This weekend, D.C. will get a second chance to welcome thousands of visitors to the annual Cherry Blossom Festival, and with a sunny weather forecast on the horizon, it seems like the perfect time to check it out.
The historic festival’s parade kicks off at 10 a.m. Saturday, and there are activities for everybody at dozens of locations around the city. This weekend also is the optimal weekend to see the trees at peak bloom. For a complete schedule of events, visit nationalcherryblossomfestival.
But what if cherry blossoms aren’t your thing? Never fear. There’s plenty more to do around town this weekend.
Soul Patrol: Sorry, it’s not Taylor Hicks. But fellow “American Idol” alum and Oscar-winning R&B diva Jennifer Hudson will perform with Robin Thicke for a show at DAR Constitution Hall. The show is 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets start at $64 at ticketmaster.com.
Dora Live!: Every child’s favorite explorer, Dora, will be on stage at Warner Theatre this weekend for a live adventure, the Search for the City of Lost Toys. There are several chances to catch the show, with three performances both Saturday and Sunday. Tickets start at $16 at ticketmaster.com.
Get out of town: The Sugarloaf Crafts Festival is this weekend at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Gaithersburg. This event features more than 300 artisans selling everything from pottery, to jewelry, to furniture and photography. Admission is $8, children under 12 are free. For information, visit sugarloafcrafts.com.
For the sports fans: Haven’t been to a Caps game this year? This is your last chance. The team is in town this weekend for its last home stand. The Caps will face off against the Buffalo Sabres at 7 p.m. Friday and close things out against the Atlanta Thrashers at 3 p.m. Sunday. Sunday is Fan Appreciation Day, so make sure to show up for your red beach towel. For information or tickets, visit capitals.nhl.com.
If you want to catch the Wizards while you can, they’re around Saturday for a game against the Miami Heat. For tickets, visit waashingtonwizards.com.
See it before it’s gone: “Peter Pan” (closes Sunday; Kennedy Center; $20 to $120; kennedy-center.org); “Iolanthe” (closes Sunday; Atlas Performing Arts Center; $45, $40 seniors, $20 for children 17 and younger; atlasarts.tix.com); “Marisol” (closes Sunday; H Street Playhouse; $20; forumtd.org).
