{"id":2427452,"date":"2026-05-22T04:09:50","date_gmt":"2026-05-22T04:09:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/?p=2427452"},"modified":"2026-05-22T04:09:50","modified_gmt":"2026-05-22T04:09:50","slug":"25-things-to-do-around-d-c-over-memorial-day-weekend","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/25-things-to-do-around-d-c-over-memorial-day-weekend\/","title":{"rendered":"25 things to do around D.C. over Memorial Day weekend"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\ud83d\udcc6<\/p>\n

Every Thursday, we share weekend events happening around the city. Are you planning an event you\u2019d like us to consider for this roundup? Send it to our team at <\/em><\/i>51st.news\/submit-events<\/em><\/i><\/a>. <\/em><\/i><\/p>\n

Find even more events in our <\/em><\/i>Civics Roundup<\/em><\/i><\/a>, which focuses on ways to get more involved locally.<\/em><\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

It\u2019s Memorial Day weekend, and we\u2019ve already gotten a taste of summer heat. If you\u2019re sticking around the city, there are a lot of options for keeping busy.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve got swing dancing lessons in a church, a night celebrating all things Bruce Lee, an all-day house music festival in Alethia Tanner Park, Shakespearean improv at a puppet theater, a natural dye workshop, and, of course, the start of outdoor pool season. From jazz to junk journaling, Taps to tap dancing, it\u2019s a great weekend to be in D.C.!<\/p>\n

A note: The forecast for the weekend is looking stormy! Check before you head out that these events are still on.<\/p>\n

Harry Thomas Recreation Center is home to one of the many outdoor pools across the city that will open up for the summer this weekend. (Michelle Cassidy)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER: <\/strong>Jump In, D.C.<\/strong><\/a>
\ud83d\udccd Anacostia Recreation Center (1800 Anacostia Dr. SE)
\u23f0 12 – 3 p.m.
\ud83d\udcb8 FREE<\/em><\/strong>
Mayor Bowser will be celebrating the start to the summer the way she has for the last 15 years: jumping into a pool. Memorial Day weekend marks the official opening of the city\u2019s outdoor public pools, and DC Parks & Recreation is celebrating with art, music, food, and activities at the Anacostia Rec Center pool. <\/s>Pools will only be open on the weekends (plus Memorial Day) until Sunday, June 22. For more information about outdoor pools, see the DPR website<\/u><\/a>.
(We’ll update if a new date is announced for this event!)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Jazz at SAAM with Clara Campbell<\/u><\/strong><\/a>
\ud83d\udccd Smithsonian American Art Museum (8th and G St. NW)
\u23f0 5 – 7 p.m.
\ud83d\udcb8 FREE<\/em><\/strong>
For a cool start to the holiday weekend, head to the (air-conditioned!) Kogod Courtyard at the American Art Museum for one of the museum\u2019s recurring Take 5 jazz performances. Today, it\u2019s local jazz vocalist Clara Campell, who is known for bringing fresh life to classic jazz standards. She\u2019s also a member of Airmen of Note<\/u><\/a>, a jazz ensemble within the United States Air Force Band. Accompanied by a quintet, Campbell will perform selections from the Great American Songbook.<\/p>\n

I LOVE D.C. Storytelling Swap with Story District<\/u><\/strong><\/a>
\ud83d\udccd Mt. Pleasant Neighborhood Library (3160 16th St. NW)
\u23f0 6 – 7:30 p.m.
\ud83d\udcb8 FREE,<\/em><\/strong> advance reservation recommended
Everyone has a great story, but sometimes you need to learn how to tell it. Guided by experts from Story District<\/u><\/a>, you can learn the fundamentals of personal narrative and explore how you have been part of the evolving story of the city. The I LOVE D.C. storytelling swap offers an opportunity for residents to reflect on everyday acts of community, rather than historic milestones. Through guided exercises, you’ll identify source material from your life, practice in pairs and small groups, and receive feedback (if you want it!) in a supportive environment.<\/p>\n

