The 22nd annual Washington Jewish Film Festival returns with more than 50 critically acclaimed films. Photographs courtesy of the festival’s Web site
Thursday, December 1
HOLIDAY: Get in the holiday spirit during the Village at Shirlington’s tree-lighting party. Enjoy horse and carriage rides, photos with Santa, holiday carolers, face painting, holiday treats, and more. Plus, Carolyn Cole, the star of Signature Theatre’s Hairspray, will make an appearance. Guests are encouraged to bring a nonperishable item to benefit the Arlington Food Assistance Center. Free. 6:30 to 8:30 PM. See the Facebook page for details.
COMEDY: Former Daily Show correspondent Lauren Weedman is bringing her solo act, “Bust,” to Studio Theatre. The plot was inspired by her volunteer work in an LA women’s prison. The show runs through December 18. Tickets ($35 to $60) can be purchased through the theater’s Web site. 7:30 PM.
FILM: The 22nd annual Washington Jewish Film Festival is back with 50 films being shown around the area. Tonight’s film, Mabul, won best feature-length film at the Hafia Film Festival; a 7 PM reception at Avalon Theatre is followed by a screening at 7:45. Click here to see the complete schedule and to purchase tickets (tonight’s event is $25). The festival runs through December 11.
The Capital Irish Film Festival also starts tonight. Tonight’s film, The Lotus Eaters, was an official Tribeca Film Festival selection (8 PM at E Street Cinema). Tickets for tonight’s event are $10. Click here to see the complete schedule. The festival runs through December 10.
MUSIC: For three nights, violinist Midori will join the National Symphony Orchestra for Britten’s Violin Concerto in D Minor. The performance will also feature pieces by Dmitri Shostakovich and Osvaldo Golijov. A free discussion with the artists will follow tonight’s show. The performance runs through December 3. Tickets ($20 to $85) can be purchased through the Kennedy Center’s Web site. 7 PM.
Friday, December 2
DANCE: The Merce Cunningham Dance Company is bringing their Legacy Tour to the Kennedy Center. The performance features three of Cunningham’s signature pieces, including “Antic Meet,” “Squaregame,” and “Sounddance.” The exhibition “covers a marvelously entertaining range of idiom and thought,” says the New York Times. The show runs through December 3. Tickets ($22 to $65) can be purchased through the KenCen’s Web site. 8 PM.
THEATER: Cabaret lovers won’t want to miss opening night of The In Series: Arlen & Berlin at the Atlas. Directed by Abel López, the show features classic songs by Irving Berlin and Harold Arlen—including “White Christmas,” “Stormy Weather,” and “Come Rain or Come Shine.” The show runs through December 11. Tickets ($23 to $40) can be purchased through the theater’s Web site. 8 PM.
SHOPPING: Sustainable clothing boutique Carbon is hosting a vintage trunk show with East Coast Chic blogger Tanya Janish. Shoppers can enjoy complimentary refreshments while perusing Janish’s enviable collection of blazers. Proceeds will benefit Suited for Change, a nonprofit that provides profession clothing for women from low-income areas. 6 to 8 PM. See Carbon’s Web site for details.
BEER: DC Bread and Brew is whipping up a vegan craft beer dinner tonight. The four-course spread features marinated mixed-beet crostini, butternut squash risotto, pecan crusted seitan, and organic chocolate ganache. Each course will be paired with one of Uinta Brewing Company’s new line of organic beers. Tickets ($50) can be reserved by calling 202-466-2676. 8 PM.
Saturday, December 3
BOAT PARADE: Bring the whole family to Alexandria for the town’s annual Boat Parade of Lights. Fifty colorfully lit powerboats and sailboats will sail down the Potomac River from 6 to 7 PM. But you’ll want to come early, because little ones can meet Santa and groove to live music at 4. Free.
SIGNING: MTV’s Steve-O will be signing copies of his new book, Professional Idiot: A Memoir, at the Busboys and Poets at 5th and K Streets. An $8 donation is suggested, and a ticket ($25) includes the donation as well as a copy of the book; they are available for purchase through the event’s Web site. Proceeds will benefit the Kindness Collective, an organization that helps find homes for abused pets. 1 to 2 PM.
BAR HOP: Grab some friends and head to Dupont for the Tacky Sweater Bar Crawl. Thirteen bars will be offering nearly 40 drink specials—including Madhatter, McFadden’s, Public, Mighty Pint, and Buffalo Billiards. Click here for a complete list of drink specials. Tickets can be purchased through the event’s Web site for $15 or for $20 at the door. 6 PM to 2 AM.
FASHION: Join DAR Curator of Costumes Alden O’Brien and artist Peter Waddell at the White House Visitor Center for a history lesson on presidential and first lady fashions. They will discuss how fashion choices reflected the current decor and political atmosphere. Free. 1:30 PM. Find details here.
Sunday, December 4
THEATER: It’s your last chance to catch a showing of Krapp’s Last Tape at Shakespeare Theatre. Starring John Hurt, best known for his Oscar-nominated role in The Elephant Man, the play follows an old man’s struggle with his past. Tickets ($75 to $95) can be purchased through the theater’s Web site. 2 and 7 PM.
MUSIC: Rap duo G-Side are dropping by DC9 tonight. The Huntsville, Alabama, pair’s remake of Nas’s “The World Is Yours” received rave reviews from NPR: “G-Side does justice to the original, proving that the line between the largest housing project in the country and the fourth-largest city in Alabama is surprisingly thin.” Tickets ($10) can be purchased through the club’s Web site. Doors open at 8 PM; the show starts at 8:30.
ART: More than 60 regional artists will be at this year’s Montgomery County Holiday Craft Fair at the Bauer Drive Community Center (14625 Bauer Drive, Rockville). You’ll find a variety of mediums, including photography, jewelry, wood, ceramics, metalwork, soaps, and more. Food will be available for purchase. Free. 10 AM to 4 PM.
