Thursday, April 28
BENEFIT: Trade booze for sweets at Baked & Wired’s Cupcake Power Hour. For a $10 donation—proceeds go to SAD, in honor of April as Alcohol Awareness Month—guests get a cupcake of their choice. 7 to 8 PM.
DJ: House music greats Dirty Vegas are at U Street Music Hall. 8 PM; buy tickets ($12) at Ticket Fly.
DRINKS: Get expert advice on a craft project or make something out of odds and ends picked up at a “found art buffet” at the Handi-Hour at the Renwick Gallery. And in what’s surely the cutest drink special of the week, the event will also feature craft beers from Birch & Barley/Churchkey (get it? Craft!). There will also be a scavenger hunt and live music. $15 at the door, which includes two drink tickets. Additional drink tickets are $5.
Or grab a drink for 18 cents during a special happy hour (with purchase of a food item) at Occidental. While you’re there, check out a collection of antique cars like a 1930s Rolls Royce and a 2011 Aston Martin. 3 to 7 PM.
Friday, April 29
JAZZ: Singer and DC native Felicia Carter and bassist Amy Shook—one of only a handful of female jazz bass players—are playing together on a double bill at Twins Jazz. Tickets are $15 at Instant Seats. Shows are at 9 and 11 PM.
FILM: The Rosslyn Outdoor Film Festival begins tonight with Groundhog Day. This summer’s theme is “SNL in the Movies,” so the rest of the line-up includes Mean Girls, Space Balls, and Anchorman. At Gateway Park every Friday beginning at dusk.
SHOPPING: Have a tres chic day of shopping when Georgetown’s annual open-air French Market returns for the eighth year. Shop for everything from housewares to clothing—many items will be for sale for up to 90 percent off. There will also be lots of yummy French food and strolling musicians to set the mood. Also April 30; both days 10 AM to 5 PM.
ROYALS: Watch London’s “event of the decade” (sorry, Olympics!) live at Union Jack’s starting at 5 AM. There will be a complimentary Champagne toast as the couple exchanges vows, plus bottomless Pimms Cups ($5) or mimosas and Bloody Marys ($10). The pub will also be hosting a Royal Ladies Night from 5 to 7 PM, with manicures and door prizes. For more Royal Wedding celebration options, check our guide.
PARTY: In celebration of World Dance Day and all the ladies without a giant sapphire to call their own, head to the Smithsonian Metro for a flashmob dance party set to Beyonce’s “Single Ladies.” Organizer Tene Redmond was inspired by Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” campaign and invites anyone to dance along to the chorus of the song. Dancers will gather beginning at 6:45 PM; for more info visit the event Web site.
The latest iteration of Hirshhorn After Hours features multimedia artists Jacob Ciocci and David Wightman, better known as Extreme Animals, and a set from DJ Shea Van Horn. Plus take advantage of the usual extended museum hours and curator-led tours. 8 to midnight. Buy tickets ($18) at the Hirshhorn’s site, but hurry, as these events have a tendency to sell out.
Saturday, April 30
DANCE: Trisha Brown brings her post-modern dance company to George Mason University’s Center for the Arts. The New York Times called her “one of the most important American artists.” Get tickets ($22 to $44) at the Center’s Web site; 8 PM.
PHOTOGRAPHY: The Newseum’s “Pictures of the Year” exhibit features 70 of the year’s best news images. Today is Photo Day, and some of the top photographers will be on hand to share the stories behind their photos as well as offer tips. You can also participate in a photo scavenger hunt and learn about cameras and photo technology through the ages. Free; the exhibit runs through October 31.
FILM: Surf legend Rob Machado will be on hand at the screening of the thrilling Castles in the Sky to discuss the relationship between music and surf films. The Melali Sessions Band will also perform. At National Geographic’s Grosvenor Auditorium; 7:30 PM. Get tickets ($20) at the organization’s Web site.
FESTIVAL: The Move Me! Arts Experience Festival will bring together local area arts groups including Synetic Theater, Wolf Trap, and Bowen McCauley Dance. The dance company was a leader in organizing the event and will perform at 3 PM. The event takes place at Kenmore Middle School (200 South Carlin Spring Rd.; Arlington) from 2 to 5 PM, and is free.
Sunday, May 1
CONCERT: The Sweetlife Festival kicks off at noon at Merriweather Post Pavilion. With a lineup that includes Girl Talk, Theophilus London, The Strokes, and many more, plus proceeds going to the Jamie Oliver Food Foundation, it may well be worth braving the crowds. Tickets ($55) are at Ticket Fly.
FESTIVAL: The annual National Cinco De Mayo Festival will once again be under the leadership of by the Maru Montero Dance Company this year. Spend the day enjoying dance performances, mariachi music, piñatas and other crafts for kids, plus lots of traditional Mexican food. Head to the Sylvan Theater at the base of the Washington Monument; noon to 6 PM. No cover (rain or shine).
FOOD: Ten local chefs will compete to prepare the best possible version of DC’s official snack food at the Top Dog Half Smoke Challenge at Domoso. Enjoy a taste of all the dogs, plus specialty cocktails, for $20 per person. 3 to 5 PM; buy tickets at Brown Paper Tickets.
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