Over 60 Things to Do in DC! Cherry Blossoms, Women’s History Month, New Openings & Everything In Between
First things first — I owe you all an apology. If you’ve sent me a pitch, a press release, or a friendly “did you see this?” over the last couple of weeks and heard nothing but crickets, I’m sorry. I’ve been out of town, bouncing between work proposals that have eaten up every spare hour and a trip out to the Midwest for some family birthdays I wasn’t about to miss.
The inbox piled up, the drafts sat untouched, and meanwhile, DC decided to pack the entire spring into one month. So here I am, back at my desk, fully caffeinated, and ready to make it up to you — and to every PR team, restaurant, venue, and event organizer who trusted me with their news.
Consider this monster roundup my love letter of atonement: 60-plus events, openings, and experiences all in one place, organized by date, so you can plan your March (and early April) accordingly. Let’s get into it.
Ongoing Throughout March
Whisky for Women’s History Month — The Next Whisky Bar at The Watergate Hotel. All March 2026 Ongoing. Each week in March, The Watergate Hotel spotlights women who have shaped the spirits industry through curated tastings and cocktail features. Brands include Zacapa Rum (March 11), Woodford Reserve (March 18), and SirDavis (March 28).
Irish Heritage Month at The Dupont Circle Hotel. All March 2026 Ongoing. The only U.S. property of Irish luxury hotel group The Doyle Collection celebrates Irish Heritage Month with culinary takeovers, spirit tastings, Waterford Crystal cocktail collaborations, Tasting Tuesdays at Doyle Bar, and Irish-inspired menus at The Pembroke throughout March.
Waterford Crystal Partnership — Crimson Quay at Doyle Bar. All March 2026 Ongoing. All month long, Doyle Bar serves the Crimson Quay — a blend of Redbreast 12, Fonseca Tawny Port, sweet vermouth, and orange bitters — presented in Waterford’s iconic Lismore martini glass. A collaboration honoring nearly 250 years of crystal craftsmanship.
Immigrant Food — Female-Produced Wine Flight. All March 2026 Ongoing. For Women’s History Month, Immigrant Food locations at White House, Ballston, and Planet Word offer a signature wine flight highlighting female-owned and -produced wines, featuring winemakers like Florence Delabre and the Rosina sisters.
Lapis — Women’s History Month with Chef Shamim Popal. All March 2026 Ongoing. Celebrate Women’s History Month at woman-owned, MICHELIN Bib Gourmand Lapis, where Chef Shamim Popal’s generations-old family recipes — including qabuli palow and aushak dumplings — honor Afghan culinary tradition passed down through long-distance calls with her mother.
Joon — Women’s History Month with Chef Najmieh Batmanglij. All March 2026 Ongoing. Co-owned by legendary Iranian food historian Najmieh Batmanglij, Joon celebrates Women’s History Month through heritage-driven dishes like crispy tahdig with saffron and ghormeh sabzi, honoring the women who kept Persian culinary traditions alive.
The Wildset Hotel — A Women-Owned Retreat in St. Michaels. All March 2026 Ongoing. This women-owned boutique hotel in St. Michaels, founded by two sisters, weaves female entrepreneurship throughout the guest experience — from works by women artists and books by female authors to a wine list spotlighting female winemakers.
Carmine’s DC — National Meatball Day Celebration. March 9–31, 2026 Ongoing. Carmine’s commemorates National Meatball Day (March 9) for the entire month with chicken parmigiana meatballs — breaded and served over signature vodka sauce with melted Parmigiana ($28.95 for six) — plus a hero sandwich served in the bar ($17.95).
Little Blackbird — Girl Scout Cookie & Wine Pairings. All March 2026 Ongoing. This Cleveland Park wine bar pairs Girl Scout favorites with thoughtfully chosen wines all month: Caramel DeLites with Sauternes, Thin Mints with Dulce Monastrell, Peanut Butter Patties with Oloroso Sherry, and Trefoils with Post & Beam Chardonnay.
