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We’re back at work/school, but D.C. is in full spring break mode… just in case you weren’t tipped off by a student tour group using every single fork at Nando’s (unfortunately, a true story).
But if your PTO is lagging your wanderlust, never fear.
"The most, we are doing," is what we imagine Yoda would tell us as the May the Fourth, Cinco de Mayo, Kentucky Derby, embassy open houses and other weekend festivities begin.
It’s like your parents used to say...
We have spring break at home!
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Your 30-second weekend guide ⚡ |
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Free pick
Around the World Embassy Tour Sat., 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 🔗 Details You can go around the world in a day – without a passport – when dozens of embassies open their doors to the public this Saturday and next. Tommy visited the Embassy of Trinidad and Tobago, just one place going all-out for the tour with soca dancing, steel drums and carnival vibes during the Around the World Embassy Tour.
“As you walk in, you’ll feel the natural warmth of the Caribbean,” Joan Bremmer, the embassy’s senior officer, said.
Countries from Angola to Zambia will share music, dance, kid-friendly crafts and cuisine. You can find a list of each embassy’s offerings here (Click “Embassy Activities”).
🔮 Next up: The EU Open House on Saturday, May 11, is when you can check in on your favorite European Union countries.
Here are our pro tips for a full day of globe-trotting: |
🌏 Map it out
You can likely hit up three to five embassies if you plan your day thoughtfully. The two main embassy hot spots are near the Van Ness-UDC and Dupont Circle Metro stations. Dupont is the busier zone with more options. But embassies around International Drive in Van Ness, including Bangladesh, China, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, tend to be less crowded.
Start your journey at an embassy, or drop by an info booth to pick up a souvenir passport and collect embassy stamps.
Here’s a map showing all the locations. 🌏 Save room for snacks
Don’t expect a full meal, but many embassies say they’ll offer food or drink samples, including Burundi, Chile, Guatemala, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Ukraine and the United Kingdom. 🌏 Prepare for lines
Our trick to beat the crowds: Line up at your most high-profile embassy early, before they open at 10 a.m., to get a jump start.
We expect some of the biggest lines at the British Embassy, which is going all-out for its first public event in five years.
Visitors can tour the historic Ambassador’s Residence, take in the gardens, look at classic and high-end British cars and support local charities in the company of Washington Commanders Defensive End Efe Obada (who’s one of a few U.K. heritage players in the NFL). |
🛫 More international flavors
The embassy open houses are part of Passport DC, a monthlong festival celebrating our diplomatic community and diverse culture. Other Passport DC events include:
Free pick National Cathedral Flower Mart
Fri., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sat., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., National Cathedral in Northwest D.C.
🔗 Details
In addition to the showstopping International Floral Display and the huge plant sale, Flower Mart visitors can ride an antique carousel, watch free performances and climb the cathedral’s skyscraping towers. Activities for kids and food vendors will be on-site. International City Food Festival
Fri., 4-9 p.m. and Sat., 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., The Square (1875 I St NW, Washington, D.C.), free admission 🔗 Details
Celebrating how food brings people together, this festival is set to present performances, crafts and vendors from around the world inside the downtown food hall. Free pick 🔮 Fiesta Asia
🔗 Details
The "Maskquerade: Moving Tradition Forward" Dance Showcase is happening Thursday, but the headlining event is a street fair downtown on Saturday, May 18. |
Save the date for the 12th Annual Running of the Chihuahuas at The Wharf DC presented by Pacifico on Saturday, May 4 from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. This dog-friendly event includes a Pacifico Beer Garden, a DJ, the iconic Chihuahua races, and more. |
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Derby Day watch parties 🏇 |
Lulu's Winegarden/Getty Images |
The hot weather this week has us craving something cool and refreshing to drink... so it's a good thing the Kentucky Derby is here to remind us about the existence of the mint julep.
NBC will have live Derby Day coverage starting at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, and even earlier on USA Network and Peacock.
But if you'd rather head off to the races with some friends in your most ostentatious hats, we've got some options for you in our roundup.
Derby Day parties for everyone:
🐴 If you miss the Barbie-pink vibes from last summer, head to the "Run for the Rosés" at Lulu's Winegarden for a multitude of rosé deals. Details. 🐴 If you love dogs AND horses, the Virginia Gold Cup out in The Plains has a Jack Russell Terrier race before their own horse race that they call "Virginia's answer to the Kentucky Derby." Details.
🐴 If you want to double up on your drinking holidays, Whitlow's is hosting "Derby de Mayo," home to bottomless brunch options, an abundance of unusual margaritas, and a prize for the best Derby hat or sombrero. Details. |
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Running of the Chihuahuas
May 4, 2-5 p.m., The Wharf in Southwest D.C., free entry
🔗 Details Look at those little legs go! The Wharf's adorable tradition returns this weekend.
