Thursday, May 26
FILM: It’s the premiere of the Capitol River Outdoor Film Festival at Tingey Plaza. This year’s theme is Best of the Oscars, featuring Dirty Dancing, The Social Network, and—to kick things off tonight— Casablanca. There will also be food trucks and popcorn, cotton candy, and ice cream for sale. Movies begin at 8:45 every Thursday; free.
MUSIC: The acoustic duo Sweater Set is playing a free show at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage. The group just released its second album, Goldmine, and is getting ready to head out on tour. 6 PM.
ART: Ninety-five-year-old Sidney Foster will be on hand to celebrate the opening of his exhibit at the Geoffrey Diner Gallery (1730 21st St., NW). “A Life in Color” consists of ten brightly colored abstract works from the artist, who took up painting only last year. 5 to 7; free.
Also opening is Violetta Markelou’s exhibit of fashion photography. Her work is described as “larger than life,” so it’s fitting that the pieces are installed as wall coverings. The reception is open from 7 to 11, and the exhibit runs through June 16. 14th St. and Park Rd., NW.
PARTY: The start of summer wouldn’t be complete without a foam party. Thankfully, District Lounge is throwing one with music from Richie August, Grime Sindicate, and Encryption vs. Resonance, plus $3 PBR tallboys. 9 PM; $10 cover.
Friday, May 27
JAZZ: One of DC’s favorite summer activities is back—Jazz in the Garden at the National Gallery’s Sculpture Garden starts tonight. Every Friday through September 10, listen to a variety of jazz styles while enjoying a bottle of wine (or two). 5 to 8:30; free.
DJ: Pretend you’re in Monaco watching the Grand Prix at Napoleon Bistro’s dance party. DJs will be playing French disco and tropical rhythms; Champagne will be served for $5 a glass from 10 to midnight. No cover.
TALK RADIO: Garrison Keillor brings his long-running radio show, A Prairie Home Companion, to Wolf Trap at 8 PM; another show on Saturday, May 28, at 5:45 PM will be broadcast live. Buy tickets ($25 to $54) at Wolf Trap’s Web site.
Saturday, May 28
FILM: Entries from the Montreal International Festival of Films on Art are being screened at the National Gallery of Art. Films include Expansive Grounds, German filmmaker Gerburg Rohde-Dahl’s documentary about the creation of Berlin’s Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, and Twice Upon a Garden, about two years in the life of Quebec’s Reford Gardens. Through May 30.
PARTY: Head to the Capitol Skyline Hotel’s first pool party of the summer from 11 to 9. There’ll be appearances by Sweetflow Mobile, the Fojol Bros. food truck, and DJ Keenan and Thunderball, plus plenty of rum punch and vodka lemonade. Admission is $15 at the door.
FESTIVAL: The Hometown Holidays festival is taking over Rockville for the weekend. There will be several concerts on the main stage of Rockville Town Center, including ’80s cover bands Lloyd Dobler Effect and George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic. There will also be crafts and a street fair. Monday’s parade starts at 9:30 AM.
In Virginia, check out the Argentine Festival 2011 at Thomas Jefferson Theater. There will be performances by the best dancers in tango, folk, and more, plus plenty of traditional food for sale. 4 to 10:30; buy tickets ($20) at Tickeri.
ART: Presented by the DC Commission on Arts and Humanities, “Body” features artist Chajana denHarder smashing eight body casts (modeled on herself) with her own body. Prior to this final performance, she asked residents of all eight DC wards, “What do you most desire?” and “What have you lost?” She added the responses to the casts. She hopes her piece will help “destroy boundaries.” At the Corcoran Gallery of Art. 2 PM; free.
Sunday, May 29
MUSIC: The National Memorial Day Concert features a lineup of B.B. King, Yolanda Adams, American Idol winner Kris Allen, the National Symphony Orchestra, and various military bands. On the Mall from 8 to 10; free.
PARTY: Play like a kid at Science Club’s Game Parlor, featuring favorites such as Candy Land, Twister, Clue, and more, plus something called the Scrunchie Toss Olympics. There will also be drink specials, a dance contest, and the best music from the ’80s and ’90s. 6 to 10. Register ($5) here or pay at the door ($10).
FOOD: Get a taste of the swamp at Bayou Bakery’s Crawfish Boil. For $15, enjoy beer and a pound of crawfish, with fixings including potatoes and corn on the cob. 1 to 4.
DJ: The Black Cat hosts DJ Dredd for a Prince dance party. 9 PM; buy tickets ($10) at Ticket Alternative or at the door ($12).
Monday, May 30
FOOD: What’s Memorial Day without plenty of food and beer? Café Saint-Ex is throwing its third annual chili cook-off, with chili tastings, a Peroni beer truck, live music, and kids’ activities. 11 to 5. Right down the street, Policy is hosting the Local Craft Beer and Crab Festival, where $18 buys all-you-can-eat crabs, crabcakes, and soft-shells, plus samples from breweries such as Dogfish Head and DC Brau. Noon to 5. For more ideas for what to do and what to eat this Memorial Day, check out our guide.
< p> FESTIVAL: Marching bands and veterans’ units from all 50 states will march down Constitution Avenue, from Seventh to 17th streets, Northwest, in the National Memorial Day Parade. There will also plenty of floats and balloons. 2 PM; free.
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