MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30
MARKET: With Hanukkah kicking off on Sunday and Christmas drawing ever-nearer, now is crunch time for those who still have yet to figure out the perfect gifts for friends and family. Luckily, the holiday miracle known as the Downtown Holiday Market opened over Thanksgiving weekend. Swing by after work or on your lunch break to check out local vendors and artisans, and listen to live music or grab a bite to eat while you shop. Free, 12 PM.
READING: Over the last decade Judah Friedlander has made a name for himself as a stand-up comedian and actor, but he’s also been an avid artist since childhood. Friedlander’s latest book, If The Raindrops United, is a collection of his drawing and cartoons, giving you a visual glimpse at his sense of humor that’s quite different from the in-your-face trucker hats Friedlander would don as Frank Rossitano on 30 Rock. Catch him at Politics & Prose. Free, 7 PM.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1
DANCE: Cuban culture comes to the Lincoln Theatre by way of Cuba Vibra. The all-female Havana dance troupe is accompanied by musicians as they dance a riveting, passion-fueled fusion of flamenco, ballet, jazz and Afro-Cuban. $30-$48, 6:30 PM.
MUSIC: BETTY brings fun, indie pop sound and activism to The Hamilton for their annual holiday event. Throughout their 30-year career the band’s been featured in movies, commercials, and TV shows, famously penning the theme song to HBO’s lesbian-focused drama The L Word. The ever-busy group has also partnered with the U.S. Department in the State in its Arts Envoy exchange programs, and created the nonprofit The BETTY Effect, which “supports equal rights, self-advocacy, and empowerment.” $20-$30, 6:30.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2
DISCUSSION: Cultural historian and author Peter Guralnick discusses his biography of musician and record executive Sam Phillips at the Library of Congress. Phillips’s Memphis-based label Sun Records is responsible for the rockabilly sound the 1950s, producing musicians such as Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley. Free, 7 PM.
SPELLING BEE: If you’re a word nerd who finds Comedy Central’s Drunk History series absolutely hilarious, then The Handsome Cock’s “Drunk vs. Faded: A Spelling Bee” is the ideal evening. The competition pits two teams of intoxicated comedians against each as they attempt to spell words suggested by the audience. Each round presents a harder set of words, but the refreshments probably don’t help the difficulty level either. Free, 7:30 PM.
Looking for more fun things to do around DC this week? Check out our guide to the best food and fitness events happening this week.
