The Okame cherry blossoms are at peak bloom, and flowers are popping up.

In honor of the cherry blossoms, I'll be putting out a separate newsletter issue tomorrow with cherry blossom events around town, so keep your eyes peeled. If you want to see the cherry blossoms without the crowds, I've got you covered.

One thing I think is cute is how people decorate their homes for cherry blossoms like it's Halloween. While it looks like they're not doing the official Petal Porches map this year, I'm still looking forward to seeing the decorations.

Valerie

Historic Photo of the Week

Map showing the areas that would be created to create the Tidal Basin and East & West Potomac Parks, filling in what was once underwater. This was part of the Potomac Flats Improvement Project.

Things to Do in DC: Next 4 Weeks

I'm continuing with highlighting more events that are put on regularly to help you not only meet new people but have a regular space for you to hang out.

Reply and let me know your thoughts on this week's events

Know of something cool happening? Submit an event for consideration!

This Week

Wednesday

• 🤓 If you think you know DC enough, there’s this fun live version of GeoGuessr featuring only DC locations. Team up with urbanists and transit enthusiasts to put your knowledge to test! Wednesday 3/19. Free.
• 🍲 Taste samples of premium chocolates & handcrafted truffles paired with Spanish cava, red, and white wines in this intimate chocolate and wine tasting experience. Wednesday 3/19. $55.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Need friends to go with for the chocolate feast? Go with foodies from the Weekend Getaways 20s/30s group! Wednesday 3/19. $55.
• 🤝 DC Greens is looking for volunteers to help out at their urban farm and wellness space. Shifts available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Reopening week starts Tuesday 3/18 to Saturday 3/22.
• 🍲 Foodies should go explore the best taco and pupusa spots in DC, earn points, and vote your winner for the Battle of the Taco. Until Monday 3/31. Free.

Thursday

• 🖼️ A traveling art show around the globe, Artoon Network is bringing 30+ artists and free video games to DC with their Cartoon Art Show. Thursday 3/20. $20+.
• 📖 If you love food and books, this book club is for you! This month’s pick is The Noodle Life by Mike & Stephanie Le, featuring 75 noodle recipes from Asian, Italian, and American cuisine. Thursday 3/20. Free.
• 🤝 Need help with your job search? Join the library’s Job Seekers Clinic for hands-on help with email setup, job boards, résumés, and job applications. Walk-in basis. Thursday 3/20. Free.
• 📖 Get your resume reviewed and learn how to successfully write one with expert guidance. Thursday 3/20. Free.
• 🍽️ Home chefs will love this cook & potluck event featuring dishes from Belly Full by Lesley Enston. Choose a recipe, cook, and share your dish! Thursday 3/20. $15+
• 📜 Explore & walk through the stories of women who made history in DC, featuring sites dedicated to female leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers. Thursday 3/20. $30+.

Friday

• 🖼️ Witness the experiences of those in the prison system through poetry & art as their medium for hope, healing, and social change. Friday 3/21. Free.
• 🖌️ Join this maker-led class on creating floral clay earrings. Friday 3/21. $45.
• 🎭 Free movie night! Catch a movie with friends or family at the Arboretum this Friday 3/21. Free.
• 🖌️ No self-portrait yet? Learn how to paint yourself one with Frida Kahlo in a beginner-friendly lecture + self-portrait session. Friday 3/21. $68.

Saturday

• 🍾 City Girls Who Walk DC invites you to their 3rd anniversary for drinks, hors d’oeuvres, local vendors, and sweet treats for the night. Don’t forget to dress your best! Saturday 3/22. $65+.
• 🤸 Animal lovers will enjoy this 45-minute guided meditation with adorable rabbits (that you can adopt!) at Lost Boy Cider. This event supports abandoned rabbits in need of homes. Ticket includes a drink of your choice. Saturday 3/22. $35.
• 📖 Artist Donnell Lewis and other DC artists discuss the ways they captured the legacy of a 1933 iconic opera singer, Marian Anderson, in their art. Saturday 3/22. Free.
• 🐾 Dog lovers, this one’s for you. Walk your dogs in a pack and stroll at your own pace with other fur parents from Paw Pals In The Park. Saturday 3/22. Free.
• 🤝 Declutter your wardrobe and find preloved OOTDs at this community clothing swap. Leftovers donated to Suited for Change. Volunteers welcome! Saturday, 3/22. Free.
• 🤸 Stretch and meditate with a relaxing sound experience of crystal bowls, chimes, and gongs at the National Building Museum. This Sunday 3/23. $30.
• 🤝 Free professional headshots at the Library with local photographer Krista Boccio. Saturday 3/22. Free.
• 🎭 Rooted is an inspiring documentary following one woman’s fight for land ownership, urban farming, and food justice in a South Carolina food desert. Saturday 3/22. Free.
• 🤸 Stretch & center yourself with an outdoor yoga in the Kreeger Sculpture Garden. Saturday 3/22. $20.
• 🏞️ Go outside for a relaxing nature walk around Theodore Roosevelt Island with 20s and 30s young socials. Take in the scenic trails, fresh air, and grab a bite afterward! Saturday 3/22. Free.
• 🤓 Play community Bingo at Atlas Brew Works, and find volunteer opportunities available in your area. Saturday 3/22. Free.
• 🖌️ Learn how to engrave your favorite photographs onto wood and acrylic through laser engraving technology. Saturday 3/22. Free.

