K Street Magazine

Once Upon a Time Valentine's Benefit
2026-02-12 19:00 - 22:00 UTC | Hillwood Museum & Gardens, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20008
Event Co-Chairs
Donna Cooper, Virginia Kennedy, and Katie Mullen

and Hillwood Executive Director
Kate Markert

invite you to join us at Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens for Once Upon a Time, a Valentine’s celebration and benefit, on Thursday, February 12, 2026.

Preview the special exhibition On Time: Giving Form to the Fleeting, explore the magic of Hillwood, and bid on choice items in the silent auction.
Sponsorships and tickets may be purchased online or by calling 202.243.3974.
Sponsorships: $300 to $10,000
Hillwood Member Ticket: $150 | Public Ticket: $175

Your support is vital to Hillwood’s mission to inspire and educate the public, continuing the legacy of Marjorie Merriweather Post. With your support, Hillwood offers free and low-cost field trips for hundreds of D.C. students, ensures access for all, and welcomes the community to lectures, workshops, and jazz performances that keep Post’s vision alive for future generations.

Awkward Sex... and the City Comedy Show
2026-02-12 20:00 - 22:00 | Comet Ping Pong, 5037 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC
Comedy show Awkward Sex…and the City is coming to Comet Ping Pong on Thursday, February 12th at 8 pm for the annual Anti-Valentine’s Day show.
Awkward Sex… and the City is exactly what it sounds like: comedian Natalie Wall reliving intimate tales of awkwardness, sex, and dating. The show pairs sexual inclusion with humor and sheds light on the awkward universal experience we all know and love.
And as we go into the Valentine’s Day season, with new dates, new beaus and new sex… we gotta remember… this stuff is AWKWARD.
From cocaine infused one night stands to IBS flare ups during cunnilingus, the audience will be hanging on the performers’ every word and excited to go out and have a sexual misadventure of their own.
Awkward Sex is the perfect show to see with your gals, your guys, your partner, wife, husband, situationship, what have you!
Bask in the alluring stage lights after you grab a drink and watch Natalie Wall share her most embarrassing sexual experiences on stage just for your pleasure knowing that we’ve all had awkward sex.
WHAT: Awkward Sex… and the City
WHEN: Thursday, February 12th, 8 pm (doors at 7 pm)
WHERE: Comet Ping Pong, 5037 Connecticut Ave NW
TICKETS: $20 online and day of show

Nowhere to Wear it Galentine's Day Party
2026-02-13 17:00 - 23:00 | St. Vincent Wine, 3212 Georgia Ave. NW, Washington, DC
What: Nowhere to Wear it Galentine’s Day Party!!
When: Friday, February 13, 5 – 11 PM
Sometimes all it takes to get out of a winter rut is to throw on a fancy outfit. Book a table at St V for Friday 2/13, wear the most ridiculous thing you have in your closet, and enjoy Fondue February OR tap into our Valentine’s day “girl dinner” special – truffle fries, miso caesar salad and charcuterie with a bottle of rose for only $85!
Reservations

The Single Scene: Singles Party at Bourbon Steak
2026-02-13 18:00 - 20:00 | Bourbon Steak, 2800 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC
Bourbon Steak has a plan for DC singles this Valentine’s Day — and it involves reality TV stars playing matchmaker.
Friday, February 13, Bourbon Steak is turning Friday the 13th into a lucky night out with The Single Scene, a one-night-only singles party hosted by Summer House cast members Danielle Olivera and Stephen McGee.
Think: less awkward speed dating, more stylish cocktail party—with a Bravo-approved twist.
For $75, DC singles can sip unlimited Valentine’s-themed cocktails, enjoy passed bites, and mingle with other unattached guests while a live DJ keeps things moving. Danielle and Stephen will keep the energy up with playful, host-led conversation starters—including a reading of anonymously submitted compliments from the crowd (bold behavior encouraged).
Sure, everyone meets on dating apps—but imagine being able to say two reality TV stars set you and your significant other up. Iconic.
If you’re working on Valentine’s Day guides, dating-scene coverage, or standout things to do for the singles crowd, I hope you’ll keep this one-of-a-kind event in mind.
What to expect:

Unlimited themed cocktails by Lead Bartender Engi Alebachew
Passed bites and light snacks
A live DJ setting the mood
Playful, host-led conversation prompts (yes, the compliments are anonymous)
Wing people encouraged

