For Your Weekend: Festivals Celebrate Blossoms, Hardcore Punk, Rosé, Bollywood and More
By Sophia Barnes ••
There's endless festivals, music and fun activities happening in D.C. this weekend — our guess is that everyone expected a beautiful peak bloom season. Instead, we're getting snow.
Don't let that stop you! From festivals celebrating fireworks and cherry blossoms, pink wines, Wes Anderson, science, hardcore punk and Union Market's street food to self-defense classes and a giant pillow fight, here's the best and brightest for your weekend in D.C.
The Science and Engineering Festival boasts thousands of fun activities, stage shows and talks with scientists, all meant to encourage an interest in science, technology, engineering and math. The festival is free to attend but you must register in advance.
All-day live music, free fitness classes, special food offerings and pop-up shops will be out in force for the Union Market streetfest. DC United will be doing soccer drills with kids and Cotton & Reed will roast a pig. Could they please do this every weekend?
If you missed the home opener, no worries! They lost anyway. The Nationals will be back at it this weekend. Cheap seats start at $12 and Goldstar is offering discounts on gallery and box seats.
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The Presidents get funky during an MLB baseball game between the Philadelphia Phillies and Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on June 10, 2016 in Washington, DC.
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The Presidents Race mascots have a stretch prior to game two of the National League Division Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on October 8, 2016 in Washington, DC.
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Nationals mascot Teddy rides a Segway during the presidents race during the game between the Washington Nationals and the Philadelphia Phillies at Nationals Park on June 1, 2011 in Washington, DC.
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Thomas gets trampled by a T-Rex during the Presidents Race in game one of the National League Division Series at Nationals Park between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Washington Nationals on October 7, 2016 in Washington, DC.
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A mascot representing HBO's VEEP Selina Meyer takes part in the Washington Nationals Presidents Race during a game between the Chicago White Sox and Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on April 9, 2013 in Washington, DC.
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Teddy, one of the racing Presidents makes an appearance at the Annual preseason tour of Nationals Park in Washington, DC on March 28, 2017.
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The presidents collide with the The Pirates Pierogies at Nationals Park on June 19, 2015 in Washington, DC.
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Teddy is tackled by a T-rex at the finish line during the Presidents Race during game two of the National League Division Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on October 9, 2016 in Washington, DC.
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The presidents play volleyball in the presidents race during the game between the Washington Nationals and the San Francisco Giants at Nationals Park on August 7, 2016 in Washington, DC.
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Dressed as the gnome giveaway of Jayson Werth #28 of the Washington Nationals, a staff member hits Abraham Lincoln with a bat during the President's Race entertainment show at Nationals Park on August 5, 2014 in Washington, DC. The New York Mets won, 6-1.
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The President's race in canoes during a game between the Washington Nationals and Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park on August 14, 2016 in Washington, DC. The Nationals won 9-1.
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Racing President Teddy Roosevelt waves to fans during the sixth inning of the game against the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park on August 14, 2016 in Washington, DC.
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Teddy holds his championship belt after winning the race of the Presidents during a MLB game against the Houston Astros at Nationals Park, in Washington D.C.
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Members of the Presidents Mascots pose for a photo between innings of the Chicago Cubs and Washington Nationals game at Nationals Park on July 6, 2011 in Washington, DC. Their message to fans said "Vote 4 Morse - Beast Mode" — a petition to get more votes for Michael Morse in the All Star Game.
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Racing President George Washington walks through a doorway, just barely, during a rain delay in the game between the Washington Nationals and the Philadelphia Phillies at Nationals Park on June 4, 2014 in Washington, DC.
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Gloating all the way, Washington Nationals mascot Teddy Roosevelt wins the president's race for the first time during the game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Nationals Park on October 3, 2012 in Washington, DC.
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Abe and George on bikes and race to the finish line during a baseball game between the Washington Nationals and the St. Louis Cardinals at Nationals Park on April 11, 2017 in Washington, D.C. The Nationals won 8-3.
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The presidents from The Presidents Race race with the The Pirates Pierogies at Nationals Park on June 21, 2015 in Washington, DC.
