Hello, tortured poets!
We’re two more sleeps away from Taylor’s new album and 100 days from the Paris Olympics.
All the Olympic buzz has us ready to fly to Paris ourselves. Today at 4 p.m. on NBC4, we’re kicking off “Tommy Tries It”! Each week, he’ll show the couch commentators what actually goes into playing sports at a world-class level.
This afternoon, you’ll meet the incredible Laulauga Tausaga, who is currently number one on planet Earth for discus. We ❤️ Laulauga – she’s a whole vibe. |
Whatever you and yours are trying this weekend, we’d love to know about it. Send pics to isee@nbcwashington.com (or tag us on social!). They may just end up on-air and in the newsletter. 😉 |
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Your 30-second weekend guide ⚡ |
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Get festive!
It's that rare and precious time in D.C. when there's sunshine but it's not too hot... yet (sorry about the pollen, though)!
Flowers, music, art, food: Our guide has something to fit every mood, whether you're looking for a weekend rager or a fun time with the whole family.
But here are some of our top picks this weekend. |
National Cannabis Festival
Fri. and Sat., RFK Festival Grounds, $55-$130 🔗 Details
THUNDERCAT and Wu-Tang Clan are exciting headliners for the D.C. festival that’s grown massively over the past several years. The music festival is the big draw for most, but you’ll also find an exhibitor’s fair, the National Cannabis Championship and – never fear – plenty of munchies. Pro tip: Read the fest’s FAQ to see what you’re allowed to bring inside. |
Free pick Savor Bowie Sat. and Sun., Bowie Town Center
🔗 Details
Complimentary wine tastings, two stages of live music, vendors and artisans: Savor Bowie has all the ingredients for a lovely spring day out. The event is free and proceeds benefit Concerts for Causes.
And if you’re up for more, check out the Funk After Fest concert at the Bowie Performing Arts Center ($29-39). |
Free pick Leesburg Flower & Garden Festival Sat. and Sun., opens at 10 a.m.
🔗 Details Flowers and plants are taking over historic downtown Leesburg, Virginia, for a weekend of all things gardening.
A landscape display contest, three stages of entertainment, the rooftop wine and beer garden and a children’s area will give the whole family a spring in their step. |
NVA Thai Street Food & Culture Festival This Sun., plus May 5 and May 26, The Manassas Museum, free entry 🔗 Details Take in the tastes, sounds and culture of Thailand right in Virginia. You’ll find performances, live music and games, plus tons of street eats and sweets.
Our friends Hype Foodies went inside! Pro tip: Arrive early to avoid long lines for food.
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Watch News4 news, special reports, and more for free on our streaming channel. Tune in now on The Roku Channel. |
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2019 World Champions Five Year Anniversary Weekend Fri. to Sun., Nationals Park, $13+
🔗 Tickets
Nats Park is marking half a decade since the World Series win.
Go for Fireworks Friday, replica ring giveaways on Saturday or Screech’s Birthday plus Kid’s Opening Day on Sunday. Your kids can run the bases or get an autograph from a Nats Player; here are the details.
We’re just over here banging on the trash cans with excitement (IYKYK) as the Nats take on the Astros.
ICYMI: Our Nats Park guide will help you get there and get in easily.
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“Da Magic Boombox: A Hip Hop and Go-Go Evolution” Fri. and Sat., Flowers High School in Springdale, $20-$25 🔗 Details
Flowers High School depends on ticket sales to fund its drama program. This very DMV play would be a fun time for the whole family. Molette Green got a first look.
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Music Snob
Open your ears |
North Mississippi Allstars, 8 p.m. Thursday, Wolf Trap, $47
Rollicking, foot-stomping southern and blues rock that found its dedicated following amid the jam band scene. The Dickinsons grew up in music — father, Jim, was a celebrated producer, singer and piano player. Details. Robyn Hitchcock, 8 p.m. Friday, Hamilton, $15
Frequently referred to as the Bob Dylan of alternative rock, the British singer-songwriter first made the scene in the ‘70s with psychedelic folk rock heroes The Soft Boys. He’s spent decades delighting fans with his esoteric stage banter as well as his biting, witty songwriting. (Go watch “Storefront Hitchcock.”) Details. Stabbing Westward, 7 p.m. Friday, Black Cat, $30
Pioneering industrial band reformed several years ago, decades after helping define the scene alongside bands like Skinny Puppy and Nine Inch Nails. Details.
Griefcat, 7 p.m. Sunday, Jammin Java, $15/$25 Hilarious musical comedy duo harmonizes about sociopolitcal issues. Musically, they don’t blend genres, rather hop them, from pop to rock to country and more. Details.
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If you watch one thing... |
You’re used to seeing Wizards star Kyle Kuzma behind a line on the basketball court, but this is a whole new game. Tommy joined Kuzma on the line of his new restaurant opening today in Gainesville, Virginia.
(Also… that height difference. 😂 We swear Tommy’s driver’s license says he’s 5 feet, 11 inches tall). |
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More things happening this weekend |
The Rakim & DJ Jazzy Jeff & Ravi Coltrane Project Fri., 8 p.m., The Kennedy Center, $59 ASL Jubilee Fri., 5 p.m., National Union Building, free
Asian AF Fri. and Sat., The Kennedy Center, $25-$40 Georgetown House Tour
Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m., $60 Hi Lawn's Rooftop Beer Fest Sat., Union Market, $40-$50
Fletchers Boathouse kayaking begins Sat. “Up Close with Paul Cezanne” Through July 14, Phillips Collections, included with admission Filmfest DC April 18-28 Last chance: “One Life: Frederick Douglass”
Through Sun., National Portrait Gallery, free |
“Hair” musical Through July 7, Signature Theatre in Arlington, $40+ Paris Sashay Presents: Tequila Made Me Do It Thurs., 7 p.m., Arlington Drafthouse, $10+ Historic Garden Week Old Town Alexandria Tour
Sat., $20-$55 Family Fun - Spring Fairy Houses
Sat., 10 a.m., Green Spring Gardens in Alexandria, $10 Bats Class Sat., Huntley Meadows Park |
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🐕 The Wharf’s Annual Running of the Chihuahuas returns May 4! It’s truly a barking hilarious tradition. You can register your chihuahua on Eventbrite; fees support Rural Dog Rescue.
🏀 We’re getting an up-close look at how Caitlin Clark and other rising stars are blowing up interest in the WNBA. Tickets for games against the Indiana Fever – Clark’s team – and Chicago Sky are going for well over $200 on the resale market. Make your plans now! |
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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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