Thursday, March 27: Have you checked out the by-now-infamous Stephen Colbert portrait hanging by the bathroom in the National Portrait Gallery (Eighth and F sts., NW; 202-633-8300)? No? Then you’d better get on it—this weekend is the last it will be there before the museum takes it down from its six-week run. The museum is open 11:30 to 7 daily.
The Modernist Society, the monthly “intelligent lounging” event at Bourbon (2321 18th St., NW; 202-332-0800), this week hosts Eric Hilton, co-owner of 18th Street Lounge and half of the DJ duo Thievery Corporation. He’ll participate in a Q&A and answer audience questions; a DJ will spin afterward. The free event starts at 9 PM.
Starting at 6 in the Johnson Imax Theater at the National Museum of Natural History (Tenth St. and Constitution Ave., NW), the Smithsonian Young Benefactors host an evening of cocktails, a discussion with U2 3D producer Lisa Truitt, and a screening of the movie. Tickets ($30 for nonmembers) and details are here. Read our review here.
Friday, March 28: Wreckfest @ Tiffany’s is the clever name for an all-day party and graffiti installation at the Tiffany Gallery of the Arlington Arts Center (3550 Wilson Blvd., Arlington; 703-248-6800). Local graffiti artists will paint, there will be a panel discussion about hip-hop’s influence on art, and a party will start at 8 PM. For the full schedule and details, head here.
Saturday, March 29: If you haven’t checked out the kitschy and fun collection of cards and other knickknacks at the 14th Street shop Pulp (1803 14th St., NW; 202-462-7857), today is the perfect time to start. The store is celebrating its five-year anniversary starting at 11 AM, with free Champagne and cake—and discounts.
Feel like a kid again by going to the 42nd Annual Smithsonian Kite Festival today. In addition to loads of people flying kites all over the Mall, there will be a handmade-kite competition, a Smithsonian Hot Tricks Showdown, master kite fliers, demonstrations, and kite battles. 10 AM to 4 PM between the US Capitol and Lincoln Memorial.
This weekend is the last for the very cool exhibit “Sweet: The Graphic Beauty of the Contemporary Rock Poster” at the University of Maryland’s Art Gallery (1202 Art-Sociology Building, College Park). Check out beautifully designed rock posters for bands such as Spoon, My Morning Jacket, and the White Stripes. For more information, call 301-405-2763.
Remember the song “Novocaine for the Soul”? It was the biggest hit for the Eels but by no means their only good tune. The band performs tonight at 8 at the Sixth & I Historic Synagogue. Tickets ($25) can be purchased here.
Sunday, March 30: Today’s the last day to catch the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus at the Verizon Center. (The engagement begins Thursday, March 27.) Sunday performances are at 11:30, 3:30, and 6:30. Tickets ($14 to $95) are available here.
Spend the afternoon taking in a free film at the National Gallery of Art (Fourth St. and Constitution Ave., NW; 202-737-4215). This Sunday, it’s The Barefoot Contessa, the story of an untamed Spanish flamenco dancer (Ava Gardner) transformed by American movie executives into a Hollywood star. 4:30 PM; first-come, first-served seating in the auditorium in the East Building concourse.
