14 things to do around D.C. this weekend
Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with a street fair or an artist’s workshop, kick off World Pride with a musical performance, or relish spring at a strawberry festival.
D.C.’s event calendar is getting fuller every week we get closer to summer, but in case you still need some ideas to send to the group chat, we’ve compiled a list. There’s plenty to get up to this weekend, including some of the first events for World Pride, which starts May 17 and is expected to draw millions of visitors to the city.
Thursday May 15
Capital Book Fest
This pop-up book sale is happening on Wilson Plaza the third Thursday of each month (except for June, which has two dates). The sale features thousands of used books, CDs, DVDs, and vinyls, and proceeds will benefit the local education nonprofit Turning the Page. (Woodrow Wilson Plaza; 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Free)
Friday May 16
We Are Gathered
From the Oscar-winning screenwriter of Moonlight comes a queer love story about two people who never expected to find each other – and may not be able to keep each other. The play will run at Arena Stage from May 16 - June 15. (Arena Stage; 8 p.m.; Various prices)
DC Abortion Fund x Burger Sounds present: My Body My Festival
This all-things-local music festival celebrates our city and our right to do whatever we want with our bodies — dancing included! Featuring 10 musicians across two nights, abortion access is the headliner. 100% of proceeds will benefit the DC Abortion Fund, which means all proceeds go right back to D.C. Come rage to survive with us! (May 16 at Union Stage, May 17 at Black Cat; Doors at 6 p.m. both days; $25 - $56)
Lucketts Spring Vintage Market
This one may take a bit more planning: The Lucketts Spring Market is held at the Clarke County Fairgrounds in Berryville, Virginia — about an hour outside D.C. But if you love vintage shopping, you’ll probably find the trip worthwhile: the market is huge, featuring hundreds of vendors and tens of thousands of shoppers every year. Lots of antiques and other vintage goods will be available, and there are workers on site to help you move the heavy stuff. Lucketts also has a store you can browse if you want to get a feel for things. (Clarke County Fairgrounds; May 16 - 18; $23.18)
Lincoln Strawberry Festival
This one is about as far out as Lucketts, but it’s hard to think of a better way to celebrate warm weather than a strawberry festival. This is the second annual event in Lincoln, Virginia. It’ll run for three days and feature local food, beer, and wine vendors, strawberry picking, a pie-eating contest, and more. Proceeds will go to the Wegmeyer Farms Foundation, which raises money for local scholarships for high school students. (18451 Taylor Road, Hamilton Va; May 16 - 18; $15)
Screening: Pol Pot Dancing
Watch this documentary about the history and cultural weight of classical Cambodian dance at the National Museum of Asian Art. There will also be a post-film discussion and Q&A with choreographer (and documentary subject) Sophiline Cheam and cultural anthropologist Toni Shapiro-Phim. (National Museum of Asian Art; 7 p.m.; Free)
Clay & Create: Donut Miniatures
Learn how to make the world’s cutest mini donut magnets at this workshop at Heurich House. You’ll learn how to mold, texture, paint, and seal the magnets – all supplies included. And you can even sip on beer and have some snacks from the biergarten while you work! (Heurich House; 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.; $45)
Saturday May 17
World Pride
It’s officially the start of World Pride, which is expected to draw millions to the city. There are weeks of activities leading up to the parade and street festival on June 7 and 8, including parties, plays, shows, and workshops. You can see a more comprehensive list here. (Various locations, times and prices)
Anacostia River Festival
The 11th Anacostia River Festival will happen this Saturday at Anacostia Park on the corner of Marion Barry Ave and Anacostia Drive SE. The festival will celebrate the African diaspora with a number of events, including live music, a marketplace with local vendors, and historical exhibitions. (Anacostia Park; 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.; Free)
2025 Fiesta Asia Street Fair
There will be more than 1,000 performers, artisans, vendors and food stalls at the 20th annual Fiesta Asia Street Fair on the National Mall. Peruse the stalls, watch the talent contest, prepare for a cosplay competition, sign up for a cook-off battle, or prepare your voice for some karaoke. (400 Pennsylvania Ave NW; 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Free)
DC Arab American Culture Festival 2025
It's year three for this culture festival at the Dew Drop Inn, complete with musical performances, a dance performance, food, and a bazaar with more than 20 vendors. Proceeds from the tickets will go to Heal Palestine, helping Palestinian children receive medical care. (Dew Drop Inn; 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.; $35 donation)
Charles Covington Ragtime Piano
Pianist Charles Covington will perform and discuss ragtime music at two separate showings on Saturday at the National Museum of American History. This music from the Gilded Age is an important part of U.S. musical history, having evolved in Black communities in the South after the Civil War. Covington is an esteemed musician who has performed for presidents and worked with Sammy Davis, Jr., Eartha Kitt, and more. (National Museum of American History; 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.; Free)
Many Shades of Wow: Glasses to Creative Fashion
Local artist Rain Young will teach participants how to turn a pair of sunglasses into wearable art at this workshop at the Anacostia Community Museum. You’ll learn to paint and decorate the glasses and get some aesthetic tips from someone with a good eye. (Anacostia Community Museum; 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.; Free)
Sunday May 18
Falsettos: Meet the Artists
Celebrate World Pride at a showing of this Tony Award-winning musical, which started its run at the Keegan Theatre on May 10 and goes through June 15. “When Marvin leaves his wife Trina and son Jason to be with his lover Whizzer, tempers flare, problems escalate and everyone learns to grow up,” the synopsis reads. On May 18, there will be onsite child care for matinee attendees, and there will also be a “meet the artists” event directly following the performance. (Keegan Theatre; Various days and times; $74)
Not Too Sweet: An AAPI Community Bake Off
Two popular local bakers are hosting a pastry potluck – with judging and prizes. You can pick a category to bake, including milk bread, sponge cake, Asian-ish cookie, mochi, or a no-bake dessert. Your confection should be inspired by Asian flavors in honor of AAPI heritage month, according to the sign-up page. Show up with the goods and get ready to eat, judge, and vote! (La Collina; 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.; $15.90)
