Thursday, March 22
BASKETBALL: If you’re anything like the rest of us, your bracket is beyond busted. That doesn’t mean you can’t still have fun with March Madness (unless you’re a Duke fan)–McFadden’s is hosting a Sweet 16 “Party for Peace” featuring an open bar, free appetizers, and a silent auction to benefit PeacePlayers International. Buy tickets ($50) online. 6:30 PM.
PICNIC: It’s the Francophonie festival, and what better way to celebrate than by learning more about France’s most famous leader, Napoleon? Hillwood Estate Museum & Gardens is hosting a mansion tour, picnic, and wine tasting before screening a biopic about Mr. Bonaparte himself. Tickets ($15) are available online. 5:30 PM.
Friday, March 23
WORLD PEACE: If we’re celebrating France, Friday night is the time to do it at the Grande Fête de la Francophonie. This bash at La Maison Française features cuisine and drinks from 35 countries and a live concert followed by a huge deejay dance party. Say what you will about the French–they sure know how to party. Tickets ($35) are available online. 7 PM.
BARGAIN BIN: If you love all things vintage, head to the Junior League of Washington’s 20th annual Tossed & Found Sale in Crystal City. At Friday’s preview night, you’ll get first crack at a hundreds of vintage items, including clothes, housewares, and furniture, while nibbling on apps and sipping refreshments. Buy tickets online for $45 or for $50 at the door. 7 PM.
DANCE: It happens on a weekly basis, but it’s worth mentioning every so often: DC9’s Liberation Dance Party is one of the liveliest nights in the city–and easily one of the best bargains. The second floor features your favorite indie dance songs and remixes all night, and from 9 to 10:30, there’s an open bar for rail drinks. Afterward, head up to the roof deck to cool off. $7 at the door. 9 PM.
Saturday, March 24
BOOZE: Besides DC United games, RFK sits vacant for most of the year. The exception is ShamrockFest, when the stadium turns into a huge, drunken mess. if you didn’t get enough partying in last weekend, it’s time to make up for it–Gavin DeGraw and Dropkick Murphys are the headlining acts, but the festival is more about the atmosphere of carnival rides, beer trucks, and so, so much green. Tickets ($25 and up) are available online. 1 PM.
PARTY: Minibar’s got nothin’ on a five-course meal set up by some of DC’s best food trucks. At Uncurbed DC, fill your belly with meals and beer pairings from DC Empanadas, DC Slices, Takorean, the Rolling Ficelle, and Curbside Cupcakes. Afterward, dance it off in a vacant property in Dupont Circle with a deejay and a light show till 3 AM. Tickets ($47) are available through Eventbrite, and advance purchase is required. 7 PM. Dance only: $10 (advance purchase recommended), 10 PM.
MYTHBUSTING: They pretty much blow stuff up for a living, and Saturday night Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman of Mythbusters will be at Warner Theatre to give you a behind-the-scenes look at what happens on set. Tickets ($49.50 to $150) are available online. 4 and 8 PM.
Sunday, March 25
BRUNCH: If you’ve got any energy left, head back to the vacant property you left last night for an early afternoon of art, lectures from scientists and creative types, booze, and waffles at Thirst: ROMP! $30 gets you admission, two drinks, and some waffles. 1 PM.
BIKE: The weather is supposed to stay beautiful, so finally pull your bike out of the garage and head to the Georgetown Waterfront for the Cherry Blossom Festival’s Bike, Ride, and Cycle expo. You’ll learn basic bike maintenance and can take off on a ten-mile ride along the Capital Crescent Trail. Free. 10 AM.
WATCH: It got hairy for a while, but AMC finally brought Mad Men back. Celebrate the beginning of the new season with a viewing party around town; plenty of spots are offering specialty cocktails, costume contests, and more. Check out our roundup here.
