alexandria, Virginia

At Founder’s Park in Alexandria, you can take in the fresh air, look out at the water and bask in cherry blossoms galore.

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct, Vienna, Virginia

A wide array of plants grow in the 100-acre grounds of Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Fairfax Station, Virginia, but in the springtime, it becomes a haven of cherry blossom joy.

Old Town Alexandria

The 100 block of Wolfe Street, near the waterfront and Roberdeau Park, is a good place for a selfie, according to Visit Alexandria. With cherry blossom-themed food and drink, art installations, special tours, shopping events and more, Old Town is a cherry blossom destination.

Van Gogh Bridge on Lake Anne
The Green Trail, Reston, Virginia

This spot is for the photographers: The few cherry trees around the bridge make a gorgeous photo backdrop. To get there, follow Reston’s Green Trail over Lake Anne.

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It’s really feeling like spring in the D.C. area, and we’re ready to burst outside just like the cherry blossoms.

Aside from Friday’s rain showers, the forecast is looking very nice for a trip to the Tidal Basin or your favorite neighborhood spot for flowers.

What to do this weekend

ACC Tournament
Through Saturday, Capital One Arena, $5-$95+
🔗 Details

The ACC Tournament is back in D.C. for the first time since 2016. Who will take this year’s crown and earn the automatic bid to the Big Dance?

Virginia, North Carolina, Pitt and Duke advanced to the quarterfinals on Thursday. Semifinals are on Friday night. The final tips off Saturday at 8:30 p.m.

Mary Timony
7:30 p.m. Thursday, Black Cat, $20/$22 (day of)
🔗 Details

Iconic D.C. guitarist has played in and fronted a host of celebrated bands — Autoclave, Helium, Wild Flag, Ex Hex, Hammered Hulls — and recently released her first solo album in 15 years. “Untame the Tiger” is terrific, and “No Thirds” is the best rock side one/track one of the year. Details.

Free pick
Ireland at The Wharf
Sat., March 16, noon to 6 p.m.
🔗 Details

If you’re looking for festival vibes, you’ll feel lucky at The Wharf. Three live bands, Irish dancers, rugby on a big screen and two Guinness beer gardens are all the ingredients for a great St. Paddy’s.

Kids and pets are welcome, too. Little ones can enjoy performances, learn to play Gaelic football or try curling.

Things to Do DC Mar 12

St. Patrick's Day: Raise a Guinness with live music, festivals and more in the DC area

Things to Do DC Mar 14

13 key dates and can't-miss events for the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC

DC United vs. Inter Miami
Sat., 2 p.m., Audi Field
🔗 Details

DC United is taking on Inter Miami, and many fans were disappointed to hear that superstar Lionel Messi likely won’t play after an injury.

But you can still cheer on your favorite team at Sandlot DC, which is right outside Audi Field. There will be food trucks, games and screens showing the soccer match. Entry is free.

Check on the cherry blossoms

Peak bloom is fast approaching for D.C.’s famous cherry trees along the Tidal Basin. Head downtown to get an early look!

LEGO Discovery Center Washington, D.C.
Open now, Springfield, Virginia, $25.99+
🔗 Details

Hundreds of LEGO cherry trees have sprouted up around the D.C. monuments depicted in brick form at the LEGO attraction in Springfield, Virginia.

Master Model Builder Andrew Litterst used more than 9,800 LEGO bricks to build and plant the “trees” over 32 hours.

ARTECHOUSE
Open now, Southwest D.C., $27+ for adults
🔗 Details

Step inside the “ISEKAI: Blooming Parallel Worlds” exhibit, and you’ll soar through an anime-style Japanese city bursting with blooms.

The digital art space’s seventh cherry blossom exhibit, “ISEKAI: Blooming Parallel Worlds,” is anchored by an all-encompassing projection splashed across a two-story wall and the floor.

We were mesmerized by how the main projection’s massive scale and movement almost make you feel like you’re flying.

Pro tips:

• Don’t skip the side rooms with more interactive pieces, including AI tour guides who respond to your voice commands.
• The museum’s VR Bar has drinks for $5-$15, including themed mocktails and cocktail. We liked the Hero’s Journey with peach soju.
• If you want to make a day of your visit, ARTECHOUSE is a 15-minute walk away from the Tidal Basin cherry trees or restaurants and music venues at The Wharf.

Things to do in D.C.

“Little Shop of Horrors”
March 15 to May 18, Ford’s Theatre, $29+

Capital Comedy Festival
Sat., DAR Constitution Hall

“Dorothea Lange: Seeing People”
Through March 31, National Gallery of Art, free

Things to do in Maryland

Community Stories Film Festival
Fri. to Sun., Docs In Progress in Silver Spring, $5+

Norouz Around the World: a Celebration of Persian and Central Asian Dance
Sun., 3-5 p.m., Sandy Spring Museum, $10

Things to do in Virginia

Rosslyn Rivals: Happy Hour Bingo
Thurs., 5:30 p.m., Bennett Park in Arlington, free but registration recommended

AWLA’s Baby (Wildlife & Kitten) Shower
Sat., 10 a.m. to noon, Animal Welfare League of Arlington, donation requested

Comedy: Jon Rudnitsky
Thurs. to Sat., Arlington Drafthouse Cinema, $20

Bird Walk
Sun., 8 a.m., Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Woodbridge, free but registration required

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Even though peak bloom lasted just a short time in March, the festival will bring floral fun throughout March and April.

Check out these key dates and can’t-miss events for the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

• Sign up for The Weekend Scene newsletter — we’ll deliver cherry blossom joy and fun plans for your weekend every Wednesday.

Best days to visit the cherry blossoms: peak bloom

Peak bloom is when 70% of the Yoshino cherry trees along the Tidal Basin are flowering. The National Park Service announced peak bloom on Sunday, March 17, and the blooms were starting to fade more than a week later, the National Park Service said.

Is the Tidal Basin worth visiting outside of peak bloom? Absolutely!

The National Cherry Blossom Festival has debuted the Tidal Basin Welcome Area & ANA Stage. You’ll find live performances, merchandise shopping, refreshments, kids’ activities, a pet comfort station and more.

The welcome area will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Saturday, March 23 to Sunday, April 7, the National Cherry Blossom Festival said. Performances are scheduled from noon to 6 p.m. daily. Here’s the schedule.

Cherry Blossoms Mar 13

Goodbye, Stumpy: DC's favorite little cherry tree to be removed from Tidal Basin

Things to Do DC Mar 24

Cherry blossom cocktails and bites to try this spring

Cherry Night — March 29

Put your pink on and party the night away at venues throwing cherry blossom-themed parties across D.C. Venues and party details are TBA, but most events are typically free to attend.

Bloomaroo — rescheduled to March 30

While it’s not an official Cherry Blossom Festival event, Bloomaroo is still worth checking out. The spring festival at the Wharf will feature live music and an abundance of activities including matcha tea sampling, koi kite decorating, haiku creation, flower trucks, karaoke and a balloon artist. Attendees can also look forward to cherry blossom-themed cocktails.

There are activities suited for all ages, and most of the family-friendly events will be concentrated towards the Southeastern side of the Wharf.

The festival will take place from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. — with fireworks at 8:30 p.m. — and is free to attend.

Bloomaroo was originally scheduled for March 23, but was postponed due to rain.

Blossom Kite Festival — March 30

One of the festival’s most eye-catching and fun events brings hundreds of kite flyers to the Washington Monument grounds. All are welcome, no matter the experience level or age.

The day will feature performances, activities and even kitemaking competitions for both adults and youth.

There will also be demonstrations from nationally and internationally recognized kite fliers, including Mikio Toki, a master of the traditional Edo-style kite who will be coming from Japan to showcase his work.

Attendance at the Kite Festival is free. It’s scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The rain date is March 31.

Pink in the Park — postponed

This festival in Arlington will feature music, food, art vendors and live art activations.

Artists will be creating a temporary cherry blossom and pink-themed mural park by painting sculptural walls in Met Park. The murals will stay up until April 14.

The festival was postponed and will no longer happen on March 23 due to rain. Organizers say they’re looking for a new date. Here are more details.

Petalpalooza — April 6

Enjoy a full day of live music, art and activities for free along the banks of the Anacostia River. At the Capitol Riverfront around The Yards and Navy Yard Metro, roam interactive art installations, grab a drink from a cashless beverage garden and participate in hands-on family-friendly activities. Finish off the evening at 8:30 with the Official National Cherry Blossom Festival Fireworks Show, which will be visible from the festival and Anacostia Park.

Credit Union Cherry Blossom 5K & 10 Mile — April 6 and 7

This event features four races: a 5K, a 10 miler, a kids run and a virtual run. Proceeds from this event will go to the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. While registration is now closed for the 5K and 10 mile runs, you can still register for the kids run and the virtual run.

On Friday and Saturday, you can also stop by the Race Expo Presented by Wegmans at the National Building Museum.

Mosaic District Art Blooms — April 6 and 7

In partnership with URBNmarket and FRESHFARM, this two-day outdoor festival in Mosaic District will have fun for all ages, including 90+ vintage and handmade vendors, cherry blossom-themed arts and crafts, a farmers market and live entertainment and performances.

The festival will take place each day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade — April 13

This parade showcases floats, helium balloons, marching bands and, of course, D.C.’s cherry blossoms. Individual tickets to enter the grandstands start at $25 and East End seating starts at $40. It’s free to watch along Constitution Avenue between 9th and 15th streets.

