Weekend Round Up May 3, 2018
By • May 3, 2018 0 1132
The 144th running of the Kentucky Derby will take place this Saturday, May 5, on Karl Marx’s 200th birthday. Also this weekend: Spring Days of Design in the Georgetown Design District, Flower Mart at Washington National Cathedral and the final D.C. performances of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s “Hamlet.” For more May events, visit The Georgetowner’s online calendar.
Georgetown Spring Days of Design
With spring finally making its appearance, the desire to clean out, renew and refresh the home is a traditional part of welcoming the season. A number of businesses in Georgetown, including Pillar & Post and Jonathan Adler, will participate in this three-day event. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 3, Friday, May 4, and Saturday, May 5. For details, visit georgetowndc.com.
Royal Shakespeare Company: ‘Hamlet’
The Royal Shakespeare Company returns to the Kennedy Center for the first time since 2007 with the Bard’s searing tragedy of murder and revenge, closing this weekend. Directed by Simon Godwin and featuring rising star Paapa Essiedu as Hamlet, this production won raves both for Godwin’s vision of Hamlet’s Denmark as a state in West Africa and Essiedu’s revelatory portrayal. Performances are: Thursday, May 3, and Friday, May 4, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, May 5, at 1 and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, May 6, at 1 p.m. Tickets are $39 to $129. For details, visit kennedy-center.org or call 800-444-1324.
Reception: ‘Depicting Memories’ at Glen Echo
The Glen Echo Park Partnership, 7300 MacArthur Boulevard in Glen Echo, Maryland, presents an art walk reception for “Depicting Memories: Art Work by ESOL Students” on Friday, May 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. Curated by instructor Beatriz del Olmo Fiddleman, the exhibition, on view through May 28, will showcase artist books created by English for Speakers of Other Languages students at Albert Einstein High School. For details, visit glenechopark.org or call 301-634-2222.
Maine Night at Moser Showroom
This benefit on Friday, May 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Thos. Moser, 1028 33rd St. NW, for the Maine State Society Foundation’s scholarship program will feature music by Maine jazz legend Brad Terry, a silent auction focusing on Maine artisans and L.L.Bean items and refreshments provided by Luke’s Lobster. Attendees will get 10 percent off all Thos. Moser furniture and purchases and dedicated time with showroom manager Kevin Sweitzer. Tickets are $50. For details, visit mainestatesociety.org.
Esperanza Spalding at the Library of Congress
Grounded in jazz traditions but never bound by them, improviser, composer, bassist and vocalist Esperanza Spalding, winner of four Grammy Awards, will perform a new violin and piano commission at this free (with RSVP) concert at the Library of Congress, 101 Independence Ave. SE, on Friday, May 4, at 8 p.m. For details, visit loc.gov or call 202-707-5000.
Flower Mart at Washington National Cathedral
The 79th annual Flower Mart is a free two-day event, offering an international flower display, boutique booths, food, tower climbs and children’s activities, including rides on All Hallows Guild’s antique carousel. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday, May 4, and Saturday, May 5. For details, visit cathedral.org. Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW.
Max Weinberg’s Jukebox
Max Weinberg, the rhythmic force propelling the E Street Band for 43 years, is also known to millions of fans for his 17-year stint as the bandleader and comedic foil to talk-show host Conan O’Brien. At these 8 p.m. appearances on Friday, May 4, and Saturday, May 5, at the Barns at Wolf Trap, 1635 Trap Road in Vienna, Virginia, the audience will create the set list in real time. Tickets are $50 to $175. For details, visit wolftrap.org or call 703-255-1900.
Around the World Embassy Tour
On Saturday, May 5, dozens of embassies will open their doors to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., enabling visitors to travel the world experiencing the food, art, dance, fashion and music of many countries. Admission is free but embassies generally require photo ID. For embassy addresses, a map, the schedule of activities and late-breaking news, visit culturaltourismdc.org.
Virginia Gold Cup
Gates open at 10 a.m. for the historic steeplechase event the Virginia Gold Cup, with opening ceremonies at noon (following terrier races at 11:30 a.m.), eight races and tailgate and hat contests at Great Meadow, 5089 Old Tavern Road in The Plains, Virginia. General Admission Car Passes for a vehicle and eight passengers are $100. For details, visit vagoldcup.com.
Kentucky Derby Party at the Willard
On Derby Day, Saturday, May 5, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., the Willard InterContinental hotel, 1401 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, hosts its annual Bonnets & Bow Ties party, bringing a taste of Churchill Downs to the Grand Ballroom. Tickets, including complete derby coverage, mint juleps, unlimited beer and wine, Southern-style fare, prizes for Best Derby Bonnet and Fanciest Bow Tie and the official 2018 Kentucky Derby commemorative glass, is $99. For details, visit eventbrite.com.
Karl Marx Birthday Extravaganza
Also on Saturday, May 5, at 6 p.m., Goethe-Institut, 1990 K. St NW, in partnership with Capital Fringe presents the “Dictionary of Marx” multimedia experience on the 200th birthday of German economic philosopher Karl Marx. “Dictionary of Marx” explores his economic theories from today’s perspective. The viewer will also have the chance to engage directly in a creative writing workshop, a game of Anti-Monopoly or a philosophic discussion at the bar. Tickets are $10. For details, visit goethe.de or call 202-847-4700.
Jackson Art Center Open Studios
The Jackson Art Center, 3050 R St. NW, invites the public to stroll through 30 working art studios and enjoy live music and refreshments at its Spring Open Studios on Sunday, May 6, from noon to 5 p.m. New this year: Visitors can shop a collection of original art priced under $100 by Jackson artists. A children’s printmaking workshop starts at 3 p.m. Admission is free and all ages are welcome. For details, visit jacksonartcenter.com.
