From cultural celebrations and historical deep-dives to high-energy musical showcases, the second weekend of May in the DMV area offers a vibrant mix of community and creativity.
Whether you are looking to master Brazilian percussion or celebrate Mother’s Day with a sparkling toast, this calendar is packed with opportunities to connect, learn, and be entertained.
Plus, to keep up with more fun, don’t forget to check out the Washington Informer Calendar.
Thursday, May 7
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Free
Central Library, 1015 North Quincy Street, Arlington, VA, 22201
Prepare for the U.S. Citizenship Exam in this weekly Thursday workshop covering 128 civics questions and all 12 rotating sections of American history and government. Participants will develop the English fluency and interview skills necessary to navigate the written, oral, and naturalization portions of the exam with confidence.
EducArte at Levine: Brazilian Bateria Samba Drumming Class
7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. | $400
Levine Music – MD Campus: Silver Spring, 900 Wayne Avenue 2nd floor, Silver Spring, MD, 20910
Join this weekly Brazilian bacteria class to learn the fundamentals of samba percussion technique and repertoire.
Friday, May 8
Visions & Voices: Stories on the Screen
7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. | Free
Smithsonian National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, D.C., 20560
“A Tale of Three Chinatowns” (2021, 90 min) explores the survival of urban ethnic neighborhoods through the stories of three Chinatowns in Washington, D.C., Chicago, and Boston.
The Apple of Our Eye: Educator Open House
5 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Free
Planet World, 925 13th Street NW Entrance on, K Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20005
Cap off National Teacher Appreciation Week with a special after-hours event just for educators.
Planet Word museum will celebrate educators and the wonderful, wise, whimsical things they do for young minds with light food and drinks, extended gallery hours, wordplay games, Planet Wordshop sneak peeks, interactive lessons and materials, swag bags, and raffle prizes!
Saturday, May 9
Encore in Columbia Welcomes…2026 Triple BMA Nominee Vanessa Collier
8 p.m. | $45.40
The Collective Encore, 10221 Wincopin Circle, Columbia, MD, 21044
Experience the head-turning, fiery performance of master musician and multi-instrumentalist Vanessa Collier as she weaves funk, soul, rock, and blues into a powerful showcase of musicianship. This artist of distinction delivers an impressive display of soulful vocals, searing saxophone, and witty songwriting that has earned acclaim from blues legends and fans alike.
Whiskey & History: DC Music History
7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | $65.30
Hard Rock Cafe, 999 E Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20004
Step into the rhythm of the nation’s capital for an immersive evening of whiskey, cuisine, and storytelling, celebrating the music, moments, and movements that shaped Washington, D.C.’s legendary sound.
Sunday, May 10
Mother’s Day Sparkling Wine Tasting
4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. | $64.17
Hill’s Kitchen, 713 D Street SE, Washington, D.C., 20003
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a sparkling wine experience designed to be shared. Whether celebrating with Mom or giving her an experience, this is a simple and meaningful way to enjoy the day side by side.
11 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Free
Lincoln Memorial, 2 Lincoln Memorial Circle NW, Washington, D.C., 20002
Whether a mother, father, grandparent, advocate, or a co-conspirator, presence matters. This gathering in Washington, D.C., honors a shared commitment to liberation, community, and this year’s theme: “WE GOT US!”
