Bethesda’s free Summer Concert Series kicks off May 15, bringing live music to the corner of Norfolk & St. Elmo Avenues every week from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. through June. Expect a rotating lineup of local bands, plus food and drinks from nearby restaurants; bethesda.orgFriday, May 15: Jill Fulton BandFriday, May 22: DOGO tu TogoFriday, May 29: Honest Lee SoulFriday, June 5: Patrick Alban and His Buena Vista SocialFriday, June 12: The 19th Street BandThursday, June 18: Ocho de BastosFriday, June 26: J. During Jr.

The Bethesda Fine Arts Festival returns May 9-10, bringing 100+ artists to Norfolk and Auburn Avenues for a weekend of outdoor art and creativity. Browse everything from ceramics and jewelry to paintings, photography, and sculpture, all while enjoying the lively, open-air atmosphere that makes this one of the area’s standout spring events; bethesda.org

Taquería Xochi is turning Cinco de Mayo into a full-on, weeklong celebration with events from Friday through Tuesday. Expect themed karaoke, DJ sets, all-day Xochi Hour, and festive décor at both Navy Yard and Arlington locations—plus the debut of the Sinaloa Dog, a bacon-wrapped street-style hot dog, starting May 1; taqueriaxochi.com

Pisco y Nazca is marking its 1-year anniversary on April 29 with all-day specials, including half-off Pisco Sours, Chaufa tastings during “Hora Loca” happy hour, and a chance to win a $50.00 gift card; piscoynazca.com

Cork Wine Bar & Market will be welcoming Barbara Mesquida of Mesquida Mora at 6:00 p.m. Tickets cost $50 per person.

The National Building Museum will host a special book talk with photographer, author, and exhibition curator Andrew Feiler, discussing his new book Better Life For Their Children: Julius Rosenwald, Booker T. Washington, and the 4978 Schools That Changed America.During the program, Feiler will discuss the history behind the Rosenwald School initiative.

Events DC is hosting the 19th annual Passport DC, a month-long journey around the world – right in the heart of the nation’s capital. Taking place throughout the month of May, Passport DC invites Washingtonians and visitors alike to explore international culture through embassy open houses, global cuisine, traditional performances and vibrant displays of art, music and dance.Passport DC celebrates the city’s rich diplomatic community, with more than 80 embassies and cultural organizations participating in signature events that highlight global heritage and foster cross-cultural connections. Last year, the program welcomed more than 369,000 visits from across the region and around the world.

Take a break and enjoy midday fun every Wednesday from 12:30 - 2:00 p.m. The park comes alive with live entertainment, used book sales, lawn games, and even opportunities to meet and adopt furry friends!

Test From 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., Museum of Illusions DC will host For Her: In Full View, an evening celebrating the season of renewal and creativity through local art. The event marks the finale of Hiba Alyawer’s exhibition and will also feature curated works by Lina Alattar, Reema Ameer, and Sousan Kunaish.You can explore the museum with general admission while enjoying complimentary ice cream, champagne, and popcorn. All featured artists will also be selling work onsite, with pieces available at a range of price points, making this a thoughtful opportunity for anyone looking to shop for a unique Mother’s Day gift while supporting local artists.

At 7:00 p.m., The Fountain Inn hosts a Kari Vodka Tasting Experience with the brand’s Founder & CEO, featuring cocktail pours and storytelling around its farm-to-bottle Rwandan craft vodka, which just debuted in the United States in DC, this past November 2025. The evening includes paired bites from Chef Greg Heitzig. Tickets $115.90 per person. Book on RESY here.