Saturday, May 4
Return to menuAround the World Embassy Tours
Dozens of countries from Albania to Zambia host open houses during the annual Around the World Embassy Tour, one of those “only in Washington” events you’ll tell friends and relatives about. How often do you have the chance to tour the British ambassador’s residence and the embassy’s gardens, watch a K-pop performance at the Korean Cultural Center, sample rum at the Embassy of Guyana, listen to Indigenous music at the Australian Embassy or enjoy traditional cuisine at the Embassy of Thailand? It’s a busy day, so start planning now, and read our tips on how to make the most of the festivities. 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Free; some embassies may charge for food and drinks.
Running of the Chihuahuas at the Wharf
Update: Due to the threat of inclement weather, this event has been postponed and is now scheduled for Sunday, May 19. The Wharf’s quirky combination of the Kentucky Derby and Cinco de Mayo is back for the 12th year: The annual Running of the Chihuahuas involves more than 100 of these tiny dogs sprinting in groups of eight on a 60-foot “racetrack.” One Chihuahua eventually emerges as the fastest of the pack, winning $100 cash and swag during this bracket-style tournament. Only Chihuahuas can race, but dogs of all types can enter an all-breed dog costume contest, while human spectators enjoy the Pacifico Beer Garden, a DJ, a pet photo booth and an adoptable-dog parade. This event is very popular: Arrive early for the best views of the track, or watch on a giant video projection screen. 2 to 5 p.m. Free admission. All spots for racing Chihuahuas are filled.
Adams Morgan PorchFest
On the heels of last weekend’s Petworth PorchFest, Adams Morgan is getting in on the fun with its own Adams Morgan Spring PorchFest. (The neighborhood also hosts a festival in the fall.) More than 80 bands are taking over 20 locations, turning front porches, parks, patios and the Marie Reed school plaza into stages for performances, and closing 18th Street NW between Columbia and Kalorama roads to make even more room for crowds. A map of stages and schedule of bands is available on the PorchFest website. Beyond the music, dozens of businesses are offering specials throughout the day, such as buy one, get one free lunchboxes at City Lights of China, free dog treats at Life of Riley, and $5 draft beers and house wines at Roofers Union. Pick up a wristband at one of the main stages to take advantage of discounts. 2 to 6 p.m. Free.
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Kentucky Derby viewing parties
No one goes to a Kentucky Derby party to watch the horses. Okay, maybe a few people do — if they’ve got a bet on the race. But the Kentucky Derby is known as “the fastest two minutes in sports” for a reason. Fierceness, Sierra Leone and the other contenders will be on the track at Churchill Downs for mere minutes, while parties stretch for hours before and after. Instead, this weekend is all about the rituals of the first Saturday in May: elaborate hats, bright floral dresses, seersucker suits and mint juleps. Whether you want a rooftop party with passed hors d’oeuvres and a special bourbon cocktail menu (Jack Rose), a rooftop party with adult hobby horse races and a fancy hat contest (Hi-Lawn), a party with $5 Old-Fashioneds and $2 Jim Beam jello shots (Last Call) or an all-you-can-eat pig roast (American Ice Company), there are options in our guide to Kentucky Derby parties. Reminder: Post time is 6:57 p.m.
Anacostia River Festival
The final event of the National Cherry Blossom Festival — no, really — fills Anacostia Park with music and activities. Entertainment comes from go-go titans Junkyard Band, R&B singer Adamare, the U.S. Navy Band and the Anacostia High School Band. Learn how to fish with the D.C. Department of Energy and Environment, play lawn games, browse art exhibitions, or volunteer to help clean the park and the river. The 11th Street Bridge Park sponsors a Southeast Market with local vendors including fashion by the Museum and beauty products from Black Bella Spa. 1 to 5 p.m. for main activities; market until 6 p.m. Free.
Baltimore Kinetic Sculpture Race
A tribute to John Waters (covered in flamingos, naturally), a 35-foot-long crocodile and a “monumental rubber duckie” named Tail-or-Swiftie are among the giant pieces of art competing in this year’s Kinetic Sculpture Race around Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Sponsored by the American Visionary Art Museum since 1999, the race takes over the streets of Charm City every May, with two dozen human-propelled sculptures moving through downtown and plunging into the harbor itself before taking on an obstacle course in Patterson Park. (Canton Waterfront Park, where the sculptures prove their buoyancy, is one of the most popular viewing areas; check the annual spectators’ guide for other options.) The 15-mile course begins and ends at the Visionary Art Museum in Federal Hill, where it’s followed by an awards ceremony and race recap. This is one event that’s definitely worth the day trip. Opening ceremony at 9:30 a.m.; awards ceremony at 6 p.m. Free.
