Mid City DC Magazine – March 2026

WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

mercury gilding National Museum of Cambodia, Phnom Penh. Photo: Mario Ciampi, © Guicciardini & Magni Architetti.

Vishnu’s Cosmic Ocean at the Asia Art Museum

At the dawn of time, the Hindu god Vishnu slept on a coiled serpent floating in the primordial ocean. There, he dreamed the universe into existence. This magnificent story of creation comes to life through the largest bronze ever cast in Southeast Asia, now on loan to the National Museum of Asian Art (Arhtur M. Sackler Gallery, Gallery 22) from the National Museum of Cambodia. From March 7 to Sept. 7, you can experience this sculpture’s full monumental scale: a breathtaking six meters long (nearly twenty feet). Only the head and torso have been displayed since 1936, when the sculpture was found buried in a pit with dozens of loose bronze fragments. A team of international experts has recently conserved and reconnected the body’s remnants after decades of scientific research. asia.si.edu.

“The Simon and Garfunkel Story” at the National Direct from sell out tours of the UK and Europe, The Simon & Garfunkel Story tells the fascinating tale of how two boys from Queens, New York went on to become the world’s most successful music duo of all time. Starting from their humble beginnings as 50’s Rock n Roll duo Tom & Jerry, The Simon & Garfunkel Story takes you through all the songs and stories that shaped them, the dramatic split, their individual solo careers and ending with a stunning recreation of the legendary 1981 Central Park reunion concert. Using a projection screen, the show features 1960s photographs and film footage accompanied by a full band performing all their hits including Mrs. Robinson, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Scarborough Fair, The Boxer, The Sound Of Silence and many more. National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, on March 14, 7:30 p.m. and March 15, 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $77. thenationaldc.com.

“Miro and the United States” at The Phillips Collection

From March 21 through July 5, the Phillips Collection, 1600 21st St. NW, presents “Miro and the United States”, a major traveling exhibition organized in collaboration with the Fundació Joan Miró in Barcelona. This exhibition recounts a little-known yet decisive period of transatlantic exchange between Joan Miro and American artists, revealing how the United States informed his artistic development and influenced his post-war art on both sides of the Atlantic. Open daily except Mondays. General admission is $20 for adults; seniors, $15; students with ID and educators, $10; 18 and under, free. phillipscollection.org.

WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

Gordon Parks Harlem Rally, 1963, printed later gelatin silver print sheet: 41 x 50.6 cm (16 1/8 x 19 15/16 in.) image: 34.3 x 46.8 cm (13 1/2 x 18 7/16 in.) National Gallery of Art, Corcoran Collection (The Gordon Parks Collection, 1998), © The Gordon Parks Foundation

National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade

The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade is on Saturday, April 11, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (rain or shine) along Constitution Avenue NW between 7th and 17th streets. Giant colorful helium balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands from across the country, celebrity entertainers, and performers burst down the Parade route in a grand spectacle of music and showmanship seen only once a year. Paid seating is $28 to $45. nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.

“Dear America: Artists Explore the American Experience” at NGA

More than 100 works on paper show how artists have explored the American experience over the last 250 years through depictions of the country’s landscape, people, and concepts of freedom. Wide-ranging works include photographs by Carleton Watkins, Dorothea Lange, and Carrie Mae Weems; prints by Thomas Hart Benton, Roy Lichtenstein, and Rupert García; and drawings by Thomas Moran, John Wilson, and Tonita Peña. “Dear America: Artists Explore the American Experience” is on display in the National Gallery of Art’s West Building from April 11 to Sept. 20. nga.gov.

Bear”

Environmental Film Festival: Against the Current

Since 1993, DCEFF has been the premier showcase of environmental films. Each March, they bring the world’s largest green film festival to museums, embassies, universities, and other cultural institutions across Washington DC. The 34th Annual Environmental Film Festival: Against the Current is from March 19 to 28. DCEFF 2026 is dedicated to amplifying the unwavering voices of those who press on in defense of our planet, even in the face of significant challenges. This year’s programs spotlight powerful stories of innovation and action--while forging partnerships with local and national organizations leading the fight for a better future. Regular screenings cost $10 to $15, while some special events cost $25. Many DCEFF programs are offered free to the public or have pay-what-you-can admission. dceff. org/#subscribe.

Washington National Opera’s

“The Crucible” (Truth and lies are forged in fire.)

Fear stalks the villagers of Salem. Some say witchcraft is responsible for strange happenings. But when accusations and paranoia take root, a deadly chain of events unfolds. When everything is at stake, what is the cost of the truth—and who pays the price? Lisner Auditorium on the George Washington University campus, 730 21st. St. NW, on March 21, 23, 25 and 27 at 7 p.m.; and March 29 at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $62. washnatopera.org/the-crucible.

Theater Night A Curated Review of Theater in the DMV

by Matthew McClure

Who was it that said laughter is the best medicine? The exact origins of this excellent piece of advice might be lost to the sands of time, but there’s no doubt that a good giggle lifts the darkest of moods. This month’s column looks to performances that bring light, laughter and levity to dark times. Read on for our curated selection.

On Right Now

“On Beckett,”

Shakespeare Theatre Company

Showing February 11 – March 13 www.shakespearetheatre.org

Bill Irwin knows a lot about Samuel Beckett. That’s probably because the Tony Award winning actor – and professional clown – has spent more than thirty years slowly chewing over the Irish essayist, novelist and playwright’s voluminous contributions to the Modern and Post-Modern literary canon. “On Beckett,” an Irish Repertory Theatre production produced in association with Octopus Theatricals, is Irwin’s ardent love letter to a literary genius whose work assumes new relevance in our current moment.

