It’s May, and the weather this weekend is supposed to be sunny and warm with temperatures in the 70s. It will be a perfect weekend for the many outdoor activities including the National Cathedral’s annual Flower Mart, Passport D.C.’s annual embassy tours, the Redskins’ Draft Day Party at FedEx Field, the Funk Parade and the fourth annual Running of the Chihuahuas at The Wharf. For foodies, you can eat sample foods at the National Harbor Wine & Food Festival, Taste of 8th, Taste of Dupont and the Bloody Mary Festival. There are plenty of indoor events too.

This weekend, Blue and Silver line trains will operate at regular intervals. Green and Red line trains will operate every 15 minutes, with Red Line trains operating every 10 minutes from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. between Grosvenor and Silver Spring. Orange Line trains will operate every 18 minutes. Buses will replace Yellow Line trains between Huntington and King Street with Yellow Line trains operating at regular intervals between Franconia-Springfield and Mount Vernon Square. Express buses between King Street and Huntington will add an additional 15 minutes, while local buses between King Street and Huntington with a stop at Eisenhower Avenue will add 10 extra minutes per station.

Visitors to the National Harbor Wine & Food Festival on the piers in 2013. (Photo: Trigger Agency)

National Harbor Wine & Food Festival

The eighth annual National Harbor Wine & Food Festival returns to the National Harbor waterfront and is tent-covered. This year’s festival includes more than 150 international, regional and local wines, spirits and beers. Sample all of the varieties as well as purchase them by the glass or bottle. There is a Cinco de Mayo pavilion, special craft beer tasting bier garten experience, whiskey and bourbon tasting, three stages of live music and more. A cooking stage will include appearances by chef Scott Drewno of The Source by Wolfgang Puck, chef Mike Isabella of Graffiato and chef Victor Albisu of Del Campo on Saturday, and chef Marjorie Meek-Bradley of Roofers Union, chef Bryan Voltaggio of Volt/Range restaurant, and chef Rahman “Rock” Harper winner of Hell’s Kitchen.

May 2 and 3 from noon-6 p.m. at the National Harbor.waterfront, 137 National Plaza, Oxen Hill. Admission is $55 on Saturday and $45 on Sunday at the gate and includes a souvenir wine glass unlimited samples, cooking demonstrations and workshop. VIP admission is $85 on Saturday and $75 on Sunday at the gate and includes an extra hour of sampling and access to VIP area.

The National Cathedral’s annual plant festival is back this weekend. (Photo: Carol Ross Joynt)

Flower Mart

Each year, the Washington National Cathedral’s annual Flower Mart attracts 20,000 visitors who come to enjoy the grounds and gardens. This year’s Flower Mart celebrates Asia. Shop for plants, enjoy diverse food and enjoy puppet shows, rides on the 1890s wooden carousel and entertainment for the whole family. On Saturday, you can climb the Cathedral bell tower’s 333 steps for $10. Tours will be given every half hour between 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. except at noon.

May 1 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and May 2 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW. Admission is FREE!
 
 
 

Around the World Embassy Tour

A Peruvian band plays outside the embassy during the 2014 open house. (Photo: Mark Heckathorn/DC on Heels)

Travel the world and experience the food, art, dance, fashion, music, innovations and manufactured goods from different countries without leaving D.C. This year, 42 embassies will open their doors for the Around the World Embassy Tour sponsored by Cultural Tourism D.C., allowing guests to pet alpacas, play with robots, learn indigenous dances and more. Many of the embassies are within walking distance of the Dupont Circle and Van Ness metro stations. Some embassies require ID. Next Saturday is the European Union embassies’ open house.

May 2 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at 42 embassies including Japan, Kenya, Bahamas, Korea, Bolivia, Morocco, Brazil, Costas Rica, Pakistan, Peru, Fiji, Qatar an Venezuela. Admission is FREE!

Explore space and meet an astronaut at the National Air & Space Museum’s Space Day on Saturday. (Photo: National Air & Space Museum)

Space Day

Find out what it is like to live and work in space from astronauts Patrick Forrester and Paolo Nespoli at the Smithsonian’s Space Day You can also learn about spacesuits and the tools used by astronauts and participate in STEM-inspired hands-on activities.

May 2 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the National Air and Space Museum, 6th Street and Independence Avenue SW. Admission is FREE!
 
 

Redskins Draft Day Party

Fan’s pose with the Redskins’ three Super Bowl trophies at the 2014 draft day party. (Photo: Redskins)

It’s time for the NFL draft, and the Washington team is throwing its Redskins Draft Day Party. The free event at FedEx Field includes appearances by players including Robert Griffin III, Dexter Manley, Ricky Irvins, Gary Clark and more. Wale is expected to perform between 12:30-1 p.m. Other events include live music and a performance by the Redskins Marching Band, passing and kicking contests, tours of the team’s locker room, pictures with the three Super Bowl trophies, rock climbing, hands-on tutorials, the debut of the 2015 Redskins cheerleaders, autograph sessions, a draft day scavenger hunt and free giveaways. Some food concessions will be open.

May 2 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at FedEx Field, 1600 FedEx Way, Landover. Parking lots open at 10 a.m., stadium gates open at 11 a.m. Entry is through the Comcast Sportsnet Gate (H) next to the Hall of Fame store. Parking and admission are FREE! Register online.

Funk Parade

A marching band leads last year’s Funk Parade. (Photo: Ted Eytan)

Saturday’s Funk Parade is actually an all-day festival with a street fair, the parade, a music festival and an after party. The day kicks off with the street fair from noon-5 p.m. in parking lots and alleyways along U Street between 15th Street and Vermont Avenue NW. You’ll find performances and workshops, including a guitar jam session, a songwriting class and hand dancing. The parade takes place from 5-7 p.m. Performers and pedestrians along with four marching bands – three from local schools and one from Brooklyn — will assemble at Florida Avenue and T Street NW, then proceed down T Street, north on Vermont Avenue, then west down U Street. A music festival with free concerts at 14 venues around the U Street including U Street Music Hall and DC9 from 7-10 p.m. The day winds down with an after party at the Howard Theater featuring Lee Field and the Expressons.