Galentine’s Crafts & Cocktails at Hard Rock
2026-02-13 19:00 - 21:00 | Hard Rock Cafe, 999 E Street NW, Washington, DC
Galentine’s Day plans should involve great drinks, good music, and zero pressure—and Hard Rock Cafe Washington, DC is delivering all three with its upcoming Galentine’s Crafts & Cocktails night.
Happening Friday, February 13 from 7–9 PM at Hard Rock Cafe DC (999 E Street NW), this feel-good evening is all about celebrating friendship—with a cocktail (or mocktail) in hand.​
​Here’s what guests can expect:

A complimentary craft cocktail or mocktail upon arrival
A hands-on crafting station to make custom Valentine’s cards or friendship bracelets
Plenty of dance breaks set to a nostalgic Galentine’s playlist packed with ’90s and early-2000s love songs
Full food and beverage service throughout the night for snacking, sipping, and lingering

Tickets are $30 per person, which includes the welcome drink, all crafting materials, and a joy-filled night out with friends.

Valentine’s Day with the National Chamber Ensemble
2026-02-14 19:30 - 21:30 | Gunston Arts Center, 2700 S. Lang Street, Arlington, VA, 22206
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with the National Chamber Ensemble (NCE) in an evening of powerful voices and sweeping melodies.
Chords of Desire:
Broadway and Opera Favorites explores the universal themes of love, longing, and triumph through beloved selections from opera and the Broadway stage.
This romantic concert features the charismatic baritone Anton Belov, renowned for his velvety tone and dramatic depth, alongside the luminous soprano Karin Paludan. Joined by NCE Artistic Director and violinist Leo Sushansky and piano virtuoso Carlos Cesar Rodriguez, the ensemble bridges classical and popular traditions with elegance, passion, and flair.
The program includes arias by Puccini, Mozart, and Leoncavallo, as well as favorite selections from Broadway classics such as Kismet, The Phantom of the Opera, Little Shop of Horrors, and more. Whether discovering these works for the first time or returning to beloved favorites, audiences will enjoy an extraordinary evening celebrating love in all its forms.
Perfect for couples, friends, and music lovers alike, Chords of Desire promises a Valentine’s celebration that is romantic, vibrant, and unforgettable.
The National Chamber Ensemble has been widely praised for its artistry and impact:
 “Delightful” — The Washington Post
 “One of the gems of the entire Metro area” — DC Theater Arts
 “Enriched the musical skyline… amazing!” — Nina Totenberg (NPR)
Concert Details
Date: Saturday, February 14, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM
Venue: Gunston Arts Center – Theater 1
Address: 2700 South Lang Street, Arlington, VA
Parking: Free parking available
Tickets and more info is available now through the National Chamber Ensemble’s website:
www.NationalChamberEnsemble.org
Tickets: Gen admission $45, student $25 : Tickets

A Choral Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
2026-02-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, Maryland
Living the Dream… Singing the Dream
A Choral Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Washington Performing Arts Gospel Choirs
The Choral Arts Society of Washington
DATE/TIME: Sunday, February 15, 2026, 7:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Music Center at Strathmore
TICKETS: Purchase here
When the power of the human voice meets the spirit of community and the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the result is guaranteed to be joyous and inspiring—as thousands of Living the Dream attendees over the years can attest. Join us as the combined Men, Women, and Children of the Gospel choirs of Washington Performing Arts, and the Choral Arts Chorus raise their voices in tribute both to Dr. King’s achievements and to his ongoing, indelible impact. Through song, inspirational stories, and special tributes by community leaders, Living the Dream…Singing the Dream ​unites all who honor Dr. King’s ideals.
This performance is co-presented by Washington Performing Arts and The Choral Arts Society of Washington.

STC's 37th Annual Mock Trial
2026-02-17 19:30 - 22:00 | Shakespeare Theatre Company – Harman Hall, 610 F St NW, Washington, DC, 20004
Shakespeare Theatre Company is proud to present the 37th annual Mock Trial on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 7:30pm at Harman Hall.

This beloved in-person event features an esteemed bench, often presided over by current or retired members of the U.S. Supreme Court, deliberating over a fictional case inspired by a play in STC’s season. This year’s case is centered on Simon Godwin’s upcoming production of Othello, featuring Wendell Pierce, and the advocates will argue on the pivotal role of the handkerchief and Emilia’s hand in procuring the item that led to so much tragedy.

Confirmed for this year’s bench is Judge Amy Berman Jackson, United States District Judge, U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia; Chief Judge James E. Boasberg, United States District Court for the District of Columbia; Senior Judge Paul L. Friedman, United States District Court for the District of Columbia, Judge Patricia Millett, United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, and Chief Judge Matthew William Brann, United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

Former Supreme Court Marshal Pamela Talkin will again perform the role of the Marshal of the court. Additional participants will be announced at a later date.

