Celebrate Veterans Day Weekend
There is plenty to do this weekend in the DMV. Emporiyum, the gourmet marketplace, returns to Dock 5 at Union Market to pick up gifts for yourself or food lovers on your holiday list. FotoWeek DC kicks off with an opening party. And it is Veterans Day Weekend, so there are many memorial observances to participate in around the area. Plus, the leaves have finally starting changing color, so get out and enjoy.
On Metro, Red Line trains will single track between Medical Center and Grosvenor with trains running every 15 minutes and additional trains between Farragut North and Silver Spring from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Blue Line trains will single track between Addison Road and Morgan Boulevard with trains operating on a regular weekend schedule. Because of that work, Silver Line trains will run on a regular weekend schedule between Whiele-Reston East and New Carrollton. Orange Line trains will operate on a regular weekend schedule. Green Line trains will single track between Fort Totten and Prince George’s Plaza every 15 minutes, while Yellow Line trains will run between Huntington and Mount Vernon Square ONLY every 15 minutes.
Veterans Day Observances
Those who have served and are serving in the U.S. armed forces will be honored throughout the region on Veterans Day. The biggest events are at Arlington National Cemetery, where a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns begins at 11 a.m., followed by a ceremonial program in the cemetery’s amphitheater. (Attendees should arrive no later than 9:30 a.m.) Elsewhere, former secretary of defense Chuck Hagel and architect Maya Lin will make the 35th anniversary of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial with remarks at the Wall at 1 p.m.; National Park rangers tell stories about some of the 499 D.C. residents who died during World War I at the District of Columbia War Memorial at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; and Fields of Battle, Lands of Peace, an exhibition of modern photographs of World War I battlefields, is on display outdoors in Pershing Park.
Nov. 11 at various times and locations in the DMV. Admission is FREE!
Remembering Vietnam
The newly opened exhibit, Remembering Vietnam, addresses 12 important moments in the Vietnam War. The National Archives’ Lawrence F. O’Brien Gallery hosts this exhibit that features iconic and recently discovered documents that shed light on essential details of the war. Learn of the decisions made to enter the war, the reason for its immense length and the great division that it brought to the U.S. through artifacts that can only be observed at the National Archives
Daily from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. through Jan. 6, 2019, at the National Archives, 700 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Admission is FREE!
Encountering the Buddha: Art and Practice across Asia
More than two hundred pieces of Buddhist art comprise this new exhibit Encountering the Buddha: Art and Practice across Asia. Spread across two millennia, the more than 200 works show Asia’s powerful Buddhist heritage. You will learn how the art is perceived to have sacred power, how Buddhists have engaged with the works, how the religious understanding of the pieces differs from the practical one and the contexts within which said art was created.
Daily from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. through Nov. 29, 2020 at the Freer|Sackler Galleries, 1050 Independence Ave. SW. Admission is FREE!
Mark Bradford: Pickett’s Charge
Mark Bradford: Pickett’s Charge spans roughly 400 linear feet inside the Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn museum. Bradford is a Los Angeles-based artist whose work addresses socio-political issues such as race, class and gender, while also engaging art history. For over two decades, he has expanded the language of abstraction by incorporating personal experience and historical significance into his works. Pickett’s Charge is a series of eight abstract paintings that depict the final charge of the Battle of Gettysburg, commonly noted as the most important battle of the Civil War. The result is a thought-provoking rumination on how we interpret history and the complexities of war. Bradford’s installation also suggests issues faced by the American people today.
Daily from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. through Nov. 12, 2018, at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Seventh Street and Independence Avenue SW. Admission is FREE!
Emporiyum
If small-batch bitters and bone broth are routinely on your shopping list, don’t miss the Emporiyum, an indie food marketplace. The event brings together more than 100 vendors and chefs, including local favorites and out-of-towners. The DMV’s own Toli Moli will be there with falooda (Burmese layered dessert drinks), Dorjee Momo with Tibetan dumplings, Cotton & Reed rum, Cucina Al Volo, Swizzler hot dogs, One Eight Distilling, Timber Pizza Co. and others as will reps from Avocaderia, which calls itself the world’s first avocado bar. Try samples, eat lunch and pick up fancy food to take home.
Friday from 6-8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Dock 5 at Union Station, 1309 Fifth St. NE. Tickets are $15-$80.
FotoWeek DC Opening Party
Celebrating fine art photography, photojournalism, world-class artists and up-and-coming shutterbugs, FotoWeek DC returns from Nov. 11-19 to inspire all through powerful imagery, marking the 10th anniversary of the festival. Marvel at more than 150 programs, exhibits and events throughout the city or submit your photos for competition. An opening party will be held Friday with an open bar, live music by DJs Ayes Cold and Adrian Loving and musicians Yahuali and OG Lullibies, dance performance by Rouge Collective and Orange Grove Dance, exhibition viewings and of course, photo booths. Open bars and small bites are included. Check out the full schedule for other events.
Nov. 10 from 7:30-11 p.m. at FotoWeekCentral, 2801 16th St. NW. Tickets are $60.
Crazy for You
The music of the famous Gershwin brothers guides this Tony Award-winning holiday spectacular of Crazy for You. When a banker heads to a small town to foreclose on its theater, his love of music causes him to revive it instead with the magic of the Follies, some slapstick comedy and a whole lot of charm. This decision leads to mistaken identities, a love story and a whole lot of 1930s flair that audiences will love. Prepare to tap your feet to numbers like I’ve Got Rhythm, Someone to Watch Over Me and Nice Work If You Can Get It.
Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Tuesday and Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. through Jan. 14 at Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington. Tickets are $40-$89.
Nina Simone: Four Women
Nina Simone’s voice was a pillar of the Civil Rights Movement, and this production of Nina Simone: Four Women explores the profound effect that the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing of 1963 had on Simone, her work and the nation. Featuring some of the singer’s most powerful songs, audiences will be inspired by playwright Christina Ham’s journey into the psyche of an iconic artist and activist.
Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m., Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. through Dec. 24 at Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW. Tickets are $71-$111.
Mount Vernon Salutes Veterans
In honor of Veterans Day, Mount Vernon Salutes Veterans with a day of special programming. All active duty, former or retired military personnel are admitted to the estate for free and welcome to place a flower at Washington’s Tomb, where a wreath-laying ceremony will be held by Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution at 2:15 p.m. Mount Vernon will also host patriotic performances by the Harmony Heritage Singers at 11 a.m. and the United States Air Force String Orchestra at 3 p.m.
Nov. 11 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Highway, Mt. Vernon. Discounted online admission is $18 for adults, $16 for seniors 62 and older, $9 for children 6-11 and FREE for children 5 and younger, as well as active duty, former or retired military personnel.
Crafty Bastards Arts & Crafts Fair
Crafty Bastards returns for the 14th year, showcasing handmade goods from independent artists at Nationals Park on Saturday and Sunday. Browse through stalls of original art, handmade jewelry, punk-rock baby clothes, toys, DIY kits and more while meeting the indie artists behind the products at this rain-or-shine event. Food and beer vendors will be there, too.
Nov. 11 and 12 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol St. SE. One-day admission is $6, while both days is $10. Admission at the gate is $8 and $12, respectively. Kids 10 and younger are FREE!
Danish Christmas Bazaar
Get a little taste of Copenhagen at the Danish Club of Washington’s 54th annual Danish Christmas Bazaar sponsored by the Royal Danish Embassy. Beyond shopping for textiles, jewelry, china, decorations and greenery, you can watch cooking demonstrations and snack on open-face sandwiches, pastries and candy. There will also be children’s activities including Lego and Plus-Plus.
Nov. 11 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at St. Elizabeth’s Church, 917 Montrose Road, Rockville. Admission is FREE!
Match Dot Bomb
Tired of going on blind dates with guys only to learn they have no sense of humor? A charity bachelor auction called Match Dot Bomb might just be the solution. Six male comedians will perform stand-up routines. Afterward, attendees can bid during a silent auction on the bachelor they’d most like to go on a date with. All proceeds from bids, as well as a voluntary donation at the door, will be donated to hurricane relief efforts in Puerto Rico.
