Looking for ways to take in the best of what the DMV region has to offer? Check out these local events, activities, experiences, and festivals. From the annual Maryland Day Celebration to film festivals, 5Ks, comedy shows and so much more — you’ll want to send out an invite to the group text and get the party started this weekend!
Shows, Activities, Events & More in Maryland This Weekend
This weekend’s lineup is an especially good one, complete with the 2025 Maryland Day Celebrations, A Maryland Wine Experience, and several free family-friendly festivals that are sure to delight the kids and make for an action-packed weekend.
Josh Wolf: High On Life Tour
Where? 9603 Deereco Road, Timonium
When? March 20th-22nd
Josh Wolf is bringing his High on Life Tour to Magoobys Joke House this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. With five shows to choose from, you won’t want to miss this comedian, actor, and writer who has become one of the most sought-after personalities in comedy today. Wolf is a New York Times Bestselling Author and has written on hit TV shows and headlined stand-up tours across the country. Wolf also hosts a podcast with his son, Jacob Wolf, titled “Hey Maaan: A Father & Son Comedy Podcast.” The High on Life stand-up show is for guests 18 and over and there is a two-item minimum per person. Swing by the Wits End Saloon before or after the show and dig into drinks and grub, such as the Hawaiian Burger of the Month with teriyaki glaze, pineapple, and green onions!
A Maryland Wine Experience
Where? 211 East Church Street, Frederick
When? March 21st-23rd
A Maryland Wine Experience is thoughtfully curated for Maryland residents and visitors alike. In Frederick, the experience will combine museums, scenic landscapes, cutting-edge cuisine, martini bars, and much more! Learn from winemakers, winery owners, and expert wine staff as they discuss their wines and offer visitors a sneak peek into the passion that goes into expertly crafting the final product. Attendees have several options when it comes to crafting their perfect experience, with full-event packages available, as well as a build-your-own schedule option. The three-day event will kick off with a Downtown Frederick Cocktail Crawl, which is free to attend and drinks can be purchased a la carte at each location. Saturday will follow up with master classes and tastings throughout the day and Sunday will cap off the experience with a brunch wine pairing!
2025 Maryland Day Celebrations
Where? Various Locations
When? March 21st-23rd
Celebrate Maryland’s birthday weekend festivities, featuring 40+ events that have been organized to highlight local history, heritage, culture, and the great outdoors. Events are either free or $1, ensuring everyone has equal access to partaking in the annual extravaganza. Plan your perfect Maryland Day weekend by exploring the events and participating partners, such as the Anne Arundel County Public Libraries, the Chesapeake Arts Center, the US Naval Academy, and various societies, colleges, centers, museums, and more. To ensure everything runs as smoothly as possible, download the official mobile app guide to get up-to-the-minute information. Whether you’re interested in taking a tour, exploring a new park, participating in family-friendly activities and crafts, or learning about the diverse stories from the great state of Maryland’s historic past — there’s something for everyone and then some this weekend!
AMF Waldorf Lanes Family Fest
Where? 11920 Acton Lane, Waldorf
When? March 22nd
This Saturday, head over to AMF Bowling Co. in Waldorf for the Family Fest Bowling Extravaganza! From 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Saturday, attendees can enjoy free bowling, arcade play, food specials, face painting, balloon art, and giveaways! The center features 32 lanes, as well as an arcade, a sports bar, and all things family-friendly fun! General admission tickets are free and appetizers will be provided while supplies last. Guests will receive one free game of bowling and each child will receive one free $10 arcade card. Get ready for a striking good time this Saturday!
Spring Craft Show
Where? 2210 Fairgrounds Road, West Friendship
When? March 22nd
The Spring Craft Show at The Howard County Fairgrounds will be this Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. With over 150 craft vendors onsite, there will be plenty to shop for and explore. With unique handmade treasures galore, attendees can get a jumpstart on the spring season. There will even be a petting zoo and fun activities for the kids! Crafters and artisans will be offering a variety of art in mediums such as glass, jewelry, leather, mixed media, photography, textiles, printmaking, wood, and more. Food and beverage options will be available throughout the show as well.
Free Family Fun Fest
Where? 4101 Crain Highway, Bowie
When? March 22nd
The Free Family Fun Fest is scheduled for this Saturday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM! The fest is returning to Prince George’s Stadium in Bowie, presented by The Chesapeake Baysox in conjunction with Macaroni KID Bowie-Crofton-Odenton. There will be an array of activities on deck, including face painting, stadium tours, inflatables, and even game-worn mech on sale. Concessions will be available for purchase and National Anthem performance auditions will be held at the end of the fest for anyone interested, with walk-up registration scheduled for 1:30 PM and auditions beginning at 2:00 PM. Grab your free general admission tickets for this family-friendly fest here!
New African Film Festival
Where? 8633 Colesville Road, Silver Spring
When? Through March 27th
The New African Film Festival is in its 21st year, presented by AFI and Africa World Now Project. The festival aims to bring the unique vibrancy of African filmmaking to new corners of the continents — including the Washington, DC area! The festival will feature 29 films from 19 countries, with this year’s festival opening with No Chains No Masters and closes with a viewing of Where the Wind Comes From. General admission tickets are priced at $13 and all-access passes are on sale now for $150, which grants attendees admission for one to every film in the 2025 lineup.