Advocates arguing the case will be Stephen Vladeck, Agnes Williams Sesquicentennial Professor of Federal Courts, Georgetown University Law Center, and Karen L. Dunn, Founding Partner of Dunn Isaacson Rhee LLP.

Because legal issues run throughout Shakespeare’s work, it is a marriage of true minds for the Bard Association, STC’s legal affinity group, to stage its unique and highly popular Mock Trial in the nation’s capital, a city with the highest concentration of lawyers in the country. Called “A Washington wonk’s dream” by The New York Times, this lively event has attracted a multitude of prominent law professionals since its inception in 1994 by STC Bard Association Chair Abbe Lowell. Advocates argue the merits of their case before a packed audience of their peers, and don’t be surprised if final arguments are in iambic pentameter!

Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, January 23. Early access opportunities for Bard Association members on January 20, Artistic Circle donors on January 21, and STC subscribers on January 22.

The in-person audience for this eagerly anticipated event is sure to sell out quickly. However, to meet popular demand, the Mock Trial will be livestreamed. Patrons may purchase online access for this live event for $25. Complete ticket information is available here.
Stay tuned for additional participants. All titles, participants, and dates subject to change.

Love & Broken Hearts: Whiskey & History at Hard Rock Cafe
2026-02-18 19:00 - 21:00 | Hard Rock Cafe, 999 E Street NW, Washington, DC
Love & Broken Hearts: Whiskey & History
Tuesday, February 18, 2026 | 7–9 PM | $60
Part dinner, part history lesson, part whiskey experience. This ticketed event features a three-course dinner, premium whiskey pairings, and captivating historical stories centered on love, heartbreak, and legend.
Tickets here:
https://www.ticketweb.com/event/whiskey-history-love-hard-rock-cafe-washington-dc-tickets/14103044

Garage Racing National Championships
2026-02-21 11:00 - 19:00 | Arlington Garage, 201 12th Street South, Arlington, VA, 22202
Garage Racing National Championships welcomes you underground for another year of the nation’s only parking garage cycling competition. Hosted by the National Landing BID in partnership with CXHAIRS and support from JBG Smith, riders of all ages and skill levels are invited to take on this unconventional national biking event. On Saturday, February 21, a series of 11 different high-energy races, plus a costumed Anything Goes grand finale, will give 150+ riders a chance to win 2026 championship glory. Prefer to cheer on the racers? Spectators can enjoy drinks from a pop-up bar, indulge in local bites, and see all the action from the sidelines.
“This event is about more than just racing. It’s about creating something unexpected that welcomes everyone,” said Rob Mandle, Deputy Executive Director of the National Landing BID. “Garage Racing reflects the energy and innovation happening across National Landing, where new ideas are celebrated, put into motion and shared amongst the community.”
Spectators are invited to enjoy food and beverage offerings from local retailers such as Acme Pies, Good Company Donuts, Port City Brewing Co. and more. Bike-themed activities including Gold Sprints, where two riders race head-to-head on stationary bikes, round out the event experience. Admission is free for spectators and RSVPs are encouraged HERE.
​The full event schedule is as follows (schedule subject to change):

11:00 a.m. – Junior Men and Women Championships (Ages 10-14)

11:45 a.m. – Novice Women’s Non-Championship Race

12:30 p.m. – Novice Men’s Non-Championship Race

1:15 p.m. – Women’s Fixed Gear Championship

2:10 p.m. – Men’s Fixed Gear Championship

3:05 p.m. – Non-Binary Championship Race

4:00 p.m. – Men’s National Championship Race

4:55 p.m. – Women’s National Championship Race

5:45 p.m. – Relay Race (4-person teams) Non-Championship

6:20 p.m. – Anything Goes

“Garage Racing brings a level of energy and originality you don’t see in traditional cycling events,” said Bill Schieken, Owner and Operator at CXHAIRS. “From fixed-gear racing in a parking garage to the Anything Goes race, the championship blends competition with creativity in a way that’s fun and unique.”
WHEN: Saturday, February 21 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Racer check-in begins at 10 a.m., and the doors open for spectators at 10:30 a.m.
WHERE: 201 12th Street South Arlington, VA 22202. G4 Parking Level.
HOW: This event is FREE for spectators. Race registration for cyclists ranges from $8-$25. More information at www.nationallanding.org/racing.

The event is Metro-accessible from the Pentagon City (approximately an 11-minute walk from the metro). Note: The Crystal City Metro station will be temporarily closed that weekend. Limited on-site parking will be available for free on the G1 and G2 levels of the garage located at 201 12th Street South.

