Monday, March 18

MARCH MADNESS: There’s more to picking the perfect March Madness bracket than choosing your alma mater to advance every round (sorry, your liberal arts school that had a losing regular-season record is NOT winning the national championship). Figure out how to be tops in the office pool at Sixth & I Synagogue’s Bracketology 101 event, featuring DC Sports Bog’s Dan Steinberg and Comcast SportsNet’s Ben Standig. Afterward, fill out a bracket to be entered into the synagogue’s official pool. Tickets ($10) include one drink and are available online. 7:30 PM.

Tuesday, March 19

WESTERNS: Black Cat is turning into a saloon for its Spaghetti Western night, screening John Wayne’s The Searchers, which has been named the best American Western of all time. Afterward, deejays Benjy Ferree, Soul Call Paul, and Adam Berenbak will spin classic Western music for all you cowboys and gals. Free. 8 PM.

Wednesday, March 20

KNOWLEDGE: After a winter hiatus, thirst. is back. The series features TED-style talks with a twist—namely that there’s an open bar during the event and a dance party after. Head to U Street Music Hall, where four experts will discuss aerospace, the human need for creativity, the weather, and innovation. Tickets ($25) are available online. 6 PM.

ITALIAN ICE: Happy spring! FINALLY. Rita’s is giving away free Italian ice all day. Head to one of the three DC locations (H Street, Chinatown, and Rhode Island Avenue, Northeast) and act like the weather’s nice.

Thursday, March 21

GATSBY: That Leo DiCaprio Great Gatsby movie is STILL not out, but you can get your Roaring Twenties fix at the Huxley, which is hosting its second annual Gatsby Gala. That means wear your best flapper or ’20s gangster attire and hit the open bar of Deep Eddy vodka drinks. Tickets ($60 to $75) are available online. 9 PM.

Know of something cool going on around town? E-mail Jason Koebler at jasontpkoebler@gmail.com, or find him on Twitter.