Our end-of-the-week picks for May 24-27
We've gathered up some fun things to do in DC this Memorial Day weekend. You can also read what else is going on during the week and throughout the month.
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Friday
Rolling to Remember
This motorcycle rally is held to raise awareness of critical issues faced by veterans every day, as well as in tribute to those missing in action and prisoners of war. Rolling to Remember aims to deliver a message to Congress and the American people that veterans are in need of assistance, as the group struggles with a suicide crisis. Visit the event website for scheduling updates, registration and attendance info for this year's procession.
More info
DC Black Pride
DC Black Pride
The District is home to one of the first and largest African American Gay Pride events in the country: DC Black Pride. Hosted at the Westin Downtown, festivities include social events, vendor expos, a poetry slam, a writers forum, faith services and complimentary wellness services and screenings – all of which are free unless otherwise noted. Other highlights include this year's Opening Night Reception, which will kick off in the Potomac Ballroom with Paris Sashay headlining, and the Brunch & Babes Drag Brunch fundraiser, where attendees can enjoy bottomless mimosas for a cause.
More info
The Westin Washington, DC Downtown, 999 9th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Expecting
c21 Theatre Company developed this one-act play in collaboration with deaf artist Paula Clarke. Expecting explores experiences unique to deaf and hearing couples through the story of Shauna and Robbie. Keegan Theatre’s accessible new show examines the barriers that Shauna faces while mothering a baby daughter and Robbie encounters as a provider and father.
Tickets
Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
Mosaic Theater: Mexodus
As a result of its Catalyst new play development incubator, Mosaic Theater brings Mexodus to the Atlas Performing Arts Center. Brian Quijada and Nygel D. Robinson craft a musical live on-stage via looping as the duo explores untold stories of enslaved people who used the Underground Railroad to escape south to Mexico.
Tickets
Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
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
Beyond Boundaries: An Evening Curated by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa
Acclaimed around the world for her creative choreography, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa has curated a series of breathtaking performances from the Washington Ballet to take place at the Kennedy Center across five consecutive days. Ochoa’s beloved 2019 commission for the Ballet, Delusional Beauty, will be a part of the series that also elevates a diverse collection of voices and perspectives in modern dance.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Saturday
Maryland Plant Fest
Step into the green sanctuary of Plants Alive! for an unparalleled plant extravaganza. The free-to-attend Maryland Plant Fest promises a paradise for plant enthusiasts to explore. Numerous plant vendors will be on-hand including Cultivate the City, Southern MD Tropicals, Floraesoterika, Gracie's Tropicals, Foliage Fanatics and Sandi Plants. Gourmet food delights will come from Little Minor Taco, Plant Burger and Ben and Jerry's. Note that May 26 also features a Makers Market, which will feature 30 local makers and vendors.
Free Admission | Register
Plants Alive!, 15710 Layhill Road, Silver Spring, MD 20906
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
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
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
Where the Mountain Meets the Sea
From the writer of Apple TV+’s The Morning Show comes a tale that showcases the power of music to transcend time and place. After learning of the death of his estranged father, a son decides to embark on a cross-country trip modeled after the one his Haitian immigrant parents took before he was born. As the son travels across America and listens to the music his father loved, he discovers the everlasting bond that existed between them. Where the Mountain Meets the Sea makes it DC-area debut at Signature Theatre in Arlington, Va.
Tickets
Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
Sunday
Mindbender Mansion
The National Children’s Museum’s Visiting Exhibit Hall is ready to puzzle the whole family this summer. Mindbender Mansion features a variety of brainteasers and interactive challenges that will test even the most experienced problem-solvers. In total, the display offers 11 individual puzzles and three group activities.
More info | Tickets
National Children’s Museum, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
The Anxious Eye: German Expressionism and Its Legacy – Final Weekend
One of the 20th century’s most important artistic movements takes center stage at the National Gallery of Art. German Expressionists who first came to prominence in the early part of the 20th century are featured throughout, including Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Erich Heckel and Emil Nolde. Their influence can be registered through the contemporary pieces in the exhibition, including work by Leonard Baskin, Nicole Eisenman and Orit Hofshi. In total, visitors can marvel at more than 70 prints, drawings, illustrated books, portfolios and sculptures.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC
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. Plus, discover Gachapons hidden throughout the exhibit to win prizes from local businesses or snag a book from the 'Isekai Library'. Make sure to take advantage of tickets with a 10% discount.
Tickets (10% off)
ARTECHOUSE, 1238 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024
The Matchbox Magic Flute
Shakespeare Theatre Company presents a “matchbox” approach to Mozart’s legendary opera, The Magic Flute. Mary Zimmerman conceived this fresh adaptation that features a cast of 10 and an orchestra of just five players. Audiences will be swept off their feet by the adventures of Prince Tamino and Princess Pamina as they encounter dragons, trials by fire and water, underground corridors and much more.
Tickets
Klein Theatre, 450 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Rare Essence
There’s Go-Go and then there’s Rare Essence. As one of the groups responsible for spreading DC’s signature sound, the collective has set the standard for grooving in the city for decades. There’s no better place than Howard Theatre to host the foot-stomping rhythmic explosion of Rare Essence – the venue dates to the early 20th century, when jazz ruled DC.
10 p.m. | Tickets
The Howard Theatre, 620 T Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
National Memorial Day Concert
The National Memorial Day Concert salutes the sacrifice made by the men and women in uniform, as well as their families. The free annual concert will be aired on PBS from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol on Sunday at 8 p.m. Actors Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna will host the proceedings, which will feature numerous other celebrity performers. The event will also be live-streamed online and will be available on-demand for two weeks after the performance.
More info
Monday
The National Memorial Day Parade
Our Sacred Honor tells the story of American sacrifice from the Revolution to today along Constitution Avenue through live, on site historical re-enactors, veterans, and active duty military personnel, joined by musical performances and celebrity appearances. The in-person parade will take place ‘live’ in Washington, filmed for a television special that will air on ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox stations nationwide. For more ideas on how to spend the weekend, check out our suggestions.
More info
We Remain Here
The Kennedy Center’s REACH wall will be adorned with this land acknowledgement commissioned by Mahogany L. Browne for an entire week. We Remain Here honors the Black and migrant community that once thrived in Foggy Bottom before the Kennedy Center or the nearby Watergate Hotel were built.
More info | Free admission
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
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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