PAST: KIDS: Two more Family-friendly events for SAT, Sept 21st

The Big Build Festival at the National Building Museum
Saturday, September 21st
10:00am - 4:00pm
All ages, Free

Be a builder for the day at the Big Build festival! Amateur builders young and old can discover what it’s like to build a brick wall, carve stone, and much more as they work side-by-side with designers, builders, and artisans demonstrating their skills. Meet plumbers, electricians, ironworkers, landscape architects, woodworkers, and experts in many other fields to learn about their professions and hobbies. In addition to popular exhibitors and our construction vehicle “petting zoo,” the festival goes green this year by showcasing how the building industries are committed to conservation through environmentally friendly practices. 



National Building Museum
401 F St, NW
Metro: Judiciary Square



YoKid Yoga Challenge 
Saturday, September 21st

2:00pm - 5:00pm
Free

Fun yoga challenge for kids and adults of all ages to engage in 108 sun salutations (yoga poses), and enjoy healthy eating activities lead by Whole Foods. The first 200 registrants will receive a free yoga mat. There will also be a raffle and other fun giveaways. Click image to view larger. Register and learn more here!

Mount Vernon Recreation
2701 Commonwealth Ave - Alexandria, VA
Metro: Braddock Rd and walk, taxi or see if there is a bus that will get you closer

PAST: DANCE:The Great American Square Dance Revival is back at St Stephen's Church this SAT, Sept 21st from 8:30pm - 11:30pm, $5

The Great American Square Dance Revival
Saturday, September 21st
8:30pm - 11:30pm
$5

A traditional Appalachian square dance with a live old-time string band. No experience needed. All dances will be taught and called by the fabulous Beth Molaro. Come as you are - single, with a friend, in your boots or in your Toms.

St. Stephen's Church
1525 Newton St, NW - at 16th St
Metro: Columbia Heights and walk or take the S2 or S4 bus along 16th St right to Newton

PAST: DJ & DANCING: Ottomania: An Eastern Dance Revolution at Zeba Bar in Columbia Heights this SAT, Sept 21st from 10:00pm - 3:00am, Free, 21+

OTTOMANIA: An Eastern Dance Revolution at Zeba Bar
Saturday, September 21st
10:00pm - 3:00am
Free,  21+

OTTOMANIA: An Eastern Dance Revolution From the Balkans to the Middle East...and more! Ottomania is expanding its repertoire to include music not only from the Balkans, but also the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, South/Southeast Asia, East Asia, and even the Pacific! Performers include: Tribal Fusion Bellydance by the renowned Belladonna of DC Tribal Cafe, Kamajian Live Percussion and Visual projections by Koala. With your gracious hosts and selectahs: DJ BEATrix and Inda Nile.

Zeba Bar
3423 14th St, NW
Metro: Columbia Heights, walk north on14th St, near Newton

PAST: FILM + ART: Learn the stories behind some of DC's Murals at the Screening of the Documentary "Keeping On" FRI, Sept 20th from 3:00pm - 5:00pm, Free

Learn the stories behind some of DC's Murals at the Screening of the Documentary "Keeping On"
Friday, September 20th
3:00pm - 5:00pm
Free

Come learn the stories behind DC's murals! Washington artists explain the process and meaning behind public murals in NW and SE. Byron Peck’s Diamond Teague Memorial (2011) pays homage to a Youth Conservation Corps member who was murdered near the site; vibrant street art celebrates education (Explore and Learn, Albus Cavus Mural Collective, 2010), and graffiti plays to a green theme in Fuel for the Fire (Words Beats & Life, Inc., 2011). Caitlin Carroll previews her documentary film on the murals of DC.

NOTE: Stick around Anacostia for the opening reception from 6:00pm - 9:00pm at Honfleur Gallery, down the street, featuring works by Albus Cavus' own Peter Krsko!

Anacostia Neighborhood Library
1800 Good Hope Rd SE

Metro: Anacostia or Eastern Market and take the Circulator bus to the stop closest to 1800 Good Hope Rd, SE. It's about a 1.2 mile walk from the metro so best to take the bus, it runs about every ten minutes. See map from metro. Note: you catch the Circulator on the main street, not at the metro bus stop section.

PAST: SINGING: Show Tunes Open Mic Night at the Piano Bar at Arena Stage! FRI, Sept 20th at 9:30pm, Sign up starts at 9:15pm, Free, no tickets needed

Piano Bar at Arena Stage Open-Mic Night!

Open-Mic Show Tunes After-Party in the Lobby

Friday, September 20th

9:30pm, 9:15pm sign up 

Free, no tickets needed 

Grab a drink and gather ‘round the piano for an evening of showtunes hosted by the fabulous Joshua Morgan with special guests. Join in on a sing-along, show off your talents with a solo, or just enjoy the terrific tunes following the performance of The Velocity of Autumn. Everyone is welcome! The Piano Bar is free and unticketed. The bar will be open at 9:15pm and you can sign-up to sing starting then. There will be plenty of sheet music to choose from or you can bring your own!

Arena Stage
1101 6th Street, SW
Metro: Waterfront, just a block from the metro

PAST: MEDITATION: Live in VA? Free Meditation Workshop with Gerry Gorman of Science of Spirituality on THURS, Sept 19th from 7:00pm - 8:30pm at the Chantilly Library

"Take a Break from Stress through Meditation" with Gerry Gorman at the Chantilly Regional Library

organized in partnership with Science of Spirituality DC 

Thursday, September 19th 

7:00pm - 8:30pm

Free

Live in VA and curious about Meditation? Come on out to this free workshop in Chantilly on Thursday!

"We live in a fast paced world, filled with challenges and constant demands made on our precious time. Wouldn't it be nice if we could step back, take a little vacation from all the tension and find a place filled with joy, bliss and peace? When we learn how to meditate, we find such a place within our very selves. We discover a ready remedy, a source of all calm, light and wondrous new realms that await us, without ever leaving our easy chair! Meditation can be practiced daily so we can connect with this inner paradise any time we wish, and this helps us to meet our daily challenges with greater vitality, creativity and confidence. Discover how you can learn to tap inside at this free meditation workshop facilitated by Gerry Gorman."

