Your D.C. weekend: Shakespeare's birthday, Earth Day
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Party like it's 1564 at The Folger. Photo: Courtesy of the Folger Shakespeare Library
The Folger Shakespeare Library is celebrating The Bard's birthday on Saturday for the first time in six years since their multimillion-dollar remodel.
Why it matters: The Folger is home to the largest Shakespeare collection in the world, so you know they're going full-on Falstaff with revels for all ages — all free.
State of play: Shakespeare might enjoy these party activities, 461 years and counting. Doors open at 11am (you can snag timed passes in advance).
- Activities include printing press and sword fighting demos, a sonnet writing competition, a "Twelfth Night"-inspired puppet show, Elizabethan dancing and ruff collar making.
- Don't miss singing and cupcakes at 2:45pm.
- A 7pm lecture from The Folger's new director will explore how Shakespeare is relevant to modern life and this "challenging phase" of our democracy.
The bottom line: "With mirth and laughter, let old wrinkles come."
More weekend fun: Earth Day, 4/20, sparkling vino…
🇺🇿 Travel to Uzbekistan on Friday night (7–9:30pm) for a party at their embassy filled with traditional food, an Uzbek bar, dancing, an art tour and more (tickets $79).
🎭 Shake it like a Schuyler Sister at 9:30 Club's Broadway Rave, Friday at 10pm (tickets $25).
🌎 Earth Day is 4/22, but get a head start on Saturday at the Earth Day 5K Walk & Green Expo on the National Mall (10am–3pm, free)
- Earth Day volunteer cleanups to support the Potomac River are also happening Saturday (and beyond) at multiple parks and locations in the DMV. Free registration required.
🥂 Pop Fizz Bar hosts a mix-and-mingle sparkling wine tasting Sunday (1–2:30pm) where you can try 25 kinds of rosé, white, red, and orange bubbles (tickets $40+).
🌿 The National Cannabis Festival is this summer, but the organizers' 420 Week kicks off Sunday. Check out a variety of events and experiences for every flavor, from movie screenings (with munchies) to workshops, a policy summit and parties.