15 (mostly free) things to do around D.C. this weekend

Perhaps the only thing the federal government is good for anymore is gifting us a blessed long weekend. This Memorial Day Weekend, there's plenty to get up to in D.C. without breaking the bank: from film screenings, to poetry slams, to free dance performances.

THURSDAY, MAY 22

Tiger Fork Night Market
Tiger Fork is returning to Hi-Lawn for its second annual night market, recreating the spirit of a Hong Kong night market on the Union Market rooftop. The evening will feature eats from Tiger Fork and other D.C.-based chefs and eateries, including CHIKO, Love, Makoto, and more. There will also be dragon dancing, booze, and wares from local artisans. (Hi-Lawn; 5:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.; $5 entry)

Learn about labor history and the UAW at Lost City Books
Author Alan Reuther will be visiting Lost City Books to talk about the new biography he's written of his father, Roy Reuther – a key figure in the historic General Motors strike that led to the creation of the United Auto Workers (UAW). The book traces Roy's history fighting in both the labor and Civil Rights movements, and exemplifies how the two movements are still locked in the same struggle today. (Lost City Books; 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.; FREE)

FRIDAY, MAY 23

Pajama Jammie Jam Poetry Slam
If you think you can outwrite Rupi Kaur (one, you're probably right), test your skills at this poetry slam, all centered around themes of love and erotica. Poets – from the novice to the professional – will compete over three rounds for a $100 prize. The event is hosted by Simply Sherri, a Maryland-raised poet and author of the book "Love Simply." (Busboys and Poets Takoma; 8 p.m.; $5 entry)

AAPI Heritage Month performances
Every Friday in May, Barracks Row Main Street has been organizing an outdoor evening of music, dance, and food celebrating AAPI Heritage Month. Skip happy hour and head to the Eastern Market Metro Plaza Park at 5 p.m. for a performance from the local Hawaiian group, the Aloha Boys. (Eastern Market Metro Plaza; 5 – 6:30 p.m.; FREE)

D.C. Black Pride opening reception
Kick off the 34th annual D.C. Black Pride weekend with an opening reception at the Capital Hilton, hosted by Anthony Oakes and featuring special guests Kerri Colby, TS Madison, and Monroe Alise. Black Pride events will be ongoing throughout the weekend, so check the calendar of events to see what calls to you. (Capital Hilton; 5 p.m.; FREE)

Insight: Photos and Stories from the Archives
A new exhibit opens Friday at the National Museum of the American Indian, displaying images from the Archives Center. The exhibition was curated by selecting from more than half a million photos, depicting the lives of Indigenous people across the Western hemisphere. (National Museum of the American Indian; self-timed; FREE)

SATURDAY, MAY 24

Arts and crafts (and flowers) at the Anacostia Community Museum
Round up the family and head to the Anacostia Community Museum for an afternoon of free art and crafts. The theme of the workshop is: flowers! Open to all ages. (Anacostia Community Museum; 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.; FREE)

Ballet at the plaza
Catch the last night of The Washington Ballet's free performance in CityCenter. Dancers will be performing some tried-and-true classics and some more contemporary hits from their 2024-2025 season (and also giving a special preview of their upcoming 2025-2026 season.) Seating is first come, first served, but you can also just pass through or stand for a while. The show runs for about an hour. (The Plaza at CityCenter; 6:30 p.m.; FREE)

Kiazii x Mirlo Music Movement
Head to Rhizome for a four-hour music solidarity conference, featuring panels, food, and tunes from three D.C.-based artists. Rapper Evry1LuvsJodie, hip-hop artist SBM CEO, and rock group Oh Violet will all be performing. (Rhizome; 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.; FREE)

Make new friends!
Get OFF Bumble BFF and get OUTSIDE! Strawberry Matcha, a social community for people in their 20s and 30s looking for friends and good hangs, is hosting a D.C. meet-up this weekend. No pre-reqs required. Their events typically center around wholesome activities like dinners, drinking matcha, game nights, etc. (Location disclosed upon registration; 12 p.m.; FREE)

D.C. United at Audi Field
With all of the Commanders stadium talk in the news, you'd be forgiven if you've forgotten about the other sports teams that already play at stadiums in our city! Cheer on D.C. United as they take on the New York Red Bulls at Audi Field. Currently ranked 12th out of 15 teams in the MLS, they could use your support. (Audi Field; 7:30 p.m. kick-off; tickets starting at $23.)

SUNDAY, MAY 25

Craft and cry at Potter's House
The name says it all. Grab your current project (or pick up a new one) and commiserate on These Times in crafting community at Potter's House. Some supplies provided. (Potter's House; 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.; FREE)

"What About China" film screening
Stop by the National Gallery of Art for a screening of the 2022 documentary from filmmaker and theorist Trinh T. Minh-ha. Her work examines harmony, memory, and folk tradition through the use of old photographs and footage from villages in eastern and southern China. (National Gallery of Art East Building Auditorium; 2 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.; FREE) ,

MONDAY, MAY 26

Monday Movie at Electric Cool-Aid
Fitting for Memorial Day, Electric Cool-Aid is hosting an outdoor screening of the comedy-puppet film, "Team America." Popcorn and drink specials are available. (Electric Cool-Aid; 6 p.m.; FREE)

Capital Funk dance workshop
Capital Funk and Dance Place are teaming up for a three-day series of inclusive dance workshops, covering the basics behind historically queer and D.C.-based styles like Beat Ya Feet, Whacking, House, and more. (Someone send this to Justin Timberlake!) The workshops are open to anyone, whether you're a seasoned expert or your moves more closely resemble Mr. Timberlake's. (Edgewood Arts Center; Monday - Wednesday, various times; FREE with suggested donation)