The 32 best things to do in D.C. this weekend and next week

As spring inches toward summer, more events move outside. This weekend, that may mean some damp celebrations at Georgetown's French Market and Petworth's PorchFest. (Keep a close eye on event organizers' pages for up-to-date information.) April's final week also brings a two-day chocolate festival to the Embassy of France, a D.C.-centered film festival to the Wharf, a nighttime market to Cleveland Park and "Matilda" (plus Danny DeVito) to the Kennedy Center.

Filmfest DC

Dearly departed Landmark's E Street Cinema may have closed, but D.C.'s longest-running film festival is still going strong this spring with a new home base downtown. The 39th edition of Filmfest DC is set to screen most of its 63 movies from 36 countries at Regal Gallery Place. The spate of films spans comedies, thrillers, shorts, documentaries and international cinema. Naturally, Filmfest DC includes local filmmakers and D.C.-focused flicks, with such movies as "Salad Days: A Decade of Punk in Washington, DC" and "The Most Beautiful Deaths in the World," a film about D.C. artists from the Salvadoran diaspora living in Columbia Heights and Mount Pleasant. Besides the DC4Reel screenings, there's a selection of the newest films from France, including opening night's "The Marching Band," which plays at the French Embassy, while "Arabian Sights," Filmfest DC's collection of films from the Middle East, celebrates a milestone 30th anniversary. Film buffs who can't wait for outdoor movie season can attend Sunset at the Wharf, a waterfront screening under the stars, on May 3. Through May 4. $14 for general admission; $10 for Sunset at the Wharf; $45 opening night; $25 closing night at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library; free for a few select films.

Smithsonian Craft Show at the National Building Museum

Multimedia artist Nick Cave, best known for his colorful and fantastical mixed media "Soundsuit" creations, is set to receive the Smithsonian Visionary Award at this year's Smithsonian Craft Show. The theme of the 43rd annual juried craft show is "Visionaries," and this is an opportunity not only to view work by 120 artists and designers but to shop for pieces to take home. Over four days, the National Building Museum will become a marketplace for everything from basketry and ceramics to furniture, jewelry and wearable art. Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $25; $35 for a multiday ticket .

José Andrés in conversation with Guy Raz at Lisner Auditorium

Rather than a cookbook, D.C. celebrity chef José Andrés's latest publication is devoted to the life lessons he's learned throughout his career running dozens of restaurants and at the helm of hunger relief NGO World Central Kitchen. The recent Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient's new book, "Change the Recipe: Because You Can't Build a Better World Without Breaking Some Eggs," came out Tuesday, and in honor of the occasion, you can hear Andrés tell stories based on his life in food — from Michelin-starred kitchens to crisis zones — at Lisner Auditorium. The Spanish chef's partner in conversation for the evening is Guy Raz, known for his gig hosting NPR's entrepreneurial podcast "How I Built This." 7 p.m. $45-$55; book included in ticket price .

Graffiti: From the Streets to the Museums at the Hirshhorn

It wasn't that long ago that "graffiti" was a way to dismiss whatever authority figures saw as eyesores: tags like Cool "Disco" Dan's; subway cars covered in vibrant colors; amateur artists covering walls with cartoonish murals. These days, the Hirshhorn hosts shows dedicated to Banksy and Jean-Michel Basquiat . So how did street art go from brick walls to gallery walls? That's the topic of an evening discussion with curators and artists at the Hirshhorn, exploring "how graffiti imagery has permeated our culture and evolved over time." 6:30 p.m. Free; registration required .

Cleveland Park Night Market on the Cleveland Park Promenade

Last year, Cleveland Park unveiled a new "promenade" on its main commercial strip — a widened sidewalk with landscaping and more room for seating and strolling. Now, the Cleveland Park Night Market returns to the promenade for the first time in 2025, as more than 20 local makers set up shop on the street to sell their wares. The market pops up on the fourth Thursday of each month from April to September, making it perfect timing for combining dinner with a bit of shopping. At the first market, you'll find everything from custom sneakers by Kickztopher and cowgirl hats from Camp Wonderland to Bold Alley's upcycled candles in vintage glassware. 5 to 9 p.m. Free .

Romeo's and House of Cards at Vagabond

Romeo's , a neon-lit, retro-inspired cocktail bar, opened on St. Marks Place in Manhattan's East Village in December 2023. It's been featured in Imbibe, Time Out, etc., but you don't have to hop on an Amtrak to get a taste: Romeo's is bringing quirky cocktails, like the avocado margarita and an elote mezcal old-fashioned, to Vagabond's Patrick Swayze-themed basement bar for one night. The event is in conjunction with the House of Cards series, which lets local house music producers showcase their talents for 45 minutes at a time. 8 to 11 p.m. Free .

