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  • Things to do in the DC area: Strathmore’s Prelude Buffet, Chocolate Festival … and more! – WTOP News

    Food is now a main dish as opposed to something served on the side to musical performances at Strathmore in Bethesda, Maryland.

    The Prelude Buffet is a reserved-seat dining option for select Music Center performances with multiple courses served off a seasonally changing suppertime menu.(Courtesy Deb Lindsey)

    Food is now a main dish as opposed to something served on the side to musical performances at Strathmore in Bethesda, Maryland. The recently launched Prelude Buffet is the venue’s new dining concept that hopes to keep guests coming back for more.

    The Prelude Buffet is a reserved-seat dining option for select Music Center performances with multiple courses served off a seasonally changing suppertime menu.

    It will differ from the existing Allegro Kitchen, which is located on the Promenade Level in the Music Center, in that it will be “elevated,” “more relaxed” and “chef-driven,” according to Drew Martorella, Strathmore’s chief operating officer.

    “Strathmore strives to have just tremendous impact in the region … and we hope that the Prelude Buffet is just part of the larger story about Strathmore, which is about being a place that is welcoming to everyone, that is a home of artistic excellence, and now a place that is a home of culinary excellence,” Martorella said.

    The Prelude Buffet costs $45 in advance and $50 on the day of. Find the full list of performances that will accompany the Prelude Buffet on Strathmore’s website.

    Check back every Thursday for a roundup of Things to do in the DC area.

    Here’s what else is happening in the D.C. area:

    DC

    Chez Joey Cupid Karaoke
    Ahead of Valentine’s Day, belt out your favorite love songs and duets at Sid Gold’s Request Room in Northeast D.C. as part of Arena Stage’s “Chez Joey” Cupid Karaoke event. The free event is Friday.

    LOLLIPOP D.C.: The Ultimate Techno Edition
    LOLLIPOP D.C. is presenting a techno show with DJ Hyperactive and Luis Miranda of Tronic LA. This live EDM party is hosted at La Fabrica in Northeast D.C. on Saturday. Tickets cost approximately $30.

    Braille Class
    The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library is hosting a beginners’ level braille class that will go through the braille alphabet. Learn more about how to work with a slate and stylus and how to use a Perkins Brailler Saturday.

    D.C. Independent Film Festival
    The oldest independent film festival in the District, the D.C. Independent Film Festival, returns on Wednesday and runs through Feb. 16. This in-person event presents feature-length and short films from a variety of genres, including fiction, documentary, shorts, web series and animation. Prices vary.

    Maryland

    “The Enchanted Mermaid”
    Starting Saturday, Beale Street Puppets presents a family-friendly show with Bunraku-style puppets and elaborately built miniature castle and interior sets. This production of “The Enchanted Mermaid” is based upon the Walter de La Mare 1927 short story, “Lord Fish.” The show runs through March 1 at Glen Echo Park in Glen Echo, Maryland.

    Bianca Del Rio
    Known for winning the sixth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, drag queen Bianca Del Rio is coming to The Theater at MGM National Harbor Saturday for a live performance. Tickets start at approximately $55.

    “Little Miss Perfect”
    Joriah Kwamé’s song, “Little Miss Perfect,” went viral on TikTok, and he’s now set to launch a musical of the same name at Olney Theatre Center starting Sunday. Running through March 8, the story is focused on high school kids who seek to escape a small Midwestern town.

    “Nothing Up My Sleeve … Simple Deceptions”
    Master illusionist Dendy and acclaimed playwright and director Aaron Posner collaborated on a “part dazzling magic act, part deeply personal journey” at Round House Theatre. This production, titled, “Nothing Up My Sleeve … Simple Deceptions,” includes magic tricks, audience interaction and “mind-bending surprises.” The show runs from Wednesday through March 15.

    Virginia

    Chocolate Lovers Festival
    For its 34th year, the Chocolate Lovers Festival in Fairfax, Virginia, is back Friday through Sunday. The event is more than just indulging in chocolate tastings, including chocolate bar-making activities and children’s performances.

    Frosty Brew Thru
    In Fredericksburg, Virginia, the Frosty Brew Thru event offers attendees access to samples of exclusive craft beer, wine, cider and other spirits. The event is happening at the Fredericksburg Fairgrounds Saturday with tickets that cost $30 in advance or $40 at the door.

    Have an event you’d like featured in WTOP’s Things to do in the D.C. area weekly guide? Let us know!

