Tuesday, September 8
Every Tuesday, the Smithsonian American Art Museum offers its Luce Foundation Center workshop for Draw and Discover!, a 90-minute free drawing session. Some materials are provided, but bring a sketchbobok and pencils. 3 to 4:30.
Wednesday, September 9
Valerie Durham and the Duncan Dancers perform an Isadora Duncan-inspired number at the Smithsonian American Art Museum tonight. Set to the music of “A Hermit Thrush at Eve” and created with the works of painter Thomas Wimer Dewing in mind, this dance performance promises elegance that can be found only in traditional ballet. McEvoy Auditorium; 5:15.
Thursday, September 10
The Smithsonian American Art Museum screens the film Stand Up and Cheer in the McEvoy Auditorium at 6:30. The fictional movie—in which the President appoints a Secretary of Amusement—stars Shirley Temple in one of her first roles. Seats are first come, first served.
Friday, September 11
The final installment of the Jazz in the Garden series features pianist Robert Redd and the US Navy Commodores. 5 to 8:30; National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden.
Saturday, September 12
So much to do today:
• See and experience hands-on art at the Torpedo Factory’s Art Activated event. Local professionals will demonstrate clay throwing, bubble-gum painting, beading, human-form sketching, fiber art, and more, while ambitious beginners can attempt their own creations at special Try Me stations. Noon to 4; click here for more information.
• Enjoy your opera with a side of fresh air. It’s opening night of The Barber of Seville in New York, and the Washington National Opera is offering a free simulcast of the performance at Nationals Stadium. Grounds open at 5:30 with pregame festivities; the show begins at 7. Tickets aren’t required.
• The Kennedy Center celebrates international street performance at its Open House Arts Festival. See unicycle tricks, a flea circus, acrobatics, and many musical numbers from noon to 7. There’s also a Multicultural Children’s Book Festival from noon to 4.
• Family films screen for free at the US Navy Memorial’s Burke Theater (701 Pennsylvania Ave, NW) and E Street Cinema as part of the DC Shorts Film Festival. Nine films are up for viewing, but we suggest making it to Pidgeon: Impossible and A Peacock-Feathered Blue. 11 AM; same films at both locations. For more information, click here.
• The Rosslyn Jazz Festival takes over Gateway Park from 12:30 to 7. Headliners include the harmonica player Frédéric Yonnet (4:05 to 5:15), Canadian Holly Cole (5:45 to 7), and the Grammy-winning Spanish Harlem Orchestra (12:30 to 2).
Sunday, September 13
Peruse the secondhand goods of Burleith residents during the annual Burleith Flea Market (1800 block of 36th St., NW), just north of Georgetown; 9 to 3. If all that shopping makes you hungry, hot dogs, half-smokes, and beverages will be available for purchase from 11 to 2.
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Sarah is the Editor-in-Chief of Washingtonian Bride & Groom, and writes about weddings, fashion, and shopping. Her work has also appeared in Refinery29, Bethesda Magazine, and Washington City Paper, among others. She is a Georgetown University graduate, lives in Columbia Heights, and you can find her on Instagram at @washbridegroom and @sarahzlot.
