FRIDAY, APRIL 9
DEMOCRACY, QUESTION MARK?: Start your weekend with Dupont Underground and the opening night of its new exhibition, “Architecture & the Question of Democracy.” The show explores how “democracies exist in a constant state of successive crises and partial resolutions” and will run through May 23. Please note that tickets are timed and social distancing rules are in effect. (Dupont Underground, 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., $5 – $8)
PARTY FOWL: Learn more about our local wildlife. Potomac Overlook Regional Park is hosting “Raptors of the Potomac” on Friday for children (ages 8 and up) and accompanying adults. Event participants will get to meet some of the raptors that live in the park, watch a feeding, and learn more about the local avian predators. (Potomac Overlook Regional Park, 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., $7)
BUILDING BACK BETTER: It’s back! After closing its doors for 16 months for restoration projects and in response to the coronavirus, the National Building Museum is reopening its doors to the public this Friday. The reopening features three new exhibitions, including a memorial for victims of gun violence called “Justice is Beauty: The Work of MASS Design Group.” (National Building Museum, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., FREE general admission, $7 – $10 for some exhibits)
SATURDAY, APRIL 10
SHAKESPEARE: This Saturday is the first day of the Shakespeare Family Fest, hosted by the Shakespeare Theatre Company at the District’s Harmon Center for the Arts. The event is a two-day affair with virtual events for the whole family. Saturday’s lineup includes explorations into “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “The Tempest” as well as a stage blood demonstration. (10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., FREE)
LOOKING UP: Search the stars with the Air & Space Museum. On Saturday, the Smithsonian museum is hosting a free event where educators and experts discuss their favorite astronomical topics (and answer some of the audience’s burning questions). The conversation will feature Dr. Samantha Thompson and Dr. Rodolfo Montez, Jr. (11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., FREE)
GLOW UP: Head to Georgetown for the second night of the neighborhood’s “Spring Glow” art installation. The event will feature five art installations that will be on display “by day, and brighter by night.” Each installation is designed to be enjoyed while social distancing — and visitors are reminded that masks are required. View a map of the installations here. (Various locations across Georgetown, FREE)
SUNDAY, APRIL 11
THAI NEW YEAR: Mark Songkran (Thai New Year) with Thai Restaurant Week across the DMV. This year’s event is hosted by the Royal Thai Embassy in D.C. and participating restaurants will include DC Noodles, Baan Siam, and Rice Restaurant. The celebration will be held from Sunday, April 11 through April 17. (Various locations and prices)
SONG CIRCLE: This weekend, join the Washington Revels for their Spring Fling Pub Sing. The event is a virtual singalong featuring ten songs — with all lyrics provided. Please note that the event is family-friendly, but the organizers politely warn that “there may be a song or two that celebrate the virtue of drink, but not many.” (4:15 p.m., $20.00 per device)
ANACOSTIA FESTIVAL: Hang out with 11th Street Bridge Park and the National Park Service for a virtual springtime community event. Sunday’s livestream is part of the larger Anacostia River Festival and will include a celebration of GoGo’s history and a virtual walk through the 11th Street Bridge Park. (1:00 p.m., FREE)
INDIGENOUS POETRY: Engage in National Poetry Month with the Smithsonian. On Sunday, the National Museum of the American Indian is hosting a poetry reading featuring four Indigenous poets: U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo, Kealoha, Natalie Diaz, and Jamaica Osorio. The event is available for streaming through April 30. (On-demand, FREE)