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    © 2026 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    Michelle Goldchain

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  • Things to do in the DC area: ‘Paranormal Activity,’ go-kart championship … and more! – WTOP News

    Looking for a scare? The “Paranormal Activity” franchise hits the stage at D.C.’s Shakespeare Theatre Company with a two-hour theatrical experience packed with suspense and supernatural thrills. See more events around the D.C. area in this week’s Things to Do guide.

    Find one of the scariest theatrical productions of the year at D.C.’s Shakespeare Theatre Company. Running through Feb. 7, the “Paranormal Activity” film franchise is headed to the stage with a thrilling adaptation that is sure to scare.

    The approximately two-hour play is an original story set in the world of the film series. Travis Knight, assistant director and actor in “Paranormal Activity,” told WTOP that presenting a play in the horror genre presents unique challenges.

    “There’s something very (magical) about it. There’s this sense of increasing the danger for everybody in the room, and it is a uniquely difficult challenge, but it’s very fun,” said Knight, who mentioned that the show is working with Tony Award-winning illusions designer Chris Fisher.

    Fisher previously worked on productions, such as “Harry Potter & The Cursed Child” and “Stranger Things: The First Shadow.”

    “I think whether you’re a horror lover or not, it is a spectacle. It is a fun night in the theater. The audience reactions are incredible,” Knight said.

    Find more information on “Paranormal Activity” on the Shakespeare Theatre Company website. Ticket prices vary.

    Check back every Thursday for a roundup of Things to do in the DC area.

    Here’s what else is happening in the D.C. area:

    DC

    Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

    The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, which is the largest modern dance company in the nation, is performing at the Warner Theatre this Friday. The 11-performance engagement includes performances like “Embrace” by Fredrick Earl Mosley, among others. The AAADT is also performing on Saturday, Sunday, and additional future dates.

    ‘Chez Joey’

    Inspired by John O’Hara’s novel, Arena Stage is presenting “Chez Joey,” starting this Friday. The story, set in 1940s Chicago, is co-directed by Tony Award-winning choreographer Savion Glover and actor, director and producer Tony Goldwyn. “Chez Joey” runs through March 15.

    Creature Feature

    Rhizome D.C. is hosting an open stage drag show on Saturday, hosted by Exquisite Corpze. This show may contain adult themes, and tickets cost $5 to $15 on a sliding scale.

    Heated Rivalry Dance Party

    Love Crave Canada’s latest hit, “Heated Rivalry?” DC9 is hosting a dance party dedicated to the popular romance TV show. Advance tickets cost $5, while day-of tickets cost $10.

    ‘Barry Farm: Community, Land and Justice’

    The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library is hosting a film screening and discussion of the documentary “Barry Farm: Community, Land, and Justice” on Monday. The film showcases a “local example of a community that consistently persisted in the face of insurmountable obstacles.” Register ahead of time on the D.C. Public Library website.

    Maryland

    The Maka Sticks, The Soularites and Haplophyrne

    Quarry House Tavern in Silver Spring, Maryland, is hosting several local bands this Saturday for a live show. The bands include The Maka Sticks, The Soularites and Haplophyrne. General admission costs approximately $19.

    Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

    The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra is headed to the Music Center at Strathmore for a concert featuring music by Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 4 and Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 4. The event is on Saturday. Tickets start at around $48 and go up to $75.

    ‘On The Black Hand Side’

    The art exhibition opening for “On The Black Hand Side” at Joe’s Movement Emporium is this Sunday. The exhibition in Mount Rainier “pays tribute to the gestural representations of love, spirituality, creativity, respect, dignity, and recognition within Black American cultural traditions.” Also, expect an artist talk on March 4. The event is free to attend.

    Virginia

    Cabin Fever Film Festival

    The ninth annual Cabin Fever Film Festival is returning to Purcellville, Virginia. As the town’s only film festival, the family-friendly event is hosted Friday and Saturday with voting possible for the audience to choose their favorite for award consideration. The event costs $10 to attend on Friday and $5 to attend on Saturday.

    Snowflake Ball

    In Lovettsville, Virginia, expect a Snowflake Ball this Saturday that invites families to come and enjoy the event in their fanciest attire. Crafts at the event include a wand-making station and a tiara/crown-making station. Light refreshments will be served. It costs $15 to attend.

    K1 Speed’s Virginia State Championship

    Rev up your engines this Sunday for the K1 Speed’s Virginia State Championship. The go-kart races found here include two two-lap qualifying sessions and one 12-lap race. The event is located at K1 Speed Dulles in Sterling, Virginia.