Neighborhood Restaurant Group KegHunt

The Neighborhood Restaurant Group — owner of ChurchKey, Bluejacket, the Roost and other craft-beer-centric bars and restaurants — is bringing back its annual Easter egg hunt, which takes place across nine locations. To win, you'll need to decode clues that reference beers on the menu, like this one from the Sovereign: "Rough terrain, refined reward. Best to steer clear if you're not ready to shine." You can also get bonus points by finding eggs hidden in the bars or taking photos of objects like a beer-themed tattoo. The game runs through Sunday, and prizes include gift certificates and VIP tickets to the Snallygaster beer festival, plus a ChurchKey T-shirt just for participating. Through Sunday. Free .

Georgetown French Market

Spring brings the 22nd edition of the Georgetown BID's open-air market, a showcase for the neighborhood's chic retailers along Wisconsin Avenue, and there are a few new activities and vendors, in addition to the usual live music, strolling street performers and pop-up sidewalk sales. Food options include personal charcuterie boards sold by Burg Charcuterie, and Tatte is passing out free mini pastries and samples of tea coolers. Cut by Wolfgang Puck is also setting up shop, selling pretzels, focaccia and pigs in a blanket in the Chase Bank lot. Meanwhile, Lumen Salon is creating stations for visitors to make their own bath salts or decorate hats, and neighborhood florist English Rose Garden sells fresh-cut flowers on Saturday. The back patio of the Georgetown Neighborhood Library is being transformed into a kids' zone Saturday and Sunday, complete with games, a caricature artist, face painting and a balloon twister. Finally, another big change from last year: The market's hours are the same on all three days. Through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Free.

DC Chocolate Festival at La Maison Française

Chocoholics, rejoice: For the first time, the DC Chocolate Festival is expanding to two days at the French Embassy's La Maison Française, offering cacao-focused classes, interactive workshops, panels and, of course, tastings. The evening session on Friday is for those ages 21 and up, thanks to a schedule that includes wine pairings in addition to chocolate sampling and live music. Whatever session you pick, you'll be able to try treats from more than 30 well-known chocolatiers and confectioners, as well as a delegation of chocolate vendors from Trinidad and Tobago. Workshops and classes boast titles like "Chocolate in Paris — A Cliché-Free Snapshot of Today's Parisian Chocolate Scene" and "Chocolate Literacy: Understanding What Craft Chocolate Labels Really Tell Us." Friday from 2 to 5:30 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 2 to 5:30 p.m. $25 per session; $75 for Friday evening's wine tasting session; free for kids younger than 12.

Washington Capitals Playoff Specials

After two games at the Capital One Arena, the Washington Capitals' playoff chase moves to Montreal's Bell Centre, and you can wear your Ovi or Strome jersey with pride at one of these viewing parties. The puck drops at 7 p.m. ChurchKey has $4 Bluejacket beers, including 895 Imperial Red Ale and Forbidden Planet Pale Ale, and special half-smokes. Franklin Hall offers a free Bud Light to anyone rocking Capitals red, and $8.95 draft-and-a-shot specials after. A few blocks north of the Phone Booth, Prost offers $10 boilermakers — a "rock the red" shot and a half-liter of German beer — as well as $20 shot skis for groups. Rocket Bar , a popular pregame destination for Caps fans, opens at 4 p.m. with $6 rail drinks, beer and wine until 8 p.m. Starr Hill 's rooftop beer garden and taproom in Tysons has $5 All Caps Red Ale drafts, $5 canned beer and $5 shooters during games.

'Matilda' in Concert with the NSO and Danny DeVito at the Kennedy Center

Almost 30 years after the film's debut, "Matilda" returns to a Washington theater — but this time, it's backed by live musicians from the National Symphony Orchestra performing the soundtrack by composer/conductor David Newman and hosted by director and star Danny DeVito. The event also includes an appearance by Mara Wilson, who played the titular role, plus a short Q&A with all three Kennedy Center guests after the movie. Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. $29-$119.

Chrome Cowboy: A Beyoncé Dance Party at As You Are

Beyoncé's highly anticipated Cowboy Carter tour arrives in Landover in a little over two months, but if you need your Bey fix in the meantime, DJ Diyanna spins every era from Destiny's Child through "Texas Hold 'Em" during As You Are's Beyoncé dance party. 10 p.m. Free .

Everyday People opening party

The team behind U Street's popular holiday weekend bar crawls — and, before that, a popular Shaw hip-hop club called 1920 D.C. — quietly opened a bar called Everyday People in the former Lounge of Three space last month. Finally, it's time to celebrate. Join DJs Nick Tha 1da, Shindig and DC Infamous for a party that starts with buy-one-get-one-free drink specials from 4 to 6 p.m. and free glasses of prosecco, and keeps going through a midnight toast. 4 p.m. to 3 a.m. Free .

