May Culture Guide: 47 Activities to Experience in Washington, DC Area
In the vibrant capital of the United States, May brings an array of exciting events and activities for residents and visitors alike to enjoy as spring comes to a close. From outdoor music festivals like M3 Rock and Porchfest to the colorful celebrations of WorldPride taking place across the DC region, there’s no shortage of things to do this month.
One of the highlights in the cultural scene is the upcoming performance by composer Max Richter at the Kennedy Center on May 2. Known for his gorgeously atmospheric music, including the eight-hour album “Sleep,” Richter will be joining the American Contemporary Music Ensemble to perform two of his melancholy post-minimalist works, “The Blue Notebooks” and “In a Landscape.”
Literature enthusiasts won’t want to miss the opportunity to attend Isabel Allende’s book talk at Sixth & I on May 7. The renowned Chilean American author will be discussing her latest novel, “My Name Is Emilia del Valle,” a gripping tale that spans from 19th-century San Francisco to the Chilean civil war.
For music aficionados, the National Symphony Orchestra will be performing Mahler’s Sixth at the Kennedy Center from May 8 to 10. This Gustav Mahler masterpiece is known for its emotional intensity, making it a perfect fit for the tumultuous times we live in.
Fans of indie-rock should mark their calendars for MJ Lenderman’s performance at the 9:30 Club on May 15 and 16. The guitarist and songwriter, known for his fourth solo album “Manning Fireworks,” promises an electrifying show that showcases his musical talents.
Theater enthusiasts can look forward to the romantic comedy “We Are Gathered,” written by Tarell Alvin McCraney, the Oscar-winning screenwriter of “Moonlight.” This modern twist on Shakespearean wedding plays will be showing at Arena Stage from May 16 to June 15.
From May 17 to June 8, DC will host WorldPride, an international event that celebrates diversity and LGBTQ rights. With a range of parades, street festivals, and concerts taking place throughout the city, this year’s WorldPride coincides with the 50th anniversary of DC’s first Pride celebration, making it a particularly special occasion.
For art aficionados, the Phillips Collection will be showcasing “Essex Hemphill: Take Care of Your Blessings” from May 17 to August 31. This exhibit pays tribute to the poet and activist who played a significant role in Washington’s art scene in the 1980s and ’90s, connecting Hemphill’s writings with the work of his artist contemporaries who drew inspiration from his life and legacy.
Additional theater productions to catch this month include “Kimberly Akimbo” at the National Theatre from May 20 to June 1, and a new adaptation of “Frankenstein” at the Shakespeare Theatre Company from May 27 to June 22. Both promise to deliver captivating performances that explore themes of adolescence and human nature in unique and thought-provoking ways.
With these exciting events and activities taking place throughout the month, May in DC offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences for residents and visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re a music lover, literature buff, theater enthusiast, or art aficionado, there’s something for everyone to appreciate and explore in the nation’s capital this spring.