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The 27 best things to do in D.C. this weekend and next week

Celebrate cherry blossoms with kites on the National Mall and fireworks at the Wharf. Hunt for Easter eggs or dance at a "Country Carter" release party.

By Fritz Hahn, Sophia Solano, Zoe Glasser, Chris Richards, Adele Chapin, Chris Kelly | 2024-03-28

Don't worry if you didn't get tickets for Monday's annual White House Easter Egg Roll: There are plenty of other chances to celebrate with bunnies and eggs this weekend, with events across the area for kids, and even a few for grown-ups. The weather forecast looks pretty good for the weekend -- at least at press time -- meaning cherry blossom-related festivals and events should be able to avoid the rain-related chaos of last Saturday, which led to the postponement of Bloomaroo at the Wharf and the Art of Pink at National Landing. Bloomaroo is giving it another go, with live music, activities and fireworks on Saturday, while the Blossom Kite Festival takes over the National Mall. Other highlights include release parties for Beyonce's "Act II: Country Carter" with drag queens, DJs and lemonade margaritas; Robert Glasper celebrating Duke Ellington and J Dilla at the Kennedy Center; and the Nationals' Opening Day on Easter Monday, which finds bars and restaurants opening early with food and drink specials and entertainment.

Awesome Tapes From Africa at Showtime

Since 2006, Awesome Tapes From Africa has been a rewarding way to discover and immerse yourself in sounds from across the African continent, whether griots from Mali, rap from Niger or traditional songs from Sudan. The project started as a blog, because that was the style at the time, with links to download African music that had been released on cassette. (Founder Brian Shimkovitz had spent a year in Ghana doing research on local music.) Awesome Tapes From Africa has become much more, though: a record label, an online store selling physical copies to benefit the artists that made them and a way for Shimkovitz to spread the joy that the music brings through concerts and DJ nights. He's visiting D.C.'s Showtime this week, where he'll DJ on cassettes, of course, and start a dance party in the cozy Bloomingdale lounge. 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. Free.

Becky Lynch at Sixth and I

In her new book, the WWE star (real name: Rebecca Quin) shares the story of how she forged a path for female wrestlers, from her childhood in Ireland to her WrestleMania wins. She's in conversation with "The Loudest Girl in the World" podcast host Lauren Ober. Signed copies of her book, "Becky Lynch, the Man: Not Your Average Girl," are available for purchase with a ticket. 6 p.m. $12 virtually; $25 in person.

Toast to the Blossoms Cocktail Tasting in Navy Yard

First things first: This is not a sit-down cocktail tasting session, but an exploration of cherry-blossom-themed beverages at six bars and restaurants around the Navy Yard neighborhood -- not all of which are cocktails! The ticket includes drinks like the Pink Reflections at District Winery (gin infused with cherry blossom tea, mixed with litchi, cranberry and rose water); the Cherry Blossom Manhattan at Scarlet Oak (whiskey, cherry blossom vermouth and bitters) and a choice of cherry blossom beers from Virginia's Old Ox and Maryland's Liquidity Aleworks at Tap 99. Pink Taco, Silver Social and Walters are also on the cherry blossom trail. Registration is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and participants have until 10 p.m. to claim all their drinks. 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. $40.

'Pattern and Paradox: The Quilts of Amish Women' at Smithsonian American Art Museum

Quilts made by Amish women between 1880 and 1950 are the focus of this exhibit, showing off these utilitarian objects as incredibly intricate works of art. "Pattern and Paradox: The Quilts of Amish Women" explores Amish culture and the contradiction that arose when self-described "Plain People" devoted to humility created crafts that turned out to be quite valuable in worldly terms. The exhibit opens March 28, but mark your calendars for a free gallery talk April 12 at 11:30 a.m. Through Sept. 2. Free.

Kate Clover at Pie Shop

With her latest project, Los Angeles rocker Kate Clover looks back fondly on the original punks of her hometown, including X, the Germs and the Gun Club. Her debut album, "Bleed Your Heart Out," was full to the brim with straight-ahead punk rock, and the first taste of her next album, "The Apocalypse Dream," takes her California dreams to a sock hop like Marty McFly in a DeLorean. 8 p.m. $15-$18.

