Maryland

For Your Weekend: Pop-Up Museum Takes Over U St. Corridor Block

With spring in full swing, the entire city is excited to get out and smell the flowers — Even amid some muggy weather and rain this weekend.

Emancipation Day is coming up on Tuesday, and that means a full celebration with fireworks and music

It's also the last weekend of reduced track work on Metro as the National Cherry Blossom Festival draws to a close with some of its best events.

Here's how to spend your weekend around the District, whether you're a blossom booer or flower fan:

All Weekend

Free Pick
Umbrella Pop-Up
April 12, 5 p.m. to April 14, 8 p.m.
2114 14th Street Northwest

Multiple galleries, art installations and special projects will take over this block near the U Street Corridor through the weekend, says organizer No Kings Collective.

It's free to attend, but you must register in advance.

The space was occupied by Martha's Table, but the social services organization recently moved over to Ward 8.

Washington Auto Show
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
April 5-14

The Washington Auto Show is back with a huge lineup of events, activities and guests. Drivers can test out an electric car or watch Jaguar Land Rovers and Jeeps take on obstacle courses. Families can enjoy a pet adoption center or meet costumed characters at the kids' zone.

Tickets are $12 for adults, $5 for kids 6-12 and free for children under 5. Students, active and veteran military members, metro riders and seniors can also get discounts.

Cherry Blossom Pop-Up Bar
Through April 21
1839 7th St. NW

Slurp down ramen and floral-themed drinks. The D.C. hot spot has hosted various other themed bars in the past, featuring Game of Thrones, Royal Wedding and Christmas themes.

"In Peak Bloom" at ARTECHOUSE
Through May 27
1238 Maryland Ave. SW

The larger-than-life main exhibit allows you to interact with a swirling cherry blossom cloud, while other rooms feature live plants that respond to your touch and augmented reality stories. Adult tickets start at $15.

Arlington Festival of the Arts
April 13th, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and April 14th 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
3003 Washington Blvd., Arlington, VA

The Arlington Festival of the Arts is back for its seventh year. This weekend, check out their outdoor arts fair, where you can buy goods made by local artisans. Admission is free.

Mid-Atlantic CrossFit Challenge
April 12 to 14, times vary
D.C. Armory, 2001 E Capitol St. SE

Head to the D.C. Armory this weekend to watch 800 of the best CrossFit athletes compete in the Mid-Atlantic Crossfit Challenge. This is the first time that D.C. has hosted the competition. A spectator ticket also gives you access to the vendor village.

DC Comedy Festival
Various times and locations

The D.C. Comedy Festival is underway this weekend. Drafthouse Comedy hosts a showcase at 11 p.m. Friday and you can find more shows on their Twitter page.

Smithsonian Jazz Film Festival
Various times
Warner Bros. Theater at the National Museum of American History, Wallace H. Coulter Performance Plaza, 1 West

Smithsonian Jazz Film Festival
Various times
Warner Bros. Theater at the National Museum of American History, Wallace H. Coulter Performance Plaza, 1 West

See different jazz-themed movies, including "La La Land," "Whiplash" and more. Movies are playing until April 29. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10.50 for children, with discounts available. 

Game of Homes: Name-Your-Price Adoption
Ends Sunday
Animal Welfare League of Arlington, 2650 South Arlington Mill Drive

Animal Welfare League of Arlington is offering a name-your-price adoption fee for all adoptable animals in the shelter throughout Sunday. Snuggle up with a new pet to watch the "Game of Thrones" season premiere. 

For Saturday

Free Pick
Family Day at the NAS Building: DecisionTown in the World of Genomics
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
2101 Constitution Avenue Northwest

The Natonal Academy of Sciences wants to invite Washington-area families to enjoy hands-on activities that show off everything they can do, from DNA testing to registering inventions to a laser show.

It's free to attend.

National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th Streets Northwest

Watch giant balloons, floats, a marching band, celebrities and more at the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, which travels along Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th streets Northwest. Grandstand seating for the event is $20 per ticket, but standing along Constitution Avenue is free.

Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival
10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Pennsylvania Avenue, Northwest Between 3rd and 7th Streets

The Cherry Blossom Festival has roots in Japan, and this annual festival connects the District to the food, art, performances and culture of the country that gifted the first set of trees.

Regular tickets start online at $11.09 (which includes a free that goes towards planting cherry trees). 

Free Pick
Emancipation Day Celebration
Freedom Plaza (Pennsylvania Avenue and 14th Street Northwest)
2 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

On April 16, 1862, slavery was abolished in the District and 3,100 people won their long-awaited freedom.

More than 150 years later, D.C. continues to commemorate Emancipation Day  with joyful celebrations, fireworks, parades and a concert.

The parade kicks off at 2 p.m., followed by a concert starting at 3 p.m. Fireworks are scheduled to go off around 8:30 p.m.

Capitals' Game
3 p.m.
Capital One Arena, 601 F St. NW

The Capitals take on the Carolina Hurricanes this weekend at Capital One Arena. Go in-person or watch on NBC4.

D.C. Wine Fest
Times vary
Long View Gallery, 1234 9th St. NW

The D.C. Wine Fest promises great food, art exhibitions, live music and, of course, tastings of wine from all over the world. A ticket includes access to all wine tastings.

Free Pick
Potomac Watershed Cleanup
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Multiple locations

The 31st Annual Potomac Watershed Cleanup is this Saturday. Spend time volunteering at multiple locations in the D.C. area picking up litter. Last year, over 346,000 pounds of trash were collected. 

For Sunday

Kingman Festival Preview Show
12 to 6 p.m.
2052 West Virginia Avenue Northeast #102

In preparation for the 10th Annual Kingman Island Bluegrass and Folk Festival next month, Atlas Brew Works is holding a preview show of some of the artists set to play the festival. At the event, enjoy performances by Hollertown and Split String Soup, as well as giveaways and raffles. The event is free to enter.

Cherry Blossom 5k Run
8 a.m.
The National Arboretum, 2400 R. St. NE

Friends of the National Arboretum are hosting a 5k run this weekend to conclude Cherry Blossom season. Registration is $35 but includes a free t-shirt.

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