14 things to do around D.C. this weekend

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Every Thursday, we share weekend events happening around the city. Are you planning an event you’d like us to consider for this roundup? Send it to our team at 51st.news/submit-events.

Find even more events in our Civics Roundup, which focuses on ways to get more involved locally.

We were lucky to get a preview of summer last week, but this weekend should feel more like “spring,” including the potential for April showers. Don't let that stop the fun though! D.C is full of exciting opportunities to close out the month. Bring an umbrella when you head out with the family or friends to celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month, chocolate, or just the possibilities this city offers for connection.

THURSDAY, APRIL 23

Springtime on Connecticut Ave. NW in D.C.'s Cleveland Park. — Vendors will take over Connecticut Ave. NW for a night market on Thursday. (Josh / Flickr)

Cleveland Park Night Market
📍 Connecticut Ave. NW between Ordway St. NW and Macomb St. NW
⏰ 5 - 9 p.m
💸 FREE
Take a walk down the Cleveland Park promenade, where you’ll find local businesses, artisans, and food vendors to support while connecting with the community. District Bridges will host this event every fourth Thursday through September. Looking for more recurring events? Check out our recent guide!

Main Street Jazz
📍Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Neighborhood Library (5401 South Dakota Ave. NE)
⏰ 6 - 8 p.m.
💸 FREE
Did you know April is Jazz Appreciation Month? Get in the spirit at the Queens Chapel neighborhood library, as The Parks Main Street and the Greater Washington Urban League present a live performance from the local World Music Collective.

FRIDAY, APRIL 24

A sculpture in the French Embassy in Washington, D.C. — *Get an up close look at this sculpture when The Chocolate Room hosts a festival at the French Embassy. (Jason Gooljar /* *Flickr*)

Ella Fitzgerald Day
📍 National Museum of American History (1300 Constitution Ave. NW)
⏰ 10:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
💸 FREE
On the theme of Jazz Appreciation Month, the Smithsonian’s American history museum is celebrating the birthday of the legendary Ella Fitzgerald. To honor the legacy of one of jazz’s greatest muses, visitors can see exclusive items from her personal collection that are usually in storage; take a scatting workshop with Reginald Bowens, a Howard University vocal jazz professor; and catch a performance from Howard’s SAAsy vocal ensemble.

Nerd Nite
📍 DC9 (1940 9th St. NW)
⏰ 7:30 p.m. doors, 8 - 10 p.m. show
💸 $19.57 in advance, $25.75 day of show
Feeling nostalgic for college? Whether you’re reminiscing over endless learning opportunities or just making new friends over cheap alcohol, Nerd Nite DC’s monthly lecture series has you covered. In this month’s edition, listen to a paleontologist explore the early evolution of hearing in reptiles, learn how artificial intelligence LLMs are trained to think with a professor of computer science, or get a crash course in neonatal kitten development, as you socialize with other lifelong learners.

Enid A. Haupt Garden Tour
📍 Meet at the northwest entrance to the garden on Jefferson Dr. SW, near the entrance to the S. Dillon Ripley Center (1100 Jefferson Dr. SW)
⏰ 10 - 10:45 a.m.
💸 FREE
With spring break tourist season winding down, it’s time to cross exploring these stunning gardens off your D.C bucket list. Call in sick for the morning, meet your volunteer guide at the northwest entrance, and learn about the history of the grounds — and what’s underneath your feet as you take in the flowers. Not available during the day on Fridays? You’re in luck: The National Museum of Natural History is open late tonight from 5 - 7 p.m.

The 9th D.C Chocolate Festival
📍 Embassy of France (4101 Reservoir Rd. NW)
⏰ 6 - 9 p.m. (continues Saturday 10:30 am - 5:30 p.m.)
💸 $30.23
A Parisian getaway? In this economy? Experience the charm of France without leaving Northwest D.C. as Dupont Circle boutique The Chocolate House hosts a festival celebrating the sweet treat at the French Embassy’s Cultural Center. Meet cacao experts, chocolatiers, and other local chocolate lovers for an indulgent evening (that is free for children under 10, if you dare!).

