Monday, July 16: One of the area’s biggest outdoor film festivals is Screen on the Green. Fans stake out spots early, bring blankets and picnic dinners, and enjoy Hollywood classics with the Capitol’s illuminated dome as a backdrop. The free five-Monday festival starts tonight with the romantic comedy Annie Hall, starring Woody Allen and Diane Keaton. People start gathering on the Mall between Fourth and Seventh streets around 5 pm; films start playing around sunset, or 8 pm-ish.
If film isn’t your thing, how about free opera? Tonight at 6 at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage, students who have just completed the Washington National Opera’s Opera Institute, an intensive three-week training program, will sing selections in English from well-known operas.
Tuesday, July 17: My new local favorite Junior League brings its twangy, charming melodies to Iota (2832 Wilson Blvd., Arlington; 703-522-8340) at 8:30 pm; $10.
Looking for a midweek pick-me-up? Try out our Happy Hour Finder. A search for good happy hours on Tuesday reveals Birreria Paradiso’s special discount on its beer selection and pizzas—or, at Cantina Marina, $3 Tecate and waterfront seating. For much more, search away!
Wednesday, July 18: If you’ve watched VH1 Soul, you may have seen Les Nubians, a fantastically breezy and soulful R&B sister duet. Paris natives with a French father and Cameroonian mother, they incorporate African and European beats into their funky music. Their album Princesses Nubiennes won a Soul Train Award, and they were nominated for a Grammy in 2004. They perform tonight and tomorrow evening in a very intimate setting at Bohemian Caverns (2003 11th St., NW; 202-299-0800). 10 pm; $25. Get there early; the show is sure to sell out.
Down the street at the 9:30 Club (815 V St., NW; 202-393-0930) is another worthy concert, this one by Gogol Bordello, a Ukranian gypsy punk band that puts on one of the most rollicking, energetic, and flat-out crazy shows you’ll see this summer. 8 pm; $25.
Thursday, July 19: It’s the kickoff of the Capital Fringe Festival, DC’s homegrown celebration of wonderfully offbeat and delightful theater productions. Get details here.
Dedicated vintage shoppers won’t want to miss the party this evening at Mercedes Bien (2423 18th St., NW) in Adams Morgan. The normally weekends-only spot opens its doors tonight from 6 to 9 pm so you can shop its unique vintage jewelry and clothing. Bonus: Nearby bar Madam’s Organ (2461 18th St., NW) offers up drinks and appetizers. Call 202-360-8481 for more information.