Little Blackbird — New Monthly Wine Club Launch. Launching March 2026 Ongoing. Ashok Bajaj’s Little Blackbird debuts a new Monthly Wine Club with three tiers — Silver ($29), Gold ($45), and Platinum ($79) — each featuring curated bottles, tasting notes, and exclusive “Wine Club Sundays” with half-price playful pairings.
Maison Bar à Vins — Late Night Menu. Ongoing. The Popal Group’s Maison Bar à Vins has expanded its late-night menu to include marinated octopus, roasted oysters with bone marrow, lamb tartare, a fried chicken cordon-bleu sandwich, and their cult-favorite Basque cheesecake. Available Wed–Sun after 10 PM.
Taquería Xochi — Navy Yard Patio & Xochi Hour. Ongoing. Taquería Xochi’s Navy Yard location has opened its patio with all-weekend “Xochi Hour” deals: $10 Strawberry Morita Margaritas, $5 beers, $36 bottles of house wine, and two tacos for $8. The perfect warm-weather hangout.
Lyon Hall — The Comeback of the Plat du Jour. Available Daily Ongoing. Executive Chef Miljohn Dimaano has introduced a rotating daily plat du jour program featuring French-inspired brasserie classics — from sausage platters and bouillabaisse to duck confit and lamb chops — each prepared with seasonal ingredients for parties of four or more.
Bistro Du Jour — Sunday Afternoon Tea. Every Sunday, 2–4 PM Ongoing. Bistro Du Jour Capitol Hill’s new Afternoon Tea pop-up runs every Sunday from 2–4 PM. The $75 ticketed experience includes curated tea sandwiches, freshly baked pastries, premium teas, live music, and an optional champagne upgrade. Reservations required via OpenTable.
Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea — The St. Regis Washington, D.C.. March 5 – May 31, 2026 Ongoing. Celebrating its 100th anniversary, The St. Regis offers its “Centennial 1926 Afternoon Tea” — featuring lobster with caviar, a Bloody Mary–inspired beef tea sandwich with osetra caviar, Black Gold Opera Cake, and more — displayed on their iconic cherry blossom tree tea stand. $99 per person.
Cherry Blossom Season at The St. Regis Bar. Cherry Blossom Season 2026 Ongoing. The St. Regis Bar debuts four bespoke cocktails featuring Japanese spirits: a Sakura Blossom Sour with Suntory Toki Whisky, an Ume Spritz with Roku Gin, a Lychee Martini with Haku Vodka, and a Clarified Hibiscus Milk Punch. Available throughout cherry blossom season.
The Darcy Hotel — Sakura Serenade Cherry Blossom Tasting Menu. Cherry Blossom Season 2026 Ongoing. Gerrard Street Kitchen at The Darcy offers a limited-time three-course tasting menu inspired by DC’s blooms, with spring-forward cocktails like the Lychee Sakura Sour and Hanami Bloom Martini. The Darcy also offers a Cherry Blossom Package with overnight stay, cocktails, breakfast, and a $50 dining credit. $55 per person for the tasting menu.
Major Announcements
StarChefs DMV Rising Stars & Restaurant Week. Restaurant Week: March 4–18, 2026. StarChefs announced its first DMV “Rising Stars” list since 2022, honoring 20 food and beverage professionals including Chefs Ana Sofía Pino (Lutèce), Jason Chavenson (Maison Bar à Vins), and Susan Bae (Moon Rabbit). Dine at their restaurants during Rising Stars Restaurant Week, March 4–18.
Chef Chris Morgan of Joon on America’s Culinary Cup (CBS). Wednesday, March 4, 2026 | 9:30 PM EST. Chef Chris Morgan of Joon makes his national TV debut on Padma Lakshmi’s new competitive culinary series on CBS. Tune in to watch one of DC’s own go head-to-head with top chefs from across the country in high-stakes challenges.
