I see you hopeful folks, out there in your skimpy flats. No socks. No tights. I have even seen a few toes on my morning commute. Shivering on the bus. Allow me to burst the springtime dreams: Spring in DC is not a thing. At least, it is not a reliably pleasant experience. March and April are mostly cold, wet and gray. And then May is summer-hot. Acceptance is the first step.
How are we staying warm this weekend?
Today, from 3-5 p.m., celebrate St. Patrick’s Day early… with non-alcoholic margaritas and frozen daiquiris… at Frager’s?! Yes, you heard that right: Frager’s wants to make you aware that you can have a great St. Patrick’s day party with the help of Hello Rentals, so start your weekend off right.
Tonight, Captain Marvel opens and some dummies are mad she’s a she? SIGH. If you want to enjoy the supershe-ro flick before anyone else, the first showing at the Angelika pop up at Union Market is at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, check out Solas Nua, an area troupe focusing on Irish theatre. Solas Nua presents Silent at the Atlas Performing Arts Center. It is an Olivier award-winning play written and performed by Pat Kinevane. The play is about a homeless person who once had many things but has lost most, including his mind, and now views his past through the lens of the screen legend Rudolph Valentino. Some performances will feature post-show discussions will members of local groups working with homeless populations. Check the schedule and get your tickets here.
Saturday, bring the kids to the Arboretum for a Bonsai workshop. Will it be a Bonsai or a Big Tree? Grown ups and kids will work together as as lab partners, observe details and make comparisons. At the close of class, each research team will receive a seedling whose fate they will decide. Will your tree go become a bonsai or will you plant it outdoors in spring to grow up wild, big and free? The workshop is $25 for each pair and it begins at 10 a.m. It is best for kids 8 and up. Register here.
But if you are going to the Arboretum you probably will want to walk or bike or something because the Rock and Roll Marathon will be causing road closures all over. Check out the route here.
Everyone is Irish this time of year so take your shillelagh down to the Wharf to celebrate. From 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. there will be bagpipers, live music, and dance performances. Those over 21 can enjoy the beer garden on District Pier.
The Capitol Hillbillies host a Mardi Gras Bayou dance party at the Corner Store. The fun starts at 7 p.m. but come early at 6:30 for a quick lesson in how to two-step. Tickets are $20.
Sunday afternoon at 4 p.m., author Nicholas Butler stops by East City Books to read from and discuss his latest novel Little Faith. The book tells the story of a family whose adult daughter becomes involved with an extremist church and how the parents attempt to navigate the situation without losing their daughter and grandson.