Where & When: What to Do This Weekend

It’s your last chance to see the Museum of National History’s Nature’s Best Photography exhibit. Featured photographs (left) by Tom Warren and (right) Richard Rothstein

Thursday, September 22

WINE: Raise a glass to DC’s furry friends during the National Zoo’s Grapes With the Apes event. Sample wines from vineyards, including Barefoot Bubbly, Linganore Winecellars, Narmada Winery, and Vino50: The Grape American Road, to name a few. Plus, attendees will get exclusive after-hours access to the Great Ape House. Proceeds will support animal care and conservation efforts at the zoo. Tickets ($40 members, $55 nonmembers) include a commemorative glass and can be purchased through the zoo’s Web site. 6 to 9 PM.

OPERA: Baseball may be America’s favorite pastime, but the Nationals Park is trading bases for baritones during tonight’s Opera in the Outfield. Stop by the stadium at 7:30 PM (gates open at 5:30) for a live broadcast of Puccini’s Tosca. Plus, there will be performance from the award-winning Yorktown High School marching band, Taratibu Pan-African Step Team, and Greenbelt SITY Stars double-dutch team. Free.

ART: Don’t miss opening night of the (e)merge Art Fair at the Capitol Skyline Hotel. Conner Contemporary Art, Pulse Contemporary Art Fair founder Helen Allen, and collector Mera Rubell are just a few of the minds behind the collection, which will showcase contemporary works by unrepresented artists. Tonight’s opening reception includes a concert by the pool with LouLou and the Dispappointer Sisters—featuring members of Thievery Corporation, Fugazi, French Toast, and The Deadmen. Tickets ($25 for the opening reception; $10 students and seniors, $15 for everyone else) can be purchased through the fair’s Web site. The fair runs through Sunday, September 25. 

Friday, September 23

HOME: Décor fanatics won’t want to miss this weekend’s Capital Home Show at the Dulles Expo Center. Design and renovation experts will be on hand to lend tips and cutting-edge ideas. This year’s celebrity line-up includes Sasha Andreev of HGTV’s Curb Appeal and Top Chef: Just Desserts winner Yigit Pura. Tickets ($3 children, $7 adults) can be purchased through the show’s Web site or at the door for $10. The show runs through Sunday, September 25.

MUSIC: Fleet Foxes are dropping by the Merriweather Post Pavilion tonight. The Seattle-based folk band will be joined by The Walkmen, a group of Washington locals. You can listen to some of the Walkmen’s songs here. Tickets ($25 to $40) can be purchased through TicketFly. Doors open at 6 PM. And in case you missed it, check out our interview with the Walkmen’s Walter Martin.

TENNIS: Andre Agassi, Michael Chang, Jim Courier, and Pete Sampras will take the court at the Verizon center tonight as part of the HSBC Champions Series. A few weeks back, we spoke to the former world number one, Jim Courier—click here to check it out. Tickets (starting at $35) can be purchased through Ticketmaster. 7:30 PM.

FOOD: Celebrate the first day of fall with Equinox’s Autumnal Harvest dinner. The four-course spread will include smoked foie gras, hand-rolled orecchiette, sage-roasted veal, roasted peanut cake, and more. The event will conclude with a Q&A with Corinna Borden from Real Time Farms and Equinox Chef/Owner Todd Gray. Tickets ($150) can be reserved by calling 202-331-8118. 7 PM.

Saturday, September 24

BOOKS: The 11th annual National Book festival is back with more than 100 bestselling and award-wining authors—including Hoda Kotb, Julianne Moore, Garrison Keillor, Toni Morrison, Terry McMillan, and David McCullough. Book lovers of all ages can enjoy scavenger hunts, reading games, and meet-and-greets with beloved literary characters. Free; The festival runs through Sunday, September 25. 

CLARENDON DAY: Arlington’s biggest block party is back with a slew of local restaurants, live music, artisans, fitness classes, and a special kids zone. This year’s eateries include BGR the Burger Joint, Liberty Tavern, Pete’s New Haven Style Pizza, and Rocklands Barbeque & Grilling Company, to name a few. Proceeds will benefit the Clarendon Alliance and Doorways for Women and Families. Free; 11 AM to 5 PM.

ART: Night owls won’t want to miss DC’s inaugural Art All Night extravaganza. Inspired by the Parisian-style festival Nuit Blanche, this event will transform venues along Seventh and Ninth streets, Northwest, into temporary art galleries and performance spaces. Free; 7 PM to 3 AM.

MUSIC: Celebrate Bliss Pop’s 11-year anniversary with six hours of tunes by U Street Musical Hall founder DJ Will Eastman. Special-edition anniversary shirts will be on sale at the event. Tickets ($10) can be purchased through TicketFly. 10 PM.

FESTIVAL: Calling all herbivores! Bring your appetite to George Washington University for the DC VegFest. Munch on vegetarian dishes from 18 restaurants—including Bread and Brew, Burrito Bandits, Fojol Bros., Mojo Juice, and Vegan Treats—stuff your face during a cupcake eating contest, learn how to prepare vegan dishes, and more. Free; 11 AM to 6 PM.

< br />Sunday, September 25

PHOTOGRAPHY: Today’s your last chance to see the Nature’s Best Photography exhibit at the Museum of Natural History. This year’s collection features 39 breathtaking images from across the world—click here for a preview. Admission is free.

FILM: If you haven’t already, drop by the AFI Silver Theatre for the 22nd annual Latin American Film Festival. This year’s collection showcases some of the best films from Latin America, Spain, and Portugal. Today’s films include The Good Herbs at 1 PM, Of Love and Other Demons at 3:25, The Prize at 5:30, and The Tiniest Place at 7:35. Tickets (various prices) can be purchased through the AFI’s Web site.

COOKING: Don’t know what to do with all those half-used bottles of olive oil in your pantry? Then stop by the Mazza Gallerie Williams-Sonoma for a free technique class. Attendees will taste a variety of oils, learn how to buy and store olive oil, and even whip up some fried artichoke with lemon. Call the Mazza Gallerie location at 202-237-1602 to reserve a spot; Noon.

FESTIVAL: Bring the whole family to the 21st annual Arts and Music Festival at Quiet Waters Park (600 Quiet Waters Park Rd., Annapolis). Peruse works by more than 90 artists, enjoy live music in the Gazebo and Garden Café, learn about the art of pottery firing and woodturning, and more. Gourmet fare and barbecue will be available from Pit Boys. Free; 10 AM to 5 PM.

Samantha Miller