PAST: GIVEAWAY: Free Smoothie Day at Jamba Juice in Dupont Circle & Union Station WED, July 31st from 12:00pm - 6:00pm

Jamba Juice Free Smoothie Day!
Wednesday, July 31st
12:00pm - 6:00pm
Free

In celebration of the one-year anniversary in the DC metro area, Jamba Juice will be giving away free 16-ounce smoothies at their Dupont Circle, Union Station and Montgomery Mall locations! These stores are operated through a joint venture with Venus Williams, Washington Kastles and tennis superstar. One lucky winner will get free smoothies for a year!

Jamba Juice
DC locations at Dupont & Union Station
Dupont - 1333 19th St, NW
Metro: Dupont Circle, south exit
Union Station - in the station
Metro: Union Station

PAST: HIGHLIGHTS: More Free and low-cost events to choose from this WED, July 31st! Free Networking & Real Estate Happy Hour, $10 Comedy Show, Free Concert at the DC Armory with Big Gigantic and Kill Paris! RSVP

Highlights for Wednesday, July 31st, listed by start time

Spring Fling Happy Hour with SKY Real Estate 
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Free, RSVP Required

This Wednesday SKY Real Estates hosts a happy hour and networking event at their office. Enjoy cocktails, including their complimentary signature drink the SKY-tini, and hors d'oeuvres. Realtors will also be on hand to answer any of your real estate questions and there will also be a chance to win prizes as part of their Spring Fling.

SKY Real Estate
1703 North Capitol St NE
Metro: NoMa - New York Avenue

Free Concert at the DC Armory!
Big Gigantic & Kill Paris
8:00pm - 12:00am
Free, 21+ RSVP Required

Budweiser is bringing their Made in America party to The DC Armory! Joining them will be Big Gigantic and Kill Paris. Read more here.

DC Armory
2001 East Capital St
Metro: Stadium-Armory



LYGO DC Presents: Comedy at Codmother
Wednesday, July 31st
6:30pm - 8:30pm
$10, RSVP requested

LYGO DC presents "Comedy at Codmother," a live stand-up comedy show. This week, Max Rosenblum hosts feature Adam Friedland and headliner Sara Armour.

The Codmother
1334 U St, NW
Metro: U St or take the Circulator bus to 14th & U

PAST: ART: Closing Party for "HELLO my name is" Grafifiti Exhibit at The Fridge + Final Day, SUN, March 31st, from 1:00pm - 5:00pm, Free

Closing Party and Final Day to see the Exhibit "HELLO my name is" at The Fridge
Sunday, March 31st

1:00pm - 5:00pm

Free

"HELLO my name is" on view at The Fridge 

Free
Saturday, March 2nd - Sunday, March 31st

HELLO my name is, an 80 artist international graffiti show, showcasing the foundation of modern graffiti: the name.To create HELLO my name is, a list of eighty artists from across the Americas and UK was compiled by DC graffiti legends ULTRA and CHE KGB. Each of these artists has received a canvas with an illustration of a “HELLO my name is” sticker that they will paint and return to the gallery. The resulting collection of works is the chance to see the breadth and depth of graffiti artists working across the US and abroad today.

The Fridge
516 1/2 8th St, SE
Metro: Eastern Market, keep right onto 8th St SE when you exit the metro, cross the street and walk down about a block and a half, when you pass Belga Cafe, across from matchbox, turn left into the alley and you'll see the brightly painted building.

PAST: ART: Closing Party & Artist Talk for "Art Crimes: Misappropriations" TUES, July 30th from 6:00pm - 9:00pm at The Dunes in Columbia Heights, Free + Free Rides to and fro from SideCar!

"Art Crimes: Misappropriations" Closing Party

at The Dunes in Columbia Heights

Tuesday, July 30th

6:00pm - 9:00pm

Free

Closing and artist talk with Gregg Deal and Joseph Asher Hale. Show up for your chance to score- winners receive free art! Happy hour from 6:00pm - 7:00pm. Performance Art, Power Tools, & Destruction 7:00pm - 9:00pm. Waivers must be signed prior to entry.

This party is also being supported by SideCar "an app-based service that is basically a 21st-century version of carpooling" and an alternative to taxis - use can pay from your phone using the app, sign up for an account online. Get a free ride to and from The Dunes for this party from 6:00pm - 10:00pm, Sweet! Learn more about SideCarDC.  

The Dunes

1402 Meridian Pl, NW

Metro: Columbia Heights, walk a few blocks north on 14th, past Park Rd, turn left on Meridian Pl, above The Getaway, take the stairs through glass door

PAST: POETRY: The Beltway Poetry Slam at The Fridge breaks the rules this month! Props and Costumes allowed + 5 min instead of 3 min + The Beltway Poetry Slam Team performing! TUES, July 30th, 7:30pm doors/sign up, 8:00pm - 10:00pm show, All ages, $5

The Beltway Poetry Slam at The Fridge - this month will break the rules! Props and Costumes will be allowed + The Beltway Slam Team features
Tuesday, July 30th
8:00pm - 10:00pm show, 7:30pm doors/sign up

All ages, $5

"Ever wish you could slam with props? How about in a costume? Perhaps you've always wondered what poets would do with five minutes instead of three? Then this is the night for you!! Our July slam will throw caution to the wind and the results will be spectacular!"

Poets can bring two original pieces that can each be performed in 5 minutes or less. Featuring: Beltway Slam Team (Clinton Smith, Pages.d Matam, Natalie E. Illum, Adele Hampton, Robalū Gibsun) Hosted by Sarah D. Lawson!

