Free Movies, Concerts and Theater on Tap

There’s only a few weeks left of Summer 2014, and it will be a perfect weekend to get out and take advantage of area events. From free concerts, to free movies, to free theater and more, there’s something for everyone happening in the DMV this weekend.

On Metro, the Takoma and Silver Sping stations will be closed beginning at 12:01 a.m. Saturday through closing on Sunday. Buses will replace Red Line trains between Fort Totten and Forest Glen. Riders should allow an extra 25 minutes on limited-stop busyes between Fort Totten and Forest Glen making one stop at Silver Spirng. Local buses will operate between Fort Totten and Forest Glen, making intermediate stops at Takoma and Silver Spring. Riders should add 10-12 minutes additional for each station stop. Trains will operate every 10 minutes between Shady Grove and Fort Totten and between Glenmont and Forest Glen. Silver and Green line trains will operate at regular weekend intervals. Orange and Blue line trains will operate every 20 minutes and Yellow Line trains will operate every 20 minutes between Huntington and Mount Vernon Square only.

Tysons Corner Center’s new outdoor plaza will host Friday night concerts through August. (Photo: Macerich)

Better Than Ezra concert

Better Than Ezra takes the stage on Tysons Corner Center’s new outdoor plaza tonight as part of the Fresh Artists Summer Concert Series. The opening act will be Stuart Lewis. Concerts continue Friday evenings through the end of the month. Performing Aug 22 is Andy Grammer and Jacquie Lee on Aug. 29. Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic. Lawn chairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis or you can take your own lawn chair or blanket. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis at the concierge desk on level 1 outside Macy’s and Starbucks beginning at 10 a.m.

Fridays through Aug. 29 starting at 7 p.m. at Tysons Corner Center’s new outdoor plaza, located on level 2 across from the Microsoft store, 1961 Chain Bridge Road, Tysons Corner. Admission is FREE, but limited to 1,500 people.

Let’s go to the fair

The Montgomery and Prince William county fairs continue through Sunday. (Photo: Prince William County Fair)

The Montgomery County Agricultural and Prince William County fairs are winding down this weekend after a week-long run. This is your last chance for an Italian sausage sandwich with grilled peppers and onions, fresh-squeezed lemonade, funnel cakes, candy apples or fried Oreos. There’s also animals, rides, games and more food. Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., the MoCo fair has demolition derbies, while the Prince William fair has monster truck shows both nights at 7 p.m.

Montgomery County Agricultural Fair through Aug. 16 from 10 a.m.-midnight at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds, 16 Chestnut St., Gaithersburg. The carnival area is open from noon-midnight. Admission is $10 online or at the gate, children 11 and younger are free. On-site parking is $10, but free parking and shuttle buses are available at the Lakeforest Mall.

Prince William County Fair through Aug. 16 starting at 5 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. Saturday and noon Sunday at the Prince William County Fairgrounds, 10624 Dumfries Rd., Manassas. Admission at the gate is $10, children 5-13 and seniors 60 or older are $5. Price includes parking.

Video game convention

Visitors can play in the free arcade at VGU Con. (Photo: Video Gamers United)

Gamers of all genres and ages should head to the Video Gamers United’s VGU Con this weekend at the convention center. The event brings together the top gamers, developers and minds in the video gaming industry. There will be panel discussions, keynote speakers, video game demos, gaming tournaments, cosplay contests, a celebrity charity event, a free arcade and more.

Aug. 16 and 17 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place NW. One-day tickets are $40, two-day tickets are $75 and children 10 and under are free. Tickets are available online or at the door.

Hot August Music Festival

The Hot August Music Festival features blues and roots music. (Photo: Tim Newby)

The Hot August Music Festival may have rebranded this year from the longer Hot August Blues & Roots Festival, but the music is still bluesy and rootsy. The undercard is a strong lineup of up-and-coming acts,such as roots rockers Sister Sparrow & the Dirty Birds, funky big band Turkuaz and bluegrass act Cabinet. But you’ll likely attend for one of the the headliners: Philadelphia-based indie rockers Dr. Dog, the reunited Nickle Creek or the band behind Wagon Wheel, Old Crow Medicine Show.

Aug. 16 from 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m. at Oregon Ridge Park, 13401 Beaver Dam Road, Cockeysville, Md. Tickets are $59 online. Parking is an additional $15.

Summer Wine & Peach Fest

The Summer Wine & Peach Fest features all things peach in Silver Spirng. (Photo: Milk Lady Events)

All things peachy (and all things local) collide at the Summer Wine & Peach Fest, which feature food, wine, beer and live music. Enjoy live entertainment on two stages including jazz, Celtic, rock, country and slam poets. Local craft beer finds its way via Maryland breweries along with the harvest of local peaches from local farmers in peach mango salsa, a peach BBQ sauce on pulled pork, peach/pistachio biscotti, peach nectar sparkling soda, cousin of peach apricot squares, peach-filled cupcakes, cobbler in a Jar and decorate your own wine glass with a peach!

