Best Galleries 1. Black Box: Laurent Grasso: Grasso uses sculpture, projection, drawing and painting to pick at the stitches that join the natural and the artificial. His 2007 film “Polair” considers the architecture of the former East Berlin.
Where: Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden; Seventh Street and Independence Avenue SW
When: Through July 24
Info: Free; 202-633-4674; hmsg.si.edu
2. Stories That Breathe: African-American-themed figurative narrative artworks by a panoply of notable creators, including Jules Arthur, Kesha Bruce, Mario Andres Robinson and Maya Freelon Asante.
Where: Morton Fine Art, 1781 Florida Ave. NW
When: Friday to May 4
Info: Free; 202-627-2787; mortonfineart.com
3. Mia Feuer: Stress Cone: Feuer’s site-specific sculptural installation combines industrial and biological imagery, drawing inspiration from electrical power stations and the Sistine Chapel, among other fertile sources.
Where: Conner Contemporary Art, 1358 Florida Ave. NE
When: Through April 30
Info: Free; 202-588-8750; connercontemporary.com
4. Heavy Metal Women: Julie Giardini, Joyce Zipperer, Minna Newman Nathanson and Leila Holtsman present bold works of metal-based sculpture.
Where: Gallery 555, 555 12th St. NW
When: Through April 29
Info: Free; gallery555dc.com
5. Ruth Trevarrow: Bare Bones: Trevarrow’s paintings and prints have hung in D.C.-area galleries for 20 years, but this fascinating new project finds her working in a new medium: the skeletal remains of small mammals.
Where: The Athenaeum, 201 Prince St., Alexandria
When: Closing Sunday
Info: Free; 703-548-0035; nvfaa.org
Best Music
1. Washington National Opera: WNO presents legendary tenor Placido Domingo in his return to the opera’s stage for the first time in three years and soprano Patricia Racette in Gluck’s masterpiece, “Iphigenie en Tauride,” produced by Spain’s Opera de Oviedo. Sung in French with English supertitles.
Where: Kennedy Center Opera House
When: May 6 through 28
Info: $25 to $300; 800-US-OPERA; dc-opera.org
2. National Symphony Orchestra: John Axelrod makes his NSO debut conducting Bernstein’s Symphony No. 3 (“Kaddish”) with the Cathedral Choral Society, Children’s Chorus of Washington, soprano Kelley Nassief and narrator Samuel Pisar. Other works include “Musica Celestis” by Kernis, Barber’s “Agnus Dei” and Bernstein’s Symphonic Suite from “On the Waterfront.”
Where: Kennedy Center Concert Hall
When: 7 p.m. June 2, 1:30 p.m. June 3, 8 p.m. June 4
Info: $20 to $85; 202-467-4600, 800-444-1324; kennedy-center.org
3. Michael Feinstein: The Washington Performing Arts Society presents the vocalist/pianist/archivist entertaining with some of the songs and in the style that define his role as “Ambassador of the Great American Songbook.”
Where: Kennedy Center Concert Hall
When: 7 p.m. April 17
Info: $40 to $75; 202-785-9727; wpas.org
4. Dave Brubeck: The legendary jazz pianist returns to Washington with his distinctive styling, engaging personality and gift of endless delights from his enormous original catalog.
Where: Blues Alley
When: 8 p.m. April 15 to 18
Info: $150; 202-337-4141; bluesalley.com.
5. Yanni in Concert: The international star in concert at his piano and backed by his impressive entourage of musicians.
Where: Warner Theatre
When: 7:30 p.m. April 7
Info: $59 to $95; 800-949-1866; concertticketcenter.com
More music (by Marie Gullard)
1. Paul Simon : DAR Constitution Hall presents the legendary songwriter in concert with his band in support of his first new recording in five years, “So Beautiful or So What.”
Where: DAR Constitution Hall
When: 8 p.m. May 25
Info: $126 to $164; 866-614-4183; hallboxoffice.com
2. Nancy Wilson: From her first Grammy in 1964 for “How Glad I Am,” Nancy Wilson has captivated audiences with her singular style, gliding easily from jazz to pop to rhythm and blues.
Where: Music Center at Strathmore
When: 8 p.m. April 22
Info: $25.20 to $53; 301-581-5100; strathmore.org
3. Verdi’s “Requiem”: Performance showcases the voices of soprano Arianna Zukerman, mezzo soprano Patricia Miller, tenor Don Bernardini and bass Kevin Deas, with Stan Engebretson conducting.