Petworth PorchFest

UPDATE: Due to the weather forecast, PorchFest organizers announced Friday night that they are moving all porch performances from Saturday to Sunday. However, the main stage performances at Petworth Recreation Center will go on as scheduled from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, as well as some events on Eighth Street NW.

If the weather cooperates, Petworth PorchFest is one of the best days out in D.C. all year. Over the course of Saturday afternoon, hundreds of bands take over more than 120 porches and backyards, performing punk rock and klezmer, indie rock and smooth R&B, bebop and bluegrass, and countless genres besides. You and your friends can scan the long schedule, or just let your ears guide you through the neighborhood streets. If a performer is not to your taste, well, there's always somebody else playing a few blocks away. This year, the city is closing the block of Eighth Street NW between Taylor and Upshur, allowing even more room for crowds to stretch out. The main stage is at the Petworth Recreation Center and features headliners the Fuss (ska), Babizulu (hip-hop) and Bongo District (cumbia, reggae and rock). The rec center should be a parent's first destination, for the playground as well as performances for kids. But no matter how old you are, a new favorite band is out there — you just have to find it. Music on porches 2 to 6 p.m.; main stage 5 to 8 p.m. Free.

New Kitchens on the Block at Mess Hall

Tickets are going fast for Mess Hall's popular restaurant showcase New Kitchens on the Block, which gives Washingtonians a first look at the next hot openings on the D.C. culinary scene. The first session is sold out, and a limited number of spots remain for the late (3 to 5 p.m.) window. Why the buzz? The ticket price includes Right Proper beers and cocktail pairings along with dishes from eight coming-soon restaurants. Check out bites from star chef Marcus Samuelsson, who's opening a brasserie in the Morrow hotel, and Asheville's Meherwan Irani, who is bringing Chai Pani to Union Market. That's in addition to offerings from acclaimed D.C. chefs: Try Japanese ice cream from former Rose's Luxury chef Takeshi Nishikawa, hot dogs from Cork Wine Bar's Diane Gross, and bar snacks and drinks from Moon Rabbit's chef Kevin Tien and bar director Thi Nguyen. 3 to 5 p.m. $119 .

Local house and garden tours

Whether you're seeking new decoration inspo or you enjoy poking around other people's houses like a real-life Zillow Gone Wild, home and garden tours offer a peek into places you might drive by every day. There are several taking place this weekend. The Georgetown House Tour, first held in 1931, allows access to both historic residences and recently renovated living spaces, including the Junior League of Washington's M Street headquarters. The self-guided tour can be completed in any order, and tickets include tea at St. John's Episcopal Church. ( 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. $60-$65 .)

Five homes dating from the 18th and early 19th centuries are featured on the Old Town Alexandria House and Garden Walking Tour, a compact tour held as part of Virginia's Historic Garden Week. Tickets also include access to gardens at George Washington's Mount Vernon estate, which is hosting its spring plant sale this weekend, and Green Spring Gardens. ( 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $55-$60. )

LeDroit Park isn't as old as Georgetown and Alexandria — the development was founded in 1873 — but the historic district contains many original buildings and gardens. The LeDroit Park Civic Association sponsors the LeDroit Park Home and Garden Tour, which highlights restored homes and landscaping, with an optional VIP tour that includes a talk by a local historian and access to additional portions of the houses. ( 1 to 5 p.m. $50-$100 .)

National Park Week

National Park Week concludes this weekend, but not before even more events at locations throughout the D.C. region. There are volunteer cleanups Saturday at parks including Fort Washington and Fort Foote and guided birding and nature walks throughout the weekend at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, Rock Creek Park and Great Falls, among other locations. Saturday also marks the official opening of the Oxon Cove Trail , with a ribbon cutting and performance by the Forest Heights Elementary School choir. See the National Park Week website for more events and details. Through Sunday. Most events free .

Maryland Day at University of Maryland

The university's largest community outreach event returns to campus with over 400 family-friendly events. After a kickoff ceremony that celebrates the 100th anniversary of the first Ag Day — the school's agricultural festival that Maryland Day replaced — catch live music from student ensembles, an interactive dance installation, gardening giveaways, a ropes course adventure, lab tours, arts and crafts, an insect petting zoo and more. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free.

D.C. Wine Fest at Dock 5

More than 30 wine sellers — from the local District Winery to European importers like New York-based Vinos Libres — offer unlimited tastings at the events space above Union Market. Top off your grape juice with eats from Cousins Maine Lobster and Pepper's Pickles. Three general admission sessions are two hours each, but an early admission ticket will get you through the door an hour earlier at a slightly higher price. 1, 4:30 and 8 p.m. $35-$59.

