Thursday, July 19: The Capital Fringe Festival, the area’s celebration of all kinds of offbeat theater and other performances kicked off yesterday. Why not take in a show tonight? You can find details and schedules here. With nearly 500 performances taking place through Sunday, July 29, there’s bound to be something you’ll want to check out.
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.
Friday, July 20: It’s Potter time! Muggles, take note: Something wickedly awesome this way comes as the area gets ready for the release of the seventh and final installment of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. Tons of events are going on today as fans prep for the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows—everything from Potter film screenings to a make-your-own-cape event at Marimekko in Silver Spring. Click here for our detailed roundup.
The Hirshhorn Museum (Seventh St. and Independence Ave., SW) throws another of its popular After Hours events this evening from 8 PM to midnight (and looking to become quite a regular thing). The Great Noise Ensemble performs at 9:30, and at 11 there’ll be a curator-led tour of the Wolfgang Tillmans exhibit. $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Order tickets online here.
Saturday, July 21: A great way to escape the heat of a Washington summer is to duck into one of the city’s renowned museums. Plan a museum trip this weekend with our Ultimate Museum Guide, which just went online. We’ve got everything from best museum food to must-sees to locals’ favorite exhibits.
Take a day trip up to Charm City, for Baltimore’s annual Artscape festival, celebrating visual, performing, and literary arts. Dozens of art exhibits and more line the streets, while live music plays on four stages. Noon till 10 PM; free. It all happens in the 1200 block of Mount Royal Avenue in the Bolton Hill neighborhood.
As part of the Indian Summer Showcase 2007—an evening concert series outside the National Museum of the American Indian (Fourth St. and Independence Ave., SW)—songstress Joanne Shenandoah plays on the pavilion at 5:30 PM. The Grammy winner incorporates folk, blues, pop, and traditional Iroquois music into her songs. Free. Bonus—did you know that the NMAI’s Mitsitam Cafe offers some of the city’s best museum food? See details in our guide on where to dine in museums.
Sunday, July 22: What better to do on a lazy Sunday than indulge in brunch, a mimosa, and a gossip fest with your friends? Take a look at our guide to the best brunches in town.
The band Bishop Allen plays whimsical, ’60s-tinged pop—and its live show is a charming good time. The place? The Black Cat (1811 14th St., NW; 202-667-7960) tonight at 8 PM. $12.
This weekend is one of your last chances to catch the sweeping and fascinating Modernism exhibit at the Corcoran Gallery of Art (500 17th St., NW; 202-639-1700). The show closes July 29. Sundays, the museum is open from 10 AM to 6 PM; admission for adults is $14.
