When the weather gets warm, D.C. thaws out and many of its inhabitants get out and about to enjoy all the events that the city has to offer every spring. Here are some noteworthy ones.
April 15-25: Filmfest DC
Celebrate the warm weather with some great entertainment. Come to the 24th annual Washington, D.C. International Film Festival, where you can watch musicals like “Hipsters” on opening night or enjoy films such as “I am Love” and “Mao’s Last Dancer” throughout the 11 days. Check out www.filmfestdc.org for dates, times and even more reeling events!
April 16-18: Bethesda Literary Festival
{mosads}The 11th annual Bethesda Literary Festival will put you in the literal mood, literally — with special guests such as author and former White House press correspondent Helen Thomas, and journalists Eleanor Clift and John Harwood. Visit www.bethesda.org to read about their other events, such as children’s storytelling and an improv night.
April 17-18: White House Spring Garden Tours
If you don’t have the credentials to get inside that big white house everyone in D.C. is always talking about, getting a view of their garden is nothing to scoff at. Take a tour of the White House Garden where you can see the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, Rose Garden, Children’s Garden and the South Lawn of the White House. Visit www.whitehouse.gov to find out how to get your spot in line.
April 17-25: National Park Week, www.nps.gov/whho
It may be National Park Week all over the nation, but take this time to celebrate the park in your home, or if you’re just here visiting come see the natural beauty of D.C. During this week, all entrance fees to the national parks are waived, inviting you to celebrate the parks nearby such as Anacostia Park or the Constitution Gardens.
Food
April 16: High Tea Class and Tasting, Bohemian Caverns
To turn your teatime into a learning lesson, attend a High Tea Class and Tasting on Wyoming Avenue. This class, with tea-time foods and all, will be sure to teach you everything you need to know about teas, including the different types and history, not to mention the health benefits. For more information and to purchase tickets, put your pinky up and go to www.giramondowine.com/events
April 21: Virginia’s Wine Tasting, Lee-Fendall House Museum
Now that you’re an expert on the softer beverages from around the world, try out some wine tasting classes with wine from right around the corner. A Virginia wine tasting class at the Lee-Fendall House Museum offers up the chance to try and learn about wines straight from Virginia. Check it out at www.leefendallhouse.org
April 22: Earth Day Breakfast Celebration, O Street Mansion
To celebrate Earth Day, “renew your commitment to sustainability” at the O Street Mansion Earth Day Breakfast. From 6 to 9 a.m. participants can enjoy omelets, waffles and crepes breakfast while exploring rooms and secret doors at the mansions. For more info, head on over to wwww.omansion.com
April 23: Georgetown’s 7th Annual Open-air French Market
Whether you’re from France, want to be from France, pretend to be French or just love French everything, Georgetown’s 7th annual open-air French market in Georgetown is sure to make you say “oui, oui.” Visit www.georgetowndc.com to find out a complete list of vendors among the boutiques, antiques, restaurants and galleries.
April 24-25: 4th annual Great Grapes! Wine, Arts & Food Festival, Reston
Wine, food, and art are great, separate or together. But the 4th annual Great Grapes! Wine, Arts and Food festival in Reston, Va., combines all three in an intoxicating way. With chefs cooking food on site to match the wines you’re tasting, artists displaying artwork and a free kids activity area, this event is fun for those over 21 — and under. Visit www.uncorkthefun.com for more information.
Concerts
April 14: Badfish (Sublime tribute group), 9:30 Club, 7 p.m.
April 20: Ben Harper & Relentless 7, Pier Six Concert Pavilion, 6 p.m.
April 22: Owl City, DAR Constitution Hall, 6 p.m.
April 24: National Symphony Orchestra Gospel Concert, Kennedy Center Concert Hall, 8 p.m.
This classical concert led by Rev. Nolan Williams Jr. and a local mass choir accompanied by the National Symphony Orchestra will pay homage to the gospel roots and break “new artistic ground.”
April 26: Phoenix (French-dance rockers), DAR Constitution Hall, 8 p.m.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed..
tt
Harris calls for ending filibuster for abortion rights
