12 things to do around D.C. this weekend

Peak bloom has come and gone, the tourists have dispersed from the Tidal Basin, and the comforts of D.C. spring are settling in. This weekend, channel the generative spirit of the season with poetry readings and gallery openings, or buy a new bike and take it on a beer trail. There's something for everyone!

THURSDAY, APRIL 3 

Microcinema at Rhizome
For fans of little movies with big meanings, Rhizome is screening the short films of A. Moon, a Baltimore-based artist and filmmaker. Using experimental filmmaking techniques and technology, the works touch on the poetic potential of lack and absences. (Rhizome; 7 p.m.; $10-20.)

Bring Your Own Boardgame night at Labyrinth
For a less heady but equally intellectually stimulating evening, head to Labyrinth in Capitol Hill for a BYO board game night. Registration isn’t required, but seating is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. Labyrinth’s library won’t be available, so bring a classic favorite or one you’ve been waiting to tackle. Staff and regulars will be on standby to answer questions and help out. This is designed for adults and open to any level of gamer. (Labyrinth; 6 – 10 p.m.; FREE) 

FRIDAY, APRIL 4 

Metropolitan Beer Trail Launch Day
Forget bar crawls — it’s time for beer trails. The Metropolitan Beer Trail links twelve bars along the Metropolitan Branch Trail, stretching from Union Station to Brookland. Kick off the excursion at metrobar before hitting the rest of the stops on your journey. You can sign up for a free passport and grab a stamp at each stop from Friday until the end of the year. (metrobar; 4 p.m. – 12 a.m.; FREE.) 

Dupont Art Walk
Every first Friday of the month, Dupont art galleries, embassies, and cultural centers open their doors for a free night of browsing. Pop into Dupont Underground’s current exhibit, “Reimagining the Heart of the District,” explore Pop Syncretism (or learn what that is) at the Embassy of Peru, and walk through the multi-media presentation “Unfolding Korean-ness” at the Korean Cultural Center. (Multiple locations; 6 – 8 p.m.; FREE) 

“Asian Persuasion” screening at Freer Gallery
The National Museum of Asian Art is showing Jhett Tolentino’s 2023 debut feature “Asian Persuasion,” a New York rom-com that follows a struggling chef as he tries to marry off his ex-wife. Tickets are free, but you’ll need to register here. (Freer Gallery of Art; 7 – 9 p.m.; FREE)

Poetry panel at Politics & Prose
Kick off National Poetry Month with a conversation between poets Nida Sophasarun, Jennifer Chang, and Cecicly Parks. Sophasarun will read from her new collection, “Novice,” out Thursday — a work surrounding questions of home. Chang will examine patriarchal violence on both geopolitical and domestic scales with readings from her upcoming collection “An Authentic Life,” and Parks will link the natural world to the self and body in her collection “O’Nights.”  (Politics & Prose Connecticut Avenue; 7 p.m.; FREE)

SATURDAY, APRIL 5 

Planning the growing season
Grow community and your green thumb at the Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum’s growing workshop. The group will discuss early spring harvest, planning the growing season ahead, and doing some maintenance on the museum’s garden. (Anacostia Community Museum; 10 a.m. –  12 p.m.; FREE) 

Gearin’ Up Bicycles Grand (Re)opening
With warmer weather and blooms abounding, perhaps you’re considering finally making good on that resolution to “bike more.” Celebrate the grand (re)opening of D.C.’s longtime community hub, Gearin’ Up Bicycles, with coffee, cake, and plenty of bikes and gear to browse. (10 Harry Thomas Way NE; 12 – 5 p.m.; FREE)

Elizabeth Catlett symposium
In collaboration with Howard University, the National Gallery of Art is hosting a day-long event on the life and work of the revolutionary artist-activist and Howard alum Elizabeth Catlett. The afternoon will feature scholar talks, a Gospel choir performance, and a conversation with Catlett’s granddaughters. If you can’t make it Sunday, Catlett’s exhibit in the National Gallery is running through July 6. Registration is required. (National Gallery of Art East Building Auditorium; 12 – 5 p.m. FREE)

Blossoms at the Basin art workshop
If the spirit of spring has invigorated your creative sensibilities, local artist Ariana R-G is holding a collage and paper-painting workshop focused on our treasured cherry blossoms. Using magazine cut-outs, card stock, and paint, you’ll make your own version of spring on the Mall. Ariana will guide you through the basics of composition, color, and contrast. All supplies provided. (Merry Pin; 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.; $35) 

SUNDAY, APRIL 6 

Plant swap at Atlas
What better time to adorn your windowsills with greenery than the beginning of spring. Every first Sunday, plant parents and those considering adopting gather at Atlas Brew Works for a gifting and swapping of plants, clippings, pots, and more. If you don’t have anything to contribute, there’s a table loaded with free stuff. (Atlas Brew Works; 1 – 5 p.m.; FREE)

“each other’s harvest” poetry program at NMAAHC
Sorry, another poetry event! The National Museum of African American History and Culture is hosting an afternoon of readings, talks, and presentations from Black literary leaders and artists. Host Yahdon Israel of Cave Canem will present the organization’s two-year field study on the needs and strategies of Black literary arts organizations, followed by readings from poets Lauren L. Alleyne, Taiwo, and Lisa Willis. Registration required. (NMAAHC; 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.; FREE)