I hope someone in your life took the time yesterday to remind you that today it was going to be May. If not, click here for some delightful internet lore and a bonus earworm. This weekend is one of those crazy weekends where everything happens: It’s Derby Day, Cinco de Mayo weekend and, most recently, May the Fourth Be With You. It’s also beautiful outside, so if you just want to enjoy a local terrace or a sun-soaked patch of grass, enjoy it!
Tonight and a week from tonight– don’t forget the Library of Congress has Live! at the Library events every Thursday from 5-8 p.m. Enjoy something different each week against an incredible and historic background. You must have a pass to enter but all events are free. More info and RSVP here.
Friday and free/family-friendly: Bring a blanket and a picnic to Lincoln Park’s east lawn and enjoy Transformers, starting at 8 p.m. This is part of MPD’s community outreach.
Barracks Row Main Street is celebrating Star Wars this entire weekend with their May the Fourth be with you events. The fun starts May 2 and you can learn more via their Eventbrite.
Go cheer on the Washington Spirit as they take on Angel City FC on Friday. Get tickets here. And at 7 pm, go wash your hands! The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases’ Clean Hands Caravan will be cheering on our ladies and promoting your good health by reminding you to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with water and soap! This event is outside of the stadium and anyone can participate. Just look for the NFID Clean Hands Caravan tent along First Street SW.
CHAWbaret is happening May 2 and 3. This evening of songs and FUNdraiser for CHAW is an annual tradition. Learn more and get your tickets here.
Oh by the way, TRUCK TOUCH!!! The beloved toddler and little kid event had a false start earlier this spring but it’s on this Saturday at the RFK parking lots, 2400 East Capitol Street. RSVP here and, for the love of your eardrums, WEAR EARPLUGS.
Oh Lawd, they running! The Chihuahuas, that is! The annual Running of the Chihuahuas is coming to the Wharf again on Saturday, May 3, 2-5 pm. Watch little dogs race (watching’s free, racing is $30) or get your new best friend with the help of Rural Dog Rescue. Want to win a costume contest? Make sure Fido has their ‘stume on! Check The Wharf’s page for all the fun here.
The Saturday Rail Market at Union Station is happening this Saturday, May 3 (and future Saturdays, so put it on the calendar). Enjoy vintage finds and all sorts of different vendors. More information here.
Looking for a place to watch the Kentucky Derby, also known as the most exciting two minutes in sports? Scarlet Oak in Navy Yard will be showing the Derby on all screens, indoor AND patio, and they’ll have $10 Woodford Reserve Juleps.
Over by the stadium, the newly-dubbed Problem Child (formerly Duke’s) will have a watch party and $8 Juleps!
In the heart of the Hill, Barrel will have the Derby with sound on and $10 Mint Juleps. Get your fascinator on and let’s go!
Are you just looking for the horses and the odds? Bleacher Report is the place to go. Is it weird that this year’s favorite horse is Journalism? That reminds me: Do you appreciate THIH? If so, become a Patreon supporter!
Is tequila more your speed? Los Caballeros will be doing Cinco De Mayo specials: An all-day happy hour on Sunday, May 4 and a happy hour on Monday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. They’ll also have an extra long happy hour, 2-7 p.m. on Friday and bottomless margs on Saturday plus infused tequila shots on the house ALL WEEKEND. More info here.
Want to be a tourist in our neighborhood? Barracks Row Main Street has a monthly walking tour on Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sign up here.
In case you missed this volunteer opportunity, you can show up again at Stanton Park this Saturday, 10 am, and work with Revive Stanton Park!
Ongoing: Our friends at Washington Gardener Magazine have a great article on where to go see azaleas around the area. Stay local or explore a new garden!
Sponsored: We were approached to tell you, our readers, about this beautiful house on 7th Street NE, right off H Street NE. Check out this reel about the house and make an appointment to go see it.
OFF-HILL
The Around the World Embassy Tour is this weekend and it’s usually packed. This event is big and extremely fun, but be warned: It’s BUSY! Plan carefully and enjoy! More info and RSVP here.
Don’t forget! The Anacostia Community Museum is open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and they always have something fun going on! Learn more here.
PLAN AHEAD
By the way, the Because They Are Funny Comedy Festival will be back at the Wharf in October, but if you think you’re a funny person, you should enter the Breakout Comedian of the Year contest! Submissions are now open for this career-launching opportunity for up-and-coming stand-ups. The winner takes home $10,000 and a shot at Hollywood talent representation. Want to enter? Are you….
- 21+ and a U.S. resident who identifies as African, Latino, Indigenous American, Asian American, or Pacific Islander.
- Submit a 4-5 minute stand-up routine via YouTube or Vimeo.
- Deadline: May 31, 2025
Good luck! Click here to find out more and to apply.
The Capitol Hill Restoration Society is holding their annual House and Garden Tour on May 10 and 11. This is a great chance to peek into some gorgeous Hill homes and gardens and meet neighbors. Learn more and get your tickets here.
Okay, this is not even in DC but it’s too cool not to share: Gateway Community Development Corporation has their annual open studios tour this coming May 10, 2025. Click here for more information and a list of participating artists. There’s an afterparty too!
On May 26, celebrate local photography as Exposed DC celebrates local photography at MLK Library. For more information and to RSVP, click here. Proud to say that one of my images is included in this collection.
BIG AND TRUE! Open Streets is finally coming to Capitol Hill! The event, which prioritizes people and fun over cars, will take place on Saturday, June 28, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. The event will close a one-mile stretch of Hill roads: from North Carolina Avenue SE at 6th Street to 11th Street SE, through two blocks of East Capitol Street SE and finally continuing on Massachusetts Avenue SE, stopping at 17th Street SE. Learn more here and mark your calendar!