April in the DMV is busy! Close out cherry blossom season, get out to a game or explore spring festivals throughout D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia.

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Cherry blossoms

The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade will bring marching bands, guest entertainers and cultural performances down Constitution Avenue. Get a ticket if you want special seating. Otherwise, it’s free. Here’s Metro info. April 11, Constitution Avenue NW between 7th & 17th St NW

Billed as the largest celebration of Japanese culture in the U.S., the 64th Sakura Matsuri festival is set to feature Japanese cultural performances, food, vendors and more. April 11-12, Pennsylvania Ave. from 3^rd to 7^th Street NW, $20-$30 early bird pricing through April 10

Cherry blossom afternoon tea is being served at ArTea in McLean, the Fairmont in Georgetown, The St. Regis, and the Willard InterContinental, where you’ll also find a cherry blossom sushi pop-up. The tea at Kramers bookstore starts at just $29!

Hi-Lawn at Union Market’s Dome is teaming up with ARTECHOUSE for the Peak Bloom: Dome Experience, where you can sip and dine while watching cherry blossom-themed art projections move across the ceiling. It’s family-friendly during the day, and 21+ after 7 p.m. Through April 26, $12-$25

Concerts and theater

Felicia Curry honors Nina Simone in a cabaret featuring Simone’s originals and famous covers in Arena Stage’s “I Put a Spell on You: Nina Simone.” Popular dates are selling out! Through April 19, Arlington, $53+

“The Wiz” follows the yellow brick road to D.C.’s National Theatre for a new tour that’s “direct from Broadway.” April 7-12, $59+

Cardi B turns up the heat at Capital One Arena for her “Little Miss Drama” tour. April 8, $300+

Demi Lovato’s “It’s Not That Deep Tour” comes to Capital One Arena with opener ADÉLA. April 16, $69+

Project Glow is teaming up with house music star Chris Lake to throw an electronic music block party on Pennsylvania Avenue. April 18, 4-9 p.m., $65+

ODDISEE teams up with the Georgetown University Orchestra to headline District Sounds 2026, a festival highlighting students from local public schools and world‑class performers. April 18, 3 p.m., District Pier at The Wharf, $6 to $12

Patti LaBelle headlines the Daughters of the American Revolution’s concert celebrating America 250 and saluting women veterans. April 18, DAR Constitution Hall, $115+

Florence + The Machine will belt out fans’ favorites at Capital One Arena. April 18, $152+

Lily Allen performs her highly personal, tell-all divorce album “West End Girl” at Warner Theatre. April 19, $350+

Every new presidential administration puts a stamp on D.C. life, and “44: The Musical” looks back at the Barack Obama era with humor and music. April 18 to May 10, $44+

Indoor activities for rainy days

No one reps their Metro system like the DMV! WMATA’s spring pop-up shop is open near L’Enfant Plaza, and now boasts weekend hours. Take a look at the hottest merch. Through April 12, 300 7th Street SW, free entry

Fifteen tons of sound, lights and haze: Fluffy Cloud was born for Burning Man, but this overhead 360° sound system and art installation is now a spot for community gathering inside Bertha nightclub. Choose your own adventure: a next-level sound bath; the intense, all-ages Cloudfall; concerts, DJ sets and a Psychotic Jukebox Lounge (21+). Through April 12, Northeast D.C., prices vary

Imagine a Bluetooth speaker, then make it big, fluffy, iridescent and 15 tons. Now place it three-stories high in the middle of a nightclub. News4’s Tommy McFly visits Berhta to experience its new UFO-like art installation.

Photography, prints and drawings explore the American experience over the past 250 years at the National Gallery of Art’s “Dear America” exhibit. April 11 to Sept. 20, free

Filmfest DC, the city’s largest and longest-running international cinema showcase, will open with a screening of French rom-com “Colours of Time” hosted by News4’s Eun Yang. You can see two DC4Reel films for free or catch docs, thrillers and more. April 16-26, most screenings at Regal Gallery Place, $15

The first gallery space of the National Museum of the American Latino, which is within the Smithsonian’s Museum of American History, explores the musical journey of salsa in the “¡Puro Ritmo!” exhibit. Opens April 18, free

