The National Gallery of Art’s new monthly program, First Saturday, is hosting its April event on Saturday, April 1.
On the first Saturday of the month—from March through May—the National Gallery of Art will be hosting a daytime program of family-friendly activities based on each month’s theme, including “films, art making, talks, tours, and pop-up performances.”
The new program, which launched in March 2023, is similar to the gallery’s renowned National Gallery Nights, which occur on the second Thursday of each month and allowed attendees to engage in similar thematic activities within the museum. However, National Gallery Nights are held after hours for adults only.
“We hope to make the East Building the place to be the first Saturday of each month—whether you’re looking for activities for your child, a space to gather with friends, or an outlet to create art on your own,” Grace Murray, National Gallery of Art’s head of public programs, said in a press release. “Our aim is to replicate some of the highlights from our most popular programs, such as National Gallery Nights, and offer them in a relaxed daytime setting.”
The April theme for First Saturday is a celebration of the “spring season and cherry blossoms” in honor of D.C.’s National Cherry Blossom Festival.
The program will start at 10:30 a.m. with a children’s film, followed by crafting flower collages from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Attendees can also create custom cherry blossom prints from 12 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., as well as indulge in pop-up performances, including from violinist Peter Shepard Skaerved.
Though both are free events, unlike National Gallery Nights, First Saturdays a majority of the programs won’t require registration.
For more information, visit the National Gallery of Art website.