Hope you’re getting to enjoy today’s gorgeous weather, but beware: Due to the fires in Canada, today’s air can be challenging for sensitive groups. Bring a mask if you’ll be out and about?
Oh yeah. It’s Mother’s Day weekend. Listen, Mother’s Day is every day if you love your mom, and you don’t have to celebrate it at all if you don’t. (It’s okay if you don’t love your mom. Really.) If you’ve lost your mom or you didn’t have a relationship with yours, then honor those who’ve helped raise you– you know who they are. And if you already have a brunch reservation and gifts lined up, well, look at you! But just as a heads-up, it’s going to be a busy weekend out there. We’ll be sharing restaurant options that still have seating on Instagram stories– follow us there!
By the way, Jacob’s Coffee House will have roses for moms on Sunday. You already know that Jacob’s is a super solid coffeeshop (the honey-citron tea alone is *chef’s kiss*), but if you needed added incentive to stop by this weekend, this is your reminder.
Junction Bakery has a strawberry rose croissant special for Mother’s Day and frankly, they have yet to miss with their limited-time pastries, so you’d better go get one.
Another big event this weekend is the Capitol Hill Restoration Society’s House and Garden Tour. If you’re a certifiable looky-loo (guilty), this is THE event for you. Take in the gorgeousness of several architecturally and historically significant houses and gardens around the neighborhood, *without* being told you’re trespassing. YAY! Plus! This year, artist and friend of the blog Erin Thompson donated the artwork for the promotional materials, so it looks extra cool. More information here. Buy your tickets here.
Potomac Triangle Park will have a special free Mother’s Day concert on Saturday, May 13, 5-7 p.m. Featured performers include SHUG and VELVET COVER BAND with DJ LOVE and VIOLINIST ZEE with special guests NIR, SAL and DANNIE. This concert is possible thanks in part to the Capitol Hill Community Foundation.
And you can catch an outdoor concert at the Northeast Library on Mother’s Day as well. Cherry Blossom Special will take to the grass from 3 – 4:30 pm. More info here.
This weekend, YOUR Washington Nationals take on the New York Mets. Sure, both teams may be at the bottom of the NL East, but you know what they say about hitting rock bottom: Sometimes, there is a basement. No wait, there is no place to go but up! And if you go this evening, it’s Fireworks Friday! You’ll definitely be looking up for that! Today is also Clemson Day, so students, alumni and family get a special rate here. Tomorrow, it’s Syracuse day. Click here for tickets. On Mother’s Day, Chad Kuhl will be signing baseballs and there will be basket raffles as part of the Cancer isn’t Kuhl fundraiser in honor of Amanda Kuhl, who is currently battling breast cancer. For more information on Nationals philanthropy, click here.
The Mayor just announced that selected spray parks around town will be open starting May 15, which is a week and change ahead of Memorial Day weekend– yay! In Ward 6, it’ll be Watkins Spray Park. In Ward 7, Fort Davis Spray Park and Marvin Gaye Spray Park will open. And in Ward 8, Fort Greble Rec Center will also open early. Get those little ones squealing and splashing (and keep this CDC fact sheet handy, just in case).
The Hill Center has fun and learning for neighbors of all ages! Make sure you check out their calendar for May right here. This week’s HC at HC is on Mother’s Day with Elena La Fulana and you can get tickets here.
On Wednesday, May 17 at 7 p.m., tune in via Zoom or go to East City Bookshop for a hybrid event: author Janika Oza, A History of Burning, moderated by Angie Kim. A family history may be the perfect read for Mother’s Day weekend, and this could be a fitting counterpart. More info and tickets here.
Do you love stereographs? Imagine the whimsy of the old ViewFinder toys, but in 3D– and from over 100 years ago! On May 17, join a Zoom lecture from the Library of Congress about these incredible keepsakes here.
Thursday marks the beginning of Movies on the Pitch at Audi stadium. Sign up for free tickets and catch a movie with friends and fans this warm season. For tickets and the full schedule click here.
On May 19, do something for the Earth and for your good mood: Bike To Work Day is happening! The event, meant to provide a jumping-off point for commuters to ditch the car and embrace the bike, is it its 22nd year. Be one of the first 15,000 people to register and get a BTWD t-shirt! Register and get more info here. If you take a photo or a selfie, share it with their hashtags, #BTWD2023 or #BTWD.
