Thursday, August 9
ART: Alexandria’s Torpedo Factory is hosting
Sultry Summer Nights, a chance to check out the gallery at night. This month, Benjamin Duke’s rapture-ready
paintings are on display. You’ll also get a chance to help build a community sculpture
and enjoy light drinks and refreshments. Free. 6 PM.
MUSIC: Knoxville’s
Jill Andrews will finish up the Americana August festival, a joint event hosted by three group
houses that put on concerts. The festival features local and national folk artists.
Andrews’s music straddles the line between folk and pop, keeping things earnest but
upbeat. Everyone who attends will get free ice cream. $15 at the door. 8 PM.
Friday, August 10
FOOD TRUCKS: Wondering where all the trucks are this Farragut Friday? They’re probably at
Truckeroo, the Fairgrounds’ monthly food truck festival, featuring more than 20 food trucks,
cornhole, live music, and lots of beer. Head over to Nats Park and get your munch
on. Free. 11 AM to 11 PM.
COMEDY: The DC Arts Center brings you two variety comedy shows tonight. At 7:30,
Jon Chesebro and
Chelsea Norment do standup, and seven improv troupes will perform. At 10,
Kate Symes and
Eileen Haley do standup,
Sara Kirwin tells stories, and the show kicks off with five improv troupes. Neither 90-minute
show uses the same comedians, so stay for both. Tickets ($8 for each show) are available
through Brown Paper Tickets. 7:30 and 10 PM.
Saturday, August 11
SHOP: More than 60 businesses in Old Town Alexandria will participate in its annual
summer sidewalk sale—you’ll save more than 50 percent in a lot of spots, so leave space in the car or
be ready to lug back your wares on Metro. Free. Beginning at 9 AM.
DANCE (WATCH): Dance troupe
Culture Shock DC is throwing its annual East Coast Dance Concert at the Carter Barron Amphitheatre,
featuring hip-hop and street dance performances. Best of all, it’s free. 6:30 PM.
DANCE (PARTICIPATE): As far as I’m concerned, there’s nothing that makes a crowd of twentysomethings go
crazier than an early 2000s Nelly track.
Brian Billion and
DJ Will Eastman, one of the best in the city, spins at “Hot in Here,” a 2000s dance party at 9:30
Club featuring your standard “Hey Ya’s,” “Country Grammars,” “Mr. Brightsides,” and
“Baby One More Times.” Tickets ($15) are available through 9:30’s website. 9 PM.
MARRIAGE: During the the Corcoran’s
Save the Date performance-art piece,
Kathryn
Cornelius will marry and divorce seven people over the course of seven hours as part of a commentary
on America’s seemingly disposable marriages. Stay for all the drama (and the hourly
Champagne toasts), or just stop by to catch a glimpse of a marriage so short it makes
even Kim Kardashian’s look impressive. Free. 10 AM to 5 PM.
Sunday, August 12
BODY PAINTING: There’s not too much going on Sunday, but this is what you want to be at. Art Soiree’s
third annual
Midsummer Night’s Dream party at the Georgetown Waterfront features body painting, live music, painting,
and performance art, lots of colors, and food and drink from Nick’s Riverside Grille
and Tony & Joe’s Restaurant. Tickets are available for $15 through Eventbrite or for
$20 at the door. 7 PM.
COUNTY FAIR: You could also check out the last day of the
Arlington County Fair, featuring your standard fried fare; arts and crafts; farming, baking, and animal-raising
competitions; pony rides; music; and pig races. Just try not to get swine flu. Free.
11 AM.
Know of something cool happening around town? E-mail Jason Koebler at jasontpkoebler@gmail.com,
or find him on Twitter @jason_koebler.