Here & Now: A Phone-Free Experience<\/u><\/strong><\/a>
\ud83d\udccd City State Public House (705 Edgewood St. NE)
\u23f0 6:30 – 9 p.m.
\ud83d\udcb8 $25+
If you\u2019ve been wanting to find more offline human connection but didn\u2019t know where to start, this phone-free experience might be just the thing. \u200bYou’ll arrive, check in your phone, and receive \u201cThe Present,\u201d a small kit with a journal, pen, conversation prompts, and more \u2014 everything you need to have a great couple hours without your phone. Participants will get paired up for short conversations at the start, then the room will open up for free-flowing conversation.<\/p>\n

The Fool: A Tarot Comedy Show<\/u><\/strong><\/a>
\ud83d\udccd Black Cat (1811 14th St. NW)
\u23f0 7 p.m.
\ud83d\udcb8 $15 in advance, $20 day-of
Seeking guidance of some of life\u2019s big problems, like trying to decide if you should quit your job or tell a friend to ditch their toxic situationship? Come to this night of tarot and comedy and let the cards do the talking. Audience members called up on stage will receive a tarot reading from local witch Skye Marinda on stage as well as a (loving) roast from comedian Maddie Albornoz.<\/p>\n

Capitol Swing Dance<\/u><\/strong><\/a>
\ud83d\udccd St. Mark’s Episcopal Church (301 A St. SE)
\u23f0 7 – 9:30 p.m.
\ud83d\udcb8 $10
On the third Thursday of every month, the Capitol Hillbillies host a community dance at St. Mark\u2019s Episcopal Church on Capitol Hill. There will be live music from an eight-piece band, friendly instructors, and a welcoming crowd. Experienced dancers and newbies alike are welcome \u2014 there will be a beginner lesson at 7 p.m., and no partner required to dance.<\/p>\n

FRIDAY, MAY 22<\/h2>\n
\"A
Bruce Lee as Cheng Chao-an in <\/span>The Big Boss, <\/em><\/i>the 1971 martial arts film that was his first big break. On Friday night, the National Museum of Asian Art is hosting a celebration of the actor’s life and work (National General Pictures \/ <\/span>Wikimedia Commons<\/span><\/u><\/a>)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The History of Bubble Tea<\/u><\/strong><\/a>
\ud83d\udccd Mt. Pleasant Neighborhood Library (3160 16th St. NW)
\u23f0 4 – 5 p.m.
\ud83d\udcb8 FREE<\/em><\/strong>
Bubble tea, aka boba, is one of the biggest cultural exports from Taiwan. Since these drinks filled with chewy, sweet balls of tapioca first appeared in Taiwanese tea shops in the \u201880s, they\u2019ve spread all over the world. Head to the Mt. Pleasant Library to learn more about the history of these drinks and make some yourself! All supplies will be provided.<\/p>\n

Bruce Lee Night<\/u><\/strong><\/a>
\ud83d\udccd National Museum of Asian Art (1050 Independence Ave. SW)
\u23f0 5 – 9:15 p.m.
\ud83d\udcb8 FREE, <\/em><\/strong>advance registration recommended
To kick off the IlluminAsia BookCon for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the National Museum of Asian Art is celebrating the iconic Bruce Lee with an evening of literature, film, and music. Author Jeff Chang will discuss his new book, Water Mirror Echo: Bruce Lee and the Making of Asian America<\/u><\/em><\/a>, with Theo Gonzalves, a curator at the National Museum of American History. The talk will be followed by a screening of Lee\u2019s big breakthrough film, The Big Boss<\/em>, accompanied live by DJ 2-Tone Jones in one of Shaolin Jazz\u2019s \u201cCan I Kick It?\u201d events<\/u><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Book Talk: The Lavender Bans<\/em> by Dorian Rhea Debussy<\/u><\/strong><\/a>
\ud83d\udccd Solid State Books (600F H St. NE)
\u23f0 7 – 8 p.m.
\ud83d\udcb8 $6.60+
Academic and transgender rights advocate Rhea Debussy will discuss her new book, The Lavender Bans<\/u><\/em><\/a>, a comprehensive account of the evolution of anti-LGBTQ+ policies in the U.S. military from World War I to the present. Examines six distinct periods of exclusion over the course of a century, The Lavender Bans<\/em> sheds light on a long and troubling history \u2014 with deep contemporary relevance as the exclusion of transgender people continues.<\/p>\n

