Local weather experts have spoken and the unofficial start to summer looks like a washout. The gloomy forecast may have derailed plans to hang by the pool, but there are still plenty of ways to stay entertained indoors in the D.C. area this Memorial Day weekend. From activities to keep the kids from going stir crazy to late-night fun for adults, we’ve got a few ideas.
Party Like an Argentine
Celebrate Argentine culture at Arlington’s 39th annual Festival Argentino on May 23, 3:30 p.m., with tango, folklore, soccer and, of course, food. Local vendors will be selling traditional Argentine cuisine, including asado, empanadas and pastries. The theme is “Road to 40” in honor of the festival’s milestone anniversary. Admission costs $25-$35. Kenmore Auditorium, 200 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington
Play Arcade Games
Pretend you’re beachside and hit the arcade. At The Pinball Basement, a membership-based arcade on Columbia Pike, gamers can choose a daily or monthly pass to get their fill of old-school consoles and contraptions. Head out for billiards at Continental Pool Lounge in Rosslyn or Punch Bowl Social in Ballston, where retro arcade games, karaoke and bar snacks come together in a massive fun zone that also includes ping-pong, bocce ball and bowling. For even more options, check out this list of places to play arcade games. Bring the kids and regale them with tales of your youthful conquests of Donkey Kong and Pac-Man.
Discover Immersive Games and Brain Teasers Around Tysons
Retail therapy and holiday sales aside, Tysons has four new immersive experiences that encourage bonding time with family and friends. Work together to find your way out of an escape room, or star in your own personal game show. In the not-new-but-still-fun category, there’s also Lucky Strike Tysons Corner for bowling, Sandbox VR for virtual reality adventures, and Capital One Hall, where the Asian Comedy Showcase takes the stage May 22, 7 p.m.
Poke Around an Offbeat Museum
Make like a tourist and head into the District to explore exhibits at museums that don’t have “Smithsonian” in their names. At the International Spy Museum, you can learn about the history of camo and travel to Egypt without leaving the ground. Visit the Museum of Illusions in City Center D.C. to make your way through mind-bending installations that mess with your sense of gravity and perspective. If Smithsonian you must, the Renwick Gallery’s current exhibition on state fairs features crafts galore, a life-size cow made of butter and a pyramid comprising more than 700 glass jars of preserved fruits and vegetables.
Catch Dulcé Sloan at Arlington Drafthouse
A former correspondent on The Daily Show, Sloan brings her humor to Arlington’s iconic Art Deco theater on the Pike, May 21-23 at 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Get your belly laughs for $30-$42. 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington
Kick Off Summer, Rodeo-Style
Weather schmeather. Not all Memorial Day weekend plans are off. Grab your cowboy boots and head to Clarendon’s country-western bar BOE, home to Arlington’s only mechanical bull, on May 22, 7 p.m.-1 a.m. for a veritable hoedown. The party promises DJs spinning country hits, mechanical bull rides and themed cocktails from the rooftop tiki bar. Keep dancing May 23, 3-11 p.m., at the BOE Backyard Bangers: Memorial Day Bash. 2854 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Chill Out With a Sound Bath or Crochet Social
The Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington is here for you this wet and rainy weekend with two relaxing and cozy activities. Dress comfortably, bring your yoga mat and head to MoCA’s Tiffany Gallery in Virginia Square for a sound bath. Experienced facilitators will use a variety of sound instruments including chimes, crystal quartz and Tibetan sound bowls to bathe you in beautiful sounds May 23, 2-3 p.m. Register here for the event, which costs $28. Feeling crafty? At MoCA’s Innovation Studio and Store in National Landing, The Crochet Cart Project is hosting a free social meetup May 23 at 2:30 p.m. No experience necessary. 3550 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston) and 525 14th St. S., Arlington (National Landing)
Suck Some Crawfish Heads
Chef David Guas is bringing a taste of New Orleans roots to Arlington, hosting crawfish boils on May 23 and June 13, 2:30-5 p.m. at Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery in Courthouse. Tickets cost $65 for adults and include two pounds of Louisiana crawfish (flown in live the night before), potatoes, corn, cornbread, a Muff-a-lotta wedge, and red beans and rice. Kids can eat for $20, choosing among options such as a hot dog, grilled cheese, or turkey or ham melt, plus chips, a cookie and a drink. Can’t make it either date? Pick up a Boil in a Bucket “to-geaux.” The takeout feast ($240) feeds four and includes eight pounds of crawfish, plus sides and beignets. 1515 N. Courthouse Road, Arlington (Courthouse)
See Pippin at Signature Theatre
Kick off your summer with the story of Pippin, the restless heir of King Charlemagne, on his quest for purpose. Dreaming of greatness, he dives into war, passion and even murder—only to find himself disillusioned. The performance, featuring music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, includes iconic songs such as Corner of the Sky and Morning Glow. Show times vary through July 26. Tickets begin at $47. 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington (Shirlington)
Celebrate Girl Power with Little Women: The Musical at Creative Cauldron
Louisa May Alcott’s Civil War-era coming-of-age tale follows the March sisters as they navigate the tribulations of adolescence and the societal constraints on women in the 19th century. Tickets for this epic tale set to music are $40 or $50; $25 for students. See website for times through June 7. 127 W. Broad St., Falls Church
Drop In at Your Local Community Center
Kids got cabin fever? You’ll find plenty of ways to get out the wiggles and burn a few calories at community centers around Arlington. One option: pick-up indoor basketball May 23 and 24 at Thomas Jefferson Community Center, Arlington Mill and Gunston. Lubber Run has a special Youth and Teen Shoot Around on May 23 at 4 p.m. You can also play indoor pickleball at Thomas Jefferson Community Center or badminton at Gunston. Most centers have game rooms, too, some with pool tables or table tennis. Various Locations. Check the calendar for details.