Apr
24
Fri
25th Annual FONA Garden Fair and Plant Sale @ National Arboretum
Apr 24 @ 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

25th Annual FONA Garden Fair and Plant Sale

At the US National Arboretum in the New York Avenue Parking Lot

3501 New York Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20002

 

April 24-25, 2015

April 24

10 am – 1 pm : Members Only Hours

1 pm – 4 pm : Garden Fair and Plant Sale opens to the public

Food Options – Dirty South Deli

 

April 25

9 am – 4 pm: Garden Fair and Plant Sale open to the public

Food Options – D.C. Taco Truck

Music from Washington Revels

Strawberry Planting Craft for Children

 

Admission is free to both the Garden Fair and Plant Sale and the US National Arboretum. For more information, visitwww.fona.org/gardenfair/.

Georgetown French Market @ Book Hill
Apr 24 @ 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

The 12th annual Georgetown French Market, held in the Book Hill neighborhood, is a D.C. tradition that marks the arrival of spring. The Georgetown Business Improvement District (BID) announces that the popular shopping weekend—perfect for shoppers, foodies and families—will return Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Book Hill boutiques, antique stores, restaurants, salons and galleries display their discounted wares in an inviting open-air market, evoking the outdoor markets of Paris. Neighborhood restaurants will also offer specials and French fare, including sweet and savory crepes, grilled merguez sausages, pastries and macarons.

Located a few blocks north of Wisconsin Avenue and M Street NW, Book Hill—named after nearby Book Hill Park, at Reservoir Road NW—is known for its historic charm. “The buildings along this stretch of Wisconsin Avenue were built in the late nineteenth century and now house some of the most unique local shops in the city,” said Georgetown BID Vice President Nancy Miyahira. “The French Market is a time to buy items you can’t find anywhere else, at incredible prices, and to explore what makes Georgetown such a special place.”

On Saturday, the TD Bank parking lot at 1611 Wisconsin Avenue becomes a community gathering spot from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., and families are encouraged to bring the kids and enjoy live music, strolling mimes, face painting and more.

What:  12th annual Georgetown French Market

When:  Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where:  Book Hill neighborhood; Wisconsin Avenue between P Street and Reservoir Road

For more information, visit http://www.georgetowndc.com/events/french_market/.

Parking & Getting There

In true European style, visitors are encouraged to leave their cars behind and travel to Georgetown using alternate modes of transport. Capital Bikeshare Stations are located throughout Georgetown; closest stations are at O Street at Wisconsin Avenue near the CVS and in the 1800 block of Wisconsin Avenue, across from the Georgetown Safeway. For additional transportation ideas, visit http://www.georgetowndc.com/getting_here/.

 

Apr
25
Sat
25th Annual FONA Garden Fair and Plant Sale @ National Arboretum
Apr 25 @ 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

25th Annual FONA Garden Fair and Plant Sale

At the US National Arboretun in the New York Avenue Parking Lot

3501 New York Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20002

 

April 24-25, 2015

April 24

10 am – 1 pm : Members Only Hours

1 pm – 4 pm : Garden Fair and Plant Sale opens to the public

Food Options – Dirty South Deli

 

April 25

9 am – 4 pm: Garden Fair and Plant Sale open to the public

Food Options – D.C. Taco Truck

Music from Washington Revels

Strawberry Planting Craft for Children

 

Admission is free to both the Garden Fair and Plant Sale and the US National Arboretum. For more information, visit www.fona.org/gardenfair/.

Georgetown French Market @ Book Hill
Apr 25 @ 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

The 12th annual Georgetown French Market, held in the Book Hill neighborhood, is a D.C. tradition that marks the arrival of spring. The Georgetown Business Improvement District (BID) announces that the popular shopping weekend—perfect for shoppers, foodies and families—will return Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Book Hill boutiques, antique stores, restaurants, salons and galleries display their discounted wares in an inviting open-air market, evoking the outdoor markets of Paris. Neighborhood restaurants will also offer specials and French fare, including sweet and savory crepes, grilled merguez sausages, pastries and macarons.