Sunday

• 🎈 Taste, dance, and explore Thai culture at the NVA Thai Street Food Festival. Sunday 3/23. Free entry.
• 🖌️ De-stress and get creative with a jewelry-making session using assorted beads and materials. Sunday 3/23. $35.
• 🏞️ Take a silent walk through nature with a guided mindfulness hike, a perfect escape to reconnect with nature and unwind from city life. Sunday 3/23. $15.

Next Week

• 📜 Learn how to use building permits, historic maps, newspapers, and old photographs to reveal the hidden history of your home and neighborhood. Monday 3/24. Free, registration required.​
• 🖌️ Learn the basics of flower arranging and flower care then craft your own spring bouquet using seasonal favorites like tulips, ranunculus, and anemone. Tuesday 3/25. $150.
• 🖌️ If you need a new hobby, try this embroidery class next Tuesday 3/25. Free.
• 🎭 Watch the Once Upon a Time in Forest documentary following the fight of young Finnish activists to preserve Finland’s forests. Wednesday 3/26. Free.
• 🕺 The Queen of R&B, Mary J. Blige, brings her For My Fans Tour to United Center with NE-YO and Mario. Wednesday 3/26. $80+.*
• 📖 Listen to real, powerful stories from six women of different generations, between the ages of 20s to 70s, as they talk about the strengths & struggles of being a woman in their generation. Wednesday 3/26. $30.
• 🎭 The biggest comedy festival in Silver Spring is running four nights for non-stop laughs of stand-up, improv, and sketch comedy performances. Wednesday 3/26 to Saturday 3/29. Free. Price varies for each show; $179 for an all-access pass.
• 🤝 Cry ’n Vibe is a safe space to help you release emotions and reflect on the grief you experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. We hope you find comfort in this community. Thursday 3/27. Free.
• 🍾 Drink & join a drunk spelling bee while tipsy at Prima DC. Thursday 3/27. Free admission; $10 to compete.
• 🕺The Library of Congress is hosting a free Regency Ball around Martha Washington and Queen Charlotte, where attendees are encouraged to dress up. Tickets are available Tuesday 2/25 and will go quickly, event happens Thursday 3/27. Free.
• 🎭 Catch Benny & Friends bringing their best jokes to the stage at Room 808! Friday 3/28. $20.
• 🧠 Craft your own terrarium! Learn the basics of succulent care and ​design your terrarium while sipping sangria​. Classes are next Friday 3/28. $25+.
• 🎭 Washington’s famous satirical revue returns! Splitting Our Sides is a 2-hour show of song parodies, political comedy, and slapstick fun. Friday 3/28-Sunday 4/6. $35.
• 🏰 Historic tea time at Peirce Mill! Enjoy tea, treats, and music and learn more about the women who ran tea houses and how Peirce Mill was part of the tea room craze in America. 1920s dress up encouraged. Saturday 3/29. Free.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Planning to buy an e-bike? This is your chance to test ride different e-bike types before getting one. Saturday 3/29. Free.
• 🐾 Go on outdoor adventures with your dog to learn about responsible park recreation and earn a B.A.R.K. Ranger badge for your pup! With giveaways, training tips, and fun photo ops. Saturday 3/29. Free.
• 🍾 Dress up as your favorite female icon for Women’s History Month! Saturday 3/29. $45.
• 🌲 See thousands of orchids at the US Botanic Garden in a low-stimulation, but interactive & peaceful setting. Saturday 3/29. Free; registration required.
• 🤝 Got trinkets you no longer need? Stop by for a trinket swap at UpCycle Creative Reuse Center. Saturday 3/29. $5 minimum donation.
• 📖 This is your sign to start eating healthy! Eat nutritious, chef-prepared dishes while getting expert health and wellness advice from culinary professionals, registered dietitians, and local healthcare leaders. Saturday 3/29. Free.
• 🤝 For federal employees and contractors going into a career transition, expert panelists will be onsite to help you pivot successfully with insights on resumes, transferable skills, and personal branding - plus free headshots! Saturday 3/29. Free. ​
• 🛍️ Snag some gently used merchandise finds at the tossed-and-found rummage sale at bargain prices. This is where I get most of my new clothes for the year. Saturday 3/29 to Sunday 3/30. Free admission.
• 🎈 Come to Spring Fair for eco-friendly crafts, gifts, eco-treats, and more goodies to enjoy the spring season. Sunday 3/30. Free.

