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.

A walking tour of historic sites in Alexandria.

Carlos Kalmar conducts the orchestra and pianist Jean-Philippe Collard in a performance of works by Narong Prangcharoen, Saint-Saens and Prokofiev.

Performing music by Sousa, Shostakovich and Fillmore. At the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center.

Visit participating bars for drink specials and proceeds benefit ReSET.

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

Lectures, yoga, workshops, a performance by the Baltimore SDIY Group and more.

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.

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.

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

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

The band kicks off the summer season with a performance followed by fireworks. The concert is free, but seating will be first come, first served beginning 90 minutes before the show. At the Filene Center.

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.

By the U.S. Air Force Concert Band

Vs. the Baltimore Orioles

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.

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.

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

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

A film about volcanoes.

Vs. the Baltimore Orioles

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

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

At the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre.

A film following World Champion surfer Kelly Slater and Tahitian surfer Raimana Van Bastolaer. At the Johnson Imax Theater.

A museum staff member discusses art.

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.

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.

Will read from her book "Americanah."

Gypsy jazz, bluegrass, and gospel.

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

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

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

Sample wines from Maison Joseph Drouhin of France.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Information on how to market a business online.

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