Nov. 11 at 8 p.m. at The Wonderland Ballroom, 1101 Kenyon St. NW. Admission is FREE, but donations are requested for Puerto Rican relief efforts.
Nothing to Lose (But Our Chains)
Comedian Felonious Munk stars in the hilarious production Nothing to Lose (But Our Chains) that incorporates his own harrowing backstory. From the creators of last year’s Black Side of the Moon comes this tale of an African-American man who went from six years in prison to a six-figure job to a career in satire and activism. Expect laughs and plenty of thought-provoking moments during this Second City production.
Nov. 11-Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 3 p.m. Saturday and 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday at Woolly Mammoth Theatre, 641 D St. NW. Tickets are $20-$76.
Ongoing Events
Ai Weiwei: Trace from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through Jan. 1, 2018, at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Seventh Street and Independence Avenue SW. Admission is FREE!
Alcina at 7 p.m. on Nov. 11, 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 14 and 17, and 2 p.m. on Nov. 19 at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F St. NW. Tickets are $69-$195.
Anthony and Cleopatra through Nov. 19 at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and 7 p.m. Sunday at the Folger Theatre, 201 East Capitol St. SE. Tickets are $35-$79.
Architecture of an Asylum: St. Elizabeths 1852-2017 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday through Jan. 15, 2018, at the National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for seniors, students and children.
Beautiful Blooms: Flowering Plants on Stamps daily from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. through July 14 at the National Postal Museum, 2 Massachusetts Ave. NE. Admission is FREE!
The Book of Mormon through Nov. 19 at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and 1:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F St. NW. Tickets are $59-$229.
Divine Felines: Cats of Ancient Egypt daily from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. through Jan. 15 at the Freer|Sackler Galleries, 1050 Independence Ave. SW. Admission is FREE!
The First Lady of Song: Ella Fitzgerald at 100 from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily through April 2, 2018, at the National Museum of American History, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. Admission is FREE!
The Faces of Battle: Americans at War, 9/11 to Now from 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. daily through Jan. 28, 2018, at the National Portrait Gallery, Eighth and F Streets NW. Admission is FREE!
FINAL WEEKEND! Fantasy in Japan Blue daily through Nov. 12 from 10 a.m.-closing at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Perform Arts’ Hall of Flags, 2700 F St. NW. Admission is FREE!
Ilya and Emilia Kabakov: The Utopian Projects from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily through Mar. 4, 2018, at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Seventh Street and Independence Ave. SW. Admission is FREE!
Marlene Dietrich: Dressed for the Image from 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. daily through Apr. 15, 2018, at the National Portrait Gallery, Eighth and F Streets NW. Admission is FREE!
Murder Is Her Hobby: Frances Glessner Lee and the Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Renwick Gallery, 1700 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Admission is FREE!
Pajama Game through Dec. 24 at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday, 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW. Tickets are $50-$99.
Parallax Gap from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. daily through Feb. 11, 2018, at the Renwick Gallery, Pennsylvania Avenue at 17th Street NW. Admission is FREE!
Rick Araluce: The Final Stop daily from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. through Jan. 28 at the Renwick Gallery, 1700 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Admission is FREE!
Subodh Gupta: Terminal daily from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. through 2020 at the Freer|Sackler Galleries, 1050 Independence Ave. SW. Admission is FREE!
The Sweat of Their Face: Portraying American Workers daily from 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. through Sept. 3 at the National Portrait Gallery, Eighth and F Streets NW. Admission is FREE!
Tamayo: The New York Years daily from 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. through Mar. 18 at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Eighth and F Streets NW. Admission is FREE!
Vermeer and the Masters of Genre Painting: Inspiration and Rivalry from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday through Jan. 21 at the National Gallery of Art, Sixth Street and Constitution Avenue NW. Admission is FREE!
What Absence Is Made Of daily from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. through the summer of 2019 at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, 7th Street and Independence Avenue Sw. Admission is FREE!
Editor-in-Chief Mark Heckathorn is a journalist, movie buff and foodie. He oversees DC on Heels editorial operations as well as strategic planning and staff development. Reach him with story ideas or suggestions at dcoheditor (at) gmail (dot) com.