News & Politics

Where & When Weekend

Our picks for the best events going on around town this weekend.

Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday 

Thursday, March 22: The Spinto Band’s catchy pop and irresistible harmonies will get you in the mood for the weekend. They’re at the Black Cat this evening on the back stage for just $10. 9 pm.

Shakespeare goes futuristic with this evening’s performance of “The Tempest/La Tempete,” a reinterpretation of the classic by Montreal’s acclaimed 4D Art performance company. Using cutting-edge technology and multimedia effects, the company has actors interacting with virtual characters. $20 to $55. 8 pm, the Kennedy Center.

The Ms. Manor DC Habitat for Humanity Silent Auction takes place tonight–and what's more fun than buying things for a good cause?  Held at Mate (3101 K Street, NW), the auction will help raise money for the construction of a home by Habitat for Humanity in Northeast DC. Donations include items from Elizabeth Arden Red Door Salon and Spa, Four Seasons Hotel in Georgetown, Café Milano, The Trapeze School of New York, JW Marriott, and other area restaurants and hotels. 6pm to 8:30 pm

Friday, March 23: British musician Holly Golightly performs at Iota (2832 Wilson Blvd., Arlington) this evening. Golightly, whose show is a mix of retro-rock, bluesy tunes, and downright awesomeness, has a presence that burns up the stage and a torchy voice that'll keep you rapt. 9:30pm. $12.

Proving that the Hirshhorn isn't the only museum that can party late into the night, the National Museum of Women in the Arts (1250 New York Ave., NW) presents VJ/DJ, an after-hours event this evening from 6 to 10. European video artists will create and produce video art at the party, while Spanish DJs and DJs from DC's own First Ladies collective play some tunes. Plenty of Spanish wine and local hipsters will likely make the NMWA the place to be. $20. Call 202-783-7370 for more info.

Saturday, March 24: Excited as a kid about the upcoming Kite Festival, part of the Cherry Blossom activities going on in the next couple of weeks? Then you'll want to make sure to attend "Kites of Asia" at the National Air and Space Museum. There will be an exhibit detailing the history of Asian kites, and materials and folks will be on hand to help you make your own kite to fly in the festival on March 31. You'll even have the chance, just this one day, to see the first aeronautical object donated to the Smithsonian, a 130-year-old kite given in 1876. Free. 10 am to 3 pm.

If you're looking to get freaky this weekend, there's no better spot than the H Street bar the Palace of Wonders (1210 H St., NE). The friendly pub features sideshow-like decorations straight out of a traveling freak show. This evening a real live sideshow appears: The Coney Island Circus Sideshow features enough oddities to keep you amused for hours. Witness such acts as Insectivora's fire-eating skills or Scott Baker, the "Twisted Shockmeister," who hammers nails into his face. Lovely! $12 in advance, $15 at the door. There'll be two shows, at 8 and 11.

Sunday, March 25: Doubt, the Tony-award-winning show playing at the National Theatre (1321 Pennsylvania Ave., NW) , closes today. Our theater critic said it was not to be missed, so don't miss it! $30-78; Sunday showings are at 1 pm and 6:30 pm.

The Gay Mens' Chorus of Washington offers a different spin on a traditional Wizard of Oz at the Lisner Auditorium (730 21st Street, NW) today at 3 pm. An all-male cast takes on the story of Dorothy and the yellow brick road. $19-49; tickets available here.