Make the most of everything that the DMV region has to offer, from film festivals, craft shows, restaurant weeks, live music and so much more! There’s something for everyone — so book your reservations, buy your tickets, and invite some friends out to explore the offering.
Shows, Activities, Events & More in Maryland This Weekend
Planning a weekend itinerary in Maryland? Check out these options ranging from the annual Capital Irish Film Festival, the Western Maryland Reptile Show, and First Saturday in Downtown Frederick!
Capital Irish Film Festival
Where? 8633 Colesville Road, Silver Spring
When? February 27th-March 2nd
Solar Nua’s 19th annual Capital Irish Film Festival is being co-presented by the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center across four days this weekend. The Capital Irish Film Festival is one of the largest programs of Irish cinema in North America, presenting documentary features, shorts, art films, animation releases, and more. The event is designed to promote the work of independent filmmakers working in Ireland and beyond, while also amplifying emerging voices and showcasing exceptional talent. The festival brings the best of contemporary Irish cinema by filmmakers from the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland to audiences across the DC metro area. The lineup includes two North American premiers with 16 features total. These features include 8 directional and feature debuts, award-winning filmmakers, 17 women directors, and 12 women screenwriters, as well as in-person Q&As and special events.
MD Sporting Dog Show
Where? 2210 Fairgrounds Road, West Friendship
When? February 28th-March 2nd
The MD Sporting Dog Show spring event is a can’t-miss gathering for canine fans across the DMV. This weekend, check out the excitement at the Howard County Fairgrounds in West Friendship. Everyone in the dog-loving community is welcome to attend. There will be hundreds of dogs under one roof so whether you’re a participant or just a bystander — it’s sure to be a weekend of family-friendly fun. Admission is free, though there may be a charge to park on-site. Typically this charge is set at $5 per vehicle in cash. Show hours are scheduled from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with all judging held indoors. There will additionally be a Bird Instinct Clinic for beginners held on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at select times to introduce sporting dogs to birds, with walk-up pricing set at $25 based on availability.
Western Maryland Reptile Show
Where? 797 East Patrick Street, Frederick
When? March 1st
The Western Maryland Reptile Show is presented by Diamondback Productions. Admission to the event is priced at $10 and children ages 6 to 11 receive a discounted rate of $5. Ages 5 and under get in free! Saturday is the first of two Reptile Shows this year, with the second scheduled for July 26th at the Maryland Reptile Farm. The vendor list for Saturday includes T&B Reptile Zone, Fredericksburg Feeders, EKG Exotics, Royal Kaleidoscope Chameleons, Blue Mountain Morphs, and many more. Tables are sold out, so there will be plenty of vendors to meet and greet with!
First Saturday in Downtown Frederick
Where? Downtown Frederick
When? March 1st
The first Saturday of the month is your chance to show your support for local businesses by shopping at independent retailers, eating at locally owned and operated restaurants, and checking out local artist exhibits in Downtown Frederick! Remember, where you spend your money matters! Whether you’ve called Frederick home for decades or you’re just passing through the area, there’s no better opportunity to explore the city’s abundant offerings than on First Saturdays! Downtown businesses celebrate this monthly gathering with an array of unique events, such as in-store tastings, gallery openings, and artist and vendor exhibits. The lineup changes monthly, so there’s always something to keep you coming back for more! First Saturdays are typically organized from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, so drop by whenever is most convenient for you.
Maryland Home & Garden + Craft Show
Where? 2200 York Road, Timonium
When? March 1st & 2nd
The Maryland Home & Garden + Craft Show will be held at the Timonium Fairgrounds Cow Palace & Exhibition Hall this Saturday and Sunday. With 450+ home project experts onsite, you won’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity to shop, compare, and save on all of your DIY and home improvement projects. Whether you have a landscaping goal for the spring, such as themed garden displays, or you want to peruse a wide selection of crafts, decor, and specialty items in the Craft Hall — don’t be surprised if you lose track of time with all of the vendors and exhibitors on display. If you can’t make it out this weekend, the show is returning next weekend from March 7th through the 9th.
Annapolis Restaurant Week
Where? Main Street, Annapolis
When? Through March 2nd
The annual Annapolis Restaurant Week is being held through this Sunday, so you still have plenty of time to enjoy the festivities! Gather your foodie friends and family to enjoy all of the delectable bites to be had around Annapolis and choose from a wide selection of prix fixe menus. Indulge in two-course breakfast options priced between $12.95 and $18.95 or a three-course dinner from $29.95 to $44.95. Daily wine specials will be offered at Chick and Ruth’s Delly ($14.99 bottles) and on weekdays from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at 49 West Coffeehouse and Winebar & Gallery (25% off)! Other participating eateries and restaurants include the Annapolis Market House, Buddy’s Crabs & Ribs, Café Normandie, Chart House Prime, Chessie’s Wharf, and more.
Shows, Activities, Events & More in Washington D.C. This Weekend
The capital city is never boring and this weekend is no exception. Check out Mardi Gras celebrations, musical comedy performances, and three nights of live music by Jason Isbell!