This event is organized in partnership with the Science of Sprituality, an organization that offers free meditation workshops throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, including the DC area. Learn more about SOS DC and the Science of Spirituality DC Chapter and Jyoti Meditation on their website and feel free to connect with them on facebook and twitter as well @SOS_WashDC.

About the presenter: A student of meditation for over 30 years, Gerry studied with two of the most respected mystics of our time: Sant Darshan Singh Ji Maharaj and Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj. He is an example of how meditation can be practiced by someone while living a traditional western lifestyle. He describes a very practical form of meditation and explores how this practice can help each of us develop physically, mentally, and spiritually. Gerry has been married for over 30 years and has two grown children. He has worked as a professional engineer, engineering manager, and business development executive for a number of computer controls and technology companies. Today, he has his own company, Emergency Message Controls.

Chantilly Regional Library

4000 Stringfellow Rd - Chantilly VA

Metro: See metro trip-planner for best bus access from metro

From the library website: The Fairfax Connector Route 605 travels between the Reston Town Center and the Fairfax County Government Center with stops at the Reston South Park & Ride, Fair Oaks Hospital, Chantilly Regional Library, the Stringfellow Road Park & Ride, and Fair Lakes.

PAST: REGGAE DUB: The Last Chance to see Live Experimental Reggae Dub in DC this Year with Dr. Dubenstein THURS, Sept 19th at 9:00pm at Tropicalia on U St, $5, 21+

Dr. Dubenstein presents DUB in DC  - final U.S. Show of the year! Your chance to catch some Live Experimental Reggae Dub in DC

Thursday, September 19th

9:00pm - 2:00am

$5, 21+

A night of experimental reggae dub with Dr. Dubenstein and his band. This will be the last Dub show in the US 'til 2014, and Wyatt, their bass player, is moving to Cali with his family so they want to send him off with a great show. Plus, Dr. Dubenstein is an old personal friend of mine, one of the first people I met when I moved to DC, so if you can come out to see him, I encourage you to! While there, be sure to check out the newly installed tile mosaic pieces on the stairs designed by artists Brian Liu & Jarrett Ferrier!

Tropicalia 

2001 14th St NW - enter on U St, stairs under Subway 

Metro: U St or take the Circulator bus, Woodley-McPherson route, right to 14th & U 

PAST: HIGHLIGHTS: Three more Free Arts & Culture events tochoose from on TUES, Sept 17th Thanks to CultureCapital.com!

Here are some more great free arts and culture events from CultureCapital.com, a great online events resource from the Cultural Alliance of Greater Washington, which covers the DC metro area's diverse and vibrant arts scene. Find more upcoming free events and exhibitions on view in the DC metro area on the customized "Free in DC" Inside-Out page. Select Free events below are organized by date and time. Please click through for more event details.

Tuesday, September 17th

Evening - Panel Discussion - Anacostia
Arts, Culture, and Waterfronts

7:00pm
Come join the panel in a discussion exploring how public access and the arts can meet at the waterfront, providing a center stage for communities to gather.
Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum
1901 Fort Place, SE (map)
Metro: Anacostia and take the W2 bus, see metro trip-planner for bus access from metro

Evening - Discussion on Film at the Goethe-Institut - Chinatown
Discussion: Interpreting History on the Screen - An Evening with Barbara Sukowa
6:30pm
"Dramatic feature films have a profound influence on our knowledge and understanding of history. Through her portrayals of powerful women in history, Barbara Sukowa brings them to life and connects us to them. Through her, we discover the significance of these personalities anew and learn from history."
Goethe-Institut
812 7th St, NW
Metro: Gallery Pl - Chinatown

Evening - Chamber Music Concert - between Dupont & Georgetown 
Friday Morning Music Club: Chamber Concert
Presented by Friday Morning Music Club
7:30pm
See program details
Dumbarton House
Belle View Ballroom
2715 Q St, NW
Metro: Dupont Circle and walk, about 13 minute, or bike or take a bus closer. You can also take a Circulator or metro bus to Georgetown and get off at Wisconsin and Q, about a 9 minute walk from there.

PAST: TRUNK SHOW: VeraCruz Gallery hosts a Trunk Show for localFashion designer Aphra Adkins and Jewelry designer Natala Covert thisSUN, Sept 15th from 11:00am - 6:00pm, Free

Aphra Adkins Trunk Show at VeraCruz Gallery
Sunday, September 15th
11:00am - 6:00pm
Free

VeraCruz Gallery & Bar is hosting a trunk show for local fashion designer Aphra Adkins, and local jewelry designer Natala Covert this Sunday. Both designers manufacture everything themselves, and are gearing up for a fashion show later in the year.

VeraCruz Gallery & Bar 
2108 Vermont Ave NW
between V St and W St, near the 9:30 club, above Duffy's bar
Metro: U St, African-American War Memorial exit

PAST: DANCE WORKSHOP: Open to Dancers and Non-Dancers, DanceWorkshop among the "Silver Clouds" exhibit with Dance Place atArtisphere in Rosslyn, VA this SUN, Sept 15th at 11:00am, $10

Dance Exchange: Dance Workshop at Artisphere

Sunday, September 15th
11:00am

$10

Dance Exchange will conduct a public workshop amongst the Silver Clouds that truly connects people to the creative process, informing the creation of an original work to be performed amongst the Silver Clouds on Friday, October 11th. 