Over the course of 80 minutes, Irwin conjures up characters from a carefully selected range of Beckett’s texts with an ease that can only come from an intimate familiarity with a body of writing, in both English and French, that spans more than 60 years. Irwin’s performance, comprising two parts, is magnified through minimal stage dressing, lighting and props. The resulting aesthetic is stark yet warmly familiar, much like Beckett’s writing itself.

Irwin’s first act consists of readings from Beckett’s collection of short prose pieces titled “Texts for Nothing” (written in the early 1940s) and an excerpt from the writer’s 1953 novel “Watt.” The second is a deep dive into “Waiting for Godot.” Possibly one of Beckett’s most renowned plays (it certainly trans-

formed the tradition of theater-making forever), critic Vivian Mercier famously opined of the work that the playwright had accomplished the remarkable feat of getting an audience to watch a play where nothing happens, twice.

Throughout, Irwin’s mastery of the fatalist humor inherent in much of Beckett’s work and the richness of clowning as an art form is on glorious display. Replete with outsize trousers, comically large shoes, bow tie and an ever-evolving range of hats, Irwin is in complete command of a craft that he encourages us to view alongside Beckett’s absurdist, tragicomic texts. Over the years, as Irwin points out, comics have found rich material within the Irishman’s prose and “On Beckett” gives us much to laugh about, whether it’s Irwin’s mock battle with a dys-

functional automatic podium or the unceasing internal monologues of one of Beckett’s many tormented characters.

A note of caution to Beckett beginners: The writer’s texts are thick as molasses. To the untrained ear, the incessant stream of syllogisms, circularity and repetitions can be intimidating. Luckily for Irwin’s audiences, his masterful pacing, characterization and frequent breaks between readings are a much-needed digestive, affording us the time to savor the flavor of Beckett’s words and what they’ve come to mean to Irwin himself over the course of his career. Take a friend along. There’ll be plenty to discuss over drinks after the show.

In the Spotlight

“As You Like It”, Folger Theatre

Showing March 10 – April 12 www.folger.edu

Just in time for the emergence of spring’s first tender blooms after a long, bitter winter, Folger Theatre is presenting Artistic Director Karen Ann Daniels’ revisioning of William Shakespeare’s classic pastoral comedy “As You Like It”.

Cincinnati Playhouse Associate Artist and Helen Hayes Award winner Timothy Douglas returns to Folger Theatre for the third time to guide a talented cast in this modern, DC flavored interpretation of one of the bard’s breeziest tales of love triangles, disguises and mistaken identities. “Karen Ann has framed this production beautifully as a love-letter to DC, teasing out the parallels to court life and Capitol Hill,” explains Douglas. Shakespeare’s play - written around 1599 - follows cousins and childhood friends Rosalind and Celia, who find respite in the Edenic forest of Arden after being banished from Duke Frederick’s corrupt duchy. Folger’s rendition (like Shakespeare’s) juxtaposes the duke’s world of urban Machiavellianism with that of unspoiled nature, drawing comparisons between the marble corridors of DC’s Capitol building and the contrasting and varied textures of DC and its residents.

The idyllic Arden forest is imbued with the signifiers of our city’s pulsating culture, much of which you’ll

recognize instantly, and it’s there that the play’s shenanigans take place: A feuding pair of brothers, Ollie (Terrance Fleming) and Orlando (Manu Kumasi) follow the exiled Rosalind (Tsilala Brock) and Celia (Sabrina Lynne Sawyer), who’ve disguised themselves as Ganymede and Aliena to escape the duke’s wrath (both Duke Frederick and Duke senior are played by Jefferson A. Russell). Add to the mix the deposed duke’s royal court decamped in the wilderness and plenty of gender bending and you’ve got all the rip-roaring trappings of the Elizabethan playwright’s archetypal romantic comedies.

“As You Like It”, while light, fluffy and fun, also takes a dim view of the irresponsible wielding of power and the injustice it produces. “As wonderfully pastoral in spirit as the play is, it’s not a simple or easy journey,” Douglas says. “Although we’re not taking a political stand, we can’t ignore the impact of this administration on life in DC, if not America at large. If you know DC, there’s resonant tension between what was known as ‘Chocolate City’ and what that means now.”

As our political discourse increasingly trends towards the binaries of dark and light, good versus evil, Douglas explains that this version of Shakespeare’s play is more concerned with exploring the complex motivations that compel us to destructive actions. “What makes the Duke banish his brother? What makes him banish Rosalind? We’re really interested in the source of that. It’s the response to the deep pain. We’re seeing the breakdown and the breakthrough happening.”

Upcoming Attraction

“Travesty,” Woolly Mammoth Theater Company Showing March 24 – April 12 www.woollymammoth.net

After Sasha Velour’s “The Big Reveal Live Show” at the Strathmore Music Center in 2025 left us hungry for more, this consummate drag artist and the winner of Rupaul’s Drag Race season 9 returns to the DMV in March for her third touring production.

“Travesty” tracks the clandestinely queer histories of a single location through time. Over the course of 80 minutes, she brings to effervescent life colorful characters that rage for recognition, acceptance and equal treatment through the ages. “Travesty” reminds us that not only have drag and gender play always been around, but being different is a powerful tool of resistance that makes beautiful things possible.

