Spring is in the air and in our lungs. Are you coughing and sneezing? That’s just nature’s way of telling us she loves us very, very much. What shall we do in between rounds of Allegra or Claritin?
Before we forget: The Hill is Home is celebrating 15 years and you’re invited to our Quinceañera! We’re teaming up with Eastern Market Main Street for a fun “Sweet 15” style party. DJ Tony T will be spinning records and we will have activities for everyone. Mark your calendars for Friday, May 17 from 6-9 p.m., Eastern Market’s North Hall. TICKETS WILL BE ON SALE SOON!!! See you there?
This is the final weekend for Mosaic Theater Company’s “Nancy.” An incredibly funny, fast-paced comedy that will also wrench your gut, “Nancy” is a sliver of the 1980s and will have you chuckling and raging at every turn. For more information and tickets, click here. This show is absolutely worth your while–– please make sure you catch it before it’s gone!
On April 20, join the Anacostia Watershed Society for an Earth Day cleanup from 10-noon. For more information, click here.
The Tombs and Tomes Book Festival is coming to Congressional Cemetery on April 21 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you love books, and who doesn’t, this festival is for you. For more information and to plan your day, click here.
Earth Day is on April 22 and the USDA cordially invites everyone to celebrate with them. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., gather outside the USDA building at 1400 Independence Avenue SW and learn about sustainability, take a plant home with you, help plant their garden, do zumba in nature, meet folks from the Xerces Society (!!!!!) and enjoy food vendors and many other activities. To learn more, click here and here.
Celebrate Earth Day at The Yards on April 22 with a special yoga session, at either 7 a.m. or 5:30 p.m. RSVP here!
That Friday, April 26, keep the celebration going with Disney’s Elemental. The movie is free but you need to RSVP here.
WEEKLY FUN
Don’t forget to register for the National Gallery Nights— special evening parties where the National Gallery of Art is open after hours and lovely things happen. The link to register for next month’s event, along with instructions, is here.
The Library of Congress is open late on Thursdays for Live! at the Library. These events are free but require timed passes. You can also sign up for a recording of the performance (more info here) and watch at home with your favorite alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage.
At ReLume, you can make something beautiful and have fun while doing it! From candles to seasonal decorations to starting a new hobby, you can do it all there. This week, why not make your own candle? More info here.
Looking for something fun to do with your toddler? The Northeast Neighborhood library has Toddler Explorations on Mondays, from 11-noon. More info here.
Mr. Henry’s is THE place to listen to jazz on the Hill. They have performances FOUR nights a week! Check out their calendar of events here.
Want to get your square dance on with the DC Rawhides? They are yee-hawing their way into our hearts on select Friday and 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.
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.
On Monday evenings, Trivia Kings takes over Barrel for trivia night. For more info, click here. (They also host trivia nights all over town.)
On Wednesday evenings, make it trivia! Two Girls Trivia runs a quiz at Fight Club starting at 7 p.m. For more information and quiz hints, check out their Twitter, @twogirlstrivia.
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 (but check their IG first because they were having some building trouble earlier).
Every Thursday and Friday, Kelly’s Irish Times has comedy! The Batting Cage Comedy show starts at 8 p.m. and is free on Thursdays. More info here.
OFF-HILL
On April 18 and 19, catch 2 Pauls 1 Show at the legendary Comedy Loft. To learn more about the comedians and the show and to purchase tickets, click here.
The National Museum of Women in the Arts has an incredible new exhibit titled New Worlds: Women to Watch 2024. This biennial show, which opens on Sunday, April 14, highlights some of the boldest, most touching and creative work by women and women-identifying artists working right now. From a haunting multimedia exhibit about climate change to a powerful nude sculpture and self-portrait of an artist who’s a breast cancer survivor, the show takes viewers on a circular journey where the past is also the future. Highly recommend it! For more information, tickets and membership options, click here.
Hey, did you know the DC area has a professional Rugby team? It’s true! Old Glory DC will be playing next at the Maryland Soccerplex on April 20. Tickets are only $20, so check them out! Click here for more info and tickets.
The Hirshhorn kicks off their 50th Anniversary celebration with “Revolutions: Art from the Hirshhorn Colleyion, 1960-1960.” Enjoy 270 artworks by 126 different artists and especially enjoy the thoughtful curation on display, where pieces are in conversation and juxtaposition to one another– it’s a great way to better understand modern art. There will also be programming that goes along with the exhibit. Click here for more information and programming and don’t miss the Art Cart!
