PAST: ART: "Depicted/Connected" Paintings by Tim Okamura at the Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery on U St FRI, Sept, 20th - THURS, Oct 31st, Free

Portrait, of my friend, yogi, author, blogger...

 Ananada Leeke! Painting by Tim Okamura

Depicted/Connected: Paintings by Tim Okamura

on view at the Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery at Smith Center on U St
Free
Friday, September 20th - Thursday, October 31st

The D.C. debut of Brooklyn-based painter Tim Okamura features portraits of women who were primarily born and raised in the D.C. area. The eleven women portrayed in Depicted/Connected have experienced first-hand D.C.'s evolving character from the tumultuous lows and transformational highs – witnessing the city's battle with crime and poverty, gentrification, the emergence of Go-go music, and the election of our nation's first African-American president.

Open Wednesday - Friday 11:00am - 5:00pm, Saturday 11:00am - 3:00pm and by appointment.

Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery

1632 U St NW
Metro: U St and walk or take any of the buses - S1, S2, S4, S9 - from anywhere along 16th St to U St

PAST: HALLOWEEN: Five more Free and low-cost Halloween events to choose from on THURS, Oct 31st!

Psychedelic Brazilian & Gypsy Brass HALLOWEEN with Alma Tropicalia + Black Masala!
8:00pm doors

$10

Featuring: Black Masala (gypsy monster brass), Alma Tropicalia (monster grooves); DJ's BEATrix and Inda Nile of OTTOMANIA!

Tropicalia

2001 14th St NW - down stairs, entrance is on U St below Subway

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

Halloween at the Paperhaus - Blankus Larry, Monogold, Silent Lions, & Louis Weeks!
8:00pm

Free, donations welcome for the bands on tour, BYOB  

Featuring Blankus Larry (DC Psych-Garage), Monogold (NYC Psychedelic Indie-Pop), Silent Lions (Toldeo Chill Punk/Spooky Soul)
and Louis Weeks (DC/Baltimore Electro-Alternative)
Paperhaus

4912 3rd St NW, please enter around the back

Metro: Fort Totten and walk .8 miles, see metro for possible bus options closer or take a taxi or bike

A Brixton Burlesque Haunted House Halloween/The Hoowwwwlse That U Built

8:00pm

Free, 21+

Halloween, Burlesque, House music and more! The night begins with the House that U Built on the rooftop starting at 8pm, featuring DJs
DJ Beast, Derick Atkins, Synz, Team Zapata  and Joe L spinning until close! On the second level they will be featuring the fantastical burlesque of Glam Gamz and Dainty, starting at 10 pm! The second floor Lodge will also be transformed into a Haunted House, sweet!
The Brixton

901 U St NW
Metro: U St, African American War Memorial/ Vermont Ave exit

Night of the Bicycling Dead 

organized by the folks BicycleSPACE

8:00pm

Free, RSVP here to make sure you get all of the final details sent to you!
From the invite: "Zombies are on the loose! Does it ever feel like Washington DC is overrun by brainless mobs that are in control? This halloween shutdown the true nature of these animated corpses will be revealed. On Thursday, October 31st, the Outbreak is happening-- join a huge group of other riders dressed to be possessed. Outfit yourself in ragged and torn threads and cover your face and skin in ghoulish makeup-- the infection is spreading! Prizes will be awarded to those whose appearances have been most transformed by the plague. The Shutdown Apocalypse is upon us... do you have what it takes to Survive the Night of the Bicycling DEAD?!!!"

BicycleSPACE

1019 7th STt NW

Metro: Mt Vernon Sq - Convention Center, you can take your bike with you on the metro after 7:00pm

Halloween Party + Costume Contest at COBALT

10:00pm - 2:00am

$5, 21+

"Didn't get enough dress-up at the high heel race? Well, you are in luck! Cobalt's costume contest goes on Thursday night at midnight.  $750 1st Place Prize  $150 2nd Place Prize & a $50 Level One Gift Cert $100 3rd Place Prize & a $50 Level One Gift Cert. Your DJs - Madscience and Sean Morris. Your Hosts - Ba'Naka and Sasha."
Cobalt
1639 R St NW

Metro: Dupont cirlcle

PAST: HALLOWEEN: The 3rd Annual Halloween Bash & Costume Party at Jack Rose on THURS, Oct 31st from 8:00pm - 2:00am, Free, 21+

3rd Annual Halloween Bash & Costume Party at Jack Rose
Thursday, October 31st
8:00pm - 2:00am
Free,  21+

Jack Rose Dining Saloon is hosting its 3rd Annual Halloween Bash + Costume Party this Thursday! Party-goers can enjoy complimentary hors d'oeuvres from 8:30pm - 9:30pm and "spooky" drink specials all night as DJ Trayze spins from 10pm to close. Costumes are encouraged!

Jack Rose Dining Saloon
2007 18th St NW at the bottom of Adams Morgan, just north of Florida
Metro: Dupont Circle, walk up 18th St

PAST: SCREENING: See the final screening of the ten part Israeli series "Hatufim" that inspired the TV show Homeland on FRI, Oct 31st from 7:30pm - 8:30pm, $9

See episodes of Hatufim - The Israeli TV show that inspired the American hit Homeland
Final screening in the ten part series
Thursday, October 31st
7:30pm - 8:30pm
$9 per episode

The DC JCC will be screening all ten episodes, with one episode most weeks now through the end of October. A single $9 ticket for an individual date gives you access to a single screening, or buy the season pass for the entire series for $65.

