13 things to do around D.C. this weekend

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

The flowers are blooming and the days are (sometimes) warmer. Don’t forget to take your allergy medication before you head out to celebrate spring. This weekend, you’ve got your pick of cherry blossom-themed events, along with a birding trip to Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens and a chance to cheer on the region’s high school basketball stars.

THURSDAY, APRIL 2 

Walk and Watch Birding with the Trail Rangers
📍 Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens (1550 Anacostia Ave. NE)
⏰ 8 - 10 a.m.
💸 FREE
It’s National Walk Day! Celebrate by joining the DC Trail Rangers and a few local experts for some guided birding along the Anacostia River. Birders of all levels are welcome. Binoculars are encouraged, but if you don’t have any, the team will have a few for participants to share. 

Into the Waters with Senju and Bingyi: Two Contemporary Paintings
📍 National Museum of Asian Art (1050 Independence Ave. SW)
⏰ 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
💸 FREE
Catch the opening day of an art exhibit by modern painters Hiroshi Senju and Bingyi, who offer two explorations of water inspired by their respective cultures. In abstract works, Senju combines traditional Japanese painting with modern techniques, while Bingyi’s depictions of nature build on historical Chinese ink painting. If you can’t make it this weekend, the exhibition will be on view through late September.

FRIDAY, APRIL 3

Washington Nationals Home Opener at The Bullpen
📍 The Bullpen (1201 Half St. SE)
⏰ Opens at 11 a.m., game at 1:05 p.m.
💸 FREE entry
So far, the Nationals’ home opener isn’t yet sold out, but if the $76+ price tag is above your budget, you can also tune in nearby with other fans for free. Our 2019 World Series Champions are facing off against the LA Dodgers, who … may also have won the World Series at some point. Be warned: Its location makes it popular for a reason, which means the place will be packed. 

Funny Arabs comedy show
📍 Pearl Street Warehouse (33 Pearl St. SW)
⏰ 7:30 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show
💸 $34+
Comedian Rola Z hosts this recurring evening of jokes featuring the funniest Arab Americans from the region and beyond. Friday’s lineup includes Mahmoud Jaber, Zaid Fouzi, Mariam Kirolos, Ross Benoit, and Yannick talking about politics, dating, and more.

Author Event: The Moon in Splinters, Anne Whiteside
📍 Busboys and Poets (450 K St. NW)
⏰ 5 - 6:30 p.m.
💸 FREE
During WWII, 20-year-old Maurice Pertschuk worked with Winston Churchill's "secret army.” Just 13 days before liberation, the Jewish French resistance agent was executed for that work — but his niece Anne Whiteside’s new book shares how his poetry, legacy, and lessons from his life survived.

Beyond the Waves: Deaf Art
📍 Linda K. Jordan Gallery, Gallaudet University (800 Florida Ave. NE)
⏰ 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
💸 FREE
It is the last day of Gallaudet University’s art exhibition celebrating Deaf artists across mediums and practices. The showcase doesn’t just display pieces by Christine Sun Kim, Chella Man, and Janhavi Khemka, among others, but rather illustrates how Deaf art has evolved over the decades, demonstrating its broader impact.

SATURDAY, APRIL 4

Petalpalooza at Navy Yard
📍 1022 O St. SE 
⏰ 1 - 9 p.m.
💸 FREE
On Saturday, Navy Yard is going “petal” to the metal with a day-long festival for the whole family. We’re talking face painting, live performances, flower crowns, lantern and origami making, and a card-only beverage garden. The evening even ends with a bang: The official National Cherry Blossom Festival fireworks show will kick off at 8:30 p.m.

Vegetation Trimming and Trail Edging near Collingwood Park
📍 Near Collingwood Park (8200 W Boulevard Dr.; Alexandria, Virginia)
⏰ 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
💸 FREE
Join the Friends of the Mount Vernon Trail across the Potomac to improve a section of the popular pedestrian and bike path. No special experience or skills are needed, but attendees are encouraged to bring water and protect themselves from public ivy with long sleeves and pants. Gloves are a bonus, but if you don’t have any, the organizers have some to borrow.

Capital Classic
📍 Capital One Arena (601 F St. NW)
⏰ Girls game at 10:30 a.m.; Boys game at 12 p.m.
💸 $35+
This annual high school basketball All-American game has served as a stepping stone for the rising stars from around the country. The twist: It pits the best players from the DMV region against the rest of the country. Show up to cheer for our hometown players, and/or in the name of future bragging rights!

Peak Bloom Day Party
📍 Ciel Social Club (601 K St. NW)
⏰ 2 - 7 p.m.
💸 $10+ entry
Toast to peak bloom at an immersive cherry blossom-themed rooftop bar, which will include Blossom espresso martinis in original, cinnamon, and brown sugar flavors. Live DJs will be setting the beat, and pastel attire is encouraged. 

Indigo & Shibori
📍 Rhizome DC (6950 Maple St. NW)
⏰ 1 - 3 p.m.
💸 $15-25
Learn the basics of indigo dyeing and shibori (Japanese tie-dye) from instructor Sophie Kanter. Bring a small-to-medium item to dye and take home — ideally, 50+% natural fiber content. Don’t forget: Come with your own apron and rubber gloves, and/or wear clothes that you don’t mind getting stained.

SUNDAY, APRIL 5

Farm Easter Egg Hunt
📍 Edgewood Community Farm (2304 2nd St. NE)
⏰ 3 - 6 p.m.
💸 FREE
Celebrate Easter and spring at a family-friendly egg hunt hosted by Edgewood Community farm, a Ward 5 urban farm dedicated to advancing food justice and fighting food insecurity. Children are encouraged to explore the farm, color, try outdoor games and activities, and, of course, find the eggs. Baskets are encouraged, but not required.

Food Demo: Naruto-Inspired Onigiri with Nadine Estero
📍 National Museum of Asian Art (1050 Independence Ave. SW)
⏰ 4 - 5 p.m.
💸 FREE
Nadine Estero, the creator behind The Anime Chef Cookbook, is hosting a class on how to make onigiri (Japanese rice balls) inspired by Naruto, the anime and manga series by Masashi Kishimoto. Show up early: The event is first-come, first-served, with no advance tickets.