Memorial Day weekend is where theatrics meet fun and creativity with this bundle of boastful events and exhibitions.
If you’re looking for a spot to enjoy with the family, then Thursday is the perfect day to check out the Odenton Volunteer Fire Company’s Carnival or Toby’s Dinner Theatre’s presentation of Beauty and the Beast.
Dive into oceanic topics with Ocean Explorer Theater, or enjoy the immersive experiences of Saturday’s “Ways of Seeing Time” exhibition, or Sunday’s Mosaic Theater: Mexodus.
Horror-genre lovers are in for a delight with the Paranormal Cirque, while U Street hosts a Caribbean bar crawl to celebrate the holiday with drink specials and good music.
Aiming for something more relaxed and comedic? Join the Kennedy Center in welcoming Angelina Spicer with a screening of her comedy special, “The Waldorf Hysteria.”
There’s always something happening in the DMV to keep your spirit — and social life — lit. To keep up with all the fun, don’t forget to check out the Washington Informer Calendar.
Thursday, May 23
Odenton Volunteer Fire Company’s Carnival
6 p.m. | $35
Odenton Volunteer Fire Company, 1425 Annapolis Road, Odenton, MD 21113
Set your calendar for The Odenton Volunteer Fire Company‘s annual carnival, starting running through Monday, May 27. Enjoy a variety of rides, games, food, and fun for the whole family, including a presentation of Colors by the Odenton Volunteer Fire Company’s Honor Guard on Memorial Day, beginning at 5 p.m.
All you can ride bracelets for the carnival rides will be sold each night of the carnival for $35. Please note, the bracelets are only good for the date of purchase.
Toby’s Dinner Theatre Presents Beauty and the Beast
6 p.m. | $79
Toby’s Dinner Theatre Columbia, 5900 Symphony Woods Road, Columbia, MD 21044
Featuring the animated film’s Academy Award®-winning score, this breathtaking musical is the story of Belle and the Beast, who happens to be a handsome prince cursed by a beautiful enchantress.
If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will be lifted. If not, he and his servants will be doomed for all eternity. Will their love bloom before time runs out?
Tickets can be purchased directly through the Box Office by calling (410) 730-8311.
Friday, May 24
Ocean Explorer Theater Spotlight Gallery Talks & Tours
11 a.m. – Noon | Free
National Museum of Natural History, Constitution Avenue NW & 10th Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20004
Looking for a deeper dive into ocean topics like animal adaptations, behavior, biodiversity, or ecology? Come and join some of the Ocean Educators in Explorer Theater to watch short videos, explore specimens, and learn more about earth.
Located on the 1st floor of the Explorer Theater in the Sant Ocean Hall Venue at the National Museum of Natural History.
7:30 p.m. | $20+
St Charles Towne Center, 11110 Mall Circle, Waldorf, MD 20603
Paranormal Cirque III, is a one-of-a-kind production, featuring artists with the sole purpose of taking audiences on a sensual journey of acrobatics, contortion, and aerial acts that include: death-defying stunts, creepy creatures, and haunting performances.
No-one under the age of 13 will be admitted to the show. Guests aged 13 – 17 must be accompanied by an adult.
Saturday, May 25
9 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Free
Gallery 3700, 3700 S Four Mile Run Drive, Arlington, VA 22206
“Ways of Seeing Time” displays work created by artist and scientist Kristen Orr.
What started as an attempt to heal from her recent heartbreak became a collection of positive ideas about time. With the thought that these ideas might help others dealing with existential dread, Orr assembled her favorite ways of seeing time into a zine – a small art booklet – that she made copies of and shared with many people.
The work on view in Gallery 3700 recreates select pages from this zine at a large scale using cut vinyl text and gouache paintings on watercolor paper.
2 p.m. – 10 p.m. | $10 – 20
U Street – Multiple Venues, 1208 U Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20009
Celebrate the holiday weekend hopping from bar to bar and rocking out to the best mixes featuring Caribbean, Afrobeat, Amapiano, Reggae, Dancehall, Hip-hop, and R&B hits from back in the day to current bops.
Take the journey along the U Street corridor and enjoy drink specials, free bar crawl swag (while supplies last), and more.
Sunday, May 26
3 p.m. | $70
Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20005
In a world premiere co-production with Baltimore Center Stage, Brian Quijada and Nygel D. Robinson use live-looping to create a musical, where history meets hip-hop in this groundbreaking theatrical experience that explores the often-untold stories of enslaved people in the United States who sought freedom in Mexico, rather than looking north.
7 p.m. | Free with reservation
Kennedy Center, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20566
Come to the Kennedy Center for a screening of Social Practice Resident Angelina Spicer’s comedy special, “The Waldorf Hysteria,” featuring a post-screening panel with Spicer and other maternal health advocates.
“The Waldorf Hysteria” takes audiences through the pain, truth, and funny parts of motherhood. The story follows Spicer, a young, ambitious, up-and-coming stand-up comedian who suddenly feels trapped and overwhelmed by the demands of her newborn.
This comedy special will show that postpartum depression is an issue for women of all races, ages, and socio-economic statuses.
Patrons who make advanced reservations can pick up their tickets at the REACH Box Office on the day of the performance, beginning at 6 p.m. This is a first come-first served event; a reservation confirmation does not guarantee you a ticket.