Located a few blocks north of Wisconsin Avenue and M Street NW, Book Hill—named after nearby Book Hill Park, at Reservoir Road NW—is known for its historic charm. “The buildings along this stretch of Wisconsin Avenue were built in the late nineteenth century and now house some of the most unique local shops in the city,” said Georgetown BID Vice President Nancy Miyahira. “The French Market is a time to buy items you can’t find anywhere else, at incredible prices, and to explore what makes Georgetown such a special place.”

On Saturday, the TD Bank parking lot at 1611 Wisconsin Avenue becomes a community gathering spot from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., and families are encouraged to bring the kids and enjoy live music, strolling mimes, face painting and more.

What:  12th annual Georgetown French Market

When:  Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where:  Book Hill neighborhood; Wisconsin Avenue between P Street and Reservoir Road

For more information, visit http://www.georgetowndc.com/events/french_market/.

Parking & Getting There

In true European style, visitors are encouraged to leave their cars behind and travel to Georgetown using alternate modes of transport. Capital Bikeshare Stations are located throughout Georgetown; closest stations are at O Street at Wisconsin Avenue near the CVS and in the 1800 block of Wisconsin Avenue, across from the Georgetown Safeway. For additional transportation ideas, visit http://www.georgetowndc.com/getting_here/.

 

Strathmore 10th Anniversary Spring Gala @ Music Center at Strathmore
Apr 25 @ 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM

In this 10th anniversary week of opening its hallmark Music Center, Strathmore announces that iconic actressJulie Andrews will celebrate A Dazzling Decade by speaking at the art center’s 10th Anniversary Spring Gala on Saturday, April 25, 2015.With a career that has spanned decades, traversed a myriad of artistic disciplines, imbued fans with fond memories, and inspired millions, there’s no one better to headline this celebration of the past decade, while looking ambitiously toward the future.  Gala guests will begin the evening at 5:30 p.m. with cocktails, followed by a sumptuous dinner, program with Julie Andrews, and an after party with Big Ray and the Kool Kats.

An Evening with Julie Andrews will include a Q&A with the audience and discussion moderated by Washington Post Theater Critic Peter Marks. She will share clips, stories, and conversation about her illustrious, history-making career. Music will be performed by the Strathmore Children’s Chorus. Andrews will not be singing.

The 10th Anniversary Spring Gala symbolizes a major milestone in Strathmore’s history, and will be the stage for announcements of future initiatives for the organization, which has become a touchstone for life and culture in Montgomery County and the greater Washington metropolitan region.  Since it opened in 2005, over 1.8 Million people have attended a performance in the Music Center at Strathmore. Many more have come through for education programs, special events, free community concerts, and festivals. There have been nearly 2,000 performances in the Music Center since its opening, including those by founding partner the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and resident partner organizations The National Philharmonic and Washington Performing Arts.

Strathmore is supported by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council, an agency dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural community where the arts thrive. An agency of the Department of Business & Economic Development, MSAC provides financial support and technical assistance to non-profit organizations, units of government, colleges and universities for arts activities.
Strathmore is also supported in part by the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County.

Strathmore Presents
10th Anniversary Spring Gala
An Evening with Julie Andrews
Conversation, Stories & Clips
with Peter Marks, moderator
& music by Strathmore Children’s Chorus
Saturday, April 25, 2015

5:30 p.m.         Cocktail Reception
7 p.m.              Dinner
9 p.m.              An Evening with Julie Andrews and music from the Strathmore Children’s Chorus
10:30 p.m.       After Party with Big Ray and the Kool Kats

Tickets (for concert only) $65 – $175 (limited single tickets available for purchase)

Dinner ticket packages include:
$600 Individual Supporter: One ticket to Gala dinner in Music Center, Performance with Julie Andrews, admission to after party with Big Ray and the Kool Kats.
$1,500 Gala Patron: One ticket to Gala dinner, preferred seating for An Evening with Julie Andrews, admission to after party with Big Ray and the Kool Kats, listing on evening’s video recognition, valet parking pass.
$10,000 Sponsor: Table for eight at Gala dinner, preferred seating for An Evening with Julie Andrews, valet parking passes for all eight guests, listing in evening’s video recognition, acknowledgment on Strathmore’s donor wall, newsletter and annual report.

Ticket packages can be purchased by contacting The Sorelle Group at (202) 248-1930 or Strathmore@sorellegroup.com.

