Attend the 2019 Folklife Festival
The entire Folklife Festival is happening over the course of this weekend—instead of its usual 10-day run—but that doesn’t mean the events will be any less interesting. This year’s theme is “The Social Power of Music,” and it specifically highlights and celebrates D.C.’s local music scene. Staples of the festival, such as its concerts and workshops, will be present, in addition to a pop up dedicated to D.C. music history. The festival will feature numerous D.C. artists, including the D.C. Bluegrass Union, producer and rapper Kokayi, and more. You can even check out a drumming workshop, hosted by D.C.-native Malik “Dope Drummer” Stewart.
The National Mall and the Freer Plaza, Saturday and Sunday, various times
Catch a preview of D.C.’s Fringe Festival
The annual Capital Fringe Festival is coming back to D.C. this summer, but before then, you can catch a sneak peek of some of this year’s programming. This Friday, you can check out four-minute excerpts of more than twenty plays that will be featured in this year’s festival. So if you’re almost always overwhelmed when it comes to all the options at Fringe, here’s your chance to prepare yourself and find the shows you’re most excited to see. Some of the featured artists include D.C.’s satirical musical comedy group Hexagon, the Jane Franklin Dance company, and more.
Market SW, Friday, 7 p.m.
Stretch it out at a yoga block party
Core Power Yoga is offering a free intensive yoga class at three locations all along the H Street corridor. Afterwards, enjoy a complimentary mimosa at Smith Commons and The Apollo, or a complimentary coffee at Maketto. You’ll also have the chance to win one free month of unlimited CorePower Yoga. Just don’t forget to register, and bring a mat and a towel.
Smith Commons, The Apollo, and Maketto, Sunday, 10:15 a.m.-11:15 a.m., registration required.
Attend a festival celebrating refugees at the National Cathedral
The annual 1 Journey Festival celebrates the talents and achievements of refugees and displaced peoples. All day Saturday, you can check out various dance and musical performances, and take in a Unity Parade at 3:20 p.m. Some of the featured artists and speakers include the samba-reggae group Batalá Washington, the Maru Montero Dance Company, UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Emi Mahmoud, and many others. There’s also a kids’ corner, featuring activities like giant puppet decoration, how to write your name in Arabic, and more. To see a full program, click here.
Washington National Cathedral, Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., RSVP online
Learn about some baseball history
“Take Me Out to the Ball Game” is one of America’s most popular refrains, but did you know the song’s lesser-known verses have roots in social activism? This Saturday, the Library of Congress is hosting a talk featuring George Boziwick, former Chief of the Music Division at the New York Public Library, and Dr. Trudy Williams. The event will explore the connections between “baseball, music, suffrage, social activism, and vaudeville.” It’s part of a bigger series from the Library of Congress called “Baseball Americana.”
Thomas Jefferson Building – LJ 119, Saturday, 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m., online tickets are required.