Hatufim (Dir. Gideon Raff (Israel, 2010). Keshet. TV Narrative Hebrew and Arabic with English Subtitles) Catch up on the riveting Israeli TV show that inspired the American hit Homeland. When three Israeli Defense Force reservists are captured behind enemy lines in Lebanon their fate is unknown – that is until seventeen years later, when they mysteriously return, two of them alive, and the third in a coffin. The nuanced, edge-of-your-seat thriller proceeds along three timelines that cover their days before capture; their life in captivity; and the present day, as they attempt to reintegrate into society. Dealing with the duel challenges of a blinding national spotlight and the shadows of an unhinged home life, the soldiers’ greatest struggle lies in the dark secrets of their time in captivity.

DC JCC 
1529 16th St NW - at Q
Metro: Dupont Circle and walk, closest access is by bus along 16th St, catch any of the S buses, the S1, S2, S4 to Q St or the S9 to P St.

PAST: MUSIC: "Party Like It's 1587" at the Library of Congress WED, Oct 30th from 7:00pm - 10:00pm, Free

PIFFARO: The Renaissance Band 
Joan Kimball and Bob Wiemken, artistic directors

"Party Like It's 1587" at the Library of Congress
Wednesday, October 30th
7:00pm - 10:00pm
Free

"Party Like It's 1587" a tribute to Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge’s commitment to fostering performance of Renaissance music in the United States. "This evening’s triple bill samples some of the most popular trends and performance styles from the period. The party begins as combined brass choirs of the United States Navy Band exult antiphonal music by Italian composers Giovanni Gabrieli and Carlo Gesualdo. On their shawms, sackbuts, dulcians, bagpipes and drums, Piffaro, performing music by Dufay, Ockeghem and Clemens non Papa, gives a taste of the 16th-century equivalent of a modern-day rock band. Boston-based vocal ensemble Blue Heron performs choral gems by Dufay, Ockeghem and Sweelinck. The forces combine for a jubilant finale to the Library’s version of a Renaissance fair (turkey legs not included!)."

Library of Congress
10 First Street, SE
Jefferson Building
Metro: Capitol South

PAST HIGHLIGHTS: Haydn's Cello Concerto, Concert at UMD on TUES, Oct 29th at 8:00pm, Free! Thanks to CultureCapital.com - a great site for DC, MD & VA events!

Here are some more great free arts and culture events from , 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. You can also sign up for their weekly Insider email that goes out every Tuesday and/or for their new Weekend edition! Select Free events below are organized by date and time. Please click through for more event details.

Tuesday, October 29th 

Evening - Concert at UMD - College Park, MD

UMD Repertoire Orchestra: Hadyn's Cello Concerto
8:00pm
The season-opening concert will feature a performance by concerto competition third-prize winner, Andrew Hesse, with Haydn's C-Major Cello Concerto.This will be followed by performances by the orchestra alone, let by Co-Directors John Devlin and James Ross.
Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center
Stadium Drive, UMD - College Park, MD
Metro: College Park and take a bus or taxi

PAST: MUSIC: Lunchtime event, Local Percussionist Tom Teasley presents a Lecture and Demonstration on his "New Directions" in film and performance art at UDC on TUES, Oct 29th from 12:30pm - 1:30pm, Free

Tom Teasley - New Directions
in connection with JAZZAlive at UDC
Tuesday, October 29th
12:30pm - 1:30pm
Free

"Tom Teasley, described in the Washington Post as "a percussionist in the widest and most exuberant sense of the word," maintains a unique career as a solo percussionist, composer and educator. A 2010 and 2011 Helen Hayes Theater Award recipient for outstanding sound design, Tom will present a lecture/demonstration on his work in film and performance art."

"In this new offering Tom has performed live to a diverse repertoire of film. These include Lotte Reiniger's classic cut-out animation, "The Adventures of Prince Achmed" and the Fritz Lang Sci - Fi thriller, "Metropolis." In the unusual performance/installation of German Dadaist masters Hans Richter and Viking Eggeling, Tom performs original compositions and superimposes the images of his performance transforming the original art."

University of the District of Columbia
Performing Arts Bldg. 46-West, Recital Hall
4200 Connecticut Ave NW
Metro: Van Ness-UDC, exit station to your left, you should see a Starbucks, continue down Connecticut Avenue towards Potbelly, make a left at the corner, where you'll see UDC Theater of the Arts. Go up the steps until top, enter "Performing Arts" building and continue straight until the end of the hallway. The Recital Hall is on your right.

PAST: HIGHLIGHTS: Five more Free and low-cost events to chose from this TUES, Oct 29th

Tuesday, October 29th, highlights post, events organized by start time, please click links for details

Live Music at The Lab in Alexandria, VA featuring Dowsing/ Run Forever/ Empire! Empire! (I Was a Lonely Estate)/ Ryan Ford

6:30pm doors, 7:00pm show
All ages, sliding scale donation $6 - $10

The Lab in Alexandria, Virginia

Metro: See Metro trip-planner for bus options from Metro

27th Annual 17th Street High Heel Race 

an DC Halloween week tradition!

7:00pm 

Free if you watch from the street along 17th St starting at R, $5 admission if you go to Cobalt
Metro: Dupont Circle or take the S2 or S4 bus along 16th St to R St 

BloomScreen and TransAfrica present: Grenada: Nobody’s Backyard

7:00pm

All ages, by donation

Bloombars

Metro: Columbia Heights

SpeakeasyDC Student Storytelling Showcase at Gypsysally's in Georgetown

7:00pm

Free

Metro: Foggy Bottom, Farragut North, Dupont or Rosslyn and take the Circulator

Beltway Poetry Slam featuring Eirean Bradley and Leah Noble Davidson!

7:30pm Doors/ poet sign up, 8:00pm Show

All ages, $5

Beltway Poetry Slam is DC's premier poetry venue and the only venue that represents the district at national competitions. Come see what our amazing local talent has to offer and hear from two amazing poets from the left coast, Eirean Bradley and Leah Noble Davidson!

The Fridge

Metro: Eastern Market

PAST: HIGHLIGHTS: Three More Free events to choose from on MON, Oct 28th + More Free events for TUES, Oct 29th as well Thanks to Gravy, a great new events app and website

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!  Click "Learn More" on each post for more details!

