“Mapping,” the latest exhibit at Carroll Square Gallery (975 F St., NW), is on display through June 3, featuring cartography-themed works by artists such as Dahlia Elsayed and Carol Barton. An opening reception is Thursday from 6 to 8. Free.
Thursday is pay-what-you-can night at DC Improv, where you can catch a comedy show for next to nothing. This week’s headliner is Bobby Slayton, known for appearances on The Tonight Show and HBO. Doors open at 6:30; the show starts at 8.
If cherry-blossom fatigue has yet to set in, play hooky Friday and check out DC Day at the Petal Fest and Performance Stage at the Ronald Reagan Building’s Woodrow Wilson Plaza. A long list of performers is slated to appear, including Alison Carney, Christylez Bacon & Urban Artistry, and Chuck Brown. Noon to 8. Free.
Author Howard Jacobsen is reading from and signing copies of The Finkler Question at Sixth & I Historic Synagogue Thursday evening. The novel won the 2010 Man Booker Prize. Buy tickets ($10) from TicketFly. 7 PM.
The first Bethesda Art Walk of the spring is Friday. Galleries in downtown Bethesda will stay open late, welcoming guests to check out their latest exhibits. Click here for information on participating galleries. 6 to 9. Free.
As part of the Korean Film Festival, the comic spy thriller Secret Reunion screens at the Freer Gallery Friday night. The story follows a spy and a spy chaser who, through unlikely circumstances, decide to team up. 7 PM. Free.
Silver Spring-based funk-rock group Violet Says 5 plays at the Rock & Roll Hotel Friday. The group is joined by the Fif, RA the MC, and DJ Breezy. Buy tickets ($10) from Ticket Alternative. 9:30.
Celebrate Japanese culture at the Sakura Matsuri Street Festival this weekend, on Pennsylvania Avenue between 11th and 13th streets, Northwest. This year’s event features performances, a martial-arts stage, interactive exhibits, restaurant booths, Ichiban beer gardens, and more. Buy tickets ($5) from Eventbrite. 11 to 6.
Pyramid Atlantic Art Center celebrates its 30th anniversary Saturday with an open house featuring demonstrations, tours, music, arts activities, prizes, refreshments, and more. 2 to 5. Free.
The Polaroid Retrospective opens this weekend at the Lamont Bishop Gallery, featuring instant photos by a number of local artists. An opening reception is Saturday night from 7 to 11. Free.
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