'Dune 2' Film Viewing at National Building Museum
2026-03-06 18:00 - 22:00 | National Building Museum, 410 F Street NW, Washington, DC
Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two continues the epic saga of political intrigue, survival, and the struggle for control over the desert planet Arrakis.
The evening begins with a short presentation by Dr. Leigha McReynolds, lecturer at the University of Maryland. Dr. McReynolds will explore how the film visually emphasizes Frank Herbert’s exploration of power and environment, showing how leaders’ interactions with land and people reveal their ideologies and effectiveness. She will also discuss Herbert’s critique of charismatic leaders and the ways power shapes and is shaped by the world around it.
The film will then be screened in the Great Hall for an immersive cinematic experience.
Picnic style! Bring your own food, blanket, or lawn chair. No outside alcohol permitted. Drinks and light snacks (including beer and wine) will be available for purchase. Bags will be checked by security upon entry.
Schedule
Doors Open at 6:00pm
Presentation by Dr. McReynolds at 6:30pm
Movie Starts at 7:00pm
Program Ends at 9:30pm
About Dr. Leigha McReynolds
Dr. Leigha McReynolds is a professor at the University of Maryland, College Park where she teaches classes on disability in science fiction. She has a chapter in the academic collection Discovering Dune on the role of eugenics in the novel, has published on reactormag.com (formerly tor.com), and is a regular panelist at fan conventions, including WorldCon and AwesomeCon. You can take a class with her on science fiction or Victorian Literature at Politics and Prose. In her free time, she snuggles with her English bulldog and ballroom dances.

This program is made possible through the generous support of our partner Politics and Prose. Great Movies in the Great Hall is made possible by our Audience Engagement Sponsors: Amazon, Room & Board, and Capital One.

The Process of Time: A Conversation with Redeat Wondemu and Adrian Ferguson
2026-03-11 18:30 - 19:30 | Hillwood Museum & Gardens, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20008
The Process of Time: A Conversation with Redeat Wondemu and Adrian Ferguson

This is the first program in the On Time: Giving Form to the Fleeting exhibition lecture series.
This conversation will explore Redeat Wondemu’s year-long study of Hillwood’s gardens and how photographs act as vessels of preservation. In dialogue with curator Wilfried Zeisler and gallerist Adrian Ferguson, Wondemu reflects on analog and historical processes, film, tintype, and early printing methods, and how they shape our understanding of beauty, fragility, and time. Together, they examine the tension between what an image can hold and what inevitably changes in nature, as seen in the seasonal works featured in the exhibition.
HYBRID PROGRAM
This lecture will be presented in the theater in the Ellen MacNeille Charles Visitor Center and will be livestreamed via Zoom. Visitors can submit questions for the speaker from any location.
IN-PERSON TIMELINE
5:30–6:30 p.m. | Explore Hillwood

Enjoy Hillwood’s mansion, gardens, greenhouse, and exhibition, On Time: Giving Form to the Fleeting, on view in the dacha
Find the perfect memento from your visit at the museum shop.

6:30–7:30 p.m. | Lecture

St. “Pitties” Day Trivia Night Fundraiser
2026-03-12 17:30 - 19:30 | The Board Game Bar & Brewery, 925 N. Garfield Street, Arlington, VA, 22201
Perfectly Paired Pitties (P3), a woman- and veteran-founded, volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to rescuing and advocating for Pit Bull–type dogs from overcrowded shelters, is partnering with The Board Room Game Bar & Brewery (925 N. Garfield Street, Arlington, VA 22201) to host a St. Patrick’s Day themed trivia night fundraiser.

On Thursday, March 12, guests are invited to join in for a tail-wagging good time as we toast our love of “Pitties” with a specialty crafted signature beer or custom cocktail, delicious pub food, lively trivia, raffle prizes, and more. In addition, supporters can show off their pups by entering our online photo contest, open now through March 10, for a chance to win bragging rights and fun prizes: https://givebutter.com/P3PhotoGold

Whether you’re a proud Pit Bull parent, a dog lover, a trivia enthusiast, or simply looking for a festive night out in green, this is a celebration you won’t want to miss. Tickets are $50 and include: Entry into the Trivia Night Challenge, one signature cocktail or specialty crafted beer, and complimentary appetizers.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/st-pitties-day-party-and-trivia-night.