Sakura Matsuri, Japanese Street Festival – April 13 and 14

Billed as the largest celebration of Japanese culture in the U.S., Sakura Matsuri is set to feature more than 24 hours of Japanese cultural performances ranging from J-pop, traditional music to martial arts. Highlights include Japanese food and beverages, vendors of traditional and contemporary Japanese goods and showcases of Japanese technology.

Early birds can get a one-day ticket for $10 or two-day tickets for $15 through March 31. Then, ticket prices will increase to $20-$25. Children under 12 can enter for free.

Pro tip: Get there early and be ready for lines, especially for food and drinks.

Anacostia River Festival — May 4

Celebrate the tenth annual Anacostia River Festival. The event is family-friendly and will have plenty of food, local performances and outdoor activities, including a free fishing workshop.

Past Events

Opening Ceremony — March 23

To commemorate the mayor of Tokyo giving D.C. 3,000 cherry trees in 1912, The National Cherry Blossom Festival’s signature opening ceremony will feature acclaimed artists with Japanese-American ties including singer and songwriter Naotaro Moriyama, composer and instrumentalist Kaoru Wantanabe and dancer and choreographer Jo Kanamori.

Kanamori is directing and choreographing a piece that will debut at the ceremony and be performed by the Washington Ballet.

While tickets are already sold out, the event will be livestreamed.

Sakura Sunday – March 24

Celebrate all things Japanese culture at National Harbor’s festival. Sword training, dance, storytelling and live music are just some of the performances scheduled for the main stage.

Visitors can also shop for Japanese crafts, goods and treats at the marketplace.

The festival will go from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Here are more details.

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St. Patrick’s Day is on Sunday, March 17, 2024, meaning a weekend packed with music, green beer and Irish-style fun.

In Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day is a chance to celebrate the patron saint of the Emerald Isle along with Irish pride. But St. Patrick’s Day has a long history in the United States as well. In fact, the first-ever St. Patrick’s Day parade wasn’t held in Ireland — but in Boston in 1737, according to Ireland.com.

In the Washington, D.C., area, there’s a celebration for every shade of green – including family-friendly options like Ireland at The Wharf; VA Irish Fest in Ashburn, Virginia, and a festival at Baby Cat Brewery in Kensington, Maryland.

And if you need a safe ride home, visit the SoberRide page at 11 a.m. Sunday for a $15 discount code you can use on Lyft.

Whatever shenanigans you get up to, be safe and have a great time saying “sláinte” (cheers)!

St. Patrick’s Day events in D.C.

Ireland at The Wharf
Sat., March 16, noon to 6 p.m., Southwest D.C., free entry
🔗 Details

Live music, dance performances, rugby on a big screen and, of course, A Guinness Beer Garden: The Wharf has all the ingredients for a classic St. Patrick’s Day.

The festival welcomes kids and pets. Little ones can enjoy performances, learn to play Gaelic football or try curling.

Starting at noon, you can watch Six Nations Rugby on the big screen at the Transit Pier.

Beers, wines and whiskey will be available on the District and Transit piers.

Whitlow’s DC
901 U St NW, free entry
🔗 Details

St. Patrick’s often ends up with a little Guinness on your face, but what about getting your face on a Guinness? 

Starting at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Whitlow’s DC is breaking out a malt printer to put your photo right on the beer’s foam. Don’t forget to take a picture before throwing back your pint!

Turtle Recall will take the stage at 9 p.m. to perform covers to get the crowd in the mood for a jig; DJ Killabeats24 will start the dance party on the rooftop.

Live music picks back up at 4 p.m. Sunday with Timmie Metz and Erich Wildeman. You’ll also find bagpipers, free raffle prizes and an Irish whiskey ice luge. The kitchen will be serving traditional Irish food until 10 p.m.

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Boundary Stone
Northwest D.C., free entry
🔗 Details

The Bloomingdale pub will open at 10 a.m. for St. Patrick’s Day brunch, but food specials including a full Irish breakfast will be available starting Friday. Update (Wednesday, March 13): Live music has been canceled.

Dacha
Shaw and Navy Yard, free entry

Both of the beer garden’s locations will be turning up for St. Paddy’s. Join a scavenger hunt at Dacha Navy Yard on Saturday, or get your fill of green beer at the Shaw location on Sunday.

DC Vegan
1633 P St NW, Washington, D.C.
🔗 Details

DC Vegan is putting its plant-based spin even on the most meat-heavy Irish dishes, including corned beef hash, shepherd’s pie and a classic rueben. Wash it all down with Guinness and cocktail specials. You’ll also find live music 4-6 p.m. Friday and 3-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Hank’s Oyster Bar Dupont
1624 Q Street, NW, Washington, D.C.
🔗 Details

Dixie Crystal and her friends will take the stage from 2:30 to 3:15 p.m. Sunday for The Drag Brunch: St. Patrick’s Day Edition. Afterward, you can try a naughty cookie decorating station. Tickets to the drag show cost $20; the brunch menu will be available during the show. 

McClellan’s Retreat
2031 Florida Ave NW, Washington, D.C.
🔗 Details

Impress your friends with your whiskey knowledge after the Dupont bar’s Irish whiskey tasting, which costs $75. Make reservations by emailing info@mcclellansretreat.com.

metrobar
640 Rhode Island Ave NE, Washington, D.C.
🔗 Details

The Wings and Whiskey Day Party with Howard University’s MOVEMAKERS on Saturday will have chicken, drinks, games and music. The party continues Sunday with a DJ, themed cocktails, beer and more. Entry to both events is free.

But metrobar has families covered, too. Their family fun party from noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday will have live music and face painting. It costs $5 per family.

St. Patrick’s Day events in Maryland

Guinness Open Gate Brewery
Throughout March, Baltimore, Maryland
🔗 Details

Guinness’ Baltimore outpost is transporting you straight to Dublin all month long.

Live music every Friday, tours and special food and drink experiences make the Guinness Open Gate Brewery a fun St. Patrick’s Day-themed day trip.

The Irish Village will be coming back with themed food stalls, live entertainment and more from March 8-10 and 15-17.

Pro tip: This brewery is Guinness’ experimental arm, so try a new brew when you go.

Baby Cat Brewery
Kensington, Maryland
🔗 Details

The Kensington brewery known for its live music has a weekend of fun in store.

Kick things off with the O’McPub Band on Friday from 6-9 p.m.

On Saturday from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., the brewery is throwing a family-friendly festival with live music. Kids can touch a firetruck from noon to 3 p.m., or do crafts all day.

Wind down with a Maddie Birch performance on Sunday from 3-6 p.m.

St. Patrick’s Day at Le Fantome
Sun., March 17, Riverdale, Maryland
🔗 Details

All day on Sunday, you can throw back $5 Guinesses, green beer, Irish car bombs and more at this food hall.

Quincy’s Potomac Bar and Grille
1093 Seven Locks Rd, Potomac, Maryland
🔗 Details

The bar in Potomac Woods Shopping Center has something unique on tap each day: karaoke on Friday, a sing-off on Saturday and the We Love to Paddy party on Sunday.

Specials will include $7 Guinness, $5 Jameson shots, $10 pitchers and Jell-O shots and syringes.

Basketball fans can even celebrate St. Patrick’s Day while watching Selection Sunday on more than 40 TVs, including some on a heated patio.

St. Patrick’s Day events in Virginia

VA Irish Fest
Sat., 1-8 p.m., One Loudoun in Ashburn, Virginia
🔗 Details

Promising seven hours of Irish shenanigans, One Loudoun’s festival will keep you busy with bands, DJs, a silent disco and carnival rides. Adult tickets start at $25. Kids 12 and under can go for free.

Ireland’s Four Courts
2051 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, Virginia
🔗 Details

The classic Irish bar has a week of celebrations planned including karaoke, Guinness pint “engraving” and live music.

Early risers can get into Ireland’s Four Courts starting at 8:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. You’ll find live music in the main room and a tent starting in the afternoon and lasting until the wee hours of the morning.

Clarendon Ballroom
Sat., 3 p.m. to late, 3185 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, Virginia, free entry
🔗 Details

For a clubby, all-day, all-night Saturday party, look no further than Clarendon Ballroom. Green beer, Jell-O shots, Irish food specials, games and live performances are on tap. 

The Official Clarendon St. Patrick’s Bar Crawl
Sat, 3-10 p.m., $9-$20
🔗 Details

A ticket to this bar crawl will get you into several Clarendon bars plus drink specials including $3 domestic beer, $4 shamrock shots, $5 Guinness, $5 mixed drinks and $8 car bombs. Registration will run from 3-6 p.m. at B Live.

Murphey’s Grand Irish Pub
713 King St, Alexandria, Virginia
🔗 Details

The Old Town pub will open its doors at 9 a.m. Sunday for a day of brunch and live music. You can get your St. Paddy’s party started early with events all week.

Ned’s Irish Gastropub
2465 Centreville Road, Herndon, Virginia
🔗 Details

You can’t celebrate St. Patrick’s Day all day if you don’t start in the morning, and Ned’s will be open at 9 a.m. Sunday to fufilll your dreams of kegs and eggs. Irish dancers and live music from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. will keep you on your feet.

Bar Louie
Ashburn. Gainesville, Woodbridge
🔗 Details

Indulge in $3 drafts of green beer, $4 Jameson sidecars and $5 Guinness from Friday to Sunday at all locations.

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During the eclipse, the moon will cast its shadow on parts of North America as it comes between Earth and the sun, said Gina DiBraccio, the deputy director of heliophysics at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. The D.C. area is not in the path of totality but will see a partial solar eclipse as the moon blocks part of the sun.

“If you have the opportunity to view this, whether it’s the total eclipse or a partial eclipse in the D.C. area, you should absolutely do it because it’s just a special kind of lifetime event,” DiBraccio said.