Build Day at the Hirshhorn Museum
Kids 12 and younger are invited to the Hirshhorn Plaza for a midday, hands-on exploration of building and design. Budding architects can tour a city design exhibition featuring artwork by DCPS elementary students, make LED sculptures, see student-made 3D-printed building reproductions from George Washington University’s Fab Lab, and construct 3D structures from blocks, bricks and more at maker stations. Stroller parking will be available in the lobby and lower level. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free.
Star Wars Day celebrations
Saturday is actually May the Fourth, and celebrations continue beyond the events listed above. Recently renovated Stead Park, located on P Street NW between 16th and 17th streets, hosts its grand reopening party with a day of “activities that will help you become a Jedi.” Look for space-themed games and story times for kids, out-of-this-world temporary tattoos, lightsabers created by a balloon artist, live music, and food from local restaurants. (11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free.) Cheeky Dupont Circle cocktail bar (cantina?) McClellan’s Retreat celebrates Star Wars Day once again with a themed “The Cocktails Strike Back” menu, which will be announced and made available on May the Fourth. Come in Star Wars apparel for a free shot. (4 to 11:30 p.m. Free.)
Cinco de Mayo on 14th Street NW
The stretch of businesses near the corner of 14th and Spring streets NW is home to a number of Mexican bars and restaurants, and they’re celebrating Cinco de Mayo with two days of music and specials. The party includes strolling mariachi musicians Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m., and folk dancing by Corazón Folklórico on Sunday between 1 and 3 p.m. Chef Alfredo Solis, the owner of the strip’s Anafre and Mezcalero, is setting up outside Anafre on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., serving a special menu of street tacos, plus discounted beers and margaritas. Meanwhile, Chicatana is hosting an all-day happy hour with taco specials, and Taqueria Habanero has margarita and shot specials both days. Both of those offers continue into Sunday, when there’s also a day-long party with DJs and drink deals at Toro Bar and an all-day happy hour at D.C. Corazon. Saturday and Sunday; business hours vary. Free.
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Spring Beer Fest at Solace Outpost
More than a dozen local producers of beer, cider and mead are joining forces at Solace’s Falls Church brewpub for this low-key fest, including Sapwood Cellars, Settle Down Easy and Mieza Blendery. Tickets include unlimited four-ounce samples, served in a commemorative glass, and music from the Aftermath Band and Ramaan Insari. Families are welcome, with balloon artists and face painters to entertain the kids. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. $45-$65.
Free Comic Book Day
Celebrate independent comic book stores at locations throughout the DMV, including Victory Comics Group in Falls Church and Big Planet Comics in Bethesda and on U Street NW. At Fantom Comics in Dupont Circle, you can take home up to five titles plus shop at Joint Custody’s vintage clothing and record pop-up. There are also cosplayers, raffles and prizes. (11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Free.)
Hellbender Brewing Record Fair
What goes together better than listening to vinyl and drinking craft beer? How about finding the perfect new record while drinking craft beer? At least 20 record stores and vendors are setting up shop at Hellbender Brewing on Saturday afternoon, including Sonidos, Som and Smash, while Takoma Radio’s DJ Dempsey provides the tunes and Beef Space BBQ and El Jefe pizza serve up grub. 1 to 7 p.m. Free.
Berry-Ocracy Release Party at Red Bear Brewing
The first collaboration between Red Bear and Soul Mega is a Berry-Ocracy, an American wheat ale with blackberries, which “rounds out the sweetness from the wheat with a nice tart finish,” according to Soul Mega’s Instagram announcement. Get a first sip at the NoMa brewpub while listening to music from DJs Bri Mafia and Konshince. 1 to 5 p.m. Free.
Village at Leesburg Pet Festival
What’s your dog’s secret talent: Playing dead? Doing a backflip? Pushing a shopping cart? Let your furry friend show off its skills at the Village at Leesburg’s annual Pet Festival, which has a talent contest with novice, intermediate and advanced categories. (Note: You have to register before 5 p.m. Friday.) Beyond the showcase, pets can pose for a caricaturist or try a luring course, while humans can browse pet supply vendors or meet adoptable rescue animals. Noon to 4 p.m. Free.
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