Mark your calendar with food festivals, cultural events, and other must-see things happening in the DMV.
The weekend's almost here, and we're chomping at the bit to get things started. No plans yet? Never fear! We've got outdoor festivals, happy hours, and more coming right up in the DMV, and they have your name written all over it!
Here's your weekend roundup for Friday, May 17, to Sunday, May 19.
D.C.
Greek Festival | Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral | Friday-Sunday
Feast on grilled meats and delectable desserts, dance to lively music, and shop the vast marketplace of beautiful jewelry, clothes, and more! Grab a beer from the taverna or a hot coffee from the Caffenio. All profits will help maintain the cathedral's operations. The festival goes from noon to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. on Sunday. You can find more information here!
D.C. Dragon Boat Festival | Thompsons Boat Center | Saturday-Sunday
Located along the Potomac River by the Kennedy Center, the 18th annual festival will hold a variety of activities and live entertainment, including the anticipated dragon boat races! Come watch the festivities as well as cultural demonstrations. The event is sponsored by the Taiwan-U.S. Cultural Association. Find more information here!
Teen Takeover: Night at the Museum | Freer Gallery of Art & Arthur M. Sackler Gallery | Friday
Let teens call the shots with this free after-hours event. From 6 to 9 p.m., there will be museum tours, live music, free food giveaways, and so much more! It coincides around the museum's ongoing series Empresses of China's Forbidden City, 1644-1912. For teens between the ages of 13-18, a student ID will be required. Check out more here!
Hawaii After Hours | National Museum of the American Indian | Friday
As part of the Hawaiian Cultural Festival, this night-time shin-dig continues festivities well into the night! Groove to the Aloha Boys, enjoy a delicious meal from Abunai Poke, and learn about traditional Hawaiian dress. Tickets cost $25 and include admission into the museum's galleries. Click here for more information!
Free Art Museum Day | National Museum of Women in the Arts | Saturday
Free Art Museum Day is celebrating for the 10th year in a row with free or reduced admission for museums across the country. In honor of the day, the National Museum of Women in the Arts will offer free admission as well as a 10 percent off discount in the museum store. Enjoy a budget-friendly outing while seeing amazing works of art. Find out more here!
Fiesta Asia Street Fair | National Mall | Saturday
Each year as part of Asian Heritage Month, an extensive street fair takes place around the Capitol with over 1,000 participants. The 13th annual festival will include food vendors, craft exhibits, cooking demos, martial arts demos, and even a talent show! Find out more here.
Hawaiian Cultural Festival | National Museum of the American Indian | Saturday-Sunday
This weekend-long festival will honor the legacy of Hawaiian leader King Kamehameha. Held in the museum's Potomac Atrium, attendees can learn about Hawaiian customs and traditions through live music, presentations, storytellers, and more! This fun event is free and family-friendly. Find out more here.
Maryland
Wine in the Woods | Symphony Woods Park, Columbia | Saturday-Sunday
Enjoy the largest wine festival in Maryland at the lovely Symphony Woods Park. Sample a variety of luscious wines and attend seminars on everything from the basics of wine appreciation to the method of making red wine. There will also be food and craft vendors, as well as live music all weekend long. Wine-lovers will be in heaven! Tickets are $25-$44. Reserve yours here!
Baltimore Mac and Cheese Festival | Power Plant Live!, Baltimore | Saturday-Sunday
Power Plant Live! is throwing the cheesiest event in Baltimore ... literally! Top chefs and food trucks alike will have over 30 different varieties of the classic comfort food to sample, as well as craft beer, wine, and whiskey. Your taste and vote will get to decide Baltimore's best mac and cheese! While Saturday's tickets have sold out, tickets for Sunday are still available, so get them while they're hot!
A Conversation with Sarah Koenig: Co-Founder & Host of the Podcast "Serial" | Maryland Hall, Annapolis | Friday
The podcast Serial was a cultural phenomenon upon its release in 2014, garnering a Peabody Award and over 420 million downloads. Now the mastermind of the show will be stopping by Maryland Hall for one night only! Fans of the podcast will be delighted by Koenig's engaging insights on journalism and the storytelling form. Tickets are $25-$35. Buy them here!
History Happy Hour: A Day at the Races | Sandy Spring Museum | Friday
Celebrate the night before Preakness Stakes with cocktails and conversation. Reporter and horse-racing expert Joe Clancy will tell you the what's what of horse-racing past and present. Don't forget your derby attire! Admission is $15-$20. Find out more here!
You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown | Other Voices Theatre, Frederick | May 10-19
Good grief! What's Charlie Brown up to this time? Join Linus, Lucy, Snoopy, and others in this charming production based on the popular comic strip by Charles Schulz. Admission is $18-$22.You can find more here!
Virginia
Spring Wine Festival & Sunset Tour | George Washington's Mount Vernon | Friday-Sunday
Sample Virginia-made wines and enjoy the scenic view of the Potomac River. Bump elbows with the First Lady and other Washington figures. Visitors will get to tour Washington's wine cellar and learn about his pursuits with wine-making. It's an event befitting the season! Saturday's tickets have sold out, but tickets are still available for Friday and Sunday. Reserve them here.
Virginia Wine & Craft Festival | Historic Downtown, Front Royal | Saturday
This all-day event features 20 Virginia wineries and dozens of vendors ranging from hand-crafted jewelry to ceramics and antiques. Treat yourself to a funnel cake or hot dog and enjoy live music and other outdoor activities. Currently on its 33rd year, this fun event should be an annual tradition for you and your friends! Tickets for wine-tasting are $25-$30, and general admission is free. Find out more here.
History by the Glass: Gadsby Vault | Gadsby's Tavern Museum, Alexandria | Friday
It's the 175th anniversary of John Gadsby's interment, and what better way to celebrate than with a night of drinks and snacks? Sip expertly-crafted cocktails and tour the newly renovated Gadsby Vault. Admission is $25 and includes one drink ticket and delectable hors d'oeuvres. Find out more here.
Old Town Festival of Speed & Style | King Street near Old Town Waterfront, Alexandria | Sunday
Ready your engines--this free festival will showcase rare and unique cars from prestige makers like Jaguar and Lamborghini, as well as racing cars ranging from the '50s and beyond. While you're there, grab a bite to eat or shop at local Old Town businesses. Car enthusiasts won't want to miss this! This event is rain or shine. Check out more information here.
Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival | Reston Town Center | Friday-Sunday
Over 30,000 people attend every year, and it's not hard to see why. Explore a variety of art vendors and shop unique goods you can't find anywhere else! All proceeds benefit Greater Reston Arts Center. The event is free to attend, though a $5 donation is welcome. Find out more here.
What are your weekend plans? Any events we missed? We'd love to hear from you in the comments!