Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial kickoff to summer and the DMV is absolutely ready for it. From sprawling brunches and rosé-filled lunches to rooftop dinners, backyard-style cookouts, seafood feasts, live music, and festivals all across the region, there are plenty of ways to fill every minute of the long weekend. We’ve rounded up the best bites, sips, parties, and happenings around town. Consider this your guide to eating, drinking, and celebrating your way through Memorial Day weekend in the DC area.

Carla Hall, is at the top of her game. But getting there was no picnic. In this theatrical one-woman show, Carla Hall invites you to “strap in” for a wild, hilarious, and emotional ride as she reveals how she learned to embrace her own authenticity, “work her quirk” and finally step into her power. From her Tennessee roots as an awkward theater camp kid, to Howard University, to a stint on the runways of Paris, to her irreverent takes on the confusing expectations of Black excellence, crushing sexism, and the many attempts to erase her uniqueness, Carla has had to battle every step of the way to find her true voice – and wait till you hear it. In this insightful and inspiring World Premiere, Carla reveals the secret ingredients to her greatest creation: herself. This intimate exchange will leave audiences laughing, thinking, feeling and… maybe even discovering a little of their own power in simply being themselves.Carla Hall: Please Underestimate Me runs June 3 – July 12 in the Mulitz-Gudelsky Theatre Lab at Olney Theatre Center, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Rd, Olney, MD. Tickets are $47-$101 and available online or by calling the box office at 301.924.3400. Discounts are available for groups, seniors, teachers, active military, first responders, and students. Visit olneytheatre.org/discounts for details.Bridging the food and theatre worlds, Honorary Producers for the production include Chef Eric Adjepong of Food Network’s “Wildcard Kitchen,” author, restaurateur, and TV personality Chef Spike Mendelsohn, food and wine publisher Nycci Nellis, Emmy-nominated journalist and producer Erin Como, and Nina Oduro, Co-founder of Black Women in Food. 

Nycci Nellis joined WTOP to share a variety of last-minute Mother’s Day ideas around the DMV, encouraging families to focus on memorable experiences rather than just brunch reservations. As a mother of five herself, Nycci suggested everything from exploring the Bethesda Fine Arts Festival and shopping in Georgetown to enjoying wine country outings in Virginia and relaxing spa experiences. She highlighted local favorites including The Salt Line, Aventino, Dolcezza, Osteria Mozza, and La Bonne Vache, along with wineries like Barrel Oak Winery and Three Fox Vineyards. Nycci also recommended a luxurious spa day at Balian Springs, calling it the perfect way for moms to unwind and celebrate the holiday weekend.

When Ben Lieppman is in town from Chicago, you sit down, grab a cocktail and start asking questions.This week on Industry Night, I’m at RPM Italian talking all things cocktails, bar culture, and what makes one of DC’s busiest bar programs actually work. We get into the philosophy behind RPM’s bar and how they balance polished and approachableAnd yes, we talk about the RPM Dirty Martini. We also dig into what people are drinking right now from low-ABV cocktails to non-alcoholic options and why making a great mocktail requires just as much intention as anything behind the bar. Plus:How RPM curates exclusive single-barrel selectionsKeeping cocktail menus fresh while honoring the classicsWhat great hospitality actually looks like from behind the barAnd of course, I had to ask: If Ben’s ordering for me…what am I drinking? You’ll have to tune in to find out. Watch the full episode here and watch it here.