May 2 from noon-midnight at various venues in along the U Street corridor. Admission is FREE except the after party, which is $30.

Fruhlingsfest

Spring is here, which means it’s time for this year’s Fruhlingsfest at the Heurich House. The fun includes a May pole, scavenger hunts for the kids, face painting, live music, ice cream-making, a pig roast and beer from Virginia’s Old Ox Brewery.

May 2 from 1-4 p.m. at Heurich House, 1307 New Hampshire Ave. NW. Admission for people ages 13 and older is $20 online or at the door. Children 2-12 are $5. Admission includes unlimited food and non-alcoholic drinks. Guests 21 and older also receive two beer tickets.

Taste of 8th

Taste of 8th returns to Barracks Row on Saturday. (Photo: Barracks Row Main Street)

Once a year it’s possible to eat at just about every restaurant on Barracks Row in one afternoon. At Taste of 8th, more than 25 restaurants serve tapas-sized portions of their most famous dishes. If you already have a favorite dining spot or two on the Barracks Row, this is the perfect opportunity to check out some others. The food will take you from Ireland to Belgium, back to the United States, on to Korea and beyond. A menu by course of what every restaurant will be serving will be available during the event to plan a course-by-course, country-by-country sampling.

May 2 from 1-4 p.m. along Barracks Row, Eighth Street SE. Tickets are $20 for a pack of five online or at 8th and G Streets SE in front of Spring Mill Bread.

Taste of Dupont

Sample food from Dupont restaurant at Taste of Dupont on Saturday. (Photo: Dupont Circle Main Streets)

Kore

During Taste of Dupont, Dupont Circle restaurants will showcase their favorite appetizers, entrees, drinks and desserts. The progressive restaurant event allows patrons to explore neighborhood eateries by hopping from place to place with tasting tickets to enjoy the best Dupont restaurants have to offer.

May 2 from 2-5 p.m. around Dupont Circle. Tasting tickets are $5 each or five for $20 in advance. Tickets go on sale at 1 p.m. on the west side of the circle.

Korean Film Festival D.C.

The Satellite Girl and Milk Cow kicks off Korean Film Festival D.C. at 2 p.m. on Sunday at the Freer Gallery. (Photo: Freer Gallery)

The Korean Film Festival D.C. featuring 17 Korean films kicks off with a full day of activities for the whole family from 11 a.m-4 p.m. at the Smithsonian’s Freer Gallery. Explore the richness of Korean culture through hands-on activities such as a Korean kite making workshop, learning to play jegichagi, an animated film, gallery conversations, a cooking demonstration by Jae Ok Chang and dance performances. Sunday’s film, The Satellite Girl and Milk Cow will be shown at 2 p.m.

May 3-June 25 at various times at the Freer Gallery of Art, Independence Avenue at 12th Street SW, or the AFI Silver Theatre, 8633 Colesville Road, Silver Spring. Admission at the Freer is FREE! Admission at AFI Silver is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $7 for children online or at the door. Click here to see the full schedule and purchase tickets.

Running of the Chihuahuas

Chihuahuas race during the 2013 Running of the Chihuahuas. This year’s event takes place Sunday at The Wharf. (Photo: Getty Images)

It’s time for the fourth annual Running of the Chihuahuas. The stubby dogs will be racing for $500 in cash and prizes in contests including speediest dog, as well as all-breed contests for best dressed and best trick. Registration is $20 with proceeds going to Rural Dog Rescue. Hand Painted Swinger will perform live. Cornona and Corona Light will be for sale along with food from Red Hook Lobster Truck, Sol Mexican and Captain Cookie. An after party will be held at Cantina Marina on the waterfront with dogs welcome.

May 3 from 1-4 p.m. at The Wharf, Water Street SE between Sixth and Seventh Streets on the Southeast Waterfront. Admission is FREE!

The Bloody Mary Festival

Guests sample Bloody Marys at the Bloody Mary Festival. (Photo: The Bloody Mary Festival)

Sure, you’ve had a Bloody Mary, but have you had the chance to sample a dozen different Bloody Marys in one sitting? At The Bloody Mary Festival, you’ll get three hours of unlimited drinking along with sliders from Rocklands BBQ, live music and Crunkcakes. Participating bars and restaurants include Hank’s Oyster Bar, Del Campo, Range, The Heights, Founding Farmers, Pearl Diver Oyster Palace, Rebellion, The Source, Tico, Buffalo & Bergen, Glover’s Pepper Sauce, Gordy’s Pickle Jar and George’s Bloody Mary Mix. Guests will vote for “The Best Bloody Mary in D.C.”

May 3 from 1-4 p.m. at Blind Whino, 700 Delaware Ave. SW. Admission is $50 online.

Listen to Your Mother D.C.

Being a mother can be a thankless job. It’s also a subject ripe for artistic inspiration. At Listen to Your Mother D.C., local storytellers will offer live readings on the humor, frustration and pride that go along with motherhood. Invite your mom and share a laugh.

May 3 from 2-4 p.m. at National Geographic, 1600 M St. NW. Admission is $15 online or at the door. Tickes at the door are credit card only.

It’s St. Patrick’s Day weekend, and with rain forecast for Friday and Saturday, many people will spend their weekend in the nearest pub drinking green beer and pretending they’re Irish. At least the temperatures are finally starting to warm up as Spring finally approaches. Although the late cold temperatures have pushed the peak bloom of the cherry blossom trees back to Apr. 11-14, there’s plenty to do this weekend inside and out. Saturday probably won’t be a good day for runners or spectators at the Rock ‘n Roll Marathon, but the weather is supposed to clear up for the D.C. St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday.