The Fridge 
516 8th St SE
turn left into the alley after Belga Cafe, across from Matchbox
Metro: Eastern Market

PAST: MUSIC: "The 9 Songwriter Series" is back at IOTA in Clarendon, VA on TUES, July 30th with 9 acts performing from 8:00pm - 10:00pm, doors 7:30pm, $10, 21+

The 9 Songwriter Series at IOTA Club and Cafe in Clarendon

Tuesday, July 30th

8:00pm - 10:00pm, doors 7:30pm
$10, 21+

view and share facebook invite

The 9 Songwriter Series is back at IOTA in Clarendon this Tuesday with Justin Trawick, Justin Jones, Alexe Colbus, Jasmine Gillison, Will Williamson, Dave Farah, Lauren Calve, Don Kim and Joshua Johnston. "Each installment features nine solo singer/songwriters performing in rotation and often sitting in with each other and collaborating, providing audiences with a rich, intimate, varied listening experience."

IOTA Club & Cafe

2832 Wilson Blvd - Arlington, VA

Metro: Clarendon, walk down Wilson, which is a one way street, you'll see cars coming toward you, about two and a half blocks, toward  Whole Foods, to 2832, IOTA is on the right.

PAST: FILM + FOOD: BloomScreen presents “What's on Your Plate?” Film Screening at BloomBars + Free Organic Food! TUES, July 30th from 7:00pm - 9:00pm, All ages, by donation

BloomScreen presents: “What's on Your Plate?” film + Free Delicious Organic Food

Tuesday, July 30th

7:00pm - 9:00pm

view film trailer here

All ages, by donation, $10 suggested, please give as you are able, this week, free organic food provided!

Join BloomBars and Cultivating Intergenerational Leaders for delicious free organic food and a great movie, as they present…What's on Your Plate? (2009, 76 min), by Catherine Gund – is a witty and provocative documentary about kids and food politics. Over the course of one year, the film follows two eleven-year-old multiracial friends from NYC as they explore their place in the food chain. Sadie and Safiyah talk to food activists, farmers, and storekeepers as they address questions regarding the origin of the food they eat, how it’s cultivated, and how many miles it travels from farm to fork. Sadie and Safiyah formulate sophisticated and compassionate opinions about urban sustainability, and by doing so inspire hope and active engagement in others. The film will be followed by a Q&A discussion with local anti-hunger, child food activists.

Cultivating Intergenerational Leaders, is a summer intergenerational program in Washington, D.C., that will use the community food system as a tool to give youth and college students the opportunity to build life skills such as active learning, self-reliance, and healthy living. This project seeks to create a more sustainable food system in DC by empowering those directly impacted by the negative effects of the industrial food system.

BloomBars

3222 11th St NW

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

PAST: VOLUNTEER: "Cook and Connect" Volunteer Night TUES, July 30th, 7:00pm - 9:00pm near Eastern Market, Free, donations welcome

"Cook and Connect" Volunteer Night organized by The Sanctuaries near Eastern Market

Tuesday, July 30th 

7:00pm - 9:00pm

Free, donations support the soup kitchen

Make a difference and meet new people as you help to cook and create art for unhoused neighbors.

421 Seward Square SE

Metro: Eastern Market, just two blocks from the metro, follow "The Sanctuaries" signs.

PAST: MUSIC: Get $10 Orchestra Seats to NSO performance "The Romance of Tchaikovsky" at The Kennedy Center! Special Promo for Free in DC fans! FRI, Oct 5th at 8:00pm, $10! regularly $59, Buy online for small fee or in person at the Box Office

Kelley O'Connor, Mezzo-Soprano

The National Symphony Orchestra presents The Romance of Tchaikovsky 
Special Promo for Free in DC fans for this

Friday, October 5th
8:00pm - 10:00pm

$10 for orchestra seats- regularly $59!

(yes, that says $10 - an incredibly sweet deal)

Special Promo: Order online for $10 plus small fee of $1.20 or Order by phone (202) 467-4600 or in person at the box office, mention offer number "146055" to receive your discount.

I'm super excited to let you all know about this special offer from the NSO for $10 Orchestra Seats! This Tchaikovsky program features The National Symphony Orchestra with Christoph Eschenbach conducting and mezzo-soprano Kelley O'Connor. About the program: "The power of love is celebrated in this concert featuring highlights from Tchaikovsky's Romeo & Juliet, the majestic prelude to one of opera's greatest love stories, Tristan und Isolde, and a musical setting of Pablo Neruda's love poems."

Note: This $10 ticket offer is valid for seating in Orchestra Price Level 2 for the October 4th and 5th performances only. Offer is subject to availability and not valid in combination with any other offer or on  previously purchased tickets and offers may be withdrawn at any time. Small service fees may apply.

The Kennedy Center
Concert Hall
2700 F St, NW
Metro: Foggy Bottom and take the free Kennedy Center Shuttle that runs approximately every ten minutes

PAST: "Ai Weiwei: According to What?" on view at the Hirshhorn SAT, Oct 27th - SUN, Feb 24th, Free

Ai Weiwei: According to What? on view at the Hirshhorn, the round building on The Mall

Saurday, October 27th - Sunday, February 24th
Free

If you haven't seen this exhibit yet, I recommend checking out! Works by Artist and Activist Ai Weiwei. Read more on the Hirshhorn's Tumblr page.

Hirshhorn

7th & Independence Ave, SW

Metro: L'Enfant Plaze

PAST: ART: "Present-Day Oracles" at the Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery at Smith Center on U St from FRI, Jan 11th - SAT, Feb 23rd, Free

"Present-Day Oracles" at the Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery at Smith Center on U St

Free

On view Friday, January 11th - Saturday, February 23rd
Gallery is open: Wednesday - Friday 11:00am-5:00pm

and Saturday 11:00am-3:00pm

"Present-Day Oracles" features works by Anne Bouie, Gale Jamieson, Michael Platt and Patricia Underwood.

