Smithsonian.com

"Small Bird and Grapes," attributed to Seiko. Image courtesy of the Library of Congress.

Friday, May 1: Cabaret with Tomson Highway: Performance

What good is sitting alone in your room? Come hear the music play! Life is a cabaret, ol’ chum—come to the cabaret at the American Indian Museum. Playwright and novelist Tomson Highway will be joined onstage by singer/actress Patricia Cano and sax player Leigh Pilzer for a perfectly marvelous night of musical entertainment. Tickets required. Rates are: $20 general admission; $15, members; or call 202-633-3030. American Indian Museum, 7:30 PM

Saturday, May 2: Assassination of Abraham Lincoln

Although we are celebrating the 200th anniversary of Honest Abe’s birth, it’s impossible to avoid thinking about the tragic circumstances of his death. (And we can’t very well start celebrating the 143rd anniversary of his assassination. Not only does it smack of bad taste, it’s not an anniversary ends in a 0 or a 5.) On this tour by Anthony Pitch, author of They Have Killed Papa Dead! The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln, will take you on a two-hour tour of of the Washington DC hot spots that played a major part in the life of our 16th President. (And if you want to chat about bad taste, talk to me about this commemorative Abraham Lincoln shotgun in the comments area below.) Tickets are required. Rates are: $31, general; $23, members. Call 202-633-3030 to purchase. This event repeats again at 2:00 PM today and again on May 17. This tour sells out fast, so if you want to avoid the wait list, call well ahead of when the tour takes place. Resident Associates Program, 10:00 AM.

Sunday, May 3: Bird Fest

Bird is the word at the National Zoo in this all-day celebration of International Migratory Bird Day. Come on out and learn about our feathered friends as conservation efforts underway to protect them. Enjoy live musical performances, demonstrations, games and opportunities to meet live birds of prey. It’s fun for the whole family! Free. National Zoo, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM