Not only does it mark the first day of summer, but it is an ancient tradition, an astrological phenomenon or, simply, as a way to celebrate more sunlight. Many cultures observe this day with feasts, dancing, bonfires and picnics. In the D.C. area, there will be late-night exhibit hours, parties, concerts, yoga and more.

The solstice may be Wednesday, but events are popping up all week long to welcome summer. Here are some unique ways to enjoy the nearly 15 hours of sunlight in the D.C. area:

Smithsonian Solstice Saturday

📅 Sat., June 24
📍 National Mall, Washington D.C.
💲 Free
🔗 Details

The biggest D.C. area celebration is the Smithsonian’s Solstice Saturday. The event includes free parties, programs and extended hours at museums on the National Mall, including three museums staying open until midnight. Be sure to plan ahead, some of the museums require that you pre-register.

Here’s the full schedule– including all of your favorite museums:

• ☀️ Joe Tohonnie Jr. and the Apache Crown Dancers, guided gallery tours, National Museum of the American Indian, various performances times; 1- 8 p.m.
• 🎨 Late-night exhibit hours, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden; 5-10 p.m.
• 🎧 DJ sets by Les The DJ, curator programming, gallery access, National Museum of Asian Art and Enid A. Haupt Garden; 5:30 p.m.- midnight
• 🎶 Sounds of Africa and light show, exhibition tours, African Art Museum; 5:30 p.m.-midnight
• 🐘 Late Night at the Museum: Exhibit Opening + Solstice Saturday, Natural History Museum; 6:30-midnight
• 🦅 Pop-culture exhibition, “Entertainment Nation,” and activities, American History Museum; 5:30-10 p.m.
• 🕹️ Glow Night Arcade Party, Arts and Industries Building; 7-11 p.m.
• 🌱 Conversations, free pop-up mint planters, National Museum of African American History and Culture; 5:30-10 p.m.
• 🪐 Planetarium shows, Hofstra University’s Astronomy Festival, Air and Space Museum and on the National Mall; 6- 11 p.m.

Foamhenge in Virginia

📅 Through Sat. Aug. 19, 1- 2 p.m.
📍 Cox Farms Centreville, Virginia
💲 Included with admission to Smokin’ Saturday events
🔗 Details

People travel all over the world to visit Stonehenge in England on the summer solstice, why not pilgrimage to one of several existing U.S. replicas located in nearby Virginia.

Artist Mark Cline of Enchanted Castle Studio created it in 2004 in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Natural Bridge, Virginia, before it moved to Cox Farms in 2017. Foamhenge is carved out of 16-foot-tall blocks of Styrofoam, spray-painted grey and anchored with concrete. Note the sculpture is accessible by shuttle from the farm’s Corner Market.

Summer Solstice Celebration on U Street

📅 Wed., June 21 and Sat., June 24
📍 Temperance Alley Garden, D.C.
💲 Free
🔗 Details

Join Temperance Alley Garden in marking the changing of the seasons. First, with a meditation on June 21 that will reflect on the longest day of the year. Then with a Summer Solstice Celebration on June 24 that will celebrate the sun moving through the sky with learning, community, as well as food and drink.

“This point of stillness is our SUMMER SOLSTICE. Come to the Garden to properly celebrate when we are in this yearly cycle!” the website reads.

Salute the Sunset:

📅 Sat. June 24, 7-8 p.m.
📍 National Harbor, Maryland
💲 Free
🔗 Details

Watch the sunset at the National Harbor as the U.S. Air Force Concert Band and Singing Sergeants serenade you and your family. Bringing a blanket and grabbing food from a nearby restaurant is encouraged.

Summer Solstice Cocktail Garden Party

📅 Wed., June 21, 5:30 p.m.
📍 King & Rye, Alexandria, Virginia
💲 $35
🔗 Details

The King & Rye restaurant will ring in summer by launching its Cocktail Garden with activities, cocktails, photo moments and a menu by Executive Chef Tomas Chavarria, who competed on Food Network’s Beat Bobby Flay.

Summer Solstice Forest Bathing

📅 Wed., June 21, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
📍 James E. Bunn Amphitheater, D.C.
💲 $10
🔗 Details

Ground yourself in the natural world and community on a guided walk through the forests of Oxon Run.

Summer Solstice Yoga

📅 Wed., June 21, 6-7 p.m.
📍 909 Rose Ave., Bethesda, Maryland
💲 Free
🔗 Details

Stretch your way through the start of summer with an all-levels, rejuvenating yoga flow on a rooftop.

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From the 1800s to the 1950s, the space held alley dwellings along the U Street corridor in Northwest D.C. Right now, it is a COVID-era community garden. On Sept. 30, when the garden’s lease ends, it will be turned into townhomes.

“You’re standing in somebody’s living room in the past and you’re standing in somebody’s living room in the future,” U Street Neighborhood Association President Aaron Lewis said. “And right now, we’re in the special window in time where it’s somehow impossibly a garden.”

A Time Machine

Centuries before it was a garden, the Anacostans were stewards of the land. When Congress declared the swamplands of D.C. the nation’s capital in the 1790s, it became a part of the U.S. In Pierre Charles L’Enfant’s plans for the City of Washington, it was known as Square 274, according to the U Street Neighborhood Association’s Temperance Alley Garden timeline.

The alley was occupied between the 1800s and 1950s. Its first residents were freed slaves who migrated to D.C. following the Civil War, Lewis said. In the alley, they found cheap shack-like houses with no plumbing, heat or sewage systems.

In the early 1900s, the poor conditions of alley dwellings caught the attention of Congress. By 1934, the Alley Dwellings Authority was created to clear D.C.’s alleys of homes and occupants.

Over the years, working-class Black people established a close, supportive community known as Temperance Court. In 1953, the 23 townhomes in the alley were torn down, displacing over 130 residents, according to the U Street Neighborhood Association. At a Land Acknowledgement Ceremony, Ben’s Chili Bowl Owner Virginia Ali said she knew someone who lived in Temperance Court before it was demolished.

The homes were never rebuilt, and part of the alley came to be used as a parking lot. Decades later, in the 2000s, several attempts were made to create affordable housing in the alley. The area was also used for a farmers’ and artists’ market.

During COVID-19, Lewis and his roommates were stuck inside their rowhouse near the alley and contacted EastBanc, the developer who acquired the property in 2012, and received a temporary lease for a park.

“I’ve been very impressed with the energy that the team running the garden has brought to it,” EastBanc redevelopment manager Hope Richardson said. “You see a lot of community volunteer-run initiatives that start with a lot of enthusiasm and fizzle because people move on, or people get busy.”

Now, throughout the garden, there are layers of the alley’s past that the stewards excavate like amateur archeologists, including broken pieces of parking lot asphalt, empty oyster shell husks, brown clay pottery pieces and bricks of sunbaked faded reds.

“We really try to engage people that time machine element with the deeper past and help them picture what it was like, so they feel a greater sense of connection to this neighborhood,” Temperance Alley Garden Chair Josh Morin said.

On Garden Time

Over a three-year lease, the stewards transformed a vacant lot slated for construction into a pop-up community garden. The area is tucked behind homes, making it a peaceful retreat from the bustling bar-filled noise of U Street and its Metro station.

The garden appears at first glance to be just a fence protecting overgrown weeds, but beyond its entrance it is a series of intentional spaces, an urban rewilding experiment. Once inside, you can hear birds chirp as city noises become muffled and calm settles in.

“U Street’s like the come-up and then the garden can be the comedown,” Morin said.

In the space’s Welcome Womb, visitors enter a circle of found items inside a knee-length wall of plants, like a labyrinth or clock. This is where weekly meditations are held and where a Little Free Library is located. Walk through an arch to the Lawn, a grassy open area where people sit to watch concerts, do yoga and attend the garden’s events.

“I would say Temperance Garden is a learning landscape, an urban farm, a time machine and a construction site,” Lewis said. “And it’s a place where neighbors come together to host a lot of different classes, workshops, experiences where we can learn together, create art together and grow together.”

An overgrown Virginia Creeper winds its way up from the ground, creating a green roof on a wooden pergola with a brick floor and chairs. The stewards consider the Pavilion to be the garden’s outdoor living room and a “reanimated ruin” — the only thing left of the 2000s market.

A thriving mulberry tree and vegetables that grow in wood or brick planter boxes mark the Café Garden behind the Pavilion. Hand-painted signs identify hot peppers, tomatoes, the leafy beginnings of eggplants and dormant vines of watermelons.

Volunteers grow the produce along with Farm the District. They take some of the produce home, share recipes in the garden’s homemade zine and donate some of it to Martha’s Table.

Among the vegetables, the Story Circle is a black geodesic dome with campfire energy, Lewis said. Pillows and tree stumps are used for seating; a hanging “dynamic” talking stick is meant to facilitate sharing.

“Whether you’re new to the neighborhood or you’ve been around here for 50 years and seen it completely transform, the storytelling, the connection with people that aren’t just in your immediate vicinity, is sort of the whole purpose of this outdoor community space,” Morin said as he sat inside the Story Circle among wildflowers and plants.

At the back of the garden is the “time capsule,” a black chest with gold buckles that sits closed on a platform of light stone. It is filled with items found in the garden, writings, art, poems, signs, bucket lists and a scrapbook. In front of it, a bench looks back into the green tangles of the garden.

Lewis described it as a seed vault or memory bank of all of their event ideas: something they will keep once the garden is gone, “to reanimate other places that we want to help bring to life in the future.”

‘A Moment in Time’

Though its stewards are counting the days wistfully (and literally: “144,” Morin said on May 9), Lewis and Morin both emphasized the project was created with an end date in mind.

The stewards are planning a full schedule for the garden’s final season of events; it’s D.C.’s last chance to get to U Street and experience the garden.

“For season three of the garden, we’re doing everything a little bigger,” Lewis said.

Each event will be headed by a neighbor, volunteer or partner organization that wants to share their passion with the neighborhood, Morin said. You’ll find theater, art, music, mind and body events, gardening and meditation.

Alexander Currey said he helps organize the garden workdays and hosts a meditation circle on Wednesdays. He credits the garden with giving him and other volunteers a place to express themselves outside of work.

“It was such a fulfilling project for me, both from a social standpoint, but also just, you know, how I want to live in community and how I want to show up in the city that I call home,” Currey said.

For Sara Mack, who is helping organize the events this summer, the garden was the perfect space for this time in her life.

“It’s hard to see that go away, but it is also just a really important lesson in appreciating what you have, regardless of the timeframe that you have it,” Mack said.

June Events:

• Volunteer Gardening Hours: June 17 and 24; 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.
• Juggling for Everyone: June 17; 5-6:30 p.m.
• Craft in the Garden: June 19; 6:30-8 p.m.
• Yoga in the Garden: June 20; 6-7 p.m.
• Secret Cacao Garden: June 20; 5-8 p.m.
• Group Meditation: June 21 and 28; 6-7 p.m.
• Open Songwriting Hours: June 22; 6-8 p.m.
• Tea Time with Tanya: June 22; 7-8:30 p.m.
• “Your Ass Is Grass” Comedy Show: June 23; 7-9 p.m.
• Summer Solstice 🌞 Celebration: June 24; 6-9 p.m.
• PALC at the PARK: June 28; 6-8 p.m.
• Music in the Garden: June 30; 7-9 p.m.

For a full list of the garden’s events, visit the U Street Neighborhood Association website.

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It’s an impressive lineup heavy with local ties.

