Play

Photo from fb.com/MessHallDC/photos.

Radar: Things To Do in D.C. This Week

March 28, 2023 @ 2:00pm |

Each week, District Fray rounds up some of the coolest events going on around the DMV.

This week, we’re transitioning into April, but March still has some things to say. We’ve got fried chicken, we’ve got comedy and we’ve got vegan dumplings to round out March, and then April starts on an artsy note with a fashion show, art exhibition and musical performances. You can’t go wrong. Note: Most descriptions courtesy of event hosts and edited for clarity.

3.29

Fried Chicken + Bubbles Wednesdays at Shilling Canning Company
Grab the Shilling Canning Company’s last Wednesday deal of a whole fried chicken, two hoe cakes, a side of beans and greens and a bottle of Chandon for two people at the price of $95. This dish is also a tribute to women winemakers. $95. 60 Water St. SE, DC; shillingcanning.com // @shillingcanningcompany

Grain to Glass with Gravitas and Bo & Ivy at Gravitas
Bo & Ivy, DC’s newest female & veteran-owned distillery, is showcasing their Founder Series & Bourbon. Tastings of their Gin, Corn Whiskey, Bourbon and Founder’s Series Whiskey are available throughout the night. The event begins with cocktail hour and ends with a three-course tasting experience, each dish accompanied by a pairing of the spirits. $175. 7 p.m. 1401 Okie St. NE, DC; gravitasdc.com // @gravitasdc

3.30

Brown Town Comedy Show at DC Comedy Loft
“Brown Town” is a monthly showcase of the top and most exciting comedians of color. The show is produced by two attorneys/comedians of different generations and backgrounds who want to create a unique, smart, and high energy show exclusively at the DC Comedy Loft. $15. 8 p.m. 1523 22nd St. NW, DC; dccomedyloft.com // @dccomedyloft

“Shout, Sister, Shout!” at Ford’s Theatre
Catch a show detailing the life of Cheryl L. West’s, a pioneer of the women’s movement for racial and sexual equality. This is a spirited, emotionally charged story about a charismatic music forerunner and the authentic roots of rock-and-roll. $36+. 7:30 p.m. 511 10th St. NW, DC; fords.org// @fordstheatre

3.31

LEVEL UP: Vegan Dumpling Edition at Mess Hall
Whether you’re a first time folder or can pinch like a pro, there’s no doubt you’ll learn something new at this dumpling making class, led by Founder of Nomad Dumplings Karen Hoefener. You’ll get instruction on making plant-based fillings, make your own sauce and take your own batch. $110. 6:30 p.m. 703 Edgewood St. NE, DC; nomaddumplings.com // @nomaddumplings

Opening: “The Nosebleed” at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company
Are we doomed to repeat the mistakes of our parents? Through a series of absurd autobiographical vignettes, Aya Ogawa’s THE NOSEBLEED delves into the chaos of parenthood, as both a parent and a child – and what it takes to forgive. $20+. 8 p.m. 641 D St. NW, DC; woollymammoth.net // @woollymammothtc

4.1

Dressed to Kilt’s 20th Anniversary Fashion Show at Omni Shoreham Hotel
Taking the runway will be former Navy SEALs, high-profile athletes, news anchors, politicians, an Oscar nominee, a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, several fearless female veterans and even a live falcon. Sounds like one unforgettable fashion show. $250. 7 p.m. 2500 Calvert St. NW, DC; dressedtokilt.com // @dressedtokilt

4.1-4.2

Art Blooms at Mosaic Weekend Festival at Mosaic District
Mosaic District welcomes spring with a two-day festival: Art Blooms at Mosaic. Don’t miss this vibrant, outdoor festival with over 90 handmade and vintage vendors, special performances and an array of activities for the entire family. Free. 11 a.m. Mosaic District Ave. Fairfax, VA; mosaicdistrict.com // @mosaicdistrict

4.2

DIY Spring Cheese Board Class at Mess Hall
Charcuterie boards are all the rage right now. Get the inside scoop on cheese selection, accompaniments, pairings and assembly with the owner of Cheesemonster, Alice Bergen Phillips! There’ll be unlimited wine and ingredients for you to make your own cheese board.  $90+. 12 p.m. 703 Edgewood St. NE, DC; messhalldc.com // @messhalldc