The workshop will engage dancers and non-dancers alike, stretching the boundaries between the studio, stage and other environments to make dances that are rooted in the particularity of people and place

Artisphere
1101 Wilson Blvd - Arlington, VA

Metro: Rosslyn, right when you exit the metro, left on Wilson, one block down on the left side 

PAST: Tonight! UnionArts and Deep Space Arts present "Event Horizon" An Audio and Visual Exhibition at Union Arts this FRI, Sept 13th at 9:00pm, $10

Event Horizon: Art at the Edge of Space and Time

Friday, September 13th

9:00pm

All ages, $10

A multi-faceted sonic and visual experience brought to you by Deep Space Arts and Union Arts DC. Together with local visual artists, three similarly progressive experimental groups will perform at Union Arts and Manufacturing. 

Union Arts and Manufacturing

411 New York Ave NE 

see walking map from metro, about a 14 minute walk

Metro: NOMA/Gallaudet Enter through the loading dock off the corner of 4th and Penn, or see metro trip-planner for bus options. 

PAST: OPEN HOUSE: Shaw Main Streets Open House + Free Massages and more at Pekoe Acupuncture and Wellness Center SAT, Sept 14th from 2:00pm - 5:00pm, Free

Shaw Main Streets Open House + Free Massages and more at Pekoe Acupuncture and Wellness Center

Saturday, September 14th

2:00pm - 5:00pm

Free

Shaw Main Streets Open House! Swing by Pekoe Acupuncture and Wellness, PLLC from 2pm-5pm for Free chair and hand massages and more! This free, self-guided event allows participants to explore Shaw’s main streets and visit participating establishments to sample the goods and services each offers. See a list of participating venues here!

Swing by Pekoe Acupuncture and Wellness Center - voted by City Paper readers as the Best Med Spa in the Best of DC 2013 - and chat with their staff to learn more about the wide array of holistic healing services offered at their beautiful new home in Shaw. Enjoy free chair massages, hand massages, organic hors d'oeuvres and a chance to relax and unwind!

"Every visitor is given a free Shaw Open House passport that is stamped at every stop. The passports will entitle the bearer to a free sample and special discounts. Completed passports will be entered in a drawing for prizes from each participating business. See what’s new in Shaw. Try a coffee flavor or style of beer you haven’t tasted before. Sample cuisines from around the world. Try a free mini Pilates or cycling class. Hang out on one of Shaw’s many roof decks. Use your passport to create your itinerary. Just pick up a free event passport at any participating location on the day of the event, and visit as many businesses as you want. Then join us for the closing drawing (see location on passport) and find out if you’ve won a prize. You must be present to win."

Participating venues in Shaw
Lots of venues along 9th St NW
Metro: Shaw or Mt Vernon Sq

PAST: SYMPOSIUM: The Library of Congress hosts a Symposium on "The Longevity of Human Civilization" this THURS, Sept 12th from 8:30am - 4:00pm, Free

Symposium on "The Longevity of Human Civilization"
at The Library of Congress John W. Kluge Center
Thursday, September 12th
8:30am - 4:00pm
Free

"Will human civilization on Earth be imperiled, or enhanced, by our own world-changing technologies? Will our technological abilities threaten our survival as a species, or even threaten the Earth as a whole, or will we come to live comfortably with these new powers? Baruch S. Blumberg NASA/Library of Congress Chair in Astrobiology David Grinspoon convenes scientists, humanists, journalists, and authors to explore these questions from a wide range of perspectives, and to discuss the future of human civilization in an anthropocene world."

The Library of Congress
Thomas Jefferson Building, Room 119
10 First St, SE
Metro: Capitol South

PAST: BOOK TALK: Choreographer Liz Lerman talks about her book "Hiking the Horizontal" at Smith Center for Healing and the Arts on U St this THURS, Sept 12th from 6:30pm - 8:00pm, Free, RSVP Required

"Hiking the Horizontal" Book Talk & Signing with Choreographer Liz Lerman at Smith Center for Healing and the Arts on U St
Thursday, September 12th
6:30pm - 8:00pm
Free,  RSVP required to ensure your space

Come on out to the Smith Center on U St for a unique event with one of DC's most creative leaders! Join choreographer and MacArthur "genius" Liz Lerman as she discusses her book, "Hiking the Horizontal," in which she reflects on her life-long exploration of dance as a vehicle for human insight and understanding of the world around us.

Smith Center for Healing and the Arts
1632 U St NW
Metro: U St or take the S1, S2, S4 or S9 along 16th St to U St

PAST: LECTURE: Note: Sold Out but there is a Waitlist "Searching for Your Roots" Evening Lecture with Henry Louis Gates Jr at the Natural History Museum, THURS, Sept 12th from 7:30pm - 9:00pm, Free, however tickets are required

Searching for Your Roots. Evening Lecture with Henry Louis Gates Jr of the PBS series Finding Your Roots - special program complementing the National Museum of Natural History exhibition Genome: Unlocking Life's Code

Thursday, September 12th

7:30pm - 9:00pm

Free, tickets required
Note: Though this program is officially Sold Out you can call (202) 633-3030 to get your name added to the Wait List. Additional tickets may become available or additional sessions may be added. Also, if you go on your own there is a chance someone might have an extra ticket. 

Join Henry Louis Gates Jr. of the PBS series Finding Your Roots as he reveals their ancestral backgrounds to Lonnie Bunch of the Museum of African American History and Culture and Gwen Ifill of Washington Week. Presented in partnership with the National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health. Presented by The Smithsonian Associates

Baird Auditorium, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
10th and Constitution Avenue, NW

Metro: Federal Triangle or see metro trip-planner for bus options

PAST: HIGHLIGHTS: "What Lies Across the Water" Book Talk at Busboys and Poets 14th & V on WED, Sept 11th at 6:30pm, Free, Thanks to the new events website and app, Gravy

Did you know? You can find lots more local events online on the new local events site, Gravy + if you have an iPhone or Android, I recommend downloading the free Gravy app!