D.C. native Mary Timony’s Ex Hex is straight up guitar-driven, radical rock and roll.

D.C. post-hardcore greats Gray Matter, Flasher, instrumental trio The Messthetics (featuring Fugazi bassist Joe Lally and drummer Brendan Canty) and Birthday Girl round out the lineup for Friday, Sept. 8.

Originating at the University of Maryland in the late 1980s, Velocity Girl put out three LPs of dreamy indie rock in the 1990s before calling it quits. They played a reunion show at the Black Cat in 2002.

Pop-punk icons Ted Leo & The Pharmacists, Bad Moves, and D.C. supergroups Hammered Hulls and The Owners complete the Saturday, Sept. 9, lineup.

Some of the musicians are performing double duty. Timony joins longtime D.C. punk Alec MacKaye in Hammered Hulls, while Black Cat owner Dante Ferrando plays drums in Gray Matter and The Owners. The Owners’ bassist Laura Harris is on the kit for Ex Hex.

Tickets go on sale 10 a.m. June 2.

Students were on hand from Northwestern High School, Henson’s alma mater where he began designing prototypes for The Muppets before eventually debuting his “Sam and Friends” show on WRC-TV in 1955.

Tickets just went on sale for “The Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited” at the Maryland Center for History and Culture in Baltimore.

Visitors can see puppets, sketches, costumes and scripts starting June 1.

The Folger Shakespeare Library, known for having the world’s largest Shakespeare collection, is set to reopen on Nov. 17 after a three-year renovation, according to a release.

The library was established in 1932 by the Folger family and is located in Capitol Hill, just blocks from the U.S. Capitol. It began with the Folger’s collection of Shakespeare works and is now known for its research, theatre, consort and education.

The new space was designed “to create a sense of belonging and inspiration for all who come to the Folger,” according to the release. The renovation’s highlights will include new gardens, two exhibition halls, a hands-on learning lab, research spaces, a café and a gift shop.

The redesign will feature a permanent exhibition where visitors can explore Shakespeare’s works, world and his contemporary connection.

All 82 copies of Shakespeare’s First Folios from the Folger collection will be displayed in the exhibit. The First Folios are his first published collection of plays and there are only 235 copies believed to still exist.

“Henry and Emily Folger’s collection of First Folios have long been a source of fascination,” Eric Weinmann Librarian and Director of Collections Greg Prickman said in the release. “For the first time, we are able to share all of the Folger’s Folios with all of our visitors, no matter if they are longtime lovers of Shakespeare, casual fans, or just plain curious.”

There will be three new pieces of contemporary art. A poem by US Poet Laureate Rita Dove will welcome guests to the west gardens; a piece by artist Fred Wilson will be displayed next to the “Sieve” portrait of Queen Elizabeth I; and a new paper light sculpture by artiste Anke Neuman will hang in the stairwell between the east entrance lobby and historic theater lobby.

The 2023 to 2024 season theme will be “What’s Your Story?” The library plans to bring related performances, exhibitions and events.

The $80.5 million renovation project was funded by philanthropic support and institutional resources.

The library will hold a grand reopening celebration the weekend of Nov. 17.

Details on how to visit the Folger Shakespeare Library once it has opened have yet to be released. Tickets for the library’s events can be found here.

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You were able to cast ballots for their favorite spots in five categories: Favorite Gathering Place; Best Brunch; Best Bar; Favorite Fast Bites; and Hottest Sandwich Spot.

Voting is now closed. 2023 RAMMY awards will be announced July 9 at the annual awards gala. Good luck to all the nominees.

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The program closes usually busy roadways so that pedestrians, cyclists and scooter riders can experience neighborhoods in a new way.

“Every year, Open Streets events provide an opportunity for residents to come together, be active, and enjoy our vibrant and thriving communities in new ways,” Bowser said in a release. “These are events are about coming together – to enjoy our beautiful city, to support local businesses, and to think about the future our streets and the future of public space in D.C.”

The first Open Streets event will be on Sunday, June 4, in Ward 5 on Twelfth Street NE between Franklin Street and Michigan Avenue.

The second event will take place on Saturday, October 7 on Georgia Avenue in Wards 1 and 4, the release said.

They will both run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine.

The Open Streets events will include extra space for outdoor dining and programming from local businesses, organizations and D.C. agencies. The events may include free fitness classes, chalk murals, live music, and other activities, according to the release.

Open Streets was held in 2022 on Georgia Ave. in September and Wisconsin Avenue NW in November.

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What’s the Nationals Schedule 2023?

You can see the rest of the Nats’ 2023 regular-season schedule online here, and tickets are available online here.

What’s New at Nationals Park in 2023? What About Food Options?

You’ll find new concession stands this year, including a lot more grab-and-go options. The Nats hope that will keep lines moving faster and cut down on the time it takes people to get their food.

More local restaurants will also be featured throughout Nats Park. Newcomers this year are Swizzler, Capo Italian Deli and Jammin’ Island BBQ.

There will also be new beer vending kiosks. The Beer Market has AI and scanners, which park officials hope will help streamline the process.

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Budweiser released limited-edition MLB cans for 14 teams, including the Washington Nationals. You can purchase the memorabilia cans in Nats Park and wherever Budweiser is sold.

A new “gamified” recycling initiative acts as a raffle. Any fan who recycles during the game and uses the approved recycling containers will automatically be entered into a chance to win tickets to the next Nats game.

Around Nats Park, nearly a dozen new food and drink options have arrived since the last Opening Day. Here’s where to eat around Navy Yard.

Hey, Do You Have a Seating Chart for Nationals Park?

Why, yes, we do. (More accurately, the Nats’ website does.)

It is here.

What Can We Expect from the Team in 2023?

Last year, the Nationals compiled the franchise’s worst record (55-107) since moving to Washington in 2005. In all likelihood, it will be an uphill battle for the organization again this year.

The biggest difference in Opening Day rosters from 2022 to 2023 is the absence of Juan Soto. Washington dealt the star outfielder, along with first baseman Josh Bell, to the San Diego Padres before last year’s trade deadline. The Nationals landed a haul of prospects in the trade, but it could take a while before those young players are truly able to impact winning at the major league level. Still, the growth of Cade Cavalli, CJ Abrams, Carter Kieboom and more are enough of a reason for Nats fans to tune in this season.

Manager Davey Martinez will trot out a familiar face to start the year. Patrick Corbin will make his second straight Opening Day start when the Nats host the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park. The veteran lefty led the majors with 19 losses last season and had a career-worst 6.31 ERA.

One big thing working against the Nats in 2023 is the loaded NL East, which featured two 101-win teams and the eventual National League champions in 2022. The New York Mets went on a free agent spending spree and got Justin Verlander to take the place of Jacob deGrom. The Braves have locked in their core and are just a season removed from a World Series title. The Philadelphia Phillies went all the way from a wild card to the World Series last postseason before falling to the Houston Astros in the Fall Classic. Even the Miami Marlins finished 14 games ahead of the Nats in the division standings last season.

You might also notice a small update on players’ uniforms: The team will wear “TNL” patches on their uniforms all season, in honor of Ted Lerner, the Nats’ founding owner, who died in February at 97.

What’s the Best Way to Get to Nats Games? Are There Parking Garages?

You have plenty of options, including:

Metrorail: If you’re taking Metro, the closest station is Navy Yard-Ballpark on the Green Line, which is just a block from Nats Park. Another option is the Capitol South station on the Orange, Blue and Silver lines, which is a 15-minute walk from the ballpark.

Metrobus & Circulator: Several Metrobus routes serve the area. See timetables here and a map of all Metrobus routes here. You can also get to the ballpark via D.C.’s Circulator. The Union Station-Navy Yard route drops off riders at the M Street and New Jersey Avenue SE entrance to the Navy Yard Metro station. Find more info here.

Parking Garages: You can buy parking passes for covered or uncovered parking ahead of time online here. Drive-up parking is available on a game-by-game basis and is not available for all games. Note that Nats parking facilities are now cashless and will only accept credit cards. All lots will open 2.5 hours prior to the start of each game and will close an hour after the end of each game. Tailgating is not permitted at Nats parking facilities.

Bicycle: Have your own bike? Nats Park has a free bike valet in Garage C, at the corner of N and First streets SE. You’ll find the access point on First Street, to the left of the garage’s vehicle entrance. Want a short-term bike rental? Capital Bikeshare has four docking stations around Nats Park: 1st & N streets SE; 1st & K streets SE; 3rd & Tingey streets SE, and M Street & New Jersey Avenue SE.

Rideshare and Taxis: You can rideshare or take a taxi to Nats Park. Getting dropped off a block or two away could save you time and money sitting in traffic. After the game, you can catch a cab at the taxi stand on the north side of M Street SE between South Capitol and Half streets SE. If you want to Uber or Lyft home, Nationals Park recommends you don’t order a rideshare vehicle to South Capitol Street because it’s very busy. Try walking a few blocks north.

Water Taxi: The Potomac Riverboat Company offers water taxi service from Georgetown; Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, and National Harbor, Maryland, to the Diamond Teague Park pier, located across the street from Nationals Park. You can see the route and buy tickets here.

What Giveaways Are at Nationals Park? When Is Pups in the Park for 2023?

You’ll find plenty of promos and special events all season long, starting with Opening Day (naturally!), when the first 20,000 fans to arrive will get free T-shirts.

After that, other highlights include:

• April 15: Giveaway: Josiah Gray Bobblehead (first 20,000 fans)
• April 16: Pups in the Park; Value Day
• April 28: Giveaway: Nationals Fedora (first 20,000 fans)
• April 30: Kids’ opening day with a giveaway: kids’ rally cap (first 10,000 fans age 12 & under); Value Day
• May 12: Fireworks Friday
• May 19: Pups in the Park
• May 20: Star Wars Day with giveaway: dueling Hawaiian Shirts: Dark Side vs. Light Side (first 10,000 fans will receive one of two shirts)
• May 21: Teddy Handmade by Robots vinyl figure (first 10,000 fans ages 3-12)
• June 2: Fireworks Friday; U.S. Navy Day
• June 6: Night OUT; giveaway: Screech Night OUT bobblehead for Pride Month (the Night OUT VIP package includes a T-shirt and a $5 donation to Team DC per ticket)
• June 7: Pups in the Park
• July 3: Freedom Fireworks
• July 8: Harry Potter Day (giveaway: Harry Potter house scarves; first 10,000 fans will receive one of four scarves)
• July 17: Giveaway: Teddy & Abe Racing Presidents bobblehead (first 20,000 fans)
• Aug 16: Pups in the Park; Marine Corps Day
• Aug. 12: Giveaway: George & Tom Racing Presidents bobblehead (first 20,000 fans)
• Aug. 19: Caturday (Note: $5 towards each ticket goes towards the Humane Rescue Alliance. You cannot actually bring your cat!)
• Aug. 31: Ladies’ Night
• Sept. 5: Pups in the Park
• Sept. 23: Pups in the Park

On Value Days, tickets start at $9. Select concessions (25-ounce cans of domestic beer until the end of the 7th inning; hot dogs, fountain sodas and bottled water) are 40% off if you place a mobile order using the code VALUE. Select items at the Main Team Store are also 40% off, and parking for $10 is available in Lot W. Find more info on Value Days here.

Does Nationals Park Still Have COVID-19 Protocols?

Nats Park is again operating at full capacity. There are no vaccine or mask mandates in effect at this time, according to the Nationals’ website.

All Nationals employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

What’s the Clear Bag Policy at Nationals Park? What Else Can You Bring, and What’s Prohibited?