This weekend, Red, Orange and Yellow line trains will operate at regular intervals, with Yellow Line trains running only to/from Mount Vernon Square instead of Fort Totten. Blue Line trains will operate normally between Franconia-Springfield and Stadium-Armory, and Silver Line trains will operate normally between Wiehle-Reston East and Stadium-Armory. However at Largo Town Center, Morgan Boulevard, Addison Road, Capitol Heights and Benning Road, trains on both lines will arrive and depart about every 20 minutes. On Saturday, Metrorail system will open two hours early — at 5 a.m. –for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon.

“UTZ: Adams Morgan Bus Stop” is one of five Best of Show winners at this year’s Exposed D.C. (Photo: Denzil Spicer)

Exposed D.C.

The ninth annual Exposed D.C. photography show, which opened Thursday at the new Capital Fringe headquarters, uses the work of local photographers of all skill levels to “tell the story of living, working and loving in this city that is so much more than a collection of monuments.” The 42 photographs tell the story of the Washington, D.C. area, not as a political venue or tourist destination, but as a place where people live, work and love every day. All prints in the show are for sale.

Mar. 14 from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at 1358 NE, 1358 Florida Ave. NE. The exhibit will also be open Mar. 20 and 28 from 6-8 p.m. and the closing reception on Apr. 11 from 4-8 p.m. Admission is FREE!

The New African Film Festival

Triangle — Coming to America is one of the featured films at the AFI Silver Theatre’s New African Film Festival. (Photo: New World Solutions)

The New African Film Festival, which highlights the continent’s best new cinema returned Thursday to the AFI Silver. Standout films include Triangle – Going to America, the opening night selection which will also screen Saturday at 6:30 p.m., about two men who fall in love with the same woman as the trio travel from East Africa through Libya, Italy and Mexico to eventually make it to America. Stories of Our Lives Friday at 5:30 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. is a documentary about LGBT people living in Kenya; The Samaritans, which screens Saturday at 5 p.m. and Wednesday at 7:10 p.m., is a mockumentary about an annoying, incompetent American heading up one of the 4,000 NGOs operating in Kenya.

Through Mar. 19 at various times at the AFI Silver Theatre, 8633 Colesville Road, Sliver Spring. Adult admission is $12 per movie, seniors are $10 and children are $7. Click here for the schedule and to purchase tickets.

Iberian Suite: Global Arts Remix

Eugenia Leon will perform at the Kennedy Center’s Iberian Suite on Saturday and Sunday at 8 p.m. (Photo: Kennedy Center)

The Kennedy Center’s three-week long Iberian Suite: Global Arts Remix continues this week. The festival of theater, dance, music, visual arts, literature, design, cuisine and film highlights the many cultures that comprise the Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking peoples. The Iberian Peninsula is home to Portugal and Spain, which laid claim to much of North and South America, and coastal Africa long before Britain began exploring new worlds. Visual arts are highlighted in exhibitions and installations around the building, and additional events focus on literature, film, cuisine and more. Highlights this weekend include the exclusive U.S. exhibition of “Picasso Ceramist and the Mediterranean,” a selection of more than 140 of Pablo Picasso’s ceramic pieces through Mar. 22; Eugenia Leon, the internationally renowned songstress and Mexican cultural icon on Mar. 14 and 15; and Carmen Souza, a jazz and world singer returns with a mix of West African rhythms and contemporary jazz on Mar. 16;

Through Mar. 24 at various times at the Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW. The full schedule is available here. Tickets range from FREE to $100.

Orchid Month at Hillwood

It’s orchid month at Hillwood Museum, Estate and Gardens. (Photo: Hillwood)

March is Orchid Month at Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens. Surround yourself with the warmth and fragrance of Hillwood’s greenhouse this winter and see hundreds of orchids blooming in concert. With a greater number and variety of orchids in bloom during March than any other season, a month-long focus on the exotic beauties features workshops, tours and colorful displays. All month long visitors can get behind the scenes of the working greenhouse with Jason Gediek, head of design operations, and learn more about its history, Marjorie Post’s infatuation with orchids and the exotic blooms and fragrances on display at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tuesdays, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Fridays and 12:30 p.m. Saturdays included with admission. This Friday from 1-3 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m.-noon, attend the hands-on workshop “To Repot or Not.” Orchids need to be repotted every 1-2 years. Each type of plant requires a different potting material and technique. Your plant will leave this workshop with a “good home” and reward you with years of gorgeous flowers. Cost is $30 or $25 for Hillwood members. Advance registration is required. Today from 1-3 p.m. and Sunday from 1:30-3:30 p.m., learn how to get your to rebloom in another hands-on workshop. Learn how to care for your orchid in order to get more flowers. Orchids can last for decades and offer countless blooms during their lifetime. Take an orchid or two from your collection and get specific pointers on everything from watering and pruning to the proper light and fertilizer. Cost is $30 or $25 for Hillwood members. Advance registration is required. From 1:30-3:30 on Saturday, there will be a workshop on “Three Unique and Easy to Grow Orchids for Your Home” covering everything you need to know about dendrobiums, oncidums and paphiopedalums (Lady Slippers). These orchids are guaranteed to be easy to grow in a home environmnent while providing long-lasting beautiful flowers. Cost is $30 or $25 for members. Advance registration is required.

Through March at various times at Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, 4155 Linnean Ave. NW. Click here for a full schedule or to purchase tickets.

When You Wish

The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C. salutes the world of animation this weekend including School House Rock. (Photo: James Dillon O’Rouke)

The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C. presents When You Wish, a sassy, campy salute to music from the world of animation. The show features the music from Disney, School House Rock, Saturday morning cartoons and more. The chorus will bring back memories of your favorite cartoons, but with a twist only it can provide. With tap dancers, drag queens, consumes and a sing-a-long as part of the fun, you won’t want to miss this over-the-top, outrageous concert.

