What are you doing this weekend? We offer you a starting point for your whimsical adventures:
FRIDAY, MARCH 23:
- Shen Yun: Reviving 5,000 Years of Civilization is at the Kennedy Center (2700 F St. NW) through April 1. Take in this mesmerizing, world-class production featuring 100 dancers, singers, musicians and actors as they showcase a story rooted in traditional Chinese culture. 7:30 p.m.; $50-$250.
- Haven't been to the new ArtJamz new studio yet? Head to 1742 Connecticut Ave. NW for a combination of bar night and painting session. Enjoy all-inclusive drinks, food, music and art supplies. $65 all-inclusive, or $45 with a cash bar option; 7-10 p.m..
- The much-buzzed-about documentary "Jiro Dreams of Sushi" chronicles the daily life of Jiro Ono, who at 85 is still working as the most famous sushi chef in Tokyo. His tiny restaurant sets only 10 at a time, and he arises before dawn to hone his craft -- but his son is afraid that he'll have some big shoes to fill. Catch it at E Street Cinema (555 11th St. NW). 5:50, 8 and 10:10 p.m.; $11.
SATURDAY, MARCH 24:
- ShamrockFest returns to RFK Stadium (2400 E. Capitol St. SE) with 50+ bands; the Taste of Ireland food fair; Irish dancers, fiddlers and bagpipers; carnival rides and more. You can also duck into DJ tents, watch March Madness games and chill in one of the beer bars. Performs include the Dropkick Murphys, Gavin DeGraw and Carbon Leaf. 1-9 p.m.; $24.99-$84.99.
- The Capital Queer Prom lets hundreds of LGBT folks have a second chance at prom night, while raising money for a charitable organization. Enjoy carnival games, cocktails, a silent auction, dancing (of course) and more. A prom king and queen will be crowned at the end of the night. Special guests include NBC4’s own Danella Sealock. This year’s prom will be held at the Almas Shriners Ballroom (1315 K St. NW) yo benefit Transgender Health Empowerment. Sat. 7:30-11:30 p.m.; $85. Sun. includes brunch; $105.
- Update your wardrobe for spring at a Susana Monaco trunk show at Urban Chic (7126 Bethesda Lane, Bethesda, Md.). Preorder from the Spring/Summer Collection and save 15 percent. Drinks and treats will be provided. 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Cocktails & Cupcakes raises money for Can’t Stomach Cancer: The Foundation for Debbie’s Dream. Enjoy cupcakes from Sprinkles, Whole Foods and Elizabeth’s Gone Raw, as well as pie from the Pie Sisters and music by, appropriately enough, the Pietasters. You'll find it at the Recording Industry Association of America (1025 F. St. NW, 10th floor). 6-8 p.m. $40 per person; $75 per couple.
- Finally! A day dedicated to video games... unlike every other day? The D.C. Anime Club is Video Game Day for those age 13 and up at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library (901 G St. NW, Room A5). Participants must bring their own games and systems. There will also be a Yu-Gi-Oh! card gathering and challenges. 2-5 p.m.; free.
- Chad Michaels of "RuPaul's Drag Race" will channel Cher live on stage during a drag show at Town Danceboutique (2009 8th St. NW). Music by Raw will be upstairs, while music and video by Wess will be downstairs. Score $3 rail drinks from 10 to 11 p.m. 10 p.m. doors; 10:30 p.m. show; $8 before 11 p.m.; $12 after 11 p.m.
SUNDAY, MARCH 25:
- The National Cherry Blossom Festival hosts its opening ceremony at the Convention Center (801 Mt Vernon Place NW), featuring performances from Sara Bareilles, the Children's Ballet of Washington, and Japanese artist MISIA, among others. 3:30 p.m. doors; 5-6:30 p.m. Free, but advance ticketing required.
- If you’re still trying to live out your New Kids on the Block days, this one is for you. Jordan Knight will take the stage at the Fillmore (8656 Colesville Road, Silver Spring). 8 p.m.; $35.
- With tart beers on the rise, ChurchKey (1137 14th St. NW) debuts and deconstructs the new Belgium La Folie. The superb sour brown ale will arrive on draft for the first time in the District, along with three barrel-aged base ales to pour along with the final brew. Head out and enjoy this very rare opportunity to taste La Folie in its many stages. First tapping at 6 p.m.; no cover.
ALSO SEE:
- National Cherry Blossom Festival
- Worth the Drive: Road Trip Ideas
- National Cathedral Continues "Tower Climb" Tradition
- Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Festival
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