Things to Do

Things To Do in DC This Weekend April 21-24: Craig Robinson Performs Standup at DC Improv

Hot Tub Time Machine star Craig Robinson will do standup at DC Improv Friday through Sunday. Photo via Flickr user Jeff Smith.

THURSDAY, APRIL 21 

MUSIC: Canadian indie rockers Tokyo Police Club will bring their bouncy, guitar driven post-punk sound to the 9:30 Club in preparation of the release of their horribly/brilliantly titled EP, Melon Collie And The Infinite Radness (Part 1) (a reference to the critically-acclaimed Smashing Pumpkins). $25, 6 PM.

THEATRE: The Tony Award-winning drama All the Way runs at the Arena Stage until May 8. Dive into President Lyndon Baines Johnson’s battle to get congress to enact the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and gain the support of the Civil Rights Movement’s biggest leaders, including Martin Luther King, Jr. $90, 8 PM.

COMEDY: Eugene Mirman, certified sexpert and voice of Gene Belcher on Bob’s Burgers, joins forces with British rocker Robyn Hitchcock at the Black Cat or what should be a surreal night of comedic riffing, and, hopefully, live music. $22, 9 PM.

FRIDAY, APRIL 22

EAT, DRINK AND SMOKE: Enjoy all the vices at Mount Vernon Inn’s cigar and spirits tasting. Compliment your Liberty Cigar Company cigar with a tasting by Bowman Distillery that includes George Washington’s Rye Whiskey and Peach Brandy Eau de Vie. There will also be plenty of food to snack on, like corn and crab fritters and a Whiskey shrimp crostini (in case you haven’t had enough of the brown stuff). $80, 6 PM.

COMEDY: Craig Robinson first gained notoriety as stoic warehouse worker Darryl Philbine on The Office, but has since become a movie star, thanks to films such as Hot Tub Time Machine and This is the End. Get to know another side of this multifaceted performer at his standup show at DC Improv this weekend. $32, 6:30 PM.

SATURDAY, APRIL 23

ART AND LECTURE: Head over to the former residence of the Ambassadors of Spain for Spain Arts & Culture’s new exhibit, “Spanish Illustrators: The Color of Optimism.” The exhibit was curated by journalist Mario Suárez, and features the contemporary drawings of 28 international artists. Stop by on Saturday to hear a lecture and watch a live mural painting from featured artist Ricardo Cavolo.

MUSIC WORKSHOP: If the sound of a steel drum soothes you, then you should check out this steel drum workshop, where you’ll get to learn the history of the Trinidadian instrument as well as the basics of how to play it. No prior musical experience necessary. $20, 2:30 PM.

SUNDAY, APRIL 24

BIRTHDAY PARTY: Scholars have long debated William Shakespeare’s actual birthday (many say it’s April 23), but the Folger Shakespeare Theatre has settled on April 24 for the Bard’s birthday party this year. Come by for a performance by the Reduced Shakespeare Company, a puppet show, musical performances, food trucks, and, of course, birthday cake. Free, 12 PM.

EAT AND DRINK: It’s all about eating, drinking, and a great view of the water at the National Harbor Wine & Food Festival, which runs for its ninth year Saturday and Sunday. Sample more than 150 wines from all over the world, and be sure to check out cooking demonstrations from highly regarded local chefs. $29-69, 12 PM.