Yes, the clear bag policy is still in place, with limited exceptions.

You may bring:

• certain bags:
  • clutch bags 5″x7″x¾” or smaller
  • clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags measuring 16″x16″x8″ or smaller — but any buckles, grommets, hardware or other décor can’t conceal any part of the bag
  • diaper bags or bags used for ADA/medical reasons measuring 16″x16″x8″ or smaller
  • bags purchased inside the Nats Park complex during the game will be tagged and permitted for that day only
• clear, factory-sealed or empty plastic water bottles no larger than one liter, juice boxes, insulin containers and baby food
  • Note: only one water bottle per person will be permitted
• single-serving food items, if they are contained in one of the approved bags under the Nationals’ current bag policy, or carried in your hands so the food items can be screened by security
• collapsible umbrellas

You may not bring:

• metal or glass containers of any kind, except for those mentioned above
• food items not adhering to the food policy above
• bags not adhering to the bag policy above
• non-collapsible umbrellas
• soft-sided coolers, hard coolers or ice chests
• brooms, poles or staffs of any kind
• weapons (including pocket knives), fireworks and other illegal substances
• camera lenses greater than eight inches, tripods, monopods and selfie sticks
• animals (except service animals)
• beach balls and other inflatable items
• laser pens and laser pointers
• baseball bats (however, baseball bats purchased inside the Nats Park complex during the game will be tagged and permitted for that day only)
• alcohol not purchased at the Nats Park complex
• noisemakers not provided by the Nationals
• skateboards, hoverboards, helmets and wheeled footwear
• drones or other unmanned aerial vehicles
• self-defense sprays (such as pepper spray and mace)
• toy guns (including water guns) and toy knives
• Any other item deemed dangerous, inappropriate or otherwise violating Nats Park’s Guest Conduct Policy

What’s the Weather Forecast for Opening Weekend?

Storm Team4 says high wind, rain chances and big temperature swings could have an impact on any weekend plans! Keep an eye on the forecast and gear up properly.

How Did the Nats Opening Day Go?

Major League Baseball’s official Opening Day was Thursday, March 30, and the Nats were in town for their first games this season! Including Opening Day, the Nats played six straight games at home to begin their season: back-to-back series against the Atlanta Braves (March 30; April 1, 2) and the Tampa Bay Rays (April 3, 4, 5).

Nats pitcher Patrick Corbin made his second straight Opening Day start this year. Festivities included a Budweiser Clydesdales procession led by Nats 2019 World Series champ (and “Baby Shark” aficionado) Gerardo Parra.

Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States, Oksana Markarova, threw out the ceremonial first pitch, and delivered a message of hope for her country in the midst of war.

“We fight for the values: freedom, democracy,” Oksana Markarova told News4’s Tommy McFly after her first pitch.

Ultimately, the Nationals lost to the Braves 7-2.

Manager Dave Martinez called repeated miscues “kind of disappointing,” but added: “These are going to be some of the growing pains we have. They’re teaching moments. We’re going to teach them and we’re going to get them to understand.”

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The museum, known for its innovative, technology-driven experiential art, expanded on its successful 2022 PIXELBLOOM for this year’s exhibition, which runs from now to until June 11.

The all-new showcase tells a visual narrative that takes visitors through a virtual world of cherry blossoms to experience the beauty of butterflies. The butterflies awake from a winter slumber and kick off springtime by transforming ‘pixels’ into full bloom.

 ARTECHOUSE Founder and Chief Creative Officer Sandro Kereselidze said this year’s display also hopes to point their audience’s attention to issues of climate change.

“Through this exhibition’s focus on the enchanting butterflies, and their nod to the changing season, we hope to bring the audience’s attention to nature and the nuances of our ever-changing climate, stirring up a deeper appreciation for the world around us,” Kereselidze said.

Museumgoers can further explore the butterfly’s life cycle through a series of “Digital Flower Experiments” by Japanese digital designer Mei Tamazawa, as well as an installation depicting the Monarch Butterfly migration cycle on LG Display’s Transparent OLED screens.

ARTECHOUSE DC’s XR Bar will feature a curated menu of cocktails and mocktails inspired by the exhibition — open 3p.m. on weekdays and 12p.m. on weekends until close.

Tickets range from $17-30 and can be purchased online here.

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Washington, D.C.’s, most famous cherry trees along the Tidal Basin are approaching peak bloom, and you can see beautiful cherry blossoms throughout D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia.

The cherry trees are blooming early this year after one of D.C.’s mildest winters on record — the National Park Service has predicted peak bloom to fall about March 22-25.

Here are spots to see the cherry blossom trees in D.C., Maryland and Virginia. Remember to tag @nbcwashington in your photos on Instagram and Twitter or email isee@nbcwashington.com for a chance to be featured.

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Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Washington, D.C.

Tidal Basin
South of the National Mall

The epicenter of cherry blossom spring fever is the Tidal Basin. Peak bloom is when 70% of the Yoshino trees in this area have flowers — it’s a spectacular sight to see, but expect some crowds. Your best bet is to take public transit, bikes or scooters, then walk along the Tidal Basin Loop Trail.

Stop by the welcome area at West Basin Drive SW for merchandise shopping, refreshments, kids’ activities, a pet comfort station and all the information you need to enjoy the trees. During peak bloom, live performances will be featured on the ANA Stage from 12 to 6 p.m.

From the Water

The pedal boats have returned to the Tidal Basin. Rentals are available 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Each boat can hold up to four people (with a weight limit of 500 pounds). A one-hour rental costs $38 on weekdays and $40 on weekends. Bookings are available into October.

Add a boozy twist to your paddling experience with the Potomac Paddle Club. You can bring your own beer, wine, seltzer and canned cocktails aboard their pontoon pedal boat starting March 25.

Is kayaking more your speed? Cherry blossom tours from Thompson Boat Center in Georgetown and The Wharf Boathouse begin March 24 — but you can rent kayaks to go blossom-spotting on your own now. Thompson Boat Center in Georgetown and The Wharf are your best bets for bloom views.

The cherry blossom water taxi offers audio tours on its Georgetown-Alexandria Sightseeing Route, Georgetown-Wharf Sightseeing Route and Washington Monuments Route through the City Experiences App.

Several cherry blossom cruises are available — including ones during the National Cherry Blossom Festival fireworks.

American University
4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.

The American University campus in Northwest D.C. is a designated arboretum with over 3,000 trees of all types — including collections of cherry trees.

Congressional Cemetery
1801 E St. SE, Washington, D.C.

This dog-friendly cemetery has both Okame (Taiwan) cherry trees, which bloom on the early side, and Kwanzan cherry trees which typically bloom about two weeks after the famed Yoshino ones at the National Mall.

Oxon Run Park
1200 Mississippi Ave. SE, Washington, D.C.

This park could give the Tidal Basin a serious challenge: More than 200 cherry blossom trees have been planted there.

The Wharf
760 Maine Ave. SW, Washington, D.C.

Stroll down The Wharf or sit down on a restaurant patio, then look out across the Washington Channel for some cherry blossom views. You could also rent a kayak or canoe or board the Cherry Blossom Water Taxi. Bonus: Visit on April 1 for Bloomaroo, a family-friendly festival with live music, art and fireworks.

Hains Point (East Potomac Park)
1100 Ohio Dr. SW, Washington, D.C.

The Hains Point Loop Trail is one of the most bike-friendly places to see cherry blossoms. The four-mile loop offers views of the Anacostia River, Potomac River, Washington Channel and The Wharf. Bike this tree-lined trail and see several different kinds of cherry trees including Okame, Takesimensis and Kwanzan.

Stanton Park
226 4th St NE, Washington, D.C.

This family-friendly park in the Capitol Hill neighborhood is filled with cherry blossom trees. Plus, it has a playground, a statue of Nathanael Greene and is within walking distance of the Supreme Court and the U.S. Capitol.

U.S. National Arboretum
3501 New York Ave NE, Washington, D.C. 20002

The Arboretum has its own collection of cherry trees alongside numerous other plants. You can find a self-guided tour here.

Your Neighborhood

Check out this map to find cherry blossom trees throughout the District.

All the Neighborhood Cherry Blossom Trees in the District

Cherry trees on non-federal land in D.C., color-coded by type of tree and sized according to the tree’s diameter. Click on the magnifying glass at the bottom of the map to search for your address.

Source: D.C. Department of Transportation (DDOT) Street Spatial Database (SSD)
Credit: Anisa Holmes / NBC Washington

Maryland Cherry Blossoms

Brookside Gardens and other Montgomery County Parks
Various locations

25 of Montgomery County’s public parks have cherry blossoms trees — here’s how to use their interactive map to find one. You can even look for a specific species.

Brookside Gardens is a standout spot because it has 26 Yoshino and weeping cherry trees that are particularly impressive — look in the Gude Garden.

South Germantown Recreational Park and its HeartSmart Trail — bring your dog on Saturday, April 1 from 9-11 a.m. for the Petals and Paws event.

Centennial Park (Howard County)
1000 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, Maryland

Cherry trees have been planted in three spots in Centennial Park in Howard County. View some from your car, or walk the Lake Loop. Here’s a map.

National Harbor
Oxon Hill, Maryland

National Harbor, in Oxon Hill, Maryland, now boasts 200 cherry trees of their own. Rent a paddleboat for a little extra adventure.

Fort McHenry
2400 E Fort Ave, Baltimore, Maryland

The grounds of Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland, host cherry blossom trees.

Kenwood Neighborhood
Bethesda

Stroll through this Montgomery County neighborhood filled with cherry trees. Kennedy Drive, Dorset Avenue and Kenwood Avenue have some of the best views. The Kenwood trees often bloom three to four days after the Tidal Basin trees, according to Bethesda Magazine.

Virginia Cherry Blossoms

Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington, Virginia

More than 400 cherry trees grow throughout the Arlington National Cemetery. Most are Yoshino trees, but weeping Higan cherry trees, Kwanzan trees and more bloom annually.

Founder’s Park
351 N Union St, Alexandria, Virginia

At Founder’s Park in Alexandria, you can take in the fresh air, look out at the water and bask in cherry blossoms galore.

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct, Vienna, Virginia

Nearly 100 acres of a wide array of plants comprise Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Fairfax Station, Virginia, but in the springtime, it becomes a haven of cherry blossoms for you to see.

Old Town Alexandria

The 100 block of Wolfe Street, near the waterfront and Roberdeau Park, is a good place for a selfie, according to Visit Alexandria. With cherry blossom-themed food and drink, art installations, special tours, shopping events and more, Old Town is a cherry blossom destination.

Van Gogh Bridge on Lake Anne
The Green Trail, Reston, Virginia

This spot is for the photographers: The few cherry trees around the bridge make a gorgeous photo backdrop. To get there, follow Reston’s Green Trail over Lake Anne.

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The U.S. could use about 4,000 more people working on watches nationwide, according to the Horological Society of New York.

“Unfortunately, more watchmakers are retiring each year as compared to watchmakers that are graduating each year,” said Nicholas Manousos of the Horological Society.

The Horological Society of New York promotes free two-year programs.

Industry leaders like Tiny Jewel Box in D.C. fund scholarships to help cover student expenses.

“We have watchmaking scholarships that we award for schools throughout the country,” Manousos said. “There’s about nine schools left in the U.S.”

 “I think there’s just a general lack of awareness, you know,” said Matthew Rosenheim of Tiny Jewel Box about the lack of new watchmakers. “I don’t think it gets publicized. I don’t think many people are necessarily aware of watchmaking as a career path.”