"Before the advent of modernism, the function of art in rituals and storytelling was to bring us closer to one another and to guide us in our search for meaning and relationship with the divine. Though rare in our secular art world today, there are still artists whose intent is to imbue their artworks with the energy and substance of reliquary works.  In this thought-provoking exhibition, Anne Bouie, Gale Jamieson, Michael Platt, & Patricia Underwood serve as present-day oracles - using various mediums and stylistic approaches to conjure our lost sense of sacred in the present and to reclaim the original intent of the art object as an aura-laden tool for mystical guidance. "

Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery at Smith Center for Healing and the Arts
1632 U Street, NW
Metro: U St, or take the S1, S2, S4 or S9 bus on 16th St right to U

PAST: ART: Two Shows at Honfleur Gallery in Anacostia leave this Friday! On view FRI, Jan 11th - FEB, Feb 22nd, Free

"The Soul of the City" by InstantDC and  "The Points That Bring Us from Here to There" at Honfleur Gallery in Anacostia

Free

On view Friday, January 11th - Friday, February 22nd

"The Soul of the City" by InstantDC features work by photographers including: Michael Andrade, Jorge Banales, James Campbell, Jim Darling, Keith Lane, Ryan Maxwell, Emily Reid and Greg Schmigel
Free
On view Friday, January 11th - Friday, February 22nd

InstantDC is a photography collective showcasing the vast array of styles from local photographers. Utilizing everything from TLR film cameras from the 1940's to polaroid and mobile phones, InstantDC is striving to redefine what photography means in the 21st century through exhibitions and community contests. The Soul of the City Exhibition included a community contest that received over 5300 submissions from the local area. Please note: The Gallery at Vivid Solution is under construction; the temporary satellite gallery location is now upstairs at Honfleur Gallery.

Opening Reception for "The Points That Bring Us from Here to There"

works by Michael Dax Iacovone & Kathryn Zazenski
Free
On view Friday, January 11th - Friday, February 22nd

In diverse solo works and a collaborative project, Michael Dax Iacovone and Kathryn Zazenski map spaces and experiences. Iacovone’s The Mississippi River Project: Record of a 3600 Mile Drawing, chronicles his journey driving across the 123 bridges that span the Mississippi River. In a selection from her ongoing Memory Maps series, Zazenski presents maps from time spent in Haukijärvi, Finland, Washingon, DC, and Beijing, China. From Here to There: Ezra Pound brings the two artists’ diverging interests together in a project that examines the history of Anacostia.

`Honfleur Gallery

1241 Good Hope Road, SE

Metro: Anacostia or Eastern Market and take the Circulator bus toward Skyland or walk, or you can see metro trip-planner for additional bus options

PAST: ART: Pepco Edison Place Gallery in Chinatown presents F. Lennox Campello and Artomatic Artists - Show on view through this Friday only! FRI, Feb 8th - FRI, Feb 22nd, Open Weekdays TUES - FRI from 12:00pm - 4:00pm, Free

F. Lennox Campello and Artomatic Artists at the Pepco Edison Gallery in Chinatown

Free

On view Friday, February 8th - Friday, February 22nd

The Gallery is open during the daytime only:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 

12:00pm - 4:00pm

Free

F. Lennox Campello curates a two week show of select artists, many of whom participated in the Artomatic Inaugural Ball last month. 

Pepco Edison Place Gallery
702 8th St, NW 

between G and H St, near SAAM/NPG 

Metro: Gallery Pl - Chinatown 

PAST: MARKET: "The Loving Market" brought to you by Benevolent Media, will take place at Epic Yoga, just south of Dupont Circle, this SAT, Feb 16th from 10:00am - 5:00pm, Free

"The Loving Market" brought to you by Benevolent Media will take place at Epic Yoga
Saturday, February 16th
10:00am - 5:00pm
Free
view and share facebook invite

"What does “love” really mean, in the aftermath of Valentine’s Day? Join us for The Loving Market, a daytime pop-up shop and auction of arts and crafts made with love" Events below are free and open to the public. There is an evening cocktail reception, with live music, that is 21+ and has a $20 cover.

Pop-Up Shop & Art Auction
10:00am - 5:00pm

Panel Discussion
2:00pm - 2:45pm

Letter-Writing & Postcard-Making Workshop
12:00pm - 3:00pm

Epic Yoga
1323 Connecticut Avenue NW
Metro: Dupont Circle, south of the Circle near N St

PAST: EXHIBIT: "Torn in Two: 150th Anniversary of the Civil War" at Ford's Theatre TUES, Dec 11th - SUN, Feb 24th, Free

Special Exhibit now on view at Ford's Theatre
Torn in Two: 150th Anniversary of the Civil War
Free
Tuesday, December 11th - Sunday, February 24th
Note: Special exhibitions are included as part of regular daytime visit tickets to Ford’s Theatre, also Free at the box office or available online for $2.50

The American Civil War is one of the defining events in American history. To commemorate its 150th anniversary, Ford's Theatre will present Torn in Two: 150th Anniversary of the Civil War. This exhibition, created by the Norman B. Leventhal Map Center at the Boston Public Library, takes a geographic and cartographic approach to exploring and illuminating the causes of the conflict, the conduct of the War and how the War was remembered in later years. It will showcase historic maps interwoven with photographs, prints, political cartoons, music and press of the period, largely from the Boston Public Library's special collections.

If you have a ticket to a mainstage theatre performance you can also visit the exhibits. Patrons with tickets to an evening performance can visit the Center exhibits beginning at 5:30pm. The Center remains open until 6:30pm. Matinee patrons can visit the Center's exhibits before or after the performance. Please note: there will be occasions when the Center will be closed for special events.

Ford's Theatre
511 10th Street, NW
Metro: Metro Center or Gallery Pl - Chinatown

PAST: ART: Lisa Marie Thalhammer's "Intimate Network" at The Fridge SAT, Feb 2nd - SAT, Feb 24th, Free

Lisa Marie Thalhammer's "Intimate Network" at The Fridge
Free
On view Saturday, February 2nd - Sunday, February 24th

"The art in Lisa Marie's exhibit prompts an examination of intimacy and relationships. The artist chooses to paint people from her life that unravel the boundaries between the personal and political. Lisa Marie lives openly as a queer individual, and her work documents her networks of chosen family and friends within the LGBTQ community. The subjects assert ideas about civil rights, marriage equality, polyamory and gender identity while also disclosing a profoundly private look at the inner workings of the artist’s life today."