    Have an event you’d like featured in WTOP’s Things to do in the D.C. area weekly guide? Let us know!

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    © 2026 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    Michelle Goldchain

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  • Things to do in the DC area: Cherry blossom events, José Andrés’ new cookbook… and more! – WTOP News

    Things to do in the DC area: Cherry blossom events, José Andrés’ new cookbook… and more! – WTOP News

    Cherry blossom season is here, and that means that there is a wide variety of events on the way to celebrate the spring season and the pink flowers that come with it across the D.C. area.

    Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea at Peacock Alley in the Waldorf Astoria.(Courtesy Waldorf Astoria Washington DC)

    Cherry blossom season is here, and that means that there is a wide variety of events on the way to celebrate the spring season and the pink flowers that come with it.

    There’s so much to do in the D.C. area in the coming days, and WTOP has you covered with our weekly roundup of area events worth anticipating.

    Check back every Thursday for a roundup of Things to do in the D.C. area.

    The biggest, boldest, bloom-iest events

    You can’t go wrong with checking out WTOP’s guide to the National Cherry Blossom Festival, which covers everything from how to get to the National Mall to who is performing this year at the opening ceremony on Saturday, March 23.

    There’s also the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade that’s scheduled for Saturday, April 13, that will include entertainers like “The Sugar Hill Gang” and American Idol 2023 finalist Colin Stough.

    The Wharf is hosting their annual Bloomaroo celebration, which involves over seven live bands performing on several stages, including Yani the Band, the Chuck Brown Band and Pink PaLiSh.

    Enjoy activities like koi kite decorating, a haiku creation station, karaoke stage, balloon artist, a tea garden with matcha tea sampling and more. The festival has been rescheduled for Saturday, March 30 due to the inclement weather this weekend.

    Other notable upcoming events include Sakura Sunday on March 24 at the National Harbor in Maryland; Petalpalooza on Saturday, April 6, at the Capitol Riverfront, which is capped off with a fireworks show; and the Japanese street festival, known as Sakura Matsuri, on April 13 and 14.

    More Cherry Blossom Festival News

    Notable free events

    First, check out the Blossom Kite Festival on the Washington Monument grounds. The event is planned for March 30.

    The Wunder Garten outdoor beer garden in NoMa is also hosting a myriad of events all month long through April 7 for their Cherryfest celebrations. They involve three weekends of cherry blossom cocktails, cherry blossom beer, a sake bar, trivia nights on Mondays and Wednesdays, as well as a paint and sip event.

    Later, on March 29, dance the night away at the Nicki Minaj Pink Friday Dance Party, hosted in partnership with National Cherry Blossom Festival. Admission is free.

    Benjamin McEvoy, event coordinator at Wunder Garten, told WTOP, “We’ll have tons of pink cherry blossom décor hanging from the ceiling and everywhere. We already have some cherry blossoms on site that are just at peak bloom right now. So, it’s a total cherry blossom experience.”

    Upcoming arts and music events

    On Saturday, March 23, check out National Harbor’s free movie night in celebration of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. The screening is for the romantic fantasy, “Fireworks,” which is from Genki Kawamura, the same producer of the popular animé, “Your Name.”

    Jazz & Blossoms, located at Franklin Park, is a free outdoor extravaganza with a musical backdrop. Alongside the sounds of Grammy Award-winning hip-hop trio Digable Planets and other musical artists along the course of the day, there is also a kid’s zone with face painting, balloon artistry and more. This event is on April 7.

    For the seventh year, ARTECHOUSE is hosting a cherry blossom-themed immersive exhibition. This time, it’s inspired by the Isekai genre of animé. When delving into “ISEKAI: Blooming Parallel Worlds,” guests can also enjoy augmented reality beverages with animations that burst forth from the cocktails while using the ARETCHOUSE mobile app. This exhibition runs through June 1.

    Events perfect for foodies

    The Fairmont is hosting Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea service on Saturdays and Sundays, beginning March 23 through April 14. The menu includes highlights like lychee and red cherry vanilla blossom macarons and scones flavored with cherry rose and vanilla blossom. Afternoon Tea is priced at $95 per person.

    The Waldorf Astoria hotel is also celebrating with their Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea in the soaring grand atrium, known as Peacock Alley. High Tea is served on Thursdays through Sundays at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The experience is offered through June 30 with delights like smoked salmon pinwheel tea sandwiches and cherry orange scones.

