Our end-of-the-week picks for April 10-12, 2026
We've gathered up some fun things to do in DC this weekend. You can also read what else is going on during the week and throughout the month.
Looking for a local perspective delivered directly to your inbox every two weeks? Sign up for our "DC on the Go-Go" Local Newsletter to stay in the know.
Friday
America’s State Flowers: An America250 Celebration
In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the U.S. Botanic Garden showcases the official flowers of every U.S. state and territory. Varieties on display include fragrant magnolias, roses, orchids, bluebonnets, saguaro cactus flowers and many more; all of them symbolize the natural beauty of America.
Free Admission
U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20001
Folger Theatre
As You Like It – Final Weekend
One of Shakespeare’s most popular comedies is reimagined by Folger Theatre’s Artistic Director Karen Ann Daniels. The story concerns Rosalind and her cousin, Celia, who are forced to leave the “court” and in turn explore the vast forest of Arden, where adventure awaits. The setting conjures love for DC, and the production takes care to showcase the city as a place of redemption, resilience and community.
Tickets
Folger Theatre, 201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Sasha Velour's Travesty – Final Weekend
The RuPaul’s Drag Race winner stages a multi-media extravaganza on queer history and resistance featuring lip syncing, video art and costume changes at Woolly Mammoth Theatre.
Tickets
Woolly Mammoth Theatre, 641 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Saturday
Cherry Blossom Parade
Witness DC's grandest petal procession with the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade presented by Events DC. Catch everything from giant helium balloons to elaborate floats to live musical performances. Enjoy prime performance viewing in the grandstand (tickets are $25-$40), or stand along the parade route – which runs for 10 blocks along Constitution Avenue NW – for free.
More Info
Sakura Matsuri: Japanese Street Festival
The Sakura Matsuri, produced by the Japan-America Society of Washington DC, returns for two exciting days each year. The event presents over 80 cultural groups, art vendors, food booths and dozens of hours of programming. You can also enjoy a Ginza Marketplace, popular Japan Now! Pavilion, a cosplay contest, sake tasting and more. This goes down on Pennsylvania Avenue from 3rd to 7th Streets NW on Saturday and Sunday.
More Info
Experience a DC Defenders game at Audi Field
Defenders football has become a springtime tradition at Audi Field in the nation’s capital. Hard-hitting action returns so expect a rowdy atmosphere as the DC squad looks to defend home field against the Houston Gamblers. Purchase tickets through the link below to save up to 35%.
Tickets (up to 35% off)
Audi Field, 100 Potomac Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024
Arena Stage
A Good Day to Me Not to You
Arena Stage welcomes a new work from Drama Desk Award-winning actor Lameece Isaaq and two-time Obie-winning director Lee Sunday Evans. The play concerns a 40-something dental lab tech who loses her job and relocates to a woman’s boarding house run by nuns. She’s forced to confront her own personal demons as well as the house’s deranged inhabitants in this deeply psychological production.
Tickets
Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
1776
The story of the signing of the Declaration of Independence is transformed into a vibrant musical as the country’s beginnings are brought to blazing life inside the historic Ford's Theatre.
Tickets
Ford's Theatre, 511 10th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Shakespeare Theatre Company
Eddie Izzard in The Tragedy of Hamlet – Final Weekend
Pay witness to the solo show talents of Eddie Izzard, who has dazzled Chicago, London, San Francisco and Seattle with her riveting one-woman interpretation of Hamlet. The comedian, actor and activist pushes boundaries and performs The Bard’s work unlike you’ve ever seen it performed before.
Tickets
Klein Theatre, 450 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
The Wiz
Dorothy and crew groove down the Yellow Brick Road in this soulful twist on a classic. The National Theatre transforms into a magical world for one of the most highly anticipated productions of the year, based on the classic play and film of the same name.
Tickets
The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Sunday
Dear America
Explore how artists have captured and questioned the American experience over the last 250 years. Through more than 100 works on paper spanning photography, prints and drawings, discover powerful depictions of the nation’s landscapes, people and ideals of freedom.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
ARTECHOUSE
Peak Bloom: Dome Experience
Hi-Lawn, in collaboration with ARTECHOUSE Studio, transforms its rooftop dome into a breathtaking digital cherry blossom spectacle. The immersive visual show features 360 degrees of petals, light and motion projected overhead, surrounding guests with luminous blooms and flowing digital landscapes.
Tickets
Hi-Lawn, 1309 5th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
Photo by Cameron Whitman
The Minutes
The Keegan Theatre hosts a production from one of the great purveyors of the art form. Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Tracy Letts’ brilliant examination of small-town politics plays out over the course of one city council meeting.
Tickets
Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
Places to Stay
Need some inspiration for a place to stay in between events? Washington, DC is filled with a multitude of hotels to fit your needs. Whether you are looking for that specialty boutique hotel or booking at your favorite hotel brand, Washington, DC's booking engine has it all. Find your stay today!
Do you know where you’ll be dining pre- or post-event? From pop-up restaurants to award-winning hot spots to laid-back food halls, our DC food guide is perfect for helping you plan a more memorable experience.