The Fridge
516 1/2 8th Street SE (Rear Alley),
Metro: Eastern Market, keep right on 8th St, toward the Starbucks, cross the street and walk a block and a half or so, turn left into the alley after Belga Cafe, across from matchbox.

PAST: ART: "In the Tower: Barnett Newman" at the NGA East Building SUN, June 10th - SUN, Feb 24th, 2013, Free

Barnett Newman, First Station,
1958, National Gallery of Art,
Washington, Collection of
Robert and Jane Meyerhoff

New Exhibition at the NGA East Building:
In the Tower: Barnett Newman
Free

Sunday, June 10th - Sunday, February 24th, 2013

"Drawn mainly from the Gallery's rich holdings of Newman's (1905–1970) work, this exhibition presents two crucial periods in the artist's career. Newman's paintings and drawings of the 1940s reveal a shift from biomorphic imagery to simple linear geometry, while The Stations of the Cross: Lema Sabachthani, a cycle of fourteen paintings plus a coda (Be II), dominated Newman's mature career from 1958 to 1966."

Organized by the National Gallery of Art, Washington. Made possible by The Exhibition Circle and The Tower Project of the National Gallery of Art.
National Gallery of Art

East Building, Tower
Metro: Judiciary Sq - closest to the East Building

PAST: HIGHLIGHTS: More Free events to choose from this SAT, Feb 16th! Learn about Engineering at the National Building Museum, Free Dance Workshop at Joy of Motion Atlas location, and Annual Loving Me Extravaganza in MD

More free events this Saturday, February 16th!

DC 

Discover Engineering Family Day at the National Building Museum
Saturday, February 16th
10:00am - 4:30pm
See video clip about the event
recommended for ages 4 - 12
Free, donations appreciated
Learn how engineering is involved in everyday life at Discover Engineering Family Day. Make slime, build a rocket, construct a boat and put it through a lock system, learn about the science of popcorn, experience a tsunami wave tank, and more. Do activities with Curious George and The Cat in the Hat from PBS Kids!
National Building Museum
401 F St, NW
Metro: Judiciary Square

DancEthos Free Workshop at Atlas on H St NE
Saturday, February 16th
3:30pm - 5:30pm
Free, 18+
RSVP Requested to ensure your spot
This workshop is presented to promote the upcoming DancEthos performance Voice(s), presented by INTERSECTIONS Festival at the Atlas Performing Arts Center on February 23rd at 1:30pm. This workshop will be team taught by 4 different choreographers presenting work in the show and students of all levels will get the chance to experience movement phrases from the performance.
Joy of Motion Dance Center - at Atlas
1333 H St, NE
Metro: Union Station or take the X2 bus from Gallery Pl - Chinatown at 7th St on H St, NW to 12th or 14th Street NE


Capitol Heights, MD

2nd Annual Loving Me Extravaganza 
Saturday, February 16th
12:00pm - 4:00pm
Free
Following My Destiny will be hosting it's 2nd Annual Loving Me Extravaganza at the Zelia Centre in Capitol Heights, MD. Come out for a unique shopping experience. See list of vendors.
Zealia Centre
565 Ritchie Road at Morgan Blvd
Metro:  This location may be best reached by car though you can take the C29 bus from Largo to Central Ave & Morgan Blvd and you can walk from there, just over a half-mile. There may be other buses that get there, please see metro for best bus access from metro.

PAST: OPEN HOUSE: The Theatre Lab in Chinatown hosts an Open House with Free mini-classes and more this SAT, March 23rd from 10:00am - 12:00pm, Free

Theatre Lab Open House
Saturday, March 23rd

10:00am - 12:00pm

Free

This Saturday, The Theatre Lab in Chinatown hosts a free Open House. Kids and adults will have the opportunity to participate in short acting workshops, speak with Theatre Lab faculty and staff, and learn more about our youth and adult drama programs, including Spring Break and Summer Camps for kids, and our adult acting classes.  If you've been thinking about taking a class, want to learn more, or even just stop in and say "hi" then swing on by! If you'd like more info, please call 202-824-0449 or email contact at theatrelab.org.

Theatre Lab School of the Dramatic Arts
733 8th St, NW
Metro: Gallery Pl - Chinatown, between H and G St NW by Calvary Baptist Church and SAAM/NPG

PAST: ART: Four more exhibits, Three on view through SUN, March 31st - at Artisphere, Gallery Plan b, and Washington Printmakers Gallery + One more on view through MON, April 1st at the Torpedo Factory, Free

On view through Sunday, March 31st

Billy Friebele: Floating World
Floating World is an installation that recreates the experience of cloud gazing inside of Artisphere and explores our relationship with the natural and virtual worlds. A large cluster of helium balloons floats in the Town Hall atrium, tethered to a platform on the ground floor below. A drawing implement dangles over the platform connected to the balloons, slowly marking a sheet of paper. Visitor movement triggers motion sensors attached to fans that when activated, push the clouds around the space. The motion of clouds can be directly tracked as drawings on paper.

Artisphere

Town Hall, Video Wall + Lobby
1101 Wilson Blvd - Arlington, VA

Metro: Rosslyn, turn left on Wilson

Works by Marilee Shapiro
Marilee Shapiro has recently celebrated her 100th birthday. We are celebrating her extensive creativity, growth, expansion and adaptation. This retrospective includes works in sculpture, painting, drawing, printmaking and digital imagery, spanning nearly eight decades.Gallery plan b
1530 14th Street, NW

Metro: best reached by Circulator bus to 14th and P/ RI Ave from McPherson Sq or U St at 14th, or walk from Dupont

Courtesy PrintMatters Artists

Impressions at WPG in Silver Spring
View prints by 25 members of PrintMatters, a print-based group in Houston, TX.