Monday, October 28th

Bilingual Affordable Care Act Town Hall at LAYC in Columbia Heights
5:30pm - 7:00pm
Free
"Join the Latin American Youth Center (LAYC) and the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) for an informative, bilingual town hall of the Affordable Care Act. Latinos represent one third of the nation’s uninsured yet Latinos have higher rates of chronic diseases and are less likely to receive the preventative care they need. Considering the current state of Latino health, it is crucial that the community participate in the newly reformed healthcare system. In order to ensure that the Latino community has access to important information, LULAC is hosting a health town hall where experts, community leaders, and promot@res will discuss the benefits of the Affordable Care Act, how to navigate the Healthcare Marketplace, and the Open Enrollment process – which will remain open until March 31, 2014."
Latin American Youth Center
1419 Columbia Rd NW
Metro: Columbia Heights, just a block from the metro, or take the Circulator, Woodley Park-McPherson Sq route to 14th & Columbia or 14th & Irving

Film Screening and Discussion at GWU "A Place at the Table"
6:30pm - 9:30pm

Watch the film "A Place at the Table" and discuss related issues with prominent members of the food security world. Join Rep. McGovern (D-MA), State Dept Special Rep. Jonathan Shrier, GW professors Uri Colon-Ramos and Tony Castleman as they discuss the film and implications of food security both domestically and globally. Moderated by GW Professor Kim Robien.

GWU, Marvin Center 

Amphitheater

800 21st St NW

Metro: Foggy Bottom or take a bus to 21st & Penn. 

Classical Concert at the Embassy of Austria | Donau Philharmonie Wien

7:30pm - 10:30pm 

Free, however RSVP is Required as seating is limited

Classical music without him would not be as it is today. The works of Austrian composer Joseph Haydn are the heart of this special concert evening featured by the Donau Philharmonie Wien to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the International Haydn Days in Eisenstadt (Austria,http://www.haydnfestival.at/haydn_de/).
Program: Joseph Haydn: Sinfonie G – Dur, Johanna Doderer: Mondsee (2013), Carl Ditter von Dittersdorf: Die Liebe im Narrenhaus - Break -  W. A. Mozart: Sinfonie Nr. 32, G – Dur, Joseph Haydn: Symphonie C - Dur.

Embassy of Austria

3524 International Court NW

Metro: Van Ness - UDC

Download the free Gravy app for your iPhone or Android here!

Tuesday, October 29th

Panel at Flashpoint "Creative Conversation: Defining the Value of the Arts in our Community"
Presented by Emerging Arts Leaders DC
6:00pm - 8:00pm
RSVP on eventbrite to ensure your space, stand by spots will likely be available
As competition for donor dollars gets tougher, artists, arts advocates and arts managers are pressed to articulate the value of the arts in today’s society. Enjoy a discussion about why the arts matter and why they matter in our particular community. "Three panelists -- Brandon Gryde (Director of Government Affairs, Dance/USA and OPERA America), Pat Murphy Sheehy (Producing Artistic Director Emeritus of Source Theatre Company and Community Activist), and Michael W. Bigley (The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation) -- will discuss their views on why the arts are valuable to today’s society. Audience members will then have the opportunity to discuss their own response and create a representation of their views with provided materials under the guidance of a panelist."
Flashpoint
916 G St NW
Metro: Gallery Pl - Chinatown, 9th & G exit

The Meditation Museum in Silver Spring hosts a talk on "Dealing with Change Gracefully"
6:30pm - 8:00pm
RSVP on eventbrite to ensure your space
Meditation Museum
8236 Georgia Ave - Silver Spring, MD
Metro: Silver Spring, walking distance from the metro

Download the Gravy app for Free here!

PAST: HIGHLIGHTS: Half-Price deals for Poetry Reading at the Folger + Film at the Goethe MON, Oct 28th, now $10 or less, Thanks to TICKETPLACE.org!

Half-Price Tickets that are now $10 or less listed below in date order

Monday, October 28th
Film Screening at the Goethe - Coded Message for the Boss
6:30pm
Read more about the film here
$3.50 plus small service fee when you buy tickets here
Goethe Institut
812 7th St NW
Metro: Gallery Pl  - Chinatown or take the Circulator bus to the stop closest to Mass Ave & 7th St NW

Monday, October 28th
Folger Shakespeare Library / O.B. Hardison Poetry Series - Mortally Beautiful: C.K. Williams & Stanley Plumly
7:30pm
Read more about the program here
$7.50 plus small service fee when you buy tickets here
Reserved seats assigned by the presenter. Pick up your tickets at the Box Office no earlier than one half hour prior to show time.
Folger Theatre
201 East Capitol St SE
Metro: Capitol South, see map

PAST: HALLOWEEN: Happenstance Theater is offering one Pay-What-You-Can Performance of their Annual "Cabaret Macabre" this MON, Oct 28th from 8:00pm - 10:00pm, by donation, regular price $25

Happenstance Theater presents a Pay-What-You-Can Performance of  "Cabaret Macabre", their 4th Annual Halloween Season Show 

Monday, October 28th

8:00pm - 10:00pm 

PWYC, by donation one night only! Regular price $25 

The 4th Annual, All New "Cabaret Macabre" is a series of dark, comic vignettes, songs and physical comedy expertly executed. Inspired by Edward Gorey, Victorian nightmares, dangerous croquet, gothic romance, afternoon tea and perils of the deep, it features music played live with deadly flare and Happenstance Theater’s witty, visual theatrical collage. Featuring Mark Jaster, Sabrina Mandell, Karen Hansen, Gwen Grastorf, Sarah Olmsted Thomas and Alex Vernon