Author event: Artists of the Middle East, Saeb Eigner
📍National Museum of Asian Art, Freer Gallery (1050 Independence Ave. SW)
⏰ 6 - 7:30 p.m.
💸 FREE
Take a journey through 100 years of MENA art history with an author and art history scholar, exploring how cultural traditions have shaped artistic expression in the region and how political upheaval has changed artistic production. After the lecture, copies of Eigner’s book will be available for purchase and signing.

SATURDAY, APRIL 25

A bench and path inside the U.S. National Arboretum in Washington, D.C. — *This weekend marks your once-a-year chance to, in a sense, take a plant home from the National Arboretum. (John Mason /* *Flickr*)

Afrobeats Live!
📍 Bossa Bistro & Lounge (2463 18th St. NW)
⏰ 7:30 p.m. doors, 8 - 9:30 p.m. show
💸 $20
The intimate, bohemian Adams Morgan jazz bar hosts an Afrobeats concert on Saturday, featuring a live performance from Nigerian-born singer-songwriter Janelia Soul and her band. The artist promises more than a show: Connect with others through music as you dance the night away, or just relax and enjoy the weekend.

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SPONSORED: Living Earth Festival
📍 National Museum of the American Indian (4th St. SW)
⏰ April 25-26, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
💸 FREE
Celebrate Earth month at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian with vibrant performances, family activities and artist demonstrations centered on the relationship between art and the earth.

Much Ado About Nothing from Faction of Fools
📍 Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (545 7th St. SE)
⏰ 7:30 - 9:40 p.m.
💸 $17-37
Our local Commedia dell'Arte theatre company has put together a fresh, modern take on one of Shakespeare’s most-adapted plays that is delighting the city’s critics. The show runs for two more weekends, and all ages are welcome, so make it a family night!

Garden Fair
📍 U.S. National Arboretum (3501 New York Ave. NE)
⏰ 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
💸 FREE
The Friends of the National Arboretum are hosting their biggest annual event this Saturday. At the plant sale, you can shop amongst thousands of rare plants. This may be the only chance you get in D.C. to buy a stunning “Ageratum Houstonianum 'Lemon-Lime,'” a low-maintenance Begonia “Cocktail Rum,” or — in the vendor village — one of the Herb Society of America’s 85 rare varieties?

SUNDAY, APRIL 26

People of all ages bike in NE Washington, D.C., including on cargo bikes. — *This weather should be far more pleasant for this weekend’s Ward Five Family Bike ride. (Courtesy of Ward Five Family Biking)*

Sourdough Baking 101
📍 Edgewood Community Farm (2304 2nd St. NE)
⏰ 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
💸 $20
If you missed the sourdough mania during the pandemic lockdown, come out to Edgewood Community Farm to finally learn how to make delicious homemade bread and other simple recipes. Don’t worry — they will cover how to keep the starter alive and avoid that dense, doughy loaf.

Ward Five Family Bike Ride
📍 North Michigan Park Recreation Center (1333 Emerson St. NE)
⏰ 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
💸 FREE
Grab your family — and your helmet — to meet your community for a Ward Five bike ride that ends at City-State Public House! After the hour-long, inclusively paced ride, bikers will have an opportunity to grab food or drinks at this kid-friendly brewery with crafts and arcade games for the little ones.

Brazilian Zouk Social
📍 Bryant Street Market (670 Rhode Island Ave. NE)
⏰ 5 - 6 p.m. class, 6 - 9 p.m. open dancing
💸 $16.09 + optional donation
One of D.C’s hidden gems is its vibrant Brazilian Zouk scene. This Sunday, get a lesson in the modern partner dance — no partner of your own required — courtesy of District Zouk and the Dance Place. Then, try out your new skills and socialize with your neighbors, while supporting local nonprofits Bread for the City and the Amica Center for Immigrant Rights.