Music Center at Strathmore
5301 Tuckerman Lane
North Bethesda, MD 20852

For additional information or to purchase tickets, visit www.strathmore.org or call (301) 581-5100

May
2
Sat
Heurich House Family Festival @ Heurich House
May 2 @ 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Heurich House Museum to host second annual spring family festival

The Heurich House Museum invites the public to celebrate the beginning of spring at their annual Frühlingsfest on Saturday, May 2, 2015 from 1-4 pm. This family friendly garden event will feature activities for all ages including face painting, maypole dancing, ice cream making, craft activities, and garden games. The museum will be open for guests to explore with scavenger hunts for younger guests included.

Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company will provide a full pig roast with side dishes. Two beers will be on tap courtesy of Virginia-based Old Ox Brewery. Authentic German butter cookies will be available for dessert courtesy of Heidelberg Pasty Shoppe. Ticket price is $20 for guests 12 and older, $5 for children 2-12, and free for children under 2. Admission includes unlimited food and fun! Adults 21 and over will receive two beer tickets. Additional information and tickets available at www.heurichhouse.org/events.

Frühlingsfest is translated as ‘Spring Festival’ and is known as ‘Oktoberfest’s little sister’ in Germany. It celebrates the end of a cold winter and beginning of spring, and it typically occurs from mid-April to the beginning of May. Stuttgart and Munich have some of the largest Frühlingsfests in Germany, and now the Heurich House is bringing the age-old traditional to Washington, DC!

About the Heurich House Museum: The Heurich House Museum preserves the legacy of Christian Heurich and enriches the cultural life of Washington, DC. The mansion was built from 1892-4 by German immigrant, local brewer, and philanthropist Christian Heurich (1842-1945). Recognized as Washington, D.C.’s most successful brewer, he ran the Chr. Heurich Brewing Co. until his death at 102.  The mansion is notable for its technological innovations, original interiors, and rich archival collection of one of the most important local families.

May
8
Fri
“A Toast to DC” @ Carnegie Library
May 8 @ 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Tourists may think of it as a town of monuments, but those of us who live here really know why Washington is such a vibrant place: Its character and history make this a city like no other. Add the burgeoning home-grown beer and cocktail scene, and you’ve got one more reason to celebrate. Tonight, raise a toast to D.C.’s unique local flavor and home-town pride at a party that salutes its distinctive collection of neighborhoods—and the newest generation of brewers and distillers to make the city their home.

Enjoy after-hours access to the elegant 1902 Carnegie Library on Mount Vernon Square, home to the Historical Society of Washington, D.C. (The sweeping central staircase is the ideal place to make an Instagram-worthy grand entrance.) Taste samples from Atlas Brew Works, Port City Brewing Company, DC Brau, New Columbia Distillers/Green Hat Gin, and Catoctin Creek Distilling Company.

Take in the Historical Society’s newest exhibition, For the Record: Artfully Historic D.C., which captures architectural portraits of Washington sites tagged as among the most-endangered places by the DC Preservation League. Find your neighborhood on the map of the District that covers one of the floors, pose with friends in the photo booth, explore exhibits on a digital scavenger hunt, and dance to music mixed by DJ As-One. The evening is a great way to meet your city neighbors and trade stories with other party-goers about what makes your Washington special.

SPECIAL FEATURES FOR VIP TICKET-HOLDERS: Enjoy exclusive early access to the event from 7 to 8 p.m., as well as Chesapeake Bay oysters from Virginia’s Rappahannock Oyster Company and War Shore Oyster Company, drink samples, light hors d’oeuvres, and a special commemorative pint glass to hold your local brew.

General admission $40

VIP admission $65 (includes early access from 7 to 8 p.m., drinks and hors d’oeuvres, and a commemorative pint glass)

All ticket sales are final. No refunds or exchanges.

Must be 21 years old with valid photo ID to attend.

For tickets and further information the public may call 202-633-3030 or visit www.SMITHSONIANat8.com

Smithsonian At 8: A Toast to DC @ Carnegie Library
May 8 @ 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

WHAT:  SMITHSONIAN at 8, in partnership with the Historical Society of Washington, D.C., presents “A Toast to D.C.”