“…ghoulishly gratifying…it’s a wonderfully imagined, expertly choreographed meditation on a theme… the severity of their physical technique opens up boundless opportunities for humor.” - The Washington City Paper

Round House Theatre - Silver Spring
8641 Colesville Rd - Silver Spring, MD

Metro: Silver Spring or take the S2 or S4 bus that run along 16th St to the last stop on Wayne near Georgia

PAST: FESTIVAL & FLOWER MART: Family Friendly: The Washington National Cathedral Annual Flower Mart is back this FRI, May 3rd & SAT, May 4th with Vendors, Music, Dance and More! 10:00am - 6:00pm, Free, Rain or Shine

Washington National Cathedral Flower Mart
Friday, May 3rd & Saturday, May 4th
10:00am - 6:00pm
Free, Rain or Shine

Washington National Cathedral’s annual Flower Mart will take place this Friday and Saturday! The event will feature arts, crafts, jewelry and plant vendors along with live music, dancing and more. Sponsored by All Hallows Guild, now in its 74th year of raising funds for the care of the 59 acres surrounding the Cathedral, this year's Mart honors America the Beautiful.

Washington’s favorite spring outdoor family event since 1939 will feature plants, herbs, food, puppet shows, carousel rides, boutiques and entertainment for the whole family.

This year, The Washington Revels will present a one-hour American-themed show on Saturday, May 4th from 2:00pm - 3:00pm celebrating Spring with a colorful procession, traditional songs and dances, the crowning of a May Queen, children’s singing games, and a short play with Johnny Appleseed and other folk heroes. There will be lots of opportunities for audience participation, even in the May Pole dance!

See the online brochure detailing the events for this year's Flower Mart from The Current Newspaper.

Washington National Cathedral
3101 Wisconsin Ave, NW
Wisconsin & Mass Ave basically
Metro: Dupont Circle and bus along Mass Ave or take the metro to Tenleytown and then take any of the 30 line buses, which run often, south along Wisconsin Ave. You can also wait for the 96 line to McLean Gardens (which doesn't run often) from the Woodley Park metro to the intersection of Woodley Rd and Connecticut.

PAST: ART: Two Shows in Anacostia! "Temperament • Monolith" at Honfleur Gallery works by Garth Fry, Dan Gray and Peter Krsko and "Growth" by Lauren Henkin upstairs at The Gallery at Vivid Solutions, FRI, Sept 20th - FRI, Nov 1st, Free

Two Shows on view in one space in Anacostia!
"Temperament • Monolith" at Honfleur Gallery works by Garth Fry, Dan Gray and Peter Krsko &
"Growth" Lauren Henkin, upstairs at The Gallery at Vivid Solutions temporary home

Free
Friday, September 20th - Friday, November 1st

Temperament • Monolith features site-specific works by Garth Fry, Dan Gray and Peter Krsko in which each artist focuses on one medium (metal, paper, wood) and also contributes to creating two stand-alone walls that unite the space. Read more on the facebook invite here.

"Growth" by Lauren Henkin upstairs, at The Gallery at Vivid Solutions. From the artist's statement: "For seven years I struggled with slow-growing tumors in my abdomen that led to two major surgeries in 2011. Before the first surgery, I began photographing urban landscapes — trees, weeds, shrubs and other vegetation attempting to grow in unlikely places. At times invasive, at times reclaiming, at times succumbing, it was hard to know whether to champion these subjects or hone my garden shears. There is a fine line between what is deemed invasive and what is merely reclaiming a rightful environment. Who am I to judge, even when the domain is my own body? I was drawn to these urban growths because they persevere. They are survivors. Emerging through asphalt, suffocated by electrical wires, trapped between buildings, standing proud even in defeat, they are both accommodating and unyielding. I respect them."

Honfleur Gallery and The Gallery at Vivid Solutions DC temporary home

1241 Good Hope Rd SE 

Metro: Anacostia and walk or take the Circulator bus on Howard Ave toward Skyland. You can also catch the same bus from 8th St SE, near the Starbucks, from the Eastern Market Metro.

PAST: ART: "Form & Figure: Fine Art Nudes" at the Washington School of Photography in Rockville, MD on view FRI, Oct 4th - SUN, Oct 27th, Free

Click on the image to view larger

On view at the Washington School of Photography in Rockville, MD for "Form & Figure: Fine Art Nudes"

Free

view more info on the facebook invite

Friday, October 4th - Sunday, October 27th 

"Form & Figure: Fine Art Nudes" will feature figure photography from artists in the mid-Atlantic area including works by photographer Herb Perone. Stop by for some appetizers, wine, and photos. Gallery Hours: Monday-Thursday 10am-10pm; Friday-Sunday 10am-4pm

Washington School of Photography
12276 Wilkins Avenue - Rockville MD
Metro: Twinbrook and walk .8 miles, see walking map or see metro trip-planner for bus options.  

PAST: BOOK SIGNING: The Long Island Medium is coming to town! Theresa Caputo will be at Books-A-Million in Dupont Circle this SUN, Oct 27th from 1:00pm - 3:00pm, Free

Book Signing with the Long Island Medium Theresa Caputo!

at the Books-A-Million store on Dupont Circle

Sunday, October 27th

1:00pm - 3:00pm

Free

I imagine I am not the only one in town who is a fan of the Long Island Medium. Love her accent, big hair, nails, cute outfits, relationships with her family... and, of course, her ability to channel spirit! Learn more about her show on TLC here. 

Note: She's in town also for a live event Sunday night at 7:00pm at Constitution Hall, but tickets for that event are around $50 and up so if you want to see her while she's in town without spending a lot, this book signing is the way to go. 

