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Thursday, November 5: The Afrofunk orchestra Chopteeth comes to the Phillips Collection for the fabulous Phillips After 5 program. Catch the band in the auditorium at 6, listen to lectures about the current exhibit—“Man Ray, African Art and the Modernist Lens”—and enjoy food and drinks. 5 to 8:30; the program is included with the $10 admission fee.
One year after the election of President Obama, some Washington progressives are gathering to mark the anniversary with the Class of Change Mixer Party at Local 16 tonight. The mixer will feature DJs, drink specials, and, we’re guessing, the opportunity to meet lots of like-minded liberals. No cover; 7 PM.
Friday, November 6: Held at the Washington Convention Center, the Washington Craft Show features the work of nearly 200 artisans. Everything from clothing to jewelry to glass goods will be for sale. Tickets are $15 general admission, $13 for seniors, and $10 for students. Friday 10 to 8, Saturday 10 to 6, Sunday 11 to 5.
It’s been one year since Midtown Lounge took over the space at 1219 Connecticut Avenue, Northwest. Help the bar celebrate at its anniversary party tonight, featuring a DJ, live music by Road Soda, and plenty of drink specials. 9 PM to 3 AM.
A night of great music and a chance to cheer on a hometown girl? Sign us up. Thao Nguyen, who grew up in Fairfax, and her band, the Get Down Stay Down, are taking the stage tonight at the Black Cat to play its signature evocative, lovely jangly guitar tunes. 9 PM; $15. Get tickets here.
Girls Rock! DC is one of our favorite organizations around—it educates young girls on music and builds confidence. Tonight, there’s a fundraiser for the organization and Guitars Not Guns at Eastern Market’s North Hall. Local bands Tennis System, Shapiro, Memphis 59, and Spring Tigers will play. The $20 ticket gets you access to all the bands and food, and there’ll be a cash bar. Tickets are available in advance here. 7 PM.
Saturday, November 7: Let some of the world’s most talented photographers whisk you around the globe through their camera lenses at the annual FotoWeek DC, starting today. For seven days, more than 50 galleries, embassies, and museums will offer lectures, exhibitions, and portfolio critiques around the city. Last year’s event drew more than 20,000 visitors, and this year’s edition promises an even greater turnout. For a full list of events, venues, and schedules, visit the festival’s homepage.
It’s been 20 years since the Berlin Wall fell, and the International Spy Museum is celebrating by hosting of 20 Trabants—vintage cars that have come to symbolize East Germany and the fall of Communism. The cars will be parked on F Street, Northwest, in front of the museum today, and there’ll be a raffle to win one. Free; 10 to 2.
Pop bottles of Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, and an assortment of other high-end bubbles at the French Embassy’s tenth annual Champagne tasting, held at La Maison Française (4101 Reservoir Rd., NW). The tasting, which begins at 7, will be accompanied by food from a host of local restaurants. Tickets ($125) will help fund various projects hosted by the French-American Cultural Foundation. For more information, visit here. Click here for tickets.
If you judge film by its cinematography, special effects, or mis-en-scène, the Found Film Festival probably isn’t for you. Showing today at 6:15 at the Arlington Cinema ’N Drafthouse, this one-of-a-kind feature shows bizarre video clips that have been found by friends Joe Pickett and Nick Prueher (of the Onion and The Late Show With David Letterman) at thrift stores and garage sales since 1991. Tickets are $10.
They’re back! After breaking up last year, Le Loup is back with a new CD and a big tour that ends tonight in a homecoming show at the Black Cat. The band puts on an atmospheric, ebullient show that highlights its upbeat and bombastic indie rock. 9 PM; $12. Get your tickets here.
Sunday, November 8: Sunday means football. We’ve rounded up the best bars to watch your favorite teams with fellow fans right here.
It’s the season finale of Mad Men tonight, and we bet you’re already lamenting the months ahead without Don Draper and company. But at least you can see the season out in style by heading to Hook restaurant’s Hooked on Mad Men party. The episode will air on flat-screen TVs from 10 to 11, but starting at 8, you can get old-fashioned cocktails and finger foods. Free.
The Newseum, which has on display one of the largest sections of the Berlin Wall outside of Germany, is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its fall with a series of events. The schedule of events, which run from 11 to 5, is here.
