News4’s Tommy McFly lays out the most exciting things to do this weekend in the D.C. area, from the 147th Preakness Stakes to the opening of the KID Museum in Bethesda.
Just a week before Memorial Day weekend, it’s really starting to feel like summer in the D.C. area.
The hot summer air will pair perfectly with the sounds and tastes of Kentucky at Bourbon & Bluegrass 2022, a fundraiser for the preservation of President Lincoln’s Cottage in Petworth.
Want to know what's up for your weekend? Sign up for The Weekend Scene, our newsletter about events, experiences and adventures for you and for your family around the DMV.
Americana band Driftwood will headline both Saturday and Sunday. There will also be bourbon and beer tastings, historic tours, lawn games, a beard grooming station, local food and more.
We've got the news you need to know to start your day. Sign up for the First & 4Most morning newsletter — delivered to your inbox daily. >Sign up here.
You may want a second sip of bourbon Saturday in a black-eyed Susan cocktail — that’s right, the 147th Preakness Stakes is almost here.
Beat the heat by watching the race on NBC4 starting at 4 p.m. Saturday. Or, head to Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore for a whole weekend of events, including two music festivals.
You don’t need to travel far (or pay a dime) for Quarterfest Crawl Presented by Ballston Quarter. All afternoon, there will be live music including from Bobby McKeys' Dueling Piano Cart. Restaurants are also set to offer samples and deals. Here’s more information.
The Takoma Park Flea Market is now set for Saturday (it was postponed from last weekend sue to weather). Head over the Grant Avenue in Takoma Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to shop antiques, collectibles and vintage goods.
On our radar for families: KID Museum in Bethesda Metro Center has its grand opening Sunday. While that event is sold out, tickets are available for future Sundays.
Activities and Events in the D.C. Area
Canal Center Plaza Happy Hour
Friday, May 20 (5 p.m. to 9 p.m.) and Saturday, May 21 (6 p.m. to 9 p.m.)
Canal Center Plaza (44 Canal Center, Alexandria, Virginia)
Live music with food trucks, lawn games and waterfront views: Sounds like a lovely evening in Old Town Alexandria. Go Friday to hear Desert Shade and Saturday to hear Never Ending Fall.
Free Pick
DC Dragon Boat Festival
Saturday, May 21, races are scheduled from about 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Thompson Boat Center (2900 Virginia Ave NW, Washington, D.C.)
Watch as colorful dragon boats glide through the Potomac River. The DC Dragon Boat Festival is returning after a two-year hiatus. Here’s a draft schedule of events. Note that parking is restricted on race days.
Free Pick
Quarterfest Crawl Presented by Ballston Quarter
Saturday, May 21, noon to 8 p.m.
Ballston neighborhood in Arlington, Virginia
Find live music all afternoon at Ballston Quarter and restaurants, plus food and drink specials.
Wine in the Woods
Saturday, May 21, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, May 22, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Symphony Woods (10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy Columbia, Maryland)
Taste a selection of Maryland wines, hear live bands and try gourmet food in Columbia. Tickets start at $30 on Saturday and $25 on Sunday and come with unlimited wine tastings. Here's more information.
Free Pick
Breezy Point Beach Blast-Off
Saturday, May 21, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
5300 Breezy Point Road, Chesapeake Beach, Maryland
Drink plenty of water and head to the beach on a hot, summery day. This family-friendly event will feature music, activities games, food vendors and fireworks at dark.
Seltzerland
May 21, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Hook Hall (3400 Georgia Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.)
For anyone whose White Claw summer has turned into a White Claw year, we present Hook Hall’s hard seltzer extravaganza Seltzerland. Attendees can sample more than 100 seltzers, plus there will be games, photo ops and food for purchase
You can choose from two sessions, each with VIP and general admission. Tickets start at $35.
Bourbon & Bluegrass 2022
May 21-22, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
President Lincoln's Cottage (140 Rock Creek Church Road NW, Washington, D.C.)
Bluegrass music, beer and bourbon tastings with a side of history are on tap. Food will be available for purchase from Timber Pizza, Rocklands Barbeque and Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats.
Tickets start at $80 for most, or $35 for non-drinkers. Kids under 6 are free. Parking passes must be purchased in advance.
Preakness
Race on Saturday afternoon
Pimlico Race Track, Baltimore
Go here for information and tickets for all the Preakness events, including the Preakness Stakes race, culinary events and music festivals.
The Preakness Live Culinary, Art & Music Festival will host Megan Thee Stallion and Ms. Lauryn Hill on Friday, or check out InfieldFest with Marshmello, The Chainsmokers, MoneyBagg Yo and more on Saturday.
Hirshhorn Ball
Saturday, May 21, 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Here’s your chance to dress up in something spectacular that’s been hanging patiently in the back of your closet.
This year’s Hirshhorn Ball is celebrating pop art in the outdoor sculpture garden and creative costume is requested.
The price tag starts at $500 and includes a red carpet walk, special performance by Dan Deacon, open bar, a one-year Hirshhorn membership and other benefits.
National Kids to Parks Day in Virginia
Saturday
Virginia's state parks are celebrating National Kids to Parks Day with a variety of programming, from fishing lessons at Lake Anna to "Looking for Larvae" at Westmoreland State Park. Here's a full rundown of events; advance registration is required for some.
Free Pick
Lincoln Memorial Centennial Celebration
Sunday, May 22 at 10 a.m.
The Lincoln Memorial
Celebrate one of the United States’ most storied monuments with a ceremony called "Building on Lincoln’s Vision of Unity and Equality.” Speakers will include Lincoln historian Harold Holzer and Howard University scholar Dr. Edna Greene Medford, plus there will be live music.
Day Out With Thomas
May 13-15 and May 20-22
B&O Railroad Museum
Thomas the Tank Engine is headed to the B&O Railroad Museum this weekend and next. Visitors can enjoy a 20-minute ride on a full-sized, talking Thomas the Tank Engine locomotive, the museum says. There will also be games, photo ops, live entertainment and outdoor activities. Tickets start at $23 to $27; here's more information.
KID Museum
Bethesda Metro Center
On our radar for families: KID Museum in Bethesda Metro Center has its grand opening Sunday. While that event is sold out, tickets are available for future Sundays.
The space is uniquely designed to spark the “mind of a maker.” From textiles to electronics to woodworking, there are plenty of hands-on activities to enjoy. Admission starts at $15 for those aged 2 and up.
Shows and performances:
- Our Town at the Shakespeare Theater Company
- Show Way The Musical at the Kennedy Center
- Carmen at the Kennedy Center Opera House (through May 28)
- There’s Always the Hudson at Woolly Mammoth Theater
More on our radar:
