The nation’s capital is getting ready for a high-energy event that will bring together dog lovers of all shapes and sizes. The 13th annual Running of the Chihuahuas is set to take place on Saturday, May 3, at The Wharf, with dozens of tiny but speedy Chihuahuas competing in three different size categories. • **Three Categories of Fun**: The event promises to be a thrilling experience for all participants, with race winners in the small, medium, and “larger” size categories to ensure that everyone has a great time. • **Benefiting a Great Cause**: The Running of the Chihuahuas has been raising funds for animal welfare organizations since its inception, with over $50,000 raised to date. This year, all proceeds will benefit Rural Dog Rescue, a nonprofit dedicated to pulling dogs from high-kill shelters. • **More than Just a Fun Event**: The Running of the Chihuahuas is an opportunity to support a great cause while enjoying the company of fellow dog enthusiasts. With a Pacifico Beer Garden, a live DJ, and an adoptable pet parade, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Check back every Thursday for a roundup of Things to do in the D.C. area.
More Events to Look Forward to
• **Marvin Gaye Tribute Party**: Metrobar in Northeast D.C. is hosting a tribute party to Marvin Gaye, featuring themed cocktails, a live DJ, and karaoke. The event is free to attend and takes place on Thursday, May 1. • **Capital Rare Book Fair**: The University Club is hosting the Capital Rare Book Fair, a celebration of rare literary works, prints, and ephemera. The fair runs from Friday, May 2 through Sunday, May 4. • **Latin Restaurant Weeks**: Celebrate the diverse flavors of Latin America by supporting local culinary businesses around the D.C. region. Latin Restaurant Weeks is organizing several restaurants around the DMV to offer discounts and specials throughout the duration of the event, which runs from May 2 through 16.
Awards and Honors
• **Akira Kurosawa Explains His Movies and Yogurt**: The Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company is honoring renowned filmmaker Akira Kurosawa with the world premiere of the performance, “Akira Kurosawa Explains His Movies and Yogurt.” This production explores Kurosawa’s filmography, examining cultural imperialism, “healthy” consumption, and why people make art. The show runs from May 4 through June 1. • **Turning Tides: Action, Resilience, and the Mental Landscapes of Black and Brown Voices**: The Black Art Today Foundation is hosting a group exhibition of works created by artists of the African Diaspora at Gallery B in downtown Bethesda, Maryland. The exhibition, “Turning Tides,” runs from May 2 through May 25 with an opening reception on Sunday, May 4.
Family-Friendly Fun
• **Sligo Creek Fest**: The annual Sligo Creek Fest returns on Saturday, May 3, with a 1-mile street festival featuring live music and entertainment, kids’ activities, food and drink vendors, and hands-on, family-friendly activities. The event is at Sligo-Dennis Avenue Park in Silver Spring, Maryland. • **Carousel Day**: Glen Echo Park’s 104-year-old Dentzel carousel is opening for the season, with a rain-or-shine event on Saturday, May 3. Visitors can ride the carousel for $2 per ride or $5 for an all-day pass. The event also features live performances, hands-on art projects, and open studios and galleries. • **Rockville Arts Festival**: The 13th annual Rockville Arts Festival features original art by over 100 fine artists and artisans, a makers market, art demonstrations, and a chalk art competition. The outdoor event takes place on May 3 and 4.
Virginia Events
• **Spring Maker’s Market**: Port City Brewing in Alexandria, Virginia, is hosting a Spring Makers Market on Saturday, May 3. The event features more than two dozen local makers and is kid-friendly and pet-friendly. • **Spring Fling**: Old Town Alexandria is hosting a block party with trunk shows, demonstrations, and family-friendly activities at 30 participating businesses. The event takes place on Saturday, May 3. • **Alexandria Springtime Art Festival**: The fourth annual Alexandria Springtime Art Festival is taking place on May 3 and 4 at John Carlyle Square in Alexandria, Virginia. The art fair features local artists and artisans selling their wares.
Get Involved
Have an event you’d like featured in WTOP’s Things to do in the D.C. area weekly guide? Let us know! Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.
The Running of the Chihuahuas is an annual event that brings together dog owners and enthusiasts for a fun and exciting experience. The event features a dog costume contest, an adoptable pet parade, and a Pacifico Beer Garden.
A Pacifico Beer Garden is a designated area where attendees can enjoy beer and other beverages while socializing and having fun.
A live DJ is a person who performs music electronically using a digital audio workstation.
A chalk art competition is a competition where artists use chalk to create artwork on a designated surface.
A makers market is a market where local artisans and makers sell their handmade goods.
A fine artist is an artist who creates original works of art using various mediums.
A nonprofit organization is a non-profit organization that is exempt from paying taxes and is dedicated to a specific cause or mission.
news is a contributor at ArtLien. We are committed to providing well-researched, accurate, and valuable content to our readers.
