Things to do in the DC area: DC Beer and Wine Fests, Taylor Swift dance party … and more! – WTOP News

DC

D.C. Comedy Festival
Running through April 13, laugh it up at the sixth annual D.C. Comedy Festival with a myriad of events hosted each day around the District, including Dupont Underground for the festival finale.

Taylor Swift-themed dance party
Get your friendship bracelets ready! A week before the release of Taylor Swift’s eleventh studio album, Eastern Market is hosting “Blossoms & Starlight,” a Swift-themed dance party. The all-ages event on Friday, April 12, will include a live DJ with tickets selling for $35 for adults or $20 for those under the age of 18.

Rat Gallery Spring Show
The community-supported art gallery, known as Rat Gallery, is opening a new spring art exhibition. With artists Rob Deatherage, Indigo Cristol and Patrick McMahon featured, the event on Saturday, April 13, will feature a variety of mediums, including drawings, paintings and ceramics.

Sakura Matsuri
D.C.’s annual Japanese street festival Sakura Matsuri returns this weekend on April 13 and 14. Expect a diverse range of cultural exhibitors and artisans as well as Japanese goods, food and more. Tickets start at $15 for a one-day ticket and $25 for a two-day ticket.

D.C. Emancipation Day
On Freedom Plaza, celebrate the end of slavery in the District with a day-long event that includes a parade, concert and fireworks. Mark your calendar for Emancipation Day on Sunday, April 14.

Maryland

WoCo Fest
On Friday, April 12, get your groove on with vast array of talented D.C.-based musicians for the opening day of WoCo Fest. The tickets for the event at AMP by Strathmore in North Bethesda, Maryland, start at $20 per person with a $10 discount for students. Tickets to the livestream cost $5.

Mount Rainier Garden Crawl
Celebrate Earth Day with a garden crawl at Joe’s Movement Emporium in Mount Rainier, Maryland, on Saturday, April 13. Expect nature-based workshops, hands-on green activities, giveaways and essential gardening tips.

Sound & Sense: a Poetry Reading
The People’s Book store in Takoma Park, Maryland, is hosting an evening of poetry from local writers who have workshopped and read together in the neighborhood. This in-person event on Sunday, April 14, is free, but capped at 50 patrons maximum.

Virginia

Friends & Threads Clothing Swap
Visit any of the three George Mason University campuses on Thursday, April 11, to shop donated new and gently used clothes and accessories. The event is free and open to the public.

Pink Beats
Don’t let cherry blossom season end early. Head to Crystal City’s Water Park for an unforgettable lineup of musical guests from the DMV. The event on Saturday, April 13, also includes specials from Water Park food vendors and giveaways. The event is free.

Washington’s Impressionist Art
Profs & Pints is heading to Sterling, Virginia’s Crooked Run Fermentation craft brewery for their next lecture. This time, the focus is on understanding French impressionism on display throughout the District. Tickets for the event on Sunday, April 14, cost approximately $15.