This week’s curation of events ranges from honoring history to mystifying magic, with an exciting detour into art activation and Black entrepreneurship.
Partakers can start their weekend commemorating 60 years of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or celebrating the value of cultural and linguistic diversity with worldwide filmmakers. If you’re looking for something more artistic or creative, events such as Underground Comedy Presents: DC’s Best Showcase, Uplift: Inspirational Dance Festival, and Cirque Magic offer a chance to bask in the beauty of the unexpected by simply sitting back and enjoying the show.
Events such as the 2024 Feel the Heritage Festival are just one of this weekend’s examples of how taking a look at the past can reinforce what’s important.
Keep your outlook vibrant and remember, there’s always something happening in the DMV 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.
Thursday, Feb. 22
Noon. – 5 p.m. | Free
DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, 200 I (EYE) Street SE, Washington, D.C., 20003
“Legacy: Civil Rights at 60” – a product of a grant from the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities – is an art exhibit that commemorates the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, the Act is recognized by the work of District artists and in an exhibition that features paintings, photographs, sculptures, and other innovative creative art forms.
The exhibit will remain open on weekdays at the same time until Thursday, Feb. 29.
Smithsonian Mother Tongue Film Festival: Regeneration
7 p.m. – 9:15 p.m. | Free
Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, Independence Ave SW & 7th St SW, Washington, D.C., 20597
In celebration of cultural and linguistic diversity, the Smithsonian’s Mother Tongue Film Festival showcases films and filmmakers across the globe to highlight the crucial role that language plays in daily interactions. In this program, youth confront generational trauma and seek to break through for a brighter future. Following the screening, there will be a Q&A with director Xun Sero.
The films are fully subtitled in English. American Sign Language interpretation will be provided for all introductory remarks, Q&As, and discussions. All venues are wheelchair accessible.
Friday, Feb. 23
Where Do We Go From Here? Art, Activism, and Information as Care
6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Free with RSVP
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St NW, Washington, D.C., 20001
Join PLAN C, Amnesty USA, and For Freedoms at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library for an evening with leading voices using art and activism alongside advocates fighting for reproductive rights. With an imminent Supreme Court hearing on the abortion pill mifepristone and a pivotal presidential election approaching, the pro-abortion rights movement must leverage all its forces for political, cultural, and narrative-shifting change. This event – a panel, art activation, and film screening – is a response to that call.
Underground Comedy Presents: DC’s Best Showcase
8 p.m. | $25.00
Underground Comedy, 2477 18th St NW, Washington, D.C., 20009
As featured on Comedy Central and in the Washington Post, Underground Comedy spotlights rising local comics along with occasional sets from up-and-coming comedians visiting from across the country. Some of these performers have been seen on Netflix, Comedy Central, and HBO.
Saturday, Feb. 24
2024 Feel the Heritage Festival
Noon – 5 p.m. | Free
Charles Drew Community Center, 3500 23rd St S, Arlington, VA, 22206
The annual Feel the Heritage Festival welcomes hundreds of guests to Arlington to learn about its historically African American neighborhoods while enjoying live entertainment, delicious food and dozens of vendors.
Black Business Expo: Melodic Marketplace
3 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. | $22.80+
Sebrof Forbes Cultural Arts Center, 3535 University Boulevard West, Kensington, MD, 20895
The Black Business Expo: Melodic Marketplace serves as an opportunity to support Black-owned businesses and connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for entrepreneurship. Whether you’re looking for one-of-a-kind gifts, amazing live music performances, or simply want to indulge in experiencing the cutting edge of your new favorite business and why they do what they do, the Black Business Expo: Melodic Marketplace has something for everyone.
Sunday, Feb. 25
3 p.m. – 8 p.m. | $21.00+
The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD, 20852
The dynamic duo of conductor Jack Everly and Troupe Vertigo return to the stage for a magical set of performances. Don’t miss the spellbinding physical feats choreographed to symphonic music. This will be a poetic and visually enticing journey you don’t want to miss.
Uplift: Inspirational Dance Festival
4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. | $15.00+
Publick Playhouse, 5445 Landover Road, Cheverly, MD, 20784
Join the Publick Playhouse for the Uplift: Inspirational Dance Festival, where local dancers share their artistic voices with healing, comfort, and gratitude in this uplifting dance program. Dancers were selected through an audition process by a panel of adjudicators from the DMV dance community.
