Monday, January 26
Former Washington Post editor Leonard Downie, Jr., reads from his debut novel, The Rules of The Game, at Politics and Prose at 7. In the thriller, a Washington journalist covering politics traces a conspiracy all the way to the White House. We think we’ve seen this one before.

Tuesday, January 27
The Library of Congress screens the 1935 adaptation of Charles Dickens’s A Tale of Two Cities at 7. The movie will play at the library’s Mount Pony Theater at the Packard Campus (19053 Mount Pony Rd.; Culpeper). Call 202-707-9994 for more information.

Wednesday, January 28
The Natural History Museum’s Ask an Expert series presents a conversation with the museum’s resident National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration scientist at 3. Learn about new discoveries and field studies through a lecture and a presentation of specimens and artifacts.

Thursday, January 29
National Geographic Live! begins its Rhythm Road concert series tonight, featuring bands participating in the State Department’s American Music Abroad program. At 6, the Vice Verse All Stars will take the stage with their mix of rapping, singing, break dancing, and beat-boxing. At 7:15, hip-hop will be replaced by the traditional bluegrass, folk, and rock of the Student Loan.

Friday, January 30
Philadelphia’s Run of the Mill String Band plays a free show at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage at 6. The band has been playing its blend of old-time, Appalachian string music for more than 20 years.

Saturday, January 31
Miss out on all the inaugural balls? You can still check out one of Abraham Lincoln’s famous bashes thanks to the Victorian Dance Ensemble. Dressed in period costumes, the group will take viewers back in time to the scene at the President’s second inaugural ball. Performances start at noon, 2, and 4 at the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

Sunday, February 1
The National Gallery of Art screens the documentary Innisfree at 4:30 in the East Building’s auditorium. In the film, director José Luis Guerín travels to County Clare, Ireland, to examine the making of the John Ford classic The Quiet Man. Guerín connects Ford’s movie to County Clare’s residents, local history, and culture.

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