'The Enduring Legacy of Frederick Douglass' at National Portrait Gallery

In conjunction with the museum's exhibition "One Life: Frederick Douglass," this panel discussion with the exhibition's co-curators, a Harvard University African American studies professor and Douglass's great-great-great-grandson looks at how the abolitionist used speeches and his personal narrative in his activism. 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Free.

'Cowboy Carter' release parties

Beyonce's highly anticipated "Act II: Cowboy Carter" is released into the world on Friday, and fans have a chance to celebrate the new music at events at D.C. bars. Tex-Mex favorite Republic Cantina, owned by a Texan, is putting the album on repeat from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m., with specials including a lemonade margarita, because of course. (9 p.m. Free.) Drag queen KC B. Yonce, known for note-perfect performances to Beyonce songs from drag brunches to the Capital Pride stage, is the featured host at Trade's "Beyonce Boots the House Down" party, which also features Mari Con Carne, Orpheus, MissT Rose Sidora and DJ Sidekick at the 14th Street NW bar. (10 p.m. Free.) Up near U Street, Shakers promises "a full night of Beyonce's Best Bops" after the weekly "RuPaul's Drag Race" viewing party. DJ Miscalculated spins all night, with performances by Druex Sidora, Sasha Adams Sanchez, Amber St. Lexington, Tiara Missou Sidora and Elecktra Gee beginning at 11 p.m. (Doors open at 5 p.m. Free.)

Cherry Night at various locations

Many events during the National Cherry Blossom Festival are targeted at all ages. Not the annual Cherry Night, which brings DJs, drink specials and themed parties to five bars around the area. Wundergarten brings "Pink Friday: A Nicki Minaj Dance Party" to NoMa, while National Landing's Water Park outdoor food hall and Mercy Me's "Blossom Garden" are also hosting gatherings. The unofficial dress code is, of course, pink and white. Times vary by location; see the National Cherry Blossom Festival's website for participating venues and to RSVP.

Blossom Kite Festival at the Washington Monument

The National Cherry Blossom Festival's signature event of the weekend is the Blossom Kite Festival, which returns to the Washington Monument grounds on Saturday afternoon. Watch demonstrations and "kite ballets" from master Japanese kite fliers, or watch local kite enthusiasts show off their best tricks. Kids can make and fly their own kites, or enjoy live music in the Family Field. (10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free.) While kites fly, the nearby Sylvan Theatre is the site of the Sakura Taiko Fest, which features traditional Japanese drumming groups from the D.C. area and across the country. (Noon to 5 p.m. Free.)

Bloomaroo at the Wharf

Bloomaroo at the Wharf is also family-friendly -- there's a kids craft zone with kite decorating and balloon artists -- but there's live music on multiple stages, including go-go by the Chuck Brown Band and soulful covers from party-starters Jimi Smooth and HitTime. Look for bars and restaurants serving cherry-blossom-inspired cocktails. Watch Japanese cultural demonstrations, or belt out a song at the karaoke station. The evening is capped with fireworks, starting at 8:30 p.m. 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Free.

Spring Arts & Crafts and Egg Hunt at the Anacostia Community Museum

The Anacostia Community Museum's Easter celebration is inspired by its new exhibition, "A Bold and Beautiful Vision: A Century of Black Arts Education in Washington, D.C., 1900-2000." Artist Tamara Thomas leads a hands-on creative workshop for children ages 4 and older, followed by an egg hunt on the museum's grounds. Noon to 3 p.m. Free; reservations required.

Easter Egg Hunt at the Tregaron Conservancy

The sprawling Tregaron Conservancy in Cleveland Park is one of D.C.'s best community green spaces, and it hosts a pair of Easter egg hunts, including one section of the 13-acre grounds just for children younger than 5. BYOB -- bring your own basket -- and be there before 10 a.m., when the rush begins. 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Free; registration required.

Easter at Mosaic

The Easter Bunny is the special guest at the Mosaic District, where an outdoor Easter egg hunt is followed by a family foam party in the central Strawberry Park and a meet-and-greet with the big star. 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Free.

Easter Egg Hunt and Children's Book Fair at Metrobar

Metrobar's annual Easter party is a showcase for local Black children's book authors, with story times and a book fair, but also features an Easter egg hunt in the outdoor beer garden in Edgewood, with prizes for all kids. Noon to 5 p.m.; hunt at 2:30 p.m. $5 per family.

