The Cherry Blossom Festival is the big to-do around these parts this weekend, but what if that’s not your thing? Or, maybe you’re looking for something to do in between looking at all of those beautiful blossoms? Let us point you in the best direction for fun this weekend.
Friday: Justin Jones CD release show at IOTA Club & Cafe
Excellent local singer-songwriter Jones has a new CD out titled “California,” and is celebrating with a show at IOTA. With Down Dexter and Brooklyn’s Peter Bradley Adams. 8:30 p.m. $12.
Down the block: Great beer to be had at the intimate Galaxy Hut right down the street.
Details: IOTA Club & Cafe, 2832 Wilson Blvd., Arlington; 703-522-8340; iotaclubandcafe.com
Through Sunday: Environmental Film Festival
Sunday is the last day of the 18th annual Environmental Film Festival, which features 155 films being shown in 56 venues across the area. The festival offers a number of films addressing environmental concerns, and this year explores the connection between food and the environment. Lots of these films come at a great price — free.
See a museum: A number of the films are showing at local museums and galleries such as the Phillips Collection and the National Museum of Natural History. Make a day of it and explore so much of what we take for granted.
Details: dcenvironmentalfilmfest.org
Saturday: Heavy Seas Real Ale and BBQ Fest
With so much to do in the D.C. area, why head to Baltimore? If you’ve ever had the Heavy Seas line of beer, you know why. These are well-crafted, more intense brews. Explore all of the Heavy Seas options with your bottomless tasting glass, as well as live music and barbecue. From noon to 4 p.m. $49.
So you’re in Baltimore: If the weather is nice, explore the Inner Harbor and grab dinner at one of the many local restaurants.
Details: hsbeer.com
Saturday: Chelsea Handler at DAR Constitution Hall
Handler’s cable show on E!, “Chelsea Lately,” is hilarious, and now she has a book out titled “Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang.” This collection of humorous essays is a follow-up to “Are You There Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea.” Catch her live act to see the real deal. Shows at 8 and 10 p.m. Tickets range from $53.50 to $73.50.
Even more Chelsea: She’s doing a book signing at Borders D.C. (18th and L streets NW) at 3 p.m. Line up early.
Details: DAR Constitution Hall, 1776 D St. NW; 202-628-4780; dar.org
Through April 4: ‘Sweeney Todd’ at Signature Theatre
This morbidly fantastic story of the Demon Barber of Fleet Street comes to life in the small Arlington village of Shirlington. You’ll never look at meat pies the same way again. Various show times. Tickets range from $30 to $74.
Visit Shirlington: If you haven’t been, you’re missing out on this gem right off Interstate 395. Lots of dining options and plenty of free parking. Yes, D.C. folks, you heard right. Free parking.
Details: Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington; 703-820-9771; sig-online.org