Aug. 16 from 2-7 p.m. at the Historic Silver Spring B&O Station, 8100 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring. Tickets cost $10-$39 online or at the gate.

Movies on the Green

The Plaza at Tysons Corner Center will show free Saturday night movies until the end of August. (Photo: Macerich)

Hop on the Silver Line and head out to Tysons Corner Center’s new outdoor plaza for a free screening of Jaws at Movies on the Green. Enjoy evenings outside with friends and family through the end of the month while watching your favorite films on the mall’s new outdoor plaza on level 2 across from the Microsoft store. The series continues Aug 23 with Man of Steel and Aug. 30 with The Blind Side. Visitors are encouraged to bring picnics, but alcohol is not permitted. Lawn seating is available on a first-come, first-serve basis as are lawn chairs, or you can bring your own chairs and blankets.

Saturdays through Aug. 30 starting at 8 p.m. on the plaza at Tysons Corner Center across from the Microsoft store, 1961 Chain Bridge Road, Tysons Corner. Admission is FREE!

SynchroSwim 2014

Performers at the 2012 Synchroswim. (Photo: Huffington Post)

D.C.’s performance art explosion is taking to the pool with http://wpadc.org/synchroswim/ SynchroSwim 2014, the fourth presentation of Washington Project for the Arts’ synchronized swimming performance art competition. Typically, synchronized swimming demands advanced water skills and requires great strength, endurance, flexibility, grace, artistry and precise timing, as well as exceptional breath control. WPA’s SynchroSwim, celebrates creativity and enthusiasm! During the one-hour event, approximately six teams will perform short, unique routines set to musical compositions. Some may actually be synchronized, but the vast majority will be a free expression of creativity. Past performances have included a biting critique of BP’s role in the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, a celebration of the music of Van Halen, an excerpt from Fluid Movement’s Jason and the Aquanauts: 20,000 Legs Over The Sea and even a performance by an actual synchronized swimming team.

Aug. 17 at 5 p.m. at Capitol Skyline Hotel, 10 I St. SW. Admission is FREE beginning at 4:30 p.m.!

The Shakespeare Theatre Co. will offer free performances of The Winter’s Tale through the end of August. (Photo: Shakespeare Theatre)

Shakespeare Free For All

The Shakespeare Theatre Company’s annual Free For All, now in its 28th year is back. This year’s free show is a revival of The Winter’s Tale, which the company staged in 2013. To secure your free tickets to one of 16 performances from Tuesday through Aug. 31, you’ll need to enter the theater’s online lottery between 12:01 a.m. and 8 p.m. the day before the performance you wish to attend or be among the first 200 people who line up in front of the theater two hours before curtain on show dates.

Aug. 19 through 31 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesdays, 8 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays at the Shakespeare Theatre’s Harman Hall, 610 F St. NW. Admission is FREE!
 
 
 
 

Metrorail’s Silver Line opens about noon on Saturday, allowing city dwellers to get out to Tysons Corner and Reston and bringing suburbanites into the city. The new line will run from the Wiehle-Reston East station to Largo Town Center. The Wiehle-Reston East metro station will open shortly before noon Saturday following an opening ceremony with regional officials and a ribbon cutting. The first train will depart from Wiehle-Reston East at noon and pick up passengers on its inaugural ride at approximately 12:08 p.m. at Spring Hill, 12:10 p.m. at Greensboro, 12:12 p.m. at Tysons Corner and 12:14 p.m. at McLean on its way to the city.

The new Metro Silver Line opens at noon on Saturday. (Photo: Marcel Acosta/Twitter)

So go hike the 45-mile Washington & Old Dominion Trail or visit the Reston Museum near the Wiehle-Reston East station; take in a play at 1st Stage Theatre or have dinner at Shamshiry, a family-friendly Persian kabob house at the Spring Hill station; shop for bargains at the area’s big-box bargain stores near the Greensboro station; go shopping at Tysons Galleria, watch a free movie at Tysons Corner Center’s new plaza on Saturday or grab a bite to eat at Jose Andres’ new America Eats Tavern, all near the Tysons Corner station; or apply for a new job at one of the many corporations near the McLean station including Capital One headquarters, Northrop Grumman and the MITRE Corp.