The 2026 Smithsonian Craft Show theme is American Artistry in honor of the country’s 250th anniversary. Shop fine contemporary craft and design while supporting the Smithsonian Institution. April 22 to 26, National Building Museum, $25+

Sample wines from dozens of producers at DC Winefest. Choose between two sessions, and spring for VIP if you want extra time to taste. Ticket prices will increase as the event gets closer. April 25, Dock 5 at Union Market, $49.33+

The 9th DC Chocolate Festival lets you try, eat and learn about chocolate. It’s free for kids 10 and under. April 24-25, La Maison Française at the Embassy of France, $0 – $30.23

Sports

Baseball is back and the Nationals have plenty of home games in April with promotions including Pups in the Park (April 7), heritage days and a “Star Wars” Grogu bobblehead giveaway. Don’t forget to check for deals like $5 Tuesdays.

Spring is for football for DC Defenders fans! The reigning champion UFL team has several home games coming up at Audi Field, including a Championship Celebration featuring Wale at halftime on April 11. Here’s the schedule.

The Washington Spirit have two more home games this month, and the one on April 24 is Throwback Night.

More in the District

Enjoy D.C. from a new angle –on the water! Kayak rentals from Adventures Unbound (formerly Boating in DC) are available at The Wharf on weekends, and will open in mid-April for boathouses at Fletcher’s Cove, Thompson Boat Center and Key Bridge.

AdMo is turning into an open-air art gallery as the AdMo Art Walk opens Friday. April 3-30, free

This month’s after-hours party at the National Gallery is United We Create. This National Gallery Nights ticket lottery has closed, but a few passes will be available at the door on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 5:30 p.m. April 9, free

The U.S. Botanic Garden planted official flowers from all U.S. states are territories in its America’s State Flowers exhibit, celebrating 250 years since the country’s founding. April 10 to Oct. 12, free

Grab some free cupcakes and write with a quill for Shakespeare’s Birthday Celebration hosted by the Folger. Aspiring bards can try on costumes, write a sonnet and see an old-school printing press at work. April 18, 11 a.m., Folger Shakespeare Library, free

D.C. is marking 21 years of celebrating its own Emancipation Day with a festival, parade and concert open to the whole family. April 19, Franklin Park, free

The Georgetown French Market returns for its 23rd year so you can walk Wisconsin Avenue from O Street to Reservoir Road, browsing sidewalk sales and specials from over 40 boutiques, galleries and shops. You’ll also find restaurant specials, plus entertainment including live music, a mime and face painting. April 24-26, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., free entry

More in Maryland

Spring is in full swing at Butler’s Orchard with baby animals, hay rides, egg hunts and tons of active family fun during Bunnyland. April 6, 11 and 12, Germantown, $13.50-$16.50 online

The Savor Bowie Spring Food, Wine, & Music Festival has something for the whole family, including multiple stages with entertainment. April 18-19, Bowie Town Center, free entry

Celebrate the Thai new year at Wat Tummaprateip’s Songkran Festival, featuring entertainment, food and the water spraying that makes the holiday famous. April 18-19, Accokeek, free

The Annual Montpelier Festival of Herbs, Tea, and the Arts at the Montpelier Arts Center is a spring festival for the whole family. Live music, shopping, gardening talks, crafts and museum tours are in bloom. Make it a date with a $20 picnic food tea box. April 25, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Laurel, free entry

Maryland Day is the annual open house at the University of Maryland where you can partake in demonstrations, performances and workshops in a wide array of disciplines. April 25, College Park, free parking and admission

The Butterfly Experience has returned to Brookside Gardens. Step into the conservatory to get up close and personal with insects from around the world. Doors open today, and it’s $15.99 for ages 13+, $10.99 for kids 3 to 12 and free for kids under 3. Through Sept. 7, Wheaton

More in Virginia

Pink Beats at Water Park in Arlington puts a cherry blossom spin on happy hour, with local DJs, spring food and drink specials and whimsical visuals from the Hoop Fairy and dancers. Thursdays through April 9, 5-8 p.m.

