Things to do the week of May 20-23, 2024
We've gathered up some things to do across the nation's capital, including museum exhibits, concerts, only-in-DC events and much more. Don't miss our things to do this weekend and things to do this month as well.
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Monday
The Anxious Eye: German Expressionism and Its Legacy
One of the 20th century’s most important artistic movements takes center stage at the National Gallery of Art. German Expressionists who first came to prominence in the early part of the 20th century are featured throughout, including Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Erich Heckel and Emil Nolde. Their influence can be registered through the contemporary pieces in the exhibition, including work by Leonard Baskin, Nicole Eisenman and Orit Hofshi. In total, visitors can marvel at more than 70 prints, drawings, illustrated books, portfolios and sculptures.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC
Pattern and Paradox: The Quilts of Amish Women
Learn about the fascinating connection between Amish Women and quilting thanks to a new exhibit at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Over time, the practice has transcended its utilitarian roots and become a form of artistic expression for Amish Women. Treat your eyes to a wondrous mix of colors and patterns as you marvel at the innovation of extraordinary quilts.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
ISEKAI: Blooming Parallel Worlds
ARTECHOUSE welcomes visitors to its seventh annual installation dedicated to celebrating the beauty of the cherry blossoms in DC. The museum treats your eyes to an exhibit inspired by the Isekai genre of Anime, allowing for the exploration of alternate universes stacked with colors, adventures and immersive technologies. Plus, discover Gachapons hidden throughout the exhibit to win prizes from local businesses or snag a book from the 'Isekai Library'. Make sure to take advantage of tickets with a 10% discount.
Tickets (10% off)
ARTECHOUSE, 1238 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024
Tuesday
Bonnard’s Worlds
The first major retrospective of the work of Pierre Bonard at the Phillips Collection in 20 years, Bonnard’s Worlds opens new avenues for exploring the mind and surroundings of the French artist. Some of the most celebrated works by the master have been brought together from museums across Europe and the U.S. and from private collections worldwide for an exhibition that highlights how Bonnard translated the spaces around him, from Parisian landscapes to the interior spaces of his dwellings and thoughts.
Hours & Admission
The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Killer Mike & The Mighty Midnight Revival
One of the titans of hip-hop comes to the Kennedy Center to put on a show like you’ve never seen before. Both as a solo artist and as a member of Run the Jewels, Killer Mike consistently delivers some of the most hard-hitting and thought-provoking rap music around. His most recent LP, Michael, won three Grammys, showing that the artist has not lost his fastball. He’ll play songs from that album and many others when he takes the stage with his band, the Mighty Midnight Revival. The performer will also be accompanied by the National Symphony Orchestra, making for an evening of songs and sound you can’t enjoy anywhere else.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Where the Mountain Meets the Sea
From the writer of Apple TV+’s The Morning Show comes a tale that showcases the power of music to transcend time and place. After learning of the death of his estranged father, a son decides to embark on a cross-country trip modeled after the one his Haitian immigrant parents took before he was born. As the son travels across America and listens to the music his father loved, he discovers the everlasting bond that existed between them. Where the Mountain Meets the Sea makes it DC-area debut at Signature Theatre in Arlington, Va.
Tickets
Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
Metamorphoses
Nominated for a Tony Award when it first launched in 2002, Metamorphoses sets the mythic and modern together to create an unforgettable night of theater. Audiences are treated to the stories of Aphrodite, Midas, Cupid and others in whimsical fashion, showcasing universal truths, both funny and serious. Visionary theater director Psalmayene 24 helms Mary Zimmerman’s masterful script for Folger Theatre.
Tickets
Folger Theatre, 201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Wednesday
Staging the Supernatural: Ghosts and the Theater in Japanese Prints
The Japanese Edo period (1603–1868) gave credence to essential ideas about the supernatural in Japanese culture. Many of the beliefs that came to prominence during this time are still held as conventional wisdom today. This exhibit at the National Museum of Asian Art allows you to explore the roles that ghosts and spirits play in the retelling of Japanese legends as well as real events. Staging the Supernatural features woodblock prints and illustrated books that showcase the spooky specters that haunt the Japanese theater traditions of noh and kabuki.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
Beyond Boundaries: An Evening Curated by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa
Acclaimed around the world for her creative choreography, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa has curated a series of breathtaking performances from the Washington Ballet to take place at the Kennedy Center across five consecutive days. Ochoa’s beloved 2019 commission for the Ballet, Delusional Beauty, will be a part of the series that also elevates a diverse collection of voices and perspectives in modern dance.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
The Matchbox Magic Flute
Shakespeare Theatre Company presents a “matchbox” approach to Mozart’s legendary opera, The Magic Flute. Mary Zimmerman conceived this fresh adaptation that features a cast of 10 and an orchestra of just five players. Audiences will be swept off their feet by the adventures of Prince Tamino and Princess Pamina as they encounter dragons, trials by fire and water, underground corridors and much more.
Tickets
Klein Theatre, 450 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Turandot
Grammy Award-winning composer Christopher Tin and acclaimed playwright and screenwriter Susan Soon He Stanton bring an exciting new portrayal of one of Puccini’s greatest operas to the Kennedy Center. Audiences will be immersed in the story of Princess Turandot, who invites any suitor to marry her, but they must first solve three of her riddles – or face death. Past gender dynamics and cultural appropriation come to the fore as the Washington National Opera puts on one of the most powerful productions of the year.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Thursday
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Southwestern Pennsylvania
The National Building Museum exhibits both realized and unrealized projects that the legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed for the region of Southwestern Pennsylvania from the 1930s through the 1950s. The display examines how Wright’s vision of the future could have impacted urban, suburban and rural landscapes. Also, animated films created by Skyline Ink Animators + Illustrators provide a first-time virtual exploration of five unrealized projects.
Hours & Admission
National Building Museum, 401 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Mosaic Theater: Mexodus
As a result of its Catalyst new play development incubator, Mosaic Theater brings Mexodus to the Atlas Performing Arts Center. Brian Quijada and Nygel D. Robinson craft a musical live on-stage via looping as the duo explores untold stories of enslaved people who used the Underground Railroad to escape south to Mexico.
Tickets
Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
Dixie’s Tupperware Party
The Kennedy Center is about to become The Dixie Center this May. Dixie Longate is a fast-talking, gum-chewing Alabama gal who’s here to bring your grandmother’s Tupperware party into the 21st century. She’s going to show everyone the multiple uses of the plastic kitchen staple and share some hilarious tales. Expect audience participation and plenty of down-home wisdom as well.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
HAIR
Signature Theatre Company hosts a classic rock musical that broke new ground with its rebellion, spirit and psychedelic colors when it debuted in 1967. HAIR concerns a group of hippies on the verge of adulthood who champion freedom, pacifism and joy, but are confronted by a world thrown into chaos when one of their friends is drafted to the Vietnam War. The play features unforgettable songs such as “Aquarius,” “Let the Sunshine In,” and “Good Morning, Starshine”.
Tickets
Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
Places to Stay
Need some inspiration for a place to stay in between events? Washington, DC is filled with a multitude of hotels to fit your needs. Whether you are looking for that specialty boutique hotel or booking at your favorite hotel brand, Washington, DC's booking engine has it all. Find your stay today!
#Only1DC Photo of the Week
Do you know where you’ll be dining pre- or post-event? From pop-up restaurants to Michelin-starred hot spots to laid-back food halls, our DC food guide is perfect for helping you plan a more memorable experience.
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