WHEN: Friday, May 8, 8 to 11 p.m.

WHERE: Carnegie Library, 801 K St NW, Washington, DC

Tourists may think of it as a town of monuments, but those of us who live here really know why Washington is such a vibrant place: Its character and history make this a city like no other. Add the burgeoning home-grown beer and cocktail scene, and you’ve got one more reason to celebrate. Tonight, raise a toast to D.C.’s unique local flavor and home-town pride at a party that salutes its distinctive collection of neighborhoods—and the newest generation of brewers and distillers to make the city their home.

Enjoy after-hours access to the elegant 1902 Carnegie Library on Mount Vernon Square, home to the Historical Society of Washington, D.C. (The sweeping central staircase is the ideal place to make an Instagram-worthy grand entrance.) Taste samples from Atlas Brew Works, Port City Brewing Company, DC Brau, New Columbia Distillers/Green Hat Gin, and Catoctin Creek Distilling Company.

Take in the Historical Society’s newest exhibition, For the Record: Artfully Historic D.C., which captures architectural portraits of Washington sites tagged as among the most-endangered places by the DC Preservation League. Find your neighborhood on the map of the District that covers one of the floors, pose with friends in the photo booth, explore exhibits on a digital scavenger hunt, and dance to music mixed by DJ As-One. The evening is a great way to meet your city neighbors and trade stories with other party-goers about what makes your Washington special.

SPECIAL FEATURES FOR VIP TICKET-HOLDERS: Enjoy exclusive early access to the event from 7 to 8 p.m., as well as Chesapeake Bay oysters from Virginia’s Rappahannock Oyster Company and War Shore Oyster Company, drink samples, light hors d’oeuvres, and a special commemorative pint glass to hold your local brew.

General admission $40

VIP admission $65 (includes early access from 7 to 8 p.m., drinks and hors d’oeuvres, and a commemorative pint glass)

All ticket sales are final. No refunds or exchanges.

Must be 21 years old with valid photo ID to attend. 

For tickets and further information the public may call 202-633-3030 or visit www.SMITHSONIANat8.com

 

About SMITHSONIAN at 8

Inspired by the world of the Smithsonian, the SMITHSONIAN at 8 event series offers one-of-a-kind experiences for guests 21+. With themes from the local to the global, these after-hours gatherings combine music, food and drink, and unique settings to create evenings that are smart, adventurous, and memorably entertaining.

May
14
Thu
ZooFari @ National Zoo
May 14 @ 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Treat yourself to some of the best cuisine available from over 100 of the area’s finest restaurants and wineries, while contributing to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s conservation and education programs. Food aficionados are invited to unleash their taste buds and sample delicious dishes from the area’s finest restaurants and vintners. The event, hosted by Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ), will take place on Thursday, May 14, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

In addition to extraordinary food and fine wines, ZooFari also offers a night of unforgettable entertainment. Throughout the evening guests will be surrounded by live music, exotic animal encounters, a silent auction, and new this year, Battle of the Bartenders where local bartenders will compete to create the best tasting original signature cocktail using a mystery ingredient from the Zoo’s Animal Kitchen. Celebrity chef’s Todd Gray (Equinox), Bart Vandaele (Belga Cafe), and Haidar Karoum (Proof) will be in attendance and joining in on the festivities throughout the evening.

Tickets for this annual fundraiser are available on the Zoo’s website at http://nationalzoo.si.edu/activitiesandevents/celebrations/zoofari/. Prices are $160 for FONZ members and $200 for nonmembers.

Exclusive VIP group packages also are available. These packages offer all-access tickets to the Premier Pavilion, valet parking passes, an exclusive VIP pre-party and the LivingSocial Lion Lounge, as well as behind-the-scenes animal  tours.

The ZooFari online auction offers a lively way to support the Zoo’s programs. Bidding will be live on Sunday, April 26 through the online site Bidding For Good. Vacation getaways, private Zoo tours, cooking lessons with top area chefs, and animal art are just a few of the hundreds of items available in the auction. Proceeds benefit the National Zoo’s animal care, science, education, and conservation programs.

