WASHINGTON – It’s officially music festival season, and the metro region is bursting with options. Bluegrass and indie rock lead the way, but there are also great alternatives for classical music fans.
If you fall into the latter category, kick off the weekend at the Barns at Wolf Trap. Pianist Joyce Yang, who plays with the National Symphony Orchestra, will give an intimate performance featuring Beethoven and Chopin. Tickets are $35 and can be bought online or by calling 877-965-3872.
On Saturday, rock and roll takes over the Merriweather Post Pavilion. The Sweetlife Festival will feature tunes from Kid Cudi, The Shins, Explosions in the Sky and Zola Jesus among many, many more. Food will be provided by the hottest restaurants and trucks like Sweetgreen, Jose Andres’ Pepe Truck, Momofuku Milk Bar, Shake Shack and Toki Underground. Tickets are $75 for general admission and $125 for VIPs. Buy online.
Over at Kingman Island, the third annual Bluegrass & Folk Festival kicks off at 1 p.m. Food trucks and beer will keep the masses nourished as live bands like King Street Bluegrass, Patuxent Partners and Jam Session keep toes tapping. There is free parking and shuttle service to the island from RFK Stadium’s Lot 6. A $5 donation is suggested at the door. Call 202-488-0627 for more information.
Also on Saturday is the second annual District Beer Hunt. Contestants will spread out to 19 different bars throughout the city in search of microbrews. There, contestants will receive a checklist and clues pointing to which brews to buy. For each correct purchase, teams will get raffle tickets that will be entered for grand prizes at the end of the day. Teams will compete for best name and best costume. Check the website for more information.
Head to the Yards Friday through Sunday for a musical performance on the canal. Nautical Yards chronicles the story of two lovers separated by war and the sea. It draws on documented accounts of Navy Yard civilian work, personal war letters and the mythology of water. Free general admission. Performances start at 7 p.m. General admission is free, but reserved seating is $30. Buy online.
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