D.C. Japanese Street Festival returns in parade-filled weekend

This year, there are more food offerings promised than ever before, including a timed-ticket "mini sake festival" to sample seven types of sake. There will be ramen, sushi and traditional desserts like mochi.

• Sumo wrestlers Ichi and Hiroki will have an exhibition bout on Sunday.
• Japanese progressive metal band Ulma Sound Junction will perform both days.
• The festival has cultural exhibits and artisan crafts. Family-friendly activities include Sakura tree drawings, calligraphy and origami.

Tickets are listed as $15 for a standard one-day pass if purchased through Friday, and there are other tickets for special events.

Other events this weekend:

🎉 The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade rolls down Constitution Avenue on Saturday with its floats and marching bands. It begins at 10am and seated tix start at $25.

🍻 The D.C. Beer Fest returns to Nats Park on Saturday from noon to 3pm and 5-8pm. General admission tickets are $55 for unlimited samples from over 80 breweries.

🎆 The D.C. Emancipation Day 20th Anniversary Celebration takes place on Sunday, including a parade starting at 2pm at Pennsylvania Avenue and 10th Street NW, and ending at Freedom Plaza.

• A concert is slated for 4pm, followed by fireworks at 8:30pm.

🛞 Innovative sculptures from artist Chakaia Booker — made using discarded rubber tires — are on display at the National Gallery of Art through Aug. 3.