Weekend Buzz: May 22, 2025
Summer's near as Memorial Day Weekend is upon us. To honor Memorial Day, we have events in Falls Church City and the nation's capital. WorldPride DC is off and running. New productions hit the stage while this is the final weekend for others. We also have suggestions for local dining, music, comedy, art, dance, and recreation. Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend as we honor those who have fallen in service to our nation.
Honor Memorial Day
43rd Annual Memorial Day Parade, Festival & Ceremony in the City of Falls Church
City Hall, 300 Park Ave., Monday, May 26, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Memorial Day Ceremony: 11:00 a.m. Parade: 2:00 p.m. Free admission to ceremony, festival, and parade.
The 43rd Annual Memorial Day Parade and Festival takes place Monday, May 26! This event is rain or shine so be prepared for the weather. Enjoy a day full of fun, food, festivities, and honoring our heroes. The all-day festival features vendors, food, inflatables, and live entertainment. The morning starts with the 3k Fun Run then the Memorial Day Ceremony hosted by the Greater Falls Church Veterans Council. Finally, the day ends with the Community Parade down Park Ave., led by the 2025 Grand Marshal.
Congratulations to the 2025 Grand Marshal Brown's Hardware! The Grand Marshal of the parade is recognized for their service to the community at the grandstand and also serves as one of the Memorial Day Parade Judges. The Quantico Marine Band will lead the 43rd Annual Memorial Day Parade along with the Grand Marshal!
Schedule:
- 9 a.m. - Beyer Memorial Day 3K Fun Run
- Free, no registration required. Participants should arrive at the intersection of Little Falls Street and Great Falls Street.
- No rollerblades, bikes or scooters. Leashed, well-behaved dogs are permitted; please be conscientious of other participants and neighbors.
- 11 a.m. – Memorial Ceremony hosted by the Greater Falls Church Veterans Council with Keynote Speaker the Honorable Marcus B. Simon, Delegate for Virginia's 13th House District, Officer in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General's Corps. Program Available Here.
- 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Memorial Day Blood Drive at the Blood Mobile
- 2:00 p.m. – Parade on Park Avenue
Local cover band Road Street Avenue will jam out greatest hits to classic throwbacks at the Parade Grandstand (intersection of Little Falls Street and Park Avenue) between 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The Falls Church Community Center will be closed during Memorial Day due to an ongoing HVAC construction project. Portable restrooms will be located behind City Hall for the event, and a temporary water bottle filling station will be located in front of the Community Center.
Festival Map. For more info go here.
Blast Off!
“The President’s Own”
United States Marine Band ... with Fireworks!
Wolftrap, Filene Center, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna. Sunday, May 25, 8:00 p.m. Gates Open: 6:30 p.m. Free.
Wolf Trap’s summer season kicks off with fireworks on stage and in the sky! “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, the longest standing professional music organization in the U.S. with over 225 years of delighting audiences, performs favorites from popular musicals and marching standards from the Armed Forces’ distinguished songbook. The evening caps off with a spectacular fireworks display.
- This free community event is open to the public with general admission seating on a first-come, first seated basis.
- Register to let us know you plan to attend and receive a reminder email before the event. Please note: Registration does not guarantee admission; Park will closed at capacity.
- Fireworks viewing areas will open following the performance at approximately 9:30 p.m.
- Fireworks to begin at approximately 9:45 p.m.
To register go here.
National Memorial Day Parade in D.C.
The National Memorial Day Parade presented by Boeing returns LIVE to Constitution Avenue this Memorial Day, May 26, at 2:00 p.m., with pre-parade musical performances starting at 1:00 p.m.! See below for the list of participating celebrities and performers.
Attend the parade live, in-person, or watch on television around the country and around the world, as the story of American sacrifice is shared from Washington, D.C. and beyond. Then, stay tuned for our very special Independence Day television companion: Our Sacred Honor: An American Salute, airing on ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and CW stations nationwide. The National Memorial Day Parade and Our Sacred Honor commemorate the shared values of service and sacrifice that have brought us together throughout our history.
Follow @AmericanVeteransCenter on Facebook, Instagram, ad YouTube.
Click here to see show listings. For more info go here.
National Park Service Memorial Day Celebrations
Memorial Day (May 26, 2025) is a time of remembrance for those who lost their lives while serving in the U.S. military. Many memorials and monuments in national parks allow reflection on military service and sacrifice throughout our nation's history. It is also traditionally a time to reflect on American values by learning about our natural and cultural heritage, visiting historic places, and enjoying the great outdoors.
