Wanderlist: 20+ Awesome Things to Do in DC in March

After what feels like an eternity of sleet, snow, and freezing temperatures, DC is starting to thaw out. Which means you can pause the "Bridgerton" binge and get off the sofa and get outside without multiple layers!

Need some motivation to put down the remote?

Here's what's coming up: The Cherry Blossom Festival returns, there's an underground art exhibit, a festival about language, a weekend celebration of International Women's Day, rare hip hop recordings, garden happy hours, and more! We're curated plenty of online options too if you're not quite ready to come out of hibernation.

With 20+ activities for every interest, see what's blooming in DC this month!

1. GLENSTONE REOPENS: Set on 300 acres just outside of the city, Glenstone blends art, architecture, and landscape design in a way that encourages visitors to turn off the noise of the digital world and connect with what’s in front of you. You’ll see works by major names in conceptual and modern art such as Marcel Duchamp, Yayoi Kusama, Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, and Andy Warhol and sculptures by the likes of Jeff Koons seamlessly fit into the rolling hills of the property. It reopens as an outdoor-only experience on March 4; advance tickets required. Starting March 4

2. STROLL THROUGH NGA's SCULPTURE GARDEN: Closer to home, National Gallery of Art's Sculpture Garden has also reopened for a socially distant visit. An extension of the Smithsonian's National Gallery of Art, the 6-acre garden offers a relaxing, year-round setting—an oasis on the linear expanse of the National Mall—in which to enjoy works of modern sculpture. The grounds are dotted with whimsical modern art sculptures such as Roy Lichtenstein’s House I (1998), a giant Claes Oldenburg typewriter eraser (1999), Roxy Paine's Graft (2008–09), a stainless-steel tree and a reproduction of Robert Indiana's iconic AMOR (1988) image. Ongoing

3. SHOP FOR A CAUSE: Enjoy a weekend of shopping, activations + art celebrating women-owned and operated businesses in the Union Market District and Washington, DC. March 5 - 8

4. COMMUNITY ART DAY: NMWA is reopening just in time for  Community Day and free admission on March 7! NMWA is the only major museum in the world  solely dedicated to celebrating the achievements of women. On tap: The first survey of textile artist Sonya Clark’s 25-year career—includes the artist’s well-known mixed-media sculptures that address race and visibility, explore Blackness, and redress history. March 7

5. TAKE THE EXPRESS TO HOGWARTS: Calling all Muggles, Wizards, Squibs and Elves! Get ready for the largest Wizarding movie experience this year with a special screening of three Harry Potter movies in a picnic-style and socially distanced experience. March 7, 12 and 14; tickets required

6. HOUSE OF HIP HOP: Bust a move and view the most extensive collection of Official RIAA Hip-Hop Awards ever displayed at the Hip Hop Museum's interactive experience with rare, never-before seen videos and performances from the artists.  Closes March 8

7. GET "IN" AT ATLAS:  As part of Atlas Theatre's "IN Series," soprano Teresa Ferrara & pianist Allison Freeman present a recital in honor of Women's History Month that explores over 100 years of works by American women, including songs by both living & African American composers, too often overlooked in conventional classical programming. March 12

8. HOW BIZARRE: Community art space Rhizome presents a virtual night of absurdist performance art and film showcase.  Let's face it, this is totally fitting for our "new normal." March 14; tickets required

9. SPRING RENEWAL: For something completely different, don't miss the digital cherry blossoms at Artechouse, DC's first immersive, digital art museum. Inspired by the annual cherry blossom season and utilizing the power of creative technology, their newest exhibit, Renewal 2121, transports us 100 years into the future, immersing us in an industrial city where nature fights to survive amid an overdeveloped metropolis. Opens March 15

10. CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL:  This year, the National Cherry Blossom Festival will be a mix of virtual and in-person events. Among the virtual events: an online opening ceremony and a nationally syndicated TV program produced by Events DC, one of the festival’s largest sponsors. The annual Pink Tie Party will also be held virtually, but the festival has announced plans for socially distanced watch parties for the gala. In-person gatherings will include a socially distanced kite-flying event as well as a “Petal Procession” parade through the wards of the city. March 20 through April 11.

