Our end-of-the-week picks for May 10-12
We've gathered up some fun things to do in DC this weekend. You can also read what else is going on during the week and throughout the month.
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Friday
An Evening with Whoopi Goldberg
One of a select few who have won the EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Awards), Whoopi Goldberg is a true icon of contemporary culture. The Librarian of Congress, Carla Hayden, will sit down with the legend to talk about Whoopi’s upcoming memoir, Pieces: My Mother, My Brother, and Me. Don’t miss this unique (and free!) opportunity inside the Library of Congress’ Coolidge Auditorium. Tickets are required.
6:30-8 p.m. | Free Admission | Tickets
Library of Congress, Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 1st Street SE, Washington, DC 20540
2024 Arts and Culture Festival
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art puts on a huge party across three days, all in honor and celebration of the Middle East, Asia and Asian-American communities. Expect pop-ups, live performances and lively discussions around Asian diasporic experiences. All events are free and open to the public.
More Information | Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
The Decemberists
No one has done indie folk quite like The Decemberists, who have managed to weave in storytelling elements worthy of the finest prose as well as prog rock and jangle-pop to create an absorbing musical catalogue across nine full-length albums. The group recently released new music for the first time in six years, certainly an occasion to catch them when their tours stops off at The Anthem.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Cloud Nothings
Hailing from Cleveland, Oh., Cloud Nothings bring forth guitar-driven pop and expertly crafted songs from bandleader Dylan Baldi. Their early DIY recordings were fuzzed up and catchy, while 2012’s Attack on Memory signaled a much louder and streamlined sound for the group. Since then, Cloud Nothings have continued to master their craft while building on it; the recently released Final Summer is another exciting step in their evolution. You’ll catch them at a perfect time when you see them at Black Cat in DC.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Black Cat, 1811 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Mary Lou Williams: Next Jazz Legacy Festival
Honoring the life and work of the “first lady of jazz,” legendary pianist and composer Mary Lou Williams, the Next Jazz Legacy Festival highlights women propelling the genre forward. Hosted by the three-time Grammy-award-winning Dee Dee Bridgewater, the two-day festival includes performances by Eliane Elias, Endea Owens, Ingrid Jensen and the Center Song Project, Julia Keefe’s Indigenous Big Band and more.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
The Kennedy Center
George Lopez: ALLLRIIIIGHHTTT! Comedy Tour
Whether you’ve seen him on the stage in one of his HBO comedy specials, acting in the DC Universe’s Blue Beetle, or leading one of his many groundbreaking late night shows and sitcoms, George Lopez has been a household name for decades. However, Lopez’s career began with stand-up, so his latest tour is bound to blow you away and touch on the personal topics around which he has chosen to build his career: Latino identity and family dynamics.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Saturday
EU Embassies’ Open House
Take your very own day-trip to Europe and enjoy the Old Continent without any jet lag. From Ireland and Italy to Spain and Slovakia, all European Union member states participate in this citywide open house experience.
More Info | Free Admission
Dixie’s Tupperware Party
The Kennedy Center is about to become The Dixie Center this May. Dixie Longate is a fast-talking, gum-chewing Alabama gal who’s here to bring your grandmother’s Tupperware party into the 21st century. She’s going to show everyone the multiple uses of the plastic kitchen staple and share some hilarious tales. Expect audience participation and plenty of down-home wisdom as well.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Problems Between Sisters
Riffing on Sam Shepard’s True West, Studio Theatre’s latest production shifts the focus to sisters, conjuring a searing take on modern womanhood. Jess is a visual artist and Rory is a con artist and both are pregnant. As Jess prepares to launch her first solo show, Rory’s new project begins production as well… and this time, she’s crossed a line. A debate about artistic merit turns into a war that drudges up plenty of family baggage and old squabbles. Buckle up!