KNEAD’s Chef Jonathan Dearden on Top Chef (Bravo). Premiering Monday, March 9, 2026 | 9 PM EST. Chef Jonathan Dearden, Corporate Chef of KNEAD Hospitality + Design, will compete on the upcoming season of Bravo’s Top Chef. Catch the premiere on March 9 to root for DC’s own in one of television’s most prestigious food competitions.
New Openings
Maru San — DC’s First Nikkei Hand Roll Counter. Now Open. Chef Carlos Delgado (Causa | Amazonia) opens his first solo concept near Eastern Market — a 25-seat counter dedicated to Nikkei cuisine, blending Peruvian ingredients with Japanese techniques. Dinner runs Wed–Mon, 4–10 PM, with a once-nightly 10+ course “Maru Experience” for four guests coming soon.
Mi Vida — Now Open in Philadelphia. Now Open. The beloved DC Mexican restaurant expands to Philly’s East Market, bringing its signature tacos, fajitas, 100+ tequilas, and dishes from celebrity chef Roberto Santibañez. A meaningful milestone for KNEAD founders Jason Berry and Michael Reginbogin as they return to the city that shaped them.
Capitano — Coastal Italian at The Wharf. Opening March 2026. A new Italian dining destination is coming to The Wharf, offering seasonal Southern and Coastal Italian cuisine — housemade pastas, fresh seafood, bright salads — with open-air waterfront dining inside the reimagined Canopy by Hilton space. Open for breakfast through dinner plus aperitif hour.
Events by Date
Women in Bloom: The Still Hour — Float Sound Bath at Argentta Spa. Thursday, March 5, 2026 | 6:30–8:30 PM. Celebrate Women’s History Month and cherry blossom season with this restorative evening at The Watergate Hotel’s Argentta Spa. The experience includes breathwork, floating therapy with a live sound journey, aromatherapy, full spa access, and a post-session unwind with bubbles. $130 per person.
Chef Ryan O’Sullivan Culinary Takeover at The Pembroke. March 6–7, 2026 | 5–10 PM. Hell’s Kitchen Season 22 champion Chef Ryan O’Sullivan — born in Cork and trained at The Doyle Collection’s River Lee — brings a multi-course menu to The Pembroke, featuring lobster ravioli inspired by his mother, a veal dish praised by Gordon Ramsay, and his take on sticky toffee pudding.
Northside Social — Local Art Show & Pop-Up Gallery. Friday, March 6, 2026 | 6–9 PM. Arlington’s Northside Social hosts an art show and local pop-up gallery evening featuring live music, live painting, a local artists market, and new art on display in both their Wine Bar and Café. A perfect Friday night for art lovers.
Centrolina Culture Sunday — International Women’s Day Dinner. Sunday, March 8, 2026 | 5–10 PM. MITA hosts a collaborative dinner featuring Chefs Amy Brandwein and Tatiana Mora with guest bartenders and a cocktail menu highlighting women-led brands. Part of Culture Sunday, the evening shifts to a relaxed cocktail bar–style format spotlighting women in hospitality. Reservations via OpenTable.
Maison Bar à Vins x Press Club — “I Heard It Through the Grapevine“. Sunday, March 8, 2026 | Starting at 8 PM. The Popal Group and Hive Hospitality join forces for a late-night party at Maison Bar à Vins, featuring late night bites, a live DJ, wine cocktails, and guest bartender Ashtyn Harris of Press Club. Sponsored by Pierre Ferrand/Planteray.
Jônt x Royal Sushi & Izakaya — Exclusive Collaboration Dinner. Sunday, March 8, 2026. Jônt welcomes World’s 50 Best North America No. 32 Royal Sushi & Izakaya for a one-night-only dinner pairing 8x James Beard nominee Chef Jesse Ito with Chef Ryan Ratino. Expect impeccable seafood and bold izakaya-inspired bites. $495 per person. Reserve via OpenTable.
Balian Springs — International Women’s Day Celebration. Sunday, March 8, 2026. Balian Springs celebrates International Women’s Day with a full day of over 15 wellness workshops, vendor marketplace, and activations designed to inspire community and mutual care. Explore new wellness practices while celebrating women’s strength and resilience in this serene spa setting.