DC Independent Bookstore Crawl

Saturday is National Independent Bookstore Day, and, like Record Store Day, it's an excuse for a celebration, with limited-edition releases , like signed copies of "Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hot Mess," and totes and swag to be found at your favorite retailers. And, of course, there's a bookstore crawl. Visit at least six of the 20 participating shops, which include faves like Capitol Hill Books, Solid State, Bold Fork, Lost City and Little District, and get a stamp on the map, and you're eligible for a prize. Pro tip: As East City Bookshop pointed out in an email about the event, "Prizes vary from store to store, so you may wish to be strategic about where you end your crawl." Hours vary. Free .

Anacostia Murals Fest at Capital Hill Boys Club

The Anacostia Murals Fest brings 75 murals to walls across the neighborhood, and the fun officially gets underway with two days of indoor and outdoor activities, hands-on screen printing, DJs, a record show, live performances by Too Much Talent Band and N2L Band, pop-up food and drink vendors, and a broadcast by WPGC. Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Free .

Solace Spring Beer Fest at Solace Outpost Falls Church

More than a dozen breweries and cideries, including Bear Chase, Dynasty, Settle Down Easy and Lost Generation, are bringing beers to Solace's Falls Church taproom for a day-long festival. Tickets include unlimited pours from all participants, and local vendors will have salsas, sauces and pickles for sampling and purchase. Kids can get their faces painted or grab a balloon animal, while guitarist Ramaan Insari provides live music. Noon to 5 p.m. $50-$60 .

Taste of Vienna

Dozens of restaurants from Vienna and surrounding towns fill the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department's parking lot during the day-long party, including the Pure Pasty Co., Inca Social, Ned's New England Deck and Great Harvest Bread. Hit the beer and wine tent, rock out with bands, or enter the cake-eating contest. Proceeds benefit the fire department. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Free admission; food and drink prices vary .

Willie Nelson Birthday Fiesta at Republic Cantina

Legendary Texas troubadour Willie Nelson turns 92 — 92! — on Tuesday, and favorite Tex-Mex joint Republic Cantina is throwing him an early birthday party on Sunday afternoon, with tribute sets by local country cover band Human Country Jukebox. Toast Willie with margaritas, and arrive early to snag a migas platter. No reservations are necessary, but you'll want to get there early to snag a seat. 2 to 5 p.m. Free .

Shakespeare's Jazzy Birthday at the Little Theatre of Alexandria

The Old Town theater is celebrating the Bard's birthday (traditionally celebrated April 23) with a jazz tribute to one of his most beloved comedies. In this rendition, "Twelfth Night" is set in 1940s Harlem and features the Bob Gibson Big Band on songs like "Take the A Train" and "I'm Beginning to See the Light." The show is preceded by a garden reception — featuring cake. 6:30 to 8 p.m. Free.

Mimouna Festival at National Museum of African Art

In Morocco, the holiday of Mimouna, which marks the end of Passover, is a festival for Jews and Muslims to come together. This tradition is upheld at the Smithsonian's National Museum of African Art, which features live music by Neta Elkayam, displays of tea and sweets, a marketplace, and children's activities. 12:30 to 4:30 p.m .

Takoma Park Earth Day at Sligo Creek Stream Valley Park

Meet the trees of the Sligo Creek Stream Valley, see a selection of electric vehicles and eat a snow cone at Takoma Park's annual Earth Day celebration. It's a family-friendly day out, with face painting and art activities, and the city points out that the party takes place near a new playground. Go on a guided tour of the park's trees, and learn how to get involved with conservation at a local level. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free .

'Matriarch: An Evening with Tina Knowles, Family & Friends' at MGM National Harbor

Think your children have talent? Tina Knowles, mother of Beyoncé and Solange, has penned a memoir describing her journey raising musical superstars, which landed in bookstores Tuesday. Knowles is hitting the road for a nine-city live tour discussing "Matriarch," and her tour kicks off with an evening in the DMV. The moderator for this MGM National Harbor appearance is another very famous matriarch: Former first lady Michelle Obama plans to chat with Knowles about "life, motherhood and everything in between." 7 p.m. Verified resale tickets available .

Not At All Creative Kick Back at Eaton House

Let your creative juices flow after work and meet other creative types at this happy hour at the Eaton. Make a mini terrarium, try watercolor painting or let your inner child play with a kinetic sandbox. (Your inner adult might want to sample cocktails, though.) 7 to 10 p.m. $15-$20 .

Enid A. Haupt Garden Tour at the Smithsonian Castle

A sure sign that spring has returned: Knowledgeable guides are once again leading visitors through the Enid A. Haupt Garden on the Mall. Join a free walking tour to learn more about seasonal plantings, the ornamental layout and the Chinese-style Moongate Garden. Tours last 45 minutes and continue through the end of September. 10 a.m. Free