FYIDC

The Insider’s Guide to WashingtonBY ERICA MOODY

BOYZ II MEN AT MGM

NINETIES�NIGHT

Your favorite R&B group of the ’90s is back again at MGM National Harbor for a dance-filled showcase of their greatest hits. The harmonious trio is sure to sing “Motown Philly,” “On Bended Knee” and more. Get a seat near the front to catch a rose they throw out to lucky ladies in the audience. May 13, 8 p.m., Tickets start at $75, The Theater at MGM National Harbor, theaternationalharbor.com.

PUPS IN THE PARK

FOUR-LEGGED�FANS

Bring your best furry friend along to a baseball game this season. The Nationals have teamed up with Budweiser once again for “Pups in the Park,” a monthly game night that allows ticket-holders to bring their pets to a game. Mingle with other dog lovers and bark for the Nats in a special reserved section. Proceeds from dog tickets benefit the National Humane Alliance. Saturday, May 19 at 7:05 p.m. vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, $32, mlb.com.

EVENINGS AT THE EDGE

ART�&�ENTERTAINMENT

Incorporate culture into your next night out at the National Gallery of Art’s monthly “Evenings at the Edge.” The East Building is taken over with “art, film, music and live performances” and dancing is encouraged. For the May evening, Chris Brubeck’s Triple Play and Elisa Monte Dance Company will perform throughout the Gallery alongside dancers from Joy of Motion. Pop-up talks by museum staff will explore “how a little rhythm can help you see art in new ways.” May 10, 6-9 p.m., free admission, registration required, nga.gov/evenings.

GEORGETOWN GARDEN TOUR

HISTORY�&�HORTICULTURE

Get ready for the 90th annual Georgetown Garden Tour presented by the Georgetown Garden Club. Walk around the beautiful streets of Georgetown and take a peek at the historic gardens of one of Washington’s most treasured neighborhoods. May 12, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., $40, georgeotowngardenclubdc.org.

CUBAN ARTS FESTIVAL

CREATIVE�CULTURE

Leading Cuban artists and Cuban American creators will be featured for two weeks at the Kennedy Center in more than 50 events featuring “music, dance, theater, film, fashion, design and more.” There are free art exhibitions in the grand hallways, 13 free performances at Millenium Stage and even a cocktail tasting. May 8-20, The Kennedy Center, Visit kennedy-center.org for a full list of events and prices.

SPRING THEATER

Don’t skip out on these spectacular shows >>

� The charming musical “Waitress” comes from Broadway to the National Theatre. It includes original music from six-time Grammy winner Sara Baralleis and is directed by Tony Award® winner Diane Paulus. You’ll root for the plucky heroine as she struggles to escape a loveless marriage and dead-end job. May 15-June 3, Tickets start at $28, thenationaldc.org.

� “The Remains” makes its world premiere at Studio Theatre as part of the innovative theater’s New Works Initiative. A dinner party goes awry and reveals the marital troubles of the hosts, ten years after they said, “I do.” The “comedy about the tragedy of loving” stars “Weeds” actor Maulik Pancholy. May 16-June 17, Tickets start at $20, studiotheatre.org.

� The world premiere musical “Snow Child” is bound to be original. It’s based on Eowyn Ivey’s novel of the same name, which was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, and features Alaskan string-band traditions in its score. A grieving couple in the 1920s Alaskan wilderness are visited by a mysterious girl who disrupts and transforms their lives. Through May 20, Tickets start at $75, arenastage.org.

4PHILLIPS COLLECTION GALA Celebrate the museum’s award-winning

educational programs that support K-12 education reform, art and wellness at the annual gala chaired by Australian Ambassador Joe Hockey and his wife Melissa Babbage. The Bondi beach-themed Contemporaries Bash at Union Market’s Dock5 will keep the museum’s young patrons busy from 8:30 p.m. - 1 a.m. The Phillips Collection; 8:30 p.m.; black-tie; sponsorships start at $5,500; contact annualgala@phillipscollection.org, 202-387-6522.

5FASHION FOR PAWS Owners and their furry friends will strut

their stuff on the fashion runway to benefit the Humane Rescue Alliance at the organization’s annual charity event emceed by television personality and celebrity stylist Carson Kressley. Omni Shoreham; 8 p.m.; tickets start at $120; sponsorships start at $3,000; contact Lauren Sracic, lsracic@humanerescuealliance.org.

5ANNUAL CITYDANCE DREAM GALA Watch performances by dance superstars

followed by an after-party with cocktails and bites. Proceeds from the evening support CityDance’s free after-school DREAM program. Lincoln Theater; 8 p.m.; tickets start at $250; sponsorships start at $1,000; contact dreamgala@citydance.net, 202-347-3909.

6KENNEDY CENTER SPRING GALA Guests of the gala will enjoy

cocktails on the terrace, dinner, a performance by Mavis Staples and a ’Til Midnight Party. In addition, the gala will honor citizen artist Gary Sinise and distinguished philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad with the Award for the Human Spirit. The Kennedy Center; 5 p.m.; black-tie; tickets start at $1,000; sponsorships start at $5,000; contact springgala@kennedy-center.org, 202-416-8338.

HEARTS DELIGHT

9-12TASTING & AUCTION The four-day event will include

dinners hosted by Congress, vintners and embassies, capped off with a Bordeaux master class and grand tasting. The series of programming will feature fare from renowned chef Daniel Boulud and winery Chateau Margaux. Various locations and times; tickets start at $200; sponsorships start at $5,000; contact Heidi Arnold, heidi.arnold@heart.org, 703-248-1720.

ARENA STAGE ONE NIGHT ONLY GALA

10Broadway legend Maurice Hines returns to Arena Stage as master of

ceremonies for a one-night-only performance and celebration with artist Mary McBride. Washington, D.C.’s Mayor Muriel Bowser will receive an award in recognition of her continued support of the Washington arts scene. Arena Stage; 5:30 p.m.; tickets start at $300; sponsorships start at $5,000; contact Maria Corso, 202-600- 4025, rsvp@arenastage.org.

WASHINGTON BALLET GALA

11Join The Washington Ballet for one of the season’s most highly anticipated events at

one of Washington’s hottest new concert venue. The evening will include a cocktail hour, seated dinner and performances by company dancers. All proceeds from the gala will support the arts and education programs of The Washington Ballet. The Anthem; 7 p.m.; black-tie; tickets start at $1,000; sponsorships start at $2,5000; contact Staley Holub, 202-362-3606.

Cristhel Barron and Tara Papanicolas at the 2017 Hirshhorn Gala

HIRSHHORN MUSEUM SPRING GALA

12Dig out those retro shoulder pads that harken back to the iconic ’80s for the museum’s

annual gala, where contemporary artist Jeff Koons will be honored. In addition to cocktails and dinner, guests will enjoy a dessert performance by Jennifer Rubell. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden; 6 p.m.; tickets start at $2,500; sponsorships start at $25,000; contact HirshhornGala@ si.edu 202-633-4109.

EMBASSY CHEF CHALLENGE

17The 10th anniversary challenge celebrates culinary diplomacy and gives guests

an opportunity to sample authentic food and drink from an array of embassy chefs. Expect to experience sensory overload with delicious fare and international musical and dance performances. Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center; 6:30p.m.; tickets start at $90; contact Mikala Rempe, mikala@ lindarothpr.com.