16 things to do around D.C. this weekend
Salsa dancing, truck touching (?), and more.
From activist punk to luchador face-offs to a hands-on truck show, this weekend is stacked with art, music, salsa, and more. Clear your calendar and dive in.
THURSDAY, MAY 1
Pussy Riot: Riot Days — An Activist Multimedia Experience
A fierce fusion of live music, theater, and video led by Maria Alyokhina and featuring Margo, Taso Pletner, and Alina Petrova. This raw, politically charged performance is based on Alyokhina’s book and tracks her time with Pussy Riot — from protest to prison. (Lincoln Theater; Doors 6:30 p.m., show 8:00 p.m.; $35)
Musicians from Marlboro III
Witness young virtuosos and veteran musicians perform together at the National Gallery of Asian Art. You'll have to reserve your tickets ahead of time. (Freer Gallery of Art; 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.; $6)
FRIDAY, MAY 2
Lucha Libre Cinco de Mayo Party
Hook Hall will turn into a high-flying lucha arena this weekend with wrestling, street food, and festive drinks. Costumes encouraged — bring your best luchador mask! (Hook Hall; 2 p.m. –10:30 p.m.; $25–$40)
Galactic Empire at Miracle Theatre
It’s Star Wars meets shredding guitars. This costumed metal band reimagines John Williams' classics in full intergalactic force. (Miracle Theater; 8 – 9:30pm; $20)
GOZA: Live Salsa with Orquesta Manplesa
Goza is a locally curated fusion of Afro-Caribbean and Latin music influences, bringing together the sounds that shaped a generation of first-gen Latinos in the D.C. area. And on Friday, Goza will be opening metrobar's dance floor to Orquesta Manplesa — a nine-piece salsa band named after the Spanish pronunciation of Mount Pleasant. (metrobar; doors 8 p.m., show 9 p.m, FREE)
Exit12 Gala: Celebrating Veterans & the Power of Arts
This heartfelt performance brings together veterans and artists, including Exit12 Dance Company, ASAP, CreatiVets, and tenor Jesús Daniel Hernández in honor of military stories and healing. (Constitution Hall; doors 6:30 p.m., show 7 p.m., FREE)
SATURDAY, MAY 3
Running of the Chihuahuas
Yes, it's exactly what it sounds like — over 150 tiny racers, big energy, and even bigger cuteness. Proceeds benefit Rural Dog Rescue. (District Wharf; 2 – 5 p.m.; FREE)
D.C.’s Annual Truck Touch
Climb aboard diggers, dump trucks, and more at this hands-on event for all ages, with sports and games hosted by D.C.'s Department of Public Works. (RFK Stadium Lot 8; 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., FREE)
Pottery on P Street
Browse and shop from more than 20 local ceramicists in Dupont. Think: handmade mugs, bowls, vases, and bites from nearby spots. (P Street NW; 12 – 5 p.m.; FREE)
Embassy of Haiti Mother's Day Bazaar
Don't leave your gift for mom until the last minute. Celebrate Haitian creativity with two days of artisan gifts, plant-based beauty, jewelry, gourmet treats, and more — all in honor of moms. (Embassy of Haiti; 10 a.m.– 7 p.m.; FREE)
Bike Readiness Pop-Up
Get free bike tune-ups, route planning help, and community connections courtesy of goDCgo and RideDoc. (Lincoln Park; 10 a.m.– 2 p.m.; FREE)
IlluminAsia: Children’s Book Fair
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month kicks off with story time, crafts, art demos, giveaways, and a chance to meet authors and illustrators. (National Museum of Asian Art; 12 – 3 p.m.; FREE)
SUNDAY, MAY 4
Volunteer at Walk MS
Support those living with MS by volunteering at this impactful event. Many roles are available, and teens 15+ can participate. (Nationals Park; 6:30 a.m.– 12 p.m., Registration required)
DC Poet Project Finale
Hear original poetry and support DC's lit scene at the 2025 DC Poet Project's final event. Four finalists will read their work, and the audience will cast live votes to select who will be the 20205 DC Poet Project winner, and receive a $1,000 book contract. Registration required! (Anacostia Neighborhood Library, 2 – 4:30 p.m., FREE)
Sequins and Scrums
The Washington Scandals – a local queer rugby club — will trade cleats for heels in this drag show showdown. It's a wild, glitter-filled fundraiser, with the proceeds going to the Scandals. (Red Bear Brewing; 6 –10 p.m.; $10)
Design, Diaspora & Food Justice
A cozy, thought-provoking conversation on food equity and creativity within immigrant communities. (Teaism Penn Quarter; 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., $15)
