Things to do the week of May 6-9, 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
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
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
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
Tuesday
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
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
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
Sunny Day Real Estate
The Howard Theatre welcomes the forebears of emo rock, a group whose legacy continues to expand as time passes. Sunny Day Real Estate emerged fully formed with 1994’s Diary, a masterpiece of an LP that kickstarted an entire musical movement. The iconic Sub Pop group reunites to honor the 30th anniversary of that debut album with a tour that will visit one of the coolest venues in the District.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The Howard Theatre, 620 T Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Wednesday
Where We Meet
The Howard University Gallery of Art and The Phillips Collection have merged their collections for a special exhibit. Both storied DC institutions have been acquiring art for decades; many of the earliest acquisitions of each are displayed. Works of seminal artists are showcased in a presentation that highlights how the Phillips and Howard have celebrated and provided access to important art throughout the years.
Hours & Admission
The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
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
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
Thursday
Bernardí Roig
During the COVID-19 lockdown of 2020, one Spanish artist got to thinking about another, leading to 55 incredible drawings that are on display at The Phillips Collection in DC. While contemplating the difficulties of isolation, Bernardí Roig took to depicting the lost, severed head of Francisco José de Goya, one of the greatest Spanish artists to ever live whose body was discovered headless 60 years after his own death in exile. See these mind-bending creations at one of the coolest museums in the District.
Hours & Admission
The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
National Gallery Nights: Art Prom
The National Gallery of Art’s East Building takes you back to the halcyon days with the May edition of National Gallery Nights. Dress in your finest formal (or whacky) attire, dance to your heart’s content, join the Gallery’s prom court with a DIY crown activity, snap a prom photo to take home, meet local artists and designers and discover other works in the museum. Activities on the 4th Street Plaza are free; registration is required to enter the East Building.
6-9 p.m. | Free Admission | Registration Required
National Gallery of Art, 4th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565
Amm(i)gone
Creator and performer Adil Mansoor must decide whether he should bury his queerness from his devout Muslim mother in a wondrous performance that blends Greek tragedy, teachings from the Quran and audio conversations. Mansoor has created an extremely powerful personal story about locating love across faith that is not to be missed at DC's Woolly Mammoth Theatre.
Tickets
Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, 641 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
HAIR
Signature Theatre Company hosts a classic rock musical that broke new ground with its rebellion, spirit and psychedelic colors when it debuted in 1967. HAIR concerns a group of hippies on the verge of adulthood who champion freedom, pacifism and joy, but are confronted by a world thrown into chaos when one of their friends is drafted to the Vietnam War. The play features unforgettable songs such as “Aquarius,” “Let the Sunshine In,” and “Good Morning, Starshine”.
Tickets
Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
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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