Things to Do

Where & When: What to Do This Weekend

Ben’s Chili Bowl celebrates 50 years—and you (and all of Washington) are invited! Plus—a vintage trunk show, the closing of the Hong Kong film festival, standup comedy, a Thai festival, and more in this weekend’s picks.

Thursday, August 21: The good folks at Goodwill are holding a trunk show of vintage and vintage-inspired designs at Marimekko in Silver Spring from 5 to 7 PM. Marimekko and vintage together? It’s like a dream of ours, finally coming true.

Friday, August 22: Make sure to catch a film in the Made in Hong Kong Film Festival at the Freer before it wraps up this weekend. Today and Sunday, it’s Triangle, a classic Hong Kong crime thriller. The film is told in three 30-minute parts, each directed by a different Hong Kong filmmaker. 7 PM (2 PM on Sunday); free tickets required.

It’s a block party for all! To mark its 50th anniversary, Ben’s Chili Bowl is hosting a free block party outside its U Street location from 10:30 AM till 2 PM. Expect family-friendly fun, games, and music.

Standup comic Mike Birbiglia, who got his start at Georgetown University, will be back in town showing off his self-deprecating humor at the Improv through the weekend. 8 and 10:30 PM; $20.

Saturday, August 23: The Thai Embassy Festival hits town this weekend at Union Station to celebrate the 175th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and Thailand. You can expect the usual festival staples—lots of food, music, dancing, and other cultural activities from Thailand. 9:30 AM to 8:30 PM.

Eight years of Bliss! Can you believe it? One of DC’s best dance nights, the indie-rock Bliss DJ night, is holding its eight-year anniversary at the Black Cat tonight. 9:30 PM; $10.

Sunday, August 24: There’s even more fun going on this weekend in celebration of 50 years of Ben’s Chili Bowl. Today it’s a free concert at the 9:30 Club featuring tons of local bands and acts. Like we said, it’s free—but it’s also first-come, first-served, so get there early. Doors open at 1 PM.

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