Thursday, September 9
The seventh annual DC Shorts Film Festival aims to “keep it short and keep it reel,” with more than 100 short films by international directors from a dozen countries. The films screen in nine rotating showcases from September 9 through 16. The opening night kicks off with a celebrity party at Madame Tussaud’s, where you can snack on hors d’oeuvres amidst the wax figures. Click here for tickets to the party ($10) and for the film showcases ($12).
Start your weekend a night early at the Reserve’s open vodka bar, which starts at 6. The happy hour, brought to you by What’s the Deal, features an hour of free vodka and $5 rail drinks until 9. The Reserve also has a wine bar and tapas menu.
Tonight, $9 can buy you three pints of Magic Hat #9. The U Street Music Hall is celebrating 9/9 (September 9) with beer, live music, and a raffle.
Friday, September 10
Washington’s fashionistas are flocking to Fashion’s Night Out in Georgetown. The evening includes a variety of promotions and special offers at 80 stores, salons ,and restaurants on M Street and beyond, with many stores staying open until 11. Events include a winetasting and Baked & Wired cupcakes at Betsey Johnson and a Halston Heritage trunk show at Urban Chic. The night also features a roaming band of Cirque du Soleil performers and a Vitamin Water-sponsored “hydration lounge” at Dean & Deluca. 6 to 11. Free.
The Washington-based printmaker and artist Dave Peterson opens his new exhibit tonight at Caramel Boutique. His quirky pieces feature cartoon-style dogs, birds, and bugs. T-shirts with his designs will be for sale. 6 to 8. Free.
The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, led by conductor Marin Alsop, is performing a taste of the upcoming season at Strathmore at 8 PM. The performance includes pieces by Mozart, Bach, and Prokofiev. Click here for tickets ($10).
Saturday, September 11
The Arts on Foot Festival takes over four blocks in DC’s Penn Quarter. The festival, sponsored by the Washington Examiner and Wines of Argentina, features several entertainment stages, hands-on arts and crafts, a cooking demonstration tent, and winetastings. And of course, there’s an art market with works from more than 100 artists, selling everything from collage to jewelry. The art market runs from September 8 through 10. The festival will be held rain or shine. 11 to 6.
Get inspired with the start of the Corcoran Gallery of Art’s new series of exhibits, “NOW at the Corcoran.” The series features works by emerging artists, each with a strong Beltway influence. The first installment, “Spencer Finch: My Business, With the Cloud” examines the relationship between Washington’s history and architecture and the weather. Running through January 23. General admission $10, students and seniors $8, children 12 and under free.
A production of the opera Un Ballo in Maschera or A Masked Ball will hit all the high notes at the Kennedy Center. Presented by the Washington National Opera, Verdi’s booming score tells the story of the murder of Sweden’s King Gustavus II. Performances run through September 25. Tickets ($25 to $300) are available here.
Celebrate the grand opening of the Yards Park—a new waterfront development that combines green space, trails, retail, and dining—with a day of fun and games. The free event includes a range of classes from Vida Fitness, a performance by a local trapeze school, adult bocce, and a variety of activities for kids. 9 AM to 10 PM.
The Taste of Falls Church is a daylong celebration with food from 12 restaurants. There’ll also be displays from local artists and performances by local musicians. 10 to 4. Free.
Sunday, September 12
The Kreeger Museum hosts an open house today with tours of galleries and talks with docents, as well as workshops with Washington artists. Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in the garden, and kids can get their photo taken with the Geico Gekko, who an event sponsor. 11 to 4. Free.
Get a last taste of summer on the final day of the Maryland Seafood Festival. Test your skills and stomach capacity at crabcake-eating and crab-picking contests. The festival, held at Sandy Point State Park, also features live music and food from local restaurants. 11 to 7. General admission is $10 online or $12 at the gate, kids ages 6 to 10 $8, and children five and under are free.
Legendary singer-songwriter Jackson Browne takes the stage at Wolf Trap’s Filene Center. Listen for songs from his new double album with David Lindley. Click here for tickets ($30 to $100). 8 PM.
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