Velour’s ingenious technical proficiency and innate understanding of the possibilities inherent in her materialboth in terms of props and writing - will be on full display in “Travesty”, which heads to Europe for a world tour right after its debut at Woolly Mammoth. Expect her signature attention to detail, flawless choreography, lip synching that slays and costuming by the Emmy Award-winning Diego Montoya Studio, Andres Caballero, Jazzmint Dash, Pierretta Viktori and Gloria Swansong. u

Spotlight: Tiger Fork

by Andrew Lightman

homage to Hong Kong’s vibrant culture.

e high-ceiled interior features exposed brick walls, decorated with large murals. Hanging lanterns cast a subdued glow over an elegant dining area set between a black octagonal bar and an open kitchen. Patrons have a choice of dining at long wooden communal tables, at the bar, or at a chef’s counter set against an open kitchen. Colorful tiles complete the chic vibe.

Follow the menu from left to right, advised Tiger Fork’s Executive Chef Simon Lam. Start by picking a Dai Pai Dong. ese starters, designed for sharing, include wontons and salads. Next, choose Chow Fun noodles or fried rice. Both

can be prepared vegetarian. en decide on a “plate” containing a protein, such as pork belly, chicken, or duck, complemented by vegetables. e objective, said Chef Lam, is to assemble a shareable cornucopia. Alternatively, skip the entire process by selecting the inclusive BBQ Combo Platter.

“I grew up going to stores with roasted hanging meats that sold pork belly by the pound,” Lam recalled. It remains his particular favorite ingredient. “It is simultaneously crispy and meaty,” he said. Tiger Fork sources its heirloom pork from a North Carolina farmer. Lam carefully prepares it to maintain the perfect fat-to-meat ratio and its crispy skin. Sit at the chef’s table to witness his technique.

Take a minute to indulge in a libation. Tiger Fork’s o erings are substantial. Aside from the extensive wine and beer selection, the establishment reimagines traditional cocktails employing Chinese spirits, herbal tonics, and tinctures.

Japan, Europe, and Spain. And, I bring some of that innovative perspective to my cooking at Tiger Fork,” Lam explained.

Helming The Kitchen

“Hong Kong is so diverse culinarily, blending di erent cultures and genres. ey take their already amazing long history of ingredients and techniques, but are evolving and mixing in ingredients from

Chef Lam is a rst-generation Chinese American who grew up in and out of his family’s restaurant in Las Vegas, NV. It was a grueling business involving long hours for his parents. So, Lam was raised by his grandmother, who prepared the family meals.

Lam’s grandmother was known for her delicious wontons. As a child, she taught him the basics of the lling and then the art of folding them. To feed a family of four required nearly 100 wontons. As a teen, Lam joined his father at the family restaurant, learning every aspect of the business.

Lam fell in love with the world of restaurants. “Every day is a challenge. at’s what I love about

the industry,” he said.

“Do I really want to sit in an office chair for eight hours a day?” Lam asked himself after graduating with a degree in accounting. A friend suggested applying to culinary school.

A degree from Las Vegas’s Le Cordon Blue

launched his career. Lam worked for Jose Andres for over a decade. Restaurateur Peter Chang then placed him at the helm of Chang Chang, earning a place on Washingtonian’s 100 Very Best Restaurants list in 2023 and a stellar review from Tom Sietsema.

“I’ve always loved Tiger Fork,” Lam extolled. “They were one of the first in the area who really tried to modernize Chinese cuisine and have fun with it. Hidden back in the alley, it’s almost got that speakeasy feel, like you’ve stumbled upon a hidden gem, surprising you with this lively night market atmosphere once you step in the doors.”

So, when Tiger Fork’s partners Greg Algie and Nathan Beauchamp extended an invitation to helm its kitchen in 2023, Lam jumped at the opportunity.

Many will remember Algie and Beauchamp from The Fainting Goat. The roots of Tiger Fork, however, lie deep in Algie’s youth.

Why Tiger Fork

At age 18, Algie began a study of kung fu. His teacher or “sifu” hailed from Hong Kong. Traditionally, he instructed his pupils not only in that martial art, but in Chinese culture. Manners, etiquette, cuisine, and traditional medicine were all part of the curriculum.

Algie first visited Hong Kong with his sifu. It was a transformative experience. He fell further in love with the culture and cuisine. The city’s vi-

brant night markets and rich street life made a lasting impression.

That connection continued with the opening of Algie's first bar, an Irish pub named Fado, in Chinatown in 1998. In 2013, he partnered with Beauchamp to launch The Fainting Goat. Yet, he still dreamt of bringing Hong Kong to American diners.

Algie pitched the idea to Beauchamp. They found the perfect space in Blagden Alley. The two then took a 10-day pilgrimage with their entire design team to Hong Kong. They visited night markets and ate in both dives and haute establishments.

“As soon as we got there, the team understood the energy level,” Algie recalled.

On one excursion, the team visited a park, where residents practiced martial arts. There, a man was training with a “tiger fork.” The partners decided to name their new concept after this traditional weapon, which resembles a trident.

Tiger Fork opened in 2017. In 2020, Michelin recognized it as a Bib Gourmand. Washingtonian Magazine has placed it on its top 100 restaurant list several times. A visit to Tiger Fork is like a trip to Hong Kong, without a plane ticket or a passport. All you need is a reservation.

Tiger Fork is located at 922 N St. (Rear) NW in Blagden Alley. For more information, visit www.tigerforkdc.com u

Shaw Streets

by Pleasant Mann

Seaton Elementary School held its annual Science Fair on Thursday morning, Feb. 6. A total of 68 students participated in the fair.

The science exhibits were judged by an impressive group from the DC scientific community, representing federal government agencies, universities, museums, and Google, in addition to DCPS, social science researchers, engineers and Seaton’s ANC commissioner.