For a list of suggested memorial locations from the National Park Service, go here.
Celebrate WorldPride DC
May 17 – June 8, 2025.
2025 marks the 50th Anniversary of Pride celebrations in Washington, D.C.! The Capital Pride Alliance is excited for Washington, D.C. to host WorldPride 2025 and share this momentous and exciting milestone with our international community.
WorldPride is occurring at a crucial time, bringing together voices from around the world to support the LGBTQ+ community’s ongoing fight for equality, visibility, and justice. We encourage everyone in our global community to participate in this historic moment. By showing up and supporting Pride events globally, the LGBTQ+ community will be visible, vigilant, and heard.
The Fabric of Freedom
Be a part of The Fabric of Freedom, May 17 - June 8 in Washington, D.C.!
Throughout history, people have used fabrics as expressive symbols, to communicate identities, and as forms of resistance. While the LGBTQ+ community faces growing challenges both in the United States and worldwide from those seeking to divide rather than unite, it’s the fabric of our community — through our rich cultures, diverse identities, and backgrounds — that will guide us forward towards a better future.
For more info about World Pride DC go here.
Local Dining
Enjoy Cocktails at Cafe Kindred!
Cafe Kindred, 450 N. Washington St.
Happy Summer!
With the weather warming, we needed a little cocktail refresh! Spritzes are the real MVPs this season, and we’ve got ‘em here for you: Lillet Spritz, Aperol Spritz, Sparkling Lemonades, all perfect for those warm weekends coming! We’ll see you soon!
We'll also be OPEN on Memorial Day, regular hours, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. So, come kick off your Summer with us!
For more info go here.
See our recent story about Cafe Kindred below:
Christopher Jones
Local Music
Enjoy a Jazz Night at Godfrey’s!
Godfrey’s Baker & Cafe, 421 W. Broad Street. Friday & Saturday, May 23, 24, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Live Jazz this Friday & Saturday Night, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Featuring back-to-back nights of the Stefan Schatz Trio!
Fore more info go here.
loadbang with Christopher Otto, Violin and Ning Yu, Piano
Library of Congress, Thomas Jefferson Building, Coolidge Auditorium, Whittall Pavilion, 10 1st Street SE. Friday, May 30, 8 - 10:00 p.m. Free, but tickets required. Preconcert Conversation with the Artists: 6:30 p.m., Whittall Pavilion.
Part of Concerts from the Library of Congress
Musicians in loadbang: Adrian Sandi, bass clarinet, Andy Kozar, trumpets, Ty Bouque, baritone, voice, William Lang, trombone, Christopher Otto, violin, Ning Yu, piano.
With more than 500 premieres to their name, loadbang is an ensemble that plays each piece like it was born yesterday. With its unique mixture of bass clarinet, baritone voice, trumpet and trombone, each new composition offers something brand new to listener and performer alike. loadbang's program includes a cluster of newly commissioned works by Hilda Paredes and Michael Finnissy, whose piece (commissioned by the Koussevitzky Music Foundation in the Library of Congress) draws on Walt Whitman materials held at the Library. The evening with loadbang will encircle the premiere of a new work for violin and piano by Christopher Otto, violinist with the JACK Quartet, and pianist Ning Yu. It will be an unforgettable evening that embraces the possibilities of this unique ensemble.
Request ADA accommodations five business days in advance at (202) 707-6362, or ADA@loc.gov.
For ticket info go here.
Local Comedy
Ready to Hone Your Comedy Skills?
Improv Workshop: Unexpectedly Funny
Mary Riley Styles Public Library, 120 N. Virginia Ave. May 27, 6 - 7:30 p.m. Lower Level Conference Room.
This session is rescheduled from Tuesday, May 13.
Join us for Unexpectedly Funny, an exhilarating improv workshop suitable for all ages! Discover the joy of spontaneous creativity as we explore the fundamentals of improvisation in a fun and supportive environment. Through engaging games, exercises, and group activities, participants will sharpen their quick-thinking skills, enhance their communication abilities, and build confidence in their ability to think on their feet. Whether you're a seasoned performer or brand new to improv, this workshop offers something for everyone. Come unleash your imagination, embrace the unexpected, and experience the thrill of improv!
About the Presenter
Nikki Frias is a comedy teacher in the DMV area with over a decade of experience. She fosters a supportive environment for students to explore their creativity. Known for her dynamic teaching style, Nikki emphasizes confidence and collaboration in improv, while her writing workshops focus on storytelling and finding one's voice. Her unique approach integrates improvisation into writing, inspiring students to unleash their artistic potential onstage and on the page.
