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

By: Mimi Montgomery

FRIDAY, APRIL 6

Photo by Beau Finley

ALL THE PRESIDENT’S MEN (AND WOMEN): The Watergate Hotel break-in happened almost 46 years ago, but living in DC makes it seem all the more present. Go on an All the President’s Men-themed tour around the city, stopping by sites connected to the actual break-in as well as those from the book and movie. Unfortunately, it’s TBD if Robert Redford will show up. (Meet at Foggy Bottom Metro Station, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., $9.95)

DIRTBAG: Dirtbag: The Legend of Fred Beckey is a documentary about a trail-blazing mountaineer who died last year at the age of 94. Come hear about his epic stories about  completing some of the most historic mountain ascents ever. Beer and wine will be provided at the event, and you can enter to win a pair of REI climbing pants. (REI, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., FREE)

FIRST FRIDAYS: It’s First Friday in Park View and Petworth tonight! Come party along Georgia Avenue with live music, food and drink, and art from the Petworth Arts Collective. Participating spots include Bravo Bar, Colony Club, Heat Da Spot Coffee Lounge, and more. (Park View and Petworth, 6 – 9 p.m., FREE)

SWEDISH JAMS: New Tide Orquestra is a Swedish group that plays a mix of chamber and baroque music (with some improve and tango thrown in for good measure, too). Come catch them tonight at the Swedish Embassy. So it’s not ABBA, but they have won a Swedish Grammy, so it’s bound to be good. (Swedish Embassy, 6:30 p.m., FREE)

MORE: Sunny Sweeney(Hill Country, 9:30 p.m., $17 – $75), Discover Amazing Peru: Dinner Reception + Art Exhibit(Embassy of Peru, 7 – 9 p.m., $70), Cub Sport with Redline Graffiti(Union Stage, 8 p.m., $13 – $15), Fifth Annual Georgetown Latin American Film Festival(Georgetown University, 7:30 p.m., FREE)

SATURDAY, APRIL 7

Photo by Olaf Zerbock

CHERRY BLOSSOM WINE + BEER: Everything cherry blossom has taken the city by storm, so there’s gotta be some kind of boozy festival dedicated to the blooms, too. Check out the Cherry Blossom Wine and Beer Festival for over 100 wines, craft beers, and ciders, as well as games, an artisan market, food trucks, live music, and more. If you buy a ticket, you automatically get full beer, cider, and wine spritzer pours-a win-win, no? (TK, 1 p.m., TK)

ADULT PILLOW FIGHT: This is basically like a free anger management session – the 10th annual D.C. pillow fight is today. BYOP (bring your own pillow) and meet at the park at Independence Avenue and 14thStreet to partake in the silliness. Emphasis on silliness, though – this is a fun, friendly event (with kids), so please throw your pillows around lightly. (Corner of Independence Avenue and 14thStreet NW, TK, FREE)

STREETFEST: Check out the varied lineup at Union Market’s StreetFest today: Wander around and sample treats from Pluma Bakery, Blue Bottle, the forthcoming O-Ku Sushi, and Masseria. You can also stop by to to some shopping at The Sabah Dealer and Hugh & Crye, or sweat it out with Cut Seven and FlyBarre classes. There will also be salsa classes, drills with the D.C. United team, and live music. (Union Market, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., FREE)

PETALS ON PETALS: If you’re not already burned out on all things cherry blossom, head to Petalpalooza at the Wharf. A celebration of all things spring, there will be interactive art exhibits, live music, a roller-skating rink, a beer garden, and a fireworks show. Or simply walk along the water and check out the petals. (The Wharf, 1 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., FREE)

MORE: Marvin Gaye Day(Marvin Gaye Recreation Center, 3 – 6 p.m., FREE),Adopt-A-Thon(Fort Circle Park, 1 – 4 p.m., FREE),Filmmaking Workshop(Georgetown Neighborhood Library, 1 – 5:30 p.m., FREE), D.C. Rollergirls(D.C. Armory, 4:30 p.m., $15), March to End Child Abuse(The Capitol, 12 noon – 4 p.m., FREE),Rock Creek Park Hike(GW Humanitarian Mapping Society, 11 a.m. – 4 pm., FREE), Adult Flag Football Workout(Raymond Recreational Center Field, 3:30 – 4:45 p.m., $15), Sia-themed BottomlessBrunch (Commissary, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., prices vary), Kennedy Center Guided Art & Architecture Tour(Meet at Foggy Bottom Metro station, 11:15 a.m. – 1:45 p.m., $5)

SUNDAY, APRIL 8

Photo by John Sonderman

BIRDS & BUBBLES: It’s all in the name: Cork Wine Bar will host its Birds & Bubbles event tonight. Every Sunday, the market sells fried chicken, and you can pair it with a sparkling wine from its in-house list. Make it a full-blown meal with sides like biscuits, collard greens, potato gratin, and season pie. Now that’s a Sunday funday. (Cork Wine Bar & Market, 5:30 p.m., prices vary)

DRINK GRAND DAMES: The queens of the cocktail world will be competing tonight at Bourbon. The ladies will be pairing off to see who is the best mixologist of them all – and with contenders like Morgan Stana of A Rake’s Progress, Ayanna Dukes of The Partisan and Takoda, and Rebecca Edwards of Tavola in Charlottesville, it’s going to be stiff (and boozy) competition. (Bourbon, 8 p.m., – 1:30 a.m., TK)

FREE HUGS: It’s not as weird as it sounds – come to the National Mall outside of the National Museum of Natural History to receive and give free hugs. Whether you’re having a hard day or could just use a squeeze, it’s a good way to brighten up the city’s vibes. The general rule? Just don’t be creepy, please. This is all in good fun! (National Mall, 2 – 4 p.m., FREE)

BIKES, BARISTAS, BEERS: Bikes, Baristas, and Beers is an event hosted by the Wharf’s District Hardware and Bike. You’ll meet at the café before embarking on a ride along the Anacostia River with the folks from Vigilante Coffee Co. You’ll end up at the Vigilante Coffee in Hyattsville, MD, where you’ll refresh with either beer and coffee. A pretty good treat to cap off a 22-mile bike ride! (District Hardware and Bike, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., FREE)

MORE: Thomas Jefferson Walking Tour(Jefferson Memorial, 2 – 4 p.m., $8.75), Professors & Pints: When Washington Burned(The Bier Baron Tavern, 6 – 9 p.m., $10), Lorde(The Anthem, 6 p.m., prices vary), Cherry Blossom 10-Miler(Washington Monument, 7:15 a.m., FREE)