Some cool things that make Gravy unique:

• You can save events + select to save them saved directly on to your calendar on your iPhone! 
• You can search by what you are in the mood for! Whatever, Lively, Classy, Brainy; Playtime 
• You can also search by Currently Trending Events
• Channels: My favorite channel of course is the Free & Discounted one! Others include Live Music, Happy Hours, Family Friendly, Around the Corner and more - connecting you with specific types of things going on around you. You can find the Channels in your MyStuff section.

The Gravy app is totally Free, which of course we all love, and you can download it here now!

Select Free events found on Gravy listed below!

Wednesday, September 11th 

Author Event at Busboys and Poets 14th & V
Stephen Kimber "What Lies Across the Water" 

6:30pm - 8:00pm
Join co-sponsors the Institute for Policy Studies, International Committee for the Freedom of the Cuban 5, Teaching for Change, and Busboys and Poets as they welcome Stephen Kimber to discuss and sign his new book about "The Real Story of the Cuban Five." Read more about this event on the IPS website here.  Stephen Kimber is a professor of journalism at the University of King’s College in Halifax and an award-winning writer, editor and broadcaster.
Busboys & Poets 

14th & V St NW
Metro: U St and walk a few blocks or take the Circulator bus, Woodley-McPherson route, to 14th & U

Download the Gravy app for iPhone and Android for free here!

PAST: BIKE RIDE: DC Bike Party "Around the World" tour this WED, Sept 11th - meet in Dupont Circle with your bike at 7:30pm, Tour Embassy Row at 8pm, entire tour is 8 miles and ends in Columbia Heights, Free

DC Bike Party "Around the World" Embassy Row Tour

Wednesday, September 11th

7:30pm - 10:00pm or so
Free, bring your own bike of course

From the invite: "Didn't get to travel abroad this summer? Worry not. DC Bike Party is taking you around the world this month.  D.C. brings together people from all over the world, and this month we're going to celebrate it. Whether you're a transplant from abroad, a hardcore Texan or a Washingtonian born and bred-- this is the ride to represent your roots! On Wednesday, September 11th at 7:30pm we'll meet up in Dupont Circle and take off for a tour through Embassy Row at 8pm. As the route currently stands, we'll pass by over 16 different embassies! The 8 mile ride will end at Acre 121 in Columbia Heights and we'll have a live show from local artist Kokayi. Add some worldly tunes to the DCBP Spotify collaborative playlist right here but please consider that there are a ton of people who will want to add a track-- don't bogart the playlist! Just add one or two of your favorites.
So, dig out the costume that only your grandparents have seen you in or just throw on a soccer jersey-- we're riding around the world."

Meet at Dupont Circle

Metro: Dupont Circle

PAST: ART: "Tapestry as Testimony: Arpilleras of Chile" at AU's Katzen Arts Center WED, Sept 11th - SUN, Sept 22nd, Free

"Tapestry as Testimony: Arpilleras of Chile"
at American University's Katzen Arts Center

Free

On view Wednesday, September 11th - Sunday, September 22nd

September 11, 2013 marks the 40th anniversary of the military coup in Chile, and arpilleras serve as a living testimony to the struggle for human rights and democracy waged by the Chilean people under a repressive military regime that lasted for 17 years. These tapestries represent a living testimony of that struggle and celebrate its dignity and courage.

American University's Katzen Arts Center, Rotunda

4400 Massachusetts Ave NW

Metro: Tenleytown and take the free AU Shuttle to the stop closest to the Katzen, usually the first stop

PAST: HIGHLIGHTS: More events for this TUES, Sept 10th, Free or by donation

GreenDrinksDC - Happy Hour!Meridian Pint

Tuesday, September 10th

6:00pm - 8:00pm

Free, 21+

GreenDrinksDC is excited to host this month’s event at Meridian Pint in Columbia Heights!  10-Minute Spotlight: Joseph Plummer, founder and CEO of Three Birds Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in Washington, DC that focuses on renewable energies and environmental education.  In partnership with public schools in low-income communities, Three Birds develops renewable energy initiatives that engage and inspire students, thus creating a culture of curiosity and environmental stewardship.

Meridian Pint was founded on the premise of environmental sustainability. Their strict focus on American craft beer allows us to eliminate the impact of Trans Atlantic shipping as well as maintain a locally based revenue stream. In addition, we serve mostly draft beer enabling us to reduce our impact on recycling resources. ‘Envirelation’, DC’s first composting company, has been hired on to compost the bulk of our waste and reduce our impact on landfills to less than 10%. Furthermore, much of the equipment, furniture, construction materials and design elements have been recycled or reclaimed. Their energy source come from wind mill farms in the way of green energy credits and 95% of our staff lives within walking distance helping to minimize parking problems, traffic flow and overall reduce our carbon foot print.

Meridian Pint

3400 11th Street NW - at Park Rd

Metro: Columbia Heights 

September DC Trainers Network Skillshare: Agenda Design!

Tuesday, September 10th

6:30pm - 8:30pm

Free

"The DC Trainers Network monthly skillshare is a structured, interactive space where people can share skills and gain confidence in their training abilities and everybody is both a teacher and a learner. It strives to provide an inclusive practice space to experiment with different approaches for learning and teaching. This skillshare seeks to strengthen the DC activist community’s ability to meet the needs of progressive social movements."..."get creative with your facilitating and start thinking about agenda design! It’s the best kind of puzzle; figuring out goals, learning about and adjusting to the participants needs, incorporating different tools to include varying learning styles, selecting and ordering activities/tools, fitting in team-builders and energizers, and finally, testing it out! Join us for the September Trainers Network Skills to share ideas about designing and building an accessible, fun, and effective agenda! "

St. Stephen & the Incarnation Episcopal Church

1525 Newton - at the corner of 16th & Newton
Metro: Columbia Heights and walk or take the S2 or S4 bus along 16th St right to Newton

BloomScreen presents: Soul Food Junkies

Tuesday, September 10th 

7:00pm - 9:00pm

All ages, by donation, $10 suggested 

Free organic popcorn and refreshments

BloomScreen is a weekly film night at BloomBars featuring  independent and foreign films followed by a discussions with the filmmakers and/or experts.