Go for the delightfully cute chihuahua races, then stay for a pet photo booth, a dog costume contest featuring adoptable pups and all The Wharf has to offer. It’s free and kid-friendly. Dogs who aren’t participating in the races are welcome to cheer on their furry friends.
Big crowds show up for the main event, but you can watch the races on a jumbo screen. Plus... Tommy will serve as emcee!
Proceeds benefit Rural Dog Rescue, and many restaurants are mixing drinks for a cause. Sales of featured cocktails made with Tito's Vodka will also benefit the rescue. |
Sligo Creek Fest
Sat., 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Silver Spring, Maryland, free
🔗 Details
Montgomery County is trying something new. A stretch of Sligo Creek Parkway is going to the walkers, bikers, boarders and dogs (as long as they're leashed) for an outdoor festival!
From Dennis Avenue to University Boulevard, you'll find a stage with live music, kids' performances, food trucks, a beer tent featuring local breweries and hands-on activities.
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Belle and Sebastian, 8 p.m. Thursday, The Anthem, $45-$75 Uniquely catchy Scottish indie pop band almost three decades into its career is joined by Tamara Lindeman’s gorgeous folk band, The Weather Station. Details. Ra Ra Riot, 7 p.m. Thursday, 9:30 Club, $35
Danceable and synthy baroque pop rock group is on the road to celebrate 15 years since the release of debut LP “The Rhumb Line” before joining Vampire Weekend’s tour. Details.
Bad Moves, 8 p.m. Friday, Songbyrd, $15/$18 Single release show for four D.C. punk veterans who got together almost a decade ago to make incredibly infectious power pop. Details. Chastity Belt, 8 p.m. Saturday, Black Cat, $20
Indie rockers are touring in support of their fifth LP, “Live Laugh Love.” Over the past decade-plus, they’ve moved away from tongue-in-cheek feminist wit to more serious and introspective songwriting that’s more subdued and quieter, as rock bands often tend to as they age. Details. Owen, 8 p.m. Saturday, Songbyrd, $15/$18
Intimate solo project of Mike Kinsella, veteran of emo legends Cap’n Jazz and American Football. Maryland’s guitar-godly, post-hardcore band Spring Silver opens. Details. |
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If you watch one thing... |
Tommy Tries It: Trampoline Edition A 23-year-old trampoline gymnast from Maryland is working to secure her spot on the Olympic team. Tommy visited the gym in Prince George’s County where Jessica Stevens trains five days a week and gave it a high-flying try himself. Watch Tommy fly through the air here, then tune into NBC4 starting at 4 p.m. to see him in action every Wednesday. |
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More things happening this weekend |
Smithsonian Craft Show Weds. to Sun., National Building Museum, $20 for general admission MVT20 festival Sat., 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., 600 block of K Street NW, free
Nationals STAR WARS™ Weekend Fri., Sat. and Sun. Friday night fireworks Ballpark Boathouse kayaking season set to begin
Fri., Navy Yard NGA First Saturdays
Sat., National Gallery of Art, free Adams Morgan Spring PorchFest Sat., 2-6 p.m., 18th Street NW, free entry |
Quantico 14th Annual International Wine & Food Festival Fri., 4-8 p.m., The Clubs at Quantico, $50
FYI: Check Marine Base Quantico access rules Revolutionary War Weekend Sat. and Sun., George Washington’s Mount Vernon, $22 (youth)/$35 (adults)
Run the Greenway Sat., Loudoun Station, $25-$65 (free for kids 4 and under) Rosslyn Reads Book Festival Sat., 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Central Place Plaza (1800 N Lynn St.), free Alexandria Art Show and Craft Spring Fair
Sat., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., John Carlyle Square Park in Alexandria, free entry NVA Thai Street Food & Culture Festival
Sun., The Manassas Museum, free entry |
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The Tony Award nominations were announced on Monday, and as luck would have it … nominee Leslie Odom Jr. joined Tommy on TV this week! Even luckier still … you can see him at Strathmore on Friday night. “An Evening with Leslie Odom Jr.” goes way beyond him playing Aaron Burr, sir. Odom’s career spans five studio albums inspired by, as he says, “What if Nat King Cole made music today?” Expect plenty of excitement and maybe some behind-the-scenes insight on his most recent project, “Purlie Victorious,” and his latest Tony nod. You don’t have to … wait for it… much longer. |
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| About Tommy and Sophia
Tommy McFLY (@TommyMcFLY) brings you the best things to do around Washington as a News4 correspondent. A millennial Gemini husband and dog dad originally from Scranton, Tommy celebrates the things that bring our town together.
Sophia Barnes (@barnessophiag) started writing for NBC Washington and The Scene in 2016, covering everything from museum openings to protests to quirky animal stories. She’s an American University alum who loves good food and live music — say hi if you see her around the DMV. |
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