Between starting a photography class, releasing the SOS Travel Guide for London, and running around to meetings and happy hours, it’s been a busy week, to say the least. If I can muster up the energy to leave the house this weekend, however, I’m definitely heading to Side Yards, a cool festival that will overtake the Yards Park in Southeast on Saturday evening. Get the details on this event, and some other ideas to celebrate Mom and multiculturalism, in this week’s column, available in the print edition, in PDF format, and below.

Get Out: The Week’s Pocket Picks for May 9, 2014

The Washington Times

By Samantha Sault

Pick of the Pack: Side Yards

If you’ve visited the Department of Transportation’s shiny headquarters or Nationals Park in recent years, you’ve undoubtedly noticed the rapid growth and development of Southeast Washington. One highlight of the area near Washington Navy Yard is Yards Park. One of Washington’s newest public parks, it opened along the Anacostia River in 2010 and features performance venues, a boardwalk and grassy stretches with waterfront views. If you haven’t taken advantage of it yet, go Saturday for Side Yards, an evening of free performances, boardwalk-style snacks, and a beer garden by nearby Bluejacket Brewery. From 5 to 10 p.m., enjoy three side stages of entertainment by Circus of Wonders, a local production company showcasing magicians, dancers, comedians, contortionists, sword swallowers, and more. On the main stage, you’ll hear some of Washington’s hottest indie bands, including Drop Electric and Shark Week, with a headliner performance by U.S. Royalty. Saturday at the Yards Park, 355 Water St. SE. Web: yardspark.org. 

Theater: Imagination Stage Children’s Ball

Washington is known for its galas, those open-bar schmoozefests that call for black ties and a baby sitter. This weekend, however, Bethesda’s Imagination Stage will host a gala for the entire family—no tiny tuxedos required. On Saturday, the theater’s annual Children’s Ball will begin with a performance of the current production, “Cinderella: The Remix,” an updated take on the beloved fairytale. In Hip-Hop-Hollywood, only boys are allowed to DJ—and girls will be arrested if they’re caught spinning their favorite tunes. But this Cinderella desperately wants to audition to DJ for the Prince’s upcoming party, though, so with the help of her Fairy Godmother, she disguises herself as a boy and wins the gig. What will happen to the protagonist-in-disguise at midnight? After the show, enjoy arts and crafts, a dance party, and a reception, plus a silent auction with items for the whole family. Children’s Ball on Saturday at 4 p.m. and “Cinderella: The Remix” through May 25 at Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda, Md. 301/280-1626. Web: imaginationstage.com. 

Concert: Violin & Piano at the Phillips Collection

Sunday is Mother’s Day, a day to thank your hard-working mother for everything she’s done for you. After treating Mom or another maternal figure in your life to brunch, we recommend visiting the Phillips Collection in Dupont Circle for an afternoon of art and music. At 4 p.m., violinist Joanna Kurkowicz and pianist Gloria Chien will perform Alfred Schnittke’s “Suite in the Old Style,” Karol Szymanowski’s “Sonata for violin and piano in D minor, Op.9,” along with a few solo pieces. Ms. Kurkowicz is the concertmistress of the Boston Philharmonic and Berkshire Symphony and is known for supporting up-and-coming composers. Ms. Chien began performing with the Boston Symphony Orchestra at 16. Both have performed their acclaimed chamber music all over the world. Tickets include museum admission for the day, and you can get a final look at the exhibit of the museum’s American masterworks, which closes next week, as well as the journals of founder Duncan Phillips. Sunday at the Phillips Collection, 1600 21^st St. NW. 202/387-2151. Web: phillipscollection.org.

Concert: Ashanti

If Mom likes to dance, skip the flowers and get her tickets to see Ashanti, the Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter who will be performing her chart-topping hits as well as songs from her latest album at the Howard Theatre on Mother’s Day. The multi-talented performer electrified the music industry with her 2002 debut album, “Ashanti,” which won the 2003 Grammy for Best Contemporary R&B Album, and the first single, “Foolish,” remains one of the 20 best-selling singles to date. Her second album, “Chapter II,” debuted at #1 on the Billboard Album Chart with hits “Rock Wit U” and “Rain on Me.” Ashanti currently is touring to promote her latest album, “Braveheart,” which was released in March. Expect to hear hits like “Foolish,” “Always on Time,” “What’s Luv?” plus new songs. Sunday at the Howard Theatre, 620 T St. NW. 202/803-2899. Web: thehowardtheatre.com. 

Dining: Embassy Chef Challenge

If you’re invited to enjoy a meal at an embassy, don’t want to turn down your chance to enjoy authentic cuisine from other parts of the world. This week, you can get a rare chance to dine like a dignitary during the sixth annual Embassy Chef Challenge on Thursday. Throughout the evening, taste hors d’oeuvres by a dozen embassy chefs from nations including Botswana, El Salvador, Italy, Jamaica, Nepal and Russia, among others. (And you’ll have to try them all so you can vote for your favorite to win the People’s Choice Award.) Meanwhile, a panel of celebrity chefs and well-known foodies, including Chef Bart Vandaele of Belga Café and B Too and last year’s winner, Chef Nathan Bates of the Embassy of New Zealand, will pick the winner of the Judges’ Choice Award. In addition to a culinary world tour, enjoy a silent and live auction and a premium open bar. Thursday at the Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Web: culturaltourismdc.org.

© Copyright 2014 The Washington Times, LLC and Samantha Sault