Our end-of-the-week picks for May 17-19
We've gathered up some fun things to do in DC this weekend. You can also read what else is going on during the week and throughout the month.
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Friday
Celebrating the Past, Shaping the Future: 70th Anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education
The National Museum of African American History and Culture celebrates the 70th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education with a special event that will examine the ruling’s profound impact on education and honor the Little Rock 9, the litigants of Brown and other champions who have made the continued pursuit of educational justice possible. Admission is free but registration is required.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission | Registration Required
National Museum of African American History and Culture, 1400 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
Expecting
c21 Theatre Company developed this one-act play in collaboration with deaf artist Paula Clarke. Expecting explores experiences unique to deaf and hearing couples through the story of Shauna and Robbie. Keegan Theatre’s accessible new show examines the barriers that Shauna faces while mothering a baby daughter and Robbie encounters as a provider and father.
Tickets
Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
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
Little Shop of Horrors – Final Weekend
Originally a sci-fi/horror comedy film released in 1960, Little Shop of Horrors then became an off-Broadway musical in the early 1980s. Yet another film adaptation followed a few years later, showing how this timeless story of a floral shop assistant and his singing, deadly plant will always dazzle audiences. The historic Ford’s Theatre revives the dynamic production during its upcoming spring season. Make sure to use code DDCSHOP20 for 20% off your tickets to the show (limit two tickets per purchase)!
Tickets
Ford's Theatre, 511 10th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Jesus Christ Superstar
A new take on one of the best musicals of all-time honors the 50th anniversary of the play’s first staging. Jesus Christ Superstar details the final weeks of the life of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of Judas, filled with indelible rock songs like “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” and “Superstar”. The award-winning and legendary music and lyrics were written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, masters of their craft.
Tickets
The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Saturday
Dupont Kalorama Museum Walk Weekend
Take two days to enjoy free admission at seven awesome DC museums. The Dupont Kalorama Museum Walk weekend includes Anderson House, Dumbarton House, Dupont Underground, the National Museum of American Jewish Military History, O Museum in The Mansion, The Phillips Collection and the Woodrow Wilson House. You will have access to new exhibits, fascinating stories and live music at each museum, an incredible free opportunity that comes only once a year.
More Information | Free Admission | Register
Fiesta Asia!
Embrace Asian Heritage Month with a day jam-packed with culture, from the performing arts to culinary delights. The annual Fiesta Asia! takes over Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd and 6th streets NW with exciting performances, interactive displays, flea markets and food stalls.
More info | Free Admission
Pennsylvania Avenue NW between 3rd & 6th Streets NW
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
Problems Between Sisters
Riffing on Sam Shepard’s True West, Studio Theatre’s latest production shifts the focus to sisters, conjuring a searing take on modern womanhood. Jess is a visual artist and Rory is a con artist and both are pregnant. As Jess prepares to launch her first solo show, Rory’s new project begins production as well… and this time, she’s crossed a line. A debate about artistic merit turns into a war that drudges up plenty of family baggage and old squabbles. Buckle up!
Tickets
Studio Theatre, 1501 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005
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
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
Tacos & Tequila at Nationals Park
Nats Park turns into a tacos-and-tequila heaven during this special event. Expect a diverse array of flavors and renowned brands including Casamigos, Casa Azul, Cincoro Tequila, Mijenta Tequila, Ana Maria, Tequila Rosa, Banhez Mezcal Astesnal and many others. Enjoy tequila or cocktail tastings, savor delectable taco samples from Pink Taco, Mission, El Teco, Surfside Tacos and El Bebe and check out intense competition as vendors compete for the title of Ultimate Taco and Tequila Champion. Use discount code 'TEQUILA10' for $10 off your ticket purchase!
4-7 p.m. | Tickets
Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Sunday
Running of the Chihuahuas at The Wharf
The Wharf celebrates Cinco de Mayo with this too-cute-to-be-true chihuahua race, now in its 12th year. Watch the little pups run their way to glory at one of the most exciting places in DC. You’ll also be able to enjoy a beer garden, a 360-degree pet photo booth, a DJ, an adoptable pet parade, an all-breed costume contest and music throughout the afternoon. Admission is free.
2-5 p.m. | Free Admission
The Wharf, 600 Water Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
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. Make sure to take advantage of tickets with a 10% discount.
Tickets (10% off)
ARTECHOUSE, 1238 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024
Prologue Theatre: Marjorie Prime – Final Weekend
Prologue Theatre and Atlas Performing Arts Center present a riveting rumination on grief, memory, identity and technology. As the octogenarian Marjorie battles dementia, her daughter Tess and son-in-law Jon introduce a Prime, which is artificial intelligence constructed to resemble Marjorie’s deceased husband, Walter. The Prime turns into a deposit for memories shaped by Tess and Jon and as Marjorie’s health declines, Tess contemplates aging, mortality and her relationship with her mother.
Tickets
Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
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
Parliament Funkadelic featuring George Clinton
The 9:30 Club welcomes the Mothership to DC. George Clinton has been at the forefront of Parliament Funkadelic since the late 1960s, helping to shape multiple genres of music through a series of acclaimed albums and hit songs. Expect to hear decades of funk – songs that also helped plant the seed for modern hip-hop, dance and R&B music – and groove the night away during this highly anticipated performance.
7 p.m. | Tickets
9:30 Club, 815 V Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
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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