THURSDAY, MAY 26
THEATRE: The Taffety Punk Theatre Company presents a unique spin on the Greek myth Phaeton, using music, dance, a minimalist aesthetic, and a script written in iambic pantameter. The plot revolves around the story of Phaeton, the son of the god Apollo and a mortal mother. You can catch the play until May 28. $15, 7:30 PM.
FILM: As part of the Freer and Sackler Galleries’ Korean Film Festival, you can head over to Cinema Arts Theatre in Fairfax for a showing of the noir action film Gangnam Blues—which documents the political turmoil in Seoul during the 1970s through the eyes of two homeless friends. And no, it has nothing to do with the Psy song. $3, 7 PM
FRIDAY, MAY 27
ART: The National Zoo’s exhibit with a purpose—”Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea“—kicks off tonight and runs until September 15. The exhibition’s 17 gigantic marine wildlife sculptures are made entirely of plastic waste recovered from the ocean, a reminder that pollution is the greatest threat to sea creatures. Free.
MUSIC: Enjoy a night of music, dancing, and civic duty at America Now at National Portrait Gallery’s Kogod Courtyard. DJ Adrian Loving will be spinning catchy, danceable grooves ranging in genre from rock and funk to blues and hip hop, and The Leyla McCalla Trio (featuring Grammy Award winning cellist Leyla McCalla) will perform a blend of folk, jazz, Cajun, and Creole sounds. If you’re not into dancing, though, you can strike a pose in collective Manual Cinema’s photo booth with the silhouette of your choosing or chat with Rock The Vote. Beer, wine and snacks will also be available for purchase. Free, 6:30.
SATURDAY, MAY 28
DANCE: Pop your collar, streak your hair, and throw on your cargo pants because the 2000s are back at the 9:30 Club. “Hot In Herre,” a early millennium music dance party, will play the songs you love the most from that era, including Nelly (of course), Missy Elliott, and Destiny’s Child. $16, 9 PM.
SUNDAY, MAY 29
PARTY: Regardless of whether its customary to celebrate Memorial Day Eve or not, you can celebrate the holiday a little bit early with stunning views on the rooftop of the W Hotel and live music at JBC Events’ sixth annual Pink and White Party. Enjoy live entertainment, dancing, drinks, and the chance to take home a prize for the most creative pink and white outfit. 7 PM, $20.
MUSIC: RJD2, the prolific producer and hip hop-inspired DJ most famous for creating the Mad Men theme song, will perform at 9:30 Club on Sunday. He’ll be promoting his latest album Dame Music, which was partly inspired by the soul music he across while living in Philadelphia. $25, 7 PM.
MONDAY, MAY 30
EAT: You can spend your Memorial Day drinking beer and shucking oysters at City Tap House’s Memorial Day Shuckfest. Come for the $1 raw oysters and the discounted beers from New England Breweries, plus the options of bottomless beermosas, regular mimosas, or Bloody Marys. You can make room for all the food and drink by dancing to the live music or playing a round of cornhole out on restaurant’s patio. 11:30 AM.
PARADE: Washington is home to the country’s largest Memorial Day Parade, which includes floats, bands, and performers honoring those who have served in the U.S. Military. To commemorate the 75th anniversary of World War II, more than a dozen of the war’s surviving veterans will act as Grand Marshals of this year’s parade. A bonus: Since the route is down Constitution Ave., you can check out the memorials on the National Mall afterwards. Free, 2 PM.
DANCE: SOLE Defined grace the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage, showing off their latest percussive dance show, “Soleful Soundz,” in which performers from around the city celebrate the rich history of percussive dance in Washington, D.C. Free, 6:30.
The charity comedy event “Comics Against Humanity” at Old Engine 12, which was previously listed here, has been cancelled. The event will be rescheduled.
