April Social Calendar: The Short List Of “Can’t Miss” Events!

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- With the Easter and Passover holiday weekend now behind us, the District’s social calendar is set to explode over the next few weeks with a flood of high profile events. Since I often get asked by readers which events I think they should attend, I thought it would be helpful to create a list of some of the ones that measured up to a coveted “can’t miss” label (in my humble opinion at least).

This is not at all intended to be a comprehensive list of the hundreds of fun and very worthy parties and benefits that will overtake the city throughout the month of April. Rather, this is a “short list” of those events that I think one of D.C.’s budding twenty or thirtysomethings might enjoy the most should they feel the need to prioritize their social calendar.

Some of our choices you might have already bought tickets to, while others might surprise you (hopefully at least one). And still more might be “guest list only” events that you’ll have to work your network as the cost of admission. Regardless, all will be a great time!

So without further ado…

Tuesday, April 10th - The Howard Theatre’s VIP Grand Opening Concert & Celebration: After undergoing a complete floor (paneled walnut) to ceiling (soaring) $29 million renovation, the D.C. landmark that launched the careers of Marvin Gaye, The Supremes, and Duke Ellington will re-open with a private celebration featuring a live performance by Trombone Shorty and George Clinton.

Costumes from The Washington Ballet’s Production of ‘ALICE (in wonderland)’.
Wednesday, April 11th - Opening Night for The Washington Ballet’s Production of ‘ALICE (in wonderland)’: The curtains will rise at The Kennedy Center for the award-winning dance company’s latest ballet, featuring the choreography of Septime Webre, costume designs of Liz Vandal, and music of Matthew Pierce.
Saturday, April 14th - Fashion for Paws’ Sixth Annual Runway Show: The Washington Humane Society’s most successful and stylish fundraiser of the year, the Fashion for Paws Runway Show (now sold out) will return to the National Building Museum for 2012, featuring more than $350,000 in set design and production and a ‘very sexy’ Miami theme inspired by Victoria’s Secret.
Monday, April 16th - Lincoln Restaurant’s One Year Anniversary Party: The latest restaurant (which has seen everyone from Mitt Romney to Serena Williams to Solange Knowles crowd its dining rooms) from Alan Popolvsky and his partners commemorates its first anniversary with a private party for friends and family.
Friday, April 20th - The 57th Annual Corcoran Ball: The Corcoran Gallery of Art’s trademark spring gala traditionally boasts a ticket price as commensurately high as the lofty decorations that adorn the museum’s galleries for the occasion. But young patrons can take advantage of a substantially reduced ‘Club Corcoran’ ticket price to gain access to the black tie bash at 10pm, in order to enjoy the festivities.

The 2011 Corcoran Ball.
Saturday, April 21st - The Bachelors & Spinsters Ball: An invitation-only Georgetown tradition dating back to 1949, this year’s ball will return to the City Tavern Club and is strictly limited to those guests who profess themselves to be “legally single”.
Wednesday, April 25th - Avenue Suites Opening Party: Washington real estate magnate Conrad Cafritz and Modus Hotels fetes the grand opening of the latest West End boutique hotel, Avenue Suites, with a private cocktail reception at the building’s sophisticated A Bar.
Wednesday, April 25th - The 2012 GRAMMYS on the Hill: Seven-time GRAMMY-winning singer John Mayer and Congressman Howard Berman will be honored at the Liaison Capitol Hill hotel during a private awards ceremony held in recognition of the rights of music makers.
Friday, April 27th - White House Correspondents’ Dinner Pre-Parties: There are so many receptions and parties preceding the annual dinner itself that’s it difficult to focus on just a select few. But my bet is that the best times will be had at the People/Time, New Yorker, and Google/Hollywood Reporter parties in the early evening and the IMPACT Arts/National Journal party towards the end of the night.
Saturday, April 28th - Haddad Annual Garden Brunch: Just about as close to a state dinner (or brunch) as you can get outside the White House, Tammy Haddad’s annual gathering held just a few hours prior to the White House Correspondents’ Dinner itself attracts an exclusive crowd of billionaires, Hollywood actors, Congressmen, and journalists.
Saturday, April 28th - White House Correspondents’ Dinner After Parties: Much like the pre-parties, after parties following the dinner abound, with an invitation to the Bloomberg/Vanity Fair bash representing the ultimate late night ‘get’ followed by MSNBC and Capitol File Magazine’s celebrations.

The 2011 GRAMMYs on the Hill event brought out the likes of Stevie Wonder, Don Henley, and Bruce Hornsby.
Saturday, April 28th - Sweetlife Food & Music Festival: Environment-friendly salad and frozen yogurt purveyor Sweetgreen’s day-long food and music festival returns for a second year to Merriweather Post Pavilion, with an even more impressive artist roster than 2011, including AVICII, The Shins, Fun., and Kid Cudi. A perfect counterplan for those Washingtonians looking to escape the politically-minded trappings of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

Found this guide helpful/entertaining? Look forward to May’s summary in, well, May!