As the paths of the sun and moon partially align around D.C., the sky will grow darker like dusk, winds will change and temperatures will slightly drop.

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“The last total eclipse that crossed through the U.S. in 2017, I actually went from a state of feeling comfortable to suddenly being chilly and having goosebumps,” DiBraccio said.

Read below to learn when the solar eclipse is and where to see it around D.C.

When is the 2024 solar eclipse in DC?

The solar eclipse is on Monday, April 8. It’ll happen in the D.C. area from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

According to the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club (NOVAC), the moon will begin to move in front of the sun at 2 p.m., slowly covering more of the sun until about 3:20 p.m. It will then move off the sun until about 4:30 p.m.

Is the DC area in the path of totality?

No, the D.C. area will not see a total solar eclipse. The moon will cover about 90% of the sun’s width in the D.C. area during the solar eclipse, according to NOVAC.

In Greenbelt, Maryland, the moon will block about 86% of the sun’s light, NASA’s Goddard Visitor Center said. It will obscure 87% of the sun at its maximum in College Park, according to the University of Maryland’s Department of Astronomy.

In Rosslyn, Virginia, the moon will block about 75% of the sun, the Rosslyn BID said.

Visibility of the eclipse is weather dependent.

Rewind: 2017 total solar eclipse

In August 2017, a total solar eclipse moved across the U.S. from the West Coast to the East Coast for the first time in 99 years.

It crossed in a narrow path over 14 states between Lincoln Beach, Oregon, and Charleston, South Carolina, NASA wrote on its 2017 Total Solar Eclipse page.

The D.C. area experienced a partial solar eclipse with the sun blocked from 79 to 90%, WTOP reported in 2017.

Photos from the eclipse show eyes glued to the sky in downtown D.C. and on the National Mall, with shorts-clad tourists and business casual workers donning solar eclipse glasses or using specially made viewing tools.

How to protect your eyes during a solar eclipse

Don’t be like former president Donald Trump! Be sure to protect your eyes from the sun during the phases of a solar eclipse.  

For safe viewing, NASA recommends the use of eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers. It’s important to note that regular sunglasses are not dark enough to safely filter the bright light.

Eclipses can be briefly viewed without protection when the moon completely blocks the sun. However, since D.C. isn’t in the path of totality it is recommended to wear eye protection the entirety of the eclipse.

Here’s where to find solar eclipse glasses in D.C., Maryland and Virginia.

For more safety information, visit NASA’s website.

When is the next solar eclipse?

The next total solar eclipse visible in the continental U.S. is August 2044, according to NASA.

Solar eclipse events in the DC area

It’s totally (totality) OK to take an afternoon break from work to enjoy the sky. If you do, take a look at the list below.

If you want to experience the solar eclipse from your backyard, check out these kid-friendly solar eclipse activities from the National Air and Space Museum.

Pre-solar eclipse events near DC

Solar Eclipse Extravaganza 2024 Storytime

📅 April 6, 2 to 4 p.m.
📍 Arlington County Central Library; 1015 N. Quincy St., Arlington, VA
🔗 Details

Solar Eclipse Week

📅 April 1 through April 8, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
📍 Loudoun County Law Library; 18 East Market St., Leesburg, VA
🔗 Details

Lights Out! Eclipses: Whys, Wonders and Wows

📅 April 6 and 7, various times
📍 David M. Brown Planetarium; 2110 Washington Blvd., Arlington, VA
🔗 Details

Story Time: Eclipse

📅 Tuesdays and Thursdays in April, 11 to 11:30 a.m.
📍 Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center; 14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy, Chantilly, VA
🔗 Details

DC partial solar eclipse events

Solar Eclipse Festival on the National Mall

📅 April 8, noon to 4 p.m.
📍 National Mall, D.C. between 4th and 12th streets
🔗 Details

Solar Eclipse Party @ Hedy’s Rooftop

📅 April 8, 2 to 6 p.m.
📍 Hotel Zena; 1155 14th St. NW, Washington, D.C.
🔗 Details

Solar Eclipse Viewing Party at Deck 11 Rooftop

📅 April 8, 2 to 4:30 p.m.
📍 YOTEL; 415 New Jersey Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.
🔗 Details

Solar Eclipse Viewing Party at Tag Rooftop Bar

📅 April 8, 1 to 4 p.m.
📍 The Ven at Embassy Row; 2015 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC
🔗 Details

Maryland partial solar eclipse events

Partial Solar Eclipse Event at the Visitor Center

📅 April 8, noon to 4 p.m.
📍 NASA Goddard Visitor Center; 9432 Greenbelt Road, Greenbelt, MD
🔗 Details

Skywatching: Partial Solar Eclipse

📅 April 8, 2 to 4:30 p.m.
📍 Observatory Park; 100 Desellum Ave., Gaithersburg, MD
🔗Details

Solar Eclipse at College Park

📅 April 8, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
📍 University of Maryland; grassy area in front of Martin Hall, College Park, MD
🔗Details

Solar Eclipse Watch Party

📅 April 8, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
📍 Maryland Science Center; 601 Light St., Baltimore, MD
🔗Details

Virginia partial solar eclipse events

Solar Eclipse Viewing

📅 April 8, 2 to 4 p.m.
📍 Gateway Park; 1300 Langston Blvd, Rosslyn, VA
🔗 Details

Solar Eclipse at Sky Meadows

📅 April 8, 1 to 4:30 p.m.
📍 Sky Meadows State Park, 11012 Edmonds Lane, Delaplane, VA
🔗 Details

Eclipse Where Sun, Moon and Wonder Align

📅 April 8, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
📍 Sweet Run State Park, 11661 Harpers Ferry Road, Hillsboro, VA
🔗 Details

Partial Solar Eclipse Celebration Monday

📅 April 8, 2 to 4 p.m.
📍 Fairfax County Parks; Ellanor C. Lawrence Park; Burke Lake Park, VA
🔗 Details

Safely See the Partial Eclipse

📅 April 8, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
📍 Fairfax County Parks; Historic Huntley; Turner Farm Park, VA
🔗 Details

View the Total Solar Eclipse!

📅 April 8, 3 to 4 p.m.
📍 Sherwood Regional Library; 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria, VA
🔗 Details

Solar Eclipse Party!

📅 April 8, 1 to 4 p.m.
📍 Centreville Regional Library; 14200 Saint Germain Drive, Centreville, VA
🔗 Details

Partial Solar Eclipse Event

📅 April 8, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
📍 George Mason University Observatory; Research Hall, 10401 York River Road, Fairfax, VA
🔗 Details

Solar Eclipse – Watch Party

📅 April 8, 2 to 4 p.m.
📍 Settle Down Easy Brewing Co.; 2822 Fallfax Drive, Falls Church, VA
🔗Details

Where to find areas in the path of totality

Parts of 13 states, including Texas, New York, Ohio, Maine and more will be in the path of totality during the solar eclipse. Businesses around the country are planning to offer special deals and creative souvenirs, such as eclipse-themed beer.

You can also witness the spectacle from the sky on a special Delta or Southwest Airlines flight.

Go here for more places to see a total solar eclipse.

This story will be periodically updated with more solar eclipse events and details. Be sure to check back!

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The Tidal Basin’s cherry blossoms have reached the second stage of six on their journey to peak bloom! 🌸

But if you want a picture-perfect backdrop now, peep the okame cherry trees and their Barbie pink blooms. Yes, we’re still waiting for the National Cherry Blossom Festival to begin on March 20, but you can have a bloom-filled weekend right now.

What to see in the D.C. area this weekend

Vintage Cartier, Louis Vuitton at heiress’ DC estate
Through June 16
🔗 Details

Post cereal heiress and executive Marjorie Merriweather Post crossed the Atlantic via luxury liner to shop in Paris starting in the 1900s.

Known as one of the wealthiest women in the United States, Post’s high fashion and jewelry are now on display in her Northwest D.C. mansion-turned-museum.

The exhibit “Marjorie Merriweather Post’s Paris” includes a Cartier backgammon board, a Van Cleef & Arpels pin covered in rubies, an eye-shaped Hermès magnifying glass, an amethyst and diamond Cartier necklace and a handbag covered in pearls.

“She filled trunks and trunks with treasures from France for us to appreciate today,” said Megan Martinelli, who curated the exhibit at Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens.

Take a look inside.

Pro tip: Budget time to explore the full mansion and gardens.

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Free pick
DAR Period Rooms
Ongoing
🔗 Details

If you love vintage, the Daughters of the American Revolution Museum has something you have to see. Thirty-one Period Rooms let you step inside American homes as far back as the 1690s.

Curator Patrick Sheary showed Tommy around four of his favorite rooms, including the Relic Room. This “ultra period room” is filled with furniture made from a salvaged wooden warship.

Free pick
Artomatic
March 8 to April 28
🔗 Details

A sprawling, seven-week arts festival featuring hundreds of artists will take over 300,000 square feet of empty office space as the District works to draw people back downtown.

The exhibition will feature a range of art, workshops, talks and live music. Here’s the full special events schedule. 

The festival will open with Risers Fest from this Saturday and Sunday. On opening weekend, catch dreamy pop from D.C.’s Ari Voxx, absurdist punk from The Falsies and more than a dozen other artists (The music festival will also make a return (April 26-28 to close out Artomatic).

International Women’s Day

Celebrating women: We should be doing it every day… but especially with International Women’s Day on Friday!

There’s plenty to do with your family and friends, honoring the women making a difference around the world. 

Our full guide has lots of ideas, but we’ll share some highlights below.

As Shania Twain says, let’s go, girls!

