This weekend sees the transition from celebrations of Black History Month to Women’s History Month. For the former, events include a multi-venue festival in Anacostia, a genealogy workshop at the D.C. Public Library and the Black Boy Art Show. Meanwhile, the National Museum of Women in the Arts kicks off Women’s History Month with a day of tours, art-making and other fun. Other highlights in coming days include the Capital Irish Film Festival, Arena Stage’s festival of new plays, and an immersive “Twin Peaks”-themed party in Clarendon. Celebrate Purim with a royal party at Sixth and I, explore restaurants on a Lunar New Year crawl for charity, go behind the scenes of Hillwood’s orchid-filled greenhouses, or sample local beers at Denizens’ taproom before trying to win a gold medal in its hockey shootout.
Thursday, Feb. 26
Capital Irish Film Festival at AFI Silver
The annual Capital Irish Film Festival explores the current moment of Irish cinema, but it’s also a rich exploration of Irish culture, with the shadow of history never far away. Films include an exploration of one man’s relationship with the craggy Irish landscape (“Listen to the Land Speak”), the first feature-length documentary to feature Irish Sign Language (“A Quiet Love”), a deep dive into the modern Irish folk music scene (“Celtic Utopia”), and stories of rebels and politicians (“Daniel O’Connell: The Emancipator” and “Gerry Adams: A Ballymurphy Man”). There are multiple programs of short films, including one Saturday designed for families. There are Q&A sessions with filmmakers throughout the weekend, and receptions after the opening film, the World Cup soccer drama “Saipan,” on Thursday night, and the closing film, “Christy,” on Sunday. Through Sunday. $8-$25; many films, $15.
Lunar New Year Restaurant Crawl in Dupont Circle
The Save Chinatown Solidarity Network, a grassroots coalition trying to prevent the displacement of residents and businesses with Chinese heritage in D.C.’s gentrifying Chinatown, is the beneficiary of a restaurant crawl along the 2000 block of P Street NW. A ticket allows access to four dining rooms, each with special Lunar New Year dishes or drinks. Chiko is serving firecracker shrimp spring rolls and garlic dumplings, Alfredo has a sourdough scallion pancake, Amparo offers choices like birria lo mein or sweet-and-sour pork belly tacos, and Sura has crafted a cocktail with ingredients including mezcal, the Chinese spirit baijiu and Szechuan-infused honey syrup. There’s no agenda for this restaurant crawl: Visit in any order, and stay as long as you want. 5 to 9 p.m. $10.
Friday, Feb. 27
75th Anniversary New Play Festival at Arena Stage
Arena Stage is throwing itself a three-quarter-century birthday party that centers on what the innovative arts company has heralded all these years: new plays. The three-day festival takes place largely in the Southwest facility’s Kogod Cradle, a space long dedicated to fresh works, and includes four productions on topics including human aging, 19th-century Hawaii and the American public education system. (Sunday’s closing play, about the travels of a jazz trumpeter, is already sold out.) A free Saturday afternoon panel with Arena Stage Artistic Director Emeritus Molly Smith and current Artistic Director Hana S. Sharif caps the festivities. Through Sunday. $25.
Preparing for Spring in the Greenhouses at Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens
It feels like we’ve been buried under a sheet of ice for weeks, but spring really is just around the corner, and the master gardeners at Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens are getting ready for the growing season. Escape winter by stepping into the Hillwood’s warm production greenhouse for a 30-minute, behind-the-scenes “Gardener’s Focus Tour” led by greenhouse grower Jarett Currin to see the blooms they’ve got in store for spring and summer. This tour is included in admission to Hillwood, with no need for additional tickets. 10:30 to 11 a.m. Suggested donation: $20 adults, $17 seniors, $10 college students, $5 children ages 6 to 18, free for members and children ages five and younger.
Fairfax City Restaurant Week
A month after D.C.’s restaurant week, Fairfax City is up for discounts on prix fixe menus on local dining. More than 20 restaurants — including Dolce Vita, Ned’s New England Deck, and Milk and Honey — offer $25 lunches and/or $40 dinners. Through March 8. Prices vary.
Stitching Stories at Peirce Mill
Crafting groups have long met in spaces like the Kogod Courtyard or community rooms at the public library. Stitching Stories is different: Organized by the National Park Service, it meets in historic venues like Georgetown’s Old Stone House and Rock Creek Park’s Peirce Mill, giving you a chance to work on fabric projects like knitting or crocheting in a historic building. The Park Service stresses that “this is not a class,” but knitters will learn about “Colonial-era fiber arts” while chatting and stitching. Of note: If your schedule doesn’t allow you to participate on a Friday afternoon, there’s another Stitching Stories taking place at Peirce Mill on Saturday, March 7. 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Free.
