FRIDAY APRIL 22
FILMFEST DC: D.C.’s annual international film festival kicks off this weekend with both in-person and virtual screenings of more than 65 films from 35 countries. There’s something for everyone—comedies, thrillers, documentaries, several outdoor showings at The Wharf. Most in-person screenings will be at Landmark’s E Street Cinema, and advance tickets are suggested. (Multiple locations and times; tickets start at $13+ per film).
NATIONAL CANNABIS POLICY SUMMIT: As part of the District’s 4/20 week hosted by the National Cannabis Festival, a day-long event will address the policy issues around cannabis. Join policymakers and advocates for a line-up of discussions that will cover everything from environmental issues to decriminalization. A networking reception after the summit includes complimentary wine, beer, and appetizers. Registration is required. (Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center; 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.; FREE).
WHARF WATER CLEAN-UP: This Earth Day, hop in a kayak and pick up trash to clean up the local waterways. The person who picks up the most trash will win a Pacifico Preserves cooler. After the paddle, all participants are invited to a party on The Wharf starting at 6 p.m. with music, snacks, and complimentary Pacifico beer. All event proceeds will go to local water preservation organizations. (Recreation Pier at The Wharf; 5 to 7:30 p.m.; $10).
MORE: Atlas Performing Arts Center 15th Anniversary Celebration (Atlas Performing Arts Center; 6:30 to 10 p.m.; $100+); Hillwood Estate Earth Day Celebration (Hillwood Estate, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; +15), Poetry Open Mic Night (Lost City Books; 7 to 9 p.m.; $5); Date Night with Alyssa Cole (Loyalty Books, virtual; $6 p.m.; by donation); Jokes Up in Smoke comedy show (The Pyramind Lounge, 6 to 8 p.m.; $29+).
SATURDAY APRIL 23
NATIONAL CANNABIS FESTIVAL: The National Cannabis Festival expects more than 20,000 visitors for its sixth annual event celebrating legalization progress. General admission gains access to music headliners like Wiz Khalifa, Lettuce, and Ghostface Killah; an exhibitor fair with swag, demos, and wellness products; advocacy and education panels on some of the most pressing cannabis issues; and a culinary pavilion with more than 70 food trucks and fun events, including an ice-cream eating contest sponsored by Ben and Jerry’s. (RFK Festival Grounds; noon to 10 p.m.; $65+).
MONTGOMERY COUNTY GREENFEST: This Earth Day festival at Brookside Gardens features activities for all ages. There will be face painting and children’s yoga, a musical petting zoo, 60 environmental exhibitors, food trucks, an arts and crafts fair, an electric car show, and plant and tree giveaways. Free parking and shuttle service between Glenmont Metro Station and the gardens is available. (Brookside Gardens in Wheaton; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; FREE).
EARTH DAY AT ARTSWALK: Join Brookland’s Arts Walk, an outdoor space featuring art studios and markers, for DIY crafts and a line-up of booths by local artists and organizations devoted to sustainable practices, in honor of Earth Day. (716 Monroe St NE; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; FREE).
EARTH DAY PLANT MARKET: The Park View Market and We the Plants DC are teaming up for an Earth Day pop-up market devoted to botanicals. More than 15 vendors will offer plants, ceramics, art, food, and more. (Hook Hall; 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; FREE).
GO-GO CITY SCREENING: Head to the D.C. Public Library for a screening and discussion of the documentary “Go-Go City: Displacement and Protest in Washington,” which traces D.C.’s music history and culture and how groups rallied to fight against its erasure from gentrification. After the showing, Go-Go group The Rocksteady Project will perform live. (MLK Memorial Library; 3 to 6 p.m.; FREE).
STAND AGAINST RACISM RALLY: The YWCA National Capital Area will host a #StandAgainstRacism rally and community fair. More than a dozen speakers and activists from organizations across the region will discuss how to collectively address inequities across economic development, education, health care, and community investment. (Freedom Plaza; noon to 3 p.m.; FREE).
MORE: Earth Days @ FUTURES: A Sustainability Celebration (Smithsonian Arts + Industries Building; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; FREE); Parkway Classic Race (Oronoco Bay Park; 8 a.m.; $20+); Shakespeare’s Birthday at Home (Folger Shakespeare Library, virtual; 4 p.m.; FREE); Kite Festival (The Boro Tysons; 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; FREE); Soul Food Saturdays Walking Tour (Carlyle House in Alexandria; 2 to 6 p.m., $95); Dupont Circle Spring Pop-Up (DuPont Circle; 12 to 5 p.m.; FREE); EducArte Brazilian Dance Workshop (Old Parish House of College Park; 2 p.m.; FREE).
SUNDAY APRIL 24
CHANGE THROUGH MUSIC: The GenOUT Youth Chorus, a project of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, will present an ASL-interpreted performance of their Youth Invasion concert this weekend. Mosaic Harmony, the Virginia-based community choir, joins the chorus for a collection of songs about advocating for positive change. (The groups will also perform on Saturday at the THEARC Theater.) Proof of vaccination and masks are required. (The Auditorium at MLK Library; 3 p.m.; FREE).
EASTER WEEK MUSIC: The National Shrine will play its annual Octave Day of Easter concert, which celebrates the eight-day period of Easter. The Brass Ensemble of the Basilica will accompany a trio of the Basilica’s music directors playing the Möller Organs of the Upper Church. A livestream of the concert is also available. (Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception; 6 p.m.; FREE).
“SNAIL OF APPROVAL” AWARDS PARTY: Slow Food DC, which recognizes local restaurants and food producers who are committed to “good, clean, and fair” food, will host a party to honor their 2022 “Snail of Approval” winners. Tickets (with all proceeds going to Slow Food DC) include dinner from Timber Pizza and cocktails made with Green Hat Gin. A silent auction will feature raffle items from many of the winners. (The Public Option; 4 to 7 p.m.; $60).
SPONSORED: SMITHSONIAN CRAFT SHOW: Celebrating the best in contemporary American craft and design, the Smithsonian Craft Show returns LIVE – only through Sunday. Show proceeds fund projects of Smithsonian museums, galleries, research facilities and the National Zoo. Tickets: Enter code DCist2 for $2 off each general admission. (National Building Museum, April 21-24; $20)
MORE: Barre and Brunch with The Washington Ballet (The Yards Park; 9:30 a.m.; FREE); Rockville Science Day (Rockville Science Center; 12 to 5 p.m.; FREE); Peace Festival with Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi (Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park in Rockville; 1 p.m.; FREE); Beer and Berries Festival (Sandy Spring Museum, 4 to 8:30 p.m.; $10+); Yes Homo! A Queer Centric Comedy Show (St. Vincent Wine, 6 p.m.; $10); Pop-Up Art Show (Ch/Art; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; FREE); Spring Pup Crowning with City Dogs Rescue (Wunder Garten, 1 to 3 p.m.; FREE); The Midnight Gardeners League (DC Improve Comedy Club; 5:45 p.m. $10).
