Thursday: The free Smithsonian Folklife Festival makes its return to the National Mall this weekend, featuring traditional performances, food, and videos from Mexican and Asian-Pacific-American cultures. Look for mariachi bands, storytelling, and cooking classes. It runs Thursday, June 24, through Monday, June 28, and Thursday, July 1, through Monday, July 5. For a full schedule of events, click here.
ACKC in Old Town is hosting an ice-cream social with live music from 6 to 10 to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Half the proceeds from ice-cream sales go to the organization.
What’s the Deal hosts a free happy hour at Momo Sports Bar—all you have to do is sign up to receive e-mails from the deal-of-the-day Web site and you’re entitled to two free drinks. The happy hour runs from 6 to 8. To RSVP, click here.
Mark Andersen, co-author of the book Dance of Days: Two Decades of Punk in the Nation’s Capital, is hosting a video presentation at Affinity Lab (2451 18th St., NW) with concert footage of such bands as Fugazi, Bad Brains, and Government Issue. The event, which also features DJs spinning tracks from local bands as well as light refreshments, benefits the charitable organization We Are Family. The event is free, but a $8 donation is strongly encouraged. 6:30. Space is limited, so you must RSVP; click here.
The Embassy of Finland shows a series of short films that explore everyday life. There’s Real Snow White, which is about a woman who’s dressed as Snow White and refused entry into Disneyland Paris. Also showing is Masa, an animated short that deals with heady topics such as the meaning of life—as explored by a guinea pig. The screening is sponsored by the Washington Film Society, and the $20 ticket includes an open bar at 6:30. To purchase tickets, click here.
The Capitol Riverfront’s Ultimate Underdog Movie Festival at Canal Park (200 M St., SE; 202-465-7093) shows the 1984 original Karate Kid at 8:45. Attendees are encouraged to arrive as early as 7:30 for games and giveaways. If you get there before 7, you can pick up picnic items from the area’s farmers market (New Jersey Ave. and M St., SE). Free.
Friday: It’s been just over a year since the Gloved One kicked the bucket, but deejays at U Street Music Hall are convinced that, like Tupac, he’s still with us. Moonwalk to remixes, mashups, and straight classic MJ tunes at the Michael Jackson Is Still With Us event Friday from 5 to 10. Free.
The Embassy of Brazil hosts the third installment of BrazilDocs at E Street Cinema, featuring documentary films that explore the country’s culture and history. This year’s festival, which runs through July 1, showcases six documentaries, including Beyond Ipanema, about the international resonance of Brazilian music such as samba and bossa nova. Also look for On the Stage, in which famous actresses re-enact the accounts and stories of a group of ordinary women. All films show once a day. Tickets ($5) can be purchased at the theater’s box office. For showtimes, click here.
Take a look at the work of award-winning National Geographic photographer Maggie Steber during the opening reception of her latest exhibit at Smith Farm Gallery. Titled “Through Their Eyes: Haitian Artists’ Visions of Home,” the exhibit also includes the work of more than 30 Haitian artists. A selection of light refreshments will be available. 6 to 8.
As if one needed further proof that Glee is the gayest television show ever, Town Danceboutique is hosting a Glee-themed extravaganza with karaoke, videos, and live performances. Bonus points if you show up in your best Sue Sylvester outfit. Admission is $10, but there’s a 50-percent discount if you arrive before 11.
Arlington Cinema ’N’ Drafthouse screens Joss Whedon’s entertaining space opera Serenity, based on the excellent but short-lived television show Firefly. The showing benefits So Others Might Eat and Homeward Trails. Guests are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items. There’ll be a costume contest, so come dressed as your favorite character. Tickets are $8. For more information, click here.
Saturday: Love a good bloody Mary? In celebration of its new Saturday brunch, Firefly is offering one on the house to every person who orders from the brunch menu. Dishes include eggs Florentine; challah French toast; and quiche with spinach, Gruyère, and Virginia ham. Brunch runs from 9 to 2.
The 18th annual DC Caribbean Carnival takes place Saturday and Sunday. The theme is Remembering Haiti, and besides the usual parade (starting at Georgia and Missouri aves., NW), there are performances at Banneker Park by Alison Hinds and JW & Blaze. The festivities begin at noon, and admission is $10.
Hop on your fixie and head over to the Black Cat Saturday night for the third annual Bike Prom. This year’s theme is Beyond Velodrome, and if you want any chance of redeeming yourself for falling short of high-school prom queen, you’ll dress up. Ten bucks gets you in the door, and WABA members get a free drink.
Sunday: At Beach, Bums, and Bellinis at the W Hotel in downtown DC, you’ll get fitness classes on the hotel’s rooftop (hosted by Lululemon Athletica trainers), followed by a bottomless bellini brunch. Too good to be true? Well, space is limited, so call 202-661-2455 to reserve a spot. Admission is $39 and includes the class and brunch. The class starts at 10:45, and lunch is at noon.
Arts and Craft 2010, held at the Fridge, is a multimedia showcase featuring interesting works from local artists. Expect a wide range of media, from comic book and poster art to found robot sculptures. There’ll also be live music, an outdoor Ping Pong tournament, food, and drinks. Cover is $10 at the door. The event runs from 5 to 9.
The Arlington wine bar Screwtop is hosting a beer-and-cheese class with Hop & Wine’s Jonathan Frye. The class is limited to 34 participants; call 703-888-0845 or stop by the stor
e to reserve a spot. Price is $39.99 per person. 6:30.
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