Mar. 13 at 8 p.m. and Mar. 14 at 3 and 8 p.m. at the Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U St. NW. Tickets are $29-$63 online or at the box office.
 
 
 
 
 

Happy Pi Day

Pi pie (Photo: Pillsbury)

No matter how you celebrate it – pizza pie or cherry pie — Pi Day occurs every Mar. 14. This Saturday at 9:26:53 a.m. and p.m. will be a once-in-a-century event because the year and time line up with the digits of pi that follow 3.14 (1592653). To celebrate, Dog Tag Bakery, 3206 Grace St. NW, the Georgetown bakery run by veterans, will donate proceeds from its mini apple pies to Blue Star Families, an organization that aids veterans’ transitions to civilian life. At Dangerously Delicious Pies H Street location, slices will be $3.14 from 9-11 a.m.and 8-10 p.m. The Chinatown location, normally closed weekends, will give a surprise to anyone placing an order at 9:26:53 a.m. or p.m. And, One Eight Distilling, 1135 Okie St. NE, will give free tours of the distillery from 1-4 p.m. along and offer slices of pie for purchase from Whisked!

Mar. 14 and bakeries and pizzerias across the DMV.

Rock ‘n Roll Marathon

The start of the 2014 Rock ‘n Roll Marathon. (Photo: Marathon Photo)

The Rock ‘n Roll Marathon is back with runners traveling through the city starting on Constitution Avenue NW and finishing at RFK Stadium. The finish line festival is from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. at RFK Statdium’s Lot 7. The awards program will be from 10:30-10:45 a.m. followed by Beter than Ezra from 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. The Cheaters will perform from 8:30-10:15 a.m. and 12:30-1:30 p.m. The northbound and southbound rams from 295 to Pennsylvania Avenue will be closed from 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and the southbound ramp from East Capitol Street to 295 will be closed from 6:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. A list of road closures is available http://cdn.runrocknroll.competitor.com/files/2015/02/Copy-of-RnR-USA15-RCG-final-2-11-15.pdf here. Also, there will be a FREE health and fitness expo at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center from noon-7 p.m. on Thursday and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on Friday with more than 80 exhibitors offering free samples and showcasing the latest in running gear, sports apparel, and health and nutritional information.

Mar. 14 starting at 7:30 a.m. at Constitution Avenue and 14th Street NW. The 5K starts at RFK Stadium’s Lot 7. The marathon, half marathon and 5K all end at RFK Stadium Lot 7. Admission for spectators is FREE!

Women in Aviation and Space Family Day

Learn about women in aviation and space exploration this Saturday at the Steven F. Udvar Hazy Center. (Photo: Smithsonian)

Join the Smithsonian’s Air and Space Museum for its Women in Aviation and Space Family Day, a family day that celebrates the accomplishments of women in aviation and space exploration. From the days of the earliest pilots to today’s space program women have been making significant contributions. During this event, visitors will have the opportunity to meet female role models and learn about the women who inspired them including USAF Col. (Sel.) Nicole Malachowski, the first female pilot selected to fly in the Thunderbirds Demonstration Squadron at 12:30 p.m. and USMCR Maj. (Ret.) Monica Marusceac, the second female AV-8 Harrier Jet pilot at 1:30 p.m. Visitors can also make a Lockheed Vega, and visit discovery stations and a flight simulator; take a paper airplane design challenge.

Mar. 14 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Steven F. Udvar Hazy Center, 14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway, Chantilly. Admission is FREE, parking is $15.

Smudge! Comics Arts Expo

A comic from Cuddles and Rage. (Photo: Cuddles and Rage)

The second annual Smudge! Comics Arts Expo showcases independent comics and inspires attendees to become storytellers themselves. More than 50 local comics creators will be on hand. Browse and buy comics-related art or try your hand at making comics. Check out presentations in the Black Box Theater and free classes in the Education Lab. Plus, there will be screenings of comics-related documentaries in the Dome Theatre.

Mar. 14 from noon-6 p.m. at Artisphere, 1101 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. The complete schedule is http://www.smudgexpo.com/programming/ here. Admission is FREE!
 
 
 

Mingering Mike’s Supersonic Rewind Dance Party

Mingering Mike’s Supersonic Rewind Dance Party is a throwback dance. (Illustration: Mingering Mike)

Mingering Mike’s Supersonic Rewind Dance Party is a throwback dance party with a DJ spinning the soul hits of the 60s and 70s and live music from The Vybe Band that influenced Mingering Mike. Meet the artist Mingering Mike and check out his self-made album covers, put on your best 70s look for the photo booth and make your own album covers inspired by the exhibition, Mingering Mike’s Supersonic Greatest Hits.

Mar. 14 from 5-8 p.m. at the Smithsonian American Art Museum Kogod Courtyard, 8th and G Streets NW. Admission is FREE!
 
 
 
 

44th annual D.C. St. Patrick’s Day Parade

A pipe and drum band in the 2012 D.C. St. Patrick’s Day Parade. (Photo: S. Pakhrin/Wikimedia)

More than 100 marching bands, piper and drum bands, Irish dancers, military units, dance schools and decorated floats will fill the 44th annual D.C. St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The best views to see the entertainment is near the judges’ stand between 15th and 16th Streets.

Mar. 15 from noon-2:30 p.m. along Constitution Avenue between Seventh and 17th Streets NW Admission is FREE! Reserved seats in the grandstand are $15 each.

The DMV is in the midst of a winter freeze. With snow forecast for Saturday and sub-freezing temperatures forecast for all weekend, we’ve put together a list of events you can do indoors while keeping warm. There are film festivals, plays, music and all kinds of events.

