D.C.-area nightlife, events and dining

It's no coincidence that strawberry festivals fill the latter part of May. That's precisely when you'll finally find the sweet, seedy berries on the vine at local farms, if only for a brief, brilliant month. At Sky Meadows State Park, the strawberry season kicks off with the 20th Delaplane festival, featuring fruit, sweet sundaes, strawberry shortcake and family activities including an antique car show and games.

Great Country Farms marks strawberry season by opening its sizable berry patch to the pick-your-own crowd. Also on the vine for this two-day festival: Pie-eating and tart-tossing contests and a Diaper Derby and hayrides for kids.

Set during the Thirty Years' War, the play follows a general who is torn between loyalty and power.

The Gross National Product comedy group celebrates its 25th anniversary with its tours.

Guests use a flashlight in this hunt through buildings around the park.

A wine tasting fundraiser to benefit the Omicron Kappa Kappa Foundation's programs.

A bike tour starting in Dupont that follows the off-road trails to Civil War-era remains in the city.

Make-up artists, a DJ and more. Proceeds benefit the Stillbrave Childhood Cancer Foundation.

On a pontoon boat, a historian discusses the significance of the Confederates' blockade along the Potomac during the Civil War. Lunch is included. Sponsored by the Prince William County Historic Preservation Division

A floating nightclub: That’s the general idea behind California electronic music collective Distrikt's first cruise on the Potomac. The three-hour tour features a half-dozen DJs spinning house and funky tunes, including local heroes All Good Funk Alliance, an open bar and circus-style performances. Given Distrikt's reputation for throwing packed day parties at Burning Man, it's safe to say it's going to be pretty intense. And good. (They're taking over the multi-level Cherry Blossom boat, which looks like a paddle-wheeler, so multiple DJs can play at the same time.) The boat leaves the Alexandria City Marina promptly at 7 p.m., and returns at 10, followed by an after-party at U Street Music Hall. You have to get tickets in advance, so don't slack.

Great Country Farms marks strawberry season by opening its sizable berry patch to the pick-your-own crowd. Also on the vine for this two-day festival: Pie-eating and tart-tossing contests and a Diaper Derby and hayrides for kids.

It's no coincidence that strawberry festivals fill the latter part of May. That's precisely when you'll finally find the sweet, seedy berries on the vine at local farms, if only for a brief, brilliant month. At Sky Meadows State Park, the strawberry season kicks off with the 20th Delaplane festival, featuring fruit, sweet sundaes, strawberry shortcake and family activities including an antique car show and games.

Set during the Thirty Years' War, the play follows a general who is torn between loyalty and power.

An electronic music dance party on the Cherry Blossom paddle wheel riverboat.

A solo performance of Bach's Suite No. 5 on cello.

A race of 15 to 25 foot vessels departing from the museum's boat basin.

Shirley Clarke's version of Jack Gelber's play.

Celebrate the country's servicemen and women on Memorial Day eve with a concert by the National Symphony Orchestra and six military bands, with appearances by singer-songwriter Chris Mann, mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins any Tony Award-winner Alfie Boe. As usual, Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna serve as hosts for the event, which begins at 8 p.m. Gates open to the public at 5 p.m.

Sponsored by the Great Falls Freedom Memorial Committee, featuring a Marine Corps Color Guard, patriotic songs, remarks by retired Marine Corps Lieutenant General Norman H. Smith, and a reading of the names and bell-ringing for each of the 25 residents of Great Falls who have fallen in service to our Nation. The ceremony concludes with a wreath-laying by local dignitaries and raising of the flags by Boy Scout Troop 55.

Participants include Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III, Iraq War veteran and Dancing with the Stars season 13 winner J.R. Martinez, actors Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna and others.

Vs. the Baltimore Orioles

By the U.S. Air Force Concert Band

Includes performances by more than 30 bands, a Taste of Rockville, children's entertainment and a memorial day ceremony and parade.

Guests will ride behind a coal-fired steam locomotive.

Rides, food, vendors and entertainment.

Trust DJ Jahsonic for your weekly dose of classic hip-hop, funk, soul, R&B and new jack swing.

One of the most crowded, grueling and amusing trivia nights in Washington.

Will discuss and sign her two new books, "The Cushion in the Road: Meditation and Wandering as the Whole World Awakens to Being in Harm's Way" and "The World Will Follow Joy: Turning Madness into Flowers."

A film about volcanoes.

A museum staff member discusses art.

Maui, a son of a goddess, decides to confront the sun.

Vs. the Baltimore Orioles

At the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre.

After fleeing a fight, a Muay Thai kick-boxer goes into hiding and his stepbrother, an assassin, is hired to kill him.

The event includes a light lunch and live music.

Every Tuesday, Lindy Hoppers take over the beautiful Josephine Butler Parks Center near Meridian Hill Park for DJs, dance lessons and occasional live bands.

Sample wines from Maison Joseph Drouhin of France.

Historian C.R. Gibbs lectures on the historical June 19 celebration.

A discussion on the company's contributions to American architectural landscape.

Since 2007, Imperial China has been one of D.C.'s most exciting and aggressive live bands. Their abrupt tempo changes, full-body grooves and prolific use of samples and loops (which made the band seem much larger than a trio) gave their performances a hyperkinetic, theatrical feel. Wednesday's show at the Black Cat will the band's final performance. Doors open at 8 p.m.

A lecture and book signing with British-Chinese broadcast journalist Xinran. At the Jefferson Building, Whittall Pavilion.

Will read from her book "Americanah."

The college celebrates its accreditation with a national juried exhibition running through June 19.

Visitors learn about pollinators and how they contribute to the environment.

Gypsy jazz, bluegrass, and gospel.

Edu-Futuro's gala featuring a talent show with Latino students and a silent and live auction.

Vocal quartets Spectrum and Radiance perform hits by The Supremes, The Temptations, Aretha Franklin, The Four Tops and more.

One of five classes with artists who have different approaches to clay.

Screenings of the two documentaries as part of the "Searching for the Seventies: The DOCUMERICA Photography Project" exhibition. At the William G. McGowan Theater.

Explore the heritage of Asian food in Mexico trying Sriracha Tuna Tataki Tostadas and other dishes.

Information on how to market a business online.

A night of performances featuring Some Never Really Get, the Dave Tauler Music Group and more.

Vs. the Washington Nationals. Alumni autograph session before the game.

A film starring Gene Kelly as a circus aerialist who becomes an army private and falls in love with a colonel's daughter