The Anacostia Playhouse‘s newest show is called “Sunset Baby” and it focuses on how our choices form our present and our historical significance. For more information and tickets, click here. Hurry– the show closes April 28.
The National Building Museum has a new exhibit about Frank Lloyd Wright titled Southwestern Pennsylvania and features some of his more daring, beautiful concepts that never came to fruition for the city of Pittsburgh. The exhibit has beautiful models, delicate hand-drawn renderings and bold imaginings of what Pittsburgh might have looked like with avant-garde skyscrapers encrusted on the sides of its mountains. Majestic. More info here.
The Smithsonian has a beautiful exhibit at the Kogod Courtyard, between the American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery through April 28. The Future of Orchids examines the beauty of orchids and their fragility. Sculpture by Phaan Howng blends and highlights the shapes and wild color schemes of these fascinating epiphytes. 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.
PLAN AHEAD
Hill Family Biking celebrates one whole year of bike rides and wholesome fun on April 27 starting at 4 p.m.! Celebrate the faces and places that have made this scrappy community a success! They will be riding 4.5 mile rides and end with a block party in front of Maury Elementary. All are welcome (bikeful or no) to enjoy,
- Music
- Face painting
- Food trucks
- Kid’s biking course (bring your balance bikes!)
- Collaborative chalk art by Chalk Riot.
- Lots of special guests that have helped make Hill Family Biking a reality.
Project Glow is coming back to RFK on April 27 and 28. Send non-cloudy weather vibes! For more information and tickets, click here.
And do you love cooking but need a little help with using knives? The Hill Center’s got you covered with Kitchen 101, focusing on knife skills. What a great way to wrap up a Tuesday! To register, click here.
Do you love ping pong? Do you love supporting good causes like 826DC, a non-profit that helps kids with their homework and writing skills? Then PADDLESTAR GALACTICA is the tournament for you! Sign up here and get ready for a paddling adventure on April 27 that could help someone’s life!
One of the highlights of the gardener’s calendar is back: The FONA Garden Fair and Plant Sale is happening April 27 at the US National Arboretum. For more info and membership options, click here.
Brunch on the Go is back at The Yards! Every weekend in May, get your walk on and brunch your way to health–– or just happiness. For tickets and more info, click here.
The Smithsonian Craft Fair is happening May 1 through 5 at the National Building Museum. A benefit for the Smithsonian and a celebration of folk roots, the festival will feature artists in different disciplines and you’re sure to find something you’ll love on the floor or at the online auction. Click here to plan your visit.
On May 3-5, visit the Capitol Rare Book Fair at the University Club in Downtown DC. Look for local fave Capitol Hill Books– they’ll be exhibiting! More info here.
The Anacostia River Festival is happening on Saturday, May 4! Celebrate the past, present and future of our beautiful river with a wonderful festival and market in Anacostia Park, just across the river from us, as well as a. There will be music, activations and more. Click here for more information.
On May 4, tour the world without crossing a boundary stone! Passport DC, the event that welcomes you into embasseis around the District so you can get a peek of their culture, arts and especially food! Click here and get excited!
And also on May 4, the magnificent and majestic Running of the Chihuahuas at the Wharf. Sign your chihuahua up for the races, participate in the costume contest with your doggo (all breeds welcome) and prepare for a day of mirth and merriment. For more information, click here.
The next 1D CAC meeting is May 7. Click here for more info.
The Capitol Hill Restoration Society House Tour is happening May 11 and 12. For more information and tickets, click here and here.
Psst: The Mystics kick off their season on May 14.
Dish! The Storytelling Cocktail Hour returns to the Hill Center on May 15. Have a nice sip and enjoy some piping hot tea from talented storytellers. Think of it as giving mom the gift of laughter for Mother’s Day! For more info click here. For tickets, click here.
On Sunday, May 19, Chiarina Chamber Players will deliver the last concert of the season: BETWEEN WORLDS: DVOŘÁK, RAVEL, SIMON, PONCE. For tickets, click here. To become a supporter, click here.
And it’s not until July 27 and 28, but get pumped for the Broccoli City festival. This year, it’ll be at Audi field and the lineup looks very star-studded. Tickets are now on sale! Keep an eye on their website here.
The Because They’re Funny Comedy Festival, showcasing comedians of color, isn’t until September 27-29, but you can get your tickets starting May 1 here. Are you a young comedian? Why not submit a video to be considered for their Breakout of the Year contest? Click here for more info.
Finally, if you’re excited about the Folger re-opening, why not get a subscription? Check it out here.