Things to do the week of May 13-16, 2024
We've gathered up some things to do across the nation's capital, including museum exhibits, concerts, only-in-DC events and much more. Don't miss our things to do this weekend and things to do this month as well.
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Monday
ISEKAI: Blooming Parallel Worlds
ARTECHOUSE welcomes visitors to its seventh annual installation dedicated to celebrating the beauty of the cherry blossoms in DC. The museum treats your eyes to an exhibit inspired by the Isekai genre of Anime, allowing for the exploration of alternate universes stacked with colors, adventures and immersive technologies. Make sure to take advantage of tickets with a 10% discount.
Tickets (10% off)
ARTECHOUSE, 1238 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024
Grandma Moses, 'The Old Oaken Bucket', 1945.
Revolutions: Art from the Hirshhorn Collection, 1860-1960
This year, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden brings you one exciting event after another in celebration of their 50th anniversary. The museum's latest exhibit features works from more than 120 artists, so we suggest giving yourself plenty of time to soak up all the wonder. The revolutionary installation offers well-known masterpieces alongside contemporary creations from a wide range of artists including Francis Bacon, Jean Dubuffet, Lee Krasner, Wifredo Lam, Jacob Lawrence, Georgia O’Keeffe and Jackson Pollock.
10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Free admission
Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, Independence Avenue & 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20560
In the Library: Photography and the Book Arts from the 21st Editions Collection
The work of photographers like Sally Mann, Josephine Sacabo, Masao Yamamoto, Adger Cowans and Arthur Tress are arrayed in exquisite form by master printers and paired with texts as diverse as William Shakespeare’s sonnets, the color theories of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and poetry by Keagan LeJeune. The National Gallery of Art’s latest library installation highlights 12 pieces in total, each culled from the last 25 years of 21st Editions publications.
Weekdays, 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art East Building, 4th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565
Turandot
Grammy Award-winning composer Christopher Tin and acclaimed playwright and screenwriter Susan Soon He Stanton bring an exciting new portrayal of one of Puccini’s greatest operas to the Kennedy Center. Audiences will be immersed in the story of Princess Turandot, who invites any suitor to marry her, but they must first solve three of her riddles – or face death. Past gender dynamics and cultural appropriation come to the fore as the Washington National Opera puts on one of the most powerful productions of the year.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Tuesday
Little Shop of Horrors
Originally a sci-fi/horror comedy film released in 1960, Little Shop of Horrors then became an off-Broadway musical in the early 1980s. Yet another film adaptation followed a few years later, showing how this timeless story of a floral shop assistant and his singing, deadly plant will always dazzle audiences. The historic Ford’s Theatre revives the dynamic production during its upcoming spring season. Make sure to use code DDCSHOP20 for 20% off your tickets to the show (valid for March 16 - April 6 & May 1-18; limit two tickets per purchase)!
Tickets
Ford's Theatre, 511 10th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Problems Between Sisters
Riffing on Sam Shepard’s True West, Studio Theatre’s latest production shifts the focus to sisters, conjuring a searing take on modern womanhood. Jess is a visual artist and Rory is a con artist and both are pregnant. As Jess prepares to launch her first solo show, Rory’s new project begins production as well… and this time, she’s crossed a line. A debate about artistic merit turns into a war that drudges up plenty of family baggage and old squabbles. Buckle up!
Tickets
Studio Theatre, 1501 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005
Cypress Hill
Since bursting onto the hip-hop scene in 1991, the trio known as Cypress Hill – B-Real, Sen Dog and DJ Muggs – have accomplished a level of success few other groups in any genre can claim. Thanks to a series of smash hit singles featuring head-banging beats and a famously pro-marijuana stance, Cypress Hill built their own special niche in the pop music landscape, becoming the first Latino-American hip-hop group to go multi-platinum. Lincoln Theatre hosts the legends for one night only.
7:30 p.m. | Tickets
Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Todd Rundgren
A musical Renaissance man, Todd Rundgren has filled nearly every role in the industry and saw success and acclaim every step of the way. Even after more than 50 years in the business and decades of hits – along with dazzling, experimental left-turns – Rundgren can still put on one hell of a show, a fact you’ll be able to attest to after you see him at Warner Theatre in DC.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Wednesday
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Southwestern Pennsylvania
The National Building Museum exhibits both realized and unrealized projects that the legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed for the region of Southwestern Pennsylvania from the 1930s through the 1950s. The display examines how Wright’s vision of the future could have impacted urban, suburban and rural landscapes. Also, animated films created by Skyline Ink Animators + Illustrators provide a first-time virtual exploration of five unrealized projects.
Hours & Admission
National Building Museum, 401 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Kathleen Hanna – Rebel Girl: My Life As A Feminist Punk
One of the most influential artists of the last 30 years comes to the Lincoln Theatre to showcase her new memoir. Kathleen Hanna defined cool before she even rose to prominence – it’s believed she inspired Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by spray-painting the phrase on Kurt Cobain’s wall. That was nothing compared to her work as the frontwoman for hardcore punk and riot-grrrl inventors Bikini Kill and electro-pop pioneers Le Tigre. Hear from this feminist icon inside one of DC’s most historic venues.
7 p.m. | Tickets
Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Dixie’s Tupperware Party
The Kennedy Center is about to become The Dixie Center this May. Dixie Longate is a fast-talking, gum-chewing Alabama gal who’s here to bring your grandmother’s Tupperware party into the 21st century. She’s going to show everyone the multiple uses of the plastic kitchen staple and share some hilarious tales. Expect audience participation and plenty of down-home wisdom as well.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Thursday
Expecting
c21 Theatre Company developed this one-act play in collaboration with deaf artist Paula Clarke. Expecting explores experiences unique to deaf and hearing couples through the story of Shauna and Robbie. Keegan Theatre’s accessible new show examines the barriers that Shauna faces while mothering a baby daughter and Robbie encounters as a provider and father.
Tickets
Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
Mosaic Theater: Mexodus
As a result of its Catalyst new play development incubator, Mosaic Theater brings Mexodus to the Atlas Performing Arts Center. Brian Quijada and Nygel D. Robinson craft a musical live on-stage via looping as the duo explores untold stories of enslaved people who used the Underground Railroad to escape south to Mexico.
Tickets
Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
Metamorphoses
Nominated for a Tony Award when it first launched in 2002, Metamorphoses sets the mythic and modern together to create an unforgettable night of theater. Audiences are treated to the stories of Aphrodite, Midas, Cupid and others in whimsical fashion, showcasing universal truths, both funny and serious. Visionary theater director Psalmayene 24 helms Mary Zimmerman’s masterful script for Folger Theatre.
Tickets
Folger Theatre, 201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Places to Stay
Need some inspiration for a place to stay in between events? Washington, DC is filled with a multitude of hotels to fit your needs. Whether you are looking for that specialty boutique hotel or booking at your favorite hotel brand, Washington, DC's booking engine has it all. Find your stay today!
#Only1DC Photo of the Week
Do you know where you’ll be dining pre- or post-event? From pop-up restaurants to Michelin-starred hot spots to laid-back food halls, our DC food guide is perfect for helping you plan a more memorable experience.
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