Things to Do

Things to Do in DC this Weekend (September 15-18): A Cartoonist Convention, Foggy Bottom Art Tour, and H Street Festival

Get a special look at Arts in Foggy Bottom’s “Turf and Terrain” installation this weekend.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

FILM The Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization’s outdoor movie series presents He Named Me Malala at Arlington Mill. The inspiring documentary focuses on Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate who was shot by a Taliban gunman due her fierce advocation for female rights—and not only survived, but has become even more ardent. Free, 8:15 PM

MUSIC An indie/folk singer whose throaty, stripped-down, emotion-packed crooning has garnered comparisons to Roy Orbison, Angel Olsen’s latest, My Woman, is more layered and experimental than previous ventures, but the sadness and hopelessness and hope that fans have come to know and love still shines through. Catch her at 9:30 Club tonight. $20, 7 PM

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

DRINK Get your drink on and your nerd on at the same time, with the Black Cat’s Star Trek Happy Hour. Each week the Backstage projects one episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation in order from the start of the series, alongside drink specials—though we’re pretty sure Captain Picard would prefer “tea, Earl Grey, hot.” Free, 7 PM

BOOKS This week, Chantal Tseng’s #GetLit Literary Cocktail series at Petworth Citizen is all about the master of crime novels, Dame Agatha Christie, who’s tied with Shakespeare as the best-selling fiction writer ever. Grab some books, a delicious cocktail, and be ready to talk fiction at what’s being called “DC’s booziest celebration of books.” Free to attend, 7 PM

ART Join Arts in Foggy Bottom for a twilight tour of “Turf and Terrain,” featuring sculpture and new media installations from 14 local, regional, and international artists. After the tour, stick around for wine specials and a discussion at The River Inn. Or, come by Saturday afternoon for artist Ben Andrew’s interactive workshop and discussion about his work in the exhibit, “Foggy Bottom Microobservatory.” The works will be available to view through October 22. Free, 7 PM (Twilight Tour) and Free, 12:30 PM (Saturday’s workshop)

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

FESTIVAL When the H Street Festival first lit up this Northeast DC neighborhood in 2005, a mere 500 people showed up. A decade later, the block party expects about 150,000 guests in the ever-transforming area. As in previous years, bars and restaurants colonize sidewalks with outdoor seating while vendors line the street alongside activities such as fashion shows and pie-eating contests. Free

MUSIC Thirty-one years ago, Willie Nelson, Neil Young, and John Mellencamp organized Farm Aid to support family farms. This year, the all-day festival is comes to Jiffy Lube Live, with performances by its three founders plus Dave Matthews, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, and more. The activist angle remains, with local and organic foods at the concession stands and exhibits on topics such as beekeeping and sustainable papermaking. $49.50 to $189.50, 12 PM

FESTIVAL Small Press Expo, one of the country’s largest festivals for independent artists, writers and cartoonists, is back at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center. This year’s special guests include cartoonist, artist and screenwriter Daniel Clowes, who’s responsible for the comics-turned-films Ghost World and Art School Confidential, and artist Lisa Hanawalt, who’s the production designer and producer of the Netflix original series Bojack Horseman. $10 to $20, 11 AM

DRINK Fans of craft brews, food and music: prepare to have your best day ever at the fifth annual Snallygaster beer festival at The Yards. With a jaw-dropping 350 beers present, there will definitely be something for everyone to enjoy. Make sure to fill up on the food from purveyors like Pork Barrell BBQ, Red Hook Lobster Pound and Westray’s Finest Ice Cream so that you have energy to rock out to the bands performing, including indie rock darlings Speedy Ortiz, Spirit Animal and the Adam E. Project. $35 to $60, 1 PM

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

DRINK Beer meets Man’s Best Friend at Crystal City’s outdoor beer festival, Pups & Pilsners. Dog owners are encouraged to bring their furry friends while human participants taste offerings from area craft breweries. Your ticket gets you one souvenir glass, 15 tasting tickets, one full drink, and many adorable dogs to ogle. $20 to $25, 2 PM

CRAFT Spend your afternoon with Beads & Bubbly at Tortilla Coast. Learn the proper beading techniques to create a custom piece of jewelry of your own, all while sipping on a complimentary glass of champagne—quite helpful in bringing out one’s creativity. $49, 2 PM