It’s a music-filled weekend in DC—the Bangles are performing at the 9:30 Club Thursday, Ha Ha Tonka at the Rock and Roll Hotel Friday, and the Sweet Pumpkin Pie festival returns Saturday with more than 125 bands.
Thursday, October 6
FILM: As part of Bethesda Row Boutique Week, Landmark Theatre is hosting a free screening of Dressed. The award-winning documentary follows designer Nary Manivong on his journey from homelessness to New York Fashion Week. Manivong and director David Swajesk will be answering questions after the showing. RSVP to dressed@brandlinkdcrsvp.com; 7:45 PM.
MUSIC: If you’re in the mood for an ’80s flashback, the Bangles are dropping by the 9:30 Club. The rock trio have brought us hits like “Walk Like An Egyptian,” “Manic Monday,” and “Eternal Flame.” Tickets ($25) can be purchased through Ticketfly. Doors open at 7 PM.
ART: We already told you about the Phillip Collection’s “Degas’s Dancers at the Barre” exhibit, but tonight’s the perfect time to check it out: At 5 PM, Washington Ballet Artistic Director Septime Webre will share his thoughts on the collection, along with short performances by the ballet school’s students. Click here to read our preview. The exhibit runs through January 8. Tickets ($12 adults, $10 students) can be purchased at the door.
If you’re looking for something more contemporary, the Arlington Arts Center’s new exhibit, “Fall Solos 2011” is opening tonight. The collection features everything from large-scale paintings and portrait series to knife-brandishing toys and audio installations. Free.
FESTIVAL: Don’t miss opening night of the DC Asian Pacific American Film Festival. This year’s celebration kicks off with a screening of Saigon Electric at E Street Cinema, followed by a Q&A with director Stephane Gauger. Afterward, stop by Ultrabar for a food, drink specials, and music. Tickets for the Opening Night Reception ($24) can be purchased through Brown Paper Tickets. 7:30 to 10 PM. The film festival runs through October 15; click here for the program schedule.
Friday, October 7
OKTOBERFEST: Reston’s Oktoberfest is back with three days of music, German food, and drinks galore. Bring the whole family to Market Street for live entertainment, carnival rides and games, pumpkin decorating, and more. The festivities run through Sunday. Admission is free; food and drink tickets can be purchased at the door. Today’s hours are 3 to 11 PM.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Stop by the Dunes for opening night of Discovery Creative’s new exhibit, “Celebrities and Other Animals.” The collection boasts 22 images promoting the Discovery Channel’s hottest shows—including Deadliest Catch, Cake Boss, and NY Ink. Select photos will be on sale with proceeds going to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. Free; 7:30 PM.
MUSIC: Folk-rock band Ha Ha Tonka are performing at the Rock and Roll Hotel tonight. In April, the Washington Post gave the group a glowing review: “The Missouri quartet is not only authentically scruffy, it tears at the heart of American roots music with every chord . . . and its new record, Death of a Decade, basically oozes passion for the craft.” You can listen to some of their tracks here. Tickets ($12) can be purchased through Ticket Alternative. Doors open at 8 PM; show starts at 9.
FUNDRAISER: Help with the search for a cure for canine cancer during the Bark and Bowl benefit at Bowlmor. Lace up your shoes for an evening of music, drinks, and, of course, bowling. Teams must raise a minimum of $500 to secure a lane and can register through the event’s Web site. Proceeds will benefit the DC chapter of the National Canine Cancer Foundation. 7 to 10 PM.
Saturday, October 8
FOOD: Calling all foodies! Taste of DC is taking over Pennsylvania Avenue, Northwest, with more than 60 of the area’s hottest eateries. Participating venues include Ben’s Chili Bowl, Coppi’s Organic Restaurant, Medium Rare, The Cajun Experience, and Whoopsie! Gourmet Whoopie Pies, to name a few. Plus, there’ll be more than 40 different wines and beers. Admission is free; $15 for 10 food and beverage tickets. Today’s hours are 11 AM to 10 PM. The festival runs through Monday.
MUSIC: Sweet Tea Pumpkin Pie festival returns this weekend with 125 bands. Several U Street and Logan Circle venues will host bands from across the country—including DC-natives Drop Electric and Nunchucks. Head to the festival’s Web site for the lineup schedule. Free; the festival runs through Sunday.
BEER: In true Oktoberfest fashion, Washingtonians can sample more than 100 beers at the 12th annual Mid-Atlantic Beer Festival. Some 40 breweries will be on hand, along with local food vendors and an authentic German band. Tickets ($25, free for non-drinkers) include a tasting glass and 10 drink tickets; additional tickets will be sold for $1. Noon to 7 PM (taps close at 6).
KID-FRIENDLY: Bring the whole family to the Torpedo Factory’s 16th annual Alexandria Arts Safari. Enjoy a slew of arts and crafts activities including painting, clay-molding, paper-mache, origami, block printing, and more. Free; noon to 4 PM.
FAIR: It’s your last chance to stop by the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market at Welburn Square. Peruse alternative art from more than 30 vendors—including sparkly hula-hoops, jewelry, stuffed-animals, bags, and more. Plus, Latin jazz group Veronneau will be performing. 10 AM to 4 PM.
Sunday, October 9
ROLLER DERBY: Don’t miss the DC Rollergirls’ season opener, featuring the league’s newest team, the Majority Whips. Stop by the DC Armory (2001 East Capital Street SE) at 4 PM for a rough-and-tumble good time. Beer and food from Eat Wonky will be available for purchase. And for a preview of things to come, check out this video of the roller girls in action. Tickets ($12 adults, $6 ages 6 to 11) can be purchased at the door.
KID-FRIENDLY: Art lovers of all ages will have a blast at the Artisphere’s Birthday Open House. Celebrate the art center’s first year with an afternoon of animated films, salsa lessons, art workshops, drum circles, puppet shows, birthday cake, and more. Free; Noon to 6 PM.
FAIR: Find your inner-om during the Natural Living Expo at the UMUC Marriott Conference Center. Check out more than 100 exhibitors and 64 workshops—including certified astrologers, animal psychics, aromatherapy healers, and more. Tickets ($15, $10 with coupon) can be purchased at the door.
PING PONG: Comet Ping Pong is hosting a singles tournament, and the lucky winner will take home a $100 gift certificate for dinner at Comet. All proceeds will benefit Washington Area Lawyers for the Arts, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the local arts community. Tickets ($20) can be purchased through Brown Paper Tickets. Noon to 5 PM.
