Cherry Blast, Saturday Much of the National Cherry Blossom Festival is family oriented. OK, most of it is. And while anyone can enjoy kites and street festivals and the like, dodging tourists and strollers and folks with digital cameras snapping away at trees and flowers can become daunting.
Then there’s Cherry Blast.
On Saturday, the Cherry Blast Art + Music Dance Party lets those who enjoy a little nightlife cut loose while keeping in the Cherry Blossom spirit.
“This is definitely for the 21 and up crowd, the artistic crowd, who would appreciate an event like this,” said Danielle Piacente, Cherry Blossom Festival spokeswoman.
The multimedia Cherry Blast features music, visual art and performances from All Things Go and Art Whino. This year will include graffiti art and a burlesque show.
Cherry Blast takes place at an unused building at 700 Water St. SW. Piacente added that guests will be able to see the 8:30 p.m. fireworks; the Big Cheese Food Truck (grilled cheese) will be on site; and one drink is included in the $10 admission price.
“We’re bringing a cutting edge, multisensory experience that they wouldn’t see at a regular party,” she said,
Info: $10; nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/cherry-blast
When: Saturday, 8 p.m.
Judah Friedlander at the D.C. Improv, through Sunday
Gaithersburg native Judah Friedlander has been cracking people up for years, most recently as a regular on the popular show “30 Rock.” Check out the self-proclaimed “World Champion” yourself.
Info: $17 to $20, dcimprov.com
When: 8 and 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 8 p.m. Sunday.
Washington Nationals Opening Weekend, Saturday & Sunday
Yes, Opening Day was Thursday. But there are 80 more home games where you can cheer on your fightin’ Nats. This Saturday features the Braves in town for a couple of day games. Pick up a free magnet schedule on Saturday.
Info: $10 to $325; washington.nationals.mlb.com
When: Saturday at 1:05 p.m., Sunday at 1:35 p.m.
Lil’ Wayne at the Verizon Center, Sunday
Out of prison, Lil’ Wayne is set to prove he’s still the best rapper alive. After a stint at Rikers Island, Weezy is on his “I’m Still Music Tour,” which comes to the Verizon Center. Oh, who is he bringing along? Nicki Minaj (one of the best new rappers out there), Rick Ross and Travis Barker. Minaj might be worth the price of admission herself.
Info: $49.75 to $125.75; verizoncenter.com
When: 7 p.m., Sunday
Redskins Cheerleaders final auditions at the State Theatre, Sunday
With a labor battle raging between players and owners, you can’t fault fans of the NFL for feeling a little down. Thank goodness for cheerleaders, right? On Sunday, the State Theatre in Falls Church hosts the 2011-2012 Redskins Cheerleaders final auditions. Witness hopefuls as they try to join the group known as the First Ladies of Football.
Info: $15 general admission, $25 VIP, at the door, cash only; thestatetheatre.com
When: 1 p.m. doors, 2 p.m. showtime; Sunday