The winners of the 2026 Seaton Science Fair were—Pre-K, First Place: Octavia St. Onge-Davis, Runner Up: Camila Carlson. Kindergarten, First Place: Leena Locussol & Legend Hunter, Runners Up: Milo Zouridakis & Corbin Stanton. First Grade, First Place: Diego Ramos Mead & Javier Gregory, Runners Up: Nikola Medic-Rosenfarb & Talia Medic-Rosenfarb & Lucilla Carlson. Second Grade, First Place: Andromeda St. Onge-Davis, Runners Up: Emma Sacks & Sadie Crider. Third Grade, First Place: Wanda Jane Friedman, Runner

Up: Nathaniel Hale. Fourth/Fifth Grades, First Place: Emerson Adams, Runners Up: Branson Crider & Abenezer Behailu.

The science fair was planned by Seaton teachers Meg Talewsky, Siobhan Flynn, Kaitlin Gupta, Kirsten Taylor and Bonita Spurgeon as well as Seaton parents Vanessa Harbin-Sacks and Anna Cavnar. It was funded by the Seaton Parent/ Teacher Organization, led by PTO President Swathi Bojedla.

Mardi Gras at Kennedy Recreation Center

The DC Department of Parks and Recreation held a family-oriented Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras celebration at the Kennedy Recreation Center on Tuesday evening, February 17. The celebration started with a performance by the Eastern Senior High School Marching Band and majorettes in the gymnasium. Then the band went outside to march around the block, leading a New Orleans-style Second Line parade. The celebration continued inside the center with games and activities, beads and masks and refreshments, including traditional Mardi Gras pancakes.

Out with the Old, In with the New

While current economic conditions have been hard on Shaw businesses, the exit of some establishments has made room for new ones. The space being vacated by Right Proper Brewing will be taken over by Urban Garden Brewing, a participant in the Black Beer Garden set up on T Street during Shaw’s Art All Night. Around the corner on Seventh Street, the space formerly occupied by Blank Street Coffee is now open again as Prim’s Café.

Choose Shaw’s Best New Businesses

Shaw Main Streets has opened its annual contest to determine the most popular new businesses in

Shaw for the past year. The three businesses that receive the most votes from the public will be recognized as the Best New Shaw Businesses of 2025 at the Shaw Main Streets Annual Meeting on Wednesday, March 25.

Businesses that opened in the SMS service area during the 2025 calendar year are eligible to compete in the contest. The list of eligible businesses includes: Café Joy (906 P Street NW), Corinto Gallery (1707 Seventh Street NW), Cotti Coffee X Wuu Tea Studio (900 M Street NW), Dashen Ethiopian Restaurant & Lounge (1608 Seventh Street NW), Dragon Hero (2016 Ninth Street NW), Eebee’s Corner Bar (1840 Sixth Street NW), Everyday People DC (1013 U Street NW), Gloss Bar Nails & Headspa (1340 Eighth Street NW), Hyatt House (899 O Street NW), Melange Foods (2108 Eighth Street NW), Realm Rooftop Bar Lounge (899 0 Street NW), Sandlot Uptown (1900 Seventh Street NW), Starbucks (801 Allen Y. Lew Way NW).

To cast your vote, send an email to BestinShaw@gmail.com with the name of your favorite new business of 2025 in the subject line and your name in the message. Votes must be received by 12:00 p.m. on March 23, 2026. Only one entry per email address will be accepted.

Shaw Main Streets Holds Annual Meeting

Shaw Main Streets, the neighborhood small business support and historic preservation non-profit, will hold its annual meeting, via Zoom, on March 25 at 7:00 p.m. The annual meeting provides an opportunity for the organization to present its work over the past year to the community and outline its plans for the next year. Hear from DC leaders, see what SMS accomplished in 2025 and its plans for 2026. The meeting will also elect members of the SMS Board of Directors.

One lucky attendee will win dinner for two at a Shaw restaurant. The winner will be drawn at random from the email addresses of attendees.

For more information and to get the Zoom link, go to shawmainstreets.org.

Eat.Drink.Shaw.

Night Coming Up

Join Shaw Main Streets for a night of delicious food and drinks at Eat. Drink.Shaw. The theme for 2026: Savor the Flavor.

Shaw is home to over 100 of DC’s finest restaurants and bars, drawing foodies and cocktail lovers from around the world. Eat.Drink.Shaw. is an annual in-person food and beverage showcase event at the historic Howard Theater, showcasing the best of Shaw. Ticket holders will enjoy unlimited food and beverage items from over 20 participating restaurants and bars for two-and-one-half hours on Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 7:00-9:30 p.m.

Ticket holders get to meet chefs, mixologists and brewers. The estimated value of the food and beverages offered is $300.

Early Bird Discount tickets are only $50 until March 26. Full price tickets are $100. Proceeds support SMS’ economic revitalization and historic preservation activities in central Shaw. Tickets include complimentary valet parking. Visit EatDrinkShaw. com for details.

Shaw is for Drinking

One of the features that define Shaw as a hospitality hub is its variety of outstanding cocktail bars. A number of the neighborhood’s drinking establishments have garnered notice recently. Washingtonian magazine’s story on its 20 favorite local cocktails feature three in Shaw. The Old Raj Martini at Eebee’s Corner Bar, the Clean Dirty Martini at Your Only Friend and the Heirloom-Carrot Margarita at Service Bar, which can take different colors from the carrot chosen for your drink, stood out among the District’s craft cocktails. The Weekend section of the Washington Post also showed appreciation for the extended Happy Hours in Shaw at Everyday People, the Little Gay Pub, Lulu’s Winegarden and Service Bar. u

ANC 2G Presentation on Affordable Housing Project

by Pleasant Mann

Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 2G held its monthly meeting for February on ursday evening, February 12, 2026. e meeting was held as a virtual conference.