Where: Music Center at Strathmore
When: 8 p.m. May 21
Info: $32 to $79; 301-581-5100; strathmore.org
4. BSO: Pianist Emanuel Ax joins the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in performance of Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 1. Marin Alsop conducts. In the hands of piano great Ax, expect a program of thrilling virtuosity and music making.
Where: Music Center at Strathmore
When: 8 p.m. June 2
Info: $33 to $93; 301-581-5100; strathmore.org
5. Itzhak Perlman: A captivating force on the world stage for over decades, Perlman remains the reigning virtuoso of the violin in a program of Beethoven, Mozart and Saint-Saens.
Where: Music Center at Strathmore
When: 4 p.m. May 1
Info: $95 to $110; 301-581-5100; strathmore.org
Best theater
1. New Ireland: The Enda Walsh Festival: In “The Walworth Farce,” a father forces his two sons to re-enact their troubled past through cross-dressing, slapstick and denial. In “The New Electric Ballroom,” two sisters live in a small Irish village and retell the story of a dance hall of their youth and a night that changed their lives.
Where: Studio Theatre, 1501 14th St. NW
When: “Walworth Farce”: through May 1; “New Electric Ballroom”: April 13 to May 1
Info: $44 to $65; 202-332-3300; studiotheatre.org
2. “The Color Purple”: An award-winning show based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, “The Color Purple” tells the story of Celie, who finds the strength to triumph over adversity. Special guest star: Lil’ Mo.
Where: National Theater, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
When: April 12 to 24
Info: Tickets start at $51.50; 866-276-2047; colorpurple.com
3. “Fragments”: Five short works by Samuel Beckett, co-directed by Peter Brook and Marie Helene Estienne, including “Rough for Theater I, “Rockaby,” “Act Without Words II,” “Come and Go,” and “Neither.”
Where: The Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW
When: April 14 to 17
Info: $25 to $85; 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org
4. “Ruined”: This Pulitzer Prize-winning drama by Lynn Nottage takes place in war-torn Congo. Mama Nadi keeps the peace between customers on both sides of the civil war as she protects and profits from the women under her charge. Inspired by interviews conducted in Africa, this searing play is an engrossing and uncommonly human story told with humor and song, revealing the immeasurable loss and hopelessness of war.
Where: Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW
When: April 22 to June 5
Info: Tickets begin at $55; 202-488-3300; arenastage.org
5. “Cyrano”: This romance of 17th century swashbuckling France centers on a fascinating and poignant love triangle. Cyrano secretly adores Roxanne but fears she could never share the sentiment because of his legendary nose. Instead, he uses his gift for wit and wordplay to help his tongue-tied friend Christian woo her. Will she be won by Christian’s appearance or Cyrano’s soul?
Where: Folger Theater, 201 E. Capitol St. SW
When: April 26 to June 5
Info: $30 to $60; 202-544-7077; folger.edu
6. “Side by Side by Sondheim”: The celebrated musical revue’s selections are tied together by being taken from Sondheim musicals or having shared themes.
Where: Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington
When: April 26 to June 12
Info: $55 to $81; 703-820-9771; signature-theatre.org
7. “Follies”: Winner of seven Tony Awards,”Follies”is one of James Goldman and Stephen Sondheim’s greatest works. All of life’s might-have-beens take center stage as two couples rehash past times and favorite songs amid the crumbling magnificence of their old theater.
Where: The Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW
When: May 7 to June 19
Info: $45 to $150; 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org
8. “Venus in Fur”: David Muse will direct David Ives’ play, heralded as one of the best productions of 2010.
Where: Studio Theatre, 1501 14th St. NW
When: Opens May 25
Info: 202-332-3300; studiotheatre.org
9. “Don Quixote”: Synetic Theater takes on the classic, farcical but inspiring figure of the knight errant who adores Dulcinea and takes on the world as he journeys through Spain to joust at windmills. This new play by Roland Reed is adapted by Paata Tsikurishvili.
Where: Synetic Theater, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington
When: June 2 to July 3
Info: $40 to $50; discounts available
Best Brainfood
1. “What to Listen for in Gustav Mahler, Session II:The Beautiful”: Music scholar Saul Lilienstein examines the music of Mahler. Selections to be heard in this session include Symphony No. 4 and theAdagiettofrom Symphony No. 5.
Where: Theater Lab, Kennedy Center, 2700 K St. NW
When: 1 p.m. Saturday
Info: $15; 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org
2. Dakshina/Daniel Phoenix Singh Dance Company: The fusion dance company’s performance includes “As I Remember,” a suite of solos with choreography by Anna Sokolow.
