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4-23-2026 11:24pm
A Curated List of Things to Do in the DC Area This Weekend Friday, April 24 – Sunday, April 26
Eme Awa
Editor
Weekends in the DMV come at you fast. This one is no different. Below, a few things actually worth your time.
Tonight: Where the DMV's Next Songwriters Take the Stage
For ten years, Strathmore has done something few venues bother with: actively searching for unknown songwriters and giving them a real stage.
The Bernard/Ebb Songwriting Awards, founded in honor of Broadway lyricist Fred Ebb ("Cabaret," "Chicago"), have quietly become one of the region's most effective talent pipelines. The adult winner receives $10,000 and studio time. Youth finalists as young as 14 compete for a $2,500 prize.
More importantly, the awards launch careers. Past winners now lead Strathmore's own residency programs. A teenager performing tonight could be headlining in five years.
Tonight at 7:30 p.m., nine finalists take the Music Center stage — from a 14-year-old Clarksburg ninth grader to a Silver Spring rapper who's been writing since fifth grade. Indie folk. Jazz-infused R&B. Hip-hop. The DMV's range, live.
The Music Center at Strathmore | 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda | Tickets
Watch a video of a 2024 Bernard/Ebb Songwriting Award om the adult category.
"A Little Rusty by Eryn Michel, vocals & guitar • Bernard/Ebb Songwriting Awards 2024 • Adult Winner
14 things to do this weekend: Friday, Apr 24 - Sunday, Apr 26
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FEATURED EVENTS
44 - The Unofficial, Unsanctioned Obama Musical - Fri Apr 24 7:00 pm
Michael R. Klein Theatre, Washington, DC
Buy Tickets. "44!" is a buzzy musical satire of the Obama era featuring rockstar Palins, Motown crooning presidents, and rapping GOP senators,
described by Obama himself as "one of the musicals about my Presidency." [more details]
Strathmore Music Center Presents the 10th Annual Bernard/Ebb Songwriting Awards Finalists Concert - Fri Apr 24 7:30 pm
The Music Center at Strathmore
Buy Tickets. 10th Annual Bernard/Ebb Songwriting Awards Finalists Concert. At the Music Center at Strathmore, Friday, April 24, 7:30 p.m.
WHAT: The 10th Annual Bernard/Ebb Songwriting Awards Finalists Concert, featuring nine finalists performing original songs live, with winners announced in both adult and youth categories.
WHY: A one-night performance showcasing emerging songwriters from across the DMV—from a 14-year-old student to artists who have opened for Grammy winners—with a $10,000 prize… [more details]
Maryland Day 2026 - Sat Apr 25 10:00 am
University of Maryland
Eventbrite. Enjoy a day of learning and discovery at the University of Maryland’s annual springtime open house.
Join us for interactive demonstrations, performances and workshops showcasing science and tech, the arts, sports, agriculture and more!
[more details]
Lolo's Cuban Social Club Vol. 3 - Sat Apr 25 8:00 pm
El Golfo Restaurant
Buy Tickets. 07:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Dinner & Drinks
Bring the family for dinner at El Golfo! Table seating has a view of the dance floor. Full menu available.
08:00 PM - 08:45 PM
Free Salsa Class
Salsa class open to all levels. Learn the basics before the night unfolds with a professional Cuban salsa dancer.
08:45 PM - 09:30 PM
First Set
Live music by Orquesta Manplesa.
Other Events
Maryland Opera Studio: Jake Heggie's If I Were You - Fri Apr 24 7:30 am
The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center - Kay Theatre
Buy Tickets. This opera blends tradition and modernity in a Faustian tale of an unsatisfied writer who trades his soul to swap bodies with anyone he chooses.
Following a fateful car crash, Fabian’s supernatural deal becomes a haunting and heartbreaking commentary on the complexities of modern life.
The Crucible - Fri Apr 24 7:30 pm
Maryland Ensemble Theatre
Buy Tickets. In the rigid Puritan society of 1692 Salem, a group of girls sparks mass hysteria by accusing fellow villagers of witchcraft.
As justice withers under unchecked fear, the accused must choose between death for their ideals or survival through forced conformity.
U2TOPIA - Fri Apr 24 8:00 pm
The Hamilton
Buy Tickets. U2TOPIA, a U2 tribute band, is scheduled to perform at The Hamilton Live in Washington, D.C., on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 8:00 PM. Tickets are available on AXS and Eventim for this all-ages show, which will feature a standing room GA pit, according to U2TOPIA.
Gasolina Reggaeton Party - Fri Apr 24 9:00 pm
The Power Plant Live, Baltimore, MD
Buy Tickets. Gasolina, the world’s most iconic Reggaeton party, returns to Power Plant Live! to bring the best of Dembow and Latin vibes to the heart of Baltimore.
From Daddy Yankee to Bad Bunny, join the nationwide movement and go hasta abajo all night long to the genre's greatest hits.
DC Wine Fest! Spring Edition - Sat Apr 25 12:00 pm
Dock 5 at Union Market
Eventbrite. Specially curated wineries serve patrons tastings over a multi-session, all-day, all-night vino experience.
You’ll have the chance to sample premium wine to your heart's content, while live entertainment keep the party lively during this one of a kind experience.
The 9th DC Chocolate Festival - Sat Apr 25 6:00 pm
La Maison Française at the Embassy of France
Buy Tickets [more details]
Robby Hoffman - Sat Apr 25 6:00 pm
9:30 Club.
Buy Tickets
[more details]
Uncorked: DC - Sat Apr 25 6:00 pm
Nationals Park
Buy Tickets. Uncorked returns to Nationals Park on April 25th for its third annual festival, offering an epic night of amazing wines and global spirits.
Sip and swirl over 100 wines, bubblies, and cocktails from across the globe while enjoying a stunning view of the park.
Brandon Woody Live - Sat Apr 25 6:30 pm
Shanklin Hall
Buy Tickets. Brandon Woody is back at Shanklin Hall for one night only! A genius on the trumpet bringing next-level live performances. You won't want to miss this show.
Silver Spring Mother's Day Arts & Crafts Spring Fair - Sun Apr 26 1:00 pm
Veterans Plaza.
Buy Tickets. Find unique, handcrafted Mother’s Day gifts at the Silver Spring Arts & Crafts Spring Fair, held at the vibrant Veterans Plaza.
Whether you're shopping for a special mom or treating yourself, enjoy a delightful afternoon exploring one-of-a-kind local treasures.
You're in the loop! For more things to do, or to post your own event, visit our Community Calendar.
#DCEvents #DMVWeekend #Strathmore #BernardEbbAwards #SongwritingCompetition #LiveMusicDC #CulturalDMV
More News from Takoma Park
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- Nine DMV Songwriters: The Bernard/Ebb Songwriting Awards Nine DMV songwriters—from a 14-year-old prodigy to a Howard jazz vocalist—hit the Strathmore stage. Catch the 10th Annual Bernard/Ebb Songwriting Awards!