This weekend, Orange, Silver, Blue, Yellow and Green line trains will operate every 16 minutes. Red Line trains will run every 20 minutes between Shady Grove and Glenmont and every 10 minutes between Shady Grove and Dupont Circle and between Glenmont and Judiciary Square every 10 minutes between 9 a.m.-9 p.m. The Bethesda station will be closed with shuttle bus service every 5-10 minutes between Bethesda and Medical Center stations. Red Line travelers should allow an extra 15 minutes.

Hector Noguerra and Nestro Guzzini star in Mr. Kaplan, the closing night film at the D.C. Jewish Film Festival. (Photo: Memento Films)

Washington Jewish Film Festival

The Washington Jewish Film Festival is celebrating its 25th year this year. The lineup for this year’s festival, which opened Thursday and runs through Mar. 1, blends new movies with some of the past festivals’ most memorable films like 1975’s Hester Street and Francois Truffaut’s 1890 The Last Metro. The goal is the represent the best in Jewish film – a movie that changes, alters, educates or otherwise concerns the Jewish experience regardless of the nationality/religion of directors, producers or actors. The closing feature is Mr. Kaplan, a Uruguayan film in Spanish with English subtitles from director Álvaro Brechner. After fleeing Europe for Uruguay during World Ware II, Jacob Kaplan built a quiet life. Now 76, he begins to question his worth. After learning of a mysterious German prowling the shores of a nearby beach, he becomes convinced that he’s found a Nazi in hiding and plans to expose him. Click http://www.wjff.org/schedule/ here to see the full schedule.

Through Mar.1 at various times and venues including the D.C. Jewish Community Center, Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington in Rockville, the Goethe-Institut and AFI Silver Theatre along with some smaller venues. An all-access VIP festival pass good for every screening is $225, a 25th WJFF festival pass for all films except opening and closing nights, film centerpiece evenings, spotlight evening and silent films with live music is $125, and regular screenings are $12. Opening/closing/centerpiece evenings cost $30, spotlight evening is $40 and slilent films with live music is $18. Tickets are available online and at the box office.

Atlas Intersections Festival

Pinot & Augustine will perform Feb. 21 at 1 p.m. at the Atlas Intersections Festival. (Photo: Happenstance Theater)

The Atlas Intersections Festival brings cutting-edge collaborations, intriguing new works, community celebrations, family-friendly shows and fresh new ways of making art to the H Street corridor. There are more than 100 concerts, plays, dance, plays, clowns, workshops, trivia and more featuring artists from D.C. and beyond. This weekend’s performances include several free events. See the full schedule http://www.atlasarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/INTERSECTIONS-2015-Festival-Schedule.pdf here.

Weekends through Mar. 7 at various times at the Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. Prices range from free to $27.50. Tickets are available online or at the box office.

Harry Connick Jr.

Harry Connick Jr. performs at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday at Strathmore. (Photo: Strathmore)

Harry Connick, Jr. will perform two shows in the Music Center at Strathmore this weekend. The shows will feature music from Connick’s vast musical catalog, including songs from his most recent releases Smokey Mary and Every Man Should Know. Connick has released 29 albums, won three Grammy Awards and two Emmy Awards, and garnered sales of 28 million.

Feb. 20 and 21 at 8 p.m. at the Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda. Tickets range from $65-$225 online or at the box office.
 
 
 

24-Hour Best Picture Marathon

AMC Loews Georgetown 14 will show all eight Best Picture nominees starting at 10 a.m. Saturday. (Photo: Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science)

Only the bravest of cinema buffs can handle the endurance test that is AMC’s 24-Hour Best Picture Marathon during which you watch every film nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars in one sitting. The AMC in Georgetown is hosting this year’s event locally, with the eight-film slate beginning Saturday at 10 a.m. with Boyhood followed by The Theory of Everything at 1:05 p.m. Bridman at 3:30 p.m., Selma at 5:50 p.m., American Sniper at 9 p.m., The Imitation Game at 11:30 p.m. and Whiplash at 1:45 a.m. Things wrap up just before dawn after the 3:45 a.m. screening of The Grand Budapest Hotel. It’s probably best that you hade home for a nap. After all, coverage of the Academy Awards starts a few hours later at 7 p.m.

Feb. 21 starting at 10 a.m. at AMC Loews Georgetown 14, 3111 K St. NW. Tickets are $65 for all eight movies.

Play in a Day

Imagination Stage’s team performs their play last year. (Photo: Bethesda Urban Partnership_

Six professional theatre companies from the DMV – Adventure Theatre MTC, American Ensemble Theater, Flying V, Imagination Stage, Olney Theater and Round House Theater – will write, direct, rehearse and perform original plays based on similar themes in only 24 hours. The plays will be presented at the 10th annual Play in a Day, a one-of-a kind theatrical event. Play in a Day kicks off on Friday evening, when playwrights and directors come together to receive their assigned themes and props. Playwrights then work the night to create their 10-minute masterpieces. As the sun comes up, rehearsals begin as teams of directors and actors prepare anxiously to make the 8 p.m. performance deadline on Saturday.

Feb. 21 at 8 p.m. at Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda. Tickets are $15 each online.

Oscar Viewing Parties

Neil Patrick Harris hosts the Oscars Sunday night beginning at 7 p.m. on ABC. (Photo: Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science)

Washington Film Society hosts Live on the Big Screen at Arlington Cinema ‘N’ Drafthouse with doors opening at 7:30 p.m. for the red carpet. Local movie critics Bill Henry and Tim Gordon will host the night that includes trivia contests, giveaways, a “predict the winners” contest and a silent auction.

Feb. 22 starting at 7:30 p.m. at Arlington Cinema ‘N’ Drafthouse, 2903 Columbia Pike., Arlington. Tickets are $16 for members and $21 for non-members online until 11 a.m. or $1 less with cash at the door.

