Wrap up March and welcome April by exploring the many events D.C. has to offer this weekend, including several festivals, ranging from music and films, to kites and culture.
Enjoy independent feature, shorts and documentary films at the Annapolis Film Festival this weekend. Films will screen at different venues around downtown Annapolis so be prepared to walk. Special showcases will include films by African-American, Jewish, international and LGBT filmmakers, in addition to shorts by local students.
There’s something for everyone with film topics including comedy, mental health and politics. The opening night film “LBJ” kicked off the festival last night, but there’s plenty of more films to catch. Tickets are only $10 with a student I.D.
When: March 30-April 2, times vary based on film
Where: locations vary based on film
Metro: 220 Metrobus towards Annapolis
SHIFT: A Festival of American Orchestras
“SHIFT: A Festival of American Orchestras” kicks off this weekend with an Atlanta Symphony Orchestra performance at the Concert Hall in the Kennedy Center. The concert features narration and singing as the orchestra explores creation through religious, philosophical and scientific lenses. Composer Christopher Theofanidis will host a post-concert discussion, after the music will allow listeners to ponder the nature of creation. General admission for the concert is only $25.
When: Friday, March 31 from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Where: 2700 F St., NW
Metro: Orange, Blue or Silver line, Foggy Bottom/George Washington University station
The National Museum of the American Indian is hosting its fourth annual Cherokee Days Festival this weekend. The festival will highlight the history and culture of the three federally recognized Cherokee tribes for all ages. Activities to enjoy include storytelling, traditional music, dance, traditional games, weaponry, wood carving and more. Admission to the festival and the museum is free.
When: Friday, March 21 to Sunday, April 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 4th St., SW & Independence Ave., SW
Metro: Blue, Orange, Green or Yellow line, L'Enfant Plaza station
Although the cherry blossoms are no longer in peak, you can still enjoy the mall and some of the blossoms at the seventh annual Blossom Kite Festival. The festival will kick off with a short parade, and will then feature kitemakers and fliers from across the US and other countries through several competitions and demonstrations. You can bring your own kites or make a kite at an activity station while supplies last. Admission to the event is free. Make sure to stop by the Tidal Basin, too, because this is the last weekend for the welcome area and performance stage.
When: Saturday, April 1 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: grounds of the Washington Monument
Metro: Orange or Blue line, Smithsonian station
Witness four teams of theater professionals take a play from brainstorming to the stage in just 24 hours at the LiveArt in a Day event. This year’s theme is “Female Forward,” and begins Friday night when four female playwrights will be given a director, actors, a prop and a D.C. landmark. They have only until Saturday morning to write a script that the rest of their team has to turn into a play ready for production.
The play will then premiere to audiences that night at the Anacostia Arts Center. The night will also feature two musical acts and a spoken word act. Admission to this wild ride is only $20.
When: Saturday, April 1 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: 1231 Good Hope Rd., SE
Metro: Green line, Anacostia station