Cherry Blossom Festival Pink Tie Party
2026-03-13 19:00 - 23:00 | Union Station, 50 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC, 1613, United States
The Pink Tie Party, a signature event of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, will be held on March 13, 2026, at Union Station Washington D.C. This year’s style-forward theme invites guests to dress in their best pink and floral attire for the pink carpet entrance, engage in the design process, and celebrate creativity and community.

At the Pink Tie Party, guests will indulge in curated food and cocktails from top D.C.-area restaurants, enjoy live music, and be immersed in other unique experiences soon to be announced. There will also be a Benefit Auction where guests can bid on exclusive fashion & beauty items, one-of-a-kind D.C. packages, luxury hotels, top restaurants, travel experiences, wine and spirits. Funds raised from the Pink Tie Party support the National Cherry Blossom Festival’s mission to ensure that events remain generally free and open to the public.

“The Pink Tie Party is always one of the most exciting evenings on the D.C. social calendar, and this season’s Art of Fashion theme takes it to another level,” said Diana Mayhew, president and CEO of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. “This event truly captures the spirit of spring in Washington, and you’ll be able to feel it in the style, the atmosphere, the entertainment and the food. It sets the tone for an unforgettable Festival, which makes it a can’t-miss event.”

The Big Draw
2026-03-14 10:00 - 17:00 | National Building Museum, 410 F Street NW, Washington, DC
The National Building Museum hosts its third annual THE BIG DRAW, a free day-long festival that invites visitors of all ages to discover the power of drawing as a tool for better understanding the world around us.
A standout attraction at this year’s festival will be a live drawing demonstration and smaller guided workshops from David Macaulay, Caldecott Medal-winning author and illustrator. Macaulay’s book, Rome Antics is featured in a special gallery within the Museum’s long-term exhibition Building Stories that explores the world of architecture, engineering, construction, and design through the lens of children’s books. A special reprint of the Rome Antics book was recently released in conjunction with the exhibition. Complimentary copies will be available to participants in THE BIG DRAW while supplies last. Macaulay and Building Stories were featured last spring in a segment on CBS Sunday Morning. David Macaulay is well-known for his illustrated nonfiction books that explain complex subjects through clear, witty drawings and storytelling such as The Way Things Work.
THE BIG DRAW complements Building Stories and marks the official launch of the Museum’s program for the 2026 Building Readers Club, which offers curated books and monthly activities that inspire children to explore their world and engage with their communities.
Other highlights of THE BIG DRAW include:

A coloring book workshop with multidisciplinary D.C. artist Trap Bob and the opportunity to contribute to a four-foot tall coloring book
A Virtual Reality drawing experience with artist Tomasz Wiktor, and an exploration of Polish influences on American architecture with the Polish Embassy.
Insights from architectural professionals about the role of drawing in their work
Positive Chalk’s “Chalk Mural”
Interactive storytime sessions, among other activities.

*Visitors are welcome to bring their own sketchbooks or use materials provided by the Museum.
The Museum’s café Konbini by Daikaya, and a food truck from Haute Dogs will also be on site to satiate hungry artists!
THE BIG DRAW is free with registration. Register here.

Nowruz Family Festival
2026-03-14 11:00 - 16:00 | Freer Gallery of Art, 1050 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC, 20001
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art will celebrate its 2026 Nowruz Family Festival Saturday, March 14, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Named for the Persian word for “new day,” Nowruz marks the vernal equinox and the first day of spring.
This year’s Nowruz Family Festival will include attractions for all ages, including storytelling, hands-on activities, food for purchase and more. A traditional haftseen table displaying at least seven (haft) items that refer to new life and renewal, each beginning with the letter “s” (pronounced seen in Persian), will be in the north lobby of the museum’s West Building (Freer Gallery of Art). A full schedule of activities is available online. The museum also offers many digital resources on Nowruz, including arts and crafts activities, podcasts and webinars.
Nowruz is rooted in Zoroastrianism and was celebrated in Iran as early as 3,000 years ago. Today, people in many regions—from West Asia and the Caucasus to Central and South Asia—participate in the 13 days of Nowruz festivities with their own local variations.
More than 6,000 people attended the National Museum of Asian Art’s Nowruz celebration in March 2025.
The museum’s annual Nowruz festival is made possible by the Jahangir and Eleanor Amuzegar Persian Culture Celebrations Fund.