Tapori — “Blind and Unusual” Wine Dinner with Julia Coney. Tuesday, March 10, 2026. James Beard semifinalist Suresh Sundas teams with sommelier and wine writer Julia Coney for an interactive four-course dinner. Two mystery wine pairings are revealed at evening’s end after guests compare notes and debate. Limited seating available.
The Falls — Red Tail Ridge Wine Dinner. Tuesday, March 10, 2026 | 6 PM. Savor a five-course dinner paired with Finger Lakes wines at The Falls, featuring shrimp spring rolls, hearty goulash, creamy barley risotto, and Prime Flat Iron Steak, all crafted by Executive Chef Miljohn Dimaano. $110 per person. Reservations via OpenTable.
Ciel Social Club — Cherry Blossom Pop-Up Returns. Beginning March 12, 2026 Through Late Spring. Ciel’s immersive annual cherry blossom pop-up returns to both the Capitol Hill and K Street locations, featuring a “Tokyo lights” theme with faux blossoms, lanterns, pop-art photo ops, Japanese-twist cocktails like the Blossom Behavior, new dishes including Teriyaki Salmon Donburi, and panoramic city views.
Patricia Green Cellars Wine Dinner at Neutral Ground Bar + Kitchen. Thursday, March 12, 2026 | 6:30 PM. McLean’s Neutral Ground hosts its first wine dinner of 2026 with Jim Anderson, co-founder of Oregon’s Patricia Green Cellars. A five-course dinner by Chef David Guas is paired with five exceptional Oregon varietals. $155 all-inclusive per person.
Perfectly Paired Pitties — St. Patrick’s Day Trivia Night Fundraiser. Thursday, March 12, 2026. The Board Room in Arlington hosts a St. Patrick’s Day–themed trivia night benefiting Perfectly Paired Pitties, a woman- and veteran-founded Pit Bull rescue nonprofit. Enjoy signature drinks, pub food, trivia, and raffle prizes. $50 per ticket includes cocktail, beer, and appetizers.
Pi Day Pie Eating Contest at 1310 Kitchen & Bar. Saturday, March 14, 2026 | Starting at 5 PM. Chef Jenn Crovato hosts Georgetown’s second annual Pie Eating Contest for Pi Day, featuring her signature Chicken Pot Pie. The winner receives a $100 gift card and all competitors get a participation ribbon plus a free frozen pot pie. Also enjoy 10% off all Jenn’s Homemade pies and a new Vegan Key Lime Pie.
Immigrant Food — National Espresso Martini Day Deals. National Martini Day is technically Sunday, March 15, but Immigrant Food is celebrating a day early on Saturday, March, 14.
At Planet Word and Ballston, enjoy deals on their Classic Espresso Martini (vodka, espresso, and coffee liqueur – $9 PW, $7 Ballston) and their “Immigrant Espresso Martini” (Rum, Ghee, Coffee Liqueur, Espresso) ($10 PW, $7 BA). At White House, enjoy their Cappuccino Martini for $9.
The Big Draw at the National Building Museum. Saturday, March 14, 2026. The National Building Museum’s free, all-ages festival returns with Caldecott Medal–winning illustrator David Macaulay leading live drawing demos and workshops. Also enjoy VR drawing, a coloring book workshop with DC artist Trap Bob, interactive storytimes, chalk murals, and free book giveaways.
Liberty Tavern — Casanova di Neri Wine Dinner. Monday, March 16, 2026. Liberty Tavern hosts an exclusive wine dinner with special guest winemaker Giovanni Neri of Casanova di Neri. Four courses from Executive Chef Ulysses Cabahug paired with four exceptional wines from the acclaimed Tuscan estate. $150 per person.
Hamnet — Royal Shakespeare Company at Harman Hall. March 17 – April 12, 2026. The Royal Shakespeare Company brings its acclaimed adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s bestselling novel to DC. Director Erica Whyman’s production follows the story behind Shakespeare’s most famous play, starring Kemi-Bo Jacobs and Rory Alexander in a production hailed as “meticulously crafted.”