The Anacostia River Festival is coming May 20, 2023, 1-4 p.m. at Anacostia Park, and it’ll be a grand time celebrating our sweet river and all that it stands for, after 100 years of innovation. There will be a FREE fishing workshop, FREE canoe rides as well as performances by the United States Navy Band, the Eastern High School Marching Band and so much more. Keep checking the festival landing page for updates here. Looking to volunteer? Yeah you are! Click here to do it.
WEEKLY FUN
Why not get some delicious takeout from one of our local restaurants and catch a jazz performance at Eastern Market Metro Plaza? Live, on the Hill is back through this month, from 5-6:30! RSVPs are encouraged but not necessary. More info here. For more live performances, go here. Note, however, that the performances are not rain or shine, so today’s rain may interfere with this afternoon’s fun.
Want to get your square dance on with the DC Rawhides? They are yee-hawing their way into our hearts on Saturday evenings, 7-11 p.m., at Eastern Market’s North Hall. Click here for more info.
A Sunday tradition, the Flea Market at Eastern Market is your one-stop shop for wonderful art, clothing, cosmetics and more. Follow them on Instagram here.
Mr. Henry’s is THE place to listen to jazz on the Hill. They have performances Wednesday through Saturday, but we have a soft spot for Saturday Showcase. This weekend, Herb Scott and his saxophone are coming to the showcase and you won’t want to miss it. Doors open at 6 p.m. and there is no cover; however, you need to order a minimum of $15 food and beverage minimum. Get the burger and go for it. Tickets and more info here.
Labyrinth has great events almost every night of the week, except for Monday. If you’re looking to demo board games or enjoy some of your favorites with old and new friends, check out their event calendar. For instance, their Magic: The Gathering night is on Tuesdays. More info on that event here.
as you are on Barracks Row has great events happening almost every day of the week: from crafting on Wednesdays to karaoke on Thursdays and Sundays to Saturday dance parties, this queer-safe space welcomes everyone. Check out their calendar of events here.
Tara Hoot welcomes you to sing Broadway tunes along with her at Crazy Aunt Helen’s this and every other Sunday. Make your reservations here.
On Wednesday evenings, make it trivia! Two Girls Trivia runs a quiz at Fight Club starting at 7 p.m. You can also catch them at Biergarten Haus on Tuesday evenings. For more information and quiz hints, check out their Twitter, @twogirlstrivia.
Every Thursday, Kelly’s Irish Times has comedy! The Batting Cage Comedy show starts at 8 p.m. and is free. More info here.
OFF-HILL
This evening, why not catch a feel-good documentary about biking? National Landing BID is screening “Chasing History” at the Alamo Drafthouse from 6-8 p.m. More info here.
Today and tomorrow, join the Capital Hill Boys Club for a gallery opening with two featured artists: Denise Hawkins will open tonight, May 12, and Ryan Mitza will open tomorrow, May 13. The gallery is at 1603 Good Hope Rd SE. For more information, contact Dietrich Williams.
Feel like doing something in a different neighborhood? How about checking out an opening reception for artist Lee Butler at the Washington Studio School? For more information, click here.
Or you could catch Syahidah Osman’s show Constellations at Arts in Color. For more information, click here.
Mondays can be tough days, but Songbyrd has Music Trivia this and every Monday up in Union Market district to gladden hearts and fuel your competitive spirit. The best part? It’s ALL AGES! Enjoy it with friends or as a family. More info here.
Some days are for watching a movie in a comfy theater. The Angelika Pop-Up at Union Market has a great selection of movies. Check them out here.
PLAN AHEAD
The next Pups at the Park will happen on May 19. To get tickets, (yes, including a ticket for Fido) click here.
Interested in health seminars? Roots for Life is offering free nutrition information sessions, limited to 20 people. Fill out this form for more information.
Do you believe in magic? There will be a live magic show at the Miracle Theatre coming on May 25 called Smoke and Mirrors: The Magic of Brice Harney. The show is ages 8 and up and you can get tickets here.
On Saturday, May 27 at 11:30 a.m., join East City Books for a virtual event celebrating The Limelight Series for Jewish-American Heritage Month. Panelists will discuss Jewish lore in fantasy writing. This is also a benefit for GatherDC. For more info and tickets, click here.
And once May is done, it’s Pride month! Stock up on Bud Light (or don’t because honestly it’s not my favorite, but you can buy whatever you want), rainbowfy your life and line up for Pride events around town, like Scorpio Entertainment’s Electric Disco party on June 10. For more info and tickets, click here.