Commission Chair Steven McCarty (2G04) called the meeting to order. Commissioners Howard Garrett (2G01, Vice Chair), Alexander M. “Alex” Padro (2G02), Sheena Berry (2G05) and Rachelle Nigro (2G06, Treasurer) were in attendance.

Heritage at Shaw Station Redevelopment

Lincoln-Westmoreland Housing, Inc. made a presentation to the commission on their plans for an a ordable housing project at 801-811 R Street NW. e nonpro t corporation, which has been involved in providing a ordable housing to Shaw since 1967 and owns the nearby Lincoln-Westmoreland Apartments (1730 Seventh Street NW) and Channing E. Phillips Homes (1710 Seventh Street NW), acquired the project through the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA) process. Under TOPA, when a building is sold, its tenants have the right to make a matching o er. In this case, the tenants chose Lincoln-Westmoreland to redevelop their group of garden apartment buildings. Lincoln-Westmoreland has hired the Key Urban group to manage the development project. e project involves demolishing the current buildings on the site and replacing them with a single apartment building with a courtyard facing Ninth Street NW. e project will have between 200 and 230 units, with a number of them being family-sized apartments. All the units will be a ordable.

A Notice of Intent has been led, as the site is proposed to be rezoned to MU-10 for the project. It may incorporate some ground oor retail space in the building. e developers also hope to get funding support from the District’s Department of Housing and Community Development. Commissioner Berry wanted to ensure that

the developers conduct more community outreach in publicizing their plans. Commissioner Padro commented that he thought that the proposed building, as shown, did not provide su cient green space for the community, suggesting that there should be more green space on the Ninth and R Street sides of the project, like the existing development. He argued that the proposed courtyard is a tenant amenity, not a community amenity. Padro also suggested that public art be incorporated into the project, like other major projects in the neighborhood, and that the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities could help pay for the art.

e developers are required to come back to the ANC when they formally le for rezoning with the Zoning Commission.

Third Police District

Captain McHauley Murphy of the ird Police District reported on current crimes in the ANC for the past month. ere had been signi cant drops in both violent and property crimes compared with the same period in the previous year. e biggest problems were property crimes, including general thefts and thefts from autos.

Alcohol License

Genika Café (1400 Ninth Street NW) is applying for a new Class C Tavern license. e applicant also requested a stipulated license to allow them to serve alcohol during the process of getting a permanent license. Commissioner Padro described the settlement agreement that he had worked out with the establishment. A motion to support a new tavern license, a stipulated license and the settlement agreement between the café and the ANC passed unanimously.

Central Cell Block, 501 New York Avenue NW Commissioner Nigro presented two motions for

the commission to oppose the renovations to 501 New York Avenue NW needed to convert it to a new temporary Central Cell Block for the District. e rst motion was to recommend that the District Department of Transportation’s Public Space Committee not approve the District’s application for public space permits for the cell block. e motion passed unanimously. Nigro also made a motion recommending that the Board of Zoning Adjustment revoke the approval of the project and that the Department of Buildings (DoB) revoke permits issued by DoB, based on the fact that the Department of General Services had violated their obligations under a BZA order to make regular appearances at ANC meetings. at motion also passed unanimously.

Public Litter Cans

Commissioner McCarty asked the commission to issue a request to the Department of Public Works for ve new public litter cans in his single member district. His resolution speci ed that the cans should be at the southeast corner of Massachusetts Avenue and 10th Street, the northwest corner of Massachusetts and Ninth Street and the west side of the 1000 block of Ninth Street. e resolution also speci cally called for cans at speci c locations on the 1100 and 1200 blocks on the west side of Ninth Street. Commissioner Padro noted that the sidewalk on the west side of Ninth Street was very narrow, so the resolution was modi ed to take out the speci c locations of the two cans there. e nal resolution passed unanimously.

ANC 2G will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, a change from the commission’s normal meeting day of the month. e meeting will start at 6:30 p.m. Plans are to hold this meeting as a virtual conference. Visit www.anc2g.org for more information. ◆

BULLETIN BOARD

Portraiture Festival at the NPG

On Saturday, March 14, 11:30 to 3 p.m., celebrate art, identity and creativity at the National Portrait Gallery in the Kogod Courtyard, Eighth and G streets NW. Explore portraiture through educator-led tours, art-making activities and workshops for all ages. Stay until the end for an original performance by Moveius Contemporary Ballet, commissioned by the Portrait Gallery and choreographed by artist Diana Movius. Free admission. npg. si.edu/event/portraiture-festival.

Friendship Bench DC at the MLK Library

Having a tough time and would like someone to help you through it? Friendship Bench offers a safe and supportive environment for everyone who needs to connect, feel a sense of belonging, and be heard. Friendship Bench DC offers support, connection and non-judgemental listening with a trained Grandparent on Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to noon, at MLK Library, 901 G St. NW. Friendship Bench DC’s Grandparents have been trained to listen without judgement and to support people struggling with difficult thoughts and feelings. They know life can be tough and are here to help you feel less alone. Sessions are free. Call 202-679-2923 for more information. dclibrary.org.