Washington Printmakers Gallery

8230 Georgia Avenue, 2nd Floorin the Pyramid Atlantic Art Center 

Metro: Silver Spring

On view through Monday, April 1st 

March All-Media Exhibit

A juried exhibit featuring works of all media and subject matter by Art League members.
Torpedo Factory Art Center

105 North Union Street - on the Waterfront in Old Town Alexandria, VA
Metro: King St and take the free trolley down to the Waterfront or any bus that runs down King St and gets you close to the Torpedo Factory

PAST: ART: "State of Emergency" by Sabyna Sterrett features Mixed Media works made from Repurposed and Recycled Plastic Bags! On view at The Art League in the Torpedo Factory in Old Town, Alexandria, VA from THURS, March 7th - MON, April 1st, Free

Sabyna Sterrett: State of Emergency on view at
The Art League, in the Torpedo Factory on the
Waterfront in Old Town Alexandria, VA

Free

Thursday, March 7th - Monday, April 1st

Note: The Gallery will be closed this Sunday, March 31st
I believe they are closed due to Easter Sunday and the exhibit will be on view on Monday, but please call to confirm first

After working as a commercial artist for a publishing company and concentrating on fine art by studying drawing and painting, Sterrett turned her focus to mixed media (woven contemporary fiber art, fabric, found objects). Her solo installation will feature repurposed and recycled plastic bags, which have been woven, hooked, and crocheted together in unique ways.

Regular Gallery Hours:
Monday - Saturday 10:00am - 6:00pm

Thursday 10:00am - 9:00pm

Sunday 12:00pm - 6:00pm

Torpedo Factory Art Center
105 North Union Street - on the Waterfront in Old Town Alexandria, VA
Metro: King St and take the free trolley down to the Waterfront or any bus that runs down King St and gets you close to the Torpedo Factory

PAST: HIGHLIGHTS: Five more Free and low-cost events to choose from!

More Free and low-cost events to choose from tonight!  Highlights from The Current newspaper

Friday, March 15th

Film Screening of "The Life of Pi" - Dupont Circle
Screening of "The Life of Pi" at the Woman's National Democratic Club in Dupont Circle
7:00pm film screening, bar on site opens at 6:00pm
$5 for the film only, $15 if you want to see the film and have a light dinner
Woman's National Democratic Club
1526 New Hampshire Avenue, NW
Metro: Dupont Circle

Korean Film Festival Film Screening - Freer Gallery
Screening of "Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance" as part of the 2013 Korean Film Festival at the Freer
7:00pm
Free
Film: A hearing-impaired factory worker becomes involved in illegal organ-trafficking
Free Gallery, Meyer auditorium
12th & Jefferson Dr, SW
Metro: Smithsonian

Hip-Hop Showcase - Georgetown University
Fourth Annual Showcase of Georgetown University's Co-ed Hip-Hop Team, Groove Theory
7:30pm
$10/ $7
Georgetown University, Gaston Hall
37th & O St, NW
Metro: Dupont and take the free GUTS bus to campus from Mass Ave at 20th

Film Screening + Panel + Music - near AU
Screening of "Bidder 70" with Panel and Performance as part of the Environmental Film Festival
7:30pm
by donation, $7 suggested
Film: One man's act of civil disobedience to protest climate change and the movement he inspired.
Panel with the directors and performance by musical guest Magpie
St Columba's Episcopal Church
4210 Albemarle St, NW
Metro: Tenleytown - AU

Live Music - Library of Congress
The U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own" will perform selections from the Great American Songbook
8:00pm
Free, tickets required, show up early to see if you can get in
Library of Congress, Jefferson Building
10 1st St, SE
Metro: Capitol South

PAST: More events to choose from FRI, Feb 21st

Some more events for tonight from facebook invites - please click through for details!
Friday, February 21st

Free, by donation or $10 or less

Book Launch Party! Social Change, Anytime Everywhere
5:30pm
The Darlington House
Metro: Dupont Circle, Q St exit

“Get Real, Get Social” Real Estate Social Media Panel
6:00pm
Powerhouse in Georgetown
Metro: See metro trip-planner for best access

HAIR IN THE GATE | African & Arab Science Fiction Shorts
6:30pm
Marvin's Restaurant
Metro: U St

Flo Anito's Birthday Show at IOTA!
8:00pm, Flo plays at 10:00pm
$10
IOTA Club & Cafe
Metro: Clarendon

2/21 LAA ACOUSTIC OPEN MIC & MUSIC EXCHANGE
8:00pm
The Gallery at Convergence
in Alexandria, VA

Metro: See metro trip-planner for best access

PAST: HIGHLIGHTS: Here's a list of five more events to choose from! WED, Feb 27th, All events are Free, donation based or $10 or less and accessible by public transit

Here are some more events to choose from Tonight! Each of these deserves their own individual post but I simply did not have time to craft them so here is a highlights post!

Wednesday, February 27th
Organized by start time
Info is from facebook invites, please click through for more info.

