Check out a handful of the many events happening in the DMV this weekend.
In honor of Earth Day 2024, join an insightful scientific journey at the National Museum of Natural History, or an educational experience at this year’s Community Earth Day Celebration.
Music lovers are in for a treat all weekend – from the performances from beloved jazz artists to the Dance and Brunch: African and Caribbean Inspired Fitness Class.
If you’re in the mood to embark on a night of mystery and elegance, Friday’s Black Opulence: A Midnight Masquerade is certainly the spot for you.
Looking to test your knowledge and engage in some interactive fun? Check out Saturday’s Beat the Bot, or start your day learning with D.C.’s African American Literary History Tour.
Enjoy spring in full swing and remember, there’s always something happening in the DMV to keep your spirit — and social life — lit. To keep up with all the fun, don’t forget to check out the Washington Informer Calendar.
Thursday, April 18
Life on a Sustainable Planet: Exploring and Understanding Our Natural World
2 p.m. | Free with registration
National Museum of Natural History (In-person and virtual formats), 10th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, D.C., 20560
In celebration of Earth Day 2024, former fellows of the National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) Dr. Peter Buck Fellowship program will present short talks related to their personal science journeys. The symposium will offer an opportunity for the Smithsonian Science community and the public to network and hear from science leaders of the future on how their work is contributing to exploring and understanding our natural world.
Free to the public, the symposium will feature expert speakers on topics such as assessing global change, exploring and understanding biodiversity, understanding Earth’s origin and evolution, and humans in the 21st century.
This is a hybrid event. Livestream information to come. Registration necessary.
Jazz at SAAM with Tyler Leak
5 p.m. | Free with registration
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th Street NW & F Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20004
Celebrate a uniquely American art form with “Take 5: Jazz at Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM),” a series of free, live performances in the Kogod Courtyard with North Carolina native percussionist Tyler Leak.
Having studied with legendary creatives such as saxophonist Branford Marsalis, percussionist Ali Jackson, and bassist Aaron Mills, Leak has managed to cultivate a lane of his own–one which allows him to float amongst different genres, creating music that is both unique and inspiring.
Based in D.C., Leak is collaborating with leading musicians locally and worldwide.
Attendees can also enjoy board games, and refreshments are available for purchase from the Courtyard Café.
Friday, April 19
Black Opulence: A Midnight Masquerade
10:30 p.m. – 3 a.m. | $10+
2000 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C., 20006
Guests are encouraged to don their best fits and masks and step into a world of elegance at Black Opulence Xperience’s staple event to celebrate Black history in style with a midnight masquerade.
Saturday, April 20
D.C.’s African American Literary History Tour
3 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Free
Cleveland Park Library, 3310 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C., 20008
Award-winning children’s author Joy Jones and famed poet, memorist and literary activist E. Ethelbert Miller will join forces to present an afternoon exploring D.C.’s rich literary history and the role played by Black writers in literature and fortifying the community.
“Seeing Ourselves in the River, in the Mirror, In the World: ACCL on Tour,” is presented by Esther Productions Inc., The Institute for African American Writing, and The Black Student Fund. The tour is an offshoot of “African Americans and Children’s Literature,” the unprecedented successful event held earlier this year that received a grant from Humanities DC with additional support from Kerry S. Pearson LLC and Busboys and Poets.
Each author will read original work and discuss their role over the past three decades in building and strengthening D.C.’s African American literary community.
Beat the Bot
7 p.m. | $15+
Studio Theatre, 1501 14th Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20005
For 25 years, Washington Improv Theater‘s (WIT) experienced teams of improv comedians have taken a simple suggestion or story from an audience member and turned it into a never-before-seen comedy show.
Beat the Bot is a 1970’s-style improvised AI game show in which audiences attempt to determine the difference between genuine improv scenes and comedic scripts generated by Gordy – a sophisticated comedy language-learning model.
With a cast of D.C.’s sharpest improvisers, Beat the Bot explores the boundaries between idea generation and creative inspiration. The homegrown talent has gone on to SNL, The Daily Show, HBO’s Insecure and The White Lotus, and more.
Sunday, April 21
Community Earth Day Celebration
11 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Free
Dr. Jim Duke’s Green Farmacy Garden, 8210 Murphy Rd, Fulton, MD 20759
Community Day is a seasonal opportunity to co-create a day of shared experiences with other plant and nature lovers.
Learn about the world-renowned Green Farmacy Garden, its founders, and treasures; join the organized activities or offer your own; or simply enjoy the setting!
Guests are welcome to explore the garden, but the woods are closed to the public this season.
The Rain Date for this event is Sunday, April 28.
Dance & Brunch: African and Caribbean Inspired Heels Dance Fitness Class
3 p.m. – 8 p.m. | $10 – $15
Crossroads Two, 11300 Fern St, Wheaton, MD 20902
Every third Sunday of the month Crossroads Two Restaurant and Lounge offers Dance and Brunch.
Waistline Time is a nightclub-inspired heels dance fitness class featuring Caribbean and African tunes.
Whether an experienced dancer or just there for the good vibes, this class is open to everyone and offers a chance to learn some cute dance routines.
The key is to always wear something comfortable that also makes you feel confident. Heels are optional but encouraged.
Source: Washington Informer