Where: Dance Place, 3225 8th St., NE
When: Saturday and Sunday
Info: $8 to $22; 202-269-1600; danceplace.org
3. “The U.S. and Iran: Endless Enemies”: Ambassador John W. Limbert, a professor of Middle Eastern studies at the U.S. Naval Academy and one of the American hostages held in Tehran in 1979, presents a lecture drawn from personal experience and his most recent book, “Negotiating with Iran: Wrestling the Ghosts of History.” A book signing follows.
Where: Technical Center, Room 136, Montgomery College, Rockville Campus, 51 Mannakee St., Rockville
When: 2 to 3:15 p.m. Friday
Info: Free; 301-229-9270; cms.montgomerycollege.edu
4. “The Fear”: In Peter Godwin’s new book, he again combines journalistic skill, extensive interviews and an intimate knowledge of the country for a vivid look at Zimbabwe in 2008, on the eve of elections Godwin hoped would end Mugabe’s 30-year reign.
Where: Politics and Prose Bookstore, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Info: Free; 202-364-1919; politics-prose.org
5. New York City Ballet: The acclaimed New York City Ballet, renowned for its purity, balance and musicality, performs three mixed-repertory programs of Balanchine black and white ballets with the New York City Ballet Orchestra.
Where: Opera House, Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW
When: Through April 10
Info: $25 to $85; 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org
6. Alberto Gaitan with Elliot Williams: Gaitan’s site-specific interactive sound installation turns the Mezz Gallery wall at Artisphere into a semi-interactive, 100-foot-long stringed instrument to be played by a robotic scrubber.
Where: Artisphere, 1101 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
When: May 3 to June 18
Info: Free; 703-875-1100; artisphere.org
7. “Oklahoma!”: Back by popular demand and nominated for 10 Helen Hayes Awards, “Oklahoma!” returns to Arena Stage after its initial sold-out run. Full of some of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s greatest songs (“Surrey With the Fringe on Top,” “I Cain’t Say No,” “People Will Say We’re in Love”), this production of “Oklahoma!” has been praised for its polished singing and energetic dancing.
Where: Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW
When: July 8 to Oct. 2
Info: 202-488-3300; arenastage.org
Best Family
1. Artillery: Learn to work as a team to load and aim a replica Civil War cannon. You’ll learn about the different types of artillery used in the Civil War and “bombard” a replica fort.
Where: Fort C.F. Smith Park, 2411 N. 24th St., Arlington
When: 11 a.m. to noon Saturday
Info: $5; registration required: 703-228-4747; program No. 632721-A
2. Hands-on History: Introduce children to what life was like during the Civil War. Campers will be involved in many hands-on activities that include camp life, fort design and construction, artillery, and infantry drilling. You’ll also enjoy the nature found in the park. Info: 703-243-4342. Ages 7 to 10.
Where: Fort C.F. Smith Park, 2411 N. 24th St., Arlington
When: 1 to 4 p.m. April 20 to April 22
Info: $90; registration required: 703-228-4747; programs No. 632721-C
3. Easter Monday: An African-American Family Tradition: This has been a multicultural tradition that spans more than 100 years. Visitors can enjoy a variety of special family activities, entertainment, special opportunities to learn more about the zoo’s animals. Rain or shine. Easter egg hunt, Easter Panda, field games and activities.
Where: National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 25
Info: Free; nationalzoo.si.edu
4. Explore the Universe: Join this planetarium program to explore the sun, moon and stars. Ages 7 and older.
Where: Rock Creek Park, 5200 Glover Road NW
When: 4 p.m. April 30
Info: 202-895-6070; nps.gov/rocr
5. NSO Kinderkonzert: “Got Rhythm?”: Rhythm is everywhere: It flavors our lives and lives within music. Join Glenn Donnellan, Richard Barber, Edward Cabarga, Adel Sanchez and guest percussionist Joe Connell, for vivid selections by Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Rossini and more. Age 4 and older.
Where: Family Theatre, Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW
When: 1:30 p.m. May 22
Info: $18; 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org
Best Gatherings
1. “The Use and Abuse of Literature”: With books on topics as diverse as Shakespeare, bisexuality, real estate and dogs, Marjorie Garber, a Harvard professor of English, here sets out to define the term “literature.” Does it refer to any and every written text? Does it confer a special status? Looking at a range of works from the 15th century to the present, Garber considers the changing cultural work of reading and writing.