Kimpton Hotels’ Helix Lounge, 1 hosts its annual Oscars Happy Hour from 5-11 p.m. The awards ceremony will be shown on a 46-inch flat-screen television. There will be food and drink specials including cocktails dedicated to Oscar nominees such as “The Codebreaker” inspired by The Imitation Game with Broker’s Gin, Earl Grey tea and simple syrup; “Mendl’s Cocktail au Chocolat” inspired by The Grand Budapest Hotel; and a Red Carpet Cosmo. There will also be burger sliders throughout the evening.

Feb. 22 from 5-11 p.m. at Helix Lounge, 1430 Rhode Island Ave. NW. Admission is FREE!

Commissary’s 4th Annual Oscar Party features a wall-size projection screen, multiple televisions and kicks off with an extended Red Carpet Happy Hour from 4-8 p.m. with one free cocktail per person and free popcorn. Drink specials include the bourbon-based “Bullseye,” a nod to American Sniperand “A Simple Equation” made with George Dickel No. 1 white whiskey and inspired by The Theory of Everything. Special dishes include “magic bean and beef stew” inspired by Into the Woods and “Boy with Apple Turnovers” inspired by Grand Budapest Hotel.

Feb. 22 from 4-11 p.m. at Commissary, 1443 P St. NW. Admission is FREE! For your own Meryl Streep moment, reserve one of 25 “premium” tickets for $49, which includes a seat in front of the screen beginning at 6 p.m., a three-course prix-fixe dinner and two cocktails.

Pumpkin Festival, Zombie Walk on Tap

Fall is in the DMV in full force with leaves turning yellows and orange, and starting to fill our yards. With only a week until Halloween, there’s plenty of holiday events from a Pumpkin Festival at Butler’s Orchards in Germantown and a Zombie Walk in Silver Spring, to a harvest festival at National Geographic to the annual High Heel Race on 17th Street NW. And of course, many bars will be celebrating with parties and crawls. There’s plenty other events on tap to fill your weekend too.

This weekend, Orange, Silver, Blue, Yellow and Green line trains will operate at regular weekend intervals, except at Greenbelt, Landover and New Carollton stations. The Greenbelt station will be closed, and buses will replace trains between Greenbelt and College Park. Travelers should allow an extra 15 minutes. At Landover and New Carrollton stations, trains will arrive and depart every 20-25 minutes between 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Red Line trains will operate every 24 minutes with additional trains running about every 12 minutes between Medical Center and NoMa-Gallaudet from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. On Sunday, Metrorail will open at 5 a.m. for the Marine Corps Marathon.

Visitors to Butler’s Orchard’s Pumpkin Festival can ride in a pumpkin carriage. (Photo: Alex Gladshtein/Flickr)

Pumpkin Festival

It’s time for Butler’s Orchard’s 34th annual Pumpkin Festival. Admission includes free hayrides, a twisted pumpkin corn maze, straw maze, a pumpkin coach ride (pictured above), pedal tractors, barnyard animals, giant slides, a corn home, a corn box, a spider web and admission to Pumpkinland along with live music. There is also a pumpkin cannon, pony rides, face painting and kids crafts for additional fees. Food for sale includes pit beet, cider, caramel apples, apple cider donuts and more.

Oct 25 and 26 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Butler’s Orchard, 222000 Davis Mill Road, Germantown, Md. Admission is $11. Children under 2 are free.

Craft 2 Wear

Alexandria artist Susan Sanders will be selling her bracelets at the Smithsonian’s Crafts 2 Wear. (Photo: Susan Sanders)

Craft 2 Wear is a show and sale of wearable art. Jewelry, clothing and accessories from over 50 craft artists, who have all be juried into past Smithsonian craft shows will be selling their wares.

Oct. 24 from 5:30-9 p.m., Oct. 25 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Oct. 26 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at the National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW. Admission is $65 for the advance chance party includes wine and a light buffet on Friday and $8 cash at the door Saturday and Sunday.
 
 

Walk to End HIV

Walks at the Start of last year’s AIDS Walk, now Walk to End HIV. (Photo: World on a Ping)

Formerly Aids Walk Washington, the Walk to End HIV is a fundraiser for Whitman-Walker Health. This year’s event includes both a 5K walk and run, traveling the same 5 kilometer route along sections of Pennsylvania Avenue NW and around part of the National Mall along Independence Avenue SW. The walk and run begin and end at Freedom Plaza. Same-day registration and other activities, including an “uplifting program of music, speakers and warm-up exercises,” precede the walk at Freedom Plaza at 13th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW. A post-walk celebration, including performances and awards, is scheduled to begin in Freedom Plaza at 10 a.m. Entertainment includes performances by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, Shi-Queeta Lee and Drag City, and Kaution Dance Kru.

Oct. 25 with registration, speakers and warm-up start at 7. a.m., the run starts at 9:15 a.m. and the walk steps off at 9:20 a.m. Walk registration is $25. Run registration is full. Admission is FREE!

Harvest Festival

A free Harvest Festival will be held at the National Geographic Museum. Admission to the Food exhibit is NOT included. (Photo: National Geographic Museum)

In conjunction with National Geographic’s exhibit “Food: Our Global Kitchen,” the museum will hold a daylong Harvest Festival that includes composting and pickling classes, cooking demonstrations and, of course, delicious food including samples from Sweetgreen, apple varieties from Arcadia, induldge in Nicecream Factory’s liquid nitrogen ice cream. You can make a smoothie using a bike-powered blender, help DC Central Kitchen make a garden in the bed of a pick-up truck and play food-related games.

Oct. 25 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the National Geographic Museum, 1145 17th St. NW. Admission is FREE!