Wristwatches in the 20th Century And How To Collect Them
2026-03-24 18:30 - 19:30 | Hillwood Museum & Gardens, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20008
The Development of Wristwatches in the 20th Century And How To Collect Them

This is the second program in the On Time: Giving Form to the Fleeting exhibition lecture series.
Join Eric Wind, one of the world’s leading experts on vintage watches, for this talk exploring the history of the wristwatch, as well as how to collect them! The 20th century saw the birth and rise of the wristwatch. Watches are now a key fashion accessory and have reached into the tens of millions of dollars at auction.
HYBRID PROGRAM
This lecture will be presented in the theater in the Ellen MacNeille Charles Visitor Center and will be livestreamed via Zoom. Visitors can submit questions for the speaker from any location.
IN-PERSON TIMELINE
5:30–6:30 p.m. | Explore Hillwood

Enjoy Hillwood’s mansion, gardens, greenhouse, and exhibition, On Time: Giving Form to the Fleeting, on view in the dacha
Find the perfect memento from your visit at the museum shop.

6:30–7:30 p.m. | Lecture

Kate DiCamillo Delivers Folger's 2026 Eudora Welty Lecture
2026-03-26 19:30 - 20:30 | Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 E Capital Street NE, Washington, DC, DC, 20002
On Thursday, March 26 at 7:30pm, the Folger Shakespeare Library and the Eudora Welty Foundation welcome one of America’s most beloved storytellers, author Kate DiCamillo, to deliver the 2026 Welty Lecture, inspired by the writing and life of famed author Eudora Welty. DiCamillo will talk about her career as a best-selling author including stories about her early experiences with the publishing industry to her writing influences and the evolution of her work.
Some of DiCamillo’s best-known novels include Because of Winn-Dixie (2000), The Tale of Despereaux (2003), and Flora & Ulysses (2013), which have all been adapted into popular family films. She is a former National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature and a two-time Newbery Medalist.
“I was nineteen years old when I read Eudora Welty’s ‘Why I Live at the P.O.’” DiCamillo shared. “The story electrified and delighted me. I remember thinking, ‘This is what I want to do.’ Welty’s words have been a beacon for me since that moment. I owe her a tremendous debt. It is a very great honor for me to give this lecture.”
“Kate DiCamillo writes books for children that can also be read by adults, adults who can bear to remember how terrifying and mystifying and full of wonder childhood actually was,” added former Welty Lecturer and acclaimed author Ann Patchett (Bel Canto, The Dutch House), who will introduce DiCamillo. “When, in my fifties, I read her books, I felt like I had found a magic portal. All I had to do to pass through was believe that I was still small enough to fit.”
A book-signing and wine reception will follow the talk.
Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at folger.edu/welty or by contacting the Folger Box Office at (202) 544-7077. The Welty lecture will also be available for online viewing from April 6 through June 30 for $15 at the above link.
Previous Welty Lectures were delivered by Salman Rushdie, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Richard Ford, Jesmyn Ward, Ann Patchett, Elizabeth Strout, Natasha Trethewey, and Amor Towles.

An Antiquarian Horologist on Mechanism, Risk, & Wonder
2026-03-31 18:30 - 19:30 | Hillwood Museum & Gardens, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20008
Brittany Cox: An Antiquarian Horologist on Mechanism, Risk, & Wonder

This is the third and final program in the On Time: Giving Form to the Fleeting exhibition lecture series.
Antiquarian Horologist Brittany Nicole Cox traces the origins of her craft across time and objects, tools and stories.
This talk delves into a chronology of subjects that have profoundly influenced the objects the artist has created and worked on throughout her career. The context in which these objects were made fostered a unique archetypal knowledge that has shaped various crafts. For instance, the ornamental turning of kings led to the development of engine turning or guilloche, a style primarily employed by craftsmen on a diverse range of objects, including horological ones. Similarly, the invention of automata by the Greeks for entertainment and pleasure eventually found their way into scenes of wonder or spectacle. This evolution led to the emergence of technologies that paved the way for the first programmable computers and later contributed to the development of mechanical detonators in bombs and timers for space exploration. This rich history is intertwined with profound philosophical insights into humankind’s vulnerabilities and nature. As a historian, Cox aims to illuminate this knowledge, as a conservator, she strives to protect the objects born from it, and as an artist, she aspires to resurrect and share this heritage.

HYBRID PROGRAM
This lecture will be presented in the theater in the Ellen MacNeille Charles Visitor Center and will be livestreamed via Zoom. Visitors can submit questions for the speaker from any location.
IN-PERSON TIMELINE
5:30–6:30 p.m. | Explore Hillwood

Enjoy Hillwood’s mansion, gardens, greenhouse, and exhibition, On Time: Giving Form to the Fleeting, on view in the dacha
Find the perfect memento from your visit at the museum shop.