To register go here.
$5 Comedy Night
The State Theatre, 220 N. Washington St., Friday, May 23. Doors Open: 7:00 p.m. Show Begins: 8:30 p.m.
You must be 18 or over to enter unless accompanied by your parent. Valid ID required. Save some money! There's only a $1 fee when you buy your ticket in person at the box office.
For more info go here.
Local Theater
Kimberly Akimbo
Just opened! ~ The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Thursday, May 22, 7:30 p.m.; Friday, May 23, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, May 24, 2:00 p.m.; Saturday, May 24, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, May 25, 2:00 p.m.; Sunday, May 25, 7:30 p.m. Runs through June 1.
"A DOSE OF PURE JOY."
The New York Times [Critic's Pick]
WINNER BEST MUSICAL. THE MOST TONY AWARD-WINNING SHOW OF THE SEASON!
A new musical about growing up and growing old (in no particular order), KIMBERLY AKIMBO is the winner of 5 Tony Awards including BEST MUSICAL. It features Tony Award-winning book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire (Shrek), a Tony Award-winning score by Jeanine Tesori (Fun Home), choreography by Danny Mefford (Dear Evan Hansen) and direction by Tony-nominated director Jessica Stone.
For ticket info go here.
Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington. Through June 22.
In Signature’s remarkably intimate ARK Theatre, this radical rock musical explodes with glam, grit, glitter and heart.
With killer heels and a fabulous wig, Hedwig tours the country, trailing the ex-lover who stole her songs and made it big. Tonight, Hedwig will tell her story on her own terms, in an unforgettable show about growing up in Communist East Germany, the botched sex change operation that allowed her to come to the United States, and life beyond the binary.
Hilarious and heartbreaking, with an electrifying score, this queer anthem cult classic celebrates surviving against all odds.
“The most exciting rock score written for the theatre since, oh, ever!” – Time Magazine
Directed by Ethan Heard. Text by John Cameron Mitchell. Music and Lyrics by Stephen Trask.
This show contains adult language and descriptions of trauma.
For ticket info go here.
Falsettos
The Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church St. NW. Through June 15.
Celebrating World Pride with the Tony Award-Winning Musical
Music and Lyrics by William Finn. Book by William Finn and James Lapine. Director and Choreographer: Kurt Boehm. Music Director: Elisa Rosman.
Hilarious, heartbreaking, and utterly unique, Falsettos is a contemporary musical about family, relationships, bar mitvahs, baseball and AIDS. When Marvin leaves his wife Trina and son Jason to be with his lover Whizzer, tempers flare, problems escalate and everyone learns to grow up.
For more info go here.
HEAD OVER HEELS
Songs by The Go-Go's
Constellation Theatre Company, in residence at Source, 1835 14th Street NW. Through June 1.
This joyous and jaunty jukebox musical features the music of 80’s rock band The Go-Go's. Inspired by the epic story of Arcadia, Head Over Heels is a celebration of self-discovery and queer identity, weaving together Renaissance romance and Greek comedy with fantasy and gender-bending in a laugh-out-loud love story.
Songs by The Go-Go's.
Based on The Arcadia by Sir Philip Sidney. Conceived and Original Book by Jeff Whitty. Adapted by James Magruder. Directed by Allison Arkell Stockman.
For more info go here.
Akira Kurosawa Explains His Movies and Yogurt (with live & active cultures!)
Woolly Mammoth Theatre, 641 D Street, NW. Through June 1.
By Julia izumi. Directed by Aileen Wen McGroddy.
Tonight, renowned filmmaker Akira Kurosawa joins us for a lecture: a look into his iconic filmography, brilliant mind, the thrilling world of movies, and “culture.” But… why can’t he stop talking about yogurt? In this whimsical world premiere, playwright Julia Izumi weaves through media and memory to examine cultural imperialism, “healthy” consumption, and why we make art.
For more info, tickets, and showtimes go here.
Twelfth Night
By William Shakespeare
Selling out fast! Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 E. Capitol St. SE, Through June 22. Friday, May 23, 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, May 24, 2:00 p.m and 8:00 p.m.; Sunday, May 25, 2:00 p.m.
Directed by Mei Ann Teo.
Named for the twelfth night after Christmas, the end of the Christmas season, Twelfth Night plays with love and power. The Countess Olivia, a woman with her own household, attracts Duke (or Count) Orsino. Two other would-be suitors are her pretentious steward, Malvolio, and Sir Andrew Aguecheek.
