12 Of Our Favorite Events in D.C. This Weekend

By: Mimi Montgomery

Photo by Flickr user Erin

FRIDAY, MARCH 16

CHERRY BLOSSOM FEVER: Unless you live under a rock, you probably know it’s cherry blossom season in DC. That extends to ARTECHOUSE, too – check out the spot’s new exhibit Cherry Blossom Dream. It’s an interactive, digital exhibit that has you stepping into 3D-koi ponds and walking amongst cherry blossoms. (ARTECHOUSE, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., $8 – $15)

THREE BALLETS: If you’re a ballet-lover, tonight’s your night. Three pieces by rising choreographers will premiere tonight at Sidney Harman Hall. Clifton Brown of Alvin Ailey will premiere Menagerie,  American Ballet Theater dancer Gemma Bond will show Myriad (which looks at female gender roles), and another ABT dancer, Marcelo Gomes, will show his piece The Outset. Come see the new performances before anyone else. (Sidney Harman Hall, 7:30 p.m., $25 – $118)

ISLAND FEAST: It may not be spring yet in DC, but you can pretend at an island-themed soiree. Big Bear Cafe will host a pop-up for the forthcoming Coconut Club restaurant, which will open soon in Union Market. Chef Adam Greenberg is a four-time Chopped winner, and his spot will serve up Hawaiian dishes like Spam and fried rice and Tiki drinks. Try it all tonight before the new spot opens. (Big Bear Cafe, 5 – 10 p.m., no tickets required)

CHICKS MAKIN’ BEER: Learn about women in the beer-making world at the Museum of American History’s event Innovative Lives: How Women Shaped the Alcohol Industry. From Colonial days to Prohibition to today, women have been integral parts of the booze biz. A panel featuring the women behind groups like Denizen Brewery, Stoudt’s Brewery, and Wigle Whiskey will be in the house, too. (National Museum of American History, 6:30 – 9 p.m., $40)

MORE: General Shaw’s Chicken Comedy Showcase (Shaw’s Tavern, 8 – 9:30 p.m., $10), Women x Art Opening Party (The Lemon Collective, 7 – 11 p.m., FREE), Cinema + Conversation: The Rape of Recy Taylor (Museum of African American History and Culture, 7 – 9:30 p.m.), Metro Collective Gallery Opening (Lecia Store, 7 – 9 p.m., FREE), Textured Travels Photo Opening (Martha Spak Gallery at the Wharf, 6 – 8 p.m., FREE)

Photo by Caroline Angelo

SATURDAY, MARCH 17

OYSTERFEST: Give oysters one last hurrah before spring is officially here. Brasserie Beck will host its Oysterfest today, complete with all-you-can-eat raw and fried oysters, as well as chowder. There’ll be drink specials, too, so take advantage while you can. (Brasserie Beck, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., prices vary)

I SPY: Ready to get the kids out of the house? Sign them up for the day-long camp Revolutionary War Camp Washington’s Spies. They’ll get to dress in period clothing while they learn about the spies who helped America win the Revolutionary War. Activities like writing in invisible ink, making crafts, and organizing secret drop-offs make it an e-spy-cially good time (sorry – had to). (Anacostia Community Museum, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., FREE)

KISS ME, I’M…YOU KNOW: If you don’t like whisky, you have to at least pretend on St. Patrick’s Day. In honor of the holiday, The Watergate Hotel will host a whisky tasting and class. You’ll get a welcome cocktail before you sit down to learn about and taste three different whiskys. There’ll be appetizers if you’re hungry, and stick around after to check out the hotel’s beer garden. (The Watergate Hotel, 2 – 4 p.m., $55)

PAINT PATTY’S DAY: If you’re looking for a more chill St. Patty’s Day, head to ArtJamz in Dupont. The sip-and-paint spot will be focusing on Irish landscapes for the day, so get some wine and focus on all that green. Much better than elbowing people for a pint of Guinness, no? (ArtJamz Dupont Studio, 3 – 5 p.m., $28)

MORE: Shamrock Fiesta (Mission, 1 – 4 p.m., $50), Practice With Love Pop-Up Yoga (U.S. Botanic Garden, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m., FREE), Saturday Cuban Salsa Class (Emergence Community Arts Collective, 12:45 – 3:30 p.m., FREE), The “Reel-Life” Warriors of Wakanda Tour (National Museum of African Art, 11 a.m. – 12 noon, FREE), Film Screening: Human Flow (Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, 2 – 4 p.m., FREE), R&Bumpp! Free Dance Party (Union Stage, 11 p.m., FREE)

Photo by Tim Brown

SUNDAY, MARCH 18

I DOTH PROTEST: Exercise your First Amendment today by making a protest poster. Graphic designer Anthony Dihle of Victory Dance Creative will be at Shop Made In D.C. to talk about the history of protest signs, as well give out pointers for creating an effective message. After the talk, you’ll get to make your own sign to stand up for whatever cause you choose. (Shop Made In D.C., 2 – 4 p.m., $35)

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE: J. Timb is in the house! Come see the former NSYNCer all grown up tonight at Capital One Arena. He’ll perform hits from his new album, Man of the Woods, as well as all the other songs you’ve come to love him for. TBD whether he’ll redeem himself for his Super Bowl outfit. (Capital One Arena, 7:30 p.m., $95 – $486)

SPEAK NO EVIL: Author Uzodinma Iweala made waves with his book Beasts of No Nation, and he just released another. Speak No Evil tells the story of Niru, a seemingly perfect student and son who is hiding a secret from his Nigerian parents – he’s gay. When they find out, it’s a struggle for him, his friends, and his family. (Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., FREE)

INSERT QUOTE HERE: You can finally make the gallery wall of your dreams after tonight’s hand lettering and watercoloring class. You’ll learn how to make cool prints with designs and quotes that are ready-to-frame, and snacks and drinks will be provided, too. (Steadfast Supply, 1 – 3 p.m., $70)

MORE: Trail Running Workshop (Rose Physical Therapy Group, 9 a.m. – 12 noon, FREE), Irish Traditional Music Session (Petworth Citizen, 7 – 10 p.m., FREE), March Forest Therapy Walk (Dumbarton Oaks, 2 – 4:30 p.m., donation request), Judas Priest (The Anthem, 8 – 11 p.m., $55 – $75), Yoga On Tap (City Tap House Dupont, 12 noon – 1:30 p.m., $20)