Memorial Day Weekend looks like plenty of opportunities to unwind, celebrate, and spread some joy with family and friends.
From phone-free experiences to themed parties, musicals, and the perfect kick-off to D.C. Black Pride, check out a handful of the many events happening in the DMV this weekend.
And don’t forget to keep up with all the fun through the Washington Informer Calendar.
Thursday, May 21
Here & Now: A Phone-Free Experience
6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. | $25+
City-State Public House, 705 Edgewood Street NE, Washington, D.C., 20017
Here & Now is Kanso’s flagship phone-free social experience – part guided facilitation, part free-flow, designed around the neuroscience of real human connection.
This experience allows guests a full dive into nourishing the nervous system. Oxytocin is released upon real conversations with a stranger, while serotonin kicks in with feelings of belonging. Endorphins follow when a room full of people is genuinely present together.
The Fool: A Tarot Card Comedy Show
7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | $18
Black Cat DC, 1811 14th Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20009
Whether someone needs to ditch a situationship or is in need of a new job and a less toxic boss, join comedian Maddie and tarot reader Skye Marinda as they read themselves and guests – and let the cards do the talking.
Friday, May 22
6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.| Free
Old Town Square, 10415 North Street, Fairfax, VA, 22030
This much-anticipated summer concert series takes place on the fourth Friday of each month from May to October, offering a chance to come together while boosting engagement among local businesses and thousands of attendees in a fun and unique way.
Bring a chair or blanket and kick back for good times, great tunes, and all the feel-good vibes!
Saturday, May 23
2 p.m. | Free, registration required
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street NW & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, D.C., 20565
In commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary, join the National Gallery of Art for Treasures of American Cinema, a year-long series highlighting American cinematic history and excellence.
Saturday’s presentation will host one of the most acclaimed music documentaries of all time: “Say Amen, Somebody,” a joyous, funny, and deeply emotional celebration of Gospel music that features a line-up of Thomas A. Dorsey, Willie Mae Ford Smith, The Barrett Sisters, and The O’Neal Twins, among others.
The National Film Registry is a collection of films selected by the Librarian of Congress and the National Film Preservation Board every December in recognition of their importance for American film and cultural history.
Fight for Flight: Navigating Parenthood During Trying Times
3 p.m. | Free
Westin DC Downtown — Black Pride Host Hotel, 999 9th St NW, Washington, D.C., 20001
From finding other parents in the community to navigating faith and extended family, this workshop combines real lived experiences with community resources, guidance, and a good helping of joy.
Join Rainbow Families, Rainbow in Black, and PFLAG National parents for a panel and community dialogue on navigating parenthood for same-sex and trans relationships, accepting children’s true identity without causing harm, and how to support the Black LGBTQ+ community.
Whether an LGBTQ+ parent or the parent of an LGBTQ+ child, or considering becoming a parent, folks won’t want to miss this important community discussion.
Sunday, May 24
Noon – Midnight | Free
11147 Veirs Mill Rd, 11147 Veirs Mill Road, Wheaton, MD, 20902
Get ready to rock a fresh all-white outfit and vibe to the best hits from the 90’s!
Join the daylong affair at 11147 Veirs Mill Road, promising an unforgettable event filled with great music, cool people, and awesome energy.
2 p.m.- 4 p.m.| $40
Workhouse Arts Center, 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton, VA, 22079
When the citizens of Bikini Bottom discover that a volcano will soon erupt and destroy their humble home, SpongeBob and his friends must come together to save the fate of their undersea world. With lives hanging in the balance and all hope lost, a most unexpected hero rises.
An exciting new musical featuring irresistible characters and magical music, this deep-sea pearl of a show is set to make a splash with audiences young and old.
Monday, May 25
44th Annual Memorial Day Parade and Festival
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free
City Hall > Dogwood Room A and B, 300 Park Avenue, Falls Church, VA, 22046
Join The City of Falls Church in remembrance and community at the annual Memorial Day Parade and Festival!
Honor the nation’s fallen heroes and rich history while marking the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. Begin the morning with the spirited 3K fun run; then honor the community’s fallen military service members at the Veterans Memorial.
In the afternoon, dive into delicious food trucks, peruse local vendors, bounce around on the rides for children and inflatables, and check out the showstopping parade down Park Avenue.