Onto this scene arrive the twins Viola and Sebastian; caught in a shipwreck, each thinks the other has drowned. Viola disguises herself as a male page and enters Orsino’s service. Orsino sends her as his envoy to Olivia — only to have Olivia fall in love with the messenger. The play complicates, then wonderfully untangles, these relationships.
Tickets: $20 – $84. Duration: 2 hours and 15 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission. This production of Twelfth Night includes mature content including sexual innuendo, stylized intimacy, adult language, and simulated alcohol and tobacco use. The production utilizes haze and strobing lights.
For ticket info go here.
Senior Class
A World Premiere Musical! Olney Theater Center, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney, MD, May 16 - June 22.
When budget cuts to the arts program mean their high school theatre can’t pay for My Fair Lady, Colin and G.B., two Broadway-obsessed students, decide to stage their own original musical version of Shaw’s Pygmalion. The search for an actress to play Eliza Doolittle leads them to a Harlem-born-and-bred subway dancer who just might be perfect — but artistic egos and high school hierarchies threaten to undermine the production before the big opening night. As the quickly-assembled coalition of theatre kids, dance crew veterans, and the occasional jock, struggles to mount their production of My Leading Lady: A New Pygmalion... with a Preface and Sequel, the class and gender divides of Shaw’s original reemerge in surprising ways. Can the senior class musical be saved? (And will Colin score his much-wished-for “Jimmy” Award to launch his meteoric rise to stardom as the first-ever J-EGOT?) Amy Anders Corcoran (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical) directs this World Premiere musical-lovers’ musical full of dancing and comedy, dedicated to the timeless belief that the show must go on!
Tickets: $41 - $101. Duration: Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes with a 15-minute intermission.
For more info go here.
We Are Gathered
Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth Street SW, May 16 - June 25
A new QUEER LOVE STORY from the Oscar-winning screenwriter of Moonlight
W. Tre and Free met in a dark park searching for fun not expecting to find love, light, and each other. Now a milestone anniversary has got them wondering if they have met Mr. Right or a long one-night stand with a lovely Mr. Maybe? With a little support and a lot of confusion from family, friends, and a stranger in the dark, the question remains: will W. Tre and Free find their way together or will they let fear, and a secret lead them asunder?
Amplifying the celebration of Oscar winner Tarell Alvin McCraney’s newest play is the Love Takes Center Stage immersive experience that will offer couples a once-in-a-lifetime chance to exchange their own marriage vows under the spotlight — right on stage during select performances
For more info go here.
Local Visual Arts
Little Beasts: Art, Wonder, and the Natural World
Just Opened! ~ National Gallery of Art, West Building, Ground Floor, Gallery 23, 4th & Constitution Ave. NW. Through Nov. 2, 2025. Admission is always free and passes are not required.
Experience the wonder of nature through the eyes of artists. Look closely at art depicting insects and other animals alongside real specimens.
Art played a pivotal role during the dawn of European natural history in the 16th and 17th centuries. Advancements in scientific technology, trade, and colonial expansion allowed naturalists to study previously unknown and overlooked insects, animals, and other beestjes, or “little beasts.” Artists such as Joris Hoefnagel and Jan van Kessel helped deepen and spread knowledge of these creatures with highly detailed and playful works that inspired generations of printmakers, painters, decorative artists, and naturalists.
A delight for all ages, this exhibition features nearly 75 of these paintings, prints, and drawings in a unique presentation alongside specimens and taxidermy from the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Learn about the rich exchange between artists and naturalists that sparked a fascination with earth’s living creatures, big and small. See how this intersection of art and science continues to inspire us today in a new film by artist Dario Robleto.
For more info go here.
"Faces & Figures"
Gallery of Falls Church Arts, 700-B West Broad St., Through June 1.
Falls Church Arts continues its support of arts in the community through its upcoming exhibit "Faces & Figures."
The recently juried exhibition showcases a vibrant collection of works that capture the human form through a diverse range of expressions and materials. Featuring folk art, naive, and primitive styles alongside striking photography, figure drawings and emotive sculpture, the show highlights the raw creativity and emotional depth of its artists. From bold, unrefined lines to unexpected textures, this exhibition celebrates the power of individuality and storytelling through art.
Faces & Figures runs through June 1, 2025.
Juror Teresa Oaxaca is an American-born artist currently based in Washington, D.C. She's a full-time painter whose works can be seen in collections and galleries throughout the United States and internationally. Her talent has been recognized and rewarded by museums and institutions such as the American Museum of the Cowboy, the former Corcoran Gallery of Art, the Art Renewal Center, the Elisabeth Greenshields Foundation, the Posey Foundation, and the Portrait Society of America, as well as the Museu Europeu D’Art Modern in Barcelona.
