1. “Take Five” on Thursday at the American Art Museum’s monthly night of free jazz in the Kogod Courtyard. With its wave-like glass canopy roof, the atrium gets a boost from 5 to 7 when the ten-piece Brad Linde Ensemble plays tunes by Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, and Lester Young. Beverages will be provided. For more information, click here.
2. On Thursday, the historic Tudor Place (1644 31st St., NW) is hosting an Art of Martini night from 6 to 8. For $10, guests can hobnob over martinis, refreshments, and live music as they explore the mansion and garden. The event is free for Tudor Place members. Guests must be 21 and over. To RSVP and purchase tickets, click here.
3. If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll want to pay a visit to ACKC in Alexandria on Thursday from 6:30 to 8:30 for a free chocolate-and-wine tasting. The confectionary shop will show off its new fall truffle flavors with libations provided by First Vine. No RSVP required.
4. If you’re not one of the 96,000 Washingtonians who snatched up tickets for the National Geographic Museum’s Terra Cotta Warriors exhibit, there’ll be a free film screening of the installation at the museum’s Grosvenor Auditorium every day except Tuesday and Thursday through March 31. The film, The Real Dragon Emperor, takes viewers inside the massive tomb of China’s first ruler. For more information and screening times, visit the exhibit’s Web site.
5. Friday night, check out the World Bicycle Relief Fundraiser (3255 K St., NW), sponsored by CycleLife USA, from 7 to 9. Having recently returned from Africa, WBR’s president, F.K. Day, will explain how a bicycle can allow a person in Africa to get to school, find work, or help treat those with AIDS living in remote areas. The event is free, and complimentary food and beverages will be served.
6. Jack Oblivion, one of garage rock’s defining figures, is playing at Jackie’s in Silver Spring Friday along with John Paul Keith & the One Four Fives and Suns of Guns. Tickets cost $8. For more information, call 301-565-700. 8 PM.
7. Silver Spring is also home to Saturday morning’s Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade from 9:30 to noon. The course follows Georgia Avenue from Sligo Avenue to Ellsworth Drive, and there will be 50-foot balloons, floats, and marching bands.
8. Want to meet a real-life undercover spy? Head to the International Spy Museum Saturday between 1 and 3 to meet the museum’s founding director and former CIA operations officer, Peter Earnest, as he discusses his new book, The Real Spy’s Guide to Becoming a Spy. Earnest will be available to sign copies and answer questions following the lecture.
9. Calling all C-List celebrity groupies: Join the cast and crew of the Washington-based spec TV pilot Young Adult Sunday Saturday from 9 to midnight 3 AM to celebrate the conclusion of filming with its Metro Station Party (810 Seventh St., NW). A $10 cover gets you live music, door prizes, and the chance to vie for giveaways at the party’s silent auction. Just be sure to dress the part—there’ll be a prize for the best Metro-station-themed costume.
10. Stamp your passport to Europe without leaving the Red Line this month at the AFI Silver Theatre’s 2009 EU Film Showcase. Continuing through Tuesday, the festival features more than 50 films from 24 countries, allowing movie buffs to catch the best of European cinema without the jet lag. For a full list of films and schedules, visit the showcase’s Web site . Adults $10; seniors, students with valid ID, and military personnel $9; children 12 and younger $6.
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