SATURDAY, MAY 23<\/h2>\n
\"A
Great blue herons are some of the many birds you can spot on a walk through the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. (deckerme \/ <\/span>Flickr<\/span><\/u><\/a>)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens Bird Walk<\/u><\/strong><\/a>
\ud83d\udccd Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens (1550 Anacostia Ave. NE)
\u23f0 9:30 – 11 a.m.
\ud83d\udcb8 FREE,<\/em><\/strong> advance registration required
The Natural History Museum is teaming up with DC Bird Alliance<\/u><\/a> to host a spring bird walk at Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens. The park is a tremendous site for birdwatching \u2014 more than 250 different species of birds have been spotted there, from red-winged blackbirds to great egrets and herons that wade through the marshes. Families are welcome, and no birding experience or equipment is required to join.<\/p>\n

Coffee & Collections: Caring for Quilts<\/u><\/strong><\/a>
\ud83d\udccd Anacostia Community Museum (1901 Fort Pl. SE)
\u23f0 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
\ud83d\udcb8 FREE<\/em><\/strong>
Quilting is an art that balances both beauty and utility. Piecing a quilt together takes countless hours of planning and sewing, and there is care, memory and cultural history in every stitch. But they can be fragile, especially as they\u2019re passed down. At this event, guests will get a chance to explore the quilts in the Anacostia Community Museum\u2019s collection and learn techniques for storing and preserving their own.\u202fGuests are invited to bring a quilt for consultation with museum staff. The museum’s galleries are closed until May 30, but they’re open for events!<\/p>\n

Capital House Music Festival Summer Opener<\/u><\/strong><\/a>
\ud83d\udccd Alethia Tanner Park (227 Harry Thomas Way NE)
\u23f0 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
\ud83d\udcb8 FREE, <\/em><\/strong>registration required, donations encouraged
The Capital House Music Festival returns with a salute to DJ Sam “The Man” Burns. Burns supplied D.C. dance floors with his signature deep house sound for more than 40 years before passing away in 2020. DJs will be spinning in Alethia Tanner Park all day, raising funds for local arts and music organizations<\/u><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Mt. Pleasant Walking Whiskey Tour<\/u><\/strong><\/a>
\ud83d\udccd Embarks from the Francis Asbury Memorial (3025 Mt. Pleasant St. NW)
\u23f0 2 – 4 p.m.
\ud83d\udcb8 $35 ($30 for federal or D.C. government employees)
Join Troy Hughes, local author and co-founder of the revived pre-Prohibition whiskey brand Mt. Pleasant Club Whiskey, for a tour that explores the history of Mt. Pleasant back to 1792, focusing on the neighborhood\u2019s connections to liquor production. The tour will conclude with a private tasting of Mt. Pleasant Club Whiskey offerings.<\/p>\n

Natural Dye Workshop<\/u><\/strong><\/a>
\ud83d\udccd Rhizome DC (6950 Maple St. NW)
\u23f0 2 p.m.
\ud83d\udcb8 $38.31-48.86
Join Gambian-American fiber and textile artist Fatima Janneh for a hands-on exploration of dyeing with natural materials. By using plant-derived dye on a cotton bandana, participants will learn practical dyeing techniques while discovering the material properties that make the medium so uniquely fascinating.<\/p>\n

The Artless Bards Present: Comedy at the Puppet Co.!<\/u><\/strong><\/a>
\ud83d\udccd Puppet Co. Playhouse (7300 Macarthur Blvd.; Glen Echo, Maryland)
\u23f0 7 – 8:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:30)
\ud83d\udcb8 $15-35
D.C.’s longest-running Shakespearean improv comedy troupe \u2014 we have multiple! \u2014 presents a night of improv, sketch, and stand-up comedy in support of the Puppet Co. Playhouse. Part of Glen Echo Park since its founding in 1983, the Puppet Co. is one of the few year-round theaters in the country dedicated entirely to the art of puppetry. The Artless Bards will be joined by other local comedy acts including Ashley Nimmo, Meridian Hill Comedy, Michael Schuirmann, and Ingrid and Mollie. A cash bar with beer\/wine\/cider, non-alcoholic drinks, and snacks will be available.<\/p>\n

