Thursday, August 30: Catherine Zeta-Jones stars in the new film No Reservations, a take on a kitchen romance between two chefs. But you should really catch the original German film, Mostly Martha, which is twice as lovely. The Goethe-Institut (814 Seventh St., NW; 202-289-1200) hosts a screening tonight at 6:30. $6; students and seniors $4.
Friday, August 31: It’s the summer’s last Jazz in the Garden at the National Gallery of Art (Seventh St. and Constitution Ave., NW). From 5 to 8:30 PM, enjoy the Sculpture Garden’s surroundings while listening to pianist Johnny O’Neal. Free.
Wind down the season with the Ritz-Carlton’s last Chilled Chocolate ice-cream social. The hotel’s lounge puts forth a wide array of delicious chocolate-ice-cream treats created by its pastry chef. But after this Friday, the event will be no more, so sample while you can. Get details here.
Saturday, September 1: Travis Morrison has been on the local music scene for ages—at first as lead singer for the seminal postpunk band the Dismemberment Plan, which had two very successful reunion shows this past spring, and then as a solo artist. His latest album, All Y’All, is about to be released, and he’ll celebrate tonight with a show at Iota (2832 Wilson Blvd., Arlington; 703-522-8340). Though his music is sometimes all over the place, the charismatic Morrison’s live show never misses the mark. Excellent local acts Gist and the Caribbean open. 9:30 PM; $10.
Did you know that this month is the 100th anniversary of the laying of Washington National Cathedral’s foundation stone? Mark the occasion with a visit to the exhibition “Through Dreamers and Believers: Cathedral Builders,” which celebrates the 1907 event, which set into motion a project spanning more than eight decades. Massachusetts and Wisconsin aves., NW; 10 AM to 4 PM. Free.
If you’re looking to expand your jazz horizons, head to Twins Jazz (1344 U St., NW; 202-234-0072), where harpist Edmar Castenada will perform tonight. You can play jazz on a harp? Who knew? Hear for yourself at 9 and 11 PM. $18; purchase tickets here.
Sunday, September 2: This weekend is a perfect time to check out the Maryland Renaissance Festival (1821 Crownsville Rd., Annapolis), running through October 21. Though it may sound a little cheesy if you’ve never been before, the festival offers great people watching, fun activities such as jousting and pony rides, and of course, plenty of mead to sip and turkey legs to gnaw on. Admission is $18 for adults, $15 for age 61 and over, $8 for ages 7 to 15, under 7 free. Click here for directions and more information.
Head to the 9.30 Club to see 73-year-old Chuck Brown do what he does best. The Washington legend will gear up his hometown fans with music he began developing in the mid-1970s, including “Bustin’ Loose,” “I Need Some Money,” and songs from his new album. Bonus: the concert takes place on Sunday night, and if you’ve got Monday off, you can stay out late and dance the night away. SOJA, a local five-piece reggae band, will open.
Monday, September 3: If you’ve got Labor Day off and don’t know how to spend it, click here for our guide to the weekend’s events and make the best of the holiday and the last days of summer.
