THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17
BOOKS Some much needed woman-power is coming to Sixth & I in the form of Zadie Smith, the British novelist who’s won critical acclaim—and a coveted space in the Royal Society of Literature—for titles such as White Teeth and NW. She’s in conversation with Michele Norris, former host NPR’s All Things Considered and current curator of the Race Card Project. Smith will be talking about her latest novel, Swing Time, which follows the relationship and eventual rift between two girls with a passion for dance. $30, 7 PM
FOOD & DRINK Indulge in two of life’s greatest pleasures: discovering new music and chowing down on delicious burgers. DC culture magazine MADE IN THE DISTRICT’s pop-up event, Burgers and Beats at Buckeye & Bear, kicks off with eats from gourmet burger joint Chicas Burgers followed by a electronic/hip hop spun by DJs including Softest Hard. Your ticket gets you a burger, one Martell Cognac Cocktail, and an entertaining way to ease into the weekend. $12 to $20, 7 PM
MUSIC Brooklyn-based electro-soul trio Wet plays an early show at 9:30 Club, making it easy to turn the evening a double-feature by catching DIIV’s grungy, shoegazey set later in the evening at the venue. $25, 6 PM / $20, 10 PM
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18
MUSEUMS If you want to take selfies that delve into your inner soul, look to Bill Viola for inspiration. “Bill Viola: The Moving Portrait” is the National Portrait Gallery’s first exhibit devoted to video and digital art, covering the span of Viola’s bizarre video work since 1970, much of which is “moving portraits” of people (including himself) underwater, illuminated by flashlight, or in some other way obscured. The exhibit runs through May 7. Free
THEATER Chicago’s Lookingglass Theatre Company presents a stage adaptation of Moby Dick, Herman Melville’s whale tale, at Arena Stage, November 18 through December 24. It premiered last year to acclaim, due in large part to its unconventional set, which pushed its actors into physically demanding arrangements. $40 to $110, 8 PM
MUSIC Composer and guitarist Bryce Dessner, known best as the frontman for moody indie outfit The National, is the featured artist for tonight’s National Symphony Orchestra: DECLASSIFIED event at the Kennedy Center. The orchestra, conducted by Jacomo Bairos, will perform his compositions, including St. Carolyn by the Sea, Quilting, and Lachrimae. Be sure to head over early to the Millennium Stage to enjoy a pre-show set by Flock of Dimes, Jenn Wasner of Wye Oak’s dream-pop side project, and hang around afterwards for a dance party courtesy of Dessner’s bandmate, Scott Devendorf, who’s acting as DJ. $29, 8 PM
MUSEUMS The Air and Space Museum celebrates FotoWeekDC along with their new exhibit, “Art of the Airport Tower,” at an after-hours event all about “the fusion of photography and aviation.” Carolyn Russo, the Smithsonian photographer and museum specialist responsible for the exhibit, will discuss the beauty of airport towers and why she traveled to 23 countries in 10 years to photograph them. Plus, famed iPhone photographer Sam Krisch will set you up with all the tips and tricks needed to take museum-worthy pictures from your phone. $20, 6 PM
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19
FOOD & DRINK You’ve got two different opportunities to enjoy a Saturday afternoon pig roast this weekend. Arlington restaurant Barley Mac’s Pig Roast & Bourbon Bash expertly pairs their pig with unique side dishes and tastings of select bourbons, along with hot toddies and ciders to keep you warm. Or, eat for a cause at Little Miss Whiskey’s charity pig roast in support of the Movember Foundation, with all-you-can-drink DC Brau as well as unlimited swine and sides. $30, 1 PM / $55, 3 PM
MUSEUMS With the opening of the exhibit “Gene Davis: Hot Beat,” the American Art Museum is honoring the DC-born artist and his vibrant, abstract works with a ‘60s-themed dance party, featuring vinyl records, vintage cocktails, and extra-large versions of your favorite old school games, like Operation, Twister and Light Brite. They’ll even be serving up food from the era— glazed ham, anyone? $60, 8 PM
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20
DANCE Sunday afternoon, discover a fun, new way to express yourself—and maybe even break a sweat—courtesy of Knowledge Commons DC beginners salsa class at the Chinatown Cultural Community Center. The only thing required, aside from comfortable clothes, is an open mind and a desire to try something different. Free, 1 PM
FILM All muggles are welcome to attend Awesome Con’s viewing of the Harry Potter spinoff/prequel Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them at Atlantic Plumbing Cinema. If you want to get extra nerdy, come by early and play some trivia. $13, 6:15 PM
