THURSDAY, AUGUST 20
KARAOKE: The only thing that makes Sticky Rice’s delicious sushi-meets-comfort-food (bucket of Tots, anyone?) more appetizing is the H Street joint’s karaoke Thursdays. Whether you’re certain you could be the next Miley Cyrus, or you’re just looking to drink sake bombs, this promises to be an entertaining night. Free, 10:30 PM.
OPEN MIC NIGHT: Upshur Street Books adds more sweat to this already balmy August with their Romantic Romps: Summer Sultry Edition event. Write a steamy, romantic passage then read it in front of a crowd. If you have writer’s block, you can read a ridiculous passage from a book off the 99-cent rack. Too shy to read sexy things out loud? The good people of Upshur Books are volunteering to perform your passage for you. Free, 8 PM.
EAT: We’ve all been regaled with talk of the virtues of organic food and farm-to-table diets, but the National Museum of American History’s third annual Food in the Garden goes a bit deeper. A panel of scientists, historians, and researchers will talk about seeds: the ways they’ve nourished us in the past, what the future holds, and how seed technology has impacted the way we eat. Tickets get you two drinks and “garden fresh food.” $40, 6 to 8 PM.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21
ARTS: Liner Notes performs at the Atlas Performing Arts Center, combining actual liner notes with live music, art, and poetry. The group–featuring Paige Hernandez, Baye Harrell, Akua Allrich, and Kris Funn’s Corner Store Jazz Quintet–offers its own take on a medley of famous hip hop jams. $22 to $27, 8 PM.
FILM: E Street Cinema’s midnight movies are typically in the “it’s so bad, it’s good” genre, and tonight’s pick, Zardoz, is no exception. The flick stars a young and bare-chested Sean Connery, whose character hopes to change the fate of his people, the Brutals. The trailer (above) is bonkers. $9, 11:59 PM.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 22
PODCAST IRL: The witty, fast-talking, mother-daughter comedy Gilmore Girls has reached the ranks of a cult classic–remember when the series finally hit Netflix and everyone freaked out? The hit podcast Gilmore Guys, however, may need more explaining. Here’s what it is: a podcast hosted by two male Gilmore Girls fans, who excitedly talk about episodes from the series. Just like Luke and Lorelai, the chemistry between hosts Kevin T. Porter and Demi Adejuyigbe is palpable and endearing. The guys make their way to Sixth & I for a live podcast. $15 in advance, $18 day of show, 8 PM.
MUSIC: Chuck Brown would have been 79 today, and the Chuck Brown Band is celebrating the Godfather of Go-Go the way he would have wanted it: busting loose with a free show at Chuck Brown Memorial Park. Free, 4 to 8 PM.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 23
FILM: The Comcast Outdoor Film Festival presents several movies this weekend in the Montgomery County Public Schools Board of Education’s parking lot, giving Washington residents a drive-in movie theater experience that’s relatively close to home. On Sunday, they’re screening Guardians of the Galaxy. Movies begin at dusk.
CLOTHES: Get rid of the old clothes in your closet and get some new(ish) items. Goodwill of Greater Washington hosts a Swap and Shop. They’ll take your clothes, shoes, and accessories, so long they’re in good condition, and let you swap them for new additions to your wardrobe. $5 suggested donation, 11 AM to 2 PM.