Books-A-Million 

11 Dupont Circle NW
Metro: Dupont Circle

PAST: MUSIC: Future of Music Summit Kick-off Party and Music Showcase at IOTA Club & Cafe with live performances from Crys Matthews, The Cowards Choir and Black Masala this SUN, Oct 27th from 8:00pm - 10:00pm, $5 suggested donation

Future of Music Summit Kick-off Party and Music Showcase at IOTA Club & Cafe with live performances from Crys Matthews, The Cowards Choir and Black Masala

Sunday, October 27th

8:00pm - 10:00pm

$5 suggested donation

This DC/MD/VA Music Showcase at IOTA Club & Cafe kicks off FMC's 2013 Summit. It's also the official launch of the Fair Trade Music DC Campaign. The evening will feature live performances from:
Crys Matthews, The Cowards Choir and Black Masala. Fair Trade Music DC will also officially launch our public facing campaign and some initial artist survey findings which have been funded in part by The Awesome Foundation! The evening will be presented in collaboration with Metro Music Source, Listen Local First DC, Fair Trade Music DC and Future of Music Coalition.

IOTA Club & Cafe
2832 Wilson Blvd - Arlington, VAMetro: Clarendon

PAST: Weekly: Meditation & Vegetarian Food at Seekers Church in Takoma hosted by SOS DC Every SUN except the 1st one 3:00pm - 6:00pm, Free

SOS DC hosts a Meditation Satsang - silent meditation followed a spiritual program and  vegetarian meal - every Sunday except the 1st Sunday of the month

3:00pm - 6:00pm
Free
Begins with a silent meditation 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Program and dinner 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Note: As of October 27th, 2013 this event will be on hold as SOS prepares to move into their own home!

Enjoy a free meditation with the folks from Science of Spirituality and a free vegetarian meal afterwards. Every Sunday of the month, except for the 1st one. There will be a silent meditation from 3:00pm - 4:00pm and a program at 4:00pm that includes a 10-minute meditation. Dinner starts at 5:00pm. If you have questions, feel free to conctact Karin 301.649.7670 or David 202.258.507 or email DCInfo@sos.org

Seekers Church
Note: Entrance is in the back, by parking lot 

276 Carroll Street, NW (map)

Metro: Takoma, walk about a block, across the street on Carroll

PAST: HIGHLIGHTS: More great Free & Low-Costevents to choose from SAT, Oct 26th

Highlights post for events on Saturday, October 26th - organized by start time below

DCTV's 25th Anniversary Illumination Celebration
featuring Carolyn Malachi, Hosted by Kojo Nnamdi
Saturday, October 26th
3:00pm - 7:00pm
All ages, Free, RSVP recommended
DCTV will bring the DC community together to celebrate its 25th anniversary of successfully providing public access television to city residents with an afternoon live music, popular food trucks and an awards ceremony and reception for influential DC residents. Live music featuring Grammy nominated singer/songwriter Carolyn Malachi and jazz sensation, and Sunny Sumter, Executive Director of DC Jazz Festival. Local radio host Kojo Nnamdi will host the event.
Brooks Mansion
901 Newton St NE
Metro: Brookland-CUA, right across from the Brookland-CUA metro

LYGO DC Presents: Wake & Bacon 
Saturday, October 26th
3:00pm - 5:00pm
Free with a suggested donation of $10, RSVP Requested
Live stand-up comedy show at Shaw's Tavern, this week, Rich Bennett hosts Hemu Nair, Chelsea Shorte and Becca Steinhoff. Reservations are free at the LYGO DC website, lygodc.com.
Shaw's Tavern
520 Florida Avenue NW
Metro: Shaw / Howard University

The Martin Family Band plays Old-Time, Bluegrass and Irish Music in Silver Spring
Saturday, October 26th
8:00pm - 10:00pm
$5, students and faculty Free
The Martin Family Band presents and an evening of old-time, bluegrass and Irish music. The family of musicians draws on the traditions of Old Time Appalachian string band music, dance music of Ireland and early European and American music. They have been performing nationally and internationally since 1995.
Montgomery College Silver Spring
Cultural Arts Center
7995 Georgia Avenue
Metro: Silver Spring, walk about 13 minutes over to Georgia Ave or take a bus closer, see metro trip-planner for bus options.

Comedian Erin Foley at Catholic University 
Saturday, October 26th
8:00pm - 9:30pm
$10 or Free at Goldstar.com/$10 with VIP code at metrocomedy.com
Free - limit of two free tickets at Goldstar/ VIP code gets discount at Metrocomedy.com
Erin Foley, nationally known and loved comedian, actress and writer from the Conan O’Brien Show and Comedy Central, is bringing her rapid-fire speech and acerbic wit to the Hartke Theater (Catholic University) this Saturday.
Catholic University -Hartke Theatre
620 Michigan AveNE
Metro: Brookland/CUA, bear left when you exit the station. Check the directory across from the Metro station on the CUA campus for the location of the Hartke theatre. It is about a 10-minute walk, directly across from Curley Hall.

PAST: HALLOWEEN: WSC Avant Bard presents "Halloween Fire Ring: Bone-Chilling Poetry & Scary Shakespeare" Outdoor Performance at Alcova Heights Park in Arlington, VA this SAT, Oct 26th at 6:30pm, Free

WSC Avant Bard presents Halloween Fire Ring: Bone-Chilling Poetry & Scary Shakespeare performance at Alcova Heights Park in Arlington, VA
Saturday, October 26th
6:30pm
Free, RSVP requested
Attendees are encouraged to bring fixin's for smores as well as chairs, blankets, and pillows to sit on as seating is limited.

"By the pricking of my thumbs, Something wicked this way comes." (Macbeth, 4.1)

Join WSC Avant Bard actors for the annual free Halloween Fire Ring Reading. This year we will gather at the fire ring in Arlington's Alcova Heights Park this Saturday to recite spooky poetry from the likes of Poe, Byron, Keats, and Goethe!

The evening will include the Weird Sisters scene from MacBeth and special preview of a bone-chilling scene from WSC's King John, which we open on Nov. 1 at Theatre on the Run!