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The Presidents get ready to race in game two of the National League Division Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on October 9, 2016 in Washington, DC.
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Washington Nationals mascot Screech celebrates after a 5-4 victory against the Detroit Tigers at Nationals Park on May 9, 2013 in Washington, DC.
Professionals plan to give demonstrations and advice on staying safe in everyday situations. A portion of proceeds from the class ($15 plus ticket fees) go tot the D.C. Rape Crisis Center.
Lorde, Blossom Bash, All Black Extravaganza, Petalpalooza
It's a major weekend for music in D.C.! Catch free local bands at Petalpalooza on The Wharf, Monica, BJ The Chicago Kid and The Chuck Brown Band at The Anthem's All Black Extravaganza, Third Eye Blind at The Anthem's Blossom Bash or mosh hard at the Damaged City Festival. Lorde is coming to town. She doesn't need a festival because she's more accomplished at age 21 than most people are at age 40.
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L-R: Wiz Khalifa, Diana Ross, Billie Eilish
New Kids on the Block
New Kids on the Block are returning to Washington, D.C.! The legendary boy band will be here in 2019 — and they're not coming alone. Special guests on the tour include Salt-N-Pepa, Tiffany, Debbie Gibson and Naughty by Nature. Tickets for VIP packages and fan club members went on sale Oct. 9. Tickets opened for the rest of the public Oct. 12.
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Courtesy: Backstreet Boys DNA World Tour
Backstreet's back July 12 at Capital One Arena, alright? And DC can count themselves lucky: This is the boys' first U.S. stop after an extensive European tour.
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Damaged City Festival April 5 to 8, The Black Cat, All Souls Unitarian Church and Hole In The Sky
Radioactivity, Blazing Eye, Brown Sugar, Blood Pressure, Wildhoney, Firewalker, Nosebleed and Rashomon kick off the inaugural show of the festival at a 6:30 p.m. show. Tickets are $25. A late show follows at 11 p.m. Check out the full schedule of shows, which last all weekend, here.
Wes Anderson Retrospective Friday, Saturday and Sunday, various times at the National Museum of American History
Transport to the awkwardly realistic and fantastical universe of Wes Anderson through this small-scale film festival. "Rushmore," "The Darjeeling Limited," The Grand Budapest Hotel," "The Royal Tenenbaums," "Moonrise Kingdom" and "Bottle Rocket" will all screen at the National Museum of American History this weekend. Tickets are $12.
The AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center is screening Bollywood classics"Bareilly Ki Barfi," "Newton" (a 2018 Oscar's selection), "Secret Superstar" and "Ittefaq" this weekend. Movies are in Hindi with English subtitles. The full schedule is here and you can buy tickets here.
A slice of the fantastical and larger-than-life arts festival Burning Man has taken over the Renwick Gallery and even spilled out onto the surrounding streets. Expect a lot of buzz and selfie-takers, but between the virtual reality experience, the epic Grand Salon makeover and the larger-than-life displays, it'll be worth the inevitable lines and crowds.
Check out our first look here:
The Renwick's "No Spectators: The Art of Burning Man" features pieces from the festival and original artworks, like the grand archway pictured above. See the goddesses holding the eyes? Creators Michael Garlington and Natalia Bertotti shared this tip for full enjoyment: peek inside the pupils!
Artist Marco Cochrane's plans to bring a 45-foot statue of a dancing woman to the National Mall didn't work out, but this 18-foot version now has a home in the Renwick. The exhibit will be open until January 21, 2019.
The relaxing cushions and dancing lights on the Grand Salon's ceiling are gone, making way for a detailed wooden display in the style of effigies built at Burning Man.
A detailed light fixture baths the Grand Salon in a mellow light. No worries if you loved the cushy pillows: another room, decked out with pillows and dancing starfish, is devoted to slothful pursuits.
The cautiously carved walls have enough details to keep you gazing all day.
Some of Burning Man's fantastical transportation options are on display, including the "Evotrope."
This bike calls to mind an old-timey movie — literally. The images on the wheel can be viewed in a different light as they spin.
Many pieces play with light, including Trocto, a piece by artist duo Yelena Filipchuk and Serge Beaulieu, the two halves of HYBYCOZO. Even if you don't make it to the Renwick, you can see one of their pieces outside at the intersection of Connecticut Avenue Northwest and K Street Northwest.
"An unintelligible passionate yearning drove them out into the desert - TE Lawrence." Tens of thousands of people fufill that urge annually at the Burning Man Festival, which attracts artists, celebrities and tech company CEOs alike.
The "City of Dust: The Evolution of Burning Man" room delves into the history and culture of the festival.
Some Burning Man costumes go far beyond your typical trendy fest-wear.
Consider your flower crown one-upped.
Desert fashion for the heat-proof.
One million people are expected to visit the Burning Man exhibit, Kim Cook, the director of art and civic engagement for the project told reporters.
The exhibit is meant to connect anyone to the Burning Man experience — even if you're on the East Coast or can't afford a ticket.
Pictured above, a ferocious art car.
The virtual reality experience is one of the most innovative parts of the museum: a 2-minute, immersive experience that brings you to the desert.
No spoilers, but note the red dot on the floor. Step on one during your visit for a Alice In Wonderland-esque surprise.
The exhibit extends out onto the surrounding streets for a public art exhibit called "Beyond the Renwick. Above, a likeness of Maya Angelou. Check out the map of outdoor exhibits here.
Meet Lucinda and Tom, two crows who have moved in downtown. Check out the map of outdoor exhibits here.
This cute, waving bear has fur made of pennies.Check out the map of outdoor exhibits here.
Right on Connecticut and K streets, HYBYCOZO's Golden Spike honors where math and art meet.Check out the map of outdoor exhibits here.
Artist Kate Raudenbush explored: What would a modern monument to technology look like years after humans left the temple behind? Check out the map of outdoor exhibits here.
Artist Kate Raudenbush shows off the hourglass inside "Future's Past."
Inside or out, the Renwick's exhibit is infinitely Instagram-able.
Cherry Blossoms Reach Peak Bloom
The cherry blossoms have finally arrived at the peak bloom stage, after weeks of unseasonably cold weather caused the National Park Service to push back their projected days twice.
Go see it ASAP — they’ll probably look gorgeous in Saturday morning’s expected snow, but who knows how they’ll look after.
Bundle up and consider cozying up in one of The Wharf's restaurants or bars for this fireworks, music, art and cherry blossom celebration. The fireworks are set to be set off between Hains Point and The Anthem... so stake out your spot carefully. Check the Facebook event in case of weather issues.
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People take pictures of blooming Cherry Blossoms, March 24, 2016, in Washington, D.C.
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From April 8 to 12, the National Park Service expects the cherry blossoms to be fully laden with petals, a time known as peak bloom. Once peak bloom begins, expect large crowds flocking to the Tidal Basin, the quintessential place to see hundreds of trees blossoming near the monuments to Thomas Jefferson and Martin Luther King Jr.
Founders Park in Alexandria, Anacostia Park, the U.S. National Arboretum and Kenwood, Maryland top News4’s picks for places to enjoy the spring flora without the massive crowds. Check out our full list here.
Cherry Blossom Pop-Up Bar
The spectacular Cherry Blossom Pop-Up Bar is open in Shaw now through April 29. Each of the bar’s rooms features a special decorative theme, including a floral room with a thousand monarch butterflies, a pagoda-style bar with thousands of paper cranes, and a space occupied by a 10-foot Godzilla robot.
The pop-up bar will serve a variety of Japanese-inspired drinks, including the Chu-Hi, pictured above, which is a mix of shochu, manzanilla sherry, rice orgeat, lemon with sparkling water served with an citrus Rice Krispies treat.
K Summerer for Visit Alexandria
Several companies offer tours of the cherry blossoms from the Potomac River: You can take a water taxi (April 2-13, starting at $17), the Spirit of Washington (March 20-April 15, starting at $51.90) or the Odyssey (March 20-April 15, starting at $61.90). All are offering cherry blossom tours this spring. You can also rent paddle boats at the Tidal Basin (March 15 through September, starting at $18 per hour).
