Things I'm Talking About

• ​Saucer magnolia blooms at Smithsonian Gardens hit peak bloom this week.
• This weekend will be the perfect time to visit Dumbarton Oaks. Forsythia hill, cherry blossoms, and the ends of the saucer magnolias will likely be on display, along with their spring flowers. I'm expecting tickets for this weekend to sell out!
• I have an idea for you if you live in the Petworth area and have a cat.
• DC Preservation League & other orgs have sued to force federal review of Kennedy Center renovation plans.
• DC Council's Housing Committee is open for testimony for their Monday hearing, where they will discuss the Transparent Rates and Utility Expenses Amendment Act of 2026. This would require landlords to disclose itemized charges and calculation methods, but it still allows for billing systems that shift costs to renters through ratio-based utility billing system instead of actual usage. This came up in the news last year when a Navy Yard apartment building was charging residents for electricity usage for unleaded units.

Valerie

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Tried & True features your favorite go-to restaurants that have been around for a while and serve you consistently good food.

This Week's Feature: Sushi Snob

"Sushi snob on M street… amazing lunch and the best omakase I’ve had in the city." Kimberly

Locations: 1721 M ST NW
​Website​

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Looking for something specific? Check out these options:

• ​Where to see saucer magnolias (likely last chance this weekend to see them!)
• ​Cherry blossoms without the crowds​​
• ​Ways to disconnect in DC​
• ​Museum parties & happy hours​
• ​Mosaics classes
• ​Pottery & ceramics classes​
• ​Knitting & crochet classes​
• ​Photography classes​

• 🧠 Get your hands dirty at this seed starting workshop where you'll learn which seeds to start indoors, how to care for seedlings, and make your own soil mix. You'll even take home some starter plants! Wednesday 3/25. Free.
• 📖 PBS NewsHour's Geoff Bennett and A Different World's Darryl Bell are talking about how Black comedy became America's truth-telling tool at MLK Library. They'll explore how comedians like Richard Pryor and shows like Martin shaped cultural conversations about race and identity. Wednesday 3/25. Free.
• 🍲 Chef Ham El-Waylly is talking about his new cookbook at Bold Fork Books, sharing comfort food recipes that mix flavors from around the world. Think cinnamon toast crunch made from pita and mac 'n' cheese with a Middle Eastern twist. Wednesday 3/25. $46.
• 📖 Learn the fascinating story behind DC's famous cherry blossoms in this free lecture with author Diana Parsell at the Japanese Embassy. She'll share how Japanese hanami traditions made their way to the Potomac and the amazing people who made it happen. Wednesday 3/25. Free.
• 🌸 Puttery is turning into a cherry blossom wonderland with garden-inspired mini golf courses, pink blossom décor, and seasonal cocktails. Grab the "Putt Me in Bloom" combo for one round plus a themed drink. Wednesday 3/25-4/26. $15+

• 🧠 Learn how to navigate leadership while processing grief in this Women's History Month session that combines personal stories with practical workplace strategies. You'll explore how to use difficult experiences to build deeper compassion and stronger organizational culture. Thursday 3/26. Free.
• 🌸 Celebrate cherry blossom season at this Pink and White Party at Cafe Riggs with flowing Laurent-Perrier Rosé, signature cocktails, and curated bites. Dress code is pink and white, so break out your spring best! Thursday 3/26. $85.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Lock up your phone and actually talk to people at this intentional social gathering with board games, conversation cards, and genuinely interesting humans. Thursday 3/26. $25.
• 🎭 This tarot comedy show combines tarot readings with comedy as brave audience members get live readings while comedians tell you what the cards really think. It's part mystical guidance, part laughs, and entertaining whether you believe in tarot or not. Thursday 3/26. $10-15.
• 🌐 Join an untraditional Passover seder at the Capital Jewish Museum where you'll read from a community Haggadah, share stories, and connect over traditional foods with inspiring local partners. It's a meaningful way to experience Passover whether you're new to the tradition or looking for a fresh take. Thursday 3/26. $36-$72.
• 🌐 Noche Iberoamericana 2026 brings together 19 countries for an epic cultural celebration at the Colombian Ambassador's residence with live music, traditional dances, and authentic dishes from across Latin America and Spain. It's like taking a food and culture tour of an entire continent in one amazing night. Thursday 3/26. $109.

• 🕺 Countess Luann de Lesseps brings her cabaret show to the Birchmere with music, comedy, and reality TV stories that'll have you laughing all night. It's part concert, part comedy show, and totally entertaining. Friday 3/27. $85.*
• 🍲 Meet cookbook authors from Diaspora Spice Co. at this ice cream social where Malai created a limited-edition spiced date flavor inspired by recipes from their new book. You can get your cookbook signed while trying ice cream that tastes like spiced cake with coconut caramel swirls. Friday 3/27. $11+.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Celebrate Trans Day of Visibility at this "Now You See Me" Social Mixer & Mini Ball where the community comes together for an evening of connection, runway moments, and pure celebration at the Eaton Hotel. Friday 3/27. Free.
• 🌲 The National Air and Space Museum is bringing telescopes to College Park for a stargazing night with hands-on activities and sky viewing. Friday 3/27. Free.
• 📖 The Well-Read Black Girl Festival brings together Black women writers, artists, and cultural leaders for a full day of panels exploring how creative expression shapes memory and inspires change. You'll hear powerful conversations about storytelling as both personal testimony and collective action. Friday 3/27. $40.
• 🛍️ Browse vintage Japanese kimono, haori jackets, and obi sashes at this special trunk show where you can actually try things on. The owner will be there to help you find your style and answer all your kimono questions. Friday 3/27-3/29. Free.
• 🕺 Comedian David Nihill brings his new show "Taking Tangents" packed with stories from his travels across 80+ countries and life as a confused immigrant. The Dublin-born comic won the San Francisco Comedy Competition (same one that launched Robin Williams and Ellen DeGeneres). Friday 3/27-3/28. $35+.
• 🕺 Learn tango in a super welcoming environment where the lesson breaks down those fancy steps so anyone can follow along, then stick around for social dancing with wine and snacks. The music spans the globe and the crowd is friendly, so bring a partner or come solo! Friday 3/27. $20.
• 🎈 Bring the kids for Tudor Place's annual spring celebration with Easter egg hunts, bunny photos, face painting, and art activities. It's the kind of wholesome family fun that makes everyone smile. Friday 3/27-3/28. $10+

