Check out a handful of the many events happening in the DMV this weekend, filled with star-studded appearances and appreciation for arts and culture.
Learn about Willow Smith’s debut book “Black Shield Maiden,” or enjoy a movie at the newly returned Potomac series on the National Harbor Waterfront.
Friday welcomes a night of musicality and comedy with the Kennedy String Quartet’s rendition of hip-hop followed by a stand-up comedic performance from George Lopez.
Keep your high spirits going with back-to-back festivals on Saturday: the 18th Calvert Arts Festival and 2024 AAPI Festival.
For more celebrity sightings, jon Stephanie Mills and Jeffrey Osborne at the Theater at MGM National Harbor, or celebrate Mother’s Day with soul singers PJ Morton and MAJOR.
To follow 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 9
Willow Smith Discusses Black Shield Maiden
7 p.m.- 9 p.m. | $32+
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St NW, Washington, D.C., 20001
MahoganyBooks is thrilled to host singer, songwriter, and activist Willow Smith as she discusses her debut book “Black Shield Maiden,” a riveting science fiction fantasy novel steeped in African roots and Viking lore.
Hosted at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, the evening will include a powerful exchange with conversation host Alex Elle.
7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Free
National Harbor Waterfront, 150 National Plaza, Oxon Hill, MD 20745
Pack your chairs, grab food to go from one of the delicious dining establishments, and meet at the Plaza’s big screen for free fun!
National Harbor is bringing back its popular free movies on the Potomac series from May 2 through Sept. 29. Date night movies are shown every Thursday at 7 p.m. and family night movies will be shown every Sunday at 6 p.m. at the Plaza Screen on the waterfront.
Dine in one of 30+ restaurants before the movie or order take-out from one of the many establishments at the Harbor for a fun outdoor experience that all ages can enjoy.
Friday, May 10
Candlelight: Best of Hip-Hop on Strings @ Miracle Theatre
6:30 p.m. | $68.50
Miracle Theatre, 535 8th Street SE, Washington, D.C., 20003
Get your tickets now to discover the music of Hip-Hop on Strings at Miracle Theatre under the gentle glow of candlelight. Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Washington D.C.
Performed by the Kennedy String Quartet, enjoy the sounds of “Gangsta’s Paradise” by Coolio, “Like It” by Cardi B, and more. The performance will also feature medleys of several well-known rap artists including Jay-Z, Outkast, 2Pac and Dr. Dre.
George Lopez: ALLLRIIIIGHHTTT! Comedy Tour
7 p.m. | $39.50+
Kennedy Center, 2700 F St NW, Washington, D.C., 20566
George Lopez’s illustrious and multi-faceted career encompasses television, film, stand-up comedy, and late-night television. The comedian has broken ground for Latino comics by embracing his ethnicity, confronting racial stereotypes, and fighting for his community on and off the stage.
On Friday, May 10, the Kennedy Center welcomes the beloved comedian for a stop on his ALLLRIIIIGHHTTT! Comedy Tour.
Saturday, May 11
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free, $20 fee for alcoholic beverages
All Saints Episcopal Church, 100 Lower Marlboro Rd, Sunderland, MD 20689
The Calvert Arts Festival began in 2007 to bring together southern Maryland artisans, wineries, food purveyors and entertainers to this quality juried event. Local brewers are now added to the mix, held annually on the second Saturday of May.
Stroll All Saints’ lovely campus and inside its Parish Hall for quality artisan offerings. The event includes live entertainment, a silent auction and children’s crafts or walk the labyrinth, tour the historic church, and relax and enjoy the music.
Free admission and parking. Fee ($20) for wristband and tasting glass for alcoholic beverages. Proceeds benefit community charities.
Noon- 5 p.m. | Free
The Chrysalis at Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods, 10431 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD 21044
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich heritage and diversity of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community.
County Executive Calvin Ball, in partnership with the Inner Arbor Trust, is hosting the third annual AAPI Festival, celebrating the vibrant cultures, traditions, and contributions of the AAPI community in Howard County and beyond. Indulge in a free celebration filled with fun, entertainment, and cultural enrichment for the whole family.
Look forward to live performances, food trucks, vendors and community engagement that showcases the diversity of AAPI cultures and educates attendants on important issues, organizations, and resources supporting them.
Sunday, May 12
Stephanie Mills & Jeffrey Osborne
8 p.m. | $172+
The Theater at MGM National Harbor, 101 MGM National Avenue Oxon Hill, MD 20745
The Theater at MGM National Harbor will present singer and songwriter Stephanie Mills with former drummer and lead singer of L.T.D., Jeffrey Osborne for a riveting live performance.
Complimentary parking is available on a first come, first serve basis. The Theater is located adjacent to the Conservatory.
An R&B Mother’s Day Celebration with PJ Morton and MAJOR.
8 p.m. – Midnight | $69+
Kennedy Center, 2700 F St NW, Washington, D.C., 20566
Hip-hop icon and founding Kennedy Center Hip-Hop Culture Council Member MC Lyte presents a special Mother’s Day celebration with five-time Grammy-winning soul singer, songwriter, performer, and producer PJ Morton and Grammy-, Soul Train-, and NAACP Image Award-nominated soul singer and multi-hyphenate MAJOR.
These two legendary artists will host a one-night-only performance in the Concert Hall honoring mothers and mother figures.