Surround yourself in virtual cherry blossoms at the new ARTECHOUSE exhibit in Southwest D.C. Check out NBC Washington's first look here.
District Doughnut/Dolci Gelati/Sherry Delaney
Spring isn't just pretty -- it's also yummy. With cherry blossom-inspired food and drink specials, plus plenty of sweet treats, the D.C. area is ready to celebrate the season. Check out these delicious seasonal treats from some of D.C.'s top establishments.
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Bring your kite — or just your eyes — to the National Mall as the skies are filled with dozens of kites during the Blossom Kite Festival on March 31. Anyone can participate, and the festival will even have a kite-making station for kids (while supplies last) alongside kite battles, demonstrations and competitions. The festival goes from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Washington Monument.
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Third Eye Blind, Bush and The Lovely Band are headed to Anthem for a blossom-themed night of music during April 6's Blossom Bash.
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Formerly the Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival, Petalpalooza offers a day of interactive art, games, live music and a huge fireworks display will be hosted on The Wharf from 1 to 9:30 p.m. The festival is free to attend.
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Marching bands, dancers, floats, helium balloons and an extreme pogo stunt team will make up the Cherry Blossom Parade on Saturday, April 14 at 10 a.m. The parade runs along Constitution Avenue from 7th Street NW to 17th Street NW. You can buy a grandstand seating ticket starting at $20, or watch between 9th and 15th Streets for free.
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This street festival is the largest one-day celebration of Japanese culture in the U.S., according to the Cherry Blossom Festival organizers. After the Cherry Blossom Parade, entertain yourself from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. with four stages of programming, arts vendors and food booths. Anyone over 13 needs a $10 ticket to get in, which you can buy in advance.
HopFest 2018 Saturday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Woodridge
More than a dozen local brews and brewers will be on display at the DC Brewer's Guild festival. Tickets are $35 and organizers say they'll sell out. Each ticket gives you a tasting glass with unlimited pours of beer. Also, did we mention it's National Beer Day on Saturday? As if you needed another excuse.
Organizers promise a $40 ticket gets you admission to eight venues without a cover, drink and food specials, parties and a color changing cup. Prices go up on Saturday.
The unique outdoor bar will host a silent disco party right on the Potomac near Nats Park. Goldstar's offering $5 tickets. Check the forecast and their Facebook before you go in case of bad weather.
Rosé lovers unite! We know there's a lot of you in the District. Cork & Fork is hosting a celebration of pink wine. A $15 one-day ticket grants you tastings of several rosés.
p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Follow landscape architect Ron Henderson’s journey following the cherry blossom trail from southern to northern Japan. His sketches exhibit not only looks at the trees themselves, but how they’re cared for. This exhibit — and all the others! — is free.</span></p>
<p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Saturday and Sunday in Foggy Bottom</span></em></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Enjoy afternoon tea in one of the Cherry Blossom Domes (previous known as the Igloos). Rentals for two to eight people start at $100. They’re also offering a </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/135945050556034/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">flower crown making class</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (times vary).</span></p>
<p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Saturday (12 p.m. to 8 p.m.) at RFK Stadium</span></em></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sum 41, Shaggy and Less Than Jake headline this one day festival of beer, music and of course, Irishness.</span></p>
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<p><a href="http://www.ballyshaners.org/parade/"><strong>Alexandria St. Patrick's Day Parade</strong></a></p>
<p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Saturday (11:30 a.m.) in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia</span></em></p>
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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Looking for some chill, Irish-themed fun? Alexandria’s St. Patrick’s Day parade kicks off at 1:30 p.m. from King Street and St. Asaph Street. The fun continues afterwards with a car show. Go early for the Fun Dog Show.</span></p>
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<p><a href="http://lindypromo.com/washington-dc/barcrawl_dc-st-patricks-day-bar-crawl-in-washington-dc-3-17"><strong>St. Patrick's Day Irish Stroll Bar Crawl</strong> </a></p>
<p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Saturday (1 p.m.) in Dupont Circle, Northwest Washington DC</span></em></p>