“There’s always something new to experience,” Tiny Jewel Box senior watchmaker Ben Kuriloff said. “Always, always accessing the puzzle-solving aspect of your brain.”

“If you are interested in mechanics, if you are good with your hands and you have good hand-eye coordination, watchmaking could be something that you could excel at,” Manousos said.

“If we don’t get more in, I’m not sure for how many generations we can sustain what my family’s done for three,” Rosenheim said.

Through March 31, foodies were able to cast their ballots for their favorite spots in five categories: Favorite Gathering Place; Best Brunch; Best Bar; Favorite Fast Bites; and Hottest Sandwich Spot. Any restaurant in the DMV region is eligible if they have been open a minimum of one year by 12/31/22.

The top vote-getters will move to the finalist round later this spring. And you’ll then get the chance to vote for the best of the best in each category.

Check back soon to vote for the finalists.

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The new and improved, 30,000-sqaure-foot space will be the largest zoo exhibit to feature migratory birds across the Americas, the zoo announced. The various indoor and outdoor ecosystems will showcase 170 birds from at least 71 different species.

Visitors will be able to explore recreations of the ecosystems that the birds migrate through, including shores of the Delaware Bay, the “Prairie Potholes” (marshes of the Midwest) and a “coffee farm” aviary where it rains once an hour.

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The National Zoo reported that bird populations in the United States and Canada have dropped by around 29% since the 1970s. The main goal of the exhibits is to leave with a better understanding of the importance of migratory birds and how to help these species survive, according the zoo’s conservationists.

“People don’t realize that millions of birds are disappearing from this area, so we wanted to help people not just see and appreciate these birds, but also give them actions to help save them,” National Zoo director Brandie Smith said.

National Zoo members can preview the Bird House beginning March 3 until it officially opens to the public on March 13. For the first few months of opening, visitors will reserve timed-entry passes in an effort to acclimate the birds to the new environment.

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The George Washington Presidential Library, located at Washington’s Mount Vernon estate in Virginia, will be open on Presidents Day, Feb. 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

It was last open to the public a decade ago and is typically only open to researchers and other academics. 

This Monday the library will be open for tours, lectures and a peek inside his famous vault, which contains the rare collections housed at the library.

The library contains hundreds of books that George Washington owned and likely read, according to the Director of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Doug Bradburn. 

“Well, we have some of his earliest books, some of his textbooks, really. I mean, we have his textbook that taught him how to be a surveyor. And that’s really pretty cool because it’s a book he would have used in the field,” Bradburn said. “We have, you know, his early book on how to learn how to navigate the principles of navigation in which he actually fixes one of the formulas that’s incorrect in his own hand in there. So you can kind of see his little mind at work as he’s learning.”

The Mount Vernon estate will also be free and open to the public on Monday.

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Beat The Bomb D.C. brands itself as the world’s first immersive social video game company, and its D.C. outpost is its third location in the U.S. The space offers a group activity with paint blasts, laser mazes, and immersive video games, the company said.

Beat The Bomb is located at 20005 Hecht Ave. NE.

“We are incredibly excited to bring Beat The Bomb to Washington, D.C.,” founder Alex Patterson said in a release. “Even the Pentagon has nothing to counter our hi-tech game rooms, multiplayer teamwork challenges, and crazy special effects Paint and Foam bomb endings.” With the addition of The Bomb Bar, we look forward to welcoming guests to the most exciting entertainment venue that D.C. has ever seen.”

In the “Mission Experience,” groups put on white hazmat suits and go through five levels of lasers and escape room-like activities against the time on the “Bomb Clock.” In the last room, groups must disarm the large paint bomb or be covered with paint.

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The rooms are reprogrammable, Beat The Bomb tells News4, so players can either try the “Mission Experience” again or “Mission 02.” If players go for a repeat, they put on black hazmat suits, try new challenges and go against a “Foam Bomb.”

Once covered in paint, groups can take photos and relax at The Bomb Bar, which offers cocktails and snacks. They can also hang out and play mini-games in one of the six arcade lounges.

Mission experiences start at $44.95, and booking is open now.

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Flavorture is a new soul food restaurant located at 2609 24th St NW. It opened on Saturday with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by D.C. leaders, according to a mayor’s office release.

It is co-owned by Chefs Lew McAlister and Pinkey Reddick. They both ran their own catering businesses before opening the restaurant together, the release said.

The opening was supported by a $50,000 grant from the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development and a Woodley Park Main Street grant, according to the release.

“Flavorture is the dream of two passionate people who came together to redefine what local dining could be like in D.C.,” Reddick said in the release.

“We are here now, and now, to be able to manifest it and to be able to show people that, hey anything that you can desire can come true,” McAlister said. “So, we have the opportunity to be here now, and provide opportunities to people that look like us, in communities that do not often look like us.”

The restaurant is described as having “top-notch cuisine with a bold taste.” Some of the menu items include lamb chops, fried seabass and beef short ribs.

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The 37th annual Water-Skiing Santa show took place in Waterfront Park at 1 p.m. The event is considered an Alexandria tradition.

The “Santa News Network” livestreamed and announced the event from a boat in the river. They had special guest Frosty the Snowman on board to assist.

“He loves to give the elves a little play time, he loves to let them ski a little bit, but they got to go to work. Santa is getting ready, he wants to ski for everybody, ” the announcer said.

Santa water-skied along with two reindeers. In his first ski pass he was not able to get up because of some “ice under his skis.”

Santa’s second ski pass was a success. He got up, waved at the crowd and brought some holiday cheer to the people on the shore.

The event had lots of sunshine and temperatures in the 20s. There was a solid crowd at the Waterfront and their cheers could be heard throughout the event.

The Grinch also made an appearance along with “wakeboarders, flipping elves, slalom skiers, tubing elves and flipping wakeboarders.”

Visit Waterskiing Santa’s Facebook for more information about the event.

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Here is where you can lace up your skates and explore the best ice skating rinks in the D.C. area. 

Ice Skating in Washington D.C.

National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink 

The Sculpture Garden Ice Rink has returned to the grounds of the National Gallery of Art after a break due to the pandemic. One of the most beautiful ice skating rinks in the area, it’s open now through mid-March. The cost to skate is $12 for those aged 13 and up. It’s $9 for children, students, military service members and senior citizens. Skate rentals are $6.

Ice rink at Canal Park 

The Canal Park ice rink opens on weekdays from noon to 10 p.m. If you pre-register and buy tickets online, admission costs $12 for adults and $10 for children and seniors. Skate rentals cost $5. On Fridays and Saturdays, the ice rink will open until 11 p.m. On Sunday, Jan. 29, check out the National Skating Month Open House.

Washington Harbor Ice Rink 

Each winter, the Washington Harbour fountain at the Georgetown Waterfront is transformed into an ice skating rink. Now through mid-March, the rink is open daily with extended hours around the holidays. Admission to the rink is $10 for adults and $9 for children, seniors and military members. Skate rentals are $7.

The Wharf Ice Skating Rink 

Located on Transit Pier, The Wharf Ice Rink is D.C’.s only over-water rink. Open Wednesdays through Sundays, plus some Mondays and Tuesdays over DCPS holidays, the rink offers visitors a wonderful view of the Potomac. Admission to the rink is $13 for adults and $10 for children; skates may be rented for $7.

Ice Skating in Virginia

Cameron Run Regional Park

Take a look at the Winter Village at Cameron Run in Alexandria, Virginia, where you can glide across the ice and enjoy the light show at the waterpark. Enjoy this winter wonderland’s ice rink, photo ops, music, then warm up with a slice of pizza or by roasting a marshmallow in the fire pits.

Starting Jan. 7, a 1-hour ice skating rental will cost $14.07.

Manassas Ice Skating Rink 

The Manassas Harris Pavilion skating rink is open for both lessons and fun group hangouts with a $9 cost for adults, $8 cost for children and $6 skate rental fee. The rink will also offer individual and group ice skating lessons for those looking to become experts!

Pentagon Row Skating 

The Pentagon Row ice skating rink is the largest outdoor rink in Northern Virginia. The 6,840-square-foot rink is surrounded by local restaurants and shops great for a holiday family outing. Reservations are required to skate and are open two weeks in advance. Reservations last one hour and 20 minutes. Admission is $11 for adults aged 13 and up and $10 for children; skates may be rented for $6. Group and private lessons are available for skaters. During the week, the rink is open from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. during the weekends.

Reston Town Center

Glide and slide under the lights under the Reston Town Center Pavilion — a fine way to get outside on a drizzly day. Tickets cost $10 for adults, $9 for youth 12 and under, seniors and military members. Skate rentals cost $7.

Ice Skating in Maryland

Silver Spring Ice Skating 

Located at Veterans Plaza, the Silver Spring outdoor skating rink is surrounded by great restaurants and shops. Reservations are required to attend and open two weeks in advance. Tickets are $11 for adults and $10 for children and seniors; skate rentals are available for $5. Tickets must be purchased online. Hours are Sunday to Thursday, noon to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, noon to 11 p.m. Skating lessons are available in groups Saturdays and Sundays.

Rockville Ice Skating 

The Rockville Town Square rink is back and open for outdoor ice skating this holiday season. Reservations are required to skate and can be made two weeks in advance for one hour and 20 minutes of skating time. Admission costs $11 for adults and $10 for children and seniors; skate rentals are $5. The rink is open every day of the week, including holidays. Hours vary by day.

Past Ice Skating:

Enchant Christmas 

If you are looking for the ultimate holiday ice skating rink, Enchant Christmas is the place for you. Located at Nationals Park, Enchant Christmas offers an ice skating trail where visitors may see thousands of radiant Christmas lights while they skate. General admission to the immersive winter light maze ranges from $23 to $32; skate rental is $15.

Gaylord National Harbor Christmas Experience 

Enjoy a day skating near National Harbor in the outdoor ice skating rink. Tickets cost $20.99. You can also enjoy other events like ICE!, bumper cars, taking pictures with Santa and a mountain slide. You can save by purchasing bundle passes with admission with multiple events.

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The band will perform in Washington, D.C. on May 23, 2023. Ticket sales will start on Monday at 10 a.m.

The band will also release a new single to commemorate the landmark occasion.

The tour comes amid big personal news for some of the band members. Mark Hoppus, the band’s bassist, announced that he is cancer-free, and Travis Barker celebrated his wedding to Kourtney Kardashian.  

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Inspired by the Hogwarts Forbidden Forest, visitors will immerse themselves in the magical world as they walk through a trail at Morven Park filled with “the sounds, lights, and special effects” in the thick of the woodland after dark.

Bring your wand and be ready to “Expecto Patronus!” to fight your fears. Scenes from the “Harry Potter” and “Fantastic Beasts” movies will come to life as centaurs, a hippogriff and other magical creatures appear in front of your eyes.

At the end of the trail, visitors will find a themed village with food, drinks and merchandise.

The nighttime experience was created by award-winning theatrical designers and experiential creators and has already had a run in the United Kingdom, organizers say.

The trail takes about 45 to 75 minutes to complete with various sessions daily. The experience runs October 29 through January, but Harry Potter fans can now book tickets.

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After a seven-year renovation, and several months of complete closure, the museum reopens Oct. 14. Free timed-entry passes are now available on the museum’s website.

The renovations include updates to the planetarium, museum store and Mars Café, so soon enough visitors can once again explore space, buy a NASA hat and refuel on “Mars.”