• As Black Girls Rock! Fest wraps up, check out Dumfries’ own Nia Dinero as she merges hip-hop and R&B on the Millennium Stage on Saturday at 6 p.m.; it’s a free show.
• The Regarding Her food festival is packed with special talks and features special collabs – including a Pizzeria Paradiso pie topped with a Ben’s Chili Bowl half-smoke.
• For more events celebrating women in food, check out Le Diplomat’s series highlighting women sommeliers and Moon Rabbit’s afternoon tea featuring acclaimed pastry chef and Jessie Sheehan, host of the popular podcast “She’s My Cherry Pie.”
• The National Museum of Women in the Arts has a festival on Friday, then a free community day on Wednesday, March 13.
• The National Portrait Gallery’s not only has a special display for its newest portraits of Oprah, Beyoncé, Ruth Bader Ginsberg and others, but ups its game Saturday with a kid-friendly festival and talk with the “grandmother of Juneteenth.”

ARTECHOUSE
Opens Sat.
🔗 Details

The immersive art museum specializes in larger-than-life projections and interactives. Starting Saturday, March 9, the Southwest D.C. space will debut “ISEKAI: Blooming Parallel Worlds,” a cherry blossom-themed experience inspired by manga and anime. Timed tickets are available now; they start at $27 for adults.

Rolling Cocoa Festival
Sat., The Anthem, $69+
🔗 Details

This one-night festival is bringing the sounds of Ghana to The Anthem, headlined by Stonebwoy and Black Sherif.

Concerts this weekend

Fire EX., 8 p.m. Friday, Black Cat, $25 (advance)/$30 (day of)

The so-called “People’s Band of Taiwan” has been playing catchy and sometimes poppy punk rock with meaty riffs since 2000. Details.

Chelsea Wolfe, 8 p.m. Sunday, Fillmore Silver Spring, $27.50

Haunting goth-folk-rock from a veteran singer-songwriter. At times her voice recalls singers like Angel Olsen, but over an more intense, dark and heavier soundscape. Details.

Things to do in D.C.

Awesome Con
Fri. to Sun., Washington Convention Center, $55+

Taste of Iceland
Fri. and Sat., various locations

SHE:DC Art Show Opening Party
Fri., 6 p.m., La Cosecha in Northeast, $15-$20
FYI: Exhibit open March 10-31

Comedy show benefitting Girls Rock! DC
Fri., 8 p.m., BloomBars in Northwest D.C., $15-$25
FYI: Alcohol-free venue

Whiskey Walk
Sat., 1-10 p.m., downtown, $55-$65

Capital Comedy Festival
Sat., DAR Constitution Hall

Make Your Own Candle
Sun., 3 p.m., Steadfast Supply in Southeast, $45

Things to do in Maryland

Cake Decorating w/Sugar Rush
Sat., 11 a.m., Shop Made in Maryland College Park, $150

Riverworks Storytellers Series: Indigenous Peoples of the Potomac Piedmont
Sat., Poolesville Old Town Hall, free

Leprechaun Luau
Sat., 4-8 p.m., Frederick Fairgrounds, $70

Stand-up comedy
Sat., 7-9 p.m., The Barking Dog in Bethesda, $10-$20

Jocelyn Pettit & Ellen Gira
Sun., 3 p.m., BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown, $35

GOGO Brunch with AMAFUJO’S MOODSWING
Sun., Le Fantome in Riverdale

Things to do in Virginia

Romeo & Juliet
Through March 24, Synetic Theater in Crystal City, $35-$65

“Dune 2” at the Air and Space IMAX theater
Various showtimes, Chantilly

Spa and wellness retreat for International Women’s Day
Fri., Balian Springs in Alexandria, $165

Succulent & Sangria Workshop
Fri., 6:30 p.m., PlantHouse Alexandria, $30+

Shamrock Stampede Bar Crawl
Sat., 2-6 p.m., Whiskey & Oyster in Alexandria, $10

DC Film Society’s Oscar Night
Sun., Arlington Drafthouse, $20
FYI: Check/cash only at the door

Want to know what’s up for your weekend? Sign up for The Weekend Scene, our newsletter about events, experiences and adventures for you and for your family around the DMV.

A sprawling, seven-week arts festival featuring hundreds of artists will take over 300,000 square feet of empty office space in D.C. as the District works to draw people back downtown.

Artomatic will run from March 8 to April 28. The exhibition will feature a range of art, workshops, talks and live music. Here’s the full special events schedule. 

Local artists will be setting up their work in exhibit rooms. Kaisa Lily Art, Jen Pape Designs, Finding My Joi and Troy Paolantonio are just a few of the artists you can visit.

The festival will open and close with Risers Fest from March 9-10 and April 26-28. On opening weekend, catch dreamy pop from D.C.’s Ari Voxx, absurdist punk from The Falsies and more than a dozen other artists.

You can explore everything 2100 M Street NW has to offer for free. Hours are:

• Wednesday and Thursday: 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• Friday and Saturday: noon to midnight
• Sunday: Noon to 9 p.m.
• Monday and Tuesday: Closed

Artomatic is making a comeback to the District after 15 years, according to the release.

“More and more, we are taking existing Golden Triangle spaces and finding ways to make them shine in new ways that draw people downtown,” said Leona Agouridis, president of the Golden Triangle Business Improvement District.

Want to know what’s up for your weekend? Sign up for The Weekend Scene, our newsletter about events, experiences and adventures for you and for your family around the DMV.

Yes, we’re still waiting for the main event – the National Cherry Blossom Festival begins on March 20 and peak bloom isn’t expected until days later – there are some ways you can begin celebrating early. 

Check on early bloomers

Okame cherry trees often produce bright pink flowers early in the season. National Harbor showed off some early buds in late February! Here’s more on their plans for cherry blossom season.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Brad Herson (@bcherson)

Cherry Tree Varieties, by Bloom

Source: Getty Images, Flicker
Credit: Anisa Holmes / NBC Washington

Congressional Cemetery in Southeast is known for its impressive collection of okame trees.

Another hot spot for these trees is Long Bridge Park in Alexandria, Virginia.

Casey Trees also has a map showing many of D.C.’s cherry trees — it’s color-coded by the type of tree!

LEGO Discovery Center Washington, D.C.

Hundreds of LEGO cherry trees have sprouted up around the D.C. monuments depicted in brick form at the LEGO attraction in Springfield, Virginia.

Master Model Builder Andrew Litterst used more than 9,800 LEGO bricks to build and plant the “trees” over 32 hours.

Library of Congress’ book display

For the bookworms hoping to learn more about the blossom traditions, a Library of Congress display will feature a collection of books about the cherry blossoms. The “Sakura: Icon of Spring” display will be located on the second floor of the Thomas Jefferson Building, SE, Washington, D.C. The display will open on March 1 and more information can be found here.

ARTECHOUSE

The immersive art museum specializes in larger-than-life projections and interactives. On Saturday, March 9, the Southwest D.C. space debuted “ISEKAI: Blooming Parallel Worlds,” a cherry blossom-themed experience inspired by manga and anime. Timed tickets are available now; they start at $27 for adults.

Cherry blossom promenade

CityCenterDC’s Palmer Alley is decked out for cherry blossom season. Head over to snap a pic under a canopy of pink lanterns and cherry blossom decals. 

Decorate your space

The National Cherry Blossom Festival invites everyone to decorate their porch, yard, window or something else to bloom joy throughout the D.C. area. Register your decor to put your home on the Petal Porches map.

A chance to win a flight to Tokyo

The National Cherry Blossom Festival and Nippon Airways have opened sweepstakes for a chance to win a pair of round-trip tickets to Tokyo. The sweepstakes are open until March 29. For every 100 entries, the airline will plant a new cherry blossom in D.C. For more information, visit NationalCherryBlossomFestival.org.

Want to know what’s up for your weekend? Sign up for The Weekend Scene, our newsletter about events, experiences and adventures for you and for your family around the DMV.

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The theme of International Women’s Day 2024 is Inspire Inclusion, according to internationalwomensday.com.

“To truly include women means to openly embrace their diversity of race, age, ability, faith, body image, and how they identify,” the website says.

It’s a time to celebrate trailblazers and uplift women working for their communities. Here are some ways to do that in the D.C. area.

National Museum of Women in the Arts

The museum in Chinatown is celebrating its first International Women’s Day since it debuted a big renovation in October.

On Friday, March 8, visit for a keynote talk from art historian and artist Ferren Gipson, yoga, flash tattoos and special conversations. Some programs require registration.

The museum is generally open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adult tickets are $16, but there are discounts available for D.C. residents, and entry for people under 21 is free. Wednesday, March 13 is a free community day.

Marjorie Merriweather Post’s Paris

Heiress and executive Marjorie Merriweather Post crossed the Atlantic via luxury liner to shop in Paris starting in the 1900s.

Known as one of the wealthiest women in the United States, Post’s high fashion and jewelry are now on display in her Northwest D.C. mansion-turned-museum.

The exhibit “Marjorie Merriweather Post’s Paris” includes a Cartier backgammon board, a Van Cleef & Arpels pin covered in rubies, an eye-shaped Hermès magnifying glass, an amethyst and diamond Cartier necklace and a handbag covered in pearls.

“She filled trunks and trunks with treasures from France for us to appreciate today,” said Megan Martinelli, who curated the exhibit at Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens. We went inside the exhibit. 

National Portrait Gallery

Anytime you go, make sure to visit the museum’s newest portraits of Oprah, Beyoncé, Ruth Bader Ginsberg and others.

On Saturday, March 9, the National Portrait Gallery is celebrating Women’s History Month at a free event for all ages. The Kogod Courtyard will host art activities, talks, story time, plus performances and workshops from The Washington Ballet.

