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Mothers’ Day Guide
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Thursday, May 7: As part of World Cocktail Week (see more great events here), bartenders Gina Chersevani (PS 7’s), Jason Strich (Rasika), and Rachel Sergi (Zaytinya) will give the ’80s—a decade known for less-than dazzling-cocktails—a second, ahem, shot with a happy-hour party at PS 7’s. A deejay will spin tunes as interesting variations of ’80s cocktails are served. 5 PM.

Years after its release, The Big Lebowski is still a cult favorite and a cultural touchstone. Get in on the fun with the Arlington Cinema ’n’ Drafthouse’s party tonight celebrating all things Lebowski. The Dude Fest will have trivia, bowling, live music from the movie’s soundtrack, and, of course, a screening of the film. $8; 7:30 PM.

Friday, May 8: Looks like Finland is trying to edge in on the territory that Sweden has firmly claimed as the hippest Scandinavian country representing in DC. Earlier in the year, the Finnish government invited 12 creative Washingtonians to Helsinki to explore the city, and the results of their time there are now on display at the “My Helsinki” exhibit at the Finnish Embassy. The exhibit opens tonight with a happy hour and tunes from DJ Adrian Loving. 7 to 10. RSVP at rsvpdc@modernluxury.com.

These United States comes home after a spring tour to play the Black Cat. If you haven’t checked out the local bluesy, folksy rock group—which puts on a great live show—well, there’s never been a better time. Catchy popsters the Spinto Band open. 9 PM; $12.

Head to BeBar tonight for a breast-cancer fundraiser called Martinis, Manicures, and Beer Pong. The event’s pretty much what the title promises: drink specials on martinis, a manicurist, and a beer-pong competition. Sounds like our kind of party! 5 to 9 PM.

Saturday, May 9: You might not have heard of Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, but if you go see this group in concert tonight at the 9:30 Club, you won’t be able to forget it. The nine-piece band plays songs that sound straight out of the Motown era, and its magnetic, energetic live performance will have you dancing all night. (There’s also a show Friday night.) 6:30 PM; $30. Get tickets here.

If you’re looking to add to your vinyl collection—or just want to see what all the fuss about vinyl records is—head to the DC record fair today at the Warehouse Theater. From 10 to 4, more than 30 record dealers will be hawking their wares to music lovers while DJs play, the legendary Chuck Brown pays a visit, and lots more goes on.

Celebrate spring at George Washington’s 500-acre estate by perusing plants and garden items at the annual garden-and-gift sale. Musicians will play Early American music in the upper and lower gardens, and in honor of Mother’s Day “Mrs. Washington” will share her insights on motherhood—with a late-18th-century flair. Grounds open 8 to 5. Admission is $15. More here.

Get a taste of the old continent with the European Union Open House event today. EU embassies will offer events, food, and more from 10 to 4. For more info, head to the Web site.

Just can’t get your fill of horse-related spring events? Then you might want to check out America’s Cup of Polo, where polo teams from the US and Australia will face off. Will.i.am will kick off the fun with a performance at 2, and the polo madness continues from there. 14660 Hughes Rd., Poolesville. You can get general-admission tickets here.