11. BLOOMING FUN: The Wharf returns with Bloomaroo, it's signature event with fun-filled cherry blossom themed activities and specials. Visitors will enjoy cherry blossom themed food and drink specials at area restaurants, retail specials, and fun activities on and off the water, for everyone in the family. March 20 - April 11

12. SUBTERRANEAN FUN: Dupont Underground opened “The February Install,” a new exhibit of installations, media projections, and performances from local Black artists and organizations. Walk through the artwork expressing the show’s four themes: joy, beauty, transformation, and unapologetic. Masks and ticket reservations required. Catch the show on the weekends through March 21

13. WATCH AND LEARN: The Smithsonian’s virtual Mother Tongue Film Festival features 10 short and feature-length films about the importance and diversity of language. See Waikiki, which is “Hawai‘i’s first Native-written and -directed feature”; Teko Haxy (Being Imperfect), about the relationship between an indigenous filmmaker and a Brazilian anthropologist; Tote (Grandfather), which focuses on a granddaughter’s Spanish-Tzotzil conversations with her family, and more. The festival will also feature Q&As and director talks. Sunday 2/21 through May 2021; Free, learn more here.

14. STORY TIME: Rising emcee Fly Zyah makes her storytelling debut along with Willette Oden as part of the March celebration of Women's History. Story District is handing the mic to their younger counterparts in 100% All That: Stories by Young Women Making Their Mark.  March 19; tickets required

15. DOWNLOAD THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE APP: The snow is gone and temps are warming up. Get outside and enhance your walks with the National Park Service app. Use it to find the NPS near you, amenities, events like ranger talks and other learning opportunities, and discover hidden gems with self-guided walking tours. iOS and Android. Anytime

16. DISCOVER THE WOMEN OF ARLINGTON CEMETERY: There's more to Arlington National Cemetery than the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and seeing the John F. Kennedy Eternal Flame. Join A Tour of Her Own on an in-person tour that  opens the eyes of visitors to the forgotten stories of some of the awesome women buried at our nation's premier military cemetery. March 20; ticket required

17. WINE DOWN:  Take a mid-week break and wind down with the National Portrait Gallery as they host Sam Reed, senior editor for InStyle.com, to discuss the exhibition "Every Eye is Upon Me: First Ladies of the United States" and the history and fashion of our iconic first ladies; and Mixologist Allison Lane will show how to create a first lady-inspired cocktail/mocktail.  March 24

18. GET LUCE: Luce Unplugged has gone digital! Tune in for a podcast episode featuring the soulpunk arrangements of Lightmare in conversation with Paul Vodra and Anthony Porreco of Hometown Sounds. Lightmare’s ability to blend the punchy, the political, and the personal into powerful, danceable music has quickly made them a staple of the DC music scene. March 26

19. SPRING WALKING TOURS: It's the perfect time to take a walking tour and re-discover DC before the heat and humidity hit (ugh!)  Head out the door and pick a random path, or take a self-guided or private guided tour. Some of our favorite local tour operators include: Cultural Tourism DC, Free Tours by Foot, and Attucks Adams. Various

20. GET COZY: Cozy up with The Creamery at the parklet on 5th Street by Union Market! Snag a campfire with your friends or family and purchase a s’mores kit ($25) for a sweet treat. Fire pits are limited to 6 people and social distancing protocols of Union Market must be followed. Every week on Friday, Saturday from 5-7pm until Mar, 27th 2021

21. BEER CASTLE HAPPY HOUR: Party like it's 1921! The Heurich House, also known as The Brewmaster’s Castle, or “that Victorian mansion in Dupont,” is back for the "Revival Happy Hour" in their lovely and secluded garden. Senate Beer and Heaurich's Liberty Apple Cider will be available in cans for you to enjoy a taste of history at a safe distance. Event capacity will be filled on a first come, first served basis and seating is limited. This event is from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Ongoing

22. TAKE A WALK: Walking is the best way to explore DC neighborhoods, as well as to get your steps in and enjoy the benefits of being outside. Walk Yo Hood has partnered with Positive Chalk DC for a monthly walk to promote health, wellness and culture. Free to attend; meeting locations and routes will vary so follow them on social and get your sneakers ready to walk yo hood. Ongoing

23. GET CRAFTY: Learn to DIY all kinds of crafts -- from painting to knitting, drawing and candle making -- at Shop Made in DC classes led by local makers all through the month. We're particularly looking forward to learning to make chocolate covered pretzels! Classes are held in 2 outdoor classrooms (Georgetown and Capitol Hill) and also, virtually. Classes range from $30 to $85 and include instructions and all materials. (Sometimes even drinks!) Various dates throughout the month

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Curious? There's more!

• Beyond the Basin: 14 Alternative Spots to See Cherry Blossoms Around DC
  
• ​6 Best Ways to Avoid the Cherry Blossom Crowds at the Tidal Basin
  
• ​A-Tisket, A-Tasket, Where to Find Perfectly Prepared Picnic Baskets in DC
  
• ​Tired of Being Indoors? 9 Places Around DC to Get Out of the House & Still Follow "Social Distance" Rules