Weekend Events: Annual Kite Festival, Mambo Music and Tibetan Buddhism on Film
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Friday, March 26: Tibetan Buddhism: Films From Around the World: Wheel of Time
Filmmaker Werner Herzog—the German director who gave us Aguirre: The Wrath of God and Grizzly Man—explores Tibetan Buddhism in this 2003 documentary. The film includes interviews with the Dalai Lama as well as Tanka Jigme Zangpo, who spent 37 years in a Chinese prison for his role in the International Tibet Independence Movement, and offers a look into some of the religion's rites of initiation. Free. Freer, 7:00 PM.
Saturday, March 27: 44th Annual Kite Festival
The Smithsonian Kite Festival is back, so come on out to the National Mall with your favorite kite in tow and set it soaring into the air! Go head-to head with your fellow enthusiasts in a kite flying competition or sit down, get in touch with your creative side and participate in a poetry contest. Check out the festival's official site for more details and a full listing of events throughout the day. If the festival is canceled due to rain, the new festival date will be March 28. Free. National Mall, 10:00 AM-3:00 PM.
Sunday, March 28: Metro Mambo: Abaniquito: The Beginnings
This series of programs celebrates Washington DC's thriving multicultural Latin music scene. Today, come join conga drummer Paul Hawkins and DC's first mambo bandleader Hendrick Mitchell who will discuss the roots of the mambo phenomenon in this area. And be sure to stick around for a performance by Rumba Club. Free. To reserve your spot, call 202-633-4866. Future installments of this series are currently slated for April 17, May 29 and June 19. Anacostia Museum, 2:00-4:00 PM.
For news and updates on all events and exhibitions, check our companion website goSmithsonian.com