Stick around for a conversation with Opal Lee, “the grandmother of Juneteenth,” and the artist who painted her portrait, Sedrick Huckaby at 3:30 p.m. It’s free, but registration is recommended.

• Go here for a full rundown of the Smithsonian’s Women’s History Month events.

“Dorothea Lange: Seeing People” at the National Gallery of Art

“During her long, prolific, and groundbreaking career, the American photographer Dorothea Lange made some of the most iconic portraits of the 20th century,” the National Gallery of Art says.

You likely are familiar with Lange’s “Migrant Mother” photo, showing a worried-looking woman with two small children in 1936.

You’ll want to see this exhibit before it ends on March 31. Free exhibition tours are offered several times a week.

Regarding Her Women’s History Month Festival

Elevating and celebrating women-owned food and drink businesses, this monthlong festival is all about connections.

You can meet some accomplished chefs and learn from them at talks, demos and classes. Every Sunday, Hank’s Oyster Bar in Alexandria will offer cooking classes covering topics from oyster shucking to drink pairing.

Regarding Her also brings together the women behind some of your favorite D.C.-area restaurants for mouthwatering collaborations.

• Take Pizzeria Paradiso and Ben’s Chili Bowl. Chef Ruth Gresser is firing up a pizza topped with all the best parts of D.C.’s most famous half-smoke.
• Preservation Biscuit Company, based in Falls Church, is partnering with a new business every week for their specials.

For more events celebrating women in food, check out Le Diplomat’s series highlighting women sommeliers and Moon Rabbit’s afternoon tea featuring acclaimed pastry chef and Jessie Sheehan, host of the popular podcast “She’s My Cherry Pie.”

Harriet Tubman Memorial Byway

The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway is a 125-mile, self-guided driving tour through the beautiful landscape Harriet Tubman once called home.

Harriet Tubman Tours offers a variety of options, or you can DIY a tour with a free map and audio guide. The News4 I-Team visited many of the historic sites, which are under threat from rising sea levels.

We highlighted some top spots in a 2017 interactive.

Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality Monument

A building that housed the National Woman’s Party for 90 years is now a monument to the fight for equality. Wednesday through Sunday during March, you can take free guided tours of the monument.

#FITDC HerStory 5K Run/Walk
Sat., registration begins 9 a.m., Freedom Plaza, free
Details

Lace up your sneakers and get moving this Saturday. If you don’t feel like running, simply walk and stroll the route that goes along Pennsylvania Avenue and across the National Mall. There’s also a kids’ dash at 9:30 a.m. The run/walk is open to anyone.

Afterward, visit the post-race festival with music, giveaways and vendors.

Black Girls Rock! Fest
Through March 9, the Kennedy Center, free
🔗 Details

As Black Girls Rock! Fest wraps up, check out Dumfries’ own Nia Dinero as she merges hip-hop and R&B on the Millennium Stage on Saturday at 6 p.m.; it’s a free show.

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Known as one of the wealthiest women in the United States, Post’s high fashion and jewelry are now on display in her Northwest D.C. mansion-turned-museum.

The exhibit “Marjorie Merriweather Post’s Paris” includes a Cartier backgammon board, a Van Cleef & Arpels pin covered in rubies, an eye-shaped Hermès magnifying glass, an amethyst and diamond Cartier necklace and a handbag covered in pearls.

“She filled trunks and trunks with treasures from France for us to appreciate today,” said Megan Martinelli, who curated the exhibit at Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens.

“We looked for a way to transport our visitors to France … namely to Paris,” Martinelli said.

Post ordered almost 40 trunks from Louis Vuitton to hold her extensive wardrobe as she traveled, according to the estate.

Born in 1887, Post was the only child of the couple who founded the Post cereal empire. When her parents died in the 1910s, she became the company’s owner at just 27.

As a young woman, Post “was understanding not only [how] to manage her personal wealth but also manage the company,” Martinelli said.

Over the course of her life, Post was married four times, merged the cereal company with Kraft Foods, had three children and built the Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida that is now owned by ex-President Donald Trump.

Post is also known for her philanthropic initiatives. During the Great Depression, she financially supported a Salvation Army feeding station in New York. She also received the Legion of Honour from France for funding a Red Cross hospital during World War I, according to the estate.

Post died in 1973 and her D.C. estate opened to the public four years later.

Post’s favorite pieces in her collection

Post’s high-end designer goods are laid out in the Dacha, a navy blue and yellow log-style house that Post built on the property to resemble Russian architecture she admired, according to the estate.

The exhibit includes a map of Post’s favorite restaurants, hotels and shops in Paris. In her scrapbook, she wrote about some of the destinations and her purchases.

Post wrote about what is believed to be her first piece of French couture: a Gustave Beer gown purchased in 1904. The dress is included in the exhibit and is covered in silk, ribbon roses, tan-colored tulle and lace.

Visitors to the exhibit oohed and aahed at the gowns.

“Oh, I love the dresses. These are beautiful,” one visitor said as she looked at dresses from Paris made of glass beads, velvet and satin ribbons.

“This [exhibit] is also kind of a history lesson of the French couture establishments,” the visitor said.

Post’s hobbies included going to French art markets and collecting 18th-century French decorative arts and antiques to furnish her homes, Martinelli said.

Part of Post’s legacy is leaving the public with French couture, jewelry and antiques to enjoy forever, Martinelli said.

The exhibit will be open until June 16 at 4155 Linnean Ave. NW. Entrance is donation-based. Go here for more information.

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The Washington Nationals announced a discounted ticket deal exclusively for D.C. residents during the 2024 Major League Baseball season called “District Tickets.”

The tickets will be available starting at $5 for all home games at Nationals Park in D.C.’s Navy Yard neighborhood. The Nationals said the new program is a way of thanking the community for supporting the team.  

About 400 tickets are available for each home game in sections 401 & 402. The sections are located on the Gallery Level overlooking left field, according to the programs FAQ’s. 

The discounted tickets can be purchased in person at the National Park Center Field Gate box office with proof of D.C. residency. They can be bought before and on game days as available.

Baseball fans are limited to buying tickets for four games and four tickets per game.

The tickets will be available starting on Monday, March 4 at 11 a.m. The box office will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday in March.

At the end of February, the Nationals revealed a summer concert series featuring Flo Rida and Carly Rae Jepsen at select Friday baseball games. 

The team’s home opener is April 1 against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

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Happy March! Like FedExField and D.C. museums, we’re ready for a season of change!

The Renwick Gallery has reopened after a monthlong closure, and the National Gallery of Art is all about transitions right now.

Ice skating season is wrapping up – Sunday is set to be your last day to try to show off your moves on the Sculpture Garden rink.

But National Gallery Nights are coming back to celebrate color, blooms and “Art Prom” at a series of free and very popular after-hours parties. The first event will be on March 14, but set a reminder to enter the ticket lottery starting Monday.

Weather-wise, get ready for a rainy start to the weekend. Sunday will be the nicest day of the weekend.

The wet weather will be perfect for the theater.

Go behind the curtain of a play about education luminary Anna Julia Cooper and Signature Theatre’s “Private Jones,” inspired by the story of a deaf Welsh WWI sniper.

“The Voice” winner Huntley

Free pick
Fri., 7 p.m., Fredericksburg, Virginia

Ever since Fredericksburg’s own Huntley won “The Voice” with his grungy rock talents, we’ve been keeping an eye out for a chance to see him perform live – and here it is!

Huntley announced a pop-up show in his hometown. Now, here’s the tea: Huntley said he called off another concert at the Fredericksburg Nationals stadium, in part due to the eye-popping $160 price tag.

But the show must go on – for free – at Billikens Smokehouse, complete with a seven-piece band. Pro tip: Get there early. The venue says it has a capacity of 350 and will have extra security measures.

“I wanted to do something that felt right in my heart. It’s going to be on my terms,” Huntley told us in the News4 studio.

The timing is great because downtown Fredericksburg will be serving festival vibes for First Friday!

BTW: Local duo Dan + Shay, who helped mentor Huntley to success on “The Voice,” rejoined the show as coaches this season.

Black Girls Rock! Fest

Through March 9, the Kennedy Center
🔗 Details

The festival returns to the Kennedy Center for its fifth year with a Vibes & Vinyl Party and Jam Session featuring BLACK GIRLS ROCK!® founder DJ Beverly (Thurs, $45).

An after-dark performance on Saturday, free show next Thursday and Nia Dinero performance round out the schedule.

Alexandria St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Free pick
Sat., 12:15 p.m., King Street in Old Town

The Ballyshaners are back at it!

Pipe bands and Irish dancers will make their way through Old Town Alexandria in a fun parade for the whole family. Here’s a map of the parade route.

• Make a day of it: You’ll find after-parties with live music at Daniel O’Connell’s Irish Restaurant and Bar, Alexandria Bier Garden and King & Rye.

Guinness Open Gate Brewery

Throughout March
🔗 Details

Guinness’ Baltimore outpost is transporting you straight to Dublin all month long.

Live music every Friday, tours and special food and drink experiences make the Guinness Open Gate Brewery a fun St. Patrick’s Day-themed day trip.

The Irish Village will be coming back with themed food stalls, entertainment and more from March 8-10 and 15-17.

Pro tip: This brewery is Guinness’ experimental arm, so try a new brew when you go.

Bond in Motion at Spy Museum

Opens Fri., Southwest D.C., $12
🔗 Details

The iconic cars and bikes you know from the James Bond films are on display at the Spy Museum. Visitors will get an up-close look at six decades of film and espionage history.