Concert: Femi and the Foundation \/ Rock Creek Kings<\/u><\/strong><\/a>
\ud83d\udccd DC9 (1940 9th St. NW)
\u23f0 7 p.m. doors, 7:30 p.m. show
\ud83d\udcb8 $19.57
To celebrate the release of their new EP Feeling Right<\/em>, Femi and the Foundation are playing a show at DC9. The band blends funk, rock, hip-hop, and R&B to create a distinctive local sound that has been called \u201cstylish, soulful, and engaging from start to finish.\u201d They\u2019ll be joined by another local band, Rock Creek Kings, whose music is a dynamic fusion of rock, blues, and pop that features ripping saxophone and guitar solos and rich vocal harmonies.<\/p>\n

SUNDAY, MAY 24<\/h2>\n
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An ice cream history tour explores the sweeter side of Old Town Alexandria. (PTMP \/ <\/span>Unsplash<\/span><\/u><\/a>)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ice Cream History Tour of Old Town<\/u><\/strong><\/a>
\ud83d\udccd Old Town Alexandria (meeting location sent upon signup)
\u23f0 2 – 4 p.m.
\ud83d\udcb8 $35 for adults, $25 for children
Alexandria Food Tours\u2019 Hope Nelson and Michael Lee Pope have teamed up to show you the sweeter side of Old Town. Over eight stops, you\u2019ll explore the history of Alexandria and its food scene, enjoying two ice cream and custard treats en route. Come hungry and ready to learn!<\/p>\n

Book Talk: The Odyssey: A Graphic Novel <\/em>by Gareth Hinds<\/u><\/strong><\/a>
\ud83d\udccd People\u2019s Book (7014 Westmoreland Ave. Suite A; Takoma Park, Maryland)
\u23f0 2 – 3 p.m.
\ud83d\udcb8 FREE<\/em><\/strong>
With Christopher Nolan\u2019s take on The Odyssey coming out this summer, the ancient Greek tale is about to be everywhere. Why not check out one more take on the classic epic poem? Award-winning graphic artist Gareth Hinds reinterpreted the story in 2010 as a graphic novel<\/u><\/a>, bringing the character of Odysseus and everyone he meets along his long journey home from the Trojan War to life with spectacular visuals. Catch Hinds at People\u2019s Book in Takoma Park discussing the bestselling book\u2019s new collectible edition \u2014 and how he found new ways to interpret a story that has been told and retold for more than 2,500 years.<\/p>\n

Walking Tour: Queer Black Broadway<\/u><\/strong><\/a>
\ud83d\udccd Howard Theatre (620 T St. NW)
\u23f0 6 – 7:30 p.m.
\ud83d\udcb8 $30
In the early 20th century, the U Street Corridor was known as “Black Broadway.” From Prohibition to the Civil Rights Movement, it was also the center for social justice movements that fought to bring more opportunity for marginalized groups. Celebrate DC Black Pride Week with this 90-minute walking tour that starts at The Howard Theatre and ends at Thurst Lounge, D.C.’s first queer Black-owned bar. A portion of proceeds goes to benefit the Rainbow History Project<\/u><\/a>, which collects, preserves, and promotes LGBTQ history in the D.C. area. Read more about the organization\u2019s work here!<\/u><\/a><\/p>\n

Live Karaoke<\/u><\/strong><\/a>
\ud83d\udccd The Pocket (1508 North Capitol St. NW)
\u23f0 Doors 7:30 p.m, show at 8 p.m.
\ud83d\udcb8 FREE<\/em><\/strong>
Need to get something off your chest? Or just want to feel like a rock star for a night? Come out to the Pocket for live band karaoke and sing the song that\u2019s in your heart \u2014 or several of them.<\/p>\n

MONDAY, MAY 25<\/h2>\n
\"A
The annual Memorial Day parade will process down Constitution Avenue on Monday morning. (U.S. Army Band \/ <\/span>Flickr<\/span><\/u><\/a>)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Taps Across the National Mall<\/u><\/strong><\/a>
\ud83d\udccd National Mall
\u23f0 8 a.m.\u00a0
\ud83d\udcb8 FREE<\/em><\/strong>
To mark the beginning of Memorial Day, \u201cTaps\u201d will be played at 11 locations across the National Mall, including both current memorials and the sites of future memorials, to honor those who have served the country through military service. Visitors on the National Mall at that time are invited to pause at this time and reflect on the meaning of Memorial Day.<\/p>\n