Easter Egg Hunt at Quincy Hall

Of course, adults aren't completely left out of the fun: Ballston's Quincy Hall is bringing back its indoor/outdoor Easter egg hunt. More than 40 eggs will be hidden in the blocks and plazas around the Fairfax Drive bar, as well as inside the bar itself, filled with gifts ranging from a free order of wings to a catered pizza party. The hunt continues until all eggs are found. 11 a.m. Free.

'Robert Glasper -- Black Radio: A Duke x Dilla Celebration' at the Kennedy Center

If you're surprised to hear that the pianist Robert Glasper has been booked by the Kennedy Center to celebrate the expansive songbooks of Duke Ellington and J Dilla within the tight frame of a single performance, here's something Glasper declared in an interview more than a decade ago with a cool shrug: "Hip-hop is the new jazz. ... It's a music that reflects a society. It's a music that speaks to things going on in the era you're in." Helping Glasper with those conversations are artists including De La Soul and the Black Radio Orchestra, led by Derrick Hodge. 8 p.m. $85-$249.

Lions, Tigers and Beers at Snappy's Small Bar

How does everyone's favorite new neighborhood bar raise money for the World Wildlife Fund's wildlife and climate resilience program? With a patio party offering tattoos (real or temporary), pit beef sandwiches (with tiger sauce), raffles and the usual drinks. Proceeds benefit WWF programs helping tigers in Bhutan and Nepal. 3:30 p.m. Free admission.

Bunny Bash at St. Vincent Wine

If you thought this New Orleans-inspired Park View wine bar only served libations, think again (though it absolutely does serve libations, including this Easter Sunday). St. Vincent Wine is holding a Southern-style "bacchanalia" in the form of its outdoor Bunny Bash, complete with live jazz, an egg hunt and a menu of Easter classics. Reservations cost $15 per person, which entitles each guest to a mimosa or a glass of champagne. Choose from "sweets," like orange-cream-cheese-stuffed French toast; "savories" like a local farm frittata with mushrooms, kale and ricotta; and "smalls" like duck-fat latkes topped with bourbon-apple chutney. Prices range from $9 to $19 per plate, and reservations are available until 3 p.m., though brunch runs until 6 p.m. Noon to 6 p.m., $15.

Easter Egg Hunt at Astro Beer Hall

Shirlington's Astro Beer Hall opens its doors to families on Easter for its first Easter egg hunt, where kids can fill their baskets with eggs containing prizes like candy, stickers and other treats, including a $100 gift card. The Easter Bunny is available for photos throughout the event. There's also brunch, with mini cake doughnuts, pancakes, Belgian waffles and bloody marys. 10 a.m. to noon. Free.

Easter Egg Hunt at Franklin Hall

Shaw's Franklin Hall takes a brief break from March Madness screenings on Easter Sunday to let customers search for eggs containing coupons for beers, bar swag and money off their tabs. Wear your best bunny ear headband to pose for photos with the Easter Bunny. 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Free.

Bach Birthday Bash at the National Gallery of Art

Happy 339th birthday, Johann Sebastian Bach. It's not an anniversary that ends in a 0 or 5, but the great composer is celebrated with an afternoon of music at the National Gallery of Art's West Garden court. Join award-winning cellist Sophie Shao for a discussion and performances of two of Bach's cello suites and other pieces at noon and 1 p.m. Grammy-nominated classical guitarist Mak Grgic discusses Bach during a performances at 2 p.m., and then performs his transcription of Sonata No. 1 for Solo Violin, and preludes and fugues from "The Well-tempered Clavier" with harpsichordist Stephen Ackert. Registration is required for performances, but not the talks. Noon to 4:15 p.m. Free.

Erika de Casier at the Atlantis

There's something bold about an artist naming their first two albums "Essentials" and "Sensational," but Erika de Casier has enough cool confidence to pull it off. Just listen to how her wispy vocals insist on love in a way reminiscent of countdown-to-Y2K music by Aaliyah and Janet, her room-to-breathe productions shimmying and sauntering with a palette of pop sounds gone by. The Danish singer-producer has been steadily building a following since self-releasing her debut in 2019, and she dropped her third album, "Still," on the celebrated British label 4AD last month. "Still" is full of familiar moments and moods. Standout "Ice" is a collaboration with rap duo They Hate Change that chronicles a chilly relationship and evokes memories of rap-R&B duets pumped out by the Ja Rule-Ashanti industrial complex. "Lucky," which sounds like Michelle Branch's "A Thousand Miles" if it were a drum-and-bass anthem, palpitates with the rush of young love, while "The Princess" is a ballad dedicated to the self and the urge to do it all: to have love and lust, to be a mom and have a job. 6:30 p.m. $25.