Concerts this weekend

Lilly Hiatt, 7:30 p.m. Friday, DC9, $20
A terrific voice in outlaw-leaning country. She’s equally adept at folk songs and rock. And yes, she’s John Hiatt’s daughter. Details. 

Things to do in D.C.

Letterkenny Presents: A Night Of Stand-Up
Sat., 8 p.m., Capital Turnaround, $47-$56 

1921 Beer Garden opens for the season
Thursday, Dupont Circle

Aizuri Quartet
Thurs., 7:30 p.m., Asian Art Museum, $6 in advance with seat selection or free at the door

Sakura: Icon of Spring exhibit
Opens Fri., Library of Congress, free

Things to do in Maryland

Fire & Ice Festival
Sat., noon to 3 p.m., Chevy Chase Lake Terrace, free

Wheel of Fortune Live!
Sat., 7 p.m., The Theater at MGM National Harbor

Things to do in Virginia

Fairfax City Restaurant Week
Through March 3

‘The Power of Two’ opens at Del Ray Artisans Gallery
Fri.

Wheel of Fortune Live!
Fri., 7 p.m., Academy Center of the Arts in Lynchburg

Spring pop-up market
Sat., 1-5 p.m., Lost Boy Cider in Alexandria, free entry

Vienna Restaurant Week
March 3-10

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On Thursday, Z-Burger’s location in Tenleytown will offer free food in honor of Leap Day.

Anyone who presents a government ID showing their birthday as Feb. 29 can get a free single burger, fries and a drink, the restaurant said in a press release.

Not celebrating a birthday? You can still get a free burger – you’ll just have to leap for it!

Customers who leap an inch – whether it be via a jump, hop, skip or other method – can get a free single burger.

The freebies will be offered from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Z-Burger location at 4321 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, D.C.

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The Oceans Calling music festival released its lineup of performers for the music festival returning to the Maryland shore Sept. 27-29, 2024.

Check out the full Oceans Calling 2024 lineup here:

Rockville-born band O.A.R., who has partnered in the festival’s planning, is top-billed for Friday night — and they are scheduled to do a special set with friends. The waterfront festival ups the beachside vibes with lots of options for reggae-rock fans, including Sublime, 311 and Rebelution.

The Beach Boys, Mt. Joy, Boyz II Men, Cage the Elephant, Grouplove, Larkin Poe, The Revivalists and Barenaked Ladies are also on the lineup.

Oceans Calling is set to feature three stages of music, plus cooking demos by chefs Robert Irvine, Amanda Freitag and Marc Murphey, hosted by actor Jason Biggs.

Once festivalgoers’ music and food cravings are satisfied, they can find an adrenaline rush at the Jolly Roger at the Pier amusement park — which will be located within the festival grounds.

Tickets go on presale on Thursday, Feb. 29 at 10 a.m. General admission starts at $299.

The festival made its official debut in 2023, one year after the remnants of a hurricane forced the event to be canceled in 2022.

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The immersive, art-filled after-hours parties will be held during the second Thursdays of March, April and May in the Gallery’s East Building.

There will be light fare, gelato and beverages available for purchase at each event, according to the Gallery.

The Gallery encourages attendees to dress to impress and coordinate with the theme of the night, although there’s no official dress code.

How to get National Gallery Nights tickets

Because National Gallery Nights are so popular, you’ll have to enter a lottery to get tickets to the main event (Activities on the 4th Street Plaza during the April and May events will be open to all, the gallery said).

The lottery will open Monday the week before each event and close the following Thursday at noon. On the Friday before the event, all lottery entrants will be notified whether they won tickets or not.

You can request to reserve up to two passes.

A few in-person passes will also be up for grabs first come, first serve at 5:30 p.m. before each event.

National Gallery Nights schedule

Color Theory

Thursday, March 14
Ticket lottery opens Monday, March 4 at 10 a.m. and closes Thursday, March 7 at noon
Register online here

This multicolored celebration will pay homage to the colors of the rainbow with themed performances and activities. The night will feature Hot Club of Baltimore, DJ Lady Lavender and DJ Native Son.

Attendees can also peruse the colorful artwork in the Gallery’s “Mark Rothko: Paintings on Paper” exhibit and make their own art with the Washington Color School. Color-themed pop-up talks, a scavenger hunt and opportunities to learn about color theory round out the night.

The Scene

The most fun things to do and places to be in D.C., Maryland and Virginia

Washington DC Apr 24, 2023

10 Unique Art Museums and Galleries in the DC Area

Things to Do DC Apr 18, 2022

What are your weekend plans in the DMV? Our free newsletter has ideas

Flowers After Hours

Thursday, April 11
Ticket lottery opens Monday, April 1 at 10 a.m. and closes Thursday, April 4 at noon
Register online here

Celebrate the cherry blossoms with this after-hours floral extravaganza.

Attendees can see artist demonstrations and a dance performance on 4th Street Plaza, which is open to the public.

On the roof terrace, ticket winners can take in art, make wearable flower art with local artist Emily Paluska, listen to pop-up talks with emerging artists and go behind the scenes with staff of the National Gallery.

Attendees can also dance to music from DJ Rustam and take pictures with friends in front of a live flower wall.

Art Prom

Thursday, May 9
Ticket lottery opens Monday, April 29 at 10 a.m. and closes Thursday, May 2 at noon
Register online here

The Gallery encourages prom-goers to wear their “finest formal (or weird and wacky) attire,” according to their website.

Sign up for The Weekend Scene newsletter to get reminders about fun events happening in the D.C. area.

The annual event, which traditionally takes place the day after Easter, will return to the South Lawn on Monday, April 1 (In case you’re about to check your calendar: Easter is March 31).

Tickets for the Easter Egg Roll are free, but there’s a process to get them. First, hopeful visitors must enter an online lottery on this page. The lottery will be open until Monday, March 4 at noon. Winners will be randomly selected and then notified via email on Monday, March 11.

Easter Egg Roll activities are geared toward kids 12 and younger. More details, including the theme and schedule, are scheduled to be released “in the coming weeks,” a White House press release said.

The White House also says it’s looking for volunteers. People who want to help should apply online by Monday, March 4 at noon.

The Easter Egg Roll tradition dates back to 1878. After Congress passed a law forbidding Capitol grounds from being used as a playground, then-President Rutherford B. Hayes invited children to roll Easter eggs outside the White House.

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Artists including Flo Rida and Carly Rae Jepsen will perform after certain Washington Nationals baseball games on Fridays. The concerts will be free for fans who have a ticket for the game.

“With concerts that span a variety of genres all included with a baseball ticket, there will truly be something for everyone at Nationals Park this summer,” Alan H. Gottlieb, the chief operating officer of Lerner Sports Group, said in a press release.

Nationals Summer Concert Series 2024 schedule

Here’s the concert schedule:

• Friday, June 7: Flo Rida will perform after the Washington Nationals vs. Atlanta Braves game.
• Friday, July 19: Carly Rae Jepsen will perform after the Washington Nationals vs. Cincinnati Reds game.
• Friday, Aug. 9: Teddy Swims will perform after the Washington Nationals vs. Los Angeles Angels game.
• Friday, Sept. 27: Lady A will perform after the Washington Nationals vs. Philadelphia Phillies game.

The four games included in the Summer Concert Series are scheduled to begin at 6:45 p.m. The concerts are expected to start approximately 30 minutes after the final out, according to a statement from the team.

Tickets can be bought here.

While the Nationals players are at spring training, the team is preparing for a busy season with Friday Night Fireworks, Pups in the Park and theme days including Weather Day presented by NBC4 Telemundo 44. Here’s the promo schedule, and here’s the full list of specials.

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Can you believe this is the last weekend in February?

Aside from the special days like Super Bowl Sunday, Valentine’s Day and National Margarita Day (on Thursday, Feb. 22!), we see February as a month for museums, shows and movies. This weekend has plenty of each!

Those indoor activities will be welcome with Friday rain and a chilly Saturday in the forecast.

But spring is right around the corner. DC United’s home opener is Saturday, and the Nats are at spring training.

One last thing: we’re flowering with joy to get ready for cherry blossom season! Stay in the loop by signing up for The Weekend Scene newsletter.

Amber Ruffin and Riki Lindhome headline Downtown at the KC Cabaret

Fri. and Sat., The Kennedy Center, $29-$39
🔗 Details

The host of the “Amber Ruffin Show” will headline Friday’s show and the comedian you may know from “Wednesday” or “Garfunkel and Oates” will lead Saturday’s. The weekend of comedy will be hosted by drag king and comedian Murray Hill.

I spy something new at the Spy Museum

You can see America’s first official attempt at espionage now at the Spy Museum – and a version of George Washington who you may recognize from Broadway is helping tell the story.

The Spy Museum has revamped its “Spying Launched a Nation” exhibit, telling the story of America’s first spy network, the Culper Spy Ring, the museum says.

Christopher Jackson, who played Washington in “Hamilton,” brings the former president to life. In hologram-esque form, he reads a one-page letter signed by Washington in 1777 granting spymaster Nathaniel Sackett $500 to set up an intelligence network.

Pro tip: Tickets are cheaper if you buy in advance, the museum says.

• Coming up at the Spy Museum: “Bond in Motion” opens March 1. The official collection of James Bond vehicles includes Aston Martins and a Jaguar.
• See also: The National Law Enforcement Museum relaunches its monthly true crime scavenger hunts on Saturday.
• ICYMI, don’t forget new and noteworthy exhibits of Monet, storybook worlds and orchids.

Omnium Circus

Sat., 7 p.m., Capital One Hall in Tysons, $39+ 
🔗 Details

Omnium, “a bold new circus” is bringing their unique style to Capital One Hall in Tysons, putting performers of all abilities in the spotlight.

