12 things to do around D.C. this weekend
Nowruz, Holi, and women: despite everything, there’s still much to celebrate.
The weather has finally turned, the days are longer, and things are looking up (uhh, sorta). Wake up from your winter hibernation with book talks, poetry readings, Holi celebrations, and Nowruz parties.
THURSDAY, MARCH 13
How To Sell Out with Chad Sanders at MLK Jr. Library
Writer Chad Sanders will be in conversation with Loyalty Bookstores owner Hannah Oliver Depp about the realities of writing about race as a Black author, based on his own experiences mining pain and trauma. Copies of his newest book, How to Sell Out: The (Hidden) Cost of Being a Black Writer, will be available for sale and signing. (MLK Jr. Library; 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.; FREE)
An evening of music by Austrian women
For Women’s History Month, the Austrian Cultural Forum of D.C. and the Boulanger Initiative will host a night celebrating the chamber works of their female composers. Guests can linger after the show to connect with the artists, musicians, and folks from the Initiative. (Embassy of Austria; 7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., FREE with reservation.)
FRIDAY, MARCH 14
Barrelhouse Poetry at Rhizome
We’re all about indie lit! Poets and writers with the indie publisher Barrelhouse will be reading and performing their work. The line-up includes Tracy Diamond, Courtney LeBlanc, Amanda McCormick, and Tonee Mae Moll. Their books will be available for purchase. (Rhizome; Doors 7 p.m., performances 7:30 p.m.; FREE)
Annual Holi celebration at Union Market
It’s a party! RASA and DC Dosa are teaming up for a third annual Holi event. It's free, but you’ll still want to get in line early as the first 400 guests get a t-shirt and colored powder will be available while supplies last. While it's washable and non-toxic, you’ll probably want to leave your nicest whites or brand-new tennis sneakers at home. Food from various Union Market Vendors (and obviously, RASA and DC Dosa) will be available for purchase. (The Plaza behind Union Market; 6 p.m. – 8 p.m; FREE)
Ouroborus at Dance Place
This immersive dance experience incorporates contemporary dance with Middle Eastern styles, taking the audience on a theatrical journey of ancient snake dances. Heads up: the performance incorporates rose water and Turkish delights that contain nuts. (Dance Place; 7 p.m.; prices vary, General Admission $30)
Saturday, March 15
Norooz Market at Brookland Arts Walk
Head to the Brookland Arts Walk for D.C.'s annual Norooz market, a festival of food, drink, and live music. There will be plenty of local wares by artists and makers (see full vendor list here) and activities for the kids. (Brookland Arts Walk; 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.; FREE.)
“A Tribute to Alice Parker” Choral Concerts
This weekend, the Capitol Hill Chorale sings the music of an influential American composer, arranger, and teacher. Alice Parker set hymns, folk songs, and spirituals, and collaborated on hundreds of pieces for the popular Robert Shaw Chorale. (Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church; Saturday, March 15 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 16 at 4 p.m; Pay-what-you-can, with suggested ticket prices)
Mending workshop
It’s getting toasty out, and you know what that means: it’s time to crop that top. Jewish Voice for Peace is leading a free mending workshop at Rhizome. Bring any clothes, bags, accessories, or whatever you want to mend. (Rhizome; 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.; FREE)
Nerd Nite lecture
D.C.’s original “science + nerd + drinking” event is back this month with another irreverent lecture. Performances include: a rant about Middlemarch (who hasn’t been there!), a history of D.C. burlesque, and a retelling of Caesar’s assassination in terms our 2025 minds can appreciate. (DC9; 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., doors at 6 p.m.; $10-15)
Young Playwrights’ Theater presents: Silence is Violence
Young Playwrights’ Theater will host a multi-performance showcase at Busboys and Poets, featuring the works of three local playwrights: Diezel K. Braxton-Lewis, Joshua Leggett, and Karma Price. Their work will explore liberation and freedom of self. Attendees can order and eat dinner at 6 p.m. before the performers take the stage at 7 p.m. (Busboys and Poets Takoma Park; 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., show starts at 7 p.m.; $25 general admission, $10 for teachers, students, seniors, and federal workers)
Book talk: Black Broadway in DC
As U Street gets over-run with St. Patty’s Day bar crawls this weekend, take a walk back in time to learn about the corridor’s history as a hub of Black art. Journalist, historian, and author of the book “Black Broadway in Washington DC,” Briana A. Thomas will take you through the history of the impact U Street had on the Black arts scene in the first half of the 20th Century. (Anacostia Community Museum; 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.; FREE)
SUNDAY, MARCH 16
Nowruz Family Celebration
Ring in the Persian New Year at the National Museum of Asian Art. The event will have programming for all ages, from storytelling to scavenger hunts to docent-led spotlight tours. Guests can also buy food and Persian sweets. Register in advance to secure your spot. (National Museum of Asian Art; 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.; FREE)
Agatha Christie book club
Join Loyalty Bookstores for the latest meet-up in their “Agatha Christie & Sherry Club” series, in which readers meet up, enjoy sherry, and discuss an Agatha Christie book. This discussion of "The Mirror Crack'd from Side to Side" will be led in-person at Baan Siam by Loyalty Books’ Hannah Oliver Depp and sherry sommelier Chantal Tseng. You can also attend virtually. (Baan Siam or virtual; 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.; $5-45)