National Tap Dance Day Park Jam<\/u><\/strong><\/a>
\ud83d\udccd Dupont Circle (21 Dupont Circle NW)
\u23f0 4 – 6 p.m.
\ud83d\udcb8 FREE<\/em>,<\/strong> advance registration recommended
If \u201cTaps\u201d isn\u2019t quite your thing, Monday is also National Tap Dance day. The holiday is celebrated every year on May 25, the birthday of legendary tapper Bill “Bojangles” Robinson. D.C.\u2019s very own tap-dancing organization, the Wood Collective, is hosting a tap party in Dupont Circle. Jam sessions are open to anybody who wants to join, from dancers to musicians and beyond. Every session is completely free and open to anyone who wants to join. There will be a few extra tap boards and instruments on hand if you don\u2019t have tapping tools of your own.<\/p>\n

Junk Journaling Night<\/u><\/strong><\/a>
\ud83d\udccd 52 O Street Studios (52 O St. NW)
\u23f0 5 – 7 p.m.
\ud83d\udcb8 $35.88
Ever heard of a junk journal? These little books are a fun way to turn trash into treasure through collage and crafting. Hosted by District Riso, this is a casual, friendly creative event. There will be printing scraps, misprints, stickers, washi tape, magazines, and other fun materials to use in putting together your project. You can bring your own journal or start fresh using the materials that will be available on-site. Come for a relaxed, no-pressure space to experiment and connect with other creatives.<\/p>\n

Washington Psychotronic Film Society: The Wicker Man<\/em><\/u><\/strong><\/a>
\ud83d\udccd Stoney’s on P St. (1433 P St. NW)
\u23f0 6:30 – 9 p.m.
\ud83d\udcb8 FREE<\/em><\/strong>
The Washington Psychotronic Film Society is hosting a free screening of this 1973 horror classic that follows a police sergeant investigating the mysterious disappearance of a young girl on a remote Scottish island. The Wicker Man<\/u><\/em><\/a> has been called one of the most influential horror films of the last 50 years, and Christopher Lee himself called it \u201cthe finest film I\u2019ve ever been in\u201d \u2014 which is saying something, considering he played Saruman in Lord of the Rings<\/em>!<\/p>\n

Top Gun: Maverick<\/em> in IMAX<\/u><\/strong><\/a>
\ud83d\udccd National Air and Space Museum (513 Independence Ave. SW)
\u23f0 7 p.m.
\ud83d\udcb8 $13 adults, $10 for children, seniors, staff, and NASM members
For the Memorial Day installment of the NASM 50th Anniversary Film Series<\/u><\/a>, the museum will be doing a one-night-only screening of Top Gun: Maverick<\/em>. The 2022 film brought Tom Cruise back into the role of Navy aviator Pete \u201cMaverick\u201d Mitchell as he trains a detachment of Top Gun graduates for a specialized mission, confronting his own fears along the way.<\/p>\n

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Note: Purchasing books via the links in this story, or <\/em><\/i>here<\/em><\/i><\/a>, supports our nonprofit newsroom \u2014 and independent bookstores across the country \u2014 through Bookshop.org\u2019s <\/em><\/i>affiliate<\/em><\/i><\/a> program.<\/em><\/i><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n

\u2018 The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n

\u2018 Some details of this article were extracted from the following source 51st.news \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\ud83d\udcc6 Every Thursday, we share weekend events happening around the city. Are you planning an event you\u2019d like us to consider for this roundup? Send it to our team at 51st.news\/submit-events. Find even more events in our Civics Roundup, which focuses on ways to get more involved locally. It\u2019s Memorial Day weekend, and we\u2019ve already […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2427453,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"jnews-multi-image_gallery":[],"jnews_single_post":[],"jnews_primary_category":[],"jnews_social_meta":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[25179],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2427452","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-music"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/25-things-to-do-around-DC-over-Memorial-Day-weekend.JPG","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2427452","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2427452"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2427452\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2427454,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2427452\/revisions\/2427454"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2427453"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2427452"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2427452"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2427452"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}