Promising a culturally innovative and educational experience, check out a handful of the many events happening in the DMV this weekend.
Kick off the weekend with a panel offering students insight on professional development and entrepreneurship.
Celebrate culture and history with Rochelle Rice’s “And We Shall March” and DanceAfrica DC 2024: Both Sides of the Water, or engage in rare artistic attractions through an exhibition with Bank of America’s Museums on Us.
Carve the path from liberation to activism at the Kennedy Center before enjoying a witty, dark comedic performance from Priyanka Shetty and game-lovers can end the weekend with D.C.’s largest gaming festival.
To stay up-to-date with all the fun, don’t forget to check out the Washington Informer Calendar and remember, there’s always something happening in the DMV to keep your spirit — and social life — lit.
Thursday, May 30
AI’s Promise & Price: Tackling Challenges, Seizing Chances for Communities
5 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Free
Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center, 555 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C., 20001
Join Johns Hopkins University for a new product showcase and interactive dialogues with leading experts from across the region, exploring the many ways leveraging AI and technology can improve health outcomes and catalyze community vibrancy for all.
“The Power Shift” series, hosted by Johns Hopkins University & Medicine – Ward Infinity aims to empower, educate, and equip communities to use entrepreneurship as a powerful tool to solve economic and health disparities and create community vibrancy.
Addressing centuries of systemic inequality, “The Power Shift” reimagines the balance of power, ownership, and control.
Friday, May 31
Carving the Path from Activism to Liberation
6 p.m. | Free with reservation
Kennedy Center, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20566
This panel discussion will be between featured artists from “The Gathering: A Collective Sonic Ring Shout” and community-based activists, examining their relationship and how they help communities heal and change narratives.
This is a reservation and not a ticket and there is a four-ticket limit. Patrons who make advanced reservations can pick up their tickets at the remote box office in the RIVER PAVILION on the day-of, beginning at 5 p.m.
DanceAfrica DC 2024: Both Sides of the Water
8 p.m. | $30
Dance Place, 3225 8th Street NE, Washington, D.C., 20017
Get ready to move to the rhythms at the 37th annual DanceAfrica DC festival. Dive into a week bursting with the invigorating energy of dance, the rhythm of music, and the richness of tradition.
Guided by the dynamic Griot Mama Sylvia Soumah, DanceAfrica DC 2024 promises to be an unmissable extravaganza that will inspire, invigorate, educate, and entertain. Don’t miss out on the fun, which will include live performances, an African market buzzing with excitement, and captivating oral histories.
Saturday, June 1
All-New Cezanne Exhibition with Bank of America’s Museums on Us
11 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Free
The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st St NW, Washington, D.C., 20009
Bank of America, Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank credit and debit cardholders can receive free general admission to one of Washington, D.C.’s most in-demand cultural attractions Saturday and Sunday, June 1 and June 2.
Bank of America cardholders will have the opportunity to visit two newly conserved Paul Cezanne paintings: “Mont Sainte-Victoire” (1886-87) and “Self-Portrait” (c. 1877) – on display together for the first time in over 50 years. In partnership with Bank of America and the bank’s Art Conservation Project Grant, The Phillips Collection presents “Up Close with Paul Cezanne,” providing visitors new insights into the artist’s process.
8 p.m. | $55
The Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church St NW, Washington, D.C., 20036
Priyanka Shetty’s “The Elephant in the Room” is a witty, dark comedy about an Indian software engineer-turned-actor who must navigate life as an immigrant arriving in Trump’s America.
When Priyanka makes the bold move to defy her family by quitting her IT job and moving to the U.S. to pursue an acting career, things don’t quite turn out how she imagined.
Watch Priyanka’s real-life story unfold as she transitions from her deeply embedded roots in India to find context and common ground in America. Gear up for a funny, tumultuous ride through immiscible cultures, unforgettable love, irreparable loss, and the desperation of not belonging anywhere.
Sunday, June 2
MET FEST 2024, DC’s Largest Gaming Festival featuring Esports
11 a.m. | $30
Entertainment & Sports Arena, 1100 Oak Drive SE, Washington, D.C., 20032
Met Fest 2024 is the District’s largest gaming festival featuring Esports, Gaming, Music, and STEM. Starting June 1 at the Entertainment & Sports Arena, this unforgettable, groundbreaking two-day festival is the first-ever event of its kind targeting all high school and college students in the multi-billion-dollar gaming industry.
The event offers young gamers an introduction into learning how to improve their chances for college scholarships and working with professional Esports teams and gaming companies to level up their careers in the Esports gaming industry.
Rochelle Rice’s And We Shall March
3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Free
North Bethesda United Methodist Church, 10100 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, MD 20814
Nationally recognized singer, motivational speaker, author, and educator Rochelle Rice will take listeners on a journey through the social justice causes, key figures, and the empowering music of one of the most transformative eras of American history.
In honor of the 1963 March on Washington, the vocalist and composer will present songs of social justice in an engaging “informance.”
This is the second event in North Bethesda United Methodist Church’s (UMC) 2024 Community Concert Series, selected as it blends well with the community’s efforts to support social justice and remember the struggles of those who have come before us.