“This is one of the most exciting times in the National Air and Space Museum’s history,” Chris Browne, a director of the museum said. “When we open the first reimagined galleries, we hope all visitors are inspired by artifacts on display for the first time, favorite icons of aerospace presented in new ways and diverse storytelling.”

Below are previews of some of the redesigned exhibitions:

“America by Air”

This exhibit is the classic Air and Space Museum experience, tracing the history of air transportation in the United States to the technology-enhanced travel of today. It will feature familiar planes, such as the Boeing 747, and new artifacts such as a Lincoln-Standard H.S., a small two-seat plane.

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“Destination Moon”

The museum expects this exhibit to be a “blockbuster.” It will give visitors an up-close view of artifacts from the 1969 moon landing and info on what led to humans walking on the Moon.

The centerpiece is the Apollo 11 command module and Neil Armstrong’s Apollo 11 spacesuit, all in custom-climate-controlled cases.

“Nation of Speed”

This exhibit explores how the “pursuit of speed” has shaped Americans’ national identity. Vehicles known for being the fastest and the best will be featured, such as Mario Andretti’s Indy 500-winning race car and a plane that has hypersonic speed.

The Kenneth C. Griffin “Exploring the Planets” Gallery

Prepare to feel inspired by the vastness of space and the planets it contains. The Voyager Spacecraft and Mars Rover have helped humanity understand the planets in Earth’s galaxy.

“Visitors will tour the solar system and learn what it would be like to walk on another world through an immersive, interactive experience,” the museum says.

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The musical, written by Marcus Hummon and Charles Randolph-Wright, focuses on Douglass’ origin, journey and wife, Anna. It features words from his speeches and an original score.

“It’s Frederick Douglass. So to be able to play such a character who is really part of the fabric of American history, it’s really been a joy and an honor,” said Cornelius Smith Jr., who stars as Frederick Douglass.

Smith said the play alters expectations by focusing on Douglass’ early life and career.

“We’re actually focused on right when he was this young man really in this pivotal point of discovering and unearthing who we know him as today, this great kind of prophet, this great abolitionist, this great leader and fighter for freedom,” Smith said. 

“I just think that it’s really powerful that his presence and his work has words still live and resonate with us individually and throughout culture and society,” Smith added.

“American Prophet” also tells the story of Anna Douglass, Frederick Douglass’ first wife, who played a pivotal role in his life. It’s a story audience members may not have known.

“I think it’s a beautiful thing about theater and just entertaining is when you can have the best of both worlds, where you can go and be entertained, but also actually learn something that you didn’t know,” Smith said.

“American Prophet” is playing at Arena Stage through August 28.

Whether you’re looking for a traditional golf course, miniature golf or a golf simulator, there are options in D.C., Maryland and Virginia for people at all levels.

Golf Courses and Mini Golf in D.C., Maryland and Virginia

Here are some golf and miniature golf courses that are great options for the newest family outing or golf hobby. These courses are all accessible, beginner-friendly and offer unique experiences.

East Potomac Golf Links, Washington, D.C.

This accessible and friendly course is a great way for families to start golfing. There are 36 holes, a two-story driving range and a miniature golf course. You’ll be also to see views of the monuments and Potomac River, as well as the cherry blossoms in spring.

This is one of three municipal golf courses in D.C.; the other two are in Langston and Rock Creek Park. National Links Trust, which runs the courses, is currently working on upgrading them and keeping them affordable.

Where: East Potomac Park, 972 Ohio Drive SW, Washington, D.C.
Details: See hours and prices

Miniature Golf at Bohrer Park, Gaithersburg, Maryland

Located in Bohrer Park at Summit Hill Farm, this miniature golf course is perfect for a round of mini-golf followed by a picnic in the park. The 18-hole course was designed with waterfall, stream and pond features. The course is for mini-golfers of all ages but is also challenging due to its hole locations changing daily.

Location: 514 South Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg, MD
Details: See hours and prices

Perch Putt, Tysons, Virginia

Play 18 holes of miniature golf in the air at Perch Putt, located in the Capital One Center in Virginia. Besides its aerial views, you can enjoy an afternoon here with food from a former Greyhound bus converted into a food truck, plus drinks from the Rhum Roost bar.

Where: 1805 Capital One Drive, 11th floor, Tysons, VA
Details: See hours and prices

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Puttery, Washington, D.C.

Puttery offers an immersive miniature golf experience. It has three themed courses, each designed to bring guests to unique locations: the Art Museum, the Conservatory and Illusion. The miniature golf location also offers digital score cards, pizza and cocktails.  

Address: 800 F St. NW, Washington, D.C.
Details: See hours and prices

Swingers Crazy Golf Club, Washington, D.C.

Crazy golf is “the classic game of mini-golf and add cocktails, gourmet street food and live DJs,” Swingers’ website reads. This miniature golf course in Dupont Circle has two courses to choose from, the Waterwheel and Clocktower. You’ll find Instagram photo opportunities throughout.

Where: 1330 19th St. NW Washington, D.C.
Details: See hours and prices

Jefferson Falls Mini, Golf Falls Church, VA

Play mini-golf outdoors at the newly renovated Jefferson Mini Golf. This is a traditional 18-hole miniature golf course, with green putting carpet and fresh, familiar landscaping. It is also a part of the regular-sized, Jefferson District Park and Golf Course, which has nine holes and four ponds.

Where: 7900 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA
Details: See hours and prices

Golf Simulators Around the D.C. Area

CitySwing Washington, D.C.

CitySwing is ideal for family fun and those seeking to improve their golf swing, because you can swing as many times as you want in the golf simulator. Their golf simulator has kid-friendly dinosaur-themed golf games, golf courses from around the world and traditional golf experiences.   

CitySwing is available via a mobile truck and is opening up a new location in Northwest D.C. in July.

Where: 1250 Connecticut Ave. NW, Suite #104, Washington, D.C.
Details: See hours and prices

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Some of the biggest names in music are set to hit the festival’s three stages over the next three days. The lineup boasts artists including Ozuna, Anderson .Paak, and Usher, and crowds grew consistently throughout Friday afternoon.

However, the heat was a challenge for some. Six people were taken from the festival to hospitals Friday evening for heat-related illnesses, D.C Fire & EMS said. No one had a life-threatening condition.

Many more people were treated by D.C. Fire & EMS personnel on site as well, but they were able to be cooled down and returned without incident, officials said.

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This is the first year for the festival here in D.C. Music superstar Pharrell began it in Virginia Beach, but decided to move it to the District back in April.

“It’s an amazing experience, you know? Yeah, I’m from the 757 area but I relocated to Washington, D.C., so it’s definitely a great experience,” said attendee Meagan Jones on Friday. “I love seeing like the scenic view and it’s amazing.”

“Virginia [Beach], it’s like a smaller city, of course,” said another attendee. “I think that the city had a hard time you know, managing all the crowds, but D.C. is kind of made for that. Definitely a different vibe, not on the beach like it was in Virginia.”

Across the board, people who spokes to News4 at the festival seemed excited to see Pharrell hit the stage Saturday and see the famous friends he brings out Friday night until the gates tonight close at 11:30 p.m.

It’ll all kick off again Saturday starting at 2 p.m.

Participating restaurants will offer multi-course brunch, lunch and dinner menus for in-person dining that will cost about $25-55 per person. Some restaurants will offer cocktail pairings or to-go options for about $70-200 depending on the number of people.

“Restaurant Week invites everyone to enjoy the promotion in their preferred way with the return of one of the area’s most anticipated food-related summer celebrations,” RAMW wrote in a press release.

The official website for the event with a full list of participants will launch in the coming weeks at www.rwdmv.com.

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Outdoor Summer Movies in Washington, D.C.:

Georgetown:

Georgetown Sunset Cinema returns this summer. Head to Georgetown Waterfront Park for free outdoor movies on Tuesday nights through Sept. 6. Movies include “Bridesmaids” and “Black Panther.”

The Wharf:

Head to The Wharf’s Transit Pier on the second, third and fourth Thursdays in August for Sunset Cinema. “Spider-Man: No Way Home” and “Crazy Rich Asians” are among the hits are on the schedule. Screenings begin at 7:30 p.m. Here’s the full lineup.

You can pick up concessions from Cantina Bambina or bring food from restaurants on The Wharf. Outside drinks are not allowed.

Want to know what’s up for your weekend? Sign up for The Weekend Scene, our newsletter about events, experiences and adventures for you and for your family around the DMV.

Outdoor Summer Movies in Maryland:

Ellicott City:

The Wine Bin in Ellicott City, Maryland is hosting free Movie Nights now through Oct. 29. Viewers can buy wine and snacks including popcorn, cheeses and charcuterie to enjoy while watching a variety of films from classics like “Dr. No” to new favorites like Disney’s “Jungle Cruise.”

National Harbor:

Movies on the Potomac is back this year, screening family movies every Sunday at 6 p.m. and date night movies every Thursday at 7 p.m. Each month brings a new theme of movies; August’s is musical favorites.

All you need to bring is a chair or a blanket to enjoy these free screenings. Food is available to purchase at nearby establishments.

Rockville:

Movies in the Parks in Rockville has returned to showcase free outdoor movies at four different neighborhood parks throughout the city, including Montrose Park, Potomac Woods Park and Calvin Park.

Viewers are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets, food and non-alcoholic beverages. Movies begin at dusk (about 8 p.m.), through Aug. 24.

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Outdoor Summer Movies in Northern Virginia:

Centreville:

Starlight Drive-In Cinema brought back another season of movie magic for the community to enjoy at Trinity Centre (5860 Trinity Parkway, Centreville). You can catch movies each Saturday at 5 p.m. through Aug. 27. Go here and click/tap “Starlight Cinema” for the complete schedule.

Viewers don’t need a car to enjoy this drive-in. Picnics, blankets and chairs are all accepted.

Mosaic District:

The Mosaic District in Fairfax County is hosting Films in the Park every Thursday night through Aug. 25. You’ll find them at Strawberry Park starting at 7 p.m. Movies include “The Birdcage,” “In the Heights” and “Spider-Man: No Way Home.”

The show will premiere on Friday, and the Grammy Award-winning duo will be in D.C. Saturday for the show’s “Noche de Gala.”

Gloria Estefan says that she and her husband and producer, Emilio Estafan, are excited to see their lives authentically on stage.

“This is an amazing opportunity which we dreamed of often because our careers have been bilingual,” she said. “That’s the language of my heart and English is the language of my brain, and the melding of the two is a beautiful thing.”

Emilio Estefan says that he shares that joy. “For us, it’s celebration because we got to see it in Japan, in Japanese, in Dutch, in German, to be able to do it in Spanish is just going to be a lot of pride in the community,” he said. “This is a story about the American dream,” he continued.

That dream is blanketed in music.

The show has a live band performing the couple’s greatest hits and some new ones.

“Some of the songs are going to remain like conga and rhythm because there really is no way to translate them,” Estefan said. “But you’re going to get very different nuances from the new songs that have been written in Spanish.”

Luis Salgado, the director and choreographer of the show, is one of the Broadway show’s original players. He says that through the show, the Estefans will continue to inspire future generations of Latino talent.

“They’ve nurtured so many artists and so here we are nurturing new generations of theatrical elements in our own language in a venue that for 45 years have been there defending the representation of our Latino talent and our Latino stories.”

Tickets are now on sale. The show runs through June 5th.

