15 things to do around D.C. this weekend

Whether you want a live outdoor show from local musicians or a comedy special from an SNL cast member, there are plenty of ways to be entertained this weekend. Plus, a food summit will showcase local Black women in the culinary industry and a bike ride will honor a fallen leader in the BikeDC community. Start making plans.

THURSDAY, APRIL 24

Smithsonian Craft Show
Thursday is the first day of the Smithsonian Craft Show, where patrons can support some of the nation’s best artisans while raising funds for the Smithsonian Women’s Committee. General admission passes are available through April 27. (National Building Museum; 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; $25)

Guerrilla Girls: Making Trouble
Catch the National Museum of Women in the Arts’ exhibit celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Guerrilla Girls. Their anonymous street campaigns began in 1985 and gained attention for bold, bright text and provocative imagery. (NMWA; 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; $13+, FREE for attendees age 21 and under) 

FRIDAY, APRIL 25

DC Chocolate Festival
Kick off your weekend by eating chocolate with the French. Friday starts a two-day chocolate celebration that includes a preteen-friendly tasting in the afternoon (ages 12+) and a wine and music-filled evening (ages 21+). (La Maison Française at the Embassy of France; 2 - 5:30 p.m. and 6 - 9 p.m.; $25 - $75). 

Filmfest DC
Saturday is the second night of the District’s longest-running film festival, now in its 39th year. The event features 63 films from 36  countries, including a DC4Reel category celebrating local documentaries. Friday’s lineup includes “Metroshorts 1,” “Yalla Parkour,” and “Diamanti.” (Majority of the films shown at Regal Gallery Place; Screenings begin at 7:45 p.m.; $14 per film)

Scarlett Johansson's Husband
This Friday, Academy Award nominee Scarlett Johansson’s husband, Colin Jost, is performing a comedy set live at the National Harbor. Johansson’s husband is known for being a staff writer on Saturday Night Live since 2005 and Weekend Update co-anchor since 2014. (The Theater at MGM National Harbor; 8 p.m.; $84+)

SATURDAY, APRIL 26

Community Clean Up
Spend Saturday morning with the Friends of Mount Vernon Trail cleaning up the Long Bridge Connector Trail. Attendees are encouraged to wear long sleeves and pants and bring water and gloves (organizers will have some gloves to borrow if you don’t have any). (Long Bridge Connector Trail; 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.; FREE)

Black Women in Food Summit 2025
The 3rd Annual Black Women in Food Summit will feature professionals from across the culinary industry, including chefs, restaurateurs, and food justice advocates. Saturday’s agenda includes a pitch competition and marketplace. (Eaton DC; Noon - 4 p.m.; $25 - $375)

DC Wine Fest! Spring Edition
Toast to warmer weather at DC Wine Fest, where approximately 30 vendors from across the region will be pouring samples of their favorite bottles. Food will be available for purchase. (Dock 5 @ Union Market; Noon - 10 p.m.; $35+)

Improv for All! Workshop 
Yes, and … the Washington Improv Theatre will be hosting an introductory improv class for you to finally flex those acting chops. No theatre or comedy background is required. (MLK Library 1 - 2:30 p.m.; FREE)

Spring Open Studios
Celebrate local creatives at DC Arts Studios’ Open Studios event. Attendees can chat with artists about their work and purchase pieces to bring home. (DC Arts Studios; 1 - 5 p.m.; FREE) 

Petworth PorchFest
It’s that time of year: this volunteer-led festival is back with over 300 bands on over 100 porches across the Petworth neighborhood. So put on your sunscreen and catch some of your favorite local musicians in their element — and stay tuned, because next weekend it’s AdMo’s turn. (Various locations in Petworth; 2 - 8 p.m.; FREE)

SUNDAY, APRIL 27

PNC Alexandria Half Marathon
Close the weekend with some endorphins, and take part in the inaugural PNC Alexandria Half Marathon and 5K (originally the PNC Parkway Classic 10 Miler). The event starts and ends in the heart of Old Town Alexandria and is 5 miles each way from the George Washington Parkway. (Alexandria; 7 a.m. start time; $60+)

South African Freedom Day
This Sunday is the anniversary of the first post-apartheid democratic elections in South Africa, and Decades is celebrating. The Amapiano & AfroHouse South African Freedom Day celebration will feature South African music and cultural festivities. The dress code is day party fashionable. (Decades DC; 4 - 9 p.m.; FREE until 5:00 p.m., then $29.99 cover)

Shakespeare's Jazzy Birthday
Mark the Bard’s birthday with a garden reception. The Bob Gibson Big Band will perform jazz classics and selections from “Play On!” — a musical based on Twelfth Night, but reimagined in 1940s Harlem. (Little Theatre of Alexandria; 6:30 - 8 p.m.; FREE)

Hill Family Biking: Birthday Party Ride
You’re invited to the second birthday party of Hill Family Biking, a Capitol Hill community group that encourages people of all ages to bike, while advocating for safer street infrastructure. The group is hosting a ride starting at the new protected bike lanes on Florida Avenue NE. The party will honor Dave Salovesh, a leader in the BikeDC community who died after a car struck him six years ago, prior to the protected lanes. (12th & K streets NE; 4 - 6:30 p.m.; FREE)