Alcova Heights Park
901 S. George Mason Dr - Arlington,VA (map)
Metro: Ballston and take the 22A, 22B or 23A bus, or you can take a taxi, bike or walk about 1.7 miles

PAST: BOOK SALE: Friends of the Southwest DC Library Fall Book Sale at the Southwest Library, by the Waterfront Metro, SAT, Oct 26th from 10:00 - 2:00pm, Free, books available for purchase, most under $2

Friends of the SW DC Public Library Book Sale
Saturday, October 26th
10:00 - 2:00pm
Free, books available for purchase, most under $2
click on the image to view details larger

Friends of the Southwest DC Public Library host their Fall Book Sale this Saturday. Hundreds of Books will be available for purchase, most under $2. All proceeds will help buy supplies for the library and support community events.

Southwest Neighborhood Library
900 Wesley Pl SW - at K & 3rd St SW
Metro: Waterfront

PAST: MUSIC: Classical Guitar Concert at the Church of the Holy City this SAT, Oct 26th from 7:30pm - 8:30pm All ages, $10

Classical Guitar Concert at the
Church of the Holy City
Saturday, October 26th
7:30pm - 8:30pm
All ages, $10

The Coda Duo, featuring classical guitarists Brett Floyd and Christopher Jenkins, comes to the Church of the Holy City on 16th St to perform a diverse evening concert of duo and solo guitar music. The evening will feature works by Albeniz, Dave Matthews, Miklos Rozsa and others, as well as selections composed and dedicated to them by composer Ralf Bauer.

Church of the Holy City
1611 16th St, NW - at Corcoran
Metro: Dupont Circle, north exit, walk over to 16th and up to Corcoran or take the S2 or S4 bus along 16th

PAST: ARTS FESTIVAL: "Art in the Mix" Arts Festival at Monroe Street Market this SAT, Oct 26th from 1:00pm - 5:00pm, Free

Art in the Mix Arts Festival at Monroe Street Market
Saturday, October 26th
1:00pm - 5:00pm

Free

Calling all artists and fashionistas in Brookland! Monroe Street Market is bringing you a festival of the arts, mixing art, photography and fashion at their Art In The Mix Festival this Saturday. The afternoon will feature a Q&A and book signing with street style photographer The Sartorialist, Scott Schuman. Live music will be performed by The Deadmen and DJ Neekola. Explore the 27 artist studios along the Arts Walk as well as fun kidtivities, ArtJamz, and food trucks. Enjoy the pop-up beer garden brought to you by Washington City Paper and Meridian Pint.

Arts Plaza at Monroe Street Market

716 Monroe St NE

Metro: Brookland - CUA, right by the metro, or take a bus, see metro trip-planner for bus access

PAST: HALLOWEEN: Four Decades of Funk - Halloween Party at The Dunes this SAT, Oct 26th from 8:00pm - 2:00am, Free if you're in costume, $5 otherwise

Four Decades of Funk - Halloween Party at The Dunes
Saturday, October 26th
8:00pm - 2:00am
Free if you're in costume, $5 otherwise

From the invite: "Imagine yourself at a Halloween Party in 1975... because that's precisely where you'll be on October 26th at The Dunes in Columbia Heights... Resident Pilots, DJ Honest Lee & DJ Bendependent, will transport you to the Halloweens of the past as they traverse the universe of heart-thumping Funk, Motown & Soul." Enjoy spine-chilling drink specials from 8pm-10pm, wicked food trucks outside, and costume contest, plus photos by JeffMyersPhotos.com.

The Dunes
1402 Meridian Place NW
Metro: Columbia Heights, walk just a few blocks north on 14th, past Park Rd, turn left on Meridian, The Dunes is above The Getaway, go up one flight of stairs.

PAST: POETRY: DC Youth Poetry Slam - Floetic Friday Qualifier this FRI, Oct 25th from 5:00pm - 8:00pm near Eastern Market, Free

DC Youth Poetry Slam - Floetic Friday Qualifier

Friday, October 25th 

5:00pm - 8:00pm
Free
Open Mic starts 5:30pm - 6:00pm, Slam starts 6:00pm

"A poetry slam is a performance poetry competition where judges from the audience determine which poets "win." There are no losers when spoken word poets get free on stage, so the points are not the point of a slam, but rather the poetry is the point. This poetry slam is open to all high school students in the DMV area. The first 16 students to sign up will slam. Poets are given a 3-minute time limit to perform their own original poetry. At the end of the night, the top 3 scoring poets will earn points qualifying them for Semi-Finals and a chance to be a member of the 2014 DC Youth Slam Team."

The DC Youth Slam Team is a program of Split This Rock, a national nonprofit organization based in Washington, DC, using poetry as a vehicle for social change, fostering a network of poets and activists using their art to speak up about issues of social justice. The Split This Rock Poetry Festival returns to DC March 27-30, 2014.

Metro TeenAIDS
651 Pennsylvania Ave SE
Metro: Eastern Market 

PAST: HOUSE CONCERT: Collective Dance featuring Lost Gloves and DJP & MrT HomeStage Event at the Lamont Street Collective (recently covered in the WCP) FRI, Oct 25th, $10 suggested donation for the musicians

DJP and MrT

Collective Dance featuring Lost Gloves and DJP & MrT at the Lamont Street Collective
(Perhaps you read the recent cover story about them in WCP)
Friday, October 25th
$10 suggested donation, for the touring bands

From the invite: "Do you like parties? Do you like dancing at said parties? Do you like dancing at said parties while amazing indie bands conduct the rhythm of your hips? Featuring: Lost Gloves and DJP and MrT. HomeStage Event.

