News & Politics

Where & When Weekly

Our picks for the best events going on around town this week.

Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday 

Monday, April 30: If you need a little spring in your step, why not head to Meze in Adams Morgan (2437 18th St., NW) for free tango lessons? They’re held every Monday from 8 to 10 pm. Call 202-797-0017 to RSVP.

Tuesday, May 1: Bird songs are a primary signal of spring’s arrival—so what better way to celebrate than to stop by Bird Fest 2007 at the National Zoo (3001 Connecticut Ave., NW; 202-633-4800)? The free event—which runs through May 3 and features lectures, art lessons, and interactive exhibits—marks the return of millions of migratory birds that have spent the winter in Latin America and the Caribbean. Check the Web site for a full schedule and details.

The Knitters, the alt-country band that’s an offshoot of the legendary punk act X, plays its infectious and raucous tunes at the Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria; 703-549-7500) this evening at 7:30; $20.

Wednesday, May 2: The name may be a mouthful, but the Swedish group Suburban Kids With Biblical Names plays sweet, clever pop that goes down easy. At the Red and the Black (1212 H St., NE; 202-399-3201); 9 pm; $8.

Thursday, May 3: If you’re a serious beer lover, you might be interested in “The Art of Refermentation,” hosted by National Geographic Live. Garrett Oliver, brewmaster of the Brooklyn Brewery—one of America’s first microbreweries—will discuss refermentation, the rapidly fading art of fermenting beer in the bottle, cask, or keg rather than in a large fermenter. There will, of course, be beers for the tasting. Tickets are $65 (buy them here). At the National Geographic Society’s Grosvenor Auditorium (1600 M St., NW; 202-857-7700).

China is the world’s largest producer of feature films after the United States and India. This week’s China Film Festival showcases seven new movies, including Washington and US premieres, film-festival winners, and Chinese box-office hits. Find more details here. $6.75 to $9.25. At the AFI Silver Theater and Cultural Center (8633 Colesville Rd., Silver Spring; 301-495-6720).