Ice Yards

Sat., The Yards Park, $15
🔗 Details

Have an icy good time at this wintry party benefitting Special Olympics DC.

Take a spin on the “world’s longest shot ski” (3 p.m.), a snowboarding simulator, iceless curling and more activities before warming up around a fire pit. 

Want to try the Polar Bear Plunge? An above-ground swimming pool right in Yards Park will let fundraisers take the plunge. Sign up in advance to participate.

Tickets include a drink voucher and a $5 donation to Special Olympics DC. You can purchase them on the website or at the event.

In the Community Feb 22

‘There is always a way': DC interior designer shares inspiring pivot to fashion

San Diego Feb 21

China plans to send San Diego Zoo more pandas this year, reintroducing panda diplomacy

REACH to FOREST Festival

Free pick
Through March 3, the Kennedy Center
🔗 Details

The Kennedy Center has rebooted its festival exploring art, nature and the environment with tons of talks, film screenings and two free family days, Forest Youth Day this Sunday and Forest Wildlife Afternoon on March 3.

If you’re willing to spend $15, you can step inside a 360-degree immersive cinema dome to see an animated 3D movie, “The Life of Trees.”

Film festivals

Grab some popcorn because it’s a great weekend for movies.

The 25th D.C. Independent Film Forum this week showcases 70 feature films, shorts and documentaries, including locally-produced docs “District of Second Chances” and “Feast Your Ears.”

The Smithsonian’s Mother Tongue Film Festival is back at the National Museum of the American Indian with free screenings in languages you may have never heard before.

Oscar nominees

Need to catch up on Oscar nominees before the Academy Awards on March 10?

Best-picture nominees are returning to Regal and AMC theaters, and some tickets are just $5.

For something a little different, Oscar-nominated short films on the big screen always tug at our heartstrings.

• Coming up: The D.C. Film Society hosts an Oscars watch party at Arlington Drafthouse every year. Tickets are on sale now.

Concerts this weekend

Rhett Miller, 8 p.m. Friday, Miracle Theatre, $25

The hip-shakingest frontman of alt-country icons Old 97’s — and a human shampoo commercial — performs solo in a more intimate setting. Details. 

Robbins, 10 p.m. Saturday, Comet Ping Pong, $18.54

Baltimore/D.C. legend who fronted post-hardcore cult heroes Jawbox (among many others) celebrates the release of his new solo record. Details. 

Ken Vandermark’s Edition Redux, 7 p.m. Saturday, $10-$25

MacArthur Prize-winning reedist’s latest ensemble — a quarter — plays jazz informed by various genres from funk to post-punk and experimental jazz of Europe. Details. 

Things to do in D.C.

Washington DC Travel & Adventure Show
Sat. and Sun., Washington Convention Center, $16

Ruck the Runway drag show fundraiser
Sat., 9 p.m., Kiki in Northwest D.C., no cover

Family Funday: Story Time with Black Children’s Book Authors
Sun., metrobar in  640 Rhode Island Avenue NW, $5 per family

Things to do in Maryland

‘80s murder mystery
Thurs., 6 p.m., Le Fantome Food Hall in Riverdale Park, $20-$24

A Hip-Hop 50th Anniversary Celebration with Wordsmith (early show) and DJ Oso Fresh (late show)
Fri., BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown, $25

Mean Girls Drag Show
Sat., Pherm Brewing Company in Gambrills, $15

Greenbelt Animal Shelter Volunteer Orientation
Sat., 4 p.m., City of Greenbelt Police Department, free

Things to do in Virginia

Virginia Black History Month Gala
Sat., Hilton Alexandria Center, $95+

Culpeper Downtown Carnival
Sat., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., free 

Goat Yoga
Sun., 1 p.m., Faith Lutheran Church in Arlington, $40

Championing Black Art: A Conversation with Myrtis Bedolla
Sun., 2 p.m., Smithsonian American Art Museum, free

Daryl Davis Presents: Thanks for the Memories 2023
Sun., 7:30 p.m., The Birchmere. $39.50

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Thursday, Feb. 22 is National Margarita Day!

Below, you can find a list of restaurants and bars in the D.C., Maryland and Virginia area with deals for you to take advantage of (responsibly!).

National Margarita Day deals in D.C., Maryland and Virginia

Bahama Breeze (Woodbridge, Virginia): Classic margaritas will be $2.22 until 9 p.m. at Bahama Breeze.

Chevy’s Fresh Mex (Arlington, Virginia and Greenbelt, Maryland): Sip on strawberry, mango, and original margaritas when you order their $10 margarita flight.

La Catrina Bar & Lounge (Bethesda, Maryland): La Catrina will not only be offering $5 margaritas, $3 tacos and shot specials from 5 p.m.-2 a.m., but they will have a live DJ for all of your dancing and singing needs, too.

Dave & Buster’s (locations in Maryland and Virginia): Get ready for fun and get yourself a $5 margarita at Dave & Buster’s locations nationwide from 4 to 7 p.m.

El Centro (Northwest D.C.): The multi-level Mexican joint in Georgetown says it will offer $5 margaritas all day.

Gringos & Mariachis (Bethesda and Potomac, Maryland): Both locations will offer $8 house margaritas and $8 skinny margaritas. During happy hour from 3-6 p.m., you can find food specials for $7.

Hook Hall (Northwest D.C.): The expansive bar will have $5 margaritas and $40 carafes to make your whole crew happy.

Lauriol Plaza (Northwest D.C.): The Adams Morgan Mexican spot known for its late-night margarita happy hour will offer $4.95 margs by the glass on Margarita Day.

Mi Casa (Northwest D.C.): Classic, mezcal, mango passion fruit and strawberry margaritas will cost just $5 each, all day long.

Mi Vida (Wharf, Penn Quarter, and 14th Street D.C.): Looking for a deal all day long? Mi Vida is offering $22 margarita flights from open to close.

Mission (Navy Yard and Dupont): $6 Mission Margaritas, food specials and discounted tequila shots are on tap in Navy Yard and Dupont.

Miller’s Ale House (Sterling, Virginia and Hyattsville, Maryland): Classic margaritas at Miller’s Ale House cost $4.99 every day.

Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar (Northwest D.C. and Reston, Virginia): The Peruvian spot says it will offer margarita specials all day.

El Rey (Northwest D.C.): The Shaw bar known for its shipping container exterior will be serving happy hour from 5 p.m., food specials and a “triple flavored ‘National Treasure’” marg for $6, in addition to party vibes with a DJ.

Taco City DC (Southeast D.C.): The Capitol Riverfront restaurant will serve up its special rosemary-hibiscus margarita for $8 all day. You can also try $10 mezcals and indulge in food specials, including $12 for two tacos with rice and beans or $14 for three tacos.

Tequila & Taco (Alexandria, Virginia): At Tequila & Taco, if you buy a signature margarita at Tequila & Taco, you get the second for half of the price. Cheers!

Whino (Arlington, Virginia): From 3 to 10 p.m., you can celebrate National Margarita Day at Whino with $10 Astral Blanco margaritas, $12 Banhez Mezcal margaritas and $15 Cadillac margaritas.

More places to visit on Margarita Day

Balos (Northwest D.C.): You may have never tried a Mediterranean-style margarita before, but Thursday could be the day. On National Margarita Day, Balos will be offering their spicy margarita garnished with a spicy rim and feta-stuffed red pepper. The restaurant even boasts a “Greek island oasis” atmosphere.

Barracks Row: Barracks Row Main Street is making it easy to DIY a margarita crawl through the Southeast neighborhood. Here’s their full list of margarita spots.

Chili’s (Virginia and Maryland): If you are hoping to remember National Margarita Day after Feb. 22, Chili’s will send you home with your margarita cup as a keepsake!

Lucha Rosa (Northwest D.C.): For rooftop views on National Margarita Day, you can build your own margarita at this spot on top of the Moxie Hotel with over 130 agave spirits to choose from.

Pascual (Northeast D.C.): Pascual will be serving non-alcoholic margaritas in addition to their classic margarita for National Margarita Day!

The Saga (Northwest D.C.): If you would be open to trying a new spin on a classic margarita, the Saga will be serving their “fluffy” margarita, made with Patrón Reposado, white peach, lime and cloves.

Le Sel (Northwest D.C.): This bistro in the Kimpton Banneker Hotel will be serving a French margarita, called the “Grand Margarita,” for the big day.

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It’s Presidents Day, and plenty of people have the day off. If you’re one of them, here’s how to make the most of it in the D.C. area.

Also, in honor of Frederick Douglass’ birthday, the Library of Congress needs your help transcribing his letters.

Monet: The Immersive Experience

524 Rhode Island Ave. NE
🔗 Details

If a getaway to France isn’t in the cards, you can simply whisk yourself into the iconic landscapes of Claude Monet – right in Northeast D.C.

Monet: The Immersive Experience includes larger-than-life digital renderings and recreations of scenes from some of the most famous impressionist paintings.

Dates are available into mid-April; adult tickets start at $40.90.

Middleburg’s 13th Annual Winter Weekend Sale

Through Mon., Middleburg, Virginia
🔗 Details

The “Nation’s Horse and Hunt Capital” in Loudoun County is the perfect place to hunt for deals. The area also hosts many wineries and restaurants to complete your quick day trip.

Presidents Day

Mount Vernon will offer free admission on Monday and Thursday starting at 9 a.m. Tickets will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis.

Alexandria has events all month, including Monday’s George Washington Birthday Parade.

Something to do in D.C.

