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 24
COUCH CREW: Living Room Sessions, a virtual concert series from Sixth and I and DCist, is introducing some cowboy soul music with local artist Odetta Hartman. Her first LP was produced right in her bedroom, so she should have no trouble bringing an exciting hybrid of folk, the sample-heavy form musique concrete, and psychedelia from her living room to yours. Settle in for a night of singing from a multi-instrumentalist. (4 p.m., FREE)
PORCH PARTY: On Friday, head safely outside to sit on your porch, hang on a balcony, or throw open windows to listen to some music. Crystal City BID is launching its #FrontPorchFridays, inviting Crystal City residents to tune into iHeartRadio Hot 99.5 at 4:20 p.m. on Friday for one hour of commercial-free music. If everyone listens together at the same time, you can close your eyes and almost pretend you’re at a concert. (4:20 p.m., FREE)
YES, AND…: D.C. improv troupe Porkchop Volcano is headed online. The troupe, lauded by Washingtonian and others, is hosting a Zoom improv show and you’re invited. Suggestions from the audience are encouraged to make the show unique and personal. You could even suggest they act out a scenario where everyone isn’t indefinitely trapped inside, but what do we know? (“Doors open” 8:30 p.m., $5)
SATURDAY, APRIL 25
DATAPALOOZA: How is data collected on coronavirus every day? Who is creating the interactive maps showing cases or the flattening curve? The Flatiron School is holding a four-hour long workshop on how all those coronavirus statistics we hear are understood, processed, and visualized. You’ll analyze a dataset and then visualize it on an interactive dashboard. Statistics and data beginners are welcome. (10 a.m., FREE)
THE EARTH AND YOU: It may be ironic that we’re celebrating the 50th anniversary of Earth Day indoors this week, but honor the day by taking the time to learn something new about the environment. Local experts will be holding a one-hour interactive online discussion on environmental factors that can disproportionally impact the health of communities of color and how these conditions, in turn, may explain higher rates of COVID-19. The webinar will also include tips on how to protect yourself and also how to manage mental health while trapped indoors. (12 p.m., FREE)
SPEND BIG, SHOP SMALL: Replace your weekly stroll through Union Market with a virtual one. On Saturday, local businesses are encouraging Washingtonians to shop small. Plenty of D.C.-based businesses are offering promotions, including those at Union Market, Coconut Club, La Caprese, Laoban Dumplings, and more are available for pick-up and delivery. A full list of participating Union Market businesses is available here. (All day, prices vary)
LOST GIGS, FOUND: The Love + Solidarity Collective is supporting local artists who have lost gigs with a night of live performances. On Saturday night, singer Sol Like Soul and poets Mernine Tevna and Nena Patra will be performing over Zoom as part of the collective’s monthly open mic Live in Da Garden. You can support other D.C.-area artists here or get in touch if you also have lost gigs and income. (8 p.m., FREE)
FOLLOW THE LEADER: If you fondly remember the children’s book Make Way For Ducklings, then you’re in for a treat from Glen Echo’s Adventure Theatre MTC. The theater is putting on a virtual showing of the adapted musical Make Way For Ducklings on Sunday afternoon via Facebook Live. The musical tells the story of a duck couple that raises their ducklings in an unfamiliar place and is helped by a local police officer. The show is appropriate for all ages. (2 p.m., FREE)
ART HOP FROM HOME: Takoma Main Street is taking its Art Hop & Wine online all weekend with local shopping and live music. Pieces from local artists are already available online to peruse as well as the details on the best wine deals from the neighborhood. Grab yourself a bottle or two and check out live performances from Mr. Gabe, Jon Morrow, and a local drum circle. The majority of the performances will be streamed on Facebook. You’re also invited to donate to Takoma’s Microgrant Fund. (11 a.m., FREE)
WORK FROM HOME: Not quite sure how to turn your 500 square-foot apartment studio into a yoga studio? Sun & Moon Yoga Studio in Arlington is here with a workshop to help yogis figure out the best type of yoga practice for their space. The interactive class will teach you how to build a practice template that’s individualized for your yoga journey and what household items can be fashioned into blocks, bands, and more. (2 p.m., $30)
