Thursday, February 28: What makes great streets in DC? Find out tonight at the National Building Museum (401 F St., NW; 202-272-2448) from four panelists who know what they’re talking about when it comes to developing a neighborhood for nightlife and more. Joe Englert, who has developed the H Street corridor in Northeast DC and owns more bars than anyone else in the city, will chat alongside a geography professor, an architect, and a transportation expert. There’s no better way to learn about development in the District. 6:30 PM; $20.
The wildly popular 12-piece band Pink Martini plays shows tonight through Saturday at the Kennedy Center. Never heard of them? Chances are no matter what your musical tastes are, you’ll find something to like in Pink Martini. The band mixes everything from chamber music to lounge-style tunes to samba in a ridiculously appealing and catchy mix. 7 PM tonight, 8 PM Friday and Saturday. $20-$85; purchase tickets here.
Did you know there’s an International Sword Swallower’s Day? No shame if you didn’t—this is the first year it’s taken place. Celebrate the momentous event at the quirky bar the Palace of Wonders on H Street, Northeast. Several sword swallowers will be doing what they do best (in case you’re unclear, that’s shoving really sharp, pointy metal objects down their throats)—and even better, they’re going to show you exactly how it’s done and why they do it. Admission to the performance and explanation is just $5, and the bar will offer drink specials all night. 9 PM.
Friday, February 29: Why not kick off the weekend with a bit of theater? We’ve got *reviews of some great current productions,* including Major Barbara, George Bernard Shaw’s wicked comedy about war, religion, and hypocrisy; Argonautika, a fantastical and contemporary take on the myth of Jason and the Argonauts; and My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m in Therapy!, a standup riff on growing up ethnic that’s both very lowbrow and very funny.
At Wolf Trap, Chicago’s famed comedy troupe, Second City, will be performing the hilarious improv and sketches that made alums like Tina Fey and Bill Murray famous. 8 PM; $20. Purchase tickets here.
Saturday, March 1: Tracy Morgan, 30 Rock star and former Saturday Night Live cast member, will be doing standup at Lisner Auditorium this evening. 8 PM; $29.50. Get tickets here.
Alexandria gets the Saint Patrick’s Day festivities started a bit early this March with its annual parade today. Activities such as the Invitational Classic Car Show and a dog show start at 10 AM; the parade gets going at 12:30. Get details and directions at the official Web site.
Sunday, March 2: Get a sense of DC through movies with Our City Film Fest. From 1 to 7:30 PM the Sixth & I Historic Synagogue will be hosting films that highlight stories and experiences in DC. There’s everything from an artist who uses Metro’s Blue Line to inspire his work to a film about gentrification in the city. $10.
Drunkeoke at Madam’s Organ (2461 18th St., NW) on Sunday nights is pretty much what it sounds like. In this case, it’s standard karaoke—but with a two-drink minimum. So in case you got neither your required karaoke or alcohol intake on Friday and Saturday, head to the Adams Morgan bar. Call 202-667-5370 for start times and more info. Looking for even more karaoke? Check out our local karaoke round up here.
What fun stuff are you up to this weekend? Leave your plans in the comments.
