Welcome to the first full weekend of meteorological spring.
First:
- It's the first weekend of meteorological spring, but it's going to be a little chilly, especially in the mornings. Check out the forecast in your neighborhood.
- Cherry blossom season is upon us! Peak bloom is predicted for March 27-30. Mark your calendar for all these favorite events, including the Kite Festival and the parade.
- Learn how to make great barbecue with Tommy McFly and Myron Mixon's Pitmaster Barbecue.
- Whether you're a business or weekend traveler, you can save on hotels with these simple rules.
All Weekend
Black Girls Rock Festival
The Kennedy Center
March 6, Starts at 8 p.m.; March 7, Starts at 8 p.m.
Looking for some music this weekend? Five-time Grammy winner Ms. Lauryn Hill headlines this iconic concert event with Alice Smith as the opener. Tickets range from $49-$149.
2020 Hercules Tires CAA Men's Basketball Championship
Entertainment and Sports Arena
March 7-8, Starts at 4 p.m.
Local
Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia local news, events and information
Ready for March Madness? A series of basketball games will take place this weekend. For a full schedule of which teams are playing, go here.
DC Big Flea Antiques Market
Dulles Expo Center
March 7, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; March 8, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Go on a treasure hunt this weekend at the Mid-Atlantic’s largest indoor flea market featuring antiques and collectibles. DC Big Flea has it all, with everything from furniture to vintage clothing in styles from federal to mid-century modern. Tickets cost $10.
2020 Washington, D.C. Travel & Adventure Show
Washington Convention Center — Hall C (801 Mount Vernon Pl. NW)
March 7, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; March 8, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Discover new cultures, destinations and vacation options all in one spot. You can also get exclusive specials and giveaways only available at the show. Tickets cost $11 for one day or $18 for two days. Children 16 and under get in free.
DMV Film & TV Summit
Harborside Hotel (Oxon Hill, MD)
March 7-8, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Do you like to talk to yourself in front of a camera? Have you ever wanted to write a script but never tried? Whatever your creative background is, here is your chance to learn from and network with industry professionals. Regular admission tickets are $297 and VIP tickets are $697. There are also one-day Sunday passes for $99.
Red Bear Brewing’s First Anniversary Party
Red Bear Brewing
March 7, 11 a.m. to March 8, 3 a.m.
Red Bear Brewing turns one year old this weekend. There will be live music from Silence Echoez and DJ Shea Van Horn, an ice sculpture and a special giveaway for the first 100 people who arrive. Get ready to celebrate.
Women Filmmakers Festival at SAAM
Smithsonian American Art Museum
March 6, 7-9 p.m. and March 7, 2-7 p.m.
The first night of this event celebrates the best work of local artists from DC, Baltimore and Philadelphia. The filmmakers will be available after screenings for conversation and a reception. On the second day, there will be an interactive game, experimental videos and a special screening of "Born in Flames." Attendance is free but registration is required.
Third Dojo Comedy Marathon
Dojo Comedy
March 7, 11 a.m. to March 8, 2 a.m.
Dojo Comedy is hosting its third comedy marathon with 15 hours of improv, standup and bit shows. All-access passes cost $30 and single block admission costs $12 per person.
Friday
Hope for America: Performers, Politics and Pop Culture
Thomas Jefferson Building — Bob Hope Gallery of American Entertainment
Library of Congress (10 First St. SE)
March 6, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
With celebrities endorsing presidential candidates, politics and entertainment are becoming ever more entwined. Explore the intersecting history of politicians and entertainers through 20th century America through today at the Library of Congress.
#FREEDC Exhibit
Dupont Underground
March 6, 6-9 p.m.
This exhibit shows different artists takes on the debate surrounding DC’s statehood. Some artists being featured are Chris Pyrate, Black Love, @makcollective, Howard University Photography Collective and LanCar Ink.
Red Baraat “Festival of Colors” with Anjali Taneja
The Hamilton (600 14th St. NW)
March 6, 8 p.m.
Celebrate Holi with Red Baraat, a Brooklyn-based band that fuses traditional North Indian music with hip-hop, jazz and punk. The show will also feature local artist Anjali Taneja who combines the sound of Motown and R&B with the lyricism of Sufi poetry. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Standing tickets cost $20. Seated tickets cost $25.
Saturday
Free Pick
Introduction to Mind-Body Skills
TAPS Institute for Hope and Healing
March 7, 10-11:30 a.m.
Explore the world of mind-body techniques at this free event. Participants will learn about breathing, mindfulness, stretching and movement, body awareness and functioning and guided imagery.
DC Whiskey Walk
Board Room (1737 Connecticut Ave. NW)
March 7, 12-10 p.m.
Get ready for St. Patrick’s Day by tasting some of Ireland’s best whiskeys at eight of D.C.’s best bars. Start at Board Room and work your way around Northwest D.C., tasting a different whiskey at each stop. Register at Board Room between noon and 2 p.m. Tickets cost $65.
Alexandria St. Patrick's Day Parade
King and Alfred Streets, Old Town Alexandria
March 7, 12:30-2 p.m.
You're in luck. St. Patrick's Day celebrations begin a few weeks early. Come watch over 2,000 parade participants, including Irish dancers, historical re-enactors, dog rescue groups and more as they march through Old Town Alexandria. Pup lovers can stop by Market Square at 10:30 a.m. for a dog show.
KnoW Fats, KnoW Fems
RedRocks (1348 H St. NE)
March 7, 4-7 p.m.
Celebrate diverse body types and gender presentations with Impulse Group DC, an advocacy organization focused on the health of gay men. This event seeks to break the stigma around bodies and femininity, and attendees are encouraged to dress however they are comfortable. The event will feature an open bar and celebrity guest Ts Madison. It is free to attend.
Sunday
Beyoncé Mass
Eisenhower Theater at The Kennedy Center
March 8, 6 p.m.
While Queen Bey herself won't be there, this unique worship experience brings together women to use the music and personal life of Beyoncé to foster an empowering conversation about black women, organizers say. Tickets are free but could be in high demand. The ticket giveaway begins in the Kennedy Center's Hall of States at 5 p.m.
Open House & Vendor Showcase at Brookside Gardens
Brookside Gardens (Wheaton, MD)
March 8, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This one is for the wedding dreamers — and planners. Look no further than this free showcase of caterers, photographers and a chance to see a tour of the gardens. Pre-registration is preferred, and you will receive a swag bag with a bonus raffle ticket.