STC’s “King Lear” at Klein Theatre
The incomparable Patrick Page returns to STC as the once-revered king caught in an emotional hurricane ravaging his home, head, and heart. Real and imagined worlds coalesce, creating a political and personal horror that threatens to swallow the mind of the monarch.  $59+. 7:30 p.m. 7th St. NW, DC; shakespearetheatre.org // @shakespeareindc

4.3

En Flor Pop-Up Art Exhibit at Eckington Hall
Check out an exhibition on the rich cultural history of the Latinx community in the DMV area. The exhibition will feature photography, paintings, textiles, ceramics and other forms of art. Free. 7 p.m. 2226 18th St. NW, DC; eckingtonhall.com // @ecking___ton.hall

Monday Night Open Mic at Busboys and Poets in Arlington
This night’s host is KaNikki J and for two hours, expect to be moved, a packed house, the unexpected, and above all, come with an open mind and ear for this array of diverse voices. There will be spoken word performers, open mic rookies and musicians. $5+. 8 p.m. 4251 S Campbell Ave. Arlington, VA; busboysandpoets.com // @busboysandpoets

4.4

“Free at Last! A Musical Tribute to Dr. King’s Legacy” at the Kennedy Center
Dr. Eugene Rogers leads the chorus and orchestra in the D.C. premiere of Virginia-based composer Undine Smith Moore’s 16-part oratorio, Scenes from the Life of a Martyr. Moore’s wish was to evoke memories of Dr. King and other martyrs, “and the universality of the lives of ordinary men and women who struggled against the tragedies of human existence.” This landmark event features The Washington Chorus, soloists, and narrator. $15+. 7:30 p.m. 2700 F St. NW, DC; kennedy-center.org // @kennedycenter

“What It Cost Us” Book Launch and Celebration at metrobar
Celebrate young, diverse D.C. voices with an energetic D.C.-centric party! This book launch, hosted by ed emcee Dr. Tony Keith Jr. will feature live readings from WICU authors, music by D.C.’s own DJ Stylus, and food from a local food truck. Free+. 7 p.m. 640 Rhode Island Ave. NE, DC; metrobardc.com // @metrobardc

Last week’s Radar picks

3.22

Spring Wine Fling
Kick off spring with Spring Wine Fling and turn your winter blues into reds, whites and rosés. From the first week of spring through the rest of March, treat your taste buds to two-course dinner menus paired with two glasses of wonderful wines for $55 at restaurants across the DMV area. $55. Various locations; wineflingdc.com // @ramwdc

Witchy Spring Equinox Party at The Dew Drop Inn
Join Tarot coach Skye Marinda for a simple Equinox ritual, witchy drinks, astrology and tarot readings, raffle prizes and more. Your best witchy attire is VERY encouraged. Free. 7 p.m. 2801 8th St. NE, DC; skyemarinda.com // @skye.marinda.tarot

3.23

Please Bring Chips x Amparo: Ek’ Balam at Please Bring Chips
Amparo and Please Bring Chips are banding together for a series of Mexican cuisine pop-ups. Utilizing local, seasonal ingredients and the highest-quality Mexican products, Amparo aims to pay homage to the history of flavors and techniques that make Mexican cuisine complex and unique. $117. 5 p.m. 1320 H St. NE, DC; pleasebringchips.com // @pleasebringchips

Girls to the Front: Cocktails, Cooking + More at Shop Made in DC
Women empowerment is in full swing with SHE:DC as they highlight powerhouse women of color in D.C. Join them in this partnership between local businesses with a cocktail demo, a carnitas taco-making class, a curated mini-arts market and a panel championing female leaders in the hospitality and arts industries. $15+. 6 p.m. 1280 4th St. NE, DC; shopmadeindc.com // @shopmadeindc

Opening Reception: Emon Surakitkoson’s “Sorry About My Accent” Solo Exhibition at Strathmore
Emon Surakitkoson’s art is based on her 19 years as an immigrant in the United States. She considers art her third language and works large, using tools and her body as a motive force. View the ways she counteracts gender, size and racial assumptions at her first solo show of 2023. Free. 7 p.m. 10701 Rockville Pike. North Bethesda, MD; strathmore.org // @strathmorearts

3.24

Cherry Blossom-Inspired Afternoon Tea Service at Salamander DC
This Cherry Blossom-inspired tea comes just in time for peak cherry blossoms. Overlooking the Garden Terrace, one will find a refined, renewing culinary experience with delights curated by guest Celebrity Pastry Chef Lasheeda Perry and a selection of premium loose-leaf teas. Reservations run from March 24th to April 16th. $95. 1 p.m. 1330 Maryland Ave. SW, DC; salamanderdc.com // @salamanderhoteldc