‘Inherit the Wind’ at Arena Stage
Arena Stage is mounting Jerome Lawrence and Robert Edwin Lee’s archetypal courtroom drama, which fictionalizes the 1925 Scopes trial and the enduring conversations it sparked around science, religion and intellectual freedom. This in-the-round revival stars the venerable Dakin Matthews (“Gilmore Girls”) as the bigwig lawyer prosecuting a schoolteacher accused of teaching evolution, while Broadway veteran Billy Eugene Jones plays the scapegoated educator’s crusading defense attorney. Through April 5. $49-$118.
Peaches at 9:30 Club
Last week, Peaches returned with “No Lube So Rude,” the electroclash icon’s first album in over a decade. From the title on down, Peaches proves she can still out-raunch anyone in pop, rap or beyond, pumping out insta-anthems for when simply dancing your pain away isn’t an option. 8 p.m. $57.35.
Saturday, Feb. 28
Afro House Spirit Fest from the Anacostia Arts Center
Anacostia businesses are wrapping up Black History Month with a day of activities and fun on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE. The Anacostia Arts Center is closed for renovations, so visitors will find DJs and a marketplace of Black-owned vendors at the Go-Go Museum; a candle-making class, live performances and a poetry slam at Busboys and Poets; and an immersive soundbath and storytelling sessions at Grounded. 1 to 5 p.m. anacostiaartscenter.com. Free; some activities, such as the candle-making class, are first-come, first served.
A Night at the Black Lodge at the Renegade
For one night, Clarendon bar the Renegade — usually home to cover bands and football viewing parties — will become a tribute to “Twin Peaks,” David Lynch and his cinematic universe. The immersive evening promises a guest appearance by actor Harry Goaz, best known as Deputy Andy Brennan; bands performing atmospheric songs in the style of Julee Cruise; art installations; live poetry; tarot readings; and vendors selling cherry pie and cookies. “Twin Peaks”-inspired outfits and costumes are suggested. 7 to 11:30 p.m. $33.85.
Black History Revealed: An America250 Commemoration at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
During this a full-day workshop, genealogists — including the founder of genealogy research firm Black Ancestries — help participants uncover and reclaim African American family histories dating back to before enslavement. The day begins with a welcome situating Black genealogy within the America250 commemoration and continues with workshops on researching family history. The afternoon sets aside time for independent genealogical research; participants should be sure to bring their own devices. 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free; registration required.
Winter Cask Classic at Denizens Brewing
Fresh craft beer and hockey make a beautiful couple. The proof is in the Winter Cask Classic at Denizens Brewing, celebrating its 10th anniversary in Riverdale this weekend. It’s an afternoon celebrating cask-conditioned ale — a traditional British method that allows beer to undergo secondary fermentation in the vessel from which it’s served — with offerings from 10 local brewers, including Other Half, Manor Hill and Franklin’s, as well as Maryland Meadworks. Tickets include unlimited tastes of all beer and mead, a souvenir glass, and a friendly hockey shootout competition in Denizen’s brewhouse. 1 to 5 p.m. $40.
20 years of Daniel O’Connell’s
For two decades, Daniel O’Connell’s has been one of the best places to meet for drinks in Old Town Alexandria. Guinness, to be sure, or another Irish beer, or maybe a locally made craft brew. But the sprawling King Street pub, with its snugs and fireplaces and little corners, is a place where you settle in with a group or a date and don’t leave for a good while. O’Connell’s is marking 20 years in business by focusing on what it does best. There’s nine hours of live music throughout the day, starting with singer-songwriter Jack Gregori of Human Country Jukebox at noon; Kenny Kohlhaas during happy hour, and the fiddle-driven rock of the 19th Street Band from 9 to midnight. In between, grab Irish pints for $6 at a throwback happy hour, strategically gulp a Guinness in a “Split the G” competition, and participate in giveaways and raffles. Noon to midnight. Free.
Black Boy Art Show at the Convention Center
Billed as the largest global celebration of Black male artists, the traveling art show makes its way to D.C. There are artists’ displays, DJ sets, live art demonstrations, group exhibitions and performances. 3 to 9 p.m. $69.
RAR and Friends at ChurchKey
RAR started brewing in a former pool hall and bowling alley in Cambridge, Maryland, in 2013, and it has grown popular well beyond the Chesapeake Bay region, thanks to its smoothie-like Out of Order fruited sours. Those experimental beers, brewed with fruit and candy, sometimes feel like they’ve eclipsed the IPAs that RAR was originally known for, but hops are definitely back on the agenda during a Saturday tap takeover at ChurchKey. RAR and Friends highlights RAR’s hop-saturated ales, brewed in collaboration with names like Mortalis, Xul, Brujos and Omnipollo. Previous RAR “hop saturated” collabs have been hazy, with intense aromas and tropical flavors, and a creamy mouthfeel — like a New England IPA turned up even higher. This day features 10 collaborations on draft, plus a half-dozen more beers from Xul and Mortalis. Cans will also be sold to go, beginning at 10 a.m. through ChurchKey’s site. Doors open at noon. Free; beer prices vary.