On Saturday, Petalpalooza will take over five zones of D.C.’s Capitol Riverfront for a cherry blossom-filled party. You’ll find interactive art installations, stages with live entertainment, yard games, boat tours of the Anacostia River and so much more. It all ends with fireworks at 8:30 p.m. Here’s the full schedule and list of locations.

Over on Freedom Plaza, D.C. will be celebrating Emancipation Day. The holiday honors the Emancipation Act of 1862, which freed  3,100 people from slavery. The city will host a parade at 2 p.m., a concert at 3 p.m. and fireworks at 8:30 p.m.

About a half-mile away at the Martin Luther King Jr. Library, you can visit a new public exhibit.

Invisible Words hopes to build empathy and compassion for people experiencing homelessness. Artist Wendy Abrams curated more than fifty signs she purchased from unhoused people. It’s open through June 30.

In Prince George’s County, the town of Cheverly is set to host an Easter egg hunt Saturday at 11 a.m. Kids can join outside Town Hall along Forest Road. Everyone’s a winner: There will be a bag of goodies for all. Here’s more information.

Or ditch the kids and have an egg hunt just for adults Saturday. Henway Hard Cider in Bluemont, Virginia, is hosting its annual adult egg hunt. It’s 21 and up. There will be plenty of plastic eggs to find, candy and beverages to enjoy responsibly. There are three time slots available, and tickets cost $29. Here’s more information.

On Sunday, the Takoma Park Farmers Market kicks off its 39th season.

Historic Occoquan has their PEEP Week. Businesses are displaying marshmallow candy PEEPs in fun displays. There’s a voting component and prizes — cast your vote and enter to win a PEEP basket of goodies.

If you’re in Occoquan, it’s a short drive to the Workhouse Arts Center. Catch live musical performances on Friday and Saturday or some of their art and history exhibits.

And for the nature lovers: Virginia Bluebell flowers are in bloom all over. Bull Run Regional Park says they’re having one of the best seasons in years, but go see the flowers soon.

More things to do in the D.C. area

• The National Zoo will host its Pandaversary Party all weekend — celebrating 50 years of pandas in D.C.
• The Michelin Guide is spilling some of its new restaurant picks before the release of the full guide.
• Check out TransPerfect DC’s Victory Lap 5K on Saturday.
• Starting April 15, the National Building Museum will be transporting visitors from D.C. to Paris with its inaugural interactive technology exhibition. Here’s a preview.
• The Afro-Atlantic Histories Exhibit at the National Gallery of Art looks at the cultural contributions and complex history of Black and African people around the world since the 17th century. 
• Did you know you can rent a lockhouse along the C&O canal for an affordable, rustic getaway?
• If you’re near Navy Yard for Petalpalooza, here’s our guide to home-run eats and drinks.
• Burnside Farms in Nokesville, Virginia has its annual Festival of Spring, where you can stroll through fields overflowing with tulips, pick your own flowers or capture a few selfies. Details here.
• The U.S. Botanic Garden has reopened.
• The wildly popular work of artist Yayoi Kusama is back at D.C.’s Hirshhorn Museum. Get a sneak peek.

Keep up with all the most fun things to do and places to be in D.C., Maryland and Virginia with The Scene.

Many of the 16 restaurants are near downtown. You can also head to Petworth where there are two newcomers.

There’s ramen shop Menya Hosaki, which serves house-made noodles, the guide says.

Plus, there’s Honeymoon Chicken — a stop for fried chicken and Champagne from chef Rob Sonderman, known for his BBQ at Federalist Pig.

Michelin says these picks are a sneak peek at what’s coming next: Announcements of the Bib Gourmand (good value) list and which restaurants get a coveted star (or three).

Washingtonian reports that the big winners will be announced Wednesday, May 4.

Here’s the full list of 16 newcomers to D.C.’s Michelin Guide:

• ala
• Apéro
• Bar Chinois
• Daru
• dLeña
• El Secreto de Rosita
• Georgia Brown’s
• Honeymoon Chicken
• L’Ardente
• La Bise
• Maïz64
• Menya Hosaki
• Michele’s
• Philotimo
• The Setting
• Tonari

The weekend forecast will be cool and pleasant enough to get outside, although grab an umbrella for on and off showers possible Saturday. Here’s the forecast.

Following Opening Day on Thursday, it will be a busy weekend at Nationals Park.
The Nats face the Mets Friday, April 8 and Saturday, April 9 (both at 7:05 p.m.), and Sunday, April 10 (1:35 p.m.).

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The game on Sunday, April 10 will include a National Cherry Blossom Festival celebration, and the team is set to don their special blossom-themed uniforms.

Here’s our full guide to opening weekend and what to know if you’re headed to Nats Park.

Aviation Adventures is offering a daring way to help support people in Ukraine: an airplane beanbag toss. Participants will fly 50 feet over the ground and try to hit the target, a four-foot plastic swimming pool.

You can pay to ride with one of Aviation Adventures’ commercial pilots  — or sign up with your own plane. On the ground, there will be food trucks and activities for kids. Proceeds go to World Central Kitchen.

Check out Airdrop for Ukraine on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Warrenton/Fauquier Airport. See more details here.

Looking for something more laid back? Catch extreme adventure action from the comfort of a theater seat.

National Geographic’s BANFF Center Film Festival is back in person and running until April 9. Your BANFF film fest ticket also gets you into the National Geographic Museum’s “Once Upon a Climb” exhibit through May 1.

Tickets are $35. See more details here.

Shear Madness is returning to the Kennedy Center stage this week for the first time since March 2020.  Fun fact, the interactive whodunit show holds the Guinness record for longest-running play in America. It’s been more than 30 years. Here’s showtime and ticket info.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is in full swing this weekend.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade returns Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. You can purchase grandstand seating or find a spot for first-come, first-served viewing. Here are the details.

On Saturday and Sunday, the Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival takes over Pennsylvania Avenue. The Japan-America Society brings cultural performances, authentic food, plus home goods and artwork directly from Japan or inspired by the gift of the cherry blossoms 110 years ago. It’s a good idea to buy tickets in advance. Here’s more information.

The Anacostia River Festival will feature a variety of music performances, including go-go music and local drum lines at the 11th Street Bridge Park Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The free festival aims to honor the “history and sounds of communities on both sides of the Anacostia River and amplifying the stories, culture, and heritage of neighboring African American residents.”

More things to do in the D.C. area

• The Nationals continue their series against the New York Mets on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Here’s what to know if you’re going to the ballpark this season.
• If you’re near Nats Park or just want to check out Navy Yard, here’s our guide to home-run eats and drinks.
• Burnside Farms in Nokesville, Virginia has its annual Festival of Spring, where you can stroll through fields overflowing with tulips, pick your own flowers or capture a few selfies. Details here.
• The U.S. Botanic Garden has reopened.
• The wildly popular work of artist Yayoi Kusama is back at D.C.’s Hirshhorn Museum. Get a sneak peek.

Keep up with all the most fun things to do and places to be in D.C., Maryland and Virginia with The Scene.

When Is Opening Day 2022?

Opening Day was Thursday, April 7. First pitch this year was delayed until 7:05 p.m. While the Nats lost to the Mets, Washington fans were thrilled at Juan Soto’s home run. Here’s a recap.

Who Are the Nats Playing and What’s the Schedule?

The Nats kick off their season against the New York Mets — who now boast former Nats pitcher Max Scherzer on their roster. The season begins with four straight games at Nats Park, on Thursday, April 7 (7:05 p.m.); Friday, April 8 and Saturday, April 9 (both at 7:05 p.m.), and Sunday, April 10 (1:35 p.m.)

What Can We Expect from the Nats This Season?

The Nationals enter the 2022 season with the lowest expectations for the team in years. After trading a slew of veterans, including Max Scherzer and Trea Turner last summer, Washington is looking to build a young core around star outfielder Juan Soto.

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Soto is among the favorites to win the National League MVP and will have quality hitters behind him in new designated hitter Nelson Cruz and first baseman Josh Bell. Having already made Soto one of the richest contract offers in MLB history, the Nats now hope to sway him into signing a long-term extension before he hits free agency after the 2024 season.

Perhaps the biggest question mark for Washington is ace pitcher Stephen Strasburg, who returns to the mound this season after undergoing separate surgeries each of the past two years. Should Strasburg and fellow starting pitcher Patrick Corbin return to form while young arms like Josiah Gray continue their development, the Nationals will not be pushovers in a competitive NL East.

One more thing to note: The Nats will debut new cherry blossom-themed jerseys on their opening weekend games (April 9-10), part of a collaboration with the Washington Wizards, who will roll out their own cherry blossom jerseys next year.

The jerseys are also available to the public and have already set MLB sales records.

Where Are the Nats’ 2019 World Series Stars Now?

As anticipation builds for Opening Day, many Nats fans are ready to catch up after what’s been a tumultuous two years. The team didn’t quite get to have the victory lap they would have expected back when they won the World Series in 2019. And since then, there have been some dramatic changes to the team’s roster.

Click or tap on each player’s photo to catch up.

What are the COVID-19 Protocols at Nats Park in 2022?

According to the Nats’ website: “The Washington Nationals follow the most up-to-date state and federal guidelines regarding vaccination policies. Any individual entering Nationals Park is expected to comply with these guidelines. Anyone who does not comply with these guidelines may be asked to leave.”

NBC Washington and NBC Sports Washington are awaiting further information from Nats Park officials regarding their specific health and safety protocols.

Washington, D.C., no longer has an indoor or outdoor mask mandate. However, any private business that wants to require use of masks by its employees or customers still is able to do so.

D.C. health officials said proof of vaccination is no longer required in public places such as restaurants and entertainment venues.

What’s the Best Way to Get to Nats Park?

You have plenty of options, including:

Metrorail: If you’re taking Metro, the closest station is Navy Yard-Ballpark on the Green Line, which is just a block from Nats Park. Another option is the Capitol South station on the Orange, Blue and Silver lines, which is a 15-minute walk from the ballpark.

Metrobus & Circulator: Several Metrobus routes serve the area. See timetables here and a map of all Metrobus routes here. You can also get to the ballpark via D.C.’s Circulator. The Union Station—Navy Yard route drops off riders at the M Street and New Jersey Avenue SE entrance to the Navy Yard Metro station. Find more info here.

Bicycle: Have your own bike? Nats Park has a free bike valet in Garage C, at the corner of N and First streets SE. You’ll find the access point on First Street, to the left of the garage’s vehicle entrance. Want a short-term bike rental? Capital Bikeshare has four docking stations around Nats Park: 1st & N streets SE; 1st & K streets SE; 3rd & Tingey streets SE, and M Street & New Jersey Avenue SE.

Water Taxi: The Potomac Riverboat Company offers water taxi service from Georgetown; Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, and National Harbor, Maryland, to the Diamond Teague Park pier, located across the street from Nationals Park. You can see the route and buy tickets here.

Parking Garages: You can buy parking passes for covered or uncovered parking ahead of time online here. Drive-up parking is available on a game-by-game basis and is not available for all games. Note that Nats parking facilities are now cashless and will only accept credit cards. All lots will open 2.5 hours prior to the start of each game and will close an hour after the end of each game. Tailgating is not permitted at Nats parking facilities.

What Are Some of the Promos and Special Events This Season?

You’ll find plenty of promos all season long, starting with the second game of the regular season, on Friday, April 8. The first 20,000 fans in attendance will receive a Stephen Strasburg World Series MVP bobblehead.

The game on Sunday, April 10 will include a National Cherry Blossom Festival celebration, and the team is set to don their special blossom-themed uniforms.

