Everything is blooming, so pop that allergy pill and head outside. Some of our favorite cherry blossom festival events are making a comeback before the festival wraps on Sunday!
- Weekend weather: Luckily, the chill isn’t sticking around. We’ll see highs near 70° on Saturday and Sunday. Here’s the forecast.
Sheherazade is playing Glinda in “The Wiz” at the National Theatre in D.C. She talks to News4’s Juliana Valencia about how she’s bringing her personality into the role.
D.C.
“The Wiz” follows the yellow brick road to D.C.’s National Theatre for a new tour that’s “direct from Broadway.” April 7-12, $59+
Billed as the largest celebration of Japanese culture in the U.S., the 64th Sakura Matsuri Festival is set to feature Japanese cultural performances, food, vendors and more. Sat. and Sun., Pennsylvania Ave. from 3rd to 7th Street NW, $20-$30 early bird pricing through Fri.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade will bring marching bands, guest entertainers and cultural performances down Constitution Avenue. Get a ticket for special seating. Otherwise, it’s free. Here’s Metro info. Sat., Constitution Avenue NW between 7th & 17th St NW
The U.S. Botanic Garden planted official flowers from all U.S. states and territories in its America’s State Flowers exhibit, celebrating 250 years since the country’s founding. Opens Fri., free
DC Beer Fest features more than 80 breweries and 200 beers, plus food trucks, bands and dueling pianos, at Nationals Park. Sat., sessions begin at noon and 5 p.m., $66.66
Find live jazz and hip-hop, art and cherry blossom energy in downtown D.C. for Jazz & Blossoms, a “family-friendly takeover” in Franklin Park. Sun., noon to 7 p.m., free
Maryland
Talk about a DMV deep cut. That Eastern Motors jingle is getting a go-go spin thanks to Junkyard Band, and there will be a family-friendly event showcasing hometown pride. Sun., 2-6 p.m., Laurel, free
Get a jump on celebrating Earth Day during Takoma Park’s celebration with arts and crafts, face painting, bike repairs, a clothing swap and opportunities to learn about caring for your local environment. Sun., 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sligo Creek Stream Valley Park, free
ICYMI: Spring is in full swing at Butler’s Orchard with baby animals, hay rides, egg hunts and tons of active family fun during Bunnyland. April 11 and 12, Germantown, $13.50-$16.50 online
ICYMI: The Butterfly Experience has returned to Brookside Gardens. Step into the conservatory to get up close and personal with insects from around the world. Doors open today, and it’s $15.99 for ages 13+, $10.99 for kids 3 to 12 and free for kids under 3. Through Sept. 7, Wheaton
Two days of live music are planned for the weekend. News4’s Tommy McFly spoke with singer Tracy Hamlin, organizer of Sweet Jazz Festival.
Virginia
Felicia Curry honors Nina Simone in a cabaret featuring Simone’s originals and famous covers in Arena Stage’s “I Put a Spell on You: Nina Simone.” Popular dates are selling out! Through April 19, Arlington, $53+
Pink Beats at Water Park in Arlington puts a cherry blossom spin on happy hour, with local DJs, spring food and drink specials and whimsical visuals from the Hoop Fairy and dancers. Thursdays through April 9, 5-8 p.m.
Take a guided wildflower walk at Riverbend Park in Great Falls. Sat., 10 a.m., $10 online until Friday or $15 at the door
Musicians from all over are making their way to Loudoun for the Sweet Jazz Festival, benefitting youth music programs. It’s put together by Tracy Hamlin, who said, “It’s not just a concert. It’s an experience.” Fri. and Sat., Washington Dulles Airport Marriott, $73.21-$94.53
Bring your canine fur baby to hang out at the 4th Annual Del Ray Dog Fest with a fashion show, lure course, puppy playground, live music and kids’ activities. Proceeds benefit the Alexandria Police Foundation’s Caring for K9s Program. You can even do yoga with your dog (class costs $23.18). Sun., 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., George Washington Middle School parking lot, $17.85 for adults
Music Snob’s concert picks
Magnolia & Johnson Electric Co., 8 p.m. Friday, Black Cat, $26.40
The surviving members of Magnolia Electric Co. fronted by Will Johnson, a friend of Jason Molina, pay tribute to the late, great singer-songwriter. Over Molina’s career with the band and as Songs: Ohia, he made country-folk rock that could be haunting and warm at once. Johnson plays in the same territory, and no one could be better to honor his friend’s catalog. Details.
Art Brut, 10 p.m. Friday, Comet Ping Pong, $37.42
Adjacent to the post-punk revival of the ‘00s, this British band fronted by speaksinger Eddie Argos plays catchy guitar rock with tongue-in-cheek bombast. Songs filled with wry — sometimes just odd — humor without being jokey. Dynamic D.C. punks Des Demonas open. Details.
Mclusky, 8 p.m. Saturday, Black Cat, $32.90
Razor-sharp-edged Welsh punks’ second go-around brings the band back to D.C. with a new release — the EP “I Sure Am Getting Sick of This Bowling Alley.” Incredibly heavy trio. And what a phenomenal bill opening with the post-hardcore indie rock of Boston’s Pile. Details.
Jake Xerxes Fussell + Sam Amidon, 7 p.m. Saturday, Union Stage, $34
Fussell’s a gifted and completely unassuming maker of old-timey folk music. A hearthy vibe that feels so familiar and comfortable but without getting too emotional. He pairs with Amidon, a like-minded folk musician steeped in tradition. Details.
Sheer Mag, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Black Cat, $29.90
Old school punk rock and glam from Philly’s vibrant punk scene. Charismatic singer Christina Halladay owns the stage like few can. Details.
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