Tie-the-Knot Market at Atlas Brew Works
Atlas Brew Works wants to help you get married as easily as possible. No, they can’t just supply the perfect partner, though you might find one at a plant swap, D&D night or other taproom event. Instead, the Anacostia brewery is hosting a wedding pop-up market, where anyone planning upcoming nuptials can meet local florists, jewelers, cake bakers, dance teachers and calligraphers, or browse vendors who might have the perfect gifts for wedding parties or guests. The usual fresh beers and burgers are available. 2 to 6 p.m. Free; RSVP requested.
Soaring Against the Odds: African Americans in Aviation History at the College Park Aviation Museum
Actors portray famous pilots during this living history day at the College Park Aviation Museum, sharing stories with visitors of all ages and explaining how they pursued their dreams in military and civilian aviation while overcoming racism and social prejudice. 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. pgparks.com. $10-$13; children $5-$7.
Samchykivka Art Workshop at Ukraine House
Samchykivka, a painting style traditionally used to decorate homes for peace and prosperity and nearly lost during Soviet occupation, is bright, bold and full of movement. Learn how to create your own traditional floral ornaments on a T-shirt or sweatshirt to take home. Ukraine House hosts two sessions — one for kids aged 4 to 11, and another for everyone 12 and up. 3 to 4:30 p.m. $34.
Tardi Gras with Little Red and the Renegades at American Legion Post 41
If you’re still not ready to put the beads and hurricanes away, let local zydeco favorites Little Red and the Renegades take you down to Mardi Gras one more time at the American Legion in downtown Silver Spring. The group’s high-energy R&B is perfect for dancing, even after Fat Tuesday. 7 to 11 p.m. Free.
Sunday, March 1
Community Day: Women’s History Month Kickoff at the National Museum of Women in the Arts
Women’s History Month begins Sunday, and local museums and cultural institutions are ready to educate and celebrate. The National Museum of Women in the Arts is a natural place to begin: Its Women’s History Month Kickoff falls on the museum’s monthly Community Day, so there’s free admission for a full day of activities, including tours of the museum, hands-on art activities, and making a poster to wheat-paste to the community “Be Heard” wall. This is the first of many activities at the downtown museum during Women’s History Month; stay tuned for yoga, a festival organized with Well Read Black Girl, and a discussion about art and civic engagement with Stacey Abrams. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free; reservations recommended.
‘Art of Women’ tour at the National Museum of Asian Art
Throughout March, the National Museum of Asian Art puts the spotlight on overlooked woman artists and their untold stories hidden among its collections. The free Art of Women tour meets in the lobby at 2 p.m. every day. No reservations are needed. Through March 31 at 2 p.m. Free.
Daybreaker at Flash
Spend your Sunday afternoon dancing and detoxing with friends at Daybreaker, the dance party that gets you grooving to a DJ at Flash — just without the late nights or alcohol. The dance floor starts filling at noon, there’s free coffee, a bar with electrolyte beverages, and you’ll (probably) feel better than you would after a boozy brunch. Tickets that include an hour-long yoga session before the dance party have a waitlist. Noon to 2 p.m. $44.53.
Monday, March 2
Let Them Eat Cake: A Purim Revolution at Sixth and I
Last year’s “Manischewitzville”-themed Purim at Sixth and I may be hard to top, but at the very least, a new concept promises taller wigs. Pretend the year is 1789 and come as your bougiest French aristocrat (period attire encouraged) for themed cocktails and mocktails in the historic synagogue’s “Garden of Versailles.” Attendees will be spared a full megillah reading but should expect “royally offensive” sketches (in the history of Purim spiels), plus live music. Note that the party is 21 and older. Let them eat … hamantaschen. 6:30 p.m. $22 in advance; $25 at the door.
Wednesday, March 4
‘Femmes de Vin: Women Winemakers of France’ at Josephine
Old Town French bistro Josephine raises a toast to some of France’s best female-run wineries in honor of Women’s History Month. Neighborhood Restaurant Group wine director Erin Dudley leads the special seated tasting, which includes six different French wines accompanied by nibbles like fancy cheese. 6 to 7 p.m. $54.13.
Women’s History Month at Suzie Q’s
Suzie Q’s, the cozy bar across Potomac Avenue from National Park, is celebrating Women’s History Month with a gathering that highlights women in the alcohol industry. The bar is nodding to woman-owned brands, like Denizens Brewing (see above) or Archer Roose, the wine company co-owned by actor and filmmaker Elizabeth Banks. Suzie Q’s is also showcasing brands where women play key roles, like George Dickel Tennessee Whiskey, where Nicole Austin is the master distiller. Check out a variety of beers, wines and spirits, including some new beer-and-a-shot combos. All women get their first drink free. 4 p.m. Free.
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