    At the Capitol Riverfront, six local restaurants will kick off the season with the “Toast to the Blossoms” cocktail tasting event on March 28. With tickets that cost approximately $40, the event includes a cherry blossom customized cocktail at each of the six stops of the evening. The participating restaurants include: District Winery, Pink Taco, Scarlet Oak, Silver Social, Walters and Tap99.

    If you’re in search of a space that is decked out in blossoms and pink cheer, Residents Café and Bar in Dupont Circle shouldn’t be missed. The drink and food menu are chock full of seasonal selections, such as the Sakura Spritz drink with cherry juice and sakura bitters.

    Silver Lyan in Chinatown is also hosting their Hanami Pop-Up in partnership with Chef Masako Morishita for a limited-edition Japanese menu. The bar is transformed in a cherry blossom fantasyland with a closing party planned on March 30 with live DJs. The food menu includes karaage fried chicken, strawberry fruit sandos and a cocktail menu that includes green tea Jell-O shots.

    Miscellaneous, but not forgotten

    In Alexandria, Virginia, the cat cafe known as Mount Purrnon is hosting “Purry Blossom Weekend” on March 23 and 24. This weekend-long event celebrates the spring season with cherry blossom-themed food and drink specials, while guests can enjoy reserve time with the feline friends inside.

    The Big Bear Cafe in D.C. is hosting a Cherry Blossom Market on March 23 with several local artisans that will sell everything from flowers to dog treats to vintage clothes and beyond. Find the full list of vendors here.

    Here’s what else is happening in the D.C. area.

    DC

    José Andrés’ new cookbook
    Chef and restaurateur José Andrés recently released a brand new cookbook, “Zaytinya: Delicious Mediterranean Dishes of Greece, Turkey and Lebanon.” In celebration, he will host an evening of interviews, cooking and live music at the Lincoln Theatre on Thursday, March 21. Tickets start at $45.

    DC Sketchfest
    From now through Saturday, March 23, check out D.C.’s first-ever sketch comedy festival at D.C. Improv and the D.C. Arts Center. The event features 100 performers from 22 comedy troupes from all over the U.S. and Canada. WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley has all the details you need.

    Georgetown Spring Art Walk
    From noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, 10 venues in the Georgetown neighborhood are showcasing a diverse range of artworks with a chance to meet and greet the artists behind them. The event is free.

    Trivia Night: Women’s History Month
    The National Portrait Gallery is partnering with New Columbia Pub Quiz on Tuesday, March 26, to host a trivia game that is themed for Women’s History Month. The free event allows the game to be played individually or in teams of up to six people.

    Maryland

    Comedy night with Nathan Macintosh
    Comedian Nathan Macintosh has performed on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on NBC, The Late Show With Stephen Colbert on CBS and Conan on TBS. On Thursday, March 21, he will perform locally at Frey’s Brewing Company in Mount Airy, Maryland. Tickets cost $30.

    “Big Fish”
    The Music Center at Strathmore is hosting the musical, “Big Fish,” based on the novel by Daniel Wallace and the film directed by Tim Burton. The theatrical production has music and lyrics from composer Andrew Lippa. Tickets start at $18.

    “A Little Bit of Everything”
    At the Columbia, Maryland, location of Busboys and Poets, enjoy a children’s book discussion that asks readers to celebrate uniqueness. The event on Sunday, March 24, with picture book creator Meghana Narayan is free.

    Virginia

    Meow Meow
    The Australian-born singer, dancer and “post-post-modern diva,” known as Meow Meow, will hit the stage on Thursday, March 21, at The Barns at Wolf Trap in Vienna, Virginia. Tickets start at around $35. 

    Capital Art and Craft Festival
    From March 22 through 24, the Capital Art and Craft Festival will feature over 250 artists and their works at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, Virginia. Tickets for this year’s event starts at $10.

    The Art of Pink
    On Saturday, March 23, in National Landing’s Metropolitan Park, expect a day of shopping with the Sari Sari Pop-Up Market as well as arts activities, a live DJ and a “preview” of a farmers market, plus live mural paintings. The Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington is also allowing guests to dive into the world of digital art with their art activation. Admission to The Art of Pink is free.

    Have an event you’d like featured in WTOP’s Things to do in the DC area weekly guide? Fill out this contact form to have your event considered.

    Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.

    © 2024 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    Michelle Goldchain

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