Shows, Activities, Events & More in Washington D.C. This Weekend
The capital city is kicking off its National Cherry Blossom Festival this weekend, so make sure to enjoy the gorgeous blooms that show off once a year. You can also register for one of the most scenic 5K races around or welcome Dale Jones to the stage for his debut at The Comedy Loft!
Loft Debut: Dale Jones
Where? 1523 22nd Street NW
When? March 20th-22nd
Make plans to visit The Comedy Loft to catch the Dale Jones Loft Debut this weekend. Jones has been recognized as one of the best standup comedians in the country, with his machine gun style delivery and quick improvisations. Audiences enjoy his well-placed physical comedy and impressive stage energy. Dale has won accolades and awards, such as the Comedy 10K, Laughlin, and San Diego Antelope Valley Comedy Festivals. There is a 2-item per person minimum in the showroom, which can be reached with any combination of food items or beverages. Guests must be 18 and up for entry.
National Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony
Where? 513 13th Street NW
When? March 22nd
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is kicking off this weekend, with an opening ceremony scheduled at the Warner Theater! This one-time-only experience is co-presented with the Japan Foundation and will showcase the gift of the stunning trees from Tokyo to Washington, DC in 1912. The ceremony will feature special performances from acclaimed artists who have ties to both Japan and the US, such as Kazunori Kumagai, Seiwa Bunraku, Maui Taiko, and more. Tickets are free but limited. A limited quantity of walk-ups may be accommodated as capacity allows. Audiences from around the world can also watch the cultural ceremony via live stream on the Festival’s YouTube Channel, which can be found here!
Flowering 5K
Where? 3501 New York Avenue NE
When? March 23rd
Want to run or walk past beautiful blooming collections at the U.S. National Arboretum? The annual Flowering 5K will feature springtime blooms, tree-lined rolling hills, and along streams that wind their way to the Anacostia River. Participants can enjoy the cherry blossoms, magnolias, and much more. Not only is this race scenic, but it’s also safe and secure for participants and families of all ages. All roads will be closed to cars and a professional race announcer will call out finishers as they cross the 5K off their bucket list! Registration for kids under the age of 13 is free. Strollers and dogs are welcome and the race is scheduled to start at 8:30 AM.
Shows, Activities, Events & More in Northern Virginia This Weekend
Hit the ground running this weekend and snag your tickets to the Women’s Storytelling Festival or get ready to laugh with a fun-loving audience at the 36th Annual Evening of Comedy at The Barns at Wolf Trap!
Women’s Storytelling Festival
Where? 3740 Blenheim Boulevard, Fairfax
When? March 20th-23rd
The 2025 Women’s Storytelling Festival will be hosted at the Sherwood Community Center to celebrate all women and gender-nonconforming spoken-word performing artists. The festival was first introduced in March 2020 and proudly features live, in-person events and live-streamed showcases. The festival is intended for a mature audience. 2025 Festival Storytellers include Laura Deal, Andrea Kamens, Carol Moore, Ingrid Nixon, Aimee Snow, Tobey Ishii Anderson, and many more. Full festival passes are on sale for $70 each or you can purchase a virtual pass for $50.
36th Annual Evening of Comedy
Where? 1645 Trap Road, Vienna
When? March 21st-23rd
The Barns at Wolf Trap will be transforming into a comedy club for four shows that are sure to elicit tons of laughter from the audience! The fun will feature top stand-up comedians, such as Carol Leifer, Rich Hall, and Randell Sheridan. Tickets start at $33 and doors open an hour and a half before showtime. There will be two shows each night, at both 7:00 PM and 9:30 PM. Get ready for witty banter and lively audience interactions.
Mid-Winter Festival
Where? 5917 Telegraph Road, Alexandria
When? March 22nd
Alexandria’s Mid-Winter Festival returns this year in a new location at Browne Academy! This is a free Folk Festival that is set to feature musical performances, dance demos, singing, instrument workshops, family activities, and more. Programming is scheduled from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM and there will be a community dance to follow from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Featured performers at this year’s Mid-Winter Festival include Capital Accord Chorus, Capitol Hillbillies, Wombat Crossing, Foggy Bottom Morris Men, Archie Edwards and many more. There will also be food trucks on site, so grab a bite and keep the good times rolling!
Spring Native Plant Walk
Where? 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna
When? March 23rd
Join your fellow nature lovers on a Spring Native Plant Walk at the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna! From 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, visitors will have the opportunity to experience the beauty of spring woodlands on this guided walk through the collection of striking plants, flowers, and native greenery. Tour guide Keith Tomlinson has 45 years of experience in botanical gardens, museums, environmental education, and plant conservation. The walk is designed for adults and children ages 13 and up and registration is priced at $8 per person. Attendees should be able to walk on hilly, mulched trails for 60 minutes.
We Hope You Enjoy Your Weekend!
We hope that you’ve found a couple of interesting events to add to your weekend plans. As always, remember to visit us next week for an updated curated lineup of the best events around the DMV region. There’s never a boring moment when you’re so close to the nation’s capital, so make sure to take advantage of the abundance of cultural performances, family-friendly activities, and exciting outdoor adventures!