• 🛍️ Beat the spring rush at this early-season native plant sale where you can snag spring ephemerals and perennials from expert vendors before they sell out. Show up early because the good stuff goes fast, and bring a wagon to haul your garden treasures back to the car. Saturday 3/28. Free.
• 🍲 This cherry blossom season, enjoy a free Japanese spirits tasting featuring rare whiskeys, gins, and sake you won't find everywhere. Plus you'll get 15% off any bottles you want to take home. Saturday 3/28. Free.
• 🧑‍🍳 Learn to make your own hot sauce from scratch using fresh, local peppers and discover how to balance heat with flavor in this hands-on workshop. You'll explore different pepper varieties and create your own unique blend to take home. Saturday 3/28. $34.
• 🌸 Watch a live tuna cutting ceremony at Dirty Habit's Tokyo Nights experience timed perfectly with cherry blossom season. The whole place transforms into an interactive showcase where you can see expert craftsmanship up close and taste the results. Saturday 3/28-3/29. Free.
• 🐾 Your pup can become an official Rock Creek Park B.A.R.K. Ranger with a swearing-in ceremony at the Nature Center. It's the perfect excuse to teach your dog park etiquette while they get their official ranger status! Saturday 3/28. Free.
• 🧠 Learn a K-Pop routine designed just for adults where you'll get a great workout while channeling your inner K-Pop star. No dance experience needed, just bring comfy clothes and a good attitude! Saturday 3/28. Price not stated.
• 🍾 Bingo Loco turns regular bingo into a wild 3-hour party with dance-offs, rave rounds, and prizes like cars and vacations. Think bingo meets concert meets game show at The Howard Theatre. Saturday 3/28. $33.
• 🖌️ Get your hands dirty at this ceramics workshop where you'll sculpt your own masterpiece with all materials included. Perfect for beginners or anyone looking to build their pottery skills! Saturday 3/28. $30.
• 🌐 DMV Filipino Day Party brings five hours of Filipino culture, music, and lumpia to Falls Church with talent showcases and family-friendly fun. All ages welcome and parking is free! Saturday 3/28. $13.
• 🤸 Perfect timing for this Cherry Blossom Golf + Grill outing at East Potomac Golf Links while the blossoms are at peak bloom. You can play 18 holes, join a clinic, then hang out with grilled food and music with the National Mall as your backdrop. Saturday 3/28. $55+.

• 🌸 GoGo & Sakura at Anthem Row mixes DC's signature gogo beats with cherry blossom season through live music from Mambo Sauce, interactive art zones, and Japanese-inspired food and drinks. You can paint, fold origami, watch live murals come to life, or just soak up the spring energy. Sunday 3/29. Free.
• 🍲 Experience Uyghur comfort food at this communal banquet featuring roast mutton, kebabs, and cumin-spiced dishes you'll share family-style with new friends. Think of it as a cozy dinner party where you get to try something totally new. Sunday 3/29. $85+.
• 🌸 Kick off cherry blossom season at this 35+ spring celebration with wagyu bites, signature cocktails, cigars, and anime-themed music on Dirty Habit's outdoor patio. It's a mature crowd with good music and spring energy to get the season started right. Sunday 3/29. Free with RSVP.
• 🌸 Ever wonder how DC got its famous cherry blossoms? This 3.3-mile book club run traces the story of journalist Eliza Scidmore, starting at Arlington Cemetery and ending with coffee and book chat with author Diana Parsell. Sunday 3/29. $15.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Clean out your closet and score some new finds at this clothing swap at Southwest Neighborhood Library. Bring clothes, shoes, and accessories to trade, and anything left over gets turned into cool upcycling projects. Sunday 3/29. Free.
• 🎈 Bring your kites and appetite to this community celebration featuring flying fun, local vendors, and crafts for everyone at Oxon Run Park. Perfect way to shake off winter and connect with your neighbors in Ward 8. Sunday 3/29. Free.
• 🛍️ Support local entrepreneurs at this women-owned pop-up shop experience featuring handcrafted goods, trendy accessories, scented candles, and flavorful spices. Perfect for finding unique treasures while sipping coffee in Silver Spring. Sunday 3/29. Free.
• 🌸 Camali Music Blossom Fest brings together R&B, hip hop, bachata, jazz, and more for a six-hour celebration of spring and cultural unity at Hook Hall. Expect dance competitions, games, giveaways, and performances that showcase DC's amazing musical diversity. Sunday 3/29. Free.
• 🌸 Celebrate cherry blossom season with this Family Fun Day at Brookland Arts Walk featuring puppet shows, 20+ vendors, and free kids activities like making paper cherry blossom crowns. Explore local artists, food vendors, and vintage finds. Sunday 3/29. Free.
• 🖌️ Perfect your oil pastel skills while creating a cherry blossom scene with meadows and skies just in time for DC's spring blooms. You'll learn blending, layering, and color mixing techniques in a supportive small group setting, and no experience needed! Sunday 3/29. $54.

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* 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.