Things to Do

Things to Do in DC This Week February 8-10: Hear a Shakespeare Expert Give a Pre-Performance Discussion on A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Folger

See the Shakespeare comedy at Folger after a pre-show conversation with Folger Library Director Michael Witmore at Folger on Wednesday. Photo courtesy of the Folger Shakespeare Library.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8

EAT AND DRINK: Warm up with Jack Rose’s Winter Spirit Dining Series, featuring beer from Goose Island and a five-course tasting menu. The 18th street cocktail bar will also be offering the series one last time on Feb. 25. Email info@jackrosediningsaloon.com for tickets. $125 per person.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9

PERFORMANCE: Story Collider, a weekly podcast and live show about the personal side of science, makes its way to DC9 on Tuesday. The show features hosts Shane Hanlon and Farah Ahmad, plus three storytellers (some with science backgrounds and others without) who will share anecdotes about the times their lives were been impacted by science. $10, 7:30 PM.

MOVIE: Hold onto your orange mocha Frappucinos: Young Variety DC is offering the chance to catch an early screening of the much-anticipated Zoolander 2 at Union Market’s Angelika Pop-Up. Before debating whether Ben Stiller’s blue steel holds up, attendees have the opportunity to enjoy a cash bar happy hour, appetizers, and items from Kendra Scott Jewelry. Twenty percent of the proceeds from the jewelry will go toward Young Variety DC, which supplies special needs children with custom bikes. Doors open for happy hour at 6:00 p.m. and the screening will begin at 7:30 p.m. $27.37.

MARDI GRAS: We may not be in NOLA, but you can still experience Mardi Gras Carnivale at U Street Music Hall with entertainment from musicians Jonny Grave & the Tombstones, Footwerk, and Party Like It’s, plus burlesque dancers Cherie Sweetbottom and Dainty Dandridge. Local comedian Brandon Wetherbee will host. $15, 7 PM.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10

PARTY: Heartbreak Hotel at The W is an early Valentine’s Day kickoff for lovers and haters of the Hallmark holiday alike. Sip on some cocktails and dance your pain away to local indie artists The Walking SticksWylder, and Tigers are Bad for Horses. The event is free to attend, but you’ll have to pay for cocktails. 8 PM.

PLAY AND DISCUSSION: Get the inside scoop on the much-lauded production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Before opening night on Wednesday, Folger Shakespeare Library Director Michael Witmore will give a talk about the performance and provide some fascinating backstory. Plus, reception with light fare is included. The Bard’s popular comedy will be playing at the Folger until March 6. $20, 6:30.