Happy Hour + The Sofa Dialogues at the DCAC
6:30pm - 8:00pm + Sofa Dialogues starts at 8:00pm


Free for both events!
Enjoy complimentary hors d'oeuvres, drinks, good company, and William Whitaker's solo show, Distributed Processes, curated by Thomas Drymon for you to enjoy!!  Right after our Happy Hour at 8:00PM catch The Sofa Dialogues, with Danish performance artist Annika Lewis, Director B. Stanley and members of Theater Du Jour for this new series of discussions and working demonstrations focused on creative process, collaboration and the differing artistic climate in the United States and Scandinavia.
DC Arts Center in Adams Morgan
Metro: Woodley Park or take the 42 or 43 bus north along Conn Ave to 18th & Columbia

Sketch Lounge Volume 6 @ The Dunes!
7:00pm - 11:00pm
Free
Somaphony presents Sketch Lounge Volume 6 @ The Dunes! Sketch Lounge is a new monthly event to unite and inspire the creative community. "Recognizing that a regular gathering of artists was missing from the DC arts and creative community, sketch lounge was born. Sketch Lounge aims to provide a venue for local artists work to be seen, inspiration, sharing, and networking to local artists and to those within the creative community in an informal atmosphere. Also it is a venue to watch the creative process and a place to start your original art collection." Read more about how this event will work on the invite, link above!
The Dunes
1402 Meridian Pl, NW
Metro: Columbia Heights

Live Music at DC9 - Devils Walk As Saints: DC9 Show w/ Caustic Casanova
8:00pm
$8
See invite for more info about the bands

DC9

Metro: U S

Chris August *Sparkles*
9:00pm - 11:00pm
All ages, $5
Monthly LGBTQ friendly Poetry Open Mic night for all! Hosted by the fabulous and funny Regie Cabico and the lovely Ms. Danielle Evennou.This month's feature is Chris August! In 2010 Chris was named the number one ranked queer poet in the country at the first ever Capturing Fire LGBTQI Poetry Slam in DC. In 2011, he was named the number one ranked performance poet in the world at the Individual World Poetry Slam held in Cleveland, Ohio.
Busboys & Poets
5th & K St, NW
Metro: Gallery Pl or Mt Vernon - Convention Center and walk

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang ~ DC's Alternative 80's Dance Party!
9:00pm - 1:00am

Free, 21+ 

Note: cash bar only
Every 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of the month upstairs at Little Miss Whiskey's.

Little Miss Whiskey's Golden Dollar
1104 H St, NE
Metro: Gallery Pl and take the X2 bus along H St or taxi from Union Station

PAST: HIGHLIGHTS: Free events in DC this SUN, Feb 17th from the new Hyper-Local Events App Gravy!

Highlights from the New Hyper Local App - Gravy!
List of weekday evening and weekend events
All events are Free and Metro accessible
Remaining events listed below, organized by date and location

Gravy App is available for Free for Android and iPhone users - Download it here!

I recently discovered an app called timeRAZOR which has been revamped and relaunched as Gravy! The Hyper Local App is available for Free to iPhone and Android users and allows you to find fun events - lots of which are free - happening nearby! You can also save events and select to have them saved directly to your own personal calendar on your iPhone (personally love that option!) and if you want to search by what you are in the mood for you can search by five Categories - Whatever, Lively, Classy, Brainy and Playtime - and currently trending events.  Gravy Highlights for Thursday, February 14th - Sunday, February 17th listed below!

Events in DC

Sunday, February 17th

Late Afternoon - Film Screening - NGA on the National Mall 

Screening of All Night Long - as part of the film series Isaki Lacuesta: The Artist's Ruse 

4:30pm - 6:00pm

Inspired by travel writer Marcos Ordóñez's Beberse la vida: Ava Gardner en España (2004), Isaki explores Hollywood star Ava Gardner's fanatical attachment to Spain. The actress visited the country for the first time in 1951 when cast as the lead (opposite James Mason) in Pandora and the Flying Dutchman. (2010, 35 mm, Spanish with subtitles, 80 minutes)

National Gallery of Art

4th & Constitution Ave, NW

East Building Concourse, Auditorium

Metro: Judiciary Sq, closest to the East Building

*Get the GRAVY APP for FREE here!*

PAST: ART: "Pre-Raphaelites and the Book" at the National Gallery of Art, West Building from SUN, Feb 17th - SUN, August 4th, Free

Dante Gabriel Rossetti, The Palace of Art,
 woodcut in Alfred Tennyson, Poems 
(London, E. Moxon, 1857), National
 Gallery of Art Library, Gift of Mark Samuels Lasner

Pre-Raphaelites and the Book on view at the National Gallery of Art, West Building
Free

Sunday, February 17th - Sunday, August 4th

Many artists of the Pre-Raphaelite circle not only involved themselves in book design and illustration but were also highly regarded poets in their own right. This library installation includes books of poetry by Dante Gabriel Rossetti and William Morris, wood-engraved illustrations by several Pre-Raphaelite artists, and material related to the Kelmscott Press (established by Morris in 1891).


National Gallery of Art
West Building, Ground Floor, Gallery G-21
Metro: Archives - Navy Memorial, closest to the West Building

PAST: ART: Amy Hughes Braden "Demographic" and Aaron Hughes "Sampling" at the Mezz Gallery at Artisphere in Rosslyn, VA from WED, May 15th - SAT, August 3rd, Free

Amy Hughes Braden: Demographic + Aaron Hughes: Sampling
On view at the Artisphere Mezz Gallery

Free

Wednesday, May 15th - Saturday, August 3rd

"Braden combines her own large-scale acrylic portraits with the work of her brother, Aaron Hughes in this dual show. As a whole, the work calls attention to the intensity of the struggle from youth to adulthood, and all of the complexities therein."

Artisphere
1101 Wilson Blvd
Metro: Rosslyn, turn right when you exit the metro to get to Wilson, turn left, just down the street on the left

PAST: ART: Solo Show for Jennifer Brewer Stone at The Art League Gallery in Old Town Alexandria, VA "Fantasy of the Real" on view FRI, July 5th - MON, August 5th, Free

Jennifer Brewer Stone "Fantasy of the Real"

Free

On view Friday, July 5th - Monday, August 5th

"Tropical flora and fauna leap from Jennifer Brewer Stone's canvases, engaging the viewer with vibrant color and layered compositions. These oil paintings move beyond botanical illustration and explore the physical connections between plant and animal life." (Jennifer is also a friend of mine and I am really happy for her to have her first solo show at The Art League). 