Easter Monday at the National Zoo

Spending Easter Monday at the National Zoo has been a tradition since the early 1900s, especially for Black Washingtonians. This year features a scavenger hunt in the zoo's Great Meadow from 10 a.m. to noon, with 15 stations introducing children to scientists and resident animals. Special keeper talks and demonstrations take place throughout the day. Remember: Passes are required for entry, and should be reserved online. Buildings open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free.

Opening Day at Nationals Park

The Nationals begin yet another rebuilding year in Cincinnati on Thursday, but their home debut is Monday at 4:05 p.m. against Pittsburgh. Gates at Nationals Park open at 2 p.m., with live music from the 19th Street Band; tunes by DJ Stylus Chris; an appearance by the Clydesdales; and face painters, balloon twisters and other entertainers. The team is also introducing a new pregame happy hour, with $5 Budweiser, Bud Light and Michelob Ultra cans and $6 hard seltzers at the Budweiser Terrace, Brew House and Ultra Loft until the first pitch of every home game.

Most of the action, though, is taking place outside the park, where bars and restaurants are eager to welcome fans back after a long winter. The Salt Line is opening early at noon, and happy hour runs until 6 p.m. with half-price local oysters, discounted wine and draft beer and cocktails. A special bar with $10 orange and grapefruit crushes opens at 2 p.m., and DJ Harry Hotter spins from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Around the corner, All Purpose also opens at noon, and is marking the day with the debut of All-Purpose Pils, an exclusive dry-hopped Italian lager made by DC Brau.

Bluejacket is showing off its renovated patio bar beginning at 11 a.m., grilling half-smokes from Red Apron and featuring its seasonal IPA Perfect Places. Due South opens at 1 p.m. with live music and $20 beer buckets and $2 select beers during the game. The Bullpen announced earlier this month that it was returning for another baseball season, and the vast beer garden opens its gates at 1 p.m. If you're going to tailgate, not watch baseball, remember that drinks are $5 between the third and seventh innings. And if you are going to the game, check out District Winery, which is offering half-price glasses at the tasting bar and half-price bottles to take home (after the game, obviously) when you show a ticket for that day's game, all season long.

Dyngus Day

If you're not from Buffalo, Cleveland or another Midwestern city with a large Polish population, you might not be familiar with Dyngus Day. This annual rite of spring, which dates back to the late middle ages in Poland, Ukraine and other Central European countries, is held on Easter Monday to mark the end of Lent, and involves marching, beatings with pussy willows and dousing with water. In D.C., however, it's a chance to party. A group of Buffalo expats began throwing Dyngus Day parties at Biergarten Haus in 2017 with a polka band, pierogies and Polish lager, but after the closure of the H Street beer garden, they're moving the celebration to Union Pub on Capitol Hill, complete with the TKO Band, kielbasa platters and plenty of beer, starting at 6 p.m. Across the Potomac, another group of Buffalo expats -- the Bills Backers of Northern Virginia -- are hosting their own Dyngus Day at Alexandria's Light Horse Restaurant from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., with live polka from the Justin Paschalides Duo and food and drink specials.

'Pay Attention to Us' comedy show at Songbyrd Music House

Founded in 2020 and held regularly at Songbyrd since 2022, the lineup of "Pay Attention to Us" features diverse comedians, including Togolese-born comic and show founder Yannick. This iteration, billed as an April Fools show, includes D.C.-area performers like Xavier Morgan and Rola Z. 7 p.m. $10-$20.

Brews and the Big Screen at Angelika Pop-Up

The latest retro film series around Union Market isn't a drive-in, but weekly screenings at the Angelika Pop-Up. Every Wednesday in April, there's a different "cult classic" movie paired with discounted drinks at the bar. Brews and the Big Screen kicks off with "Dazed & Confused," which we surely need to say nothing about, and is followed by "Inglourious Basterds" (April 10) and "Animal House" (April 17). 7 p.m. $13.


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