Bride or groom-to-be? Our new wedding blog, Bridal Party, has a few events you may want to check out this weekend.
Thursday, January 10: The Goethe-Institut (814 Seventh St., NW) kicks off its 16th annual German-language film festival, Film Neu, with “Highlights of German Cinema” at 6:30 this evening. The lecture and discussion use movie clips to showcase stages of German-language film throughout history. The presentation is free, but reservations are recommended. Call 202-289-1200 ext. 160 to reserve a spot.
If you’ve somehow managed to go your entire life without seeing the classic film Star Wars, worry not: You’re not alone. Thursday evening, the wonderful coffee shop Big Bear Cafe (First and R sts., NW) is doing something to remedy that situation—projecting the film onto a wall of the cafe to kick off a continuing film series. Get out there and get both your coffee and your Luke Skywalker fixes. 7:30 pm.
Friday, January 11: Free Champagne? Oui, oui! That’s what the first 100 partygoers attending tonight’s Début de Soirée happy hour at K Street Lounge (1301 K St., NW; 202-962-3933) will get. There are other drink specials ($3 beers, $5 wines); you just have to RSVP to get on the guest list. You can do so here. 6 to 10 PM.
It may sound like a gimmick—four young Japanese men start a Beatles tribute band, take over Tokyo, and tour the world—but it’s a heck of a good time. The Silver Beats, a surprisingly faithful and talented Beatles cover band from Japan, hit the 9:30 Club (815 V St., NW) tonight at 9. With their mod suits and bowl cuts, the Silver Beats even bear a startling resemblance to the Fab Four. Keep an eye on the fellow who plays John Lennon—not only is he a ringer, but he sings Lennon’s lovely tunes with passion. $15. Purchase tickets here.
Bring back the glory of your favorite rock stars with Not Dead Yet, a contest and dance night at the Rock and Roll Hotel (1353 H St., NE; (202) 388-7625). Dress as your favorite rock star from beyond the grave (or one alive and kicking today) and compete for prizes. Drink specials abound, and local rockers will play tunes from the ’60s to today. Free; 9:30 PM.
Wanna be a biker babe (or dude)? Head to the Washington Convention Center (801 Mount Vernon Pl., NW), where the Cycle World International Motorcycle Show is taking place today through Sunday. The annual expo features models from every major motorcycle manufacturer—and you can sit on most to get a feel for them. Whether you go there just to gawk at vintage and brand-new bikes or with the intention of buying, it’s a grand time. $13; Friday 4 to 9, Saturday 9:30 to 8, Sunday 9:30 to 5.
Saturday, January 12: Ever heard of Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind? If not, you really should check it out—the show, which has run for 19 years, is wildly entertaining. It’s the signature piece of the Chicago theater troupe the Neo-Futurists. The group attempts to perform 30 plays in 60 minutes, with the help if audience participation, so every performance is different—but consistently moving and hilarious. The group is at the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company (641 D St., NW) through Sunday, with performances this evening at 7 and 9. $25; purchases tickets here.
If you’re looking to outfit a room or two with some unique furniture, head to the Washington Antiques Show, Friday through Sunday at the Omni Shoreham Hotel (2500 Calvert St., NW). The show, which benefits Thrift Shop Charities, features art, furniture, maps, and other antiques from around the country. Tickets are available at the door for $15. Friday and Saturday 11 to 8, Sunday 11 to 4.
Sunday, January 13: Remember “The Gates,” the billowing orange art project that took over Central Park a few years back? Artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude come to the National Gallery of Art (600 Constitution Ave., NW) today to celebrate the premiere of the HBO documentary about that work. The documentary will be screened, and the duo will answer questions afterward. Make sure to show up early to snag a seat. Free; 5 PM.
It’s the last day of the great Annie Leibovitz photography exhibit at the Corcoran Gallery of Art (500 17th St., NW). 10 AM to 5 PM; $14.
