13 things to do around D.C. this weekend
From Pride events to underground jazz to a Mamma Mia drive-in experience, there's plenty to get into this weekend.
There’s a lot to celebrate this weekend, including 50 years of Pride in D.C. and some summery weather, at long last. Get outdoors (and also duck into a few cultural venues) this weekend with an array of events celebrating Pride, strawberries and everyone’s favorite Swedish pop quartet.
THURSDAY, JUNE 5
Black Sabbath: The Ballet
Heavy metal pairs well with so many things. Black tees. Crowd surfing. And this month, ballet at the Kennedy Center. Catch the Birmingham Royal Ballet in a tribute to the band born and bred in Birmingham, England. (Kennedy Center; 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; $49+)
Jonathan Capehart: Yet Here I Am
Washington Post columnist Jonathan Capehart dives into his recent memoir, “Yet Here I Am: Lessons From a Black Man’s Search for Home.” The book recounts his path to becoming a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and MSNBC anchor, including how race and sexual identity presented obstacles along the way. (Library of Congress; 7 p.m..; FREE)
What is Queer Food?
James Beard biographer John Birdsall sits down with Washington Post food writer Aaron Hutcherson for a conversation about “What Is Queer Food?: How We Served a Revolution,”examining how food has historically been used as an expression of LGBTQ+ identity. (Bold Fork Books; 7 p.m.; $7+)
Andy Warhol in Iran
High stakes meets hijinks! It’s 1976, and less than 3 years before her exile, the Empress Farah beckons Andy Warhol to begin pop-art portraits of the royals. When a University student takes Warhol hostage to publicize his group’s demands, a life-or-death struggle ensues over revolution, responsibility, and the arts. (May 29 - June 29; Mosaic Theater Company at the Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE; $42-$70)
FRIDAY, JUNE 6
WorldPride Music Festival
While the welcome concert for WorldPride may have been canceled (these tears don’t lie), this pair of shows is still on for the closing weekend of this robust celebration of Pride. Jennifer Lopez and Troye Sivan co-headline the two-day fest, which also features Kim Petras, RuPaul and Paris Hilton. (RFK Festival Grounds; 1-11 p.m.; $139+)
Unprecedented: A Pop-Up Exhibit
Pop over to part two of this crowd-sourced exploration of memory. Last month, attendees lent artifacts and drawings representing their view of the world since the 2024 presidential election. On Friday, grab a beverage from the biergarten and tour the product of their efforts. (Heurich House Museum; 4-8 p.m.; FREE)
New Jazz Underground
Take advantage of the balmy weather (fingers-crossed) and enjoy a soundtrack to the sunset with this eclectic jazz trio blending jazz with hip-hop, house music, and Afro-Cuban sounds. (National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden; 6-8:30 p.m.; FREE)
Mamma Mia
What better way to see an homage to Abba than surrounded by caravans full of fellow fans? Get there early to grab bites from Union Market’s restaurants and food stalls. No car? No problem; pedestrians can park themselves on a chair or blanket. (Union Market; 7:30-10:30 p.m.; $20 per car; FREE on foot)
SATURDAY, JUNE 7
Caribbean Heritage Festival
Bring your roller skates and appetite to this celebration of Caribbean culture, featuring live music, face painting, eats and a mobile skate park. (Bladensburg Waterfront Park; Noon-7 p.m.; FREE)
Old Town Arts and Crafts Fair
Scout out gifts for friends, family or yourself at this annual fair, including wares—from bags to bonsai trees—crafted by more than 80 makers from the greater D.C. region. (Alexandria Waterfront Park; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; FREE)
WorldPride Parade
WorldPride nears its end with this rainbow-filled parade down 14th Street toward Pennsylvania Avenue, where a free, two-day street festival features bites, beverages and musical performances from Cynthia Erivo, David Archuleta and Doechii. (1844 14th St. NW, D.C.; 2 p.m..; FREE)
Shipgarten Summer Kickoff
It didn’t feel much like summer last month, but with warmer temperatures this weekend it may finally be time to usher in the season. Head to McLean for DJ-spun tunes, wings and plenty of craft beer. (Shipgarten; 4-10 p.m.; FREE)
SUNDAY, JUNE 8
Butler’s Orchard 75th Anniversary Celebration
Stop by the last day of this Germantown farm party, just in time for strawberry season. The festivities include planting fun, slides, live music and tractor-pulled trolley rides. (Butler’s Orchard; 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; FREE)
Queering Sound: Novparolo
Catch four acts at one concert—Novparolo, Depression Cherry + Praxis Cat, Outboard and 50'♀and The Worms—as part of the weeks-long, locally run LGBTQ+ arts festival Queering Sound. (Rhizome; 7 p.m.; $15+)
