Things to Do DC

The Weekend Scene: Check out cherry blossom fireworks, Nats games and eclipse prep in the DC area

This weekend, prepare for Monday's eclipse or check out the National Cherry Blossom Festival's Petalpalooza

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Everything this weekend will be eclipsed by… well, Monday’s eclipse! The celebrations start this weekend, including at both Air and Space Museum locations.

From rooftop parties to viewing events in parks, you'll find tons of places to watch the solar stunner in our full eclipse guide.

The Nats' first weekend home games of the season should have fine weather. They play the Phillies on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

It's also the last weekend of March Madness! The women's final, refusing to be eclipsed, is on Sunday afternoon. The men's final is on Monday night.

News4's Tommy McFly breaks down the best things to do in the D.C. area during the first weekend of April.

Weekend highlights

"Super Freak: The Rick James Story"
Through Sun., National Theatre, $39+
🔗 Details

“Super Freak: The Rick James” story is being performed at The National Theatre. James’ daughter, Ty James, and playwright Je’Caryous Johnson told News4’s Tony Perkins what theatergoers can expect.

“There was more to him than sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll, and I felt like his legacy was being reduced to just that,” Johnson said.

Nationals vs Phillies
Fri., Sat. and Sun., Nationals Park, $13+
🔗 Details

Spring is here, and the Washington Nationals and Major League Baseball are back in the Capital.

The Nats are set to play against the Pittsburg Pirates on Wednesday and Thursday, but some unfavorable weather could get in the way.

But Storm Team4 is predicting pleasant weather for the Nats vs. Phillies games – Nats Park's first weekend games of the season!

Free pick
Petalpalooza
Sat., 1-9 p.m., Capitol Riverfront

The Official National Cherry Blossom Festival Fireworks Show at 8:30 p.m. will be a grand finale to a day packed with multiple stages of live music, kids’ activities, art and more.

A rock wall for kids, silent disco and gardening activities for all are just a few highlights.

Free pick
Jazz & Blossoms Park Jam
Sun., noon to 7:30 p.m., Franklin Park
🔗 Details

A free Digable Planets show in downtown D.C.? Count us in.

The jazz-rap group behind “Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat)” is headlining the free, daylong finale of the Words, Beats & Life Festival. Sun Ra Arkestra, Madison McFerrin, Kassa Overall and JoGo Project are among other performers.

Bring the whole family for a day of art, music and kid-friendly activities.

Concerts this weekend

Chatham County Line, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jammin’ Java, $20/$22
Twenty-five years on, the Americana stalwarts from North Carolina are finding new ways to modernize a classic style and sound. Details

The Sadies, 7 p.m. Sunday, Jammin’ Java, $20/$30
Another quarter-century-old roots-rock group to play the Vienna venue this weekend, the Canadian band is alt-country at its core with assists from garage rock and psychedelia while also handy with infectious power pop. Details.

Things to do in D.C.

DC History Conference
Fri. to Sun., MLK Jr. Memorial Library, free

Reckoning with Remembrance: History, Injustice, and the Murder of Emmett Till
Opens Sat., National Museum of American History, free

Mumbo vs. Gumbo: Music, Food & Culture
Sat., 3-7 p.m., Sycamore & Oak in Southeast, free entry

DC Defenders vs Houston Roughnecks
Sat., 7 p.m., Audi Field, $25+

Blossom Block Festival and flea market
Sun., noon to 5 p.m., Sycamore & Oak in Southeast, free entry

Credit Union Cherry Blossom runs
Sat. and Sun.

Things to do in Maryland

Bethesda Film Fest
Fri. and Sat., Landmark's Bethesda Row Cinema, $15

Spring Fever Fashion Show
Fri., 6-9 p.m., Westfield Montgomery mall, free entry

"Dancing at Lughnasa"
Fri. and Sat., Silver Spring Black Box Theatre, $18

Springtime Egg Hunt
Sat., 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Mount Ranier Nature Center, free but do register online

Greenbelt Museum open house
Sun., 1-5 p.m., 10B Crescent Rd., free

Things to do in Virginia

Art Blooms at Mosaic
Sat. and Sun., Fairfax, Virginia, free

DC Metro Area Interior Design Tour
Sat., Alexandria, Georgetown, Hyattsville and Kent, $50 (single) or $80 (for two)

Ikebana Floral Design Workshop for Adults
Sat., 10 a.m., Green Spring Gardens in Alexandria, $42

Alexandria 275th Anniversary Kickoff Event
Sat., noon, Waterfront Park, free

Pink in the Pool
Sat., 9 a.m. to noon, Long Bridge Aquatics Center, free

Tall ship Providence begins sailing for the season
Weds., Alexandria

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