In recognition of music, culture, advocacy and the arts, the weekend is packed with events that spotlight the creativity and humanities of the DMV.
Celebrate the music of local artists at Georgetown’s Live Music at Clyde’s, or get into the rhythms of Americana music during the 19th Street Band Cinco De Grasso Party w/ Patty Reese & David Chappell.
After dancing into the week with Thursday’s Samba Dance Class, continue the celebration of Latin culture with Latin Restaurant Week taking place until May 17.
The Capital Rare Book Fair promises an unique deep-dive into literature, while the VisArts’ 12th Annual Rockville Arts Festival brings life to visual and expressive arts in its various mediums.
May the 4th be with “Star Wars” lovers for Saturday’s Star Wars Day Celebration, which takes place just before Sunday’s Race for Hope DC, one of the largest fundraisers in the country dedicated to brain tumor research.
To stay in the loop, 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 2
8 p.m. – 9 p.m. | $20.00
Levine Music MD Campus: Polinger Performance Hall, 900 Wayne Ave 2nd floor, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Samba is one of Brazil’s most recognized dance styles, full of energy and charisma! Join this weekly in-person samba dance class, which builds up the fundamentals of technique and groove. This class will prepare students to perform samba with a live music ensemble.
All experience levels are welcome. Those interested can sign up for all of the sessions, or drop-in rate is $20 per class, which can be paid at the door.
Live Music at Clyde’s of Georgetown
10 p.m. – 1 a.m. | Free
Clyde’s of Georgetown, 3236 M St NW, Washington, D.C., 20007
At 10 p.m. every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, join Clyde’s of Georgetown to hear live music from local artists. Thursday’s performer is classically trained vocalist Jonathan Quigley.
Friday, May 3
5 – 8:30 p.m. | $50.000
University Club, 1135 16th St NW, Washington, D.C., 20036
The Capital Rare Book Fair will bring more than 35 antiquarian booksellers from across the country to the historic University Club from May 3- 5. Building on the success of last year’s Georgetown Rare Book Fair, this year’s event will showcase thousands of beautiful, notable, and rare books, maps, and historic documents from around the globe.
The weekend will kick off with an opening night preview party on Friday evening where guests will have first access to the diverse and coveted books while enjoying literary-themed cocktails, wine, and beer, canapes, and musical entertainment. On Saturday and Sunday, The Capital Rare Book Fair will feature respected speakers from around the United States and United Kingdom who are coming expressly to speak at the fair.
For tickets and more information visit: eventbrite.com.
The 19th Street Band Cinco De Grasso Party w/ Patty Reese & David Chappell
8 p.m. | $16.00+
Pearl Street Warehouse, 33 Pearl St SW, Washington, D.C., 20024
Celebrating a night of Americana music in D.C., Patty Reese and David Chappell will appear at The Wharf to play Blues, Soul, and Americana Roots Rock.
The 19th Street Band has entertained crowds at festivals such as DelFest, Charm City Bluegrass Festival, National Cherry Blossom Festival, The Washington Folk Festival, and more.
This event is 21+ only, with physical ID required for admission. No oversize bags or backpacks will be allowed into the venue. Seating will be first come first serve.
Saturday, May 4
VisArts’ 12th Annual Rockville Arts Festival
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free
Rockville Town Square, 36 Maryland Ave, Rockville, MD 20850
Spend the day with family and friends and pick up unique works of art, fashion accessories, home and garden décor, furniture, natural bath and body products, handcrafted candy and nuts, and more at the 12th annual Rockville Arts Festival.
Shop and stroll the vibrant outdoor festival and artisan market featuring original art by 130 fine artists. In addition check out a fun community art project, an annual chalk art competition, art demonstrations, food trucks, and craft beer, and wine offerings.
Meet new and returning artists creating one-of-a-kind pieces in ceramics, jewelry, sculpture, glass, painting, photography, printmaking, wood, metal, mixed media, and fiber.
3 – 4 p.m. | Free
Edgewater Community Library, 25 Stepneys Ln, Edgewater, MD 21037
May the fourth be with you! On May 4, celebrate all things “Star Wars” with games, trivia, and more at Edgewater Community Library. Costumes and props are welcome! An event for generations of Star Wars lovers and enthusiasts.
Sunday, May 5
Midnight | Depending on specials and menu items
DMV Area, Northeast Washington, Washington, D.C.
Happy Cinco de Mayo! Starting May 3, treat your tastebuds to the diverse flavors of Latin America, all while supporting your local Latinx culinary businesses. During Latin Restaurant Weeks DMV, participating restaurants, food trucks, and culinary businesses offer mouth-watering specials from May 3 to May 17.
9 a.m – 1 a.m. | $30.00+
Freedom Plaza, 1455 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C., 20004
Join thousands of runners and walkers supporting the brain tumor community by participating in the 26th Annual Race for Hope DC at Freedom Plaza in Washington, DC.
A 5K course in the nation’s capital, the marathon is a fun and inspiring way to join forces in the fight against brain tumors by raising funds for research.
It is one of the largest fundraisers in the country benefiting the brain tumor community and the proceeds support the National Brain Tumor Society.
On Wednesday, May 1 at 3pm, registration fees will increase to $50 for all adult participants and timed runner registration will close. Youth participation will increase to $10.