Audience members at “From the Canyons to the Stars” will see a series of stunning photos by Deborah O’Grady.
We can’t stand the rain either, but we sure do love the outdoors. This weekend, enjoy events that celebrate nature. Indoors, outdoors, around the world, and beyond—we’ve got you covered.
FRIDAY, MAY 12
STARS & STRIPES: Lovers of music and National Parks will enjoy this concert that pairs nature photography with an orchestral performance. Washington Performing Arts and the U.S. Air Force Band are partnering up for the East Coast Premiere of Olivier Messiaen’s “From the Canyons to the Stars.” As the band plays on, attendees will see stunning landscape photography shot by Deborah O’Grady in Southwest Utah. It’s a perfect visual complement to this twelve-movement composition, which was inspired by Messiaen’s trip to Utah’s Bryce Canyon National Park. See for yourself why rock formations and a starry sky served as muses for this work. (DAR Constitution Hall, 8 p.m. FREE)
PLANTS: This weekend, marvel at tiny trees. The World Bonsai Day Festival runs from Friday through Sunday, and will feature exhibits, lectures, demonstrations, workshops, and more. Visit the newly reopened National Bonsai and Penjing Museum to learn about these living works of art. Vendors will be on site, should you decide to try your hand at growing fancy shrubberies. (U.S. National Arboretum, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. FREE)
More: Kaskade
(Photo by Caroline Angelo)
SATURDAY, MAY 13
TWEET TWEET: It’s International Migratory Bird Day! Mark the occasion by walking in the footsteps of three historic ornithologists: John Burroughs, Dr. Elliott Coues, and Paul Bartsch. Learn how you can help our feathered friends during their springtime journey. Stand by the Anacostia River and search for bald eagles and egrets. Then, watch birds of prey snatch helpless rodents out of the sky. It’s fun for the whole family! (Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. FREE)
BLUEGRASS: The Kingman Island Bluegrass & Folk Festival is back, celebrating springtime and local music. With multiple stages, you can keep yourself busy bouncing from one performance to another. Hear Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen, Justin Trawick & The Common Good, Elena & Los Fulanos, Ampersand String Band, and more at this all-day outdoor event. Proceeds benefit Living Classrooms Foundation. Just remember to leave-no-trace. (Kingman Island, 12-9 p.m. $30-125)
HORNS: Richmond’s No BS! Brass Band is bringing that New Orleans jazzy, brassy sound to D.C. for a show that will get you moving. The highpoint of your weekend deserves a high energy concert. (Black Cat, 8 p.m. $18)
BLAST OFF: What are the sounds of the Space Race? We can all quote (or misquote) “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” But how did that monumental moment affect music back on Earth? Come to a special advance screening of the episode “Moon Landing” from the CNN Original Series Soundtracks: Songs That Defined History. After the screening, a panel of space and music experts will talk sound and spaceflight. (National Air and Space Museum, 7:30 p.m. FREE)
EUROPE: Traveling to 28 countries sounds fun, but who has that many vacation hours saved up? Do it all in one day and skip the jet lag at the annual European Union Embassies’ Open House. More than two dozen embassies will open their doors for free, public parties. Take a Swedish art workshop, watch Bulgarian folk dance, learn about Polish history, sip Spanish wine, eat all the things from all the places, and start planning your next trip abroad. (Various locations, 10 a.m. -4 p.m. FREE)
DANCE: Show dem how you wine. A dancehall party is taking over The Park at 14th, bringing different genres of music to every floor. Whether you’re in the mood for hip hop, soca, or reggae, you can find your people and your beat at the DanceHall Reggae Soca DayParty. Last we checked, an event that starts at 5 isn’t a “day party,” but give us a rum cocktail and we’ll let it go. (The Park at 14th, 5-10 p.m. FREE)
More: Louder Than A Bomb, Marc Maron, Pups In The Park, RDGLDGRN, Twentieth Century, Demetri Martin, Rooftop Silent Disco in Shaw, Green Festival Expo
(Photo by Mr. Tin DC)
SUNDAY, MAY 14
BIKE RIDE: Monday begins Bike to Work Week, but let’s be honest—motorists are vicious in these streets. Enjoy city cycling in style and safety this Sunday at the D.C. Bike Ride. This year’s course is 20 miles long, starting in West Potomac Park and finishing at the U.S. Capitol. See the sights without dodging Ubers during this closed-course ride. Proceeds benefit the Washington Area Bicycle Association (WABA) and their street safety programs. There will be entertainment along the way, and afterwards at the Finish Festival. Online registration closes tonight (Thursday) at midnight! (West Potomac Park, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. $35-175)
VOCALS: Local singing groups are joining forces for a performance featuring two choral masterpieces. Hear Carmina Burana and Oedipus Rex sung by The Washington Chorus, Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, Children’s Chorus of Washington, and Washington National Cathedral Boy and Girl Choristers, to live music by a full orchestra. Special guest Ari Shapiro will serve as narrator of Oedipus Rex, a story that will leave you wishing you’d just done Mother’s Day brunch. (The Kennedy Center, 5-7:30 p.m. $18-72)
CLASSIC: Emerson String Quartet is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Come learn why audiences continue to love this Grammy Award-winning ensemble at a performance featuring works by Mozart, Debussy, and Dvorak. (Natural History Museum, 6-8 p.m. $56-72)
More: Kerfuffle , Classic Album Sundays: Radiohead
Other helpful links to plan your weekend:
Three Station Closures, Service Disruptions, And More To Know About Metrorail This Weekend
This Week in Jazz
Weekly Music Agenda
May Arts Agenda
May Theater Guide
Drink of the Week: Cool Off With A Caipirinha