The Lamont Street Collective
1822 Lamont St NW

Metro: Columbia Heights and walk over or take the 42 bus from Dupont or along Conn Ave right to Lamont and Mt Pleasant

PAST: MUSIC: The Beat Stylists, Soul Ska Reggae, at Tropicalia on FRI, Oct 25th from 8:00pm - 10:30pm, $5, 21+

The Beat Stylists - Soul Ska Reggae

Friday, October 25th 

8:00pm - 10:30pm 

$5, 21+

The Beat Stylists with DJ Michael Cuesta.

Tropicalia
2001 14th St, NW, lower level - corner of  U & 14th
Metro: U St or take the Circulator bus to 14th & U

PAST: MEDITATION & DIET: In VA "Healthy Living for Physical and Spiritual Health" at the Tyson-Pimmit Library in Falls Church this THURS, Oct 24th from 7:00pm - 8:30pm with Karin Silverman of Science of Spirituality DC, Free

"Healthy Living for Physical and Spiritual Health"
with Karin Silverman of Science of Spirituality DC
at the Tyson-Pimmit Library in Falls Church, VA

Thursday, October 24th
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Free

Looking for more vitality, better health and an enhanced sense of well-being? Join Karin Silverman as she discusses the many benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle. She will explore how the vegetarian diet is gentle to the planet and how it can enhance our spiritual development.

Silverman, who has been meditating for over 40 years, will offer the audience a chance to practice a simple meditation technique. Through meditation, each of us can experience more peaceful, enriching and meaningful lives.

This free workshop is organized with Science of Spirituality DC. SOS DC offers free meditation workshops throughout the the DC metro area. You can learn more about SOS DC and Jyoti Meditation on their website and you can connect with the larger SOS Mid-Atlantic group on facebook and keep tabs on the local DC chapter on twitter @SOS_WashDC.

Tyson-Pimmit Regional Library
7584 Leesburg Pike - Falls Church, VA

Metro: West Falls Church and take metrobus 28 A or B. More info, visit the WMATA VA bus schedules.

PAST: MEDITATION: VA Folks! Learn more about "Meditation for Healthy Living" with Karin Silverman of Science of Spirituality DC on WED, Oct 23rd from 7:00pm - 8:30pm at the Cherrydale Branch Library in Arlington, VA, Free

"Meditation for Healthy Living"

at the Cherrydale Library in NoVA

Wednesday, October 23rd

7:00pm - 8:30pm
Free

Learn of the extraordinary benefits of meditation and how it improves the overall physical health of the body as well as the mental and spiritual health. Professional massage therapist Karin Silverman will present effective methods for creating a more satisfying lifestyle and a deep sense of peace.

In this presentation, you will learn effective strategies and a simple but profound meditation technique that will help remove stress and worry. The audience will have a chance to practice this simple technique that can reduce stress, enhance relaxation and promote inner growth. Karin Silverman works as a licensed massage therapist in Maryland and has been practicing meditation for over 40 years.

This free workshop is organized with Science of Spirituality DC. SOS DC offers free meditation workshops throughout the the DC metro area. You can learn more about SOS DC and Jyoti Meditation on their website and you can connect with the larger SOS Mid-Atlantic group on facebook and keep tabs on the local DC chapter on twitter @SOS_WashDC.

Cherrydale Branch Library 

2190 N. Military Rd - Arlington, VA
Metro: See metro trip-planner for best bus options from the metro. If you are coming from downtown you can catch the 3Y bus from 15th St between I and K Streets at 6:20pm toward Harrison St & Lee Hwy to Rt 29 Lee Hwy & Pollard St, arriving 6:50pm and walk at 0.22 mile NW to 2190 Military Rd, get directions

PAST: BURLESQUE: "Late Night Brunch - A Burlesque Show" with Mindi Momosa and friends at Wonderland Ballroom in Columbia Heights TUES, Oct 22nd at 9:00pm, Free, 21+

Late Night Brunch - A Burlesque Show

Tuesday, October 22nd

9:00pm show

Free, 21+ 

From the invite: "Because DC needs more times to have brunch!Mimosas and Bloody Marys will be flowing at the upstairs bar of the Wonderland Ballroom. Come in your halloween costume to participate in the costume contest - cash prize! There is no cover, as usual. Just bring yourself, your friends, your fun-time hat, and tip money for the performers!" This eve, two of my friends happen to be performing. Should be a fun night. 

The Wonderland Ballroom
1101 Kenyon St NW
Metro: Columbia Heights, walk one block north on 14th St to Kenyon and turn right and walk a few blocks, Wonderland is at the corner of 11th and Kenyon

PAST: ARTS AWARDS: The 28th Annual Mayor's Arts Awards presented by the DCCAH at the Warner Theatre TUES, Oct 22nd from 7:00pm - 9:00pm, All Ages, Free

28th Annual Mayor's Arts Awards presented by the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities at the Warner Theatre

Tuesday, October 22nd

7:00pm - 9:00pm 

All ages, Free, Advance RSVP recommended 

Note: Though this event says that it is officially sold pm the out on the eventbrite page I am pretty sure there will be seats available, best to arrive a little early to get in a stand by line if need be.

The Mayor's Arts Awards and Mayor's Awards for Arts Teaching are the most prestigious honors conferred by the city on individual artists, teachers, nonprofit organizations and patrons of the arts. Mistress of Ceremony for the event: Helen Hayes Award Winner 2013 Outstanding Supporting Actress, E. Faye Butler.

Artists and organizations will be recognized in five categories: Excellence in an Artistic Discipline; Excellence in Service to the Arts; Innovation in the Arts; Outstanding Contribution to Arts Education and Outstanding Emerging Artist. The awards are limited to individuals and nonprofit organizations that reside in the DC.

The Mayor's Awards for Arts Teaching are limited to full-time arts teachers who are employed by a DC  elementary, middle or high school. The three categories for arts teaching are Excellence in Teaching Performing Arts, Excellence in Teaching Visual Arts and Excellence in Teaching Language Arts.