 

ZooFari is presented by GEICO® and sponsored by 94.7 Fresh FM, Big Bus Tours, Capital One Bank®, The Coca-Cola Company, Comcast, Manhattan Auto of Bethesda, MD, Rosenthal Jaguar/Land Rover, LivingSocial, NBC4, Washingtonian Magazine, The Washington Post, Widmer Brothers, WTOP and WTOP.com.

May
17
Sun
Cathedral Choral Society @ National Cathedral
May 17 @ 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

The Cathedral Choral Society will present the final concert of its 2014/15 season, Great Opera Choruses, on Sunday, May 17 at 4:00 p.m. The program of well-loved opera arias and choruses includes works by Wagner, Bellini, Gounod, Verdi, Puccini, Mascagni, and Boito. The Cathedral Choral Society, conducted by Music Director J. Reilly Lewis, will be joined by Jessica Julin, soprano; Ben Wager, bass; and the Washington National Opera Children’s Chorus.

“This concert will feature magnificent opera music, sacred and profane, perfect for the Cathedral,” said J. Reilly Lewis. “This is my first time programming opera for this chorus, and these gorgeous works capture all the emotions of great opera.”

Selections will be performed from Wagner, Die Meistersinger; Bellini, Norma; Gounod, Faust; Verdi, Nabucco; Puccini, Tosca; Mascagni, Cavalleria Rusticana; Puccini, Manon Lescaut; and Boito, Mefistofele.

“We are thrilled to be performing opera in the Cathedral for the first time,” said Genevieve Twomey, Executive Director of the Cathedral Choral Society. “This music is rich, exciting, dramatic, and engaging – and to experience this in such a grand space will be a unique and memorable experience.”

The Cathedral Choral Society is pleased to feature soloists Jessica Julin, soprano and Ben Wager, bass, and to welcome the Washington National Opera Children’s Chorus as guest choir on Boito’s Mefistofele. Jessica Julin, soprano has been praised for her “commanding voice,” and is a 2009 Grand Finalist in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Grand Auditions. She received her masters from Indiana University, studied at the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia, and currently resides in Maryland. She won first prize awards in the J.P. Parkinson Competition, Lois Alba Aria Competition, and the Giagiari Bel Canto Competition.

Ben Wager, bass is a 2009 graduate of the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia. This season, he debuted in Oslo with Den Norske Opera as Escamillo in Carmen and performed two roles with the Lyric Opera of Kansas City. Previous engagements include with the Nashville Opera, Deutsche Opera Berlin, Minnesota Opera, and Los Angeles Philharmonic. In 2012, The Washington Times praised him for his “perfect balance of graciousness [and] forthrightness” in a concert opera performance.

The Washington National Opera Children’s Chorus is comprised of many of the finest young singers, ages 8-14, from Washington, DC; Virginia; and Maryland. They appear frequently in WNO productions at the Kennedy Center. Recent performances include the world premiere of Jeanine Tesori’s The Lion, The Unicorn, and Me (2013) and the WNO premier of Rachel Portman’s The Little Prince (2014). They are directed by Will Breytspraak, Children’s Chorus Master, who is the Chair of Performing Arts at Maret School in Washington, DC.

A pre-concert talk by Peter Russell will be presented at 3:00 p.m. in Perry Auditorium (in the Cathedral tower). Peter Russell is a leading figure in the DC opera scene, having served as General Director of the Wolf Trap Opera Company and founding Washington Concert Opera before later taking on his current role as General Director of Vocal Arts DC.

About the Cathedral Choral Society: The Cathedral Choral Society is the resident symphonic chorus of Washington National Cathedral. Now in its 73rd season, the 140-voice chorus presents an inspiring concert season at the Cathedral and shares the joy of choral singing throughout the Greater Washington, DC Area through its community engagement programs. Its 2015/16 season will be announced the week of May 17.

For Tickets: Regularly priced tickets begin at $25. Tickets for children and students with valid ID under the age of 25 are $15. Seniors, veteran, and military may receive 10% off (excludes Premium Nave). Complimentary parking is included with ticket purchase in the Cathedral’s underground parking garage courtesy of the Cathedral Choral Society. To purchase tickets, or for additional information, please call (202) 537-2228 | (877) 537-2228 or visit the website, www.cathedralchoralsociety.org