"Stone's oil paintings are alive with color, with a combination of sharp edges and detailed blending that create a hyper-realistic whole that jumps off the page. Her work stems from a desire to explore the fantastical creatures and plants that can be found in the real world, and bring them to the viewer's eye in a way that can't be ignored." Read more.

Artist Jennifer Brewer Stone

The Art League Gallery
in the Torpedo Factory

105 North Union Street

by the Waterfront in Old Town Alexandria, VA

Metro: King St and take the free trolley or a bus down King

PAST: HISTORY LECTURE: If you live in Mount Pleasant, or nearby, you may be interested in this one! Free Lecture on the History of Mount Pleasant with Mara Cherkasky this WED, March 6th at 6:30pm at the Mt P. Library, Free

Learn more about the History of Mount Pleasant 

Free Lecture at the Mount Pleasant Library 

Wednesday, March 6th 

6:30pm

Free

UPDATE: **Looks like this event has been canceled as the libraries are all closed today.** Hopefully they will reschedule for another date. This talk sounded interesting, especially for those who live in the area. http://www.dclibrary.org/node/34408

Did you know that Mount Pleasant started as a post-Civil War country village? Did you know that the neighborhood we know today was built after the streetcar arrived in 1903?

Come out to this free lecture, posted on the Humanities Council  of DC's facebook page, on Wednesday night. Historian Mara Cherkasky will share more about the history of Mount Pleasant at the recently renovated Mount Pleasant Library  located on Lamont, just off of 16th St, NW.  

Cherkasky will use maps and images to take you back to Mount Pleasant's origins and allow you to see how it developed as it did. Cherkasky has written several accounts of Mount Pleasant's history, has led numerous walking tours of the neighborhood, and has frequently served as a scholar on Humanities Council grant programs.

Mount Pleasant Library 

Corner of 16th and Lamont St, NW

Metro: Columbia Heights or take the S2 or S$ bus from anywhere along 16th St to Lamont or the 42 or 43 bus from Dupont or downtown on Connecticut Ave to Lamont and Mt Pleasant.

PAST: TRAVEL BOOK: Anniversary Happy Hour and Party with local Authors of the "Dominican Republic Guidebook" at Kafe Bohem WED, Feb 6th from 6:30pm - 9:00pm, Free

Dominican Republic Guidebook Anniversary Party
Wednesday, February 6th
6:30pm - 9:00pm
Free

"Dominican Republic (Other Places Travel Guide), co-written by Katherine Tuider of Capitol Hill and Evan Caplan of Shaw, was published in January of 2012. To celebrate its anniversary, the authors are hosting a happy hour event. They will be discussing the book’s origin, sharing stories about their experiences, and signing copies. Acclaimed for its unique, insider perspective, the book details the unheralded areas of the country, highlighting community-based and sustainable tourism projects with insight and wit. Having spent a combined five years in the country as Peace Corps Volunteers, the authors bring a wealth of knowledge to independent traveling, imbuing the pages with vibrant and passionate language."

Kafe Bohem next to Bistro Bohem
600 Florida Ave, NW
Metro: Shaw or U St - African American Memorial exit, or take any of the 90 line buses that run along U St and Florida Ave

PAST: HIGHLIGHTS: Two more Free events this WED, April 24th from CultureCapital.com, Both Require Advance RSVP as space is limited

Here's a list of more free arts and culture events from CultureCapital.com, a super online resource from the Cultural Alliance of Greater Washington that covers the metro area's vibrant arts community!

Wednesday, April 24th

Morning - Small Group Workshop on How to use the Online Archives

Genealogy Research using the National Archives Online
9:30am - 11:00am
Note: Registration is required; class is limited to seven seats. Email Nancy.Wing@nara.gov
Archives specialist Nancy Wing teaches a 90-minute, hands-on workshop on how to navigate the Archives.gov. If you don't know where to start or have gotten lost in your research, this workshop will help you understand how to use the online Archives to further your research goals!
National Archives
between 7th and 9th, Constitution & Penn, NW
Please use the Penn. Ave. Entrance for this event
Metro: Archives - Navy Memorial

Lunchtime - Seminar-Style Luncheon Discussion of Art History + Gallery Tour at the NGA
Food for Thought: John Ruskin and the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood
Wednesday, April 24th
12:00pm - 2:00pm
Note: Registration is required as space is limited to 25 participants
Led by David Gariff; Participate in a seminar-style luncheon discussion of art history and related readings followed by a gallery tour of relevant art. Participants may bring their own lunch or purchase it prior to class in the Cascade Café.
National Gallery of Art

East Building Concourse, Education Studio

4th & Constitution Ave, NW

Metro: Judiciary Sq - closest to the East Building

You can also find more upcoming free events and exhibitions on view in the DC metro area on the customized "Free in DC" Inside-Out page.

PAST: FAMILY FRIENDLY: It's time for the Annual Blossom Kite Festival on The Mall as part of the Cherry Blossom Festival this SAT, March 30th by the Washington Monument, 10:00am - 4:30pm, Free

Imgae by Daniel Sone from CultureCapital post

Blossom Kite Festival presented by the National Cherry Blossom Festival
Saturday, March 30th
10:00am - 4:30pm

Free

The third annual Blossom Kite Festival showcases the creativity of kite makers and skill of kite fliers from across the US and other countries.

P.S. Batala, a local, all women drumming troupe, performs as part of the @CherryBlossFest at 2:00pm.

Washington Monument
Constitution Ave and 15th St. SW

Metro: Smithsonian 

PAST: SHOWCASE: Friday Night Eclectic at Strathmore Mansion features Music, Square Dancing, Comedy, Easter Egg Painting and More! "You, Me,Them, Everybody" event, hosted by Lisa Markuson and Josef Palermo this FRI, March 29th, 8:00pm doors, 8:45pm Show, $10 in advance, $12 at the door

Strathmore Presents Friday Night Eclectic
You, Me, Them, Everybody's 
Most Eggcellent Country Teatime Jamboree
Friday, March 29th
8:45pm show, 8:00pm doors
Standing room only show, cash bar on site
$10 online, $12 at the door

view and share invite on facebook

Hosted by Lisa Markuson and Josef Palermo this evening will feature music, comedy, poetry, crafts with  Panda Head, egg dying, egg hunt and more. When imagining Friday Night Eclectic, picture an alterna-lounge scene with art, artists, and cool drink specials. It'll be an egg-paintin’, square-dancin’, photo takin’ Friday Night Eclectic in the Mansion, so break out your seersucker, sundresses, linen suits, bows, bonnets, straw hats and saddle shoes for an all out dance-y, old time-y spring social. 

The event will feature the Appalachian square dancing of revival group DC Squares, cello mastermind Daniel Frankhuizen and old time-y warbling and guitar from Linsay Deming and a surprise guest performance from another favorite DC musician. Comedians Adam Friedland and Brandon Wardell, Storytellers Jenn Tisdale and Andrew Bucket. Plus portraiture from local artists Elizabeth Graeber and Bryan Minnich, an Easter-themed photo shoot and more!

Strathmore Mansion
5301 Tuckerman Lane/ 10701 Rockville Pike - North Bethesda, MD
Metro: Grosvenor, just across the street from the metro, walk or take the enclosed walking bridge form the parking garage, the Mansion is on the grassy hill to the left of the main building.

PAST: HIGHLIGHTS: More Free events this Weekend from CultureCapital.com! SUN, April 21st

Here's a list of more free arts and culture events from CultureCapital.com, a super online resource from the Cultural Alliance of Greater Washington that covers the metro area's vibrant arts community! You can also 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 below are organized by start time. Be sure to click through for more details!

Sunday, April 21st

Afternoon - Family Friendly Celebration at Folger Shakespeare Library on Capitol Hill
Shakespeare's Birthday Open House!
12:00pm - 4:00pm
Rain or Shine, if raining, activities will move indoors
Food and drinks avaialeble for purchase
Enjoy jugglers and jesters, music, song and dance, stage combat workshops, and more. It's the one day of the year when the Folger reading rooms are open to all--plus, birthday cake for everyone!
Folger Shakespeare Library
201 East Capitol St, SE
Metro: Capitol South

Afternoon - Film Screening at the NMWA
Film: This Life
1:00pm
Film,  Directed by Anne-Grethe Bjarup Riis, in Danish with English subtitles
Presented in conjunction with A World Apart: Anna Ancher and the Skagen Art Colony exhibition.
The NMWA screens the inspiring and poignant film, "This Life," one of the highest grossing Danish films of the past 35 years. Based on a true story about a group of Danish resistance fighters during World War II, this drama depicts a group of men and women living in eastern Jutland who decide to hide supplies and agents dropped by British aircraft despite Denmark cooperating with its German occupiers

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

Metro: Metro Center or take the S2 or S4 bus along 16th St to 13th & NY Ave 

Afternoon - Art Talk at the NGAThe Sixty-Second A. W. Mellon Lectures in the Fine Arts:
Not at Home: Architecture on Display from World's Fairs to Williamsburg
2:00pm
Barry Bergdoll, The Philip Johnson Chief Curator of Architecture and Design, The Museum of Modern Art, and professor, Columbia University.
National Gallery of Art

East Building Concourse, Auditorium
4th & Constitution Ave, NW
Metro: Judiciary Sq, closest to the East Building

PAST: HIGHLIGHTS: More Fab Free events from the New, Hyper-Local events App, Gravy - which is also Free - In DC, MD and VA this SUN, April 21st

Here are some Highlights for Free events this Week from the new hyper local, Free App - Gravy!
List of events organized by date and time
Events are all in DC and Free, unless otherwise noted Metro accessible VA & MD events and donation-based events noted

Gravy App is available for Free for Android and iPhone users - Download it here!

I recently discovered an app called timeRAZOR which has been revamped and relaunched as Gravy! The Hyper Local App is available for Free to iPhone and Android users and allows you to find fun events - lots of which are free - happening nearby! You can also save events and select to have them saved directly to your own personal calendar on your iPhone (personally love that option!) and if you want to search by what you are in the mood for you can search by five Categories - Whatever, Lively, Classy, Brainy and Playtime - and currently trending events.

Gravy Highlights for Sunday, April 21st listed below! Click for details.

Sunday, April 21st

Demo of Art Made from Flowers at the Arboretum 

Ikebana International Demonstration

1:00pm - 2:30pm 

Sunday's demo - Ichiyo School

Watch as master teachers from the Washington D.C. Chapter No. 1 of Ikebana International create works of art from flowers and other natural materials. This is also the final day to see the exhibit Ikebana International, open from 10:00am - 4:00pm.  Enjoy spring flowers with a Japanese twist! Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement, a disciplined art form steeped in the philosophy of developing closeness with nature. 

U.S. National Arboretum

National Bonsai & Penjing Museum

Bladensburg Rd & R St NE (map)

use entrance on R Street please (directions from their website)

Metro: Note this location is not accessible by metro, the 84, F1, F2, F8 and T18 buses get you close by, see metro trip-planner for best access from metro, or splurge on a taxi or car2go if you like. Both Union Station and NoMa Metro station are close to 2 miles from the Arboretum. Stadium Armory, on the blue and orange line,  s also somewhat close, and you can catch the B2 bus from there. 

Late Afternoon Concert at Georgetown University

World Percussion Ensemble

4:00pm - 6:00pm

GU's Music Program World Percussion Ensemble Professor Joe McCarthy directs this rhythmic exploration of music. The program will include works by some of America's prominent percussion ensemble composers, along with original pieces by members of the WPE!

Georgetown University

McNeir Auditorium - New North Building 

Metro: Dupont and take the GUTS free shuttle to campus from Mass Ave at 20th or from Rosslyn Metro. You can also see metro and Circulator for other bus options from metro

Download the free GRAVY App here!