Orange, Silver, Blue, Green and Yellow line trains will operate at regular weekend intervals. Red Line trains will operate every 20 minutes between Shady Grove and Glenmont and every 10 minutes between Grosvenor and NoMa-Gallaudet between 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

City Nights Open House

Sumida River by Night, Kobayashi Kiyochika; Japan, 1881 (Photo: Smithsonian Institution)

During the City Nights Open House at the Freer and Sackler galleries, which are connected underground Experience the art of the modern city in its best light: at night! Immerse yourself in the urban jungle of the 1870s. Stroll through scenes of Tokyo as seen in “Kiyochika: Master of the Night” before it closes July 27. Discover 19th-century London in “An American in London: Whistler and the Thames.” Mingle with curators and don a dandy hat and mustache. Listen to popular music of the time played on the koto, a traditional Japanese stringed instrument, and learn the art of kimono dressing. At 8 p.m., watch Tokyo Twilight, which showcases Tokyo as a city of shadows and silhouettes reminiscent of Kiyochika’s work.

July 25 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, 1050 Independence Ave. SW and Freer Gallery of Art, Jefferson Drive at 12th Street SW. Admission is FREE!

Fresh Artists Summer Concert

Tysons Corner Centers new outdoor plaza will host Friday night concerts through August. (Photo: Macerich)

Alex & Sierra, winners of the X Factor kick off the Fresh Artists Summer Concert Series on Tysons Corner Center’s new outdoor plaza. The opening act will be Black Alley. Concerts will continue Friday evenings through August. Performing Aug. 1 is Oh Honey followed by a band to be announced on Aug. 8, Better Than Ezra on Aug. 15, Andy Grammer on Aug. 22 and Jacquie Lee on Aug. 29. Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic. Lawn chairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis or you can take your own lawn chair or blanket. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. You must check in and obtain a concert wristband at the valet entrance of Parking Garage E, outside Brio Tuscan Grille and Coastal Flats. Once you receive your wristband you can shop, dine or do whatever you like until 5 p.m., when you must be at the valet to be escorted to the plaza for the concert.

Fridays July 25-Aug. 29 starting at 7 p.m. at Tysons Corner Center’s new outdoor plaza, located on level 2 across from the Microsoft store, 1961 Chain Bridge Road, Tysons Corner. Admission is FREE, but limited to 1,500 people.

Billy Joel returns to Nats Park

Billy Joel performs live in concert at Wrigley Field in Chicago on July 18. (Photo: Billy Joel)

Sing us a song Mr. Piano Man when Billy Joel plays at Nationals Park. The concert will be his first solo appearance at the ballpark and marks the first time a musical artist has made a return appearance. Joel, whose hits include Uptown Girl will receive The Library of Congress’ Gershwin Prize for Popular Song in November, the library announced on Tuesday. The prize honors a living artist’s lifetime achievement in music. Previous recipients include Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder and Sir Paul McCartney. With a career spanning 50 years in the entertainment industry, Joel is the sixth top-selling artist of all time.

July 26 starting at 8 p.m. at Nationals Park, 1500 S Capitol St. SE. Tickets cost $49.50, $99.50 and $124.50 here or at the gate. Parking is extra.

Movies on the Green

The Plaza at Tysons Corner Center will show free Saturday night movies until the end of August. (Photo: Macerich)

Dirty Dancing kicks off Movies on the Green at Tyson Corner Center. Enjoy evenings outside with friends and family through August while watching your favorite films on the mall’s new outdoor plaza on level 2 across from the Microsoft store. The series continues Aug. 2 with the 2013 version of The Great Gatsby, Aug. 9 with Spy Kids 2, Aug. 16 with Jaws, Aug 23 with Man of Steel and Aug. 30 with The Blindside. Visitors are encouraged to bring picnics, but alcohol is not permitted. Lawn seating is available on a first-come, first-serve basis as are lawn chairs, or you can bring your own chairs and blankets.

Saturdays July 26 through Aug. 30 starting at 8 p.m. on the plaza at Tysons Corner Center across from Microsoft, 1961 Chain Bridge Road, Tysons Corner. Admission is FREE!

Stupid Fucking Bird

Stupid Fucking Bird will play at Woolly Mammoth Theatre through Aug. 17. (Graphic: Woolly Mammoth Theatre)

The Woolly Mammoth Theatre Co. is holding two pay-what-you-can presentations of its newest play, Helen Hayes Award winner Stupid Fucking Bird, which runs July 28-Aug. 17. In this irreverent, contemporary and funny remix of Chekhov’s The Seagull, award-winning playwright Aaron Posner wages a timeless battle between young and old, past and present, in search of the true meaning of it all. An aspiring young director rampages against the art created by his mother’s generation. A nubile young actress wrestles with an aging Hollywood star for the affections of a renowned novelist. And everyone discovers just how disappointing love, art, and growing up can be. Winner of the Helen Hayes Awards for Outstanding Resident Play and Outstanding New Play or Musical, Stupid Fucking Bird will tickle, tantalize, and incite you to consider how art, love, and revolution fuel your own pursuit of happiness.

July 28 and 29 at 8 p.m. at the Woolly Mammoth Theatre, 641 D St. NW. Admission is pay what you can. Tickets are sold at the theater the evening two hours prior to showtime.