Oaxaca's training includes a four-year diploma at the Angel Academy of Art (Florence, Italy), graduate studies at the Florence Academy, an apprenticeship with Odd Nerdrum in Norway, and studies at the The Art League (Alexandria, Va.), where she trained with Robert Liberace and Paul Lucchesi and took many other courses. She teaches workshops around the United States and in Europe.
Artworks will be on display at the gallery of Falls Church Arts at 700-B West Broad St. (Route 7), Falls Church, Va. Admission is free. The gallery is open Tuesdays–Fridays from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Artworks will also be available online at https://www.fallschurcharts.org. All pieces are offered for sale and can be purchased at the gallery or on the website.
For more information, please email info@fallschurcharts.org.
Here's our recent article about the Juror's Choice Award for the show:
Christopher Jones
Geoffrey Johnson
Principle Gallery, 208 King St., Alexandria, Va., Friday, May 16, 6-8:30 p.m. Through June 9.
Geoffrey Johnson is a contemporary impressionist painter born in Greensboro, North Carolina in 1965. He graduated from the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts where he received numerous awards and prizes for his artistic merit. Johnson has exhibited in galleries and venues throughout the United States since 1995. His paintings hang in private and corporate collections such as, Coca-Cola, Turner Broadcasting, BellSouth, and Wachovia Bank.
Johnson absorbs his inspirations from his personal travels and first-hand observations. New York City is an especially major influence of his, he praises the city because; “It doesn’t call for color,” says Johnson, “A limited palette brings more of the mood of the city out of me. More of how I feel about it.” The artist uses a monochromatic palette primarily consisting of sepia hues. Reviewers have noted Johnson’s special ability to capture groups of people and things en masse in his work while inviting quiet introspection. He has also been recognized for the manner in which he expresses the captivating space between abstraction and realism.
For more info go here.
Pamela Huffman's "In the Absence of Nurture… Nature"
Be sure to visit Rare Bird Coffee Roasters in downtown Falls Church to see Pamela Huffman's solo exhibition: "In the Absence of Nurture… Nature,' now through June 15.
See our recent article about the show here:
Christopher Jones
Register for a Local Arts Course at Artworks Fine Art Studios
See our recent article about Artworks Fine Art Studios on West Broad Street, here:
Christopher JonesLocal Dance
Learn Indian Dance!
DanceFit for Body & Mind: Bollywood & Bhangra
Final Class! ~ Glen Echo Park, Hall of Mirrors Dance Studio, 7300 Macarthur Blvd., Glen Echo. May 24, 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Dance to the soul-stirring rhythms of India and feel your spirits lift! In this class you will learn: Bhangra – a celebratory and uplifting folk dance from the state of Punjab in North India and Bollywood dance – which borrows from Indian classical and folk dance styles, and is seen in Indian cinema.
Presenter: Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts & Culture
Admission: $15 Cash, Check or Credit Card
For more info go here.
How 'bout the Waltz?
Viennese Waltz Workshop
Glen Echo Park, Spanish Ballroom, Saturday, May 24, 12 - 2:00 p.m.
Presenter: DanceSport Endurance
Learn basics of social Viennese Waltz in this workshop with Todd and Migle which includes lessons and supervised and assisted dancing.
Todd and Migle have performed solo at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna, the Kennedy Center, the Austrian Embassy, and the White House, and have taught hundreds of waltz camps and workshops. They love sharing social dance skills and look forward to teaching dance in the Spanish Ballroom!
CASH ONLY at the door. $20 General Admission. $10 Full-time students.
Pre-registration available prior to the day of the event using credit card or Paypal. DSE also accepts, prior to the day of the event, payment by Venmo, Apple Pay, or Zelle; contact Todd at 202-361-8633 for information.
Admission: $20/person - General Admission, $10/person - full time students
Phone: 202-361-8633. Email: dsedance@gmail.com.
Local Recreation
Enjoy a Splash at a Local Waterpark!
Waterparks Open May 24 – Purchase a Pass Now and Save!
NOVA Parks: Purchase an Annual Waterpark Pass now for Spring Sale Savings! Starting at $80 per individual. Receive admission to all 5 waterparks; discounts on concessions and retail; early entry; and special savings on NOVA Parks attractions and events.
For more info from NOVA Parks go here.
By Christopher Jones
Member discussion