Thursday, December 27: A can’t-miss show is tonight’s Dresden Dolls performance at the Sixth and I Synagogue (600 I Street, NW). You get two great things in one: the wacky yet inspired “punk cabaret” of the goth musical duo Dresden Dolls, plus the inspired venue setting of the historic synagogue. 5 PM. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased here.
For an intimate evening of music, head to the back stage of the Black Cat (1811 14th St. NW) where several of the area’s most talented folk-pop guitarists will perform. Meredith Bragg, who plays lovely, melancholy guitar pop. is hosting his CD-release party. Musicians Paul Michel and Ed Donohue will be opening. 9 PM. $8.
Friday, December 28: Lighten up this weekend with the Monty Python at the Movies series starting tonight at AFI Silver (8633 Colesville Road, Silver Spring). They’re showing all the classics: Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Life of Brian, The Meaning of Life, all through January 7. For tickets and screening times, click here.
Saturday, December 29: Paintings by elephants? Sounds surprising, but the artworks at the newly opened Hotel Palomar Arlington in Rosslyn (1121 N. 19th Street) are by elephants who have been trained to create patterns and shapes—and some of the pieces are lovely. Today is the last day the exhibit is open.
It’s the penultimate night of Zoo Lights, in which the National Zoo shines with nearly 50 light sculptures made of thousands of environmentally friendly LED lights. The larger-than-life displays, some up to 25 feet tall, highlight the zoo’s most popular animals and those the institution is dedicated to conserving, including giant pandas, Asian elephants, kori bustards, and golden lion tamarins. $10; 6 to 8:30 PM.
Sunday, December 30: If you’re a rough ’n’ tumble sort of lady, you might want to check out a recruitment event this evening at Dr. Dremo’s (2001 Clarendon Blvd.) for the DC Rollergirls. Watch derby videos, meet the girls on the team, and learn a little more about the sport. 6 to 9 PM. Bonus: Dremo’s is closing in January, so it’s also a chance to enjoy the bar while it’s still around.