Monday, April 18 is Jackie Robinson Day and Black Heritage Day.

Wednesday, April 20 is Military Appreciation Day.

Kids’ Opening Weekend is set for April 23-24, and the first 5,000 fans (ages 12 & younger) to attend will score a Juan Soto kids’ jersey.

Other freebies throughout the season will include Juan “Soto Shuffle” bobbleheads (May 27), kids’ Nats bucket hats (July 2-3), and Nationals Screech Handmade by Robots vinyl figures (Sept. 17-18).

Special event games include Deaf Awareness Day (June 27), Cat-urday (July 30), Intern Night (July 14) and Hispanic Heritage Day (Sept. 16).

See all promotions here and all special ticket days here.

What are the Security Procedures at Nats Park in 2022?

The Nationals say new entry procedures will streamline the entry process. CEIA OpenGate technology means fans don’t have to remove keys or wallets from their pockets.

All bags larger than a small clutch (5 x 7 x ¾ inches or smaller) must be made of clear plastic, vinyl or PVC. Nats Park says these bags will not be searched. No backpacks are allowed.

What Can & Can’t You Bring to Nats Park?

You may bring:

• clear, factory-sealed or empty plastic water bottles (one per person) no larger than one liter, juice boxes, insulin containers and baby food)
• single-serving food items, as long as they are contained in one of the approved bags under the bag policy, or carried in your hands so the food items can be safely screened by security
• permitted bags: purses, bags and soft-sided coolers must not exceed 16″x16″x8″. “Any bag larger than a clutch [5”x7”x¾”] must be clear plastic, vinyl or PVC,” Nats Park says
• medical or diaper bags

You may not bring:

• prohibited bags: backpacks, including clear backpacks (other than backpacks purchased on the day of the event at Nats Park); bags that exceed 16″x16″x8″ or bags larger than a clutch that aren’t completely see-through.
• non-collapsible umbrellas
• brooms, poles, staffs, selfie sticks, tripods or bats (except for bats purchased that day at Nats Park; those bats will be tagged and permitted for that day only)
• weapons (including toy weapons and water guns), fireworks or other illegal substances
• animals (except service animals)
• beach balls or other inflatable items
• laser pens and laser pointers
• alcohol not purchased at Nats Park
• skateboards, hoverboards or wheeled footwear
• drones
• self-defense sprays, such as pepper spray or mace

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The return will be gradual, but two big changes start Monday. Both the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the National Museum of American History are returning to their normal hours.

Smithsonian facilities have operated on limited and frequently changing schedules throughout the pandemic.

By Memorial Day, most Smithsonians in D.C. will be open seven days a week again.

Festivities will begin at 10 a.m. on the grounds of the Washington Monument and at multiple parks in the D.C. area. (See a list of participating park locations here.) It’s free and open to the public.

Some D.C.-area toy stores said they’ve stocked up on extra kites ahead of the event.

It looks like Saturday’s weather may offer some help for kite flyers — as long as rain doesn’t interfere. Although it will be chilly, the blustery winds will help get those kites aloft. But there’s also a chance of rain. A rain date is set for Sunday.

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This year’s theme for the Kitemaker’s Competition, which will take place at the Washington Monument, is “Rediscover Spring.” Learn more about competition registration, virtual celebration options and the festival’s official kite online here.

Can’t make it on Saturday? Fun fact: You can fly a kite in D.C any time of the year.

“You can fly a kite on the Mall any time during the year. It’s actually in the Code of Federal Regulations,” said Mike Litterst of the National Park Service. “And really the only thing that it says in the regulations is that if you’re flying a kite, it shouldn’t negatively affect other visitors.”

Spot gorgeous cherry trees in bloom and snap those flower-filled Instagram shots all around the D.C. area — maybe even just a short walk away from your home.

Where are you blossom spotting in 2022? Tag @nbcwashington on Instagram and Twitter or email isee@nbcwashington.com for a chance to be featured.

It’s a special year because the National Cherry Blossom Festival is back in full bloom after going virtual due to the pandemic. Here’s our full guide.

Here are spots to see the cherry blossom trees in D.C., Maryland and Virginia.

Washington, D.C. Cherry Blossoms

American University
4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.

The American University campus in Northwest D.C. is a designated arboretum with over 3,000 trees of all types — including collections of cherry trees.

Oxon Run Park
1200 Mississippi Ave SE, Washington, D.C.

This park could give the Tidal Basin a serious challenge: More than 200 cherry blossom trees have been planted there.

Tidal Basin
South of the National Mall

The epicenter of cherry blossom spring fever is at the Tidal Basin — it’s a spectacular sight to see, but expect some crowds. Your best bet is to take public transit, bikes or scooters. Here’s our full guide.

The Wharf
760 Maine Ave SW, Washington, D.C.

Stroll down The Wharf or sit down on a restaurant patio, then look out across the Washington Channel for some cherry blossom views. You could also rent a kayak or canoe or board the Cherry Blossom Water Taxi. Bonus: Check out Anime Movie Days and more cherry blossom events, including the Bloomaroo festival and fireworks show on April 2.

U.S. National Arboretum
3501 New York Ave NE, Washington, D.C. 20002

The Arboretum has its own collection of cherry trees alongside numerous other plants. You can download their app to a self-guided tour of 27 cherry trees, plus maps of the grounds.

Your Neighborhood

Check out this map to find cherry blossom trees throughout the District.

All the Neighborhood Cherry Blossom Trees in the District

Cherry trees on non-federal land in D.C., color-coded by type of tree and sized according to the tree’s diameter. Click on the magnifying glass at the bottom of the map to search for your address.

Source: D.C. Department of Transportation (DDOT) Street Spatial Database (SSD)
Credit: Anisa Holmes / NBC Washington

Maryland Cherry Blossoms

Brookside Gardens and other Montgomery County Parks
Various locations

Twenty-five of Montgomery County’s public parks have cherry blossoms trees, as you can see on this map.

Brookside Gardens is a standout spot because it has 26 Yoshino and weeping cherry trees that are particularly impressive — look in the Gude Garden.

Another option is South Germantown Recreational Park, which will also host a fun run/walk through the cherry trees on April 2.

Centennial Park (Howard County)
1000 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, Maryland

Cherry trees have been planted in three spots in Centennial Park in Howard County. View some from your car, or walk the Lake Loop. Here’s a map.

National Harbor
Oxon Hill, Maryland

National Harbor, in Oxon Hill, Maryland, now boasts 200 cherry trees of their own.

Fort McHenry
2400 E Fort Ave, Baltimore, Maryland

The grounds of Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland, host cherry blossom trees.

Kenwood Neighborhood
Bethesda

Stroll through this Montgomery County neighborhood filled with cherry trees. The Kenwood trees often bloom three to four days after the Tidal Basin trees, according to Bethesda Magazine.

Virginia Cherry Blossoms

Founder’s Park
351 N Union St, Alexandria, Virginia

At Founder’s Park in Alexandria, you can take in fresh air, overlook the water and bask in cherry blossom galore.

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct, Vienna, Virginia

Nearly 100 acres of a wide array of plants comprise Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Fairfax Station, Virginia, but in the springtime, it becomes a haven of cherry blossoms for you to see.

Van Gogh Bridge on Lake Anne
The Green Trail, Reston, Virginia

This spot is for the photographers: The few cherry trees around the bridge make a gorgeous photo backdrop. To get there, follow Reston’s Green Trail over Lake Anne.

Click here for full coverage of the 2022 cherry blossom season.

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The young Broadway veteran was gently lowered onto the Gershwin Theatre stage to become the first Black actor to assume the role of Glinda full-time in “Wicked,” shattering a racial barrier on the day of love.

“One of the most rewarding parts of this is that it’s not just for me. I think it’s the least amount about me,” she says. “It’s about what it means for other people, for people that are going to see me do it or for people that just know that I’m here.”

Johnson is part of a sisterhood of women who have recently broken boundaries on American stages, including Emilie Kouatchou, who became the first Black woman to play Christine in “The Phantom of the Opera” on Broadway, and Morgan Bullock who has become Riverdance’s first Black female dancer.

“I do see things shifting, and I am very optimistic about the future,” Johnson says. “Because specific conversations are starting to happen now, people’s eyes are being opened in ways that they never had been before, either because they never needed to be, or because they just didn’t know what they didn’t know.”

“Wicked,” based on Gregory Maguire’s cult novel, tells the story of two young witches-to-be, one a green brooder who will be the Wicked Witch of the West and the other blond and bubbly, who will be Glinda the Good Witch.

Johnson has ended a 19-year run of white actors playing Glinda in any English-speaking professional “Wicked” company, a milestone made even more powerful since Glinda is the very essence of goodliness.

“I think it’s something that, especially for little Black kids that come and feel the energy that’s being given to Glinda — somebody that looks like them — it might not be something that they experience from the world in their real life,” she says. “Seeing someone that looks like you being loved is so important to see.”

On the night the role was finally hers, Johnson’s life flashed in front of her — literally. As is the show’s delightful custom, the previous actor playing Glinda arranged for a note of encouragement and love — usually packed with photos of the new star — to be pinned to the inside curtain on her first night. Each new Glinda sees it as she makes her entrance.

“It was the first time that it was me. Usually, I’m seeing other people’s pictures and encouraging words, and it was the first time that note was left for me,” she says. “It’s really moving to have it be for you.”

Lindsay Pearce, her co-star as Elphaba, says Johnson is someone “obviously born for this” and says she’s never seen anyone work harder. She describes Johnson as gracious, fun and goofy.

Pearce was backstage watching on a monitor when Johnson on Valentine’s Day began singing the musical’s hit “Popular” when she spotted a little Black girl in the front row with her family, clapping her hands in glee.

“That’s why it’s important because theater belongs to everyone. It’s not something that only belongs to someone who looks a certain way, sounds a certain way,” she says. “Theater’s supposed to be the mirror of what the world looks like, and that’s what the world looks like.”

Johnson’s other Broadway credits include “Les Misérables,” “Motown the Musical,” “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” and opposite Glenn Close in “Sunset Boulevard” and as a guest in Kristin Chenoweth’s Broadway concert show, teaming up with the original Glinda. She has been connected to “Wicked” since 2018, moving up from ensemble to Glinda understudy, to Glinda standby. She was onstage as Glinda when the pandemic shut down theater in 2020, but only temporarily.

Johnson saw out her contract and had moved to Los Angeles during the lull to pursue TV and film projects when “Wicked” lured her back to Oz with the promise of Glinda full time.

“It did feel like unfinished business,” she says. “I definitely felt like I had more to do in this show in particular. So getting that call really felt like the answer to internally what I thought I needed.”

Johnson grew up in Maryland close to Washington. Her mom said she was singing before she was talking. “She said that I was a drama queen from when I was a child,” Johnson says, then laughing adds: “I don’t agree.”

She was bitten by the musical theater bug in high school. Performances in “Les Misérables” in 10th grade and “Sunday in the Park with George” in her senior year convinced her that musical theater was what she wanted to do.

“I was raised to believe and to know that I could do anything,” she says. “I am not a stranger to being the first of anything or the only Black person in a room or in a situation.”

What about being the first Black Glinda? Was it on her horizon? “It wasn’t out of my realm of possibilities for me that I could be if the world allowed it,” she answers. “But after five, 10 years of not seeing any movement in that direction, I think you do start to put aside that specific dream.”

