Things to Do

Where & When: What to Do This Weekend

Tom Green at DC Improv, a food truck beer dinner, and Columbia Heights Day festival

Washingtonians can boogie to Jackson 5’s greatest hits during the 9:30 Club’s Michael Jackson Birthday Celebration. Photograph courtesy of Jackson 5

Thursday, August 25
FASHION:
Shop ’til you drop at the Fashionable Fundraiser at Chevy Chase Bloomingdale’s. Sip on Ruby Ribbon mocktails while perusing the latest fashions at 15 to 20 percent off. Bloomingdales will donate an undisclosed amount to Amfar, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending the global AIDS epidemic. Now you finally have an excuse to buy those Tory Burch boots you’ve been eyeing. Enjoy discounts all day; Mocktails from 2 to 7 PM.

ART: Stop by the Phillips Collection for an evening of food truck favorites, jazz, and, of course, art. At tonight’s Phillips After 5 event, attendees can partake in a scavenger hunt, groove to music by Mark Merella, and enjoy edibles from Red Hook Lobster Pound. Tickets (Free for members, $10 students and seniors, $12 adults) can be reserved at the event Web site. 5:30 to 8:30 PM. Editor’s note: Pleasant Pops will no longer be serving treats at the event.

MUSIC: Motown legends The Temptations and The Four Tops are performing at the Wolf Trap tonight. The two Rock and Roll Hall of Famers have more than 15 chart toppers, including “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” and “Sugar Pie Honey Bunch.” For tickets ($22 lawn, $38 in-house), go to the event Web site. 8 PM.

Friday, August 26
COMEDY:
Wyatt Cenac from The Daily Show is coming to the Arlington Draft House tonight. The New York City native spent three years writing for King of the Hill before joining The Daily Show cast. For tickets ($25), go to the event Web site. 6:30 and 9:55 PM.

FASHION: Carbon and International Visions Gallery are hosting an eco-friendly runway show across from the Woodly Park Metro. Models wearing the latest sustainable designs will walk the catwalk with art from the gallery’s fine art collection in tow. Free; 6 to 9 PM.

FILM: It’s your last chance to catch a free flick at the Rosslyn Outdoor Film Festival, and tonight’s screening is the family favorite Shrek. An ogre (Mike Myers) goes on a quest to regain control of his swamp, making unlikely friends along the way. Starring voice acting from Eddie Murphey, Cameron Diaz, and John Lithgow. The film begins at dusk.

DANCE PARTY: Feel free to blame it on the boogie during 9:30 Club’s Michael Jackson Birthday Celebration. DJ Dredd will be spinning the King of Pop’s greatest hits all night long, with videos by Robin Bell. Tickets ($15) can be purchased at the event Web site. Doors open at 9 PM.

Saturday, August 27
PARTY:
The forecast calls for rain this weekend, but you can still get your beach fix at Town Tavern’s Flip Flop Farewell Bash. Sink your toes into two tongs of imported sand while sipping on beach-themed drinks—including $4 beach shooters, $5 sex on the beaches, and $3 domestic bottles. RSVP at the event Web site for access to an open bar from 8 to 9 PM. The party begins at 8.

FOOD: DC foodies will think they’ve died and gone to heaven during the Food Truck Beer Dinner at Das Bullpen. For one night only, seven food trucks will join forces with Dogfish Head and Sierra Nevada—including Hula Girl Truck, Stix, Eat Wonky, and Sweet Ladies Bakery. Proceeds will benefit Living Classrooms, a nonprofit dedicated to educating students from high-risk environments. For tickets ($75), go to the event Web site. 6 to 9 PM.

FESTIVAL: Bring the whole family to Columbia Heights Day at Harriet Tubman Elementary Field (11th and Kenyon sts., NW). Enjoy everything from morning yoga and a dog show to live music and a petting zoo. Plus, barbecue from Sticky Fingers and Meridian Pint will be available for purchase. Click here for a list of events. Free entrance; 10 AM to 6 PM. Editor’s note: Columbia Heights Day is canceled.

ART: Get your hands dirty during the Freer Gallery’s Conversing with Clay Workshop. Learn how to sculpt your own creations while munching on refreshments from Asia Nine. Tickets ($15) can be purchased at the event Web site. 1 PM.

Sunday, August 28
MLK MEMORIAL:
Forty-eight years ago, Dr. King delivered his historic “I Have A Dream” speech. Today, the newly opened Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial will pay tribute to the civil rights icon with the official dedication ceremony. Event organizers are keeping an eye on the potentially hurricaneish weather this weekend, so call 1-888-484-3373 to check for updates about the ceremony. Free; 11 AM.

COMEDY: Don’t miss Tom Green’s final night at DC Improv. Best known for The Tom Green Show, the comedian also had cameos in Charlie’s Angels, Road Trip, and Freddy Got Fingered. And be sure to check out our Q&A with Green here. For tickets ($25), go to the event Web site. 8 PM.

PING PONG: Comet Ping Pong is hosting a singles tournament, and the lucky winner will take home a $100 gift certificate for dinner at Comet. All proceeds will benefit Washington Area Lawyers for the Arts, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the local arts community. Tickets ($20) can be purchased at the event Web site.

MUSIC: Bruce Hornsby is dropping by the Wolf Trap tonight. The three-time Grammy winner has brought
us hits such as “The Way It Is” and “Mandolin Rain.” Tickets ($25 to $42) can be purchased at the event Web site. 8 PM.

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