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Events Calendar
Thursday, August 20: Slumdog Millionaire takes the screen at Strathmore as part of Comcast’s Outdoor Film Festival. The show begins at 8:10, with grounds and food vendors opening as early as 6:30. If you have yet to experience the unique story line and unbelievable Indian scenery of last winter’s surprise blockbuster, we highly recommend attending.
Need to cool off? Wander over to the Kogod Courtyard at the Smithsonian American Art Museum for Take Five at the Smithsonian. From 5 to 8, there will be live jazz as well as a cash bar, and you’ll be able to check out the art while you’re at it. Free.
Julia Child’s World War II stint as a spy for the Office of Strategic Services is the perfect excuse for the International Spy Museum to throw a reception in her honor at Zola Wine & Kitchen. Join chef Bryan Moscatello for a cooking demonstration of Child’s coq au vin, then indulge in two glasses of wine and sample-size eats inspired by her recipes. If Julia’s food isn’t enough, actress and Child impersonator Mary Ann Jung will be on hand—and in character—to regale you with tales from the kitchen queen’s life. The event, which costs $55, begins at 6. Call 202-654-0964 for tickets.
Friday, August 21: What better place to end the work week than the fairgrounds? The 33rd Arlington County Fair runs through Sunday. There’s no cost to the enter the grounds, and free activities include a petting zoo, movie nights, and an indoor exhibitor hall, where there’ll be photography, baked goods, agricultural competitions, and more. Thomas Jefferson Community Center, 3501 S. Second St. 10 to 9.
Asylum in Adams Morgan is all grown up—the bar is celebrating its 18th birthday Friday night. To mark the occasion, bartenders will sling beers for 18 cents from 8 to 10 and for $1.80 from 10 to closing. A DJ will be on hand with dance tracks, and the local reggae band Lucky Dub will play at 9:30. No cover.
The Breeders at the Black Cat
Charlyne Yi comes to the Arlington Cinema ’n’ Drafthouse tonight for a standup performance. If you haven’t lived under a rock this summer, you know she wrote and starred alongside Michael Cera in Paper Heart, a sweet, quirky “hybrid documentary” exploring the search for love. 9:45; $18. Tickets can be purchased here.
Saturday, August 22: The godfather of go-go, Chuck Brown, is getting a street named after him this weekend—appropriately called Chuck Brown Way—and he’s throwing a party to celebrate. Head to Seventh and T streets, Northwest, at 4 to boogie down with Brown and the public. There’ll be DJs, food, a moon bounce, and more. That evening, he’ll do a concert at the 9:30 Club; that’s at 9, and tickets are $25.
Nine years of Bliss! Can you believe it? One of DC’s best dance nights, the indie-rock Bliss DJ night, is holding its nine-year anniversary at the Black Cat tonight. 9:30; $10.
The 61st Montgomery County Agricultural Fair wraps up today. Complete with all the adorable farm animals, funnel cake, and fun activities you could want, it’s well worth the trip out to the Montgomery County Fairgrounds (16 Chestnut St., Gaithersburg). Admission is $8 for adults; $3 children ages two to seven; free under age two.
Score good fashion deals and raise money for a worthy charity all at the same time this Saturday. Head to Helix Lounge for an “urbanista” flea market. Browse racks of designer clothes at a discount; part of the proceeds will go to Habitat for Humanity. Tickets are $10.60; buy them here. The flea market runs from noon till 5.
Dying to know what a day in the life of an elephant is like? You can find out today at the National Zoo, which is holding a celebration of its Asian elephants from 10 to 4. You can see the elephants get bathed, weighed, and fed, and you can also get a sneak peek of the new Elephant Trails exhibit. Free.
Sunday, August 23: Lego fans, rejoice! BrickFair 2009, a gathering of Lego lovers who show off and admire miniature masterpieces, takes place today (and Saturday) at the Sheraton Premiere at Tysons Corner. The Web site says you’ll need at least 90 minutes to see all the Lego creations. There will also be Lego robot wars, door prizes, and more. Public-access passes, which get you in from 11 to 4, are $10 for adults, $7 for kids under 11; free for children under age four. You can also opt for full registration, which allows you to bring your own Lego creations and entitles you to longer hours at the festival, for $50.
Celebrate traditional Cambodian culture at the Alexandria Cambodian Community Day Festival from noon until 6. Taking place in Ben Brenman Park, the festival will have food, music, dancing, children’s entertainment, and more. Free.
Sarah is the Editor-in-Chief of Washingtonian Bride & Groom, and writes about weddings, fashion, and shopping. Her work has also appeared in Refinery29, Bethesda Magazine, and Washington City Paper, among others. She is a Georgetown University graduate, lives in Columbia Heights, and you can find her on Instagram at @washbridegroom and @sarahzlot.
