This week is full of spring activities for all ages, with opportunities to celebrate both National Poetry Month and Earth Day.
From poetry open mics to environmental workshops, check out a handful of the many events happening to keep your spirit – and social life – lit.
To keep up with all the fun, don’t forget to check out the Washington Informer Calendar to stay up-to-date on DMV happenings year-round.
Thursday, April 17
Rap is Poetry Open Mic Night at Galactic Panther Art Gallery
8 p.m. – 11 p.m. | $10
Galactic Panther Art Gallery, 1303 King Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314
Galactic Panther Art Gallery presents a poetry night featuring the extraordinary Artie Foxx.
Whether a seasoned poet or a newcomer, this event is a haven for all poetry enthusiasts looking to unleash their inner wordsmith.
Attendees are invited to share their creations during an open mic session and participate in an evening filled with emotion, reflection and inspiration.
We Gon’ Be Alright: Stress, Self-Care, and Resilience Workshop
4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. | Free
Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Neighborhood Library, 5401 South Dakota Avenue NE, Washington, D.C., 20011
Presented by The Love Catalyst LLC, this engaging and interactive workshop focuses on stress management, self-care and resilience.
Inspired by Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright,” this session will explore how to navigate life’s challenges, develop healthy coping strategies and build a strong support system.
Through guided discussions and activities, participants will gain practical tools to manage stress and maintain their mental well-being.
Friday, April 18
Earth Day Invasive Plant Removal at Reservation 630 West
10 a.m. – Noon | Free
Reservation 630 West Mini-Oasis- Tilden Trailhead, Washington D.C., 20008
Join Rock Creek Conservancy and the National Park Service for an invasive plant removal restoration event in Rock Creek Park.
Invasive plants are a major threat to fragile forests, and stopping their spread helps allow native plants to thrive in the understory.
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | $55+
Lily’s Chocolate & Coffee, 175 Maple Avenue East, Vienna, VA, 22180
Join Lily’s Chocolate and Coffee for a special hands-on experience exploring the rich history of tatreez (Palestinian embroidery) and practice the fallahi stitch (cross-stitch).
In this hands-on event, participants will stitch a popular tatreez motif, with a kit including enough materials to complete four additional motifs—either during or after the class.
Saturday, April 19
6:30 p.m. | $20+
Ivy City Warehouse, 1360 Okie Street NE, Washington, D.C., 20002
At Trap Poetry, attendees will hear spoken words from their favorite artists and vibe with them in a lounge setting where poetry and music is felt and not just heard.
Curated and hosted by Matt Capone, the event features not only local poets and musicians but also out-of-town artists and surprise performances during intermissions, creating an unpredictable and exciting atmosphere for performers and audience members alike.
It’s a space where the art of storytelling meets the energy of the streets, blending the raw emotions of trap culture with the introspection of spoken word.
Earth Day Celebration: A Day Unplugged
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Free
Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Place SE, Washington, D.C., 20020
Step away from the screens and reconnect with nature at Anacostia Community Museum’s Earth Day Celebration: A Day Unplugged.
Join for a fun -filled, educational day celebrating the beauty of the planet with hands-on activities for all ages.
Enjoy gardening sensory play, engage in a tree planting ceremony, paint a miniature planet Earth to take home and discover ways to care for the environment. From a storytime hike to an engaging urban gardening workshop, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
Sunday, April 20
10 a.m. – 1 p.m. | $44
Flash, 645 Florida Avenue NW, Washington, D.C., 20001
Check out Coffee Club by Daybreaker, a new series of morning cafe parties across the world.
Attendees will enjoy fresh coffee, deep grooves and a community that knows how to move.
The lineup includes a coffee social and breathwork activity, as well two secret DJs and a surprise concert performer, which will be revealed at the event.
MoCA on the Move: Celebrating Spring Family Fun Series
10 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Free
Metropolitan Park, South Fern Street Arlington, VA, 22202
This event is part of the “MoCA on the Move” series hosted by the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington. Held on the central green at Metropolitan Park, it includes live music and hands-on art making activities for the whole family. This Sunday, attendees can create spring ribbon wands and decoupage eggs for Easter, with live music from Laurel Halsey.