An Evening with Jason Isbell
Where? 513 13th Street NW
When? February 27th-March 1st
Spend the evening with Jason Isbell at Warner Theatre this weekend. Isbell is performing Thursday through Saturday at 8:00 PM all three nights. Jason Isbell is also known for his work with his band, The 400 Unit, which will kick off their tour this spring and summer with special guests along the way such as Band of Horses, Garrison Star, and Grace Bowers. The singer and songwriter pours his heart and soul into his tunes, which are recognizable by their rich blend of folk and Americana. Hailing from Alabama, the former Drive by Truckers guitarist has earned six Grammy Awards across categories such as Best Americana Album, Best Country Solo Performance, and Best American Roots Song.
Mardi Gras at The Wharf
Where? 1 District Square SW
When? March 1st
You don’t have to make your way to Bourbon Street to enjoy the Mardi Gras festivities! Celebrate Mardi Gras at The Wharf and let the good times roll this Saturday from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Attendees will have the chance to dance to live music, grab a hurricane cocktail from the Market Pier Bar, and party all evening! The music lineup this year includes the Naptown Brass Band, the Eastern High School Marching Band, the Too Much Talent Band, the Crush Funk Brass Band, and more. The 2025 Parade will begin at 3:30 PM with stilt walkers, jugglers, and the Mardi Gras king and queen making their way through the route, followed by live music across multiple stages and a fireworks salute at 6:30 PM!
Shucked: A New Musical Comedy
Where? 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
When? Through March 2nd
Shucked is a Tony Award-winning musical comedy featuring a score by the Grammy award-winning songwriting team of Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally. The runtime for the show is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, including an intermission. Shucked is recommended for ages 10 and up, as the show contains some adult themes, moments of adult language, and a harvest of corny innuendo. Performance times range from evening showings at 7:30 PM and afternoon start times of 2:00 PM, allowing audiences to choose which time is convenient for their group. Tickets range in price from $75 and up.
Shows, Activities, Events & More in Northern Virginia This Weekend
Northern Virginia has plenty to offer this weekend, especially for tea lovers, Miss Rachel fans, antique aficionados, and St. Patrick’s Day revelers! Take advantage of all the weekend fun and start putting a group together to cheer on the parade or bring Fido and the kids to Shipgarten for free face painting, live music, moon bounces, and more!
42nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Where? Old Town, Alexandria
When? March 1st
The Ballyshaners 42nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of this weekend’s premier events! Hosted on the first Saturday in March, this beloved community celebration features Irish dancing, pipe bands, local groups, and plenty of fun for the family. Residents and tourists alike are encouraged to come on out to enjoy the festivities at one of the DC area’s finest parades of the year. Admission is free and the parade officially begins on the corner of King Street and St. Asaph Street at 12:30 PM. Thousands of spectators are expected, so arrive early and take advantage of public transportation if possible! There will be a free trolley from the metro or activities can be reached by a quick 10-minute walk down King Street from the Blue Line, King Street/Old Town metro.
True Honey Teas Festival
Where? 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly
When? March 1st
Don’t miss out on the first-ever True Honey Teas Festival this Saturday at the Dulles Expo Center! Attendees will enjoy unlimited sampling of all 20+ True Honey Teas and a never-before-seen mystery flavor. This is the ultimate weekend event for tea lovers of all ages. Whether you’ve been a fan for 10+ years or you’re a newcomer to the brand, this event will feature tea insights, seminars, and various local small businesses to shop from. The festival is also exciting to celebrate its debut with live music, interactive activities, and even a craft tea café experience. Snag your VIP tickets now, which include a True Honey Teas canvas tote bag, unlimited sampling of all blends, a $5 shopping voucher, and more! Tickets are priced from $14.99 to $19.99, plus a small service fee.
DC Big Flea Antiques Event
Where? 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly
When? March 1st & 2nd
The DC Big Flea Antiques Event is the Mid-Atlantic’s largest indoor flea market. For the past 40 years, D’Amore Promotions has been proudly presenting hundreds of antiques and collectible shows across the area, steadily earning them the reputation of being one of the best. Patrons at this weekend’s market can shop for unique and affordable collectible items, vintage clothing, and accessories. If you’re ready to embark on a treasure hunt that you won’t soon forget, head to the Dulles Expo Center this Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are priced at $10 and are valid for the whole weekend! Hours run from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Saturday and 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Sunday. Children ages 12 and under are free and adult tickets are good for both days for $10.
Kids & Family Festival
Where? 7581 Colshire Drive, McLean
When? March 2nd
Shipgarten is excited to host the Kids & Family Festival this Sunday. Families are invited to dive into a world of Black Panther, Fortnite, Miss Rachel, and more from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The whole family will have a chance to participate in exciting events and activities, such as free face painting and arts and crafts. Jake the Great will be onsite for magic shows and balloon animals from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM! The fun doesn’t stop there, either. Enjoy live music, delicious drinks, moon bounces, and even a full outdoor playground to ensure everyone has a blast to remember! Family dogs are also welcome at Shipgarten, whether on a leash or off-leash in the dog park. Treat Fido to a pup cup or a kong filled with peanut butter.
We Hope You Enjoy Your Weekend!
With so many options available to you around the DMV region, don’t let this weekend pass you by! Take advantage of family-friendly events, new musical comedies, Mardi Gras celebrations and so much more from Maryland, D.C., and Northern Virginia!