Catch New Exhibits and Cocktail Classes in DC This Weekend
Fun things to do in Washington DC this weekend, including the hottest new play in town.
It may have taken a full total solar eclipse, but this week proved that DC can revel in a rare moment of bipartisan joy. If you want to keep the eclipse energy going, we’re here for it! Perhaps this is also the year you take your stargazing to the next level.
For those of us more firmly rooted in planet earth this weekend, there’s a ton on offer in the city. From taking in the silent (literally) majesty of Japanese film, trying your hand at shaking a new spring cocktail, or mangling your way through a yoga class with your dog, there’s a lot going on this side of the moon. Along with the best dispensaries in town, here’s everything fun you can do in DC this weekend.
Drinking events in DC
April 13–14
Alexandria, $15 and up
You would be forgiven for not knowing there’s a cat cafe in Alexandria playfully named for George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Let us enlighten you: Mount Purrnon Cat Café and Wine Bar in Old Town is where you can go to both sip wine and cocktails and adopt a cat. If this sounds like a winning combination to you, then consider this your lucky weekend. On Saturday and Sunday, it’s going all out for their annual Purry Blossom celebration. Expect cherry blossom themed drink specials like rosés and sake cocktails, of which all proceeds will go to support and save rescue cats.
April 13, 5:30 pm–10 pm
South of the National Mall, Prices vary
If rare bourbon and prime Iberian ham sound like a match made in heaven, consider this your tailor-made evening. Salamander DC will be serving their special edition Woodford bourbon alongside the meat-lover’s delicacy, Cinco Jotas Iberico Loin. Toasted Cristal Bread with Tomate Fresco and a Spanish Cheese Board, round out the offerings.
April 14, 3 pm
Dupont Circle, $75
Learn how to shake and stir with the best of them at a Boqueria’s cocktail making this. The afternoon class will include guided instructions on making two concoctions, as well as dive into the history of special bitters, liquors, and spirits. A spread of Boqueria’s much-loved tapas will be on hand to munch on during your hard work.
Cultural events in DC
April 12–14
The National Mall, Free
Consider this your deep dive into the fascinating world of Japanese silent film. With The Art of the Benshi over the next few days, the National Museum of Asian Art, together with the UCLA Film & Television archive, will be presenting four of Japan’s most renowned silent films all set to live musical performances. Take your pick from films like The Vindictive Snake (Shūnen no dokuja), The Oath of the Sword, and Not Blood Relations (Nasanu naka), or settle in for a full weekend of cinema.
April 13–14
Brentwood, Prices Vary
This is a big moment for DC theater: one of the finest stage (and film) actors working today is making their way to the district to take on an iconic role. The actor: Ralph Fiennes. The role: Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Presented by the Shakespeare Theatre Company, which usually stages its productions at its two spaces downtown, it’s slated to draw record crowds (and eye-watering ticket prices). It’s also why it’ll be played out at a larger warehouse-style space in Brentwood. If you’re lucky enough to snag tickets (keep checking the link for released spots), this will be one for the books.
April 13, 8 pm
Foggy Bottom, $50 and up
Whether you’ve followed the work of the renowned Esther Perel for some time or are entirely new to the psychotherapist and New York Times bestselling author, there’s something to gain from seeing her IRL. The Belgian American analyst, who developed a big following thanks to her podcast Where Should We Begin?, will be at DC’s DAR Hall to shine light on the state of relationships today, looking into how we think, connect, love, desire, and why and how these things all matter.
April 14, 10 am–5 pm
Downtown, $16
If you haven’t yet made it to the National Museum of Women in the Arts since it reopened in the fall, now is your chance. The museum’s latest exhibition will hit the walls this Sunday and feature the works of emerging women artists from across the globe. The exhibition, New Worlds: Women to Watch 2024, will focus on how today’s artists respond and interpret the times we live in—socially, politically, emotionally, and intellectually. Expect a range of mediums from video installations to textile works to paintings.
Family-friendly events in DC
April 14, 11 am–3 pm
Alexandria, $15 and up
Calling all dog lovers and their families: This day-long dog fest is one you won’t want to miss. Come for a full-line up of events like a human and dog yoga class, an off-leash playground, and a doggie fashion show. And for the humans, there will be live music, a kids play area, and an opportunity to learn about rescuing and adopting a future four-legged friend.