Brookland Arts Walk Hosts Annual Norooz Market

The Brookland Arts Walk, 716 Monroe St. NE, will commemorate the beginning of spring with its annual Norooz (New Day) Market on Sunday, March 15, 1 to 5 p.m. The community-wide event will gather over 1,000+ guests with local artists, food and entertainment. This annual celebration has become a cherished part of DC’s cultural and artistic landscape,

The Abraham Lincoln Institute Symposium

The Ford’s Theatre Society and the Abraham Lincoln Institute have announced the 29th Annual Abraham Lincoln Institute Symposium, taking place Saturday, March 21, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Ford’s Theatre, 514 Tenth St. NW, co-sponsored by the Lincoln Group of DC. Scholars and public figures discuss President Abraham Lincoln’s life, leadership and enduring impact on American civic life—especially in connection with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Under the theme “Abraham Lincoln, the Declaration of Independence and the State of Civic Life Today,” the symposium features a dynamic program of panel conversations that explore Lincoln’s historical legacy, the origins of the Civil War, democratic principles and how Lincoln’s ideas continue to resonate in contemporary civic discourse. Free admission. fords.org.

weaving itself into the fabric of the city’s creative scene. brooklandartswalk.com.

THE BIG DRAW at the National Building Museum

On Saturday, March 14, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW, hosts its third annual THE BIG DRAW, a free day-long festival that invites visitors of all ages to discover the power of drawing as a tool for better understanding the world around us. A standout attraction at this year’s festival is a live drawing demonstration and smaller guided workshops from David Macaulay, Caldecott Medalwinning author and illustrator. THE BIG DRAW marks the official launch of the Museum’s program for the 2026 Building Readers Club, which offers curated books and monthly activities that inspire children to explore their world and engage with their communities. Visitors are welcome to bring their own sketchbooks or use materials provided by the Museum. nbm.org/ event/the-big-draw.

2026 Cultivate Summit: Innovating to Meet the Moment

Join the Cultivate Summit on Friday, March 27, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Convene, 600 14th St. NW, for a transformative, full-day experience. Hosted by the Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF), Cultivate brings together entrepreneurs at every stage, industry leaders, and cross-sector partners across the DMV for hands-on learning, individualized technical assistance, and meaningful networking. Whether you’re launching your first venture, scaling for growth, or navigating certifications and capital readiness, this event is designed to elevate entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. $79 through March 9. Register at wacif-thecultivatesummit.org.

Wellness Wednesdays at the NPG

Join the National Portrait Gallery in the G Street Lobby, Eighth and G streets NW, and wellness expert Aparna Sadananda for mindfulness programs inspired by the Portrait Gallery’s collection. On the rst Wednesday of each month at 8 to 9 a.m., join them for an artful meditation, where participants will practice slow looking and experience portraiture through breath and slow movement. On the third Wednesday of each month at 6 to 9 a.m., join them for a wellness program that inspires the senses and includes sound baths and musical meditation. ese programs are for ages 18+ and are suitable for all skill levels. No experience is necessary. Free, however registration is required. npg.si.edu.

Union Market District

FRESHFARM

Market

Opens

for Season

Union Market District FRESHFARM Market, 1298 Fifth St. NE, is open for the season on Sundays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., from April 5 to Nov. 23. FRESHFARM Union Market District offers shoppers a mix of fresh fruits and vegetables, pastured meats, artisan baked goods, small-batch roasted co ee and blended teas, prepared foods, and local owers. In addition, rotating farmers and producers bring specialty items such as Washing-

The Congressional Football Game for Charity at Nat’s Park e Congressional Football Game is an annual event featuring Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle and former NFL players, John Booty and Ken Harvey, (the “Mean Machine”) versus members of the US Capitol Police (the “Guards”). Since its inception in 2004, the Game has awarded nearly $4.5 million to the US Capitol Police Memorial Fund, 4 Advantage 4 Kids, Our Military Kids and the Boys & Girls Club of America. is year, the Congressional Football Game for Charity is on Tuesday, March 17, kicko at 7 p.m., gates at 5:30 p.m., at Nat’s Park. Tickets are $12. mlb.com/nationals/ tickets/specials/congressional-football/

St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon and 5k e St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon and 5k is on Saturday, March 21. e half-marathon registration is $185; the 5k is $104.99. is isn’t just a race; it’s a celebration of the District’s culture, vibrant neighborhoods and history. From the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial, every step gets you up close to iconic landmarks. Cap it all o with a nish line framed by the Capitol Building. Start time is 8 a.m. Start line is Constitution Ave. and 14th St. NW; nish line is Fourth St. and Pennsylvania Ave. NW. runrocknroll.com/ events/washington-dc.

ton, DC distilled liquor and handmade biscuits. freshfarm.org.

Open Artist Call for View Strong Garden Installation

Building Bridges Across the River invites artists and art teams to submit quali cations for a public mural at the View Strong Garden at Washington View Apartments in Ward 8. e artwork is supported by a grant from the Darryl Chappell Foundation. is $5,000 commission will celebrate local stories, culture, and the power of connection through art. Submit your qualications by March 20 at buildingbridgesdc.org/artist.

Stream Nationals Games

Stream Nationals games without blackouts live or on demand for the entire 2026 regular season. Plus, access to MLB games and MLB Big Inning for $99.99 at Nationals.tv.

Curbside Electric Vehicle Charging

Station Pilot Announced

DDOT has announced the Neighborhood Curbside Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Pilot, an initiative designed to expand access to public EV charging in residential neighborhoods. e pilot will help inform future regulatory updates and establish guidelines for a permit program allowing private vendors to install, operate, and maintain curbside EV charging stations in the District’s public rightof-way. e pilot is being deployed in partnership with EV charging company It’s Electric and is funded through a federal grant awarded to the company. It’s Electric will install, operate, and maintain 16 curbside chargers serving two adjacent parking spaces in eight locations across the District—one in each Ward. sustainability.ddot. dc.gov/pages/pilotprojects.