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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A </span><a href="http://lindypromo.com/washington-dc/barcrawl_dc-st-patricks-day-bar-crawl-in-washington-dc-3-17"><span style="font-weight: 400;">bar crawl entry ticket</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> will get you cover-free entry to 10 participating bars, including Decades, Dirty Bar, Living Room and Barcode. Drink specials include $3 beers, $4 specialty beers and $5 mixed drinks. Tickets cost $20, but </span><a href="http://lindypromo.com/washington-dc/parties_washington-dc-st-patricks-happy-hour"><span style="font-weight: 400;">combo tickets to the Friday night party and Saturday bar crawl cost $15.</span></a></p>
<p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Saturday (2 p.m.) Dupont Circle, Northwest Washington D.C.</span></em></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Participants have access to more than 16 bars, including Public Bar, Eden, Kabin and Heist. </span><a href="https://tickets.theshamrockcrawl.com/event/washington-dc"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Anyone with a ticket</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> gets a refillable shamrock mug, party favors, $2 beers, $4 shamrock shots and $5 Irish Car Bombs. $35 in advance; $40 day of.</span></p>
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<p><a href="https://dupontunderground.ticketfly.com/listing"><strong>Sights & Sounds: Ireland Today</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span></a><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Friday (7 p.m.), Saturday (10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.) and Sunday (4 p.m.) in Dupont Circle</span></em></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dupont Underground is hosting artist Solas Nua to discuss her project exploring video art in Ireland. </span><strong>Friday</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">, Nua will discuss her work ($10). On </span><strong>Saturday</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">, you can stop in and enjoy the exhibit. From 10 a.m. to noon, the exhibit is free and offers activities geared towards kids. After noon, it costs $15. On </span><strong>Sunday</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">, you can catch short films at the Irish Short Film festival ($8).</span></p>
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<p><a href="https://www.nbcwashington.com/entertainment/the-scene/St-Patricks-Day-Washington-DC-Maryland-Virginia-Bar-Crawl-Parade-Specials-476983663.html"><span style="font-weight: 400;">We have a roundup of the best brunch specials and drink deals right here.</span></a></p>
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<p><strong>Rage… against injustice, with music or by smashing a printer</strong></p>
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<p><a href="http://www.thearcdc.org/events/breathe-musical-0"><strong>Breathe: The Musical</strong></a></p>
<p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Friday, Saturday and Sunday (8 p.m.) at THEARC (1901 Mississippi Avenue SE, Washington, D.C.)</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Howard University alum Cleavon Meabon IV wrote and directed this play, which follows a family of sharecroppers in the early 20th century as they struggle under Jim Crow injustice, KKK attacks and police brutality. </span></p>
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<p><a href="https://rageroommd.com/"><strong>Rage Room of Maryland</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span></a><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Friday (4 p.m. to 8 p.m.) and Saturday (1 p.m. to 8 p.m.) in Glen Burnie, Maryland</span></em></p>
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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Grab your friends and vent some frustrations! Full-service packages start at $25. You can BYOB (bring your own breakables) starting at $10.</span></p>
<p><strong>Celebrate makers and creators</strong></p>
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<p><a href="http://invention.si.edu/about/events/innovative-lives-how-women-shaped-alcohol-industry"><strong>Innovative Lives: How Women Shaped the Alcohol Industry</strong></a></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Enjoy craft beer and custom cocktail tastings while learning about the history of booze from four women whose life work is to brew and distill. Tickets are $40 and include appetizers and drinks.</span></p>
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<p><a href="https://africa.si.edu/events/"><strong>The “Real Life” Warriors of Wakanda Tour</strong></a></p>
<p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Saturday (3 p.m.) and Sunday (3 p.m.) Smithsonian National Museum of African Art on the National Mall</span></em></p>
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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Discover the true inspiration behind the afrofuturist world of Wakanda by exploring historic African art. This awesome, free tour fills up fast, so RSVP soon.</span></p>
<p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sunday (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) George Mason University campus, Fairfax, Virginia</span></em></p>
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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Whether you’re interesting in older crafts like spinning yarn and woodworking, or are looking ahead to robotics and auto hacking, the Maker Faire promises something for you. This all-ages event costs $15 for an adult, $5 for kids or $36 for a family of five.</span></p>
