Things to Do

What to Do This Weekend: September 29 to October 2

The Crafty Bastards Art Fair returns, Madeleine Peyroux at Strathmore, and two ways to get your food festival fix

Where can you find whimsical felt creatures and glitter-encrusted darts? At Saturday’s Crafty Bastards Art Fair, of course! Photographs courtesy of Horrible Adorables (left) and Something’s Hiding In here (right)

Thursday, September 29

MUSIC: Elvis Costello and the Imposters are dropping by the Warner Theatre tonight. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee has brought us hits including “Pump It Up,” “Alison,” and “Radio Radio.” You can listen to some of his songs here. Tickets ($69.50 to $125) can be purchased through Live Nation. 8 PM.

DRINKS: Join Fashion Fights Poverty at the Gibson for an evening of fashion-inspired cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and tunes spun by DJ Soul Call Paul. All proceeds will benefit FFP, a nonprofit dedicated to the spread of ethical fashion practices. Tickets ($15) can be purchased through PayPal.

FOOD: Mon Ami Gabi is celebrating the Jewish New Year with a special Rosh Hashanah menu. The spread includes traditional favorites such as challah bread with apples and honey, homemade gefilte fish, matzo ball soup, braised brisket, and more. For reservations ($34.95, $16.95 for children under 12) call 301-654-1234.

Friday, September 30

ART: Celebrate the Corcoran’s new exhibit, “30 Americans,” during tonight’s Rebirth of the Cool Party. Stop by the Capitol Skyline Hotel for an evening of live performances, music by DJ Jahsonic and DJ Keenan, barbecue, and drinks. Tickets ($35) can be purchased through the Corcoran’s Web site. 6 to 9 PM. And be sure to check out the opening of “30 Americas” tomorrow (Saturday, October 1). The collection explores black identity in America and merges seminal African American figures, including Jean-Michel Basquiat and David Hammons, with younger, emerging artists. The exhibit runs through February 12.

MUSIC: Jazz singer Madeleine Peyroux is bringing her husky, wistful vocals to the Strathmore tonight. You can listen to some of her tracks here. Peyroux will be joined by singer-songwriter Nellie McKay. Tickets ($38 to $58) can be purchased through the Strathmore’s Web site. 8 PM.

If you’re in the mood for something with an alternative edge, Natalie York will be performing at the Rock and Roll Hotel. The 22-year-old Vienna native’s debut CD, Threads, was named one of the areas best alt-country albums by the Washington Post. Tickets ($10) can be purchased through Ticket Alternative. Doors open at 8 PM, show begins at 9.

FOOD TRUCKS: Where can you find lobster rolls, tacos, and cupcakes all in one place? At this month’s mouth-watering Truckeroo Festival! More than 20 food trucks will line the parking lot at Navy Yard from 11 AM to 11 PM, so you won’t leave hungry. We recommend TaKorean, DC Empanadas, Fojol Brothers, and Red Hook Lobster Pound. You can keep a lookout for participating venues here.

BALLET: Kick off the Washington Ballet’s new season at the Great Gatsby Prohibition Party. For one night only, the US Chamber of Commerce will be transformed into glamorous 1920s speakeasy. Guests will enjoy prohibition cocktails and cuisine, a performance by Washington Ballet dancers, and a silent auction. Tickets (starting at $175) can be purchased through the event’s Web site. 7 PM.

Saturday, October 1

ART: Washington’s favorite alternative craft sale is back with more than 150 vendors. This year’s Crafty Bastards Arts & Crafts Fair will feature artists selling everything from jewelry and home goods to soaps and toys. Plus, there will be snacks available from Hill Country Barbecue, Amsterdam Falafel Shop, Dangerously Delicious Pies, Super Vegan Cupcakes, and more. Check out this video from last year’s fair. Free; 10 AM to 5 PM.

TASTE OF BETHESDA: Bethesda’s annual food and music festival brings more than 55 restaurants and four stages of entertainment to Bethesda’s Woodmont Triangle. Participating restaurants include BlackFinn Restaurant & Saloon, Mamma Lucia of Bethesda, Uncle Julio, Jaleo, Georgetown Cupcakes, and Union Jack, to name a few. There will also be a children’s activity area. Visit the event Web site for a complete list of restaurants and musicians. Admission is free; Taste tickets will be sold on-site in bundles of four tickets for $5. Food servings cost one to four tickets. 11 AM to 4 PM.

JAZZ: Musicians from across the country are gearing up the fifth annual Lake Anne Jazz Festival. Enjoy performances from Rashida Jolley at 1 PM, Veronneau at 3 PM, Wayne Wilentz Quartet at 4 PM, Cissa Paz at 7:45 PM, and more. Food from local restaurants, wineries, and micro breweries will be available for purchase. Free; 1 to 9 PM.

FALL FESTIVALS: Fall is in full swing, which means its time for the 29th annual Manassas Fall Jubilee. This year’s festival will feature a pumpkin patch, more than 100 craft vendors, live entertainment, inflatable rides, chainsaw demonstrations, and more. Free; 10 AM to 5 PM.

Bring the whole family to the Columbia Heights Fal
l Festival
(1480 Girard St., NW) for an afternoon of free food, face painting, candied apples, live music, a moonbounce and more. 11 AM to 3 PM.

ART: If you’re in the mood for a little road trip, the Burwell-Morgan Mill (15 Tannery Ln., Boyce, Va.) is hosting the 21st annual Art at the Mill show and sale. This year’s show will feature more than 1,000 pieces from 300 artists. Tickets ($5) can be purchased at the door, but Washingtonian readers can see the show for free by mentioning this blog post. The show runs through October 16.

SHOPPING: Home décor fanatics won’t want to miss the Washington Design Center’s Sample Sale. Peruse bolts of fabric, chairs, pillows, and accessories at up to 75 percent off. Tickets ($5) can be purchased at the door; all proceeds will benefit children’s cancer programs at Georgetown University Hospital. 10 AM to 3 PM.

Sunday, October 2

FOOD: Foodies won’t want to miss World Fare: A Street Food Festival at Willow Restaurant. Munch on street fare while mingling with the area’s top female chefs, farmers, bee keepers, cheese makers, and more. Guests can also sample beer, wine, and cocktails from the nation’s hottest female brewers, wine makers and mixologists. Participating venues include Hank’s Oyster Bar and Lounge, Pizzeria Paradiso, Equinox Restaurant, Ris, and Bastille Restaurant, to name a few. Tickets ($65) can be purchased through the event’s Web site or at the door for $75. 5 to 8 PM.

MUSIC: Join the Embassy of the Czech Republic for a Music Garden Party. Enjoy a piano concert by Joan DeVee Dixon and Alice Fiedlerová, an opera recital with Kathy Kessler, a fashion show, and a picnic of goulash and beer. Tickets sales (suggested donation of $50) will benefit the DC Youth Orchestra. Call 202-274-9105 to RSVP. 3 to 7 PM.

FESTIVAL: DC’s annual Turkish Festival is taking over Pennsylvania Avenue with a slew of family-friendly activities. Enjoy authentic Turkish cuisine, traditional music and folk-dance performances, fortune telling, kid’s games, and more. Free; 11 AM to 7 PM.