Centrolina — Chef’s Table Series with Jamilka Borges & Dianne DeStefano. Wednesday, March 18, 2026. Chef Amy Brandwein welcomes Chefs Jamilka Borges and Dianne DeStefano of Lilith for a one-night-only four-course tasting menu in Centrolina’s private chef’s salon, with optional wine pairing. A portion of sales benefits charity. $150 per person via OpenTable.
Tapori — Nepal Gastronomy Gala Dinner. Wednesday, March 18, 2026. Chefs from around the world unite with Nepal-born Chefs Baburam Sharma and Suresh Sundas for an exclusive five-course dinner celebrating Nepali cuisine and culture — vibrant flavors, aromatic spices, and rich traditions presented through diverse perspectives.
Skydome Cherry Blossom Menu Preview Ongoing. Try a first taste of the new Skydome Cherry Blossom menu with innovative new food and cocktails, and stunning panoramic views of Arlington and DC from the redesigned restaurant space.
Cherry Blossom Charter Package at The Watergate Hotel. March 19 – September 13, 2026. Experience spring from a private boat on the Potomac. This package includes a 90-minute boat rental with captain for up to six guests, a cherry blossom welcome amenity, and an instant camera with film. Book 14 days in advance with promo code PKGBOAT.
Old Town Bloom Together Spring Preview — Alexandria. March 20–22, 2026. A passport-style shopping weekend in Old Town Alexandria during cherry blossom season. Stroll participating boutiques, collect stamps, and enter to win gift cards — $500 for visiting at least half of the shops, or a $1,000 grand prize for visiting them all.
Tysons Corner Center — Center in Bloom. March 20 – April 17, 2026 Multi-Week. Tysons Corner Center transforms into Center in Bloom for nearly a month of spring celebrations, featuring interactive retail activations, seasonal food specials, live music, and pop-up surprises throughout the center. Free and open to all ages.
Pascual — “Mezcal with Friends” with David & Dan Suro. Sunday, March 22, 2026. Pascual’s first “Mezcal with Friends” of the year welcomes Philly’s La Jefa, featuring agave legend and author David Suro and his son Dan (James Beard semifinalists in Outstanding Beverage). Enjoy a tasting menu of cocktails and agaves paired with dishes from Chef Isabel Coss.
Mexico in a Bottle — DC Edition. Monday, March 23, 2026 | 6–9 PM. The annual celebration of Mexican spirits and culture returns to the Mexican Cultural Institute. Now in its 8th year, the event features mezcal, tequila, Mexican whiskey, rum, gin, and more alongside food from Pascual and Taquería Xochi, plus art and music.
Woolly Mammoth Presents: Travesty by Sasha Velour. March 24 – April 12, 2026. Global drag icon Sasha Velour debuts her most radical solo spectacular yet in this world premiere at Woolly Mammoth. In 80 breathtaking minutes, Velour traces queer history through jaw-dropping lip-sync spectacles — part performance art, part history lesson. Tickets from $40, with Pay-What-You-Will options.
Centrolina Stela Tasting Menu — Cherry Blossom Edition. Friday, March 27, 2026 | 7–10 PM. Chef Amy Brandwein presents a cherry blossom–themed Stela menu celebrating the synergies between Japanese and Italian cuisine, with explorations of Japanese whisky, sake, and curated pairings. $175 per person with optional $125 wine pairing. Limited seating.
Eddie Izzard in The Tragedy of Hamlet — Shakespeare Theatre Company. March 27 – April 11, 2026 (Press Night: March 28). Following sold-out runs in New York, Chicago, London, and more, Eddie Izzard performs her solo rendition of Hamlet at Shakespeare Theatre Company, taking on all 23 characters. Dame Judi Dench called it “Spectacular.” One week only at the Klein Theatre.
