Beyond the 9-5: The Best Things to Do in Washington, D.C. this April

Expect wine festivals, art exhibitions, new restaurant opens and much more.

Naomi Chadderton

An experienced editor and journalist specialising in news and lifestyle.

Introducing Beyond the 9-5, our round-up of all the best things to do in Washington, D.C each month. In April we’ve got a much-anticipated film festival, art exhibitions, craft show and even a unique new restaurant opening that will take you on quite the trip.

1Eat your Bodyweight in New Dishes at a New Kitchens on the Block

Long-running food festival New Kitchens on the Block is back this month, and a rare chance to try local businesses before they open — some from star chefs and others from rising talents you should know. Brainchild of Al Goldberg of Mess Hall and food writer Nevin Martell, expect a dynamic lineup of forthcoming bars and restaurants including Marcus DC, a seafood-focused brasserie from celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson; Barbouzard, a French-Mediterranean restaurant helmed by chef Cedric Maupillie; and Electric Bull, a new-wave steakhouse by chef Victor Albisu.

Saturday April 26, two separate two-hour sessions at 12-2pm and 3-5pm; Mess Hall, eventbrite.com

male and female taking selfie in front of entrance to NKOTB Washington DC

2Enjoy the Latest Movie Releases at Filmfest DC

The 39th running of Filmfest DC begins this April, the largest and longest-running annual international film festival in the state. Check out plenty of feature-length films, as well as shorts, documentaries and more from both local and international filmmakers, as well as discussions with talent, special screenings, and awards for outstanding films. We can’t wait to see what they’ve got on this year.

Thursday April 24 – Sunday May 4; around Washington DC; filmfestdc.org

3Dine at Magic Mushroom-Inspired Restaurant

Yes, you read that right. Sagrada Mia has just opened its doors in the capital, and it’s taking diners on a psilocybin-like journey, minus the mind-altering substances. The beginning of a new foray into the alternative wellness space for Knead Hospitality + Design, one of DC's largest restaurant groups, its tasting menu is designed to mirror stages of a psychedelic journey thanks to ingredients touted by psilocybin facilitators like ceremonial cacao and organic elixirs. This is definitely worth a try.

Inside Mi Vida on 14th Street; sagradamia.com

mushroom artwork at sagrada mia washington

4Get Lost in the City’s Magical Cherry Blossoms

March 20 to April 13 is the period for one of the iconic, and beautiful, festivals of spring, as the National Cherry Blossom Festival rolls into town. While the precise timing of when DC’s cherry blossoms bloom varies year to year, between these dates it’s a pretty sure bet, with the festival often drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors. What’s more, cherry blossom season is akin to the holiday season in DC - local businesses get in on the action with themed drinks, food and activities, while this year the parade will take place on April 12.

Various locations across Washington, D.C.

5.Peruse Home Interiors at Smithsonian Craft Show

The country’s premier showcase for the finest in hand-crafted American artisanal works, art afficionados will love the Smithsonian Craft Show which, hosted by the Smithsonian Women’s Committee, features works from master artisans spanning the country. Mediums will cover ceramics, textiles, wood, jewellery, glass and metal, with opportunities to meet the artists, learn about their creative processes and purchase unique, museum-quality pieces.

Wednesday April 23 – Sunday April 27, National Building Museum, smithsoniancraftshow.org

6Celebrate Artists of Colour at a World-Class Art Exhibition

A defining Black woman artist of the twentieth century, Elizabeth Catlett (1915–2012) has not received the mainstream art-world attention afforded many of her peers. That’s a huge oversight, however, as you will see for yourself at the National Gallery’s exhibition of her work. Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist addresses the injustices she witnessed and experienced in the United States and Mexico through her bold prints and dynamic sculptures, more than 150 of which are on show during the exhibition, including rarely seen paintings and drawings.

Until Saturday July 6, National Gallery, nga.gov

7Celebrate the Washington Nationals Baseball 20th Anniversary Season

The Washington Nationals have been a major part of D.C.’s sports scene since 2005, racking up four NL East titles, five playoff appearances and a World Series championship. Throughout the spring and summer, they bring thrilling Major League Baseball action to Nationals Park, where fans can enjoy an electrifying atmosphere, big hits and the ever-popular Racing Presidents. Affectionately known as the Nats, the team is marking 20 years in the nation’s capital with a season full of special celebrations, so you’d be wise to get involved.
Various dates; 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003; mlb.com

Player for the Washington Nationals Baseball

8Peruse the Georgetown French Market

Every April, Georgetown’s Book Hill neighbourhood transforms into a charming slice of Paris for an entire weekend, with the Georgetown French Market bringing together over 35 local businesses including shops, restaurants, galleries and salons, for an open-air shopping extravaganza from Friday to Sunday. Visitors can also enjoy fun attractions like caricature artists, live music and stilt-walkers, making this one for the whole family to enjoy.

From Friday April 25 – Sunday April 27; Wisconsin Avenue NW, O Street to Reservoir Road, Washington, D.C; georgetownfrenchmarketdc.com

georgetown French market poster and accordion player

9Get a Little Tipsy at the DC Wine Fest

Savor the flavours of spring with DC Wine Fest: Spring Edition, offering guests the chance to sample over 30 premium wines, all included with admission. Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or a casual taster, there’s something for everyone to enjoy alongside wine tastings and discounted bottles of wine to take home. Add to that live music and excellent food, and you’ve got all the makings of a brilliant day out.

Saturday April 26; Dock 5 at Union Market, 1309 5th Street NE; dcwinefest.com