Capital Orchestra Festival
Mon., 2 p.m., The Kennedy Center, free

Something to do in Maryland

Savor Bethesda Restaurant Week
Through Feb. 25

Something to do in Virginia

George Washington Birthday Parade
Mon., Alexandria, free

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The exhibit, opening Friday, includes 360-degree digital projections that are two stories tall, recreations of the French painter’s workshop and gardens and virtual reality experiences, according to a press release.

You can find the exhibit in The Rhode Island Center at 524 Rhode Island Ave NE, which you may know because it recently hosted a similar immersive Van Gogh exhibit.

The exhibition will be open from Wednesday to Sunday and closed on Tuesdays. It takes around 90 minutes to explore, and all ages are welcome. 

Tickets go for $30.99 for kids 4-12; $40.90 for adults; and $34.90 for seniors 65 and older, students 13-26 or members of the military. You can get your tickets here. 

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It’s definitely still winter. Storm Team4 is tracking snow chances for Saturday!

If you’re still looking to make your crush, friend or favorite aunt special for Valentine’s Day and Galentine’s Day, here are out-of-the-box activities you can try.

But if you’re SO over it — perhaps because dating in the District is, legendarily, a minefield — check out these hilarious disaster date stories.

Also, in honor of Frederick Douglass’ birthday, the Library of Congress needs your help transcribing his letters.

Monet: The Immersive Experience

Set to open Fri., 524 Rhode Island Ave NE
🔗 Details

If a getaway to France isn’t in the cards, you can simply whisk your Valentine or Galentine into the iconic landscapes of Claude Monet – right in Northeast D.C.

Monet: The Immersive Experience includes larger-than-life digital renderings and recreations of scenes from some of the most famous impressionist paintings.

Dates are available into mid-April; adult tickets start at $40.90.

DC Dessert Festival

Sun., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., 1508 Okie St. NE, D.C.
🔗 Details

Shop from dozens of dessert vendors, play some games and let the kids work off their sugar rush in the kid zone from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday in Ivy City. Admission is free, but do grab tickets!

Middleburg’s 13th Annual Winter Weekend Sale

Fri. to Mon., Middleburg, Virginia
🔗 Details

The “Nation’s Horse and Hunt Capital” in Loudoun County is the perfect place to hunt for deals Feb. 16-19. The area also hosts many wineries and restaurants to complete your quick day trip.

Presidents Day

Mount Vernon will offer free admission on Monday and Thursday starting at 9 a.m. Tickets will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis.

Alexandria has events all month, including Monday’s George Washington Birthday Parade.

Concerts this weekend

Municipal Waste, 6 p.m. (doors) Thursday, Black Cat, $25/$28

Classic cult thrash band that got its start in Richmond’s prolific underground metal/hardcore scene in 2001. Lots of adrenaline and edgy humor. Details. 

Matt Pond PA and Alexa Rose, 8 p.m. Friday, Jammin Java, $17

Story goes Philly singer-songwriter Matt Pond – 25 years in indie rock with a rotating cast of supporting musicians and now based in New York – reached out to Appalachian folk singer Alexa Rose after she name-dropped him in a song. They are celebrating the release of their collaborative EP “Call and Response.” Details. 

Steve Forbert, 8 p.m. Saturday, Jammin Java, $30

An Americana icon who over four-plus decades helped bring the genre attention, then went along for the ride as it grew in popularity. Singer-songwriter Freedy Johnston, who first earned acclaim in the ‘90s, opens. Details. 

Things to do in D.C.

“Ain’t Too Proud”
Through Sun., The Kennedy Center, $45-$179

Jazz Icons: A Fine Romance
Through Sun., The Kennedy Center, $30-$175

Live podcast: Criminal
Fri., The Lincoln Theatre, $35

The Basement 90’s/00’s RNB Party
Fri., Karma Soundstage, $10-$30

Cupid’s Undie Run
Sat., The Wharf, $45 for individual registration

Rock the Rink
Sat., 6-10 p.m., The Wharf Ice Rink
$5 discount on ice skating if you wear Caps gear

Mortified: Doomed Valentines
Sat., doors at 7 p.m., Black Cat, $25

Presidential Family Fun Day
Sat., 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Portrait Gallery, free

Blossom to Beverage: The Story of Chocolate
Sat. and Sun., chocolate tastings at 1 p.m., American Indian Museum, free

Capital Orchestra Festival
Mon., 2 p.m., The Kennedy Center, free

Things to do in Maryland

Film Screening: “Loving”
Thurs., 7 p.m. at the Harmony Hall Arts Center in Fort Washington, $15 

Savor Bethesda Restaurant Week
Feb. 16-25

History Happy Hour: Slavery in the President’s Neighborhood
Fri., 6:30 p.m., Sandy Spring Museum in Sandy Spring, $25

Annual Black History Month Family Day Festival
Sat., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Prince George’s Sports and Learning Complex in Landover

Black History Month Cultural Program
Sun., 2 p.m., Greenbelt Community Center, free

Potomac River Jazz Club’s Mardi Gras concert
Sun., Silver Spring, $20-$25

Things to do in Virginia

Love Is Blind pet adoption event
Thurs., 6-8 p.m., Animal Welfare League in Arlington

Middleburg’s 13th Annual Winter Weekend Sale
Fri. to Mon., Middleburg, Virginia

Flowers Everywhere Workshop
Sat., 6 p.m., Del Ray Artisans Gallery in Alexandria, $60-$70
FYI: Register by noon Thursday

Mardi Gras
Sat., noon to 5 p.m., Aslin Beer Co. in Herndon, Alexandria and D.C., free entry

Washington’s Entertainments: A Birthnight Event
Sat., 6 p.m., Gadsby’s Tavern Museum in Alexandria, $150

George Washington Birthday Parade
Mon., Alexandria, free

Last chance: Winter Lantern Festival
Through Sun., Tysons Corner, $17.99-$25.99

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Jennifer Lopez says she’s going on tour for the first time since 2019. The “This is Me… Now” tour will head to more than 30 cities, including a show at D.C.’s Capital One Arena on Aug. 14.

J. Lo is set to perform her classic hits in addition to songs from her upcoming album that blends pop, R&B and hip hop influences, a press release from Live Nation says.

“Her lyrics delve into the highs and lows of life, love, and relationships with unflinching honesty and introspection as she unveils a genuine story of growth, resilience, hard work, and the transformative power of self love,” the press release said.

“This is Me… Now” drops on Feb. 16. It’s her first album in nearly a decade.

You can already stream “Can’t Get Enough,” the first single from the new album, on any of your favorite platforms.

Lopez’s musical movie “This Is Me…Now: A Love Story” will also start streaming on Prime Video Feb. 16.

It’s a “genre-bending” look at her “journey to love through her own eyes,” Live Nation says.

So if you had been rooting for the J. Lo-Ben Affleck reunion since their breakup in the aughts, you might find some Bennifer Easter eggs somewhere in the “This Is Me… Now” universe.

How to get ‘This Is Me… Now’ tour tickets

The JLo Fan Club presale will begin Tuesday, Feb. 20 at 9 a.m. You can sign up now for access to the presale.

Citi cardmembers can purchase presale tickets for U.S. tour dates Feb. 20 at 10 a.m. through Feb. 22 at 10 p.m.

Verizon customers can participate in a presale for select U.S. tour dates starting Feb. 20 at 10 a.m. through Feb 22. at 10 p.m.

Tickets will go on sale to the general public Friday, Feb. 23 at 10 a.m.

“This Is Me… Now” tour dates

Wed Jun 26 | Orlando, FL | Kia Center

Fri Jun 28 | Miami, FL | Kaseya Center

Tue Jul 02 | Austin, TX | Moody Center

Wed Jul 03 | Edinburg, TX | Bert Ogden Arena

Fri Jul 05 | San Antonio, TX | Frost Bank Center

Sat Jul 06 | Dallas, TX | American Airlines Center

Tue Jul 09 | Phoenix, AZ | Footprint Center

Thu Jul 11 | Los Angeles, CA | Kia Forum

Sat Jul 13 | Anaheim, CA | Honda Center

Tue Jul 16 | San Francisco, CA | Chase Center

Wed Jul 17 | Sacramento, CA | Golden 1 Center

Fri Jul 19 | Palm Springs, CA | Acrisure Arena

Sat Jul 20 | Las Vegas, NV | T-Mobile Arena

Mon Jul 22 | Denver, CO | Ball Arena

Wed Jul 24 | Tulsa, OK | BOK Center

Fri Jul 26 | Rosemont, IL | Allstate Arena

Sat Jul 27 | Indianapolis, IN | Gainbridge Fieldhouse

Tue Jul 30 | Pittsburgh, PA | PPG Paints Arena

Wed Jul 31 | Detroit, MI | Little Caesars Arena

Fri Aug 02 | Toronto, ON | Scotiabank Arena

Mon Aug 05 | Montreal, QC | Bell Centre*#

Wed Aug 07 | Boston, MA | TD Garden

Fri Aug 09 | Belmont Park, NY | UBS Arena

Sat Aug 10 | Newark, NJ | Prudential Center

Tue Aug 13 | Philadelphia, PA | Wells Fargo Center

Wed Aug 14 | Washington, DC | Capital One Arena

Fri Aug 16 | New York, NY | Madison Square Garden

Tue Aug 20 | Cleveland, OH | Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse

Thu Aug 22 | Nashville, TN | Bridgestone Arena

Sat Aug 24 | Raleigh, NC | PNC Arena

Sun Aug 25 | Atlanta, GA | State Farm Arena

Tue Aug 27 | Tampa, FL | Amalie Arena

Fri Aug 30 | New Orleans, LA | Smoothie King Center

Sat Aug 31 | Houston, TX | Toyota Center

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