This week they screen Soul Food Junkies (view trailer, 2012, 64 min), by Byron Hurt - explores the health advantages and disadvantages of soul food, a quintessential American cuisine. Hurt looks at the past and future of soul food  from its roots in Western Africa, to its incarnation in the American South, to its contribution to modern health crises in communities of color. Soul Food Junkies also looks at the socio-economics of the modern American diet, and how the food industry profits from making calories cheap, but healthy options expensive and hard to find. This engaging film won ‘Best Documentary,’ in the 2012 Urbanworld Film Festival and ‘CNN Best Documentary Award,’ in the 2012 American Black Film Festival. Afterwards, they’re planning to have filmmaker Byron Hurt join us for audience discussion via Skype. The discussion will be facilitated by Madea Allen, Chef and Owner of Organic Soul Chef, LLC.

BloomBars

3222 11th St NW - at Kenyon

Metro: Columbia Heights, walk north on 14th one block to Kenyon and turn right, take a left on 11th

PAST: FILM: Screening of "Hannah Arendt" featuring Barbara Sukowa at the Goethe-Insitut MON, Sept 16th at 6:30pm, $7, $4 for students with ID

Film Screening of Hannah Arendt featuring Barbara Sukowa

Monday, September 16th

6:30pm

$7, $4 for students with valid ID, discount tickets may also be available on TICKETPLACE.org

Note: Barbara Sukowa will be at the Goethe the following night for a free talk! Tuesday, September 17th at 6:30pm Interpreting History on the Screen - An Evening with Barbara Sukowa

Barbara Sukowa stars in this new biopic of Hannah Arendt, the influential German-Jewish philosopher and political theorist. Arendt´s reporting on the 1961 trial of ex-Nazi Adolf Eichmann for "The New Yorker" - controversial both for her portrayal of Eichmann and the Jewish councils - introduced her now-famous concept of the "Banality of Evil". Using footage from the actual Eichmann trial and weaving a narrative that spans three countries, von Trotta beautifully turns the often invisible passion for thought into dramatic, engrossing cinema.

Goethe-Institut
812 7th St, NW
Metro: Gallery Pl - Chinatown

PAST: HIGHLIGHTS: Free Arts & Culture events for SUN, Sept 8th Thanks to CultureCapital.com!

Here are some more great free arts and culture events from CultureCapital.com, a great online events resource from the Cultural Alliance of Greater Washington, which covers the DC metro area's diverse and vibrant arts scene. Find more upcoming free events and exhibitions on view in the DC metro area on the customized "Free in DC" Inside-Out page. Free events from CultureCapital listed below, organized by date and time. Please click through for more event details.

Sunday, September 8th 

Late Afternoon - Silent Animations with Live Music - NGA East Building 
Cin-Concert: Abstract Animation Since 1970

4:30pm - 6:00pm
Andrew Simpson in performance / Artist Sharon Louden in person
This selection of recent abstract animations, chosen by artist Sharon Louden, demonstrates that contemporary nonfigurative cinema is not only alive and well, it is thriving. These short moving image works explore drawing in space, narrative constructed entirely through color, and the arrangement of moments in time. The artists are from many regions of North America and Europe. Composer Andrew Simpson performs new music to accompany the program, including the premiere of Community, a new animation by Louden.

National Gallery of Art
East Building Concourse, Auditorium
401 Constitution Ave NW
Metro: Archives - Navy Memorial

PAST: YARD SALE: The Mansion on O St hosts their annual "Razzle Dazzle Yard Sale" from TUES, August 27th - SUN, Sept 8th from 10:00am - 7:00pm daily, Free

The Mansion on O St - Indoor "Razzle Dazzle Yard Sale"
Tuesday, August 27th - Sunday, September 8th
10:00am - 7:00pm
Free

You might want to bring some money to spend of course, come in costume and get a 5% discount! Please bring your own shopping bags
All proceeds benefit the O Street Museum Foundation
View and share the facebook invite here

Thanks to Gravy for listing this one!

The Mansion on O St (one on DC's most unusual spots which I highly recommend checking out if you have not yet been there) is opening up all 5 floors of the mansion and filling them with one-of-a-kind items donated by members, friends, neighbors and guests for you to browse and buy. In the past, items have included: antiques, art, bath accessories, books, clothing, furniture, home furnishings, jewelry, kitchen accessories, linens, memorabilia, photography, sculpture and toys. You never know what you will find!

The Mansion on O St
2020 O St NW
Metro: Dupont Circle

PAST: UNITY CELEBRATION: 9/11 Unity Walk and Celebration 2013 "From Different Paths, We Walk as One" an Interfaith event, Free Indian & Middle Eastern Food, Speakers, Entertainment, Service Projects and more! SUN, Sept 8th from 1:00pm - 5:00pm, Free

9/11 Unity Walk 2013

"From Different Paths, We Walk as One"

Sunday, September 8th

1:00pm - 5:00pm

Free

Thanks to Gravy for finding and posting this one! 

Every year, on the Sunday closest to the anniversary of 9/11, people of all faiths and no faith gather on Embassy row in DC and walk together in Unity. Come on out for an inspirational and unique opportunity to learn about other faiths. Enjoy free food, speakers, entertainment and a chance to participate in service projects which unite us.

From the invite: "Registration begins at 12:00 pm at Washington Hebrew Congregation, 3935 Macomb St. NW at Massachusetts. Join us from 12:00 - 1:30 for an open house showcasing organizations dedicated to interfaith understanding and initiatives. Doors open at 1:00 for Opening Ceremonies. After opening ceremonies, all are invited to walk down Massachusetts Ave at their own pace, visit different houses of worship, engage in conversation with Faith Guides walking among you, and attend a variety of activities at congregations and parks along the way."

Highlights include:

• Free Food - National Sikh Gurdwara will provide free, delicious Indian and Middle Eastern food!