Fall Frolic

Kids can decorate pumpkins Saturday at Glen Echo Park’s Fall Frolic. (Photo: Glen Echo Park)

Glen Echo Park Partnership hosts its annual Halloween-themed Fall Frolic. Visitors of all ages are invited to the park to explore the arts through hands-on crafts, Halloween activities, trick-or-treating and visiting open studios. It’s a safe and fun Halloween event with something for everyone! For the kids, there will be pumpkin decorating and face painting ($1 fee for pumpkin; $1 and $2 for face painting). All other craft activities and trick-or-treating are FREE! The Halloween celebration will conclude with a costume parade through the park at 3:30 p.m. (weather-permitting).

Oct. 25 from 1-4 p.m. at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, Md. Admission is FREE!

Silver Spring Zombie Walk

Silver Spring’s Zombie Walk and dance will happen Saturday night. (Photo: The Spider Hill/Flickr)

It’s the night of the walking dead as zombies invade Silver Spring during the Silver Spring Zombie Walk. The walk starts at Sligo Avenue and Georgia Avenue. After winding it way through downtown, the walk ends at the AFI Silver Theatre, which will show the 1985 classic Dead Snow 2: Red vs. Dead at 10:30 p.m. There will be a free Zombie Dance Party at Downtown Silver Spring at 8 p.m.

Oct. 25 starting at 9 p.m. at Sligo and Georgia Avenues. The walk and dance are free, movie admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $7 for children online or at the box office.

Gladys Knight

Gladys Knight performs at the Howard Theatre. (Photo: Gladys Knight)

The Empress of Soul returns to Washington on the heels of her new gospel album, Where My Heart Belongs. And even though she’s touring without the Pips, it doesn’t mean you won’t hear hits like Midnight Train to Georgia and I Heard It Through the Grapevine.

Oct 25 starting at 8 p.m. at Warner Theatre, 513 13th St. NW. Tickets are $102.50.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Marine Corps Marathon

The Marine Corps Marathon is Sunday starting on Route 110 between the Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery. (Photo: Jose Luis Magana/AP)

The Marine Corps Marathon is back this weekend taking participants on a 26.2 mile journey through Rosslyn, Georgetown, The Kennedy Center, The National Mall, West Potomac Park, Tidal Basin, Crystal City, the Pentagon, past Arlington National Cemetery to the finish line near the Marine Corps War Memorial. The Arlington Cemetery Metro Station will be closed until 8:30 a.m. Many streets will be closed also, some as early as Saturday. You can see the full list of street closures here.

Oct. 26 starting between the Pentagon and Arlington Cemetery on Route 110. Wheelchair and hand cycle participants will begin at 7:40 a.m. followed by runners at 7:55 a.m. Viewing is FREE!

Fashion Yards

Fashion Yards at Yards Park is back on Sunday with more vendors. (Photo: Gilt City)

After a successful summer edition, Fashion Yards returns for another gathering of fashion trucks and pop-up vendors. Organizers promise more menswear, shoes and unique accessories this go-ground. Fashion trucks include Pichardo Boutique, Tin Lizzy, Urban Pearl, Strut DC, Street Boutique, The Thread Truck and Craft Commons. Pop-up vendors include Bespoke Not Broke, The Pink Armoire, Duo DC, Evo Furniture Gallery, Bull and Moose, Stubble and Stache, Hippgyps, Carnelian Boutique, Handmade Habitat, Lettie Gooch, Reddz Trading, ADMK Jewelry, Saadia Arts, Typecase Industries, Rosies and Rockers, DeNada, The Vintageista and Dawn Price Baby.

Oct. 26 from 1-5 p.m. a the Yards Park, 300 Tingey St. SE. Admission is FREE!

High Heel Race

Drag queens will return to 17th Street NW on Tuesday for the annual High Heel Race. (Photo: Metro Weekly)

The 28th annual 17th Street High Heel Race brings together drag queens to run in high heels on 17th street between P and S streets NW near Dupont Circle. This tradition has occurred every year since 1986.

Oct. 28 with the parade starting and 7 p.m. and the race taking place at 9 p.m. Racers should sign in at Cobalt, 1639 R St. NW, and bring high heeled shoes that are at least two inches tall. Admission and registration are FREE!

Jason Derulo

Jason Derulo bring his Talk Dirty tour to the Fillmore on Tuesday. (Photo: Jason Derulo)

Jason Derulo is known for two things: emphatically singing his name during songs and emphatically singing about butts. But according to a recent Rolling Stone interview, the Wiggle and Talk Dirty singer isn’t going to do either for much longer. So if those are the things you love about the rising R&B star, you might want to catch him when he performs in Silver Spring on Tuesday.

Oct. 28 starting at 8 p.m. at the Fillmore, 8656 Colesville Road, Silverspring. Tickets are $43.

The heatwave should begin breaking today and the weekend temperatures are expected to be about 77 degrees on Saturday and 83 degrees on Sunday, great weather to get out and enjoy the many outdoor events in the DMV. But even if the 40 percent chance of rain materializes on Saturday, there are indoor events to keep you occupied.

On Metro, Green line trains will operate at regular weekend intervals. Red Line trains will run every 20 minutes between Shady Grove and Glenmont, with additional trains between Grosvenor and NoMa-Gallaudet during daytime hours. Orange, Blue and Yellow line trains will operate every 20 minutes. The Yellow line will only run to the Mount Vernon Square-Convention Center station and not to Fort Totten.

Attendees at the opening night film for AFI Docs. (Photo: AFI Docs)

AFI Docs documentary film festival

AFI Docs, formerly known as Silverdocs, is the American Film Institute’s annual five-day international documentary film festival. Celebrating its 12th year, films are shown in landmark venues in the DMV including the AFI Silver Theatre. Of the almost 2,000 documentaries submitted, 50 feature films and about 30 short are being screened. Some “catalyst” screenings, including ones on homeless youth, the Internet and skyrocketing college tuition, will include detailed panel discussions with filmmakers and experts afterwards. If you missed the opening screening of Holbrook/Twain: An American Odyssey, Holbrook’s award-winning one-man show Mark Twain Tonight!,you can catch it on Sunday at 4:15 p.m. at the Silver Theatre. The closing feature is Life Itself based on film critic Roger Ebert’s 2011 memoir of the same name, which will be screened at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the National Portrait Gallery.

