Editor’s note: DCist suspended our daily events guides in mid-March. But we’re bringing back weekday and weekend posts with ways to have virtual fun. We’ll be focused specifically on digital offerings from D.C.-area artists, musicians, fitness instructors, and others. (Want us to know about a virtual event? Submit them here.) And don’t forget about our guide to free movies, audiobooks, art, and other offerings from area institutions.
FRIDAY, APRIL 17
WELCOME TO MY CRIB: Number Nine’s Friday Night Video performance series is coming to your living room this Friday night. Right after VH1’s airing of RuPaul’s Drag Race, tune in to the bar’s Zoom livestream for a virtual performance courtesy of local talent Chord, who is acting as DJ, and KC B. Yoncé, who will be performing in drag. Virtual payment information will be available to tip talent. (9:30 p.m., FREE but tips appreciated)
LIVING ROOM SHOW: Living Room Sessions, a new concert series from Sixth and I and DCist, is back. This week settle in to listen to Asha “BOOMCLAK” Santee, a local percussionist, produce, vocalist, education and audio engineer. Sorry, did we mention that she is also a designer of music-inspired clothes? The multi-talented Howard alumna will be performing from her living room right to yours. (4 p.m., FREE)
MILLENNIUM STAGE TO COUCH: The Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage is known for its lineup of free, diverse performances and that isn’t changing with the center shut down. The arts center’s new Couch Concert series will bring stream new performers every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. This Friday, enjoy orchestra members from the Kennedy Center Opera House (4 p.m., FREE)
SATURDAY, APRIL 18
CHRISTMAS IN APRIL: Grab a mug of hot cocoa, crawl into your pajamas, and get comfy with Heurich House Museum’s Christkindlmarkt—Christmas market—which is setting up shop a few months early. Starting Saturday through April 26, you can buy locally-made prints, jewelry, housewares and more online and from your couch. More than 25 local artists are participating. (All day, prices vary)
FINE DINING: Celebrate Latin American restaurant Seven Reasons turning one with a unique dining experience. The restaurant will stream its kitchen and dining room via Zoom as their anniversary party gets underway. You can order dinner from the restaurant until 8:30 p.m. to add to the experience. (6:30 p.m., FREE)
YOU’RE THE JUDGE: D.C.-area arts non-profit Day Eight is taking its DC Poet Project virtual this year. Four poetry contestants will post video readings of their poems on Saturday and you’ll judge them. Head to Day Eight’s Facebook page, listen to the poems, and like the reading you enjoy the most. The winning poet gets a $1,000 contract to publish a collection of their poetry, so choose with passion. (Noon, FREE)
GET WEIRD: Comedy Potluck, a D.C. alternative open mic night, is hosting a night of weirdness on Saturday. Performers are invited to sign up to perform anything but traditional stand-up and improv. Instead, performers are asked to do sketch comedy, short stories, musical performances, videos, and more. The open mic night will be streamed via Twitch. Don’t get afraid to get a little weird in a weird time. (8:30 p.m., FREE)
SUNDAY, APRIL 19
FLOWER POWER: Cherry blossom season doesn’t have to end so soon, at least not without viewing four essential Japanese films devoted to the pink blossoms. The Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art has recommended four films, all of which can be streamed on the Criterion Channel (a free 14-day trial is available). The films explore themes of beauty, fragility of life, and the cycle of seasons. The museum’s curator of film Tom Vick will be leading an online discussion, so don’t forget to tune in after watching. (2 p.m., FREE)
CAT KING: Who doesn’t need cat videos right now? If you’ve finished Tiger King on Netflix, enjoy a bit of a lazier watch this Sunday. CatVideoFest, which toured earlier this year in D.C., has made The Best Of Cat Video Fest: Creature Comforts Edition available to Suns Cinema for streaming. The 40-minute reel is simply endless cats just being, uh, cats. Tickets for the virtual screening are “pay what you want” and 75 percent of sales go back to the cinema. (All day, donations accepted)
YES, YOU CAN STILL SCREAM BINGO: Shaw’s Tavern is bringing you a game of virtual bingo, complete with prizes, right to your living room. The restaurant’s Facebook Live will include several rounds of bingo as well as drag performances by local performers. The suggested donation will support the host and Venmo information will be given to tip the performers. (8 p.m., $10 suggested donation)
