Where & When: What to Do This Weekend

Free jazz, beer paired with bourbon, free entrance to the Corcoran, and lots more are in this weekend’s nightlife picks.

By Catherine Andrews    Published Wednesday, June 17, 2009

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Thursday, June 18: Who can resist ’80s movies? How about free ’80s movies, outside—where you can get free candy? That just set off every happy trigger in our brain. Well, that’s what you’ll get tonight at the Capitol Riverfront’s film series. It’s showing Ghostbusters, and there’ll be wax-lips candy, Pixie Stix, and more. Movies start around 8:45 at Tingey Plaza (100 Tingey St., SE). Get more free film series here.

Upgrade your usual Coke-and-popcorn combo to wine and seasonal-food samples at the FreshFarm Markets’ Local Foods Movie Night. On the screen at Georgetown’s Letelier Theater (3251 Prospect St., NW) will be Sustainable Table: What’s on Your Plate? and Nora!, a short documentary on Nora Pouillon, owner of the first certified organic restaurant in the United States, DC’s Restaurant Nora. Doors open at 6:15, and the screenings begin at 7. A $20 ticket, covering both films and food, can be purchased here.

The Hirshhorn’s free film series returns this year with a Godzilla theme. Tonight, the Smithsonian gallery will screen Godzilla vs. the Sea Monster. Afterward, listen to a discussion of the infamous giant lizard with film scholar David Wilt. Films will be shown in the Ring Auditorium at 7 PM.

If you’re into Irish rock, there’s no group that’s more fun to watch than Scythian, the local lively Celtic music players. Catch them one last time at Fadó tonight before they head off on the road for the rest of the summer. The show starts at 9:30 PM, but get there earlier than that, because it’s sure to be packed.

Friday, June 19: SilverDocs, the local film festival, continues throughout the weekend. Check out our comprehensive guide to what to see at SilverDocs here. If your showings of choice are sold out, make sure to check out our SilverDocs alternatives.

Maybe it’s sacrilegious to say this, but even if Screen on the Green didn’t get saved this summer, we’re not sure we’d be so worried, because there are tons of great free-film events going on all season. One we’re looking forward to is a screening of Labyrinth tonight at the “I Love the ‘80s” outdoor film fest in Rosslyn. Afterward, there’s a great ’80s dance party at Continental. Best of all, both the movie and the dance party are free.

Still haven’t made it to Artomatic yet? Go this weekend! Today and Saturday, it’s open from noon to 1 AM.

Saturday, June 20: Beer, bourbon, and barbecue—can you think of a more magical combination? We can’t. That’s why we’ll be heading to the Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival at the National Harbor. The event is pretty much what it sounds like—$30 will get you tastings of 60 beers, 40 bourbons, and some barbecue on the side. Get tickets here.

Starting today, the Corcoran will offer free admission to exhibits and programs on Saturdays through the summer. This Saturday’s special theme is Earth First Family Day. From 10 to 2, families can enjoy live music, face painting, Earth-friendly art activities, puppet shows, gallery tours, prize giveaways, and more. Admission to the gallery is free until 5 PM.

Today from 1 to 8, Arlington’s Columbia Pike Blues Festival is back for its 14th year. Five bands will perform while you enjoy food, beer, arts and crafts, kids’ activities, and more. Admission is free.

Le Corsaire is one of ballet’s flashiest productions—a spectacle of pirate dens, harem girls, and a dramatic shipwreck—and the Bolshoi Ballet’s restaging of Marius Petipa’s version is as extravagant as they come. The Russian company, which generally sells out the Kennedy Center, brings this classic to Washington with its lavish stagecraft, giant corps de ballet, and rich roster of soloists. The performance tonight is at 7:30 PM. Get tickets ($62 to $99) here.

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