Through June 22 at various locations including the AFI Silver Theatre, 8633 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, the Newseum, the Naval Heritage Center, the National Portrait Gallery, the National Archives and the Goethe Instiut, all in Penn Quarter. Tickets range from $11-$14.

Chris Kattan will perform a standup comedy routine at Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse. (Photo: NNDB)

Chris Kattan

Former Saturday Night Live cast member Chris Kattan — seen most recently on The Middle — hits the standup comedy circuit with four shows in Arlington. He appeared on SNL from 1995-2003 with recurring characters including Mr. Peepers, Mango, Azrael Abyss, Kyle DeMarco, Gay Hitler, Suel Forrester and, most notably, one half of the Butabi Brothers with fellow cast member Will Ferrell.

June 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. at Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse, 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington. Tickets cost $25 online or at the door.

Elikeh

Elikeh will perform at Topicalia. (Photo: John Shore)

The D.C.based http://elikeh.net/ Elikeh is performing at Tropicalia tonight. Elikeh is an Afropop band that specializes in the catchy melodies and infectious rhythms of West African popular music. The band uses elements of Togolese rhythms as a foundation for exploration into American-influenced blues, funk and rock.

June 20 at 8 p.m. at Tropicalia, 2001 14th St. NW. Tickets are $12 in advance online or $15 at the door.

Pixar in Concert

Clips from the movies will be shown as the National Symphony Orchestra plays music from Pixar movies. (Photo: San Francisco Synmpony)

The National Symphony Orchestra gets animated when it performs Pixar in Concert, the music from Pixar’s greatest films – Ratatouille, A Bug’s Life, Finding Nemo, WALL-E, Up, The Incredibles, Brave, Monsters, Inc., Monsters University, Cars and Toy Story and more – while scenes from the movies are projected onto screens outside and inside Wolf Trap.

June 20 at 8:30 p.m. at Wolf Trap’s Filene Center, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna. Tickets cost $30-$58 online or at the gate.

Safeway Barbecue Battle

Pennsylvania Avenue will become a barbecue battle this weekend. (Photo: Safeway Barbecue Battle)

The 22nd annual Safeway Barbecue Battle kicks off Saturday with an intensely heated and smoky competition among 41 of the nation’s best pitmasters vying for a $40,000 grand prize. Samples, beer and cooking demos will be plentiful and 30 bands will provide entertainment.

June 21 from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and June 22 from 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. on Pennsylvania Avenue NW between 9th and 14th Streets. Admission is $12 in advance and $14 at the gate.

Alexandria’s Food & Wine Festival

Taste food from local restaurants and sample wines from Virginia wineries at Alexandria’s Food & Wine Festival. (Photo: Alexandria’s Food & Wine Festival)

Alexandria’s Food & Wine Festival features tastes of local foods and wine, as well as artisans, a children’s corner and live entertainment. The event transforms John Carlyle Square into a lively festival venue. Sample food from local restaurants including Walker’s Grille, Alexandria Cupcake, Las Tasca, Hilton Old Town, Rita’s Ice, Trademark, Whole Foods, Delia’s and Rice & Spice and wines from Virginia wineries including Democracy Vineyard, Lake Anna Winery, Mattaponi Winery, Horton Winery and Unicorn Winery.

June 21 from noon-5 p.m. at John Carlyle Square, 300 John Carlyle St., Alexandria. Admission is free, but eight food tickets cost $20 (samples require a various number of tickets) and admission to the wine tasting test is an additional $20. Tickets are available on-site.

Mid Summer Wine Fest

Sample Maryland wines at the Mid Summer Wine Fest in Silver Spring. (Photo: Milk Lady Events)

At the fourth annual Mid Summer Wine Fest expect free wine samples from Maryland vineyards, live honkytonk, salsa dancing and snacks from local performers. There will also be a strong showing from local farmers as well as a Ukrainian virility dance performance.

June 21 from 2-7 p.m. at the B&O Station, 8100 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring. Admission is $31 in advance until 9 p.m. on June 20 and $39 after.
 
 

Geek Chic Fashion Show

Cosplay fashions will be features at the Geek Chic Fashion Show. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Fantom Comics and PollySue’s Vintage Shop team up to co-host the Geek Chic Fashion Show, a fashion show for geeks. Instead of high-fashion designers, models will be dressed in nerdy street styles, casual cosplay, steampunk couture, high-fashion superheros, tiny princess supervillains and more. Proceeds benefit Con or Bust, a non-profit that sends fans of color to science-fiction and fantasy conventions.

June 21 at 7 p.m. at St. Stephen and the Incarnation Episcopal Church, 1525 Newton St. NW. Admission is $5 at the door.

Bedroom Business

At Bedroom Business, professionals will give advice to improve your love life. (Photo: Twoology)

When’s the last time you had a bad bedroom experience? Why was it so bad? Was it you or your partner? Do you secretly struggle with how to improve your bedroom skills? Is there something you wish you knew how to do? Do you have a bedroom partner with a particular issue? Want to figure out how to talk to them about improving? At Bedroom Business: A Conversation for Men and Women, professionals will offer advice, products and workshops. There will also be a panel discussion about communication in the bedroom. Panelists include Dr. Richard Griffith, a licensed psychologist, Tunde Akinyeke, a blogger, Dr. Natasha St. Amand, a licensed professional therapist, and Lauren Williams, owner of The Bobby Pen blog.

June 22 from 3-6:30 p.m. at The Loft at 600 F, 600 F St. NW. Admission is $15 here.