Musical and performance guests including:

• HinJew (Multifaith band)
• Mosaic Harmony Chior (Representing 26 different faiths)
• DC Youth Poetry Slam 

Returning Projects:

• Shoe Drive - Bring gently used or new shoes to Washington Hebrew Congregation for those in need
• Trail Mix - Assemble trail mix bags to be distributed to shelters in DC

New service projects and activities this year:

• Dances - Observe or join dances set to interfaith music and chants
• Faith Guides - Walk with representatives of various faith traditions to learn and connect
• Discussion - Share in facilitated conversations around topics of interfaith understanding
• Gleaning - Prepare surplus produce for DC Central Kitchen and Captial Area Food Bank

Speakers this year include:

• Arun Gandhi (Grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, Nobel Peace Prize Winner)
• Sister Jenna (Director of Meditation Museum)
• Senior Rabbi Bruce Lustig (Senior Rabbi Washington Hebrew Congregation)
• Imam Abdullah Khouj (President, Islamic Center of Washington)
• and many more

Host congregations include:

• Washington Hebrew Congregation
• Embassy Evangelical Christian Church 
• National Sikh Gurdwara 
• Washington National Cathedral 
• St. Alban's Episcopal Church 
• St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church 
• Soka Gakkai International 
• Embassy of the Vatican 
• Islamic Center of Washington

Washington Hebrew Congregation
3935 Macomb St NW
Metro: See metro trip-planner for best bus access

PAST: HIGHLIGHTS: Here are a few more events to choose from this SUN, Sept 8th, Free - $10

More evenst this Sunday, September 8th

The Tearoom: An Experience of Traditions and Culture
12:00pm - 5:00pm
Free for the first 100 people, $10 all others
All ages, however all must be able to sit through the Tea Ceremony
small $1.54 fee on eventbrite, not sure if tickets will be sold at the door for a flat $10, please feel free to contact the organizer directly over eventbrite to ask

The Tearoom, an experience of traditions and culture, is an experience design of the rituals, traditions and culture of tea. Tea is a personal experience, so we invite your participation! While you move around the room, use all your senses, imagination while you sip and relax. So what does this experience in The Tearoom hold? Pure hospitality, so please come and enjoy the experience with all your senses.

The Heritage Center
701 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Metro: Archives Metro The Heritage Center is inside the US Navy Memorial building, to the right when you exit the metro escalators

Culinary Historians of Washington, D.C.
2:30pm - 4:30pm
Free

Dr Gabriella Petrick of George Mason University speaks on Industrializing Taste, Food Processing and the American Palate

Bethesda Chevy Chase Regional Services Center
4805 Edgemoor Road
Metro: Bethesda, on the plaza level

Freecycle Fete at Adams Morgan Day
3:00pm-6:00pm
Free

DC Home Buzz is hosting another Freecycle Fete this Sunday at Adams Morgan Day! Best described as a garage sale where everything is free, Freecycle Fete is a great way for neighbors to give away items they may no longer want or need, while providing the same opportunity for neighbors to discover different new treasures…all for free! Additionally, DC Home Buzz will be hosting an adjacent photo booth, where you can strut your stuff for the camera.

Adams Morgan Day
18th Street NW
Metro: Woodley Park, Columbia Heights or Dupont or take the 42 bus or Circulator bus closer

PAST: ART: VisArts Open House! In Rockville, MD, short walk from the Metro, SUN, Sept 8th from 12:00pm - 5:00pm, Family-Friendly Fun for All Ages, Free

VisArts Open House! Rockville, MD

Sunday, September 8th

12:00pm - 5:00pm
Free

VisArts invites you, your family, and friends to an artful event! Meet their instructors, talk to event staff and discover what you can create. Activities planned include: Painting on our Rooftop Terrace - for $5 you can choose from a variety of 8x10 paintings to complete in a 2-hour instructor-led session. Open to all ages. Light refreshments included. Early registration is required.

FREE Activities Include:

• Lego Tower Building Contest with Prizes! (One contest per hour, first come, first serve)
• Face-painting
• Event Space Show Rooms
• Outdoor Hopscotch
• Kid's Birthday Staff Meet and Greet and Project Display

While there, be sure to see the current exhibit

featuring Marty Weishaar's Mixed Media Art

Sunday is the last day to see the exhibit! 

Open Saturday & Sunday 12:00pm - 4:00pm

Weishaar's seemingly disorganized objects are thoughtfully constructed of common materials such as packing tape, zip ties, cardboard, matchbox cars and spray foam. At first glance, these forms (that rarely include a right angle) seem to be both toppling and rising at the same time. His work forms symbolic relationships between traditional and nontraditional materials with various historical approaches, such as conceptualism and intuituve abstraction.

VisArts Rockville

155 Gibbs St - Rockville, MD

Metro: Rockville, about a 5 minute walk from the metro. See metro and driving/parking directions here. 

PAST: ART: Swing by the DCAC is you are at the Adams Morgan Day Festival this SUN, Sept 8th for the Final Day of the Annual 1460 Wall Mountable Show

The Annual "1460 Wall Mountables" exhibit
at the DC Arts Center  in Adams Moragn
Now - Sunday, September 8th
Gallery is open Wednesday - Sunday
2:00pm -7:00pm
Free
Note: Gallery is open later when there is performance

The DC Arts Center's (DCAC) summer 1460 Wall Mountables exhibit continues now through Sept.8.The annual event gives DC metro artists at all stages of their career, an opportunity to exhibit and is a fundraiser for the arts organization whose mission is to support visual and performing artists. The gallery is located at 2438 18th Street, NW in the heart of Adams Morgan. Be sure to pop up there if you plan to be at the Adams Morgan Day Festival this Sunday!

