As the Spring Equinox officially fell on March 19, the DMV welcomes tradition, community, and all things spring!
The DC Environmental Film Festival (DCEFF) kicks off the weekend, followed by the rhythmic performances of Jon Batiste on tour.
With cherry blossom season in full swing, events such as Friday’s Union Station in Bloom offer a glimpse into the highly anticipated floral festival; while Saturday’s Easter photo-op honors the familial tradition of posing with the Easter Bunny just in time for an egg hunt.
A bookworm in need of a laugh will enjoy “Literati,” a comedy show centered around fake books and the authors who’ve created them. Or for a history lesson, Mary McLeod Bethune and the Women’s Army Corps’ promise an engaging and insightful open-house-style program with hands-on features, displays, and more.
Finally, enjoy a 5K run leading to the Anacostia River or join the ladies of the Omicron Phi Zeta chapter Zeta in celebrating their 30th charter day with the P. E. A. R. L anniversary.
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, March 21
32nd Annual Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital
5 p.m. | Free to $25
Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, Constitution Ave. NW & 10th St NW, Washington, D.C., 20004
Each March, the DC Environmental Film Festival (DCEFF) brings the world’s largest green film festival to massive in-person audiences. Since 1993, DCEFF has used screenings of captivating new films and important conversations to shine a light on the crucial issues facing the environment, while also highlighting inspiring stories, inventive solutions, and the unsung heroes working for a better tomorrow.
8 p.m. | $183.65+
Warner Theatre, 513 13th St NW, Washington, D.C., 20004
In support of his seventh studio album “World Music Radio,” singer-songwriter Jon Batiste will be at the Warner Theatre for his first-ever headlining tour.
Friday, March 22
11 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free
Union Station Main Hall, 50 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, D.C., 20002
Adding to the floral festivities, Union Station’s 1908 Lounge will be transformed into a Cherry Blossom Pop-Up Bar. Decorated with seasonal décor, the lounge will feature a brand-new craft cocktail menu, inviting visitors to savor delicious drinks amid the beauty of cherry blossoms.
The festival will take place from March 22 to March 24.
Literati: A Comedy Show About Books and the Idiots Who Write Them
7:30 p.m. | $20 – $25
Kennedy Center, 2700 F St NW, Washington, D.C., 20566
Colin O’Brien and Michael Wolf bring Literati, their hit comedy show about the greatest American novels never written, to the Club at Studio K! Catch hilarious fake authors discussing their distinguished work. Featured comedians include Karen Chee, Eugene Mirman, Josh Sharp, and Ikechukwu Ufomadu.
Saturday, March 23
Free Photo with the Easter Bunny!
Noon – 4 p.m. | Free
Ellsworth Place, 8661 Colesville Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Hop to it! The Easter Bunny is hopping over to Ellsworth Place to celebrate the upcoming holiday with photos. Walk to Level 2 (Fenton Street entrance near Auntie Anne’s) to capture an Easter card moment while supplies last! No appointment is needed.
Mary McLeod Bethune and the Women’s Army Corps
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Free
Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site, 1318 Vermont Ave NW, Washington, D.C., 20005
Explore the little-known history of the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) through an open-house-style program that features the history and Mary McLeod Bethune’s role as a recruiter for African American units of the WAC. The program will also feature hands-on exhibits, short ranger talks, displays on the WACs, and National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) member Dovey Johnson Roundtree, who was recruited by Bethune to serve as an officer in the WAC.
Sunday, March 24
30th Charter Day – P. E. A. R. L Anniversary
Time: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. | $125 – $150
Martin’s Crosswinds, 7400 Greenway Center Dr., Greenbelt, MD 20770
In a day of reflection, celebration, and paying homage, the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.’s Omicron Phi Zeta Chapter and The Women of the Dove Foundation are celebrating the 30th Charter Day with a P. E. A. R. L Anniversary.
An award-winning chapter in Washington, D.C., Omicron Phi Zeta chapter is known for compassion and dedication to upholding the mission of Zeta Phi Beta, and the sorority’s principles: Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood. During the event 2024 Scholarship and Finer Womanhood Award Recipients will also be honored.
Join in the festivities of this historic milestone with dinner, dancing, special tributes, live entertainment and vendors.
8:30 a.m. | $40
The United States National Arboretum, 3501 New York Ave NW, Washington, D.C., 20006
Embrace spring in the U.S. National Arboretum during FONA’s Flowering 5K on March 24, 2024.
Participants will partake in a run or walk through the 451-acre urban green space that will take you past garden collections brightly colored with spring flowers, over tree-lined rolling hills, and along streams winding their way to the Anacostia River.
Enjoy cherry blossoms, magnolias, and so much more!
Strollers and dogs are welcome, but dogs must stay on a 6-feet non-retractable leash.