6:30–7:30 p.m. | Lecture

The 2026 Anthony Hecht Poetry Prize Reading
2026-04-07 19:30 - 20:30 | Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 E Capital Street NE, Washington, DC, DC, 20002
The 2026 Anthony Hecht Poetry Prize Reading
April 7, 2026, at 7:30pm

The Anthony Hecht Poetry Prize, created in honor of the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Anthony Hecht, is awarded annually for a poetry collection by a writer who has published no more than one book of poetry. This April, we celebrate the 20th winner, Anna Lena Phillips Bell, for her manuscript Might Could, as selected by judge Shane McCrae (Pulling the Chariot of the Sun, In the Language of My Captor), who will also read. The reading will be followed by a book signing in the Great Hall.

Trivia Night at Hillwood
2026-04-16 17:30 - 20:30 | Hillwood Museum & Gardens, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20008
Trivia Night | The Art of Time
Thursday, April 16, 2026, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Celebrate milestones and artwork of the past, present, and future with a fun and enlightening evening of trivia at Hillwood!
www.HillwoodMuseum.org
4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008

America’s 250th Birthday Party w/ DAR
2026-04-18 10:00 - 12:30 | DAR Constitution Hall, 18th & C Streets NW, Washington, DC, 20006
America’s 250th Birthday Party
Our nation is celebrating 250 years, and everyone is invited to the party! We’re hosting a morning of family-friendly fun throughout the DAR Library, DAR Museum, and Memorial Continental Hall. Enjoy historical story time, Revolution-themed games, and birthday cupcakes. Plus, the first 250 guests will receive a patriotic goodie bag! Please feel free to bring any family, friends and guests to this event and spread the word to others who might be interested. (This event is free and open to the public!)
Event Time: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
RSVPs recommended but not required: RSVP Via Eventbrite HERE

DAR Celebrates America 250! – A Salute to Women Veterans, featuring Patti LaBelle
2026-04-18 19:00 - 21:00 | DAR Constitution Hall, 18th & C Streets NW, Washington, DC, 20006
DAR Celebrates America 250! – A Salute to Women Veterans, featuring Patti LaBelle
This special evening will honor America’s military women—past and present—by recognizing their courage, sacrifice, and contributions over the last 250 years. The program will spotlight the work of the Military Women’s Memorial, which preserves and shares the stories of women who have served our nation.
Proceeds from the concert will support DAR’s Vivian’s Outreach to Women (VOW) Grant Program, which provides assistance to organizations serving homeless and indigent women veterans.
The evening will begin with a short recognition program, followed by a full-length concert by Patti LaBelle, the iconic Godmother of Soul. Celebrated for her powerhouse vocals and timeless elegance, LaBelle returns to the DAR Constitution Hall stage—where she has performed many times throughout her remarkable 65-year career—to help us celebrate America’s 250th birthday.
Event Time: 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Tickets: Purchase tickets through Ticketmaster HERE

Jazz on the Lunar Lawn | Amy K. Bormet Presents “Time Travel”
2026-04-29 17:30 - 20:00 | Hillwood Museum & Gardens, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20008
Jazz on the Lunar Lawn | Amy K. Bormet Presents “Time Travel”
Wednesday, April 29, 2026, 5:30-8 p.m.
Join Amy K. Bormet for an evening outdoor concert, “Time Travel,” inspired by the special exhibition On Time: Giving Form to the Fleeting. The concert will feature classic songs and fresh new pieces about the passing of time, and understanding how it’s measured through music.
www.HillwoodMuseum.org
4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008

The O.B. Hardison Poetry Series Finale Reading
2026-05-19 19:30 - 20:30 | Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 E Capital Street NE, Washington, DC, DC, 20002
The O.B. Hardison Poetry Series Finale Reading
May 19, 2026, at 7:30pm

The Poetry season concludes with a finale reading by a poet chosen by a group of Folger Poetry supporters. The evening’s honored guest will read from the work of other poets cited as their literary influences as well as from their own work. Previous poets invited for this finale reading include Ellen Bass, Billy Collins, Carolyn Forché, and Jane Hirshfield. The reading will be followed by a book signing in the Great Hall.

