Take a deserved study break and venture into the District for a festival, concert or even some delicious chocolate.
Celebrate French culture this weekend at the 14th annual Georgetown French Market. The streets of the Book Hill neighborhood in Georgetown will transform into an outdoor shopping festival, perfect for Francophiles and Europhiles. Throughout the day, you can shop for designer goods, art, French fare and more from 40 local businesses on the sidewalk sale. There will also be street performers, face painters and live French and gypsy jazz performances throughout the market. The festival will stretch from O Street to Reservoir Road along Wisconsin Avenue. Admission is free.
When: Friday, April 28 and Saturday, April 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, April 30 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Wisconsin Ave. NW
Metro: 31 Metrobus toward Foggy Bottom station
Experience local arts at the ninth annual Art Hop festival in Takoma. The festival will showcase work by more than 70 artists inside the shops, restaurants and galleries of the neighborhood. The types of art range from painting and sculpture to photography and jewelry, and everything in between. After checking out the art, you can enjoy live music and dance performances at the Takoma Park Gazebo. You can even get your portrait done or learn a new dance. Admission to this festival is free and artwork is available for sale.
When: Saturday, April 29 and Sunday, April 30, time varies based on performance or event
Where: Caroll Ave., location varies based on vendor
Metro: Red line, Takoma station
To celebrate the legendary Ella Fitzgerald, artists will come together to present this swinging concert. You can sit in Meridian Hill Park and listen to the interpretations of some classics, including “The Lady is a Tramp,” with vocals from Moya Angela from “America's Got Talent” and Maddie Baillio from NBC's “Hairspray Live!,” among others. The D.C. Youth Orchestra, a sponsor of the event, will be featured as well. Enjoy the sunny weather during either Saturday or Sunday’s outdoor concert. Admission to the concert is free.
When: Saturday, April 29 at 6 p.m. and Sunday, April 30 at 3 p.m.
Where: Marvin Gaye Park on Division Ave. NE
Metro: Orange line, Deanwood station then W4 Metrobus toward Anacostia station
Nearly everybody loves chocolate and D.C. is ready to celebrate the popular dessert this weekend by dedicating a whole festival to it. At the Washington Marriott Wardman Park, 30 local, domestic and international vendors will sell their gourmet chocolates and, even better, let visitors sample it. You can even sit in classes and workshops taught by chocolate experts and makers and award-winning chefs to learn more about chocolate, its origin and how to make it.
Admission to the festival is $35 for a timed pass, but spare $10 more and you can have VIP access at 9 a.m., an hour before the festival begins.
When: Saturday, April 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 2660 Woodley Rd. NW
Metro: Red line, Woodley Park-Zoo station
Immerse yourself into the world of hip hop this Saturday at the 10th annual Funk Academy Hip Hop Showcase. This year’s show will feature performances by the best dance crews, musicians and spoken word artists from the DMV area. Artists like Future Shock DC, KickRocks Crew, Major Definition and Capitol Movement will perform for crowds at the Lisner Auditorium at George Washington University. Admission to the event is $20.
When: Saturday, April 29 at 7 p.m.
Where: 730 21st St. NW
Metro: Red line, Farragut North station
