Thursday, May 8
COMEDY: Todd Barry is the “third Conchord” in Flight of the Conchords, acted in The Wrestler, and has shown up on essentially every late-night talk show. He performs a “crowd work” show at Sixth & I, meaning he’ll probably be making fun of you and your date, which is always a good time. Tickets ($23) are available online. 6 and 9:30 PM.
BEER: Sam Adams has been a brewery for three decades now, and it’s hosting a clambake on Jack Rose’s terrace to celebrate. The bar pours 20 different Samuel Adams draft beers for $5 each, and anyone who buys a beer is welcome to join in on the free clambake. The brewery’s cofounder, Jim Koch, will be around to talk about what has made the company the most successful small brewery in the country. Free. 6 PM.
Friday, May 9
COMEDY: The Funny Moms in DC comedy night features very few actual moms, which might be one of the reasons this week’s show is the last one. Hosted by up-and-coming DC comic Adam Friedland (who hosts a lot of these sorts of things), the show includes seven comics, a band, and a great venue (Wonderland)—plus it’s free, so what do you have to lose? 7:30 PM.
MUSIC: For 75 years, a contract with Blue Note Records has been the pinnacle of any jazz musician’s career. Founded in 1939, the label has worked with legends such as Thelonious Monk, Fats Navarro, and Bud Powell. The Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage hosts a tribute to the label, featuring performances of some of the label’s biggest hits by a band of all DC-based musicians pulled together for the occasion. Free. 6 PM.
STORYTELLING: Speakeasy DC is throwing an After-School Special, but not the kind you’re used to. Instead of some hokey sitcom or cartoon, you’ll get a night of storytelling by and about local teachers at the Atlas Performing Arts Center. Expect to hear some off-the-wall things. Tickets ($25) are available online. 6:30 PM.
MOVIES: As fast as it began, Union Market’s Drive-in Movie series is over for spring. (I’d bet on it getting extended, but hey, you never know.) This last one will feature the James Bond flick Goldfinger, the winner of the voters’ choice contest. Show up early for food and drinks, then sit on a blanket or in your car for the movie. Free for bikers and pedestrians; $10 per car. 8 PM.
Saturday, May 10
SIDESHOW: Sweetlife is sold out, but if you need to get out in the sun, you can check out Side Yards at Yards Park, a night of music—U.S. Royalty, Shark Week, and Drop Electric perform—and sideshow acts such as sword swallowers, magicians, and jugglers. There’ll be beer from Bluejacket and plenty of food. Free. 5 PM.
COMEDY: Washington Improv Theatre hits the road (sort of) by heading all the way to Adams Morgan’s DC Arts Center. Their road show is longform improv comedy—an art that’s tough to pull off but may ultimately be more rewarding than the couple of games you’re used to from Whose Line Is It Anyway? Tickets ($15) are available online. 7:30 and 10 PM.
CULTURE: The larger embassy open house event was last week, but some embassies had so much fun they’re going to do it again: Today, all the European Union embassies will be open between 10 and 4 for you to explore. Most embassies are serving food and inviting musicians and dancers to perform. It’s kind of like Epcot, except real. Free. 10 AM to 4 PM.
DANCE: One of our favorite dance nights in the city is Black Cat’s Moon/Bounce Dancing Affair. There’s no inflatable castle, but with a mix of ’90s pop, hip-hop, and all the songs you’re afraid to admit you love until you’ve had a drink or two, there’ll be plenty of jumpin’. $7. 10 PM.
Sunday, May 11
BRUNCH: It’s Mother’s Day, so buy your mom some flowers and take her to brunch. Find ideas for where to go and other things to do in our guide.
THEATER: Busboys and Poets presents The Admission, a play at Studio Theatre that takes Arthur Miller’s All My Sons and sets it during Israel’s first Intifada. The play has gotten rave reviews and, if you know anything about the story, makes a lot of sense in this new setting. Tickets ($35) are available online. 7:30 PM.
Know of something cool going on around town? E-mail Jason Koebler at jasontpkoebler@gmail.com, or find him on Twitter.