Stepping out on Valentine’s Day was a full-circle moment since Johnson had seen “Wicked” at age 15 with her mom, catching it at the Kennedy Center on tour: “I just really enjoyed it. I just loved the story. I loved the music.”

Now, the role of Glinda is hers and she can’t wait to make it her own, giving the good witch her own spin. She says there’s lots of flexibility in “Wicked” for actors to add their personality.

“They really encourage us in the rehearsal process to kind of play and find how the character fits on you. It’s not a stencil that you have to fit into,” she says. “There are things that I do discover every day about her or about the role. There are things you can only really find when you have the opportunity to do it more than once.”

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Mark Kennedy is at http://twitter.com/KennedyTwits

In the last 10 years, the murals have increased in number and broadened to include episodes, places and spaces in D.C. “that bring pride to the African-American history and culture,” Bernie Demczuk, a D.C. historian, said.

Historically, murals primarily told the stories about famous African-American trailblazers such as Frederick Douglass or Mary Church Terrell.

Now, many new murals make statements about D.C. itself — highlighting a range of lived experiences.

Demczuk gave the example of murals on the corner of 7th Street and Florida Avenue that honor go-go music. These popped up after some tried to prevent go-go music from being played loudly on that corner.

Two years ago, the D.C. Council named go-go the official music of the District. The murals became a clear, loud and proud example of D.C. pride and culture that is here to stay.

“Murals have moved from personalities to flowers to beauty to making political statements. And this is all part of who we are,” he said. “This is all part of why murals are so important in keeping our history and our culture alive.”

MuralsDC, a division of the D.C. Department of Public Works, was created in 2007 to “replace illegal graffiti with artistic works.” Since then, it has played a part in expanding murals in the city by paying local artists.

Cita Sadeli, also known as MISS CHELOVE, is one of the artists who works with the department, something she’s been doing since 2011.

It’s important that art is being created to reflect issues that are happening locally, MISS CHELOVE said.

There was an explosion of public art in D.C. during the fight for racial justice in summer 2020, she said.

“Lots of folks from grandmothers to teens were coming out and they were just expressing themselves in these spaces,” she said of art that popped up at the time.

She said that artists coming into the streets to paint and create has demystified the way murals are created.

“They were enjoying the process and it was just a really rich and beautiful way of to see BIPOC [Black, Indigenous, and people of color] folks taking a very troubling time and doing what art does and transforming these emotions into something beautiful,” she said.

MISS CHELOVE encourages visitors and residents to “share the love” when they pass by a mural and share the way it makes them feel on social media.

“I think it’s important to expose young people to murals and graffiti in general, because they’re the future, you know, and they’re the folks that are going to be using this tool to create messages and express themselves,” she said.

To experience these diverse murals, here are some works of art that highlight Black life in the District.

MuralsDC51 Project

MuralsDC launched a project to install 51 works of art “in recognition of the District’s decades-long quest for statehood.”

The 41 murals and eight photographs “celebrate love, racial harmony, social justice, human rights and District history.”

Go here to take a virtual tour of all the murals that are part of the project.

“The Torch” by Aniekan Udofia with Mia Duval

Located on the side of Ben’s Chili Bowl in Northwest D.C., “The Torch” is one of Aniekan Udofia’s most recognized works.

“The Torch,” which was donated by the restaurant, was named by MuralsDC as one of the city’s most photographed murals.

Marvin Gaye Mural by Aniekan Udofia

Located at the corner of 7th and S streets in Northwest D.C., the mural showcases Udofia’s signature bright colors. The artist has called this piece one of his favorite works.

Black Lives Matter Plaza

In the summer of 2020, during the racial reckoning sparked by the killing of George Floyd, “Black Lives Matter” was painted in 40-foot-tall letters over the 800 and 900 blocks of 16th Street NW. The words stretch the length of three and a half football fields.

The mural was designed by eight local artists who took less than eight hours to make their “mathematical calculations” and then outline and paint the letters, according to MuralsDC.

The department says “more than 50 municipalities around the world have painted similar murals.”

“The Resurrection” by Aniekan Udofia

The mural on 11th Street Northwest D.C. is on the side of Bohemian Caverns. It depicts Billie Holiday, John Coltrane, Duke Ellington and Miles Davis in shades of purple.

“Every Day I See Something New” by MISS CHELOVE

This mural is located on Kalorama Road in Adams Morgan across from Marie Reed Elementary School.

“I always like to think about the audience and who’s going to be seeing the work,” she said. “So I thought about these kids being out there every day in the playground.”

The mural is packed with D.C. imagery such as New Balance sneakers, go-go and Adams Morgan culture. MISS CHELOVE says this is one of the most important pieces to her.

“She Smiles 100 Suns” by MISS CHELOVE

Painted in 2019, “She Smiles 100 Suns” is located at 104 Kennedy St. NW.

MISS CHELOVE has said on social media that she hopes “this piece lifts the spirits. That’s what it was designed to do!”

She has sold prints and puzzle pieces of the artwork.

“You Are Welcome” by MISS CHELOVE

“You Are Welcome” is on 14th Street NW on the side of a Unity Health Care clinic.

MISS CHELOVE has spread the mural’s message of inclusivity by also selling canvas prints of the artwork.

She wrote about the piece on her Instagram: “You will *always* be Welcome Here. No one is Illegal on Stolen Land.”

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Some of the semifinalists in national categories include Angel Barreto of Korean restaurant Anju, for Best Emerging Chef, and Oyster Oyster for Best New Restaurant.

“I think like any artist or anyone who does anything creative, you begin to learn your voice and what makes sense to you on a plate, and to have an identity,” Barreto recently told NBC Washington.

The semifinalists in the Best Chef, Mid-Atlantic category include five from D.C. and one from Arlington.

Here are all the D.C.-area semifinalists:

Outstanding Restaurateur 

• Ashok Bajaj, Knightsbridge Restaurant Group (Rasika, Bindaas, Annabelle and others) — Washington, D.C.

Outstanding Restaurant 

• Métier — Washington, D.C.

Emerging Chef

• Angel Barreto, Anju — Washington, D.C.

Best New Restaurant

• Oyster Oyster — Washington, D.C.

Outstanding Pastry Chef

• Anne Specker, Kinship — Washington, D.C.

Outstanding Wine Program

• Maydan — Washington, D.C.

Outstanding Bar Program

• barmini by José Andrés — Washington, D.C.

Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic 

• Angel Barreto, Anju — Washington, D.C.
• Amy Brandwein, Centrolina — Washington, D.C.
• Matt Hill, Ruthie’s All-Day — Arlington, Virginia
• Peter Prime, Cane — Washington, D.C.
• Michael Rafidi, Albi — Washington, D.C.
• Yuan Tang, Rooster & Owl — Washington, D.C.

The winners will be announced in June.

You can see the full list of semifinalists here.

So, four years ago the Baltimore County native set off in his car with a goal and a plan to achieve it: travel to all 50 states while working as an Uber driver to fund the trip.

“I wanted to see what it was like outside of Baltimore and experience different places around the country,” he said “I wanted to experience the real America myself.”

As of February 2022, Torres has visited 49 states. He plans to cross off the very last one, Hawaii, in October.

When Torres, who is from Woodlawn, started his journey, he was mostly focused on trying different cuisines from true Southern cooking to a supper club in Wisconsin, along with meeting new people. He wanted to talk with local residents, public officials and police officers to hear their stories about their life and what issues they face.

The 33-year-old never planned on becoming a social media influencer. But along the way, those he met wanted to keep up with his latest travels. In 2019, Torres started @theridesharefoodie on Instagram, eventually amassing more than 19,000 followers.

“Food is our common ground,” said Torres, who now lives in Texas. “My main goal is to experience people and have conversations and food is a way to connect with different people.”

Growing up, Torres said he didn’t travel outside the Baltimore region much. It wasn’t until he immersed himself in the culture of London in 2017 that he had the idea to traverse the U.S. He spent the next year planning and saving before hitting the road.

Throughout the first two years of his adventure, Torres, an Army veteran, said he would spend about a month in each state and travel for about a year straight. He usually spent a week in a major city and then traveled to smaller towns and cities across the state while working as a rideshare driver.

Wherever he goes, Torres said, he always tracks down the local delicacy and goes from there. In Wisconsin, he tried cheese curds and in Nebraska he had chili and cinnamon rolls — something that remains one of his favorites.

“It’s like taking a field trip of America,” Torres said. “There are so many regional things you’d never learn about unless you were there.”

Some of his favorite places have been in Anchorage, Alaska, because he “never thought he’d ever be there;” Jackson, Mississippi where he got to experience true Southern hospitality for the first time; and New Mexico where he fell in love with the Tex-Mex food as well as the slower-paced Southwestern style of life.

Torres often scoured local Facebook groups for food recommendations. It’s how he met Deona Madrigal in Wichita, Kansas.

Madrigal’s husband is a chef and told Torres that he had to try his food. The three first met at a local bar, bonding about their love of food. The couple ended up inviting Torres over for Thanksgiving dinner where they served up deep fried turkey, green bean casserole and brisket.

“When you meet Kreskin, it’s just like you have known each other forever,” said Madrigal, 42. “It’s really inspiring what he’s doing and food just unites people.”

Since meeting in the fall of 2020, the trio have kept in touch. Madrigal said they occasionally text and she enjoys following his Instagram. The next time Torres is in town, Madrigal’s husband plans to take him out to buy cowboy boots together.

“Kreskin is virtually a stranger when he visits these places and he becomes friends with everyone,” she said. “Everybody has to eat and so when you’re willing to try different foods of all types you’ll meet anybody and everybody.”

Alonzo and Amanda McNeese also connected with Torres through a local Facebook group about three years ago. The couple was so struck by his kindness, they invited him out for Amanda’s birthday dinner.

And when they hit it off at dinner, the McNeeses invited Torres over for Christmas.

“He’s chasing his dream versus talking about it,” Alonzo McNeese said. “I love seeing people not making excuses and doing what they want to do.”

When the pandemic hit in 2020, Torres said he slowed his travels and instead of being out on the road for almost a year straight, he opted for a few weeks at a time.

The downtime allowed him to start working on developing an app he plans to launch next month. It will allow him to share the local recommendations he’s tried across the country with people and let others suggest spots in addition.

Eventually, Torres said he hopes to gather food trucks from around the country for a tour to give people “a taste of America.” One day, he dreams of owning a restaurant featuring specialties from each state.

But until then, Torres is counting down the days until he can check number 50 off his list.

“I just want to keep connecting with people and get to know as many as I can and build relationships,” he said. “I just want to know what’s going on in my country.”

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The museums were closed Monday and opened three hours late Tuesday due to Monday’s heavy snowstorm. Starting Wednesday, some museums will be open fewer days each week, and two museums will close completely through Jan. 17.

Four of the most-visited museums on the National Mall — the National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the Arts and Industries Building — will remain open to the public five days a week.

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The Smithsonian Institution Building (“The Castle”) and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, will remain open daily.

The National Air and Space Museum and the Anacostia Community Museum will be closed through Jan. 17. The Anacostia museum had already been shuttered since late December due to COVID-19 case rates causing staffing challenges.

Additional museums in D.C. will be open to the public for two to four days a week during this period.

On days they are operating, the museums will be open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

“This modified schedule allows the Smithsonian to reposition key staff across its museums as needed while ensuring that museums remain open to the public each day of the week,” the institution said in a news release. “Museums may have limited public entrances, and some exhibition spaces may be closed during this period to reduce the number of on-site staff needed.”

Would-be visitors can find updated information on individual museum websites.