Where: Politics and Prose Bookstore, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW
When: 7 p.m. April 14
Info: Free; 202-364-1919; politics-prose.org
2. Come celebrate Shakespeare’s birthday: Rain or shine! Enjoy jugglers and jesters, music, song and dance, stage combat workshops, and more. It’s the one day of the year when the Folger reading roomsare open to all — plus, birthday cake for everyone! Renaissance music, song anddancethroughout the Folger.
Where: Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol St. SW
When: Noon to 4 p.m. April 17; Queen Elizabeth cuts the cake at 3:30
Info: Free; charge for some food and drink
3. Earth Day Celebration: Join the United States Botanic Garden as it celebrates the 41st anniversary of Earth Day! Come enjoy a cooking demonstration with chef Tania Mercer and meet with representatives of environmental organizations from throughout the region. Drop by and learn all the ways you can make the planet a healthier place and become a more active steward of the plants that support life on Earth. No pre-registration required.
Where: Conservatory Terrace, U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 22
Info: Free; 202-225-83333; usbg.gov
4. Cinco de Mayo Festival: This annual celebration features live music and dance, children’s arts and crafts workshops, food, games and activities for the entire family. Although originally Mexican in origin, the Cinco de Mayo Festival has become a larger “Latin American Family Reunion” on the National Mall. The festival is open to all. It will be held rain or shine.
Where: Sylvan Stage, National Mall near Washington Monument, 15th Street and Independence Avenue NW
When: Noon to 6 p.m. May 1
Info: Free; mauromontero.com
5. Step It Up, D.C.: A step dance festival showcasing the step talent in D.C., with performances by the Dance Place Step Team and other special guests.
Where: Dance Place, 3225 Eighth St. NE
When: 8 p.m. May 13
Info: $6 to $12; 202-269-1600; danceplace.org
6. Zanzibar Salsa Reunion: Zanzibar on the Waterfront was the home of Wednesday night Salsa in D.C. from 1999 to 2009. Join in a reunion of patrons, personnel and entertainers plus Zanzibar photo projections. With DJ Bruno and DJ Broadway.
Where: Artisphere, 1101 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
When: 11 p.m. May 21
Info: $15 to $20; 888-841-2787; tickets.artisphere.com
7. A Taste of Reston: Enjoy the 21st annual Taste of Reston, produced by the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce. This is Northern Virginia’s largest outdoor food festival featuring delectable samples from the region’s favorite eateries, live music, beer and wine gardens, fun and games at Kids Corner and a three-day carnival.
Where: Reston Town Center, Market St., Reston
When: June 17 and 18
Info: restontaste.com
Best Outdoors
1. National Cherry Blossom Parade: Attend one of Washington’s most exciting springtime traditions ? the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, rain or shine. The parade runs along Constitution Avenue and is simulcast live. Lavish floats, giant helium balloons, marching bands and performers burst down the historic avenue in an energy-filled spectacle of music and showmanship seen only once a year during the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
Where: Seventh to 17th streets NW along Constitution Avenue
When: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday
Info: Free along parade route; cherryblossomfestival.org
2. Lantern Walks: Guided by the light of festive lanterns, rangers will guide you on an evening walk around the Tidal Basin.
Where: Paddle Boat Station, 1501 Maine Ave. SW
When: 8 to 10 p.m. Friday to Sunday
Info: Free; 202-426-6841; cherryblossomfestival.org
3. Trillium Trek: Adults. Travel to Linden, Va. to see one of the largest displays of great white trillium in the world. This area is also home to rare native orchids and a variety of wildlife. Dress for hiking. Bring water and a bag lunch.
Where: Van leaves from Lubber Run Center, 300 N. Park Drive, Arlington
When: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 30
Info: $30; Registration required: 703-228-4747; program No. 632941-A
4. Astronomy Quest: Families and adults, ages 10 and older. Travel to Sky Meadows State Park to celebrate Astronomy Day. You’ll join other space cadets as astronomy enthusiasts and experts share their knowledge and telescopes with the public. A great chance to see the universe.
Where: Vans leave from Lubber Run Center, 300 N. Park Drive, Arlington
When: 6 to 10 p.m. May 7
Info: $5; registration necessary: 703-228-4747; program No. 632851-N
5. Birding: C&O Canal: Search for spring migrants along the canal in hopes of spotting nesting Prothonotary Warblers and others. Info: 703-228-6535
Where: Meet at Lubber Run parking lot, 300 N. Park Drive, Arlington
When: 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. May 17
Info: $30; registration required: 703-228-4747; program No. 632941-H
