Monday, July 19
The Arlington Arts Center and the Pink Line Project team up for Artist Speed Dating, which gives attendees three minutes each with a panel of six local modern artists at Poste Moderne Brasserie. You might not get anyone’s phone number, but you’ll have the opportunity to learn about different disciplines, including drawing, sculpture, video, and more. 6.

Urbana celebrates its fourth birthday with a weeklong celebration through July 25. Enjoy $4 bar specials including crab beignets, duck meatballs, and falafel. Beer, wine, and cocktails are also be available for $4.

Tuesday, July 20
American Idol alum Fantasia is at the Birchmere for the first part of a two-night engagement. The R&B singer’s new album, Back to Me, is scheduled to be released July 27, so keep your ears open for new songs. Tickets ($59.50) are available here. 7:30.

Melissa Etheridge takes the stage across town at Strathmore. Though the folk rocker’s marital troubles have been in the headlines recently, we hope she can keep her mind on the performance, which will include songs from her latest (perhaps ironically titled?) album, Fearless Love. Tickets ($37 to $102) are available here. 7:30.

Et Violà! gears up for tomorrow’s Belgian Independence Day with a daylong chocolate festival. Choose from specials including chocolate mousse and a chocolate tart, and enjoy complimentary praline chocolates. Take advantage of the deals from 5 to 10.

Wednesday, July 21
The Blind Side screens tonight at Rockville Town Square Plaza as part of its outdoor film series. Watch the true story that earned Sandra Bullock an Oscar for best actress. Free. 8:45.

Join chef Michael Psilakis for My Life on a Plate, an exploration of Greek culinary traditions and culture with the Smithsonian Resident Associate Program. Psilakis is joined by Washington Post food writer Jane Black, who traveled with him to Crete last fall. Together, Psilakis and Black will discuss modern Greek cooking and how food can help define one’s identity. Click here for tickets ($25 general admission, $15 Resident Associates members) to the event, which takes place at the S. Dillon Ripley Center. 6:45.

Brasserie Beck celebrates Belgian National Day with an all-you-can-eat-and-drink menu for $45 featuring Belgian drafts and food. 5 to 9.

Thursday, July 22
Kicking off today at National Geographic is the four-day African Diaspora Film Festival, which includes a selection of African-inspired films from around the world. Tonight, enjoy a screening of Freedom Riders, a documentary about the Civil Rights-era organization and the dangers its members faced. Click here for tickets ($10 general admission, $60 for a series pass).

Squidoo founder, author, and blogger Seth Godin is at the Warner Theatre for an all-day seminar inspired by his latest book, Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?. Learn about creating ideas, organizations, and inspiration from the man behind one of one of the Web’s most popular blogs. Click here for tickets ($595 full day, $195 half day, and $19 student half day.) 9 to 4.

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