The final nominees are:

Outstanding Contribution to Arts Education: 

• Critical Exposure, 826DC, Marta Reid Stewart, The Corcoran Gallery of Art

Excellence in an Artistic Discipline: 

• The Phillips Collection, Bruce McNeil, Washington Bach Consort, National Hand Dance Association, Pan American Symphony Orchestra

Outstanding Emerging Artist:

• Caitlin Teal Price, Brian Grundstrom, Tommy Taylor, Jr., Luis Peralta

Innovation in the Arts

• The Corcoran Gallery of Art, The Washington Ballet, Miriam's Kitchen, Arena Stage

Outstanding Service to the Arts:

• Carla Perlo, Washington Project for the Arts, DC Arts and Humanities Ed. Coll., DC Shorts, Sixth and I Historic Synagogue, BloomBars

Mayors Arts Award for Teaching:

• Topher Kandick, Amylia Barnett, Sarah Pace, Paige Byrne, Bryan Hill, Mandy McCulloch, Andrea Perll

The Warner Theatre

513 13th St NW

Metro: Metro Center

PAST: HIGHLIGHTS: Lunchtime Film Screening of "Kingdom of the Oceans: Giants of the Deep" by Wildlife Filmmaker Jacques Perrin at National Geographic on TUES, Oct 22nd from 12:00pm - 1:00pm, Free, Thanks to CultureCapital.com

Here are some more great free arts and culture events from , 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. You can also sign up for their weekly Insider email that goes out every Tuesday and/or for their new Weekend edition! Select Free events below are organized by date and time. Please click through for more event details.

Tuesday, October 22nd Lunchtime - Film Screening at National Geographic - Farragut North Kingdom of the Oceans: Giants of the Deep 12:00pm - 1:00pm Stunning underwater footage brings you uncomfortably close to blue whales, sharks, and other ocean giants in this work produced by legendary wildlife filmmaker Jacques Perrin (Winged Migration). (2013, 46 min) National Geographic 1145 17th St NW - entrance is on M between 16th & 17th Metro: Farragut North or take the S2 or S4 bus along 16th St to M ST

PAST: FILM: BloomScreen presents a screening of "Symphony of the Soil" at BloomBars in Columbia Heights on TUES, Oct 22nd from 7:00pm - 9:00pm, All ages, by donation

BloomScreen and Common Good City Farm present a screening of Symphony of the Soil 

Tuesday, October 22nd

7:00pm - 9:00pm

by donation, popcorn and refreshment provided

Symphony of the Soil (2012, 104 min, view trailer), by Deborah Koons Garcia – Drawing from ancient knowledge and cutting edge science, Symphony of the Soil  is an artistic exploration of the miraculous substance soil. 

Suggested Donation: $10. Proceeds will support both BloomBars and Common Good City Farm. Free organic popcorn and refreshments provided.

About the film: By understanding the elaborate relationships and mutuality between soil, water, the atmosphere, plants and animals, we come to appreciate the complex and dynamic nature of this precious resource. The film also examines our human relationship with soil, the use and misuse of soil in agriculture, deforestation and development, and the latest scientific research on soil’s key role in ameliorating the most challenging environmental issues of our time. Filmed on four continents, featuring esteemed scientists and working farmers and ranchers, Symphony of the Soil is an intriguing presentation that highlights possibilities of healthy soil creating healthy plants creating healthy humans living on a healthy planet.

The film will be followed by a Q&A discussion with Maureen Moodie, farmer at Moutoux Orchard and Anita Adalja, the farm manager of Common Good City Farm, an organization whose mission is to grow food, educate, and help low-income DC community members meet their food needs. Their programs provide hands-on training in food production, healthy eating and environmental sustainability.

BloomBars

3222 11th St NW
Metro: Columbia Heights, walk north on 14th St, right on Kenyon, left on 11th 

PAST: HIGHLIGHTS: More free and low-cost things to do on TUES, Oct 22nd!

LYGO DC Presents: Blorp! Comedy Show

Tuesday, October 22nd

6:30pm - 8:30pm

$10 at the door, RSVP requested here

Hosts Matty Litwack and David Tveite team up with LYGO DC to present "Blorp!" a pro-am comedy show at Desperados on U St. This week's show features some of DC's finest comics, including Adam Friedland, Graham Hall and Chelsea Shorte.

Desperados Burgers and Bar

1342 U St NW

Metro: U Street or take the Circulator bus to 14th & U 

"Empowering Afghan Women" at the Hyattsville Busboys and Poets
Tuesday, October 22nd
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Free, donations welcome
Come hear from experienced people and organizations working to empower women in Afghanistan and learn how you can be involved. Lisa Schirch, director of 3P Human Security and professor of conflict transformation at Eastern Mennonite University, will moderate a conversation between Suraya Sadeed, founder and executive director of Help the Afghan Children, and Helen Loftin, a program staff with Mennonite Economic Development Associates.
Busboys and Poets - Hyattsvile
5331 Baltimore Avenue -  Hyattsville, MD
Metro: See metro trip-planner for best bus access from metro. You can take the green line metro to Prince George's Plaza, College Park or West Hyattsville and take a bus or from PG or WH, you can take a short taxi ride, about $7. I think there is also a bus that goes from Rhode Island Avenue metro on the red line though that may be a longer trip.

Last Resort Comedy Show at Old Dominion Brewhouse by the Convention Center

Tuesday, October 22nd

and every Tuesday night

9:00pm - 10:30pm

Free,  21+ 

The Last Resort weekly Comedy Show features comedians from the DC Improv, Arlington Cinema Drafthouse, Baltimore Comedy Factory, Laugh Factory and more. 

ODB Live! inside the Old Dominion Brewhouse 

1219 9th St NW - between M & N St 

Metro: Mt Vernon Sq - Convention Center, right by the Longview Gallery on 9th St