The National Symphony Orchestra plays for free in D.C.
Due to COVID-19 developments, the National Symphony Orchestra has cancelled its scheduled tour performances in Japan. Instead, The Kennedy Center and Japanese Embassy are hosting a series of mini concerts and day-long performance screenings. On Friday, the REACH at The Kennedy Center will be streaming recording of NSO performances from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. At two points during the day, 12 p.m. and 8 p.m., a video of the group’s recent performance of Schubert’s “Unfinished” Symphony and Mahler’s Fifth Symphony will be rebroadcast. And if you’re looking for a lunchtime break before heading out of the office for the weekend, a chamber ensemble from the NSO will perform a free lunchtime concert at 12 p.m. at the Japanese Embassy.
The Reach, Friday, various times; The Japanese Embassy, Friday, 12 p.m.

Check out a new exhibit of local women artists
If you’ve already toured the National Museum of Women in the Arts several times, venture to Arlington’s Gallery Underground for a new way to celebrate International Women’s Month. Starting Friday night, the gallery will be displaying a month-long exhibit, The Divine Feminine, that explores four local artists’ interpretations of the feminine spirit through different visual mediums. Stop by for a meet-and-greet with the artists, who will be discussing the inspiration and focus behind their pieces.
Gallery Underground, on view through March 28, opening reception Friday, 5 p.m.-7 p.m.

Support women filmmakers at a two-part film festival
The Smithsonian American Art Museum is partnering with Eaton DC for two-day film festival celebrating women and nonbinary creators whose work breaks the molds of traditional Hollywood movies. On Friday, the Eaton will feature eight different short films by women artists from D.C., Baltimore, and Philadelphia. On Saturday, the Smithsonian American Art Museum will be dedicating its annual Women Filmmakers Festival to celebrating the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment (which gave women the right to vote, if you’re not up on your Constitutional amendments). Saturday afternoon boasts a lineup of radical and experimental films offering narratives of women and LGBT empowerment, and post-screening conversations with the artists behind the works. Both events are free, but register to save your spot.
Eaton DC, Friday, 7 p.m.-9 p.m., Smithsonian American Art Museum, Saturday, 2 p.m.-7 p.m. 

Get lucky at Alexandria’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Every first Saturday in March, the Ballyshaners St. Patrick’s Day Parade takes over Old Town Alexandria, filling the streets with kilt-laden legs and blaring bagpipes. Saturday’s celebration will begin with “The Fun Dog Show” in Market Square at 11:00 a.m. (For $25, you can enter your pup in any of the three costume categories). The winning green-and-plaid-clad pooches will then lead the parade at 12:30, which fill feature a line-up of pipe and drum bands and Irish Step dancers.
King Street and Pitt Street intersection, Alexandria, Saturday, 12:30 p.m.

Celebrate Nowruz at the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art
Ring in the Persian New Year with an annual Nowruz celebration. “Nowruz,” meaning “new day” is celebrated by 300 million people across the Middle East, Central Asia, the Balkans, and the Caucasus, and typically falls between March 19 and 22nd, aligning with the vernal equinox. In its 12th annual festival, the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art will be welcoming spring and celebrating Persian culture with traditional music and dance, an interactive storytelling performance, and egg decorating stations. Three exhibits—Engaging the Senses, Feast Your Eyes, and Shaping Clay in Ancient Iran—will also be open for visitors to explore.
Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art, Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The Nowruz celebration at the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art has been postponed due to logistical support issues. 

Want more ideas for your weekend—even if they cost a little money?
9 Things To Do In D.C. This Weekend
8 Food And Drink Events To Feast On This Week
9 Art Exhibits And Events To See in March
14 Concerts You Won’t Want To Miss Around D.C. This Week
The Best Jazz And International Music Shows To Catch In March