THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
MUSEUMS The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden’s newest exhibit, Ilya and Emilia Kabakov: The Utopian Projects, features more than 20 installations by the Russian-American artists inspired by their lives in the Soviet Union. The works on display include eccentric characters, famous allegories, and architectural structures. Some of these models come to life with moving parts and lights; others feature the Kabokovs’ voices telling stories they’ve written. This exhibit opens nearly 30 years after the Hirshhorn hosted Ilya Kabakov’s first major US show; he was originally an illustrator of state-sponsored children’s books and became a leader of the “unofficial artists” of post-Stalin Moscow from the 1950s through the 1980s. Through March 4. Free.
WINE The Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s wine-tasting event Zoo Uncorked offers guests unlimited wine tastings, live music and entertainment, and an exhibition and sale of wildlife art. Several exhibits will be open late for attendees: the Small Mammal House, Reptile Discovery Center, Think Tank, and Great Cats. Bottles of wine will also be available for purchase. Tickets $70, 6 PM.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8
MUSEUMS Smithsonian at 8 presents “Return to Summer Camp” at the Enid A. Haupt Garden and Smithsonian Castle. Attendees can indulge in their nostalgia with summer camp activities such as friendship bracelets, music by the “campfire,” and traditional games, all with an adult beverage in hand. Attendees are encouraged to don nostalgic camp attire—bonus points if you can dig up an old camp T-shirt. Tickets $30 in advance, $35 at the door, 8 PM.
MUSIC Southeast DC hip-hop artist Lightshow has made waves with his mixtapes The Way I See It and If These Walls Could Talk. He’s performed alongside fellow DC native Wale and has opened for 2Chainz and Nipsey Hussle; on Friday, he headlines his own show at the Fillmore Silver Spring. Tickets $20, 8 PM.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
BEER Atlas Brew Works celebrates its four-year anniversary with music and $5 beers all day. Local bands Outside Smoke and Small Time Thieves are lined up to perform; all beers will be $5 for the day. Entry ticket includes the first beer and a donation to the Living Classrooms Foundation. Tickets $15, noon.
CONVENTION The third annual WashingCon, a tabletop gaming convention, runs all weekend at Georgetown University’s Hotel and Conference Center. Play tabletop role-playing games such as Dungeons & Dragons, or check out some of the demos from game designers and other special events. Tickets $40, 10 AM.
MUSIC The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities presents the 202 Arts and Music Festival at 4th Street SW between M and I Streets. Featuring hip-hop group Arrested Development, the festival celebrates DC artists with 12 hours of continuous activities on multiple stages, including live music, dance workshops, and yoga. There’s also a stage with family-friendly fare, like puppets and children’s theater. Free (advanced registration encouraged), 9 AM to 9 PM.
FESTIVAL Celebrate Petworth is a neighborhood festival featuring food, music performances, local vendors, and athletic activities. The festival includes a dog show (with prizes for waggiest tail and fastest sit), a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, and a 5k Fun Run. Free, 11 AM to 5 PM.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
FESTIVAL The 39th Adams Morgan Day takes over 18th Street NW between Kalorama and Columbia roads. Check out local vendors and exhibitors, or stop in to the local business that are featuring deals and activities throughout the day; many are offering additional deals for those who purchase a $10 wristband. Noon to 6 PM.
FOOTBALL The Redskins’ 2017 season kicks off with a home game against the Philadelphia Eagles at 1 PM. If you prefer not to give owner Dan Snyder your money directly at FedEx Field, head to Tyson’s Biergarten, where 106.7 FM hosts the Sports Junkies will be broadcasting their pregame show, breaking down the matchup with their usual comradely banter. Free, 11 AM to 1 PM.