DC Arts Center - aka DCAC
2438 18th St NW
Metro: Woodly Park and walk or take the Circulator bus, you can also walk from Columbia Heights or Dupont Circle or take the 42 bus to 18th & Columbia from Dupont, toward Mt Pleasant

PAST: YOGA: Preview Week at Willow Street Yoga in Takoma Park & Silver Spring, Classes just $5 from MON, Sept 2nd - SUN, Sept 8th

Image from Willow Street Yoga's facebook page

$5 Preview Week at Willow Street Yoga!
Takoma Park and Silver Spring, MD locations
Monday, September 2nd - Sunday, September 8th
$5 per class

The first week in September is $5 Preview Week at Willow Street Yoga. You can try a Gentle Yoga class or Vinyasa Flow class for just $5. Those with kids can even take a class as your kid tries out a kids class. Whether you are new to yoga or just want to come and try out yoga at a new studio, this is a great time to try out Willlow Street and enjoy some time reconnecting with yourself.


See the full schedule of classes offered during preview week here!

Willow Street Yoga
Takoma Park and Silver Spring
6930 Carroll Ave in Takoma Park
Metro: Takoma, short walk from the metro
8561 Fenton St, 2nd Floor in Silver Spring
Metro: Silver Spring, also walking distance from the metro

PAST: ART: Art Enables on Rhode Island Ave NE features Works by John M. Williams this SAT, Sepetember 14th from 1:00pm - 4:00pm, Free, Please RSVP for the Workshop

Art by John M. Williams

Art Enables presents Works by John M. Williams
Free
Saturday, September 14th - Saturday, September 28th

Save the date for the closing with the artist John Williams!
Saturday, September 28th

1:00pm - 4:00pm

Free

Art Opening: John M. Williams is an accomplished artist with autism who finds order in the hundreds of thousands of tiny paper pieces that he uses to create his faceted, sculptural portraits. John’s work began with portraits of The Civil War figures and has evolved to include landscapes, authors and other notable moments in history.

Art Enables
2204 Rhode Island Ave NE
Metro: Rhode Island Avenue and catch a bus that runs along Rhode Island Ave to the stop closest to 22nd St NE, see metro trip-planner for access, it's about 1.6 miles from the metro, see map.

PAST: YOGA + MEDITATION: Debbie Bennett comes to DC, Go "Deeper into Yoga and Meditation" this SAT, Sept 7th at the Palisades Library from 2:00pm - 3:30pm, Free

"Deeper into Yoga and Meditation" with Debbie Bennett of SOS DC at the Palisades Library

Saturday, September 7th

2:00pm - 3:30pm

Free, Please bring your own yoga mat! 

Debbie Bennett, Founder of Heal Me Yoga based out in Bowling Green, VA comes to DC to lead a free yoga class and meditation workshop this Saturday afternoon at the Palisades Library!

Debbie Bennett began her study of the human body as a classical ballet dancer. She danced for 20 years and studied yoga to help prevent injuries and manage the demanding nature of her dancing career. She has been a certified Yoga instructor since 1985 and is also certified in the Integral Yoga method. Debbie is a long time practitioner of Jyoti meditation who has studied in the U.S. and India with master teachers of Sant Mat, also called Science of Spirituality.

Debbie says: “I started teaching yoga to help me relax and recharge from a very demanding dance schedule. It worked for me. I really could feel the benefit of this ancient healing art." She teaches the classical style of yoga which focuses on healing the tension – blocking off the energy flow – in the system caused by stress to bring the body back to optimal health and well-being. Join her this Saturday in DC for what is sure to be a delightful practice. Please bring your own yoga mat. 

Science of Spirituality offers free meditation workshops throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, including the DC area. Learn more about SOS DC and Jyoti Meditation on their website and feel free to connect with them on facebook and twitter as well @SOS_WashDC.

Palisades Library
4901 V St NW (map) right near MacArthur Blvd and V St NW
Metro: best reached by car, see metro trip-planner for best bus access

PAST: JAZZ FESTIVAL: The 23rd Annual Rosslyn Jazz Festival is this SAT, Sept 7th from 1:00pm - 7:00pm, Free

Grammy Winner Poncho Sanchez

The 23rd Annual Rosslyn Jazz Festival

Saturday, September 7th

1:00pm - 7:00pm

Free

Presented by Arlington Cultural Affairs

The free 23rd Annual Rosslyn Jazz Festival presents its customary "all-headliner" caliber lineup! Experience the DC-debut of the Olé Coltrane Project featuring the Grammy-winning Poncho Sanchez Latin Band, with guest James Carter (sax) in a fresh take on Coltrane's classic 1961 LP; the New Orleans Second Line/Hip Hop fusion of the Soul Rebels from HBO's Treme; and the spirit-stirring sound of Naomi Shelton & the Gospel Queens. Regional talent, trumpeter Kenny Rittenhouse Septet kicks off the event. Portions of the event will again be broadcast live by jazz station WPFW 89.3 FM, and hosted by several on-air personalities. Food will be available for purchase. 

Gateway Park
Corner of Lee Hwy & N Lynn - Arlington, VA

Metro: Rosslyn

PAST: More events to choose from on SAT, Sept 7th!

More events to choose from on Saturday, September 7th!

Art Opening for Joy Every and Piper Grosswendt at doris-mae
6:00pm - 8:00pm

Free
doris-mae reopens after a brief summer hiatus with work by painters Joy Every and Piper Grosswendt. Joy takes over the solo space while Piper installs new work in the project space. Join us for the opening!

doris-mae

1716 14th St NW - 2nd Floor

Metro: U St or take the Circulator to 14th & U

DC Supersonic Kirtan at Buddha B

6:30pm - 9:00pm 

by donation, $10 - $15 suggested 

cash donations at the door, please give as you can, kids are free 

From the facebook invite: "The DC Supersonic All-Stars are ready to rock the house with their funky sweet melodies, and are excited to be joined by a couple of special guests as well... you'll just have to be there to find out who! Bring your dancing shoes... oh, wait: it's a yoga studio. Bring your happy feet and be prepared to dance in ecstasy."

