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, MAY 8
LIVING ROOM TUNES: Sign off from work early and tune into Living Room Sessions, Sixth and I and DCist’s new series. This week, the Wammie Award-nominated Cat Janice is performing. Janice has an indie rock-meets-pop sound—think Bishop Briggs or Alice Merton. She performs songs inspired by womanhood, relationships, and one’s fierce spirit. Who doesn’t need that right now? Settle in as she transports you to her own living room for the show. (4 p.m., FREE)
A NIGHT OUT INSIDE: All of your favorite sporting events, parties, and nights out might’ve been cancelled, but they’re not forgotten. Dress up for the virtual gala, Livin’ La Vida Corona, and join some of D.C.’s best performers, personalities, and businesses. Tommy Show hosts Tommy McFly and Kelly Collis, and 90s cover band White Ford Bronco are among those who will be there. The event is free but donations are appreciated. All funds raised will go towards Occasions Giving Kitchen, which provides meals to D.C.’s most vulnerable communities. (7 p.m., FREE but donations appreciated)
SHARK TANK, BUT FOR YOUR FRIENDS: Pitch-A-Friend, the cute, maybe cringe-y event where friends pitch their single friends, is coming back. Presenters will give three-minute virtual PowerPoint presentations on why you should date their single friends before the audience is allowed a two-minute question and answer session. Signing up gives you both the chance to watch these hilarious presentations and to find a potential post-pandemic bae. Who said quarantine means you can’t find love? (8 p.m., $10)
SATURDAY, MAY 9
DINO DRAWING: Parents, take a breather and allow your kids to hang out dinosaurs for a bit. The National Museum of Natural History and some of the world’s top paleoartists—no, that’s not a diet—will help guide your little ones through their very own sketch of a dinosaur. As participants draw, they’ll get to ask these experts questions about how they use science to create realistic artwork on the dinosaurs. The weekly series, which begins Saturday, will feature a new dinosaur each week. (11 a.m., FREE)
HAPPY LITTLE TREES: The National Bonsai Foundation, in partnership with the U.S. National Arboretum, is celebrating our favorite happy little trees with the World Bonsai Day festival. The virtual bonsai tree celebration will include garden tours, trivia, demos from bonsai specialists, garden tours, and more. Be sure to use the hashtag #WorldBonsaiDay2020! (All day, FREE)
JAZZ HANDS: Join the DC Jazz Fest for a special at-home series every Saturday at 7 p.m. Take to YouTube to catch never-before-seen footage of years’ past jazz performances as well as live shows from DC Jazz Fest alums. On Saturday, enjoy tunes by Melissa Aldana, a Thelonious Monk Competition winner, and acclaimed tenor saxophonist. You can support the series by directly supporting artists or the DCJF Music Education Program. (7 p.m., FREE, but donations appreciated)
FRIEND ZONE: Being quarantined doesn’t mean you can’t make new friends. Fantom Comics is hosting a speed friending event to bring together comics nerds for some lighthearted chatter and bonding. Participants will be randomly paired in Zoom breakout rooms to meet. The comic shop recommends positioning yourself in front of your book or comic collection to spark conversation. Those who take part will receive a 10 percent off coupon to the web store. (8 p.m., FREE)
SUNDAY, MAY 10
SUNDAE FUNDAY: Treat yourself to ice cream, you deserve it. The Yards is bringing its local businesses to your home with its new virtual programming series. Each ten-minute segment will appear on The Yard’s IGTV page for you to enjoy. On Sunday, join Ice Cream Jubilee founder Victoria Lai as she demonstrates how to make the perfect ice cream sundae. Other businesses are sharing recipes, at-home workouts, and more. (Time TBD, FREE)
PAINT IT OUT: The Love + Solidarity Collective is continuing to uplift local artists who have lost gigs due to coronavirus. On Sunday, join local painter Blue Tuesday for a virtual sip ‘n paint session. It’s Mother’s Day after all, so don’t forget to invite mom to join! The series is part of the collective’s monthly open mic sessions and you can support future shows here. (8 p.m., FREE but donations appreciated)