The Peacock Room at 150 Tour

The Peacock Room has captivated visitors at the Freer Gallery of Art since its opening in 1923. Originally designed by artist James McNeill Whistler to showcase a Chinese blue-and-white porcelain collection, the room marries its avian motif with a striking use of color inspired by the arts of East Asia. On this free guided tour, learn how a dining room built in London 150 years ago has become one of the most famous artworks in the United States today. See the room illuminated by natural light when the shutters are opened every third Thursday of the month. No registration or tickets (walk-up only). Tours are daily at 2:15 to 3:15 p.m. in the Asian Art Museum, West Building Gallery 12; Tour starts in the West Building lobby. asia.si.edu.

Friends of the National Arboretum Flowering 5k

On Sunday, March 22, enjoy spring at the US National Arboretum during FONA’s Flowering 5k. This run or walk will take you past garden collections brightly colored with spring flowers, over tree-lined rolling hills, and along streams winding their way to the Anacostia River. All roads are closed to cars during this race so you can safely enjoy running or walking through this 451-acre urban green space. Music will get you in the groove before and after the event. Strollers and dogs are welcome, but dogs must stay on a 6’ non-retractable leash. From 7 to 8 a.m., pick up packet; race starts at 8:30 a.m. First 150 entries are $40, then the price goes up incrementally to $55. Kids under 13 are free. runsignup.com.

FY26 Green Book Released

Mayor Bowser and the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development has released the

FY26 Green Book, the District’s official Small Business Enterprise Opportunity Guide. New to the FY26 Green Book is a dedicated section spotlighting opportunities tied to the RFK Memorial Stadium Campus redevelopment, one of the most significant public-private investments in the District’s history. The multi-phase project represents a projected $3.7 billion in total investment, creating substantial contracting and procurement opportunities for District-based businesses over the coming years. greenbookdc.com.

Apply to be a CAH Panelist

The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities seeks grant review panelists to perform evaluations of applications submitted to the agency for funding consideration throughout the year. Panelists provide a critical review, comments, and scores of all applications to a particular grant program which becomes the basis on which funding decisions are made. Residents of the District of Columbia met-

ropolitan area are encouraged to apply to serve as a panelists. However, DC residency is not a requirement to be a panelist. Selected panelists should have expertise through involvement in the arts and humanities. CAH seeks panel diversity in all forms. This includes, but is not limited to, age, race, gender, disabilities, sexual orientation, artistic discipline, and location. Read more and apply at dcarts. dc.gov/page/be-review-panelist.

Become an Environmental Film Festival Volunteer

DCEFF volunteers are warmly welcomed to help DCEFF staff with various duties during the annual Festival, March 19 to 28. For their help, volunteers receive free tickets to attend Festival screenings and events. Interested in becoming a volunteer? Find the volunteer application form at dceff.org/faqs.

Easter Sunrise Service at Arlington Cemetery

Easter Sunrise Service at Arlington Cemetery is on Sunday, April 5. It begins at 6:15 a.m. with a musical prelude. Enter Arlington National Cemetery via Memorial Avenue and park at the cemetery’s parking garage, where parking is free from 5 to 9 a.m. (fees for parking begin at 9 a.m.). There is no walking to the amphitheater from the parking lot; a free shuttle service will transport all guests from the Arlington National Cemetery Welcome Center and transport them back. arlingtoncemetery.org.

National Gallery Nights

This spring’s remaining National Gallery Nights are on Thursdays, March 12, and April 9, 6 to 9 p.m. Join them for themed evenings with music, live performances, artmaking, pop-up talks, and more. The NGA offers free registration through a lottery system. The lottery takes place the week before each event. It opens on Monday at 10 a.m. and closes on Thursday at noon. nga.gov.

Watch the Blooms Live on #Bloomcam

#BloomCam, brought to you by the Trust for the National Mall, in partnership with the National Park Service and Earthcam, is a 24/7, live, real-time view of the cherry trees lining the Tidal Basin, one of the most popular and iconic sites in Washington, DC. Positioned on the Salamander Washington DC rooftop, #BloomCam offers year-round views of the cherry trees and their seasonal changes to viewers worldwide. nationalcherryblossomfestival. org/bloom-watch.

Brookland Arts Walk Hosts Annual Norooz Market

The Brookland Arts Walk, 716 Monroe St. NE, will commemorate the beginning of spring with its annual Norooz (New Day) Market on Sunday, March 15, 1 to 5 p.m. The community-wide event will gather over 1,000+ guests with local artists, food and entertainment. This annual celebration has become a cherished part of DC’s cultural and artistic landscape, weaving itself into the fabric of the city’s creative scene. brooklandartswalk.com.

Do you have a notice for the Bulletin Board?

The Mid-city DC Bulletin Board includes event notices, volunteer opportunities and other community news. Send your notice to bulletinboard@hillrag.com. u

Watch the Blooms Live on #Bloomcam

#BloomCam, brought to you by the Trust for the National Mall, in partnership with the National Park Service and Earthcam, is a 24/7, live, real-time view of the cherry trees lining the Tidal Basin, one of the most popular and iconic sites in Washington, DC. Positioned on the Salamander Washington DC rooftop, #BloomCam offers year-round views of the cherry trees and their seasonal changes to viewers worldwide. nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/bloom-watch.