Buddha B Yoga
1115 U St NW - 2nd Floor, Suite 202

Please enter on 11th St NW

Metro: U St

Art Crimes Opening - Animal - at The Dunes

7:00pm - 10:00pm, DJ's til 12:00am

Free

Works by Jeannette Herrera, Diana Cruz, Kenneth Moore and YAYA. Music by DJ Alex DB! 

The Dunes 

1402 Meridian Pl NW

Metro: Columbia Heights, walk north on 14th St

PAST: ART: Guest Post from East City Art! Two Art Events in Hyattsville, MD and an Photography Show Opening at CHAW by Eastern Market in SE DC this SAT, Sept 7th from 4:00pm - 10:00pm, Free

Weekend East City Event Round Up: The Curated Tweet Edition 

Glass blowing at DC Glassworks.
Photo courtesy DC Glassworks.

Saturday, September 7th

DC Glassworks Open House!
4:00pm -  8:00pm
Free
Blow glass this Saturday! DC Glassworks open houses feature food, drinks and glassblowing demonstrations. Blow your own glass paperweight for a small fee.
DC Glassworks
5346 46th Ave - Hyattsville, MD
Metro: See metro trip-planner for best bus access from the metro

Photo courtesy of  CHAW

Photography Exhibit Opening at CHAW 
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Free
Recent University of Alaska graduate Wesley Schaefer introduces “lower 48” audiences to the cultural phenomenon of dog-sleigh racing. Comeback Chronicles documents the 2013 Iditarod, AK race billed as the “Last Great Race on Earth.” Schaefer’s photographic essay focuses on the bond between the racer and his sleigh dogs.
CHAW
545 7th St SE
Metro: Eastern Market

Artwork by @Whisenant_J. Photo courtesy of artdc Gallery.

Art Opening Reception at artdc gallery 
7:00pm - 10:00pm
Do you tweet art? artdc gallery launched the #WeTweetArt campaign over the summer where a virtual exhibition emerged through a series of curated tweets. In #WeTweetArt, the virtualized marterializes as the tweeted artworks from various artists find a brick and mortar home in the gallery. For details, click here. 
artdc gallery
5710 Baltimore Ave - Hyattsville, MD
Metro: See metro trip-planner for best bus access from the metro

East City Art is now in Print! Get your copy of the East City Art Quarterly Guide to the Visual Arts in the September editions of the Hill Rag or East of the River Magazines. Phil Hutinet is the Editor-in-Chief of East City Art. You can also find East City Art on  facebook  and Twitter and you can also sign up for their newsletter here .

PAST: ART: Fall Artists at American University's Katzen Center on SAT Sept 7th, Talk 5:00pm - 6:00pm, Reception 6:00pm - 9:00pm, Free

Gallery Talk: Green Acres: Artists Farming Fields, Greenhouses, and Abandoned Lots
and 2013 Early Fall Artists' Reception
Saturday, September 7th

5:00pm - 6:00pm Talk
6:00pm - 9:00pm Reception

Free, plus see the exhibits while there, also free!

Join Stephanie Fedor, executive director of Arlington Arts Center, in a gallery talk about Green Acres: Artists Farming Fields, Greenhouses, and Abandoned Lots, on view through October 20. The American University Museum brings this major exhibition of contemporary art addressing ecological issues to the Washington region from the Contemporary Arts Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. The show is in collaboration with the Arlington Arts Center, Arlington, Virginia, which is presenting its half of Green Acres June 28–Oct 13, 2013. Curated by Sue Spaid. Image credit: Homemeadow Song Farm, A Bundle of Sticks, 2012-2013. Chicken coop, biodynamic preparations, kitchen table, pantry shelf, digital images, and farming paraphernalia. Courtesy of Homemeadow Song Farm, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Join artists and curators for the 2013 early fall Artists' Reception from 6:00pm - 9:00pm. Light refreshments will be served. Exhibitions include Green Acres: Artists Farming Fields, Greenhouses, and Abandoned Lots, Patrick McDonough: brightveridiansentinelevents, and Donald Rothfeld Collection of Contemporary Israeli Art.

American University - Katzen Center
4400 Massachusetts Ave NW
Metro: Tenleytown and take the free AU Shuttle to campus to the stop closest to the Katzen, usually the first stop

PAST: GALLERY TALK: Lunchtime Gallery Talk at the NMWA on "American People, Black Light: Faith Ringgold’s Paintings of the 1960s" WED, Sept 4th at 12:00pm, Free

Faith Ringgold, “American People Series #1:
Between Friends,” 1963, Oil on canvas 40 x 24 in

Gallery Talk: American People, Black Light: Faith Ringgold’s Paintings of the 1960s

Wednesday, September 4th
12:00pm

Note: Talk is free, if you want to explore the museum afterward regular admission applies

Join the NMWA staff for lunchtime gallery talks in conjunction with summer exhibitions. Gallery talks explore a variety of topics related to the artist, artworks and themes in each exhibition

National Museum of Women in the Arts
1250 New York Avenue, NW

Metro: Metro Center or take a bus to 13th & H St NW

PAST: FILM: "Meerkats 3D" Screens at National Geographic select dates and times SAT, April 20th - TUES, Jan 3rd 2014, $7

Film Screening of "Meerkats 3D" at National Geographic

Select dates and times Saturday, April 20th - Tuesday, January 3rd 2014

$7 buy tickets

Filmed over the course of a year, Meerkats 3D follows an extraordinary--not to mention adorable--family that stands just 12 inches tall. Discover how these tiny but strong creatures survive in the harsh desert, led by the family's tenacious matriarch, Klinky. Her daunting task is both to protect her offspring and to produce more pups to ensure the family's survival for generations to come. Together, this family of 20 will battle a rival gang to protect their territory, their pups, and their lives as they also contend with the desolate environment that is their home.

National Geographic
1145 17th Street, NW
Metro: Farragut North or take the S2 or S4 bus along 16th St to M St