Relish the moment at the Pickle & International Food Festival hosted by Crooked Run Fermentation. It’s a two-day celebration with pickle-inspired food, craft beer, live entertainment and family-friendly activities. April 18-19, Sterling, Virginia, $5-$25

Celebrate spring at the Leesburg Flower & Garden Festival, turning the historic downtown into a showcase of flowers, plants and landscaping. You’ll find live music, a rooftop beer garden, plus family-friendly entertainment and activities. April 18-19, free

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SURPRISE, Ariz. – It was a packed house in and outside of Surprise City Council meeting Tuesday as people opposed to and in favor of the DHS warehouse coming to the city gathered to hear discussion on Mayor Kevin Sartor’s meeting with the Department of Homeland Security last week.

The backstory:

On March 30, Sartor said that progress is being made between city leaders and DHS after their meeting in Washington D.C. over the proposed warehouse near Sweetwater Avenue and Dysart Road. The facility would be a short term processing site for single adults only. 

In January 2026, DHS bought the 418,000-square-foot warehouse for more than $70 million, according to Maricopa County property records. Retrofitting the facility is expected to cost $150 million and create nearly 1,400 jobs. Over three years, operations are projected to cost $180 million while generating approximately $16 million in annual tax revenue.

“My message today is one of progress but not finality,” Sartor said.

What we know:

DHS said the warehouse will likely open this fall. They added that there would be minimal footprint and no major increase in activity. 

There will be a Community Relations Board with representation from Surprise to provide oversight and coordination. Once the facility is opened, that board will begin meeting. 

What they’re saying:

Dysart High School is less than 1 mile from the proposed facility. Student council members Cali Overs and Elijah Perez Cardona are calling on leaders to take a stand.

“If we’re required to receive an education, the federal government should be required to make sure that we feel safe,” said Overs, Dysart High School student body vice president.

“There’s numerous citizens and students, families that have all publicly stated they don’t want this to happen,” student council member Cardona said.

The other side:

Not everyone was opposed to the warehouse— a group of counter-protesters also showed up in support.

“It would be great,” said counter-protester Nathan Remillard. “This would protect people in the community, and it would, prosper truth and law.”

Surprise neighbor Lynne Gehling brought a new concern to Tuesday’s meeting, saying the Rinchem chemical storage facility next door does not have a risk management plan updated to account for the hundreds of people who could be held at the facility.

“There’s a huge amount of acids and chemicals there at that facility,” Gehling said. “I hope the City Council listens to us and validates our concerns and says, ‘What is the plan here?’ Make sure people are safe if they’re incarcerated.”

Dig deeper:

Brent Peak, an organizer with Northwest Valley Indivisible, was disappointed there was no official vote on the city’s stance on the warehouse. But with multiple council members expressing concerns over the past few weeks, he has hope.

“We had hoped that perhaps a resolution from the council might come out of this,” said Peak. “It’s a little bit too late for that. But we hope to hear that, one is recommended.”

What’s next:

DHS recently said it will be reviewing previous warehouse purchases made under former Director Kristi Noem. A spokesperson with the city of Surprise told FOX 10 they did not have any information to share on that subject.

The United States is among three North American countries jointly hosting the FIFA World Cup this summer, with games set to take place in 11 US cities.

With matches spread across major US cities, soccer fans in the Washington DC region are looking for ways to be a part of the action.

Here’s what to know if you live in the DMV.

Is FIFA in Washington DC?

Although several East Coast cities will host World Cup games, there will not be any matches in DC.

It’s just the third time in the tournament’s history that matches will not be played in the host country’s capital, according to The Athletic.

DC and Baltimore submitted a joint bid to co-host games, but their bid was not accepted.

“Northwest Stadium, the rundown home of the NFL’s Washington Commanders, was among the least attractive of the 17 proposed stadiums — and its then-owner was unwilling to upgrade it,” The Athletic reported as reasoning for why DC was not selected.

World Cup 2026 games near DC

DC-area soccer fans hoping to watch World Cup matches in person can take a short drive or train ride to Philadelphia, where games will be played at Lincoln Financial Field.

A little farther north, MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, is also hosting games in the state’s joint effort with New York. The World Cup final will be held at MetLife Stadium on July 19.

Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Gillette Stadium outside of Boston are also among the East Coast destinations to watch games.

What US cities are hosting World Cup games?

Here is the full list of American sites where World Cup matches will be played:

• AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas
• MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey
• Mercedez-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia
• Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri
• NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas
• Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California
• SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California
• Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington
• Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts
• Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida