March is in full swing with plenty of opportunity to dance, laugh and learn this weekend.
From book talks at Anacostia Community Museum to Black film festivals in Bowie, Maryland, check out a handful of the many local events happening to keep your spirit — and social life — lit.
Also, don’t forget to keep up with the Washington Informer Calendar to stay up-to-date on the DMV year round.
Thursday, March 13
7 p.m.- 9 p.m. | $5+
Shanklin Hall, 2325 18th Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20009
Bring poems, appetites or ears for an unforgettable night of music and poetry at D.C.’s venue where community, creativity, and wellness collide.
Shanklin Hall and Connativity present a night of spoken word poetry over soulful tunes by local DMV musicians. Hosted by spoken word artist Cookie B., “Culture & Cadence” is the place to be for anyone who loves music and appreciates the art of spoken word.
Whether they’re a seasoned performer or trying out the mic for the first time, everyone is welcome to showcase their creativity.
Jorja Smith: ‘falling or flying’ Tour 2025
8 p.m. | $56+
The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, D.C., 20024
At 25-years-old, Jorja Smith, the British singer-songwriter with the gorgeous voice and searing pen has already spent close to a decade soaring. From the age of 18, Smith collaborated with an astonishing roster of worldwide stars like Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Stormzy, Burna Boy, Kali Uchis and Popcaan.
Her most recent album, “Falling or Flying,” is a sonically vast record – sometimes sleek and shiny R&B, at times vibey and heated U.K. funky, elsewhere intense and raw alternative.
Smith’s newest album finds an artist stepping into a new chapter, acknowledging the ever-whirring cogs of her brain but also moving through it— growing and respecting herself above everything else.
Your Money Story: Where Are You Now?
6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. | $15+
Femme Fatale DC, 3409 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, D.C., 20008
Femme Fi DC invites women, femmes and non-binary folks to make 2025 a year of financial intention during their March workshop at Femme Fatale DC.
This second of three interactive events will give attendees the space to clarify their big picture values and goals, and identify tangible ways to connect those with their money, all while connecting with a supportive community.
Friday, March 14
6 p.m.- 8 p.m. | Free
Union Market, 1309 5th Street NE, Washington, D.C., 20002
Come to Union Market to celebrate the colors of Holi, considered one of the most revered and celebrated festivals of India.
In partnership with RASA and DC Dosa, Union Market District is hosting its third annual vibrant celebration of Holi, the Festival of Colors. Get ready for an evening filled with authentic Indian flavors, great music, dancing, cocktails and lively festivities—including the joyful tradition of color throwing and other fun surprises.
This event is free to the public and will be a first-come, first-served for guests who wish to participate. Participating vendors will have food and drinks available for purchase.
Visit the event page for more information prior to arrival.
Michael Hawkins and the Brotherhood
8 p.m. – 10 p.m. | $22.50+
Montpelier Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Road, Laurel, MD, 20708
Michael Hawkins is a charismatic bassist and composer currently heating up the jazz scene in the greater Richmond, Virginia area with his band Michael Hawkins and the Brotherhood (James “Saxsmo” Gates on alto sax, Dr. Weldon Hill on piano, and Billy Williams, Jr. on drums).
The term brotherhood not only signifies the interpersonal relationships among the members of the band, but also pays homage to jazz musicians from years past.
Saturday, March 15
8 p.m. | $59+
DAR Constitution Hall, 18th & C Streets N.W, Washington, D.C., 20006
The Capital Comedy Festival is taking over the DAR Constitution Hall on Saturday, March 15, and the all-star lineup includes the hilarious Sommore, Lavell Crawford, Arnez J, Joe Clair, and Special K.
Don’t miss out on this comedy bonanza. Expect quick-wit, biting sarcasm, and relatable gag as these comedians put on the show of a lifetime!
10 p.m. | $15+
The Howard Theatre, 620 T St NW, Washington, D.C., 20001
Join Howard Theatre for a seventh anniversary celebration of “The Set R&B Experience.”
Started by a collective of R&B enthusiasts, “The Set” is a social experience that features multiple DJs and an energetic and enthusiastic crowd with one thing in common–a love for R&B.
This year’s dance party will feature local DJs Farrah Flosscett, Alex Love and Miss H.E.R.
Book Talk: Black Broadway in DC
Noon – 2 p.m. | Free
Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl SE, Washington, D.C., 20020
Discover the history and impact of the local Black Broadway mecca with Briana A. Thomas, journalist, historian, and author of the book “Black Broadway in Washington, D.C.” (2018).
The talk will explore the time-period of the early 1900’s to the 1950’s and the impact U Street had on cultivating the Black arts scene in D.C.
Sunday, March 16
“Orchids: Masters of Deception” orchid exhibit
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free
U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, D.C., 20001
Explore thousands of orchids in this 29th annual joint orchid exhibit between the U.S. Botanic Garden and Smithsonian Gardens.
“Orchids: Masters of Deception” will showcase a changing display of specimens from the U.S. Botanic Garden and Smithsonian Gardens’ extensive orchid collections. In the Garden Court, multiple display cases will feature the stories of orchids that exhibit delightful deception with scent, shape, color and more.
Further, the U.S. Botanic Garden showcases some of the unique, bizarre, and intriguing orchid adaptations that deceive pollinators looking for food, mates, locations to lay their eggs and more.
Don’t miss out on a great learning experience!
2nd Annual Maryland Black Film Festival
1:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | $55.20+
Bowie Center for the Performing Arts, 15200 Annapolis Road, Bowie, MD, 20715
Join The Maryland Black Film Festival for a celebration of Black cinema at the Bowie Center for the Performing Arts.
Get ready to enjoy a variety of thought-provoking films created by talented Black filmmakers–a vibrant celebration of diversity and creativity in the film industry.
With industry panels, workshops, Q&A sessions, and in-person screenings, this event is not to be missed.