CHANGING HANDS

Changing Hands is a list of most residential sales in the Midcity DC area from the previous month. A feature of every issue, this list, based on the MRIS, is provided courtesy of Don Denton, manager of the Coldwell Banker office on Capitol Hill. The list includes address, sales price and number of bedrooms.

KIDS & FAMILY

Bloomaroo at The Wharf Bloomaroo at The Wharf is on Saturday, March 28, 4 to 8 p.m. Here’s the schedule: 4 to 8 p.m., live music on multiple stages; 4 to 8 p.m., family fun activities including face painting, balloon animals and arts & crafts; and 8 p.m. reworks. Free admission. wharfdc.com/bloomaroo.

RAT Ó N DE BIBLIOTECA (The Library Mouse) at GALA

This charming bilingual play, on Saturdays, March 14, 21 and 28, 3 to 4 p.m., at GALA Theatre, 3333 14th St. NW, is about the clash between an intellectual library mouse and a street gang of mice. It teaches children to respect differences and appreciate books. Tickets are $14 (including fees) for adults; $12 for kids, two to twelve. galatheatre.org.

Fruit to Poop: A Seed’s Journey (On-site Drop-in Program)

What’s the connection between fruit and poop? On Friday, March 13, 2 to 4 p.m., at the US Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW, join Lilly and USBG volunteers to explore how plants and animals help each other and the relationship between plants making fruit and animals eating that fruit. Think and learn about what makes a fruit a fruit, why fruits tend to taste sweet, and why it bene ts plants when animals eat their fruits. No registration needed. usbg.gov.

Sensory Playtime at SW Library

Join SW Library, 900 Wesley Pl. SW, in the Children’s Room every Friday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. for fun sensory play for ages one to ve. They’ll provide the materials, just bring your imagination. dclibrary.org.

Teens Behind the Scenes at the National Theatre

Teens Behind the Scenes at the National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, educates and inspires socio-economically diverse high school students in the DC metro area by providing free access to touring

The Blossom Kite Festival at the Washington Monument

The Blossom Kite Festival is on Saturday, March 28 (rain date, March 29), 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Washington Monument. Join in the fun with soaring activities, music, competitions, and performances. Kite enthusiasts, beginners, families, and friends are all welcome. Enjoy kite demonstrations and competitions, arts & crafts, and so much more. nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at the National

Be Our Guest at “Beauty and the Beast”, Disney’s rst North American production of the beloved musical in over 25 years. This timeless tale, lled with romance and grandeur, has been brought to life with spectacular new sets and dazzling costumes. The show boasts the Oscar-winning score, including the classic songs “Be Our Guest” and “Beauty and the Beast.” National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, from March 18 to April 5. Tickets start at $60. thenationaldc.com.

Broadway shows, facilitating post-show discussions, and introducing students to performing arts careers. This program welcomes dedicated students with an interest in theatre to engage with shows in the Broadway at The National season and to participate in post-show talkbacks with their dramaturg and special guests. Send in a Student interest Form at nationaltheatre.org/teensbehind-the-scenes. ◆

CHART YOUR COURSE TO EXCELLENCE

Apply today for School Year 2025-2026. Seats are limited. Complete the application online through MySchoolDC.org

#ChoosePaul and we’ll choose you back!

Increase your chances of being matched with Paul PCS by making us your #1 selection.

WHY PAUL PCS FOR 5-12 GRADE?

• 2024 Bold Performance School recipient in the High School and 2022 Bold Performance School recipient for the Middle School

• Virtual instruction for all students on Fridays

• Guaranteed seat for Paul 8th grade families into 9th grade at Paul IHS

• Bilingual Family Engagement team to meet the needs of all families

• SAT Prep, Tutoring, Honors AP Classes, Dual Enrollment, and In-House College Assistance

• Wraparound services, counseling, and student support resources for families with IEPs

• Free daily breakfast and lunch for all students Over 20 competitive middle school, junior varsity, and varsity athletic teams

• Extended day after school programs including tae kwon do, cooking club, dance, and tutoring

COME JOIN US AT THE HOWARD THEATRE FOR A NIGHT OF DELICIOUS FOOD AND DRINKS AT EAT.DRINK.SHAW. 2026: SAVOR THE FLAVOR. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to tantalize your taste buds and have a great time with friends and family. Get ready to savor the flavor!

Shaw is home to over 100 of DC’s finest restaurants and bars, drawing foodies and cocktail lovers from around the world. Eat.Drink.Shaw. is an in-person food and beverage showcase event at the historic Howard Theatre, with ticket holders enjoying complimentary food and beverage items from 20+ participating restaurants and bars for two-and-onehalf hours on Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 7-9:30 PM

Enjoy unlimited food or beverage items from all participating restaurants and bars during the event. Ticket holders get to meet our chefs, mixologists and brewers. The estimated value of the food and beverages offered is $300.

BUY TICKETS TODAY AND SAVE $50.

SAVOR THE FLAVOR

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2026

7:00 PM - 9:30 PM

THE HOWARD THEATER 620 T STREET, NW

Full price tickets are $100. But half price tickets are available for a limited time at $50 each, so ORDER TODAY AND SAVE! Proceeds support Shaw Main Streets’ economic revitalization and historic preservation activities in central Shaw. Tickets include complimentary valet parking at the Howard Theatre, provided by U Street Parking.

Shaw Main Streets is a designated DC Main Streets program and is funded in part by the Department of Small and Local Business Development, Muriel E. Bowser, Mayor. ©2026 Shaw Main Streets, Inc. All Rights Reserved.