Thursday, October 21
The shrewd tyrant Richard III comes to Artisphere as Washington Shakespeare Company’s season opener. For years, readers and historians have puzzled over whether the Bard framed the king. Decide for yourself through December 12. Schedule and tickets ($25 to $35) here.
The Arabian Sights Film Festival celebrates the best of contemporary Arab cinema with entries from the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Morocco, and more. Several directors will be on hand to answer questions following the screening of their films. The majority of films have English subtitles. All screenings are at the Goethe-Institut. Tickets ($11/screening) are available here.
They usually work behind the scenes, but tonight members of the Phillips Collection staff have the chance to show off their talent at the annual employees show. Titled “Individuals, Not Isms,” it features more than 35 works. The opening reception is from 5 to 8. Free, but donations are requested.
Friday, October 22
The Merchants of Bollywood is a whirlwind of glittery costumes, thumping music, and Indian and Western dance. The musical, a hit in Australia and Europe, tells the story of India’s most renowned family of choreographers. It’s at the George Mason University Center for the Arts at 8. Buy tickets ($24 to $48) here.
Jump around at the Black Cat’s Moon/Bounce Dancing Affair. The party features a mix of disco, hip-hop, and ’90s pop music. 9:30. $5 at the door.
Dandies and Quaintrelles are bringing preppy back. The group is hosting a Retro Bike Show, featuring classic two-wheelers, badminton, and Rock Band. Bring your own drinks and food. It takes place at the Loree Grand at Union Place (250 K St., NE). 6 to 11; free.
Saturday, October 23
Give Arena Stage a hand as it moves into its new home in Southwest DC. There’ll be tours of the venue every 15 minutes, sneak previews of the season opener Oklahoma!, and a variety of concert and dramatic performances. Some tickets are available on site; free. Performances and events on the outdoor stage don’t require tickets. Click here for a full schedule. 11:30 to 5:45.
Nerds unite at the Festival Expo for the USA Science and Engineering Festival at the Mall, featuring more than 1,500 exhibits, such as a jazz-playing robot, the latest storm-chasing equipment, the cast of NCIS, and 75 presentations on such topics as “Hip-Hop, Video Games, and Math.” Click here for full schedule. Free; 1 to 5:30.
One of America’s favorite comics, Bill Cosby, is making his return to the Washington stage at the Kennedy Center. His family-friendly routine touches on all aspects of American life. 7 and 9:30. Buy tickets ($54.50 to $79.50) here.
Catch a double feature of two one-act plays by J.M. Barrie, the creator of Peter Pan, at Howard Community College (10901 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia). The New World and The Old Lady Shows Her Medals, directed by Michael Stebbins, are filled with heartache and laughter. 2 PM. Tickets ($24) are available here.
Sunday, October 24
Go green this weekend at the nation’s largest sustainability event, the Green Festival. With seminars on green business and lifestyle, a talk from Ralph Nader, a vegetarian food court, and an eco-chic fashion show, the festival aims to educate and inspire. Click here for full schedule and to buy passes ($15 to $30).
Catch a performance by musician Speedy Tolliver, and participate in the Banjo Festival. Amateur musicians get a chance to show off their skills in all traditional genres of music by playing one or two songs. At Artisphere; noon to 4. Free.
Huzzah! It’s the last day of the Maryland Renaissance Festival. Have a chicken leg and some homemade ale, all while taking in a jousting tournament, a magic show, or perusing local crafts. It’s at the Renaissance Festival Ground in Annapolis. 10 to 7. Tickets ($8 to $18) available at the gate.
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