 Cinco de Mayo in the City
Thurs., May 5
The city has you covered for Cinco de Mayo celebrations, with venues offering specials with or without tequila involved. Latin hot spot Masa 14 (1825 14th St. NW) is sure to get crowded with its $5 flavored margarita special (five different flavors, too) Thursday from 5 p.m. on. Be sure to order some food with those libations, lest you party a little too hard. Ceiba (701 14th St. NW) kicks off the night with $5 house margaritas and Mexican street food—think fish and chips, shrimp ceviche and chicken enchiladas. And save room for tasty treats at the new El Centro D.F. (1819 14th St., NW), with the grand opening Thursday night. For $20, get unlimited appetizers, with a cash bar available to sample margaritas, agave cocktails and 200 different varieties of tequila. Hope for good weather, as the rooftop will be open.
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 Kentucky Derby Parties
Sat., May 7
Ladies, break out the big hats—it’s derby time. To commemorate the Kentucky Derby, local restaurants and bars are dishing out specials, of course. The Bar at the St. Regis Washington D.C. (923 16th and K streets NW) airs the derby on Saturday, and from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. the bartenders will serve mint juleps, horse’s neck cocktails and a special charcuterie and cheese platter (and a themed-mystery cocktail to add to the mix). Root for your fave—the hotel is also giving away prizes to winners such as dinner for two at restaurant Adour and complimentary cocktails and desserts. The Source (575 Pennsylvania Ave. NW) gets into the mix, too, with triple-crown inspired racing cocktails priced at $12—think Asian-inspired mint juleps (replaced with an Asian shiso leaf), a Black-Eyed-Susan turns into a Green-eyed Geisha (Yuzu juice, basil and orange juice among other liquers) and a Bangkok Breeze (Absolut Citron, Domaine du Canton and lemon juice). Finally, Acadiana (901 New York Ave., NW) doles out free whiskey tastings and talk about Kentucky’s finest from special guest Ewan Morgan of Bulleit Bourbon—look for $5 “Derby Deals” on Secretariats, more juleps and a special menu. Runs Saturday 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., bar only.
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M other’s Day Sweets
Through Sun., May 8
If you’ve got your present under wraps, there are still sweet add-ons to make this Mother’s Day one to remember. Stop by the newest cupcake shop on the block, Crumbs (604 11th St, NW) for its Mother’s Day specials, including the Pretty as a Rose Colossal (pictured, $35), a 4-pound 6.5-in chocolatey treat (yes, it’s meant for sharing). If she’s got a tinier sweet tooth, opt for the Mother’s Day Taste Pack, which has bite size cupcakes of all “pretty as a rose” flavors in chocolate and vanilla with cream cheese or butter-cream frosting ($22, nine cupcakes). Or show Mom your European side with something from the just-opened PAUL bakery (801 Pennsylvania Ave. NW)—we like the dozen mini-macaron box and the heart-shaped cakes ($22) in strawberry mousse and raspberry flavors. And finally, satisfy her chocolate craving with bites from Co Co Sala (929 F St., NW), offering chocolate kisses (pomegranate dark chocolate and rose white chocolate) and chocolate high-heeled pumps, just for Mom.
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 Works of Art
May
The Woodrow Wilson House opens a new exhibit this weekend, organized by the Franco-American Museum in Château de Blérancourt, France, which comprises more than 25 reproductions of vintage photographs and silent film footage that show the lives of more than 300 American women. The exhibit, “American Women Rebuilding France, 1917-1924,” shows the undertaking of these women who left their lives in the U.S. to help the war-ravaged citizens of the Northeastern France. Opens Friday, runs through July 31. For art from a different region, stop by the National Gallery of Art, which opens two exhibits on Sunday, to run through November. “Italian Master Drawings from the Wolfgang Ratjen Collection, 1525-1835,” shows 65 compositions and study sheets from renowned artists such as Canaletto and Giulio Romano plus close to 200 already-acquired German and Italian works from the collection. The other exhibit, “The Gothic Spirit of John Taylor Arms,” displays an American viewpoint of the printmaker’s first exhibition at the NGA with 60+ prints, drawing and copperplates of New York City scenes and breathtaking cathedrals.
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 Family Fun
Sat., May 7
If you’ve left your big chapeau at home, you might want to join others at Fairfax’s Civil War Day at the Historic Blenheim Estate (3610 Old Lee Hwy., Fairfax, Va.), which is filled with hours of family-friendly activities. Nosh on Colonial Kettle Korn and sip smoothies from local spots while you meet “General Robert E. Lee,” and participate in a boot camp with other wannabe soldiers. There will be wagon rides throughout the day plus musical presentations of music from the era. Short skits and lectures give insight into the historical side of the Civil War, while a Victorian dance presentation just makes it a good time. If you’re staying in the area, the Mason Inn Conference Center and Hotel offers a special Civil War package starting at $109 per night for a double occupancy plus complimentary breakfast for two and a boxed lunch. Details here. Details: Full schedule here. Cost $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 12 and under.
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 Looks in Love
Through June 9
In the battle of looks and wit, a good joke gets us every time—see who you’d pick in the re-imagination of the classic “Cyrano” at Folger Theatre (201 E. Capitol St., SE), which just opened. The timeless story reevaluates whether beauty really is in the eye of the beholder as a man tries to court a woman in the most unusual ways. Runs through June 9; tickets $30-$60 available here.
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Charity Event
 Raise Your Glass
Thurs., May 5
Renaissance Dupont Circle hotel unveils a new libation inspired by notable Washingtonians—the first of a series happens Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the M Bar and Lounge (1143 New Hampshire Ave., NW). A portion of the proceeds benefits the Children’s Miracle Network. The first was inspired by Carol Ross Joynt, who will be on hand to chat about her new book.
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 Have a Ball
Sat., May 7
Who says you can’t party on the Mall? Join others Saturday night at the annual Ball on the Mall, with funds going to the Trust for the National Mall for preservation and beautification. Get dolled up and dance the nigh away with signature cocktails and dessert buffets. General admission tickets available, $150, with half as a tax-deductible donation. Details here.
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