Whiskey, Sake and Cherry Blossoms at Capitol Square Bar & Grill
If you’re into interactive storytelling, then celebrate cherry blossom season by hearing the stories and history of Japanese Whisky, Sake and other beverage production. The best part? You’ll get to taste them all and have the chance to bring them home. $25. 6:30 p.m. 1500 E Capitol St. NE, DC; capitolsquarebar.com // @capitolsquarebar

3.25

Anchor Drop Party at Hello Betty
Hello Betty’s boat bar patio is docking up for a bustling summer. Join DC Fray, District Fray Magazine and Hello Betty as we kick off patio season with our inaugural Anchor Drop Party on Saturday, March 25 from 2–5 p.m. The first 100 guests will receive a keychain that allows the holder to sip on $3 draft beers anytime they dine at Hello Betty. Free. 2 p.m. 940 Rose Ave. North Bethesda, MD; hellobettybethesda.com // @hellobettybethesda

Blossom Kite Festival at the Washington Monument
Kite enthusiasts unite. Activities, music, competitions and performances will be in full swing for pros, beginners, families and friends to enjoy. Bring your own kite, purchase one onsite or pick up a free kite kit to decorate. Free. 10 a.m. 130 17th St. NW, DC; nationalcherryblossomfestival.org // @cherryblossfest

Spring Stand-up Showcase at City-State Brewing Co.
The weather is getting nicer and you can now be happy again. If you’re up for a laugh, come see comedians who’ve appeared at the DC Improv, The Kennedy Center, Comedy Central and elsewhere, including D.C.’s own Midnight Gardeners. Each ticket comes with a free pint of beer, too, how does that sound? $10. 8 p.m. 705 Edgewood St. NE, DC; citystatebrewing.com // @citystatebrewing

3.26

Closing Show of Alanis Morissette’s “Jagged Little Pill” at The National Theatre
Catch the last show in D.C. of “Jagged Little Pill.” Joy, love, heartache, strength, wisdom, catharsis and life is here in the exhilarating, fearless new musical based on Alanis Morissette’s world-changing music. $60+. 7:30 p.m. 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC; broadwayatthenational.com // @broadwaynatdc

Pajama Glam 2023 at Hyatt Regency Tysons Corner Center
Tigerlily Foundation is pleased to present its Pajama Glam Party, which invites women and girls of all ages to dress in their favorite pajamas and celebrate their fabulousness, while learning about breast health, wellness and prevention. There will be music, a sneak preview movie screening, fun crafts, sweet treat stations, wellness activities and more. $25+. 2 p.m. 7901 Tysons One Pl. Tysons, VA; tigerlilyfoundation.org // @tigerlily_foundation

3.27

D.C. Defenders vs. Houston Roughnecks at Audi Field
Come cheer on your home football team as the D.C. Defenders take on the Houston Roughnecks at Audi Field. $18+. 7 p.m. 100 Potomac Ave. SW, DC; audifield.com // @audifield 

Women for Iran Bar Pop-Up at The Green Zone
Enjoy Iranian-inspired bar bites and cocktails by D.C.’s most influential female bartenders and chefs, all while supporting the Iranian American Women Foundation. $14. 6:30 p.m. 2226 18th St. NW, DC; thegreenzonedc.com // @thegreenzonedc

3.28

National Capital New Play Festival at Round House Theatre​​
The second annual National Capital New Play Festival is celebrating new work by some of the country’s most exciting playwrights. In addition to two fully staged world premieres, audiences are invited to readings of four plays in development for an inside look into a play’s journey to the stage. $39+. Various times. 4545 East-West Hwy. Bethesda, MD; roundhousetheatre.org // @roundhousetheatre

Free Weekly Bingo Series at The Fainting Goat​​
Get out of the house and turn your Tuesday into fun with DC Fray and The Fainting Goat for free, in-person bingo. Fray will provide the game night host, bingo materials (including daubers) and awesome prizes. Free. 6:30 p.m. 1330 U St. NW, DC; districtfray.com // @districtfray

Want first access to select shows and performances around the city? Join the District Fray community to access free and discounted tickets. Become a member and support local journalism today.