Singer-songwriter Meklit Hadero. Photograph by Rus Anson.

Wednesday, February 8

Singer-songwriter Meklit Hadero performs at the Artisphere tonight. “Hadero’s sound is a unique blend of jazz, Ethiopia, the San Francisco art scene, and visceral poetry; it paints pictures in your head as you listen,” says NPR. Tickets can be purchased online for $15 or at the door for $18. 8 PM.

MUSIC: Indie pop group Veronica Falls are dropping by the Black Cat. Their self-titled debut was released in September of last year; listen to some of their songs here. The London natives will be joined by Brilliant Colors. Tickets ($10) can be purchased online. Doors open at 8 PM.

WINE: The Capital Wine Festival returns to the Fairfax with a Heitz Wine Cellars dinner. The four-course spread includes pan-seared crabcake, wild mushroom risotto, mint-glazed lamb chops, and black cherry crème brûlée. Each course will be paired with a Heitz wine. Tickets ($125) can be purchased through the event’s website. 7 PM.

SHOPPING: The Crystal Couture Show and Sale returns with discounted offerings from more than 30 boutiques. In addition to savings up to 50 percent, shoppers can enjoy fashion shows, complimentary drinks, hair and makeup consultations, music by DJ Neekola, and more. The sale runs through February 11.

Looks like this single critter had a blast at last year’s Woo at the Zoo. Photograph by Mehgan Murphy/National Zoo.

Saturday, February 11

SCAVENGER HUNT: Track down naughty novelties during the Watson Adventures’ Naked Scavenger Hunt at the American Art Museum. Items include a tempting she-devil, a giddy drinker, and a startling Lite-Brite picture. And yes, clothes are required. Tickets ($24.50) can be purchased through the event’s website. 1 PM. The scavenger hunt runs through February 12.

This photograph by Cade Martin, who shot the Summer/Fall 2011 cover for Washingtonian Bride & Groom, won first place in FotoWeek DC's "commercial" category.

Thursday, November 3

HAPPY HOUR: You’ve heard of happy hour, but what about Handi Hour? Stop by the Renwick Gallery for an evening of drinks and crafts. Channel your inner Martha Stewart, sip craft beers from ChurchKey, and enjoy live music by Brad Pugh. Plus, there will be a scavenger hunt through the gallery’s permanent collection. Tickets ($15) include two drink vouchers; additional drinks can be purchased for $5. 5:30 PM. 21 and up.

MUSIC: Don’t miss opening night of pianist Peter Serkin’s concert with the NSO at the Kennedy Center. The Grammy Award–winning artist has been called “utterly modern and thoroughly engrossing to hear” by the Washington Post. Conducted by Oliver Knussen, the program will feature works by Stravinsky and Messiaen. Tickets ($20 to $85) can be purchased through the KenCen’s Web site. 7 PM. The show runs through November 5.

ART: Phillips After 5, a popular after-hours event at the Phillips Collection, is back with jazz performances, modern art, magic demonstrations, and more. Food and drink will be available for purchase. Tickets ($10 for students, $12 for adults, free for members) can be reserved through the gallery’s Web site. 5 to 8:30 PM.

Taste of Georgetown is back this Saturday with culinary treats from 30 of Georgetown's hottest restaurants. Photographs courtesy of Taste of Georgetown

Thursday, October 13

MUSIC: Elton John fans won’t want to miss the BSO SuperPops’s tribute concert at Strathmore. Vocalist and pianist Michael Cavanaugh will perform some of the pop star’s greatest hits, such as “Tiny Dancer,” “Candle in the Wind,” and “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.” Hailed by Billboard as the “new voice of the American rock and roll songbook,” Cavanaugh recently starred in Broadway’s Movin’ Out. Tickets ($28 to $88) can be purchased through the Strathmore’s Web site. 8 PM.

FILM: Halloween may be a few weeks away, but scare-seekers can get a jump start on the festivities with tonight’s free screening of Ringu —the Japanese horror film that inspired The Ring. All month long, the Japan Information and Culture Center (1150 18th St., NW) will celebrate All Hallow’s Eve with spooky Japanese cinema. The events are free, but attendees must RSVP by calling 202-238-6900. 6:30 PM.

DRINKS: Stop by the Arlington Arts Center for tonight’s Fall Happy Hour. Explore the facility’s new exhibition, “Fall Solos 2011,” which features seven Mid-Atlantic artists’ solo shows and was put together by DC collector and curator Michael Pollack and independent international curator Melissa Keys, formerly of the Perth Institute of Contemporary Art (PICA). Nibble on artisanal cheeses, spreads, and cured meats, and sip on seasonal wines from Café Caturra while viewing the works, which range from David D’Orio’s knife-brandishing toys to Chloe Watson’s depictions of the 17 bedrooms she’s lived in—and 73 jerks she’s encountered—throughout her life. Tickets can be purchased for $10 through the AAC’s Web site or for $15 at the door. 5:30 to 7:30 PM.

Synth-pop group Ladytron are performing at the 9:30 Club Tuesday. Photograph courtesy of Ladytron

Monday, October 10

THEATER: Don’t miss the local premiere of A Bright New Boise at the Woolly Mammoth. Directed by Samuel D. Hunter, the quirky comedy follows an evangelical believer who tries to connect with the son he put up for adoption by getting a job at an Idaho craft store. New York magazine called the production a “simple, superb little heartland heartbreaker.” Monday and Tuesday’s performance don’t require pre-purchased tickets; just stand in line and pay what you can. The box office opens at 6 PM; The show is at 8. If you’re interested in seeing the performance after Tuesday, tickets ($35 to $68) can be purchased through the Woolly Mammoth’s Web site. The play runs through November 6.

Tuesday, October 11

MUSIC: Synth-pop group Ladytron are dropping by the 9:30 Club tonight. The European import’s “shadowy sound has been compared to that of electroclash groups like Fischerspooner and to the darker work of New Order,” according to NPR. You can listen to some of their tracks here. Opening bands will be VHS or Beta and Sonoio. Tickets ($30) can be purchased through Ticketfly. Doors open at 7 PM.

Wednesday, October 12

WINE: Expand your palate during the Washington Club’s Gourmet Harvest wine tasting. Enjoy vintages from Loudoun County’s Fabbioli Cellars and North Gate Vineyard, along with gourmet appetizers from Club 15. Tickets ($20) can be purchased through Instant Seats. 6:30 to 8:30 PM.

Where can you find whimsical felt creatures and glitter-encrusted darts? At Saturday's Crafty Bastards Art Fair, of course! Photographs courtesy of Horrible Adorables (left) and Something's Hiding In here (right)

Thursday, September 29

MUSIC: Elvis Costello and the Imposters are dropping by the Warner Theatre tonight. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee has brought us hits including “Pump It Up,” “Alison,” and “Radio Radio.” You can listen to some of his songs here. Tickets ($69.50 to $125) can be purchased through Live Nation. 8 PM.

DRINKS: Join Fashion Fights Poverty at the Gibson for an evening of fashion-inspired cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and tunes spun by DJ Soul Call Paul. All proceeds will benefit FFP, a nonprofit dedicated to the spread of ethical fashion practices. Tickets ($15) can be purchased through PayPal.

FOOD: Mon Ami Gabi is celebrating the Jewish New Year with a special Rosh Hashanah menu. The spread includes traditional favorites such as challah bread with apples and honey, homemade gefilte fish, matzo ball soup, braised brisket, and more. For reservations ($34.95, $16.95 for children under 12) call 301-654-1234.