Thursday, May 30
MUSIC: WAMMY-nominated singer/songwriter Flo Anito takes the stage at Bethesda’s Veterans Park as part of its free summer concert series. Anito’s music is mostly upbeat and poppy, perfect for what’s looking like it’ll be one of the nicest days of the spring so far. Free. 6 PM.
ART: The Dunes’ Art Crimes—The Gun Show is closing after a monthlong run. The show took a look at America’s gun culture and laws and how guns are portrayed in pop culture. As always, things end with a party featuring fancy drinks, live music, and snacks. Drinks are $2 off during a pre-party happy hour from 6 to 8. Free.
Friday, May 31
PSYCHIC POWERS: You might laugh at a spy using psychic powers, but it’s something the US government explored in the 1970s. Who knows if ESP expert Alain Nu actually has any mind-reading abilities, but he certainly tricks audiences into believing he does. He’ll be at the Spy Museum talking about how the government has tried to use psychics as spies and demonstrating his powers. Tickets ($25) are available online. 7 PM.
DANCE: Fall Out Boy are returning to DC for the first time in ages, armed with a brand new (mediocre) CD. Good luck getting into that show, but if you head to Eden nightclub, Pete Wentz is going to play a deejay set afterward. No word on whether Bronx will make an appearance. Tickets ($20) are available online. 10 PM.
JAZZ: Jazz in the Garden is back, which means so is your chance to drink sangria and . . . sit in a garden. This week’s artist, Chopteeth, are particularly worth catching—the local Afrofunk band regularly get spots at some of the city’s best nightclubs, including U Street Music Hall and the 9:30 Club. Free. 5 PM.
Saturday, June 1
COMEDY: After catching his big break on Mad TV, Artie Lange eventually put himself on the airwaves as Howard Stern’s longtime sidekick. He recently left Stern’s show to start his own on Fox News Radio, but he’ll take a turn on the stage this weekend, bringing his irreverent humor to the Howard Theatre. Tickets ($42.50) are available online. 7:30 and 10 PM.
PARTY: Saturday is a “day of civic hacking,” in which coders all around the country will try to solve some of our data problems, create new apps, and otherwise use their computer skills for good. But you don’t have to know much about ones and zeroes to head to the Blerds and Hackers party at 1776, where $15 gets you an open bar, a bumpin’ dance floor, and the chance to meet other nerds. Tickets ($15) are available online. 7 PM.
DANCE: The biggest Moombahton Massive dance party yet is happening at 9:30 Club. For those of you not in the know, the dance music genre combines reggaeton with house—but with more than ten deejays (we told you this one is big) you’re sure to hear a wide range of sounds if that’s not quite your thing. $20. 8 PM.
BEER: New Belgium Brewery’s Tour de Fat hits Yards Park this weekend and features a bike parade, prizes, music, variety shows, tons of New Belgium Beer, and storytelling from the people behind The Moth. Free. 10 to 5.
Sunday, June 2
ART: Local artist Robert Kuhn died in 2000, leaving behind a trove of jazz music-inspired paintings and sculptures. For one day only, his work will be on display at the Swann Street Gallery and will be accompanied with a performance by the Herb Scott Be-Bop Quintet and the Universalist Chorus. Free. 11 AM.
WINE: Head out to Centreville’s Bull Run Park for the Vintage Virginia Food & Wine Festival, featuring music, all-you-can-sample local wines, carnival food, and your favorite DC food trucks. Tickets ($30) are available online. 11 AM (also Saturday).
ART: Hit up Northwest’s best museums for free at the 30th annual Dupont Kalorama Museum Walk—museums such as Dumbarton House, the Phillips Collection, the Woodrow Wilson House, and the Textile Museum will hold open houses. Certain museums will have scavenger hunts, live music performances, and theater performances; the Textile Museum hosts a sheep shearing. Free. 1 PM.
Know of something cool going on around town? E-mail Jason Koebler at jasontpkoebler@gmail.com, or find him on Twitter.