Women United: Flavia Junqueira Exhibition at The Watergate Hotel. March 28 – June 30, 2026. Five contemporary women artists unite in The Next Whisky Bar for Women United. Brazilian artist Flavia Junqueira debuts a special interactive balloon installation blending celebration with reflection — a visually striking, photography-friendly environment inviting viewers to reimagine history.
Doyle Spirits Festival at The Dupont Circle Hotel. Saturday, March 28, 2026 | Timed Entry at 5 PM & 7:30 PM. The inaugural Doyle Spirits Festival features 15 leading Irish distillers — including Redbreast, Jameson, Teeling, and Dingle — with guided tastings, Irish-inspired bites, musical performances curated with the Embassy of Ireland, and an interactive Irish language session. Tickets available online.
Bloomaroo at The Wharf + Philippe Chow. Saturday, March 28, 2026. After the annual waterfront Bloomaroo celebration with live music and face-painting, rest your feet at Philippe Chow with a lychee martini or rosé, signature satays and Beijing-style cuisine, and front-row views of the pink-hued fireworks. One of DC’s most chic ways to bloom.
Inherit the Wind at Arena Stage. Now Playing (March 2026). One of America’s most gripping courtroom dramas comes to life with Noah Plomgren (Broadway’s Dead Outlaw) as Bertram Cates and Billy Eugene Jones and Dakin Matthews going head-to-head as Drummond and Brady. A story about the cost of standing beside someone when the world turns against them.
Blossom Bash — Tysons Corner Center. Saturday, March 29, 2026 | 12–4 PM. The signature event of Center in Bloom features interactive activations from 40+ retailers, live chalk art by 20 local artists, seasonal food specials, live music, festival parade talent, giveaways, and pop-up surprises. Free and open to all ages.
Lulu’s Winegarden — “Women in Wine” CRUSH Tasting & Taco Party. Sunday, March 29, 2026 | Noon–1:30 PM & 2–3:30 PM. The U Street wine bar’s third annual CRUSH event celebrates Women’s History Month with unlimited tastings of 25+ wines from women winemakers, bottomless breakfast tacos, discounted take-home bottles, and a $5-per-ticket donation to Vin. Vitalité. $55 per person via Resy.
April Preview
PubKey — Bloom Room Jazz Night. Thursday, April 3, 2026 | 8–11 PM. PubKey hosts a blossom-themed evening with Blue Dot Jazz Troupe, cherry blossom cocktails, a blossom-core dress code, adult flower-crown-making, tarot readings, and live portraits. 21+; first 50 attendees get free admission, $10 after.
Easter Sunday Brunch at Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown. Sunday, April 5, 2026 | Seatings at 11 AM & 2:30 PM. A 40-year tradition continues in the sunlit Colonnade with bountiful seafood displays, carving stations of glazed ham and lamb, an omelet station, a children’s buffet, a decadent dessert spread, Easter Bunny visits, egg hunts, and an electric violinist. $169 per adult; $79 for children 6–12; free for under 5. Includes valet parking and sparkling wine.
Chris Lake x Project Glow — Pennsylvania Avenue Block Party. Friday, April 18, 2026 | 4–9 PM. Project Glow and Black Book Records take over Pennsylvania Avenue for a massive outdoor dance party headlined by Grammy-nominated DJ Chris Lake — steps from the National Gallery and National Archives. Expect up to 10,000 attendees, food vendors, and activations. GA $65, VIP $125.
Isla — Cherry Blossom Limited-Time Menu. Cherry Blossom Season 2026. The island-inspired hotspot offers limited-time spring dishes including Duck & Cherry with Sakura XO, Coconut Panna Cotta with cherry blossom geleé, and the Les Fleurs Spritz with sakura-infused St Germain, Prosecco, and Aperol. Also available at nearby Goodlove.
That’s a wrap on March (and a taste of April). DC is absolutely bursting this spring — whether you’re chasing cherry blossoms, celebrating women in food and wine, catching a world-premiere performance, or simply looking for your next great meal. Bookmark this page, mark your calendars, and we’ll see you out there.