Tickets
Studio Theatre, 1501 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005
Metamorphoses
Nominated for a Tony Award when it first launched in 2002, Metamorphoses sets the mythic and modern together to create an unforgettable night of theater. Audiences are treated to the stories of Aphrodite, Midas, Cupid and others in whimsical fashion, showcasing universal truths, both funny and serious. Visionary theater director Psalmayene 24 helms Mary Zimmerman’s masterful script for Folger Theatre.
Tickets
Folger Theatre, 201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
HAIR
Signature Theatre Company hosts a classic rock musical that broke new ground with its rebellion, spirit and psychedelic colors when it debuted in 1967. HAIR concerns a group of hippies on the verge of adulthood who champion freedom, pacifism and joy, but are confronted by a world thrown into chaos when one of their friends is drafted to the Vietnam War. The play features unforgettable songs such as “Aquarius,” “Let the Sunshine In,” and “Good Morning, Starshine”.
Tickets
Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
Spring Fest Beer Festival
Inspired by the traditional Bavarian Frühlingsfest, Dacha in Navy Yard introduces a new marquee event. Think Oktoberfest across two days in May. Many of Dacha’s brewery partners will showcase their finest new ales, lagers and IPAs, including Weihenstephaner’s new Braupakt. Tickets are required and will go quickly.
Tickets
Dacha Beer Garden, 79 Potomac Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20003
Turandot
Grammy Award-winning composer Christopher Tin and acclaimed playwright and screenwriter Susan Soon He Stanton bring an exciting new portrayal of one of Puccini’s greatest operas to the Kennedy Center. Audiences will be immersed in the story of Princess Turandot, who invites any suitor to marry her, but they must first solve three of her riddles – or face death. Past gender dynamics and cultural appropriation come to the fore as the Washington National Opera puts on one of the most powerful productions of the year.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Sunday
Celebrate Mother’s Day in DC
While mothers should be celebrated every day, Mother’s Day only comes once per year. We’re here to help you honor the occasion and plan out an unforgettable holiday experience in the nation’s capital, so be sure to check out our rundown of Mother’s Day must-dos.
ISEKAI: Blooming Parallel Worlds
ARTECHOUSE welcomes visitors to its seventh annual installation dedicated to celebrating the beauty of the cherry blossoms in DC. The museum treats your eyes to an exhibit inspired by the Isekai genre of Anime, allowing for the exploration of alternate universes stacked with colors, adventures and immersive technologies. Make sure to take advantage of tickets with a 10% discount.
Tickets (10% off)
ARTECHOUSE, 1238 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024
Little Shop of Horrors
Originally a sci-fi/horror comedy film released in 1960, Little Shop of Horrors then became an off-Broadway musical in the early 1980s. Yet another film adaptation followed a few years later, showing how this timeless story of a floral shop assistant and his singing, deadly plant will always dazzle audiences. The historic Ford’s Theatre revives the dynamic production during its upcoming spring season. Make sure to use code DDCSHOP20 for 20% off your tickets to the show (valid for March 16 - April 6 & May 1-18; limit two tickets per purchase)!
Tickets
Ford's Theatre, 511 10th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Amm(i)gone
Creator and performer Adil Mansoor must decide whether he should bury his queerness from his devout Muslim mother in a wondrous performance that blends Greek tragedy, teachings from the Quran and audio conversations. Mansoor has created an extremely powerful personal story about locating love across faith that is not to be missed at DC's Woolly Mammoth Theatre.
Tickets
Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, 641 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Places to Stay
Need some inspiration for a place to stay in between events? Washington, DC is filled with a multitude of hotels to fit your needs. Whether you are looking for that specialty boutique hotel or booking at your favorite hotel brand, Washington, DC's booking engine has it all. Find your stay today!
#Only1DC Photo of the Week
Do you know where you’ll be dining pre- or post-event? From pop-up restaurants to Michelin-starred hot spots to laid-back food halls, our DC food guide is perfect for helping you plan a more memorable experience.
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