Friday, September 28: Who’s up for more vintage shopping and cocktail sipping? I am! If you are, too, head to the Vintage Project tonight. Hosted by Project 4 Gallery (903 U St., NW), the event is billed as “a vintage fashion trunk show for a good cause.” A portion of the proceeds from each sale of vintage and designer clothes will go toward purchasing school uniforms for children in Africa. 6 to 8 PM. More info can be found here.
Chicago’s most famous comedic troupe, Second City, comes to the Smithsonian this evening. One Nation, Under Blog is the show; I can only guess at what kind of hilarious material that deals with. It’s at 6:30 at the National Museum of Natural History’s Baird Auditorium (Tenth St. and Constitution Ave., NW). General admission $25, Smithsonian members $20; call 202-633-3030 for more information. Purchase tickets here.
Saturday, September 29: Get to know your city better with a great annual event, WalkingTown DC. Take part in one of more than 45 walking tours throughout DC and beyond, or hop on a bike or boat and see the city that way. Check out the list of tours here. Personally, I’m interested in “DC EcoTour—Green Buildings of DC” and “Shaw: Where DC Comes Together,” which takes you through the historic Shaw neighborhood and ends up at the local wine shop Grape Legs. Most tours are free and don’t require registration.
Go Greek this weekend. It’s time for Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral’s Fall Greek Festival. There are plenty of fun activities, from live music to dancing to crafts for sale to tours of the cathedral—but I’d go for the food alone. Greek pastries, souvlaki and gyros, Greek wine and beer . . . mmm. Noon to 9 (the festival also takes place Friday and Sunday; hours are the same). Free. 36th St. and Massachusetts Ave., NW. For more information, call 202-333-4730.
Book lovers can't miss the National Book Festival, taking place on the Mall (between 7th and 14th Streets) this weekend. Over 70 authors will come together from 10 AM to 5 PM for lectures, discussions, book signings and more. Get the list of participating authors here.
One of the area’s most buzzed-about bands, Le Loup (which also happens to have an excellent live show), hosts its CD release party tonight at the Black Cat (1811 14th St., NW; 202-667-7960). Come out and see what all the fuss is about—and while you’re there, check out slow-burn country-rock openers These United States, another local fave. 9 PM; $10.
Sunday, September 30: Show some love for local designers and artists at the Crafty Bastards festival today. The event showcases handmade alternative arts and crafts by independent artists from DC and beyond. You can buy everything from screen-printed shirts to punk-rock baby clothes. Free; 10 AM to 5 PM at the Marie Reed Learning Center, 18th St. and Wyoming Ave., NW.
Fall theater has started up again—time to take in a show. Try A Lesson Before Dying at Bethesda’s Round House Theatre. Our critic has this to say: “There are nights in theater that are so electric, so compelling, that even critics want to weep with joy. Opening night at A Lesson Before Dying was one of those nights.” Sounds like must-see theater. Read the full review here.
