Things to Do

Where & When: What to Do This Weekend

We’ve got a brisk fall weekend jam-packed with events for you. Several great concerts, art openings, ghost tours, and more!

You may also be interested in . . . Best Bars to Watch the World Series | Guide to Halloween Parties | Best Wine Bars in DC | College-Football Bars| Best Fall Cocktails in Washington

Thursday, October 23: Today marks the opening of a neat new Hirshhorn exhibit, “The Panza Collection”—conceptual, minimal, and environmental art from the 1960s and ’70s. The paintings, sculpture, and installations by Joseph Kosuth, Sol LeWitt, and others belonged to Count Giuseppe Panza di Biumo before being acquired by the Hirshhorn. The museum is open daily from 10 to 5:30.

If you’re willing to pony up $45, you can catch the first show of a three-night stand by the Black Crowes at the 9:30 Club; 7 PM.

Friday, October 24: On the Washington Walks Capital Hauntings Tour, learn why murders, suicides, and attacks have often occurred around Lafayette Park. Guides will tell tales of Grim Reaper stalkings, the “presidential circle of death,” and more. Tickets cost $10; 7:30. Want more Halloween fun? Check out our guide.

Tonight, the Ontario band Born Ruffians is at the Rock and Roll Hotel. The band first caught our attention with its cover of Grizzly Bear’s “The Knife,” and its straightforward power pop is the perfect fit for a fun Friday out. $10; 10:30 PM. Want more music recs? Check out this week’s Listen Up playlist.

Saturday, October 25: Check out the opening reception tonight at the Randall Scott Gallery for “The Most Normal Person I Know,” a collection of dreamily ornate photographs by Chris Anthony. The opening reception kicks off at 6.

Do yourself a musical favor and head to the Black Cat to check out the lovely Mirah performing. The singer/songerwriter plays graceful, lo-fi indie rock.

It’s time for one of our favorite events of the fall—the Corcoran’s 1869 Society Fall Fete. Hundreds of young Washington art lovers—and those just there to look fabulous and dance and drink the night away—will gather at the museum starting at 7:30. (You can see photos from last year’s fete here.) Call 202-639-1753 for ticket info.

Sunday, October 26: The 1955 Parisian gangster film Du rififi chez les hommes, meaning “of brawling among men,” plays at the National Gallery of Art’s East Building auditorium at 4:30. The film, released simply as Rififi in the United States, centers around a wordless heist scene renowned for its extraordinary detail.

The popular Marine Corps Marathon is held today. There’s a 26.2 mile course for marathon runners and a 10K course for shorter-distance athletes. The marathon starts at 7:50 in Arlington, the 10K at 8:30 at the Pentagon. You can get the map, more information, and live updates at the MCM Web site.

We love the band the Magnetic Fields—and not just because they have a great song called “Washington, D.C.” Their frontman, Stephin Merritt, is one of the great pop-music writers of our time. Seriously. Find out for yourself by seeing the band tonight at Lisner Auditorium. 8 PM; $35.

More>> After Hours Blog | Arts & Events | Happy Hour Finder | Calendar of Events