Further Out

• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Join this fan-made survivor game at Rock Creek Park if you have what it takes to survive and win $250, sign up through Monday 3/31. $25 if you’re chosen to play.
• 🎭 Victory Members should grab this FREE screening of the Oscar masterpiece Parasite by simply buying a $5 food & drink voucher which you can credit for your in-theater orders. Monday 3/31. $5.
• 🖌️ Join the Open Art Cart! Get FREE craft projects if you buy any food/drink orders at Calico DC. Monday 3/31. Free.
• 🍾 See the grand finale of Tour Del Taco where prizes and this year’s Taconnoisseur award will be announced! Limited tickets available to this exclusive after-party, includes tacos and drinks. Tuesday 4/1. $25.
• 📜 Join the four-day DC History Conference featuring panels, discussions, and presentations on DC’s past, present, and future. Thursday 4/3-Sunday 4/6. Free.
• 🎈 Awesome Con 2025 is coming to Washington DC and they're bringing special celebrity guests, comic con panels, screenings, and exclusive exhibits for fans of anime, comics, movies, and games! Friday 4/4. $20
• 🧠 Learning a new language? Find your language partner at this exchange happy hour. Expect many multi-linguists from DC Language and Cultural Exchange club. Friday 4/4. Free.
• 🏰 Tour and get to know Glen Echo Park’s rich history, from Civil Rights protests in 1960 and its transformation as a national park to its last remaining ride during the amusement park era. Saturday 4/5. Free.
• 🎈 It’s officially spring with the Hippity Hop Trolley! Get on a trolley ride and play a scavenger hunt with the Easter Bunny for a prize. Saturday 4/5-Sunday 4/6. $13. Reservations required.
• 🤸 Sign up for a free morning of Barre, HIIT, and boxing classes in the Bridge District! Plus, a Cherry Blossom Bike Ride, free bike tune-ups, and a marketplace of wellness vendors to buy from. Saturday 4/5. Free.
• 🌲 This Spring, visitors can tour the White House garden and see ornamental trees planted by former presidents. Free timed tickets are available each morning at 8:30 AM outside the White House Visitor Center—first come, first served! Saturday 4/5 to Sunday 4/6. Free.
• 🍽️ Looking for vegan friends? Join this potluck with vegans from the Veg Society of DC and bring a dish to share. Sunday 4/6. Free.
• 🤝 Bethesda is calling for artists to paint the mural project at Arlington Road. If you want to join, submit your qualifications for a chance to be invited and paid. Submit until Monday 4/7. Free.
• 🛍️ Ready for the best vintage finds around DMV? Find vintage fits, accessories, vinyls, glassware, books, and more old stuff! Tickets required. Saturday 4/12. $5+.
• 🖼️ The Cleveland Park Traffic Box Beautification Project is commissioning three artists to create vinyl-wrapped designs for local traffic boxes. Get a $700 honorarium when selected! Tuesday 4/15. Free to join.
• 🖌️ Play around with glow-in-the-dark painting in a UV-lit studio, with a neon artwork you can take home. Friday 4/18-Sunday 4/20. $38.
• 🎈 Healthy Homes Fair returns with 100+ exhibitors and an appliance “petting zoo” featuring the latest home technologies needed to decarbonize our homes. Win prizes and e-bike incentives. Saturday 5/10. Free.

Know of something cool happening? Submit an event for consideration!

* Items marked with an asterisks contain affiliate links (for which I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you) or sponsored. Events are featured based on if I find them interesting and think others will too, regardless if they are affiliate or sponsored.