Armed Forces Cycling Classic
2026-05-30 | DC
The Amazon Armed Forces Cycling Classic is set to return May 30–31, 2026.
The weekend will once again feature the Amazon Armed Forces Cycling Classic’s Challenge Ride on Saturday morning, May 30. This 20km closed course welcomes cycling enthusiasts of all skill levels and encourages participants to complete as many laps as possible during the three-hour event. Riders will start and finish in the nation’s capital, pedaling against the backdrop of Washington, D.C. and Arlington’s most recognizable sights. Participants can aim for gold, silver, or bronze medals, awarded based on the number of laps completed.
The weekend’s activities also include two days of racing featuring many of the nation’s top Pro/Am men’s and women’s cycling teams. Saturday’s race will be held on a short, spectator-friendly course in D.C., utilizing the same start/finish area as the Challenge Ride. On Sunday, the racing moves to Arlington, Virginia for the 28th edition of the storied Clarendon Cup Pro/Am bike races.
The Amazon Armed Forces Cycling Classic Pro/Am races are recognized internationally, with national champions and elite athletes participating from around the world.
The Amazon Armed Forces Cycling Classic weekend’s activities offer riders and cycling fans alike plenty of exciting opportunities to participate. To obtain information on registration, volunteer opportunities; or how to become a sponsor; or learn how you can witness the fast-paced action of professional cycling in the Washington, DC region, visit cyclingclassic.org.

EVENT DETAILS
What: Armed Forces Cycling Classic
When: May 30-31, 2026
Where: Washington, DC & Arlington, VA (Clarendon)
Time:
Website: www.cyclingclassic.org
Challenge Ride Cost: $120
Spectating: FREE
Weather Plan: Rain or shine

Four Nations Cup
2026-05-31 10:00 - 16:00 | Great Meadow, 5089 Old Tavern Road, The Plains, VA, 20198
The Four Nations Cup is a NEW premier international polo tournament celebrating global excellence, tradition, and community spirit.
On May 31, 2026, teams from the United States, United Kingdom, India, and Pakistan will compete in a spectacular day of sport at Great Meadow in The Plains, Virginia. Guests will enjoy thrilling polo finals, immersive cultural pavilions, gourmet hospitality and upscale fieldside tailgating—all set against the iconic background of Great Meadow’s rolling green hills.
Quick Details:

Date: May 31, 2026
Venue: Great Meadow, The Plains, VA
Info: www.fournationscup.com

Songwriters Celebrate John Prine
2026-06-09 19:30 - 22:00 | Wolftrap, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, VA, 22182
Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts presents Songwriters Celebrate John Prine on June 9, a special concert celebrating the life and legacy of the famed American singer/songwriter. Produced by Wolf Trap Foundation with the Prine Family and the Hello In There Foundation, this creative collaboration celebrates John Prine’s legacy through the artists inspired by his enduring influence and who continue to shape American songwriting.
The lineup features Prine friends and collaborators, including Emmylou Harris, Margo Price, Patty Griffin, I’m With Her, Lucius, Allison Russell, Hayes Carll, Jobi Riccio, Fancy Hagood, and John’s youngest son Tommy Prine, all backed by John Prine’s own band.
“John Prine’s songs are woven into the fabric of America with a songwriting legacy now spanning more than five decades. We are so honored to celebrate his legacy at Wolf Trap—a venue where he loved to perform, and one that has championed folk and American music for generations,” said the Prine Family. “This concert brings together artists who carry forward John’s gift for storytelling, in the same spirit that defined John’s work. We’re thrilled to mark America’s 250th anniversary by honoring the songbook that has shaped our national soundtrack.”
“John wasn’t just a great artist and a great songwriter—he was a great human. He modeled care and compassion and community building in everything he did. He adored his family and he made everybody feel a part of it,” said Allison Russell.
This one-night-only event will feature artists performing beloved John Prine songs, alongside songs he championed, collaborated on, and influenced—all culminating in a group finale.
“I had the honor of working with John quite a few times. He was a master at so many things. One of my favorite things about him was his warmth and ease with an audience. I find myself often referencing back to that and his graciousness,” said singer/songwriter Patty Griffin.
“John Prine’s music embodies the spirit of American songwriting, and as we mark America’s 250th anniversary, this program will honor the voices that continue to shape American culture,” said Sara Beesley, Vice President of Programming and Production, Wolf Trap Foundation. “Having performed at Wolf Trap 19 times, John was deeply connected to this place, and Wolf Trap to him. Today, we continue to be home to songwriters inspired by his example.”
Wolf Trap is proud to partner with the Hello In There Foundation—an initiative established by the family of John Prine, to honor his memory and continue the love, kindness, and generosity he shared with the world—to bring this must see one-night-only celebration to the stage.

Ticketing and On Sale Information

Tickets may be purchased online at wolftrap.org.
Ticket prices vary by performance and location and are subject to change. See individual performance listings online at Wolf Trap’s website calendar.
Wolf Trap members have access to exclusive presales and may purchase tickets in advance of the general public. For more information on becoming a member, visit wolftrap.org/membership.
