17-04-2025
Your D.C. weekend: Shakespeare's birthday, Earth Day
The Folger Shakespeare Library is celebrating The Bard's birthday on Saturday for the first time in six years since their multimillion-dollar remodel.
Why it matters: The Folger is home to the largest Shakespeare collection in the world, so you know they're going full-on Falstaff with revels for all ages — all free.
State of play: Shakespeare might enjoy these party activities, 461 years and counting. Doors open at 11am (you can snag timed passes in advance).
Activities include printing press and sword fighting demos, a sonnet writing competition, a "Twelfth Night"-inspired puppet show, Elizabethan dancing and ruff collar making.
Don't miss singing and cupcakes at 2:45pm.
A 7pm lecture from The Folger's new director will explore how Shakespeare is relevant to modern life and this "challenging phase" of our democracy.
The bottom line:"With mirth and laughter, let old wrinkles come."
More weekend fun: Earth Day, 4/20, sparkling vino…
🇺🇿 Travel to Uzbekistan on Friday night (7–9:30pm) for a party at their embassy filled with traditional food, an Uzbek bar, dancing, an art tour and more (tickets $79).
🎭 Shake it like a Schuyler Sister at 9:30 Club's Broadway Rave, Friday at 10pm (tickets $25).
🌎 Earth Day is 4/22, but get a head start on Saturday at the Earth Day 5K Walk & Green Expo on the National Mall (10am–3pm, free)
Earth Day volunteer cleanups to support the Potomac River are also happening Saturday (and beyond) at multiple parks and locations in the DMV. Free registration required.
🥂 Pop Fizz Bar hosts a mix-and-mingle sparkling wine tasting Sunday (1–2:30pm) where you can try 25 kinds of rosé, white, red, and orange bubbles (tickets $40+).
🌿 The National Cannabis Festival is this summer, but the organizers' 420 Week kicks off Sunday. Check out a variety of events and experiences for every flavor, from movie screenings (with munchies) to workshops, a policy summit and parties.
