PAST: ART: Union Arts hosts their first building-wide Open Studio on SAT, Nov 9th from 12:00pm - 6:00pm, See works by over 25 artists! Free

Open Studio at Union Arts by Union Market
Saturday, November 9th
12:00pm - 6:00pm
Free

The community at Union Arts hosts its first ever, building-wide open studio this Saturday from noon to 6pm. Over 25 artists - including one of my very dear friends, and sculptor, Wendy Lehman - will be participating. Come see work in progress, browse finished pieces and purchase artwork directly from the creator. Enjoy food, fun, art, music, vinyl records, and have a chance to mingle with some of DC's creatives.

While there, you can also check out their neighbor, Union Market - which I describe to people "Imagine if Dean and Deluca and Eastern Market fell in love and had a baby." Definitely recommend popping in there if you haven't been yet - see walking map.

On another side note, the art studios are in the space that used to house a nightclub. Pretty wild if you've been there before to see it now as a studio space. Some elements are still the same.

Union Arts
411 New York Ave, NE

Metro: NoMa-Galludet, (see walking map) take a right on Florida and walk to 4th, take a left and walk a few blocks to the top of the hill. Union Arts is at the corner of 4th St., Penn St., and New York Ave.

PAST: REGGAE: The first ever Family Reggae Night features The Relics & Baba Ras D! FRI, Nov 8th from 8:00pm - 10:00pm at BloomBars, All ages, by donation, $10 suggested

Family Reggae Night with The Relics & Baba Ras D (who teaches the Harambe kids class- see video about kids classes) at BloomBars

Friday, November 8th 

8:00pm - 10:00pm

All ages, by donation, $10 suggested

BloomBars hosts their very first family reggae night featuring the Relics and the one and only Baba Ras D!

The Relics are an up and coming band from DC who blend many different styles into one. Drawing from many different influences including reggae, blues and jazz The Relics combine them all to form a new and ever expanding sound. Featuring the musical styles of Menlik Zergabachew (Vocals), Marco Escobar (Bass), Noah Bonaiuti (Guitar) and Obi Igbo (Percussion), the band was formed in 2012 and is currently working with world-renowned producer Jim Fox on their first EP, which they hope to release sometime around January. Currently The Relics have a residency every Wednesday nights at Takoma Station in DC.

BloomBars

3222 11th St, NW
at Kenyon, next to Wonderland
Metro: Columbia Heights, walk one block north on 14th, turn right on Kenyon, left on 11th

PAST: ART: "Courage on Canvas" at the Pepco Edison Place Gallery in Chinatown WED, Oct 2nd - FRI, Nov 8th, Limited Hours TUES - FRI from 12:00pm - 4:00pm, Free

"Courage on Canvas" on view at the Pepco Edison Place Gallery in Chinatown

Free

Wednesday, October 2nd - Friday, November 8th

Galley Hours: Tuesday - Friday 12:00pm - 4:00pm

This exhibit is a celebration of 17 years of remarkable artwork created by Life Pieces To Masterpieces' apprentices, featuring 70 major paintings from the "Life Pieces" catalog of over 1,000 masterpieces. Read more about the exhibit here!

Pepco Edison Place Gallery
702 8th St NW 

between H & G St, right by SAAM/NPG

Metro: Gallery Pl - Chinatown 

PAST: ART: "American People, Black Light: Faith Ringgold’s Paintings of the 1960's" at the National Museum of Women in the Arts from FRI, June 21st - SUN, Nov 10th, $10, $8 students with ID and seniors 65+ Free for 18 and under and NMWA members + Free Community Days on the first Sunday of the month

Faith Ringgold, Early Works # 25,
Self-Portrait, 1965; Lent by Elizabeth
 Sackler; © Faith Ringgold 1965

American People, Black Light: Faith Ringgold’s Paintings of the 1960's on view at the National Museum of Women in the Arts

On view Friday, June 21st - Sunday, November 10th

$10 general, $8 students with ID and seniors 65+

Free for 18 and under and NMWA members

Note: Free for everyone on the first Sunday of the month!

View 45 rarely-exhibited paintings: "Before originating the African American story quilt revival in the 1970s, Faith Ringgold painted bold images in response to the Civil Rights and feminist movements."

National Museum of Women in the Arts
1250 New York Avenue, NW
Metro: Metro Center or take a bus to 13th & NY Ave.

PAST: FILM: First Community Screening of the Documentary "Voices From Within" focusing on the lives of four residents of Saint Elizabeths, followed by a Panel Discussion and Q&A this WED, Nov 6th from 7:00pm - 9:00pm, Free

Voices From Within -- Saint Elizabeths Screening

Wednesday, November 6th 

7:00pm - 9:00pm

Free

The public is invited to the first community screening of “Voices From Within” a documentary and culmination of the Video Diary Project, which began in the summer of 2010. The film provides an intimate look into the lives of four residents of Saint Elizabeths psychiatric hospital, continuing past their experiences in the Video Diary Project. All of them have serious mental illness, all have committed crimes, and each courageously reveals his story through the intimacy of video diaries. Confronting misconceptions and unfair stereotypes about a controversial and stigmatized population, this film reminds us of our common humanity. After the film, join the producer/director and distinguished panelists, including the individual-in-care filmmakers, after the screening for a lively Q&A. 

Special thanks to Women in Film and Video DC, the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, and the Humanities Council of Washington DC for their support with this project.

Saint Elizabeths Hospital-East campus

1100 Alabama Ave SE

Metro: Congress Heights, on the green line, just past Anacostia, right by the metro, see map

PAST: SKILLSHARE: Monthly: The November Trainers Network Skillshare focuses on the Experiential Learning Cycle, at St. Stephens Church, 16th & Newton, on WED, Nov 6th from 6:30pm - 8:30pm, Free

November Trainers Network Skillshare: 
The Experiential Learning Cycle
Wednesday, November 6th
6:30pm - 8:30pm or so
Free

Calling all popular educators, trainers, facilitators, instructors, teachers, and anyone interested in further developing those skills! Facilitators for the November Skillshare: Lasitha Ranatunga & Rebecca Mintz

"Finding ways to make our popular education truly "popular" can be tough -- it's hard to know how to create a learning environment that really elicits the participants' own knowledge and provides the opportunity for genuine creative thinking. One of the many effective models for putting the theory of popular education into practice is the learning cycle of Experience, Reflect, Analyze, and Apply. Join us to learn the basic steps of how to put this cycle to use in your facilitation sessions."

The DC Trainers’ Network monthly skillshare is a structured, interactive space where people can share skills and gain confidence in their training abilities and everybody is both a teacher and a learner. It strives to provide an inclusive practice space to experiment with different approaches for learning and teaching.

St. Stephens Church

at the corner of 16th & Newton St, NW
Metro: Columbia Heights on walk about 12 minutes, or take the S2 or S4 bus that runs along 16th St right to Newton

PAST: HIGHLIGHTS: Free Lunchtime Film Screening of "Doomsday Preppers" at National Geographic TUES, Nov 5th from 12:00pm - 1:00pm, Thanks to CultureCapital.com!

Here are some more great free arts and culture events from CultureCapital.com -  a great online events resource from the Cultural Alliance of Greater Washington which covers the DC metro area's diverse and vibrant arts scene. Find more upcoming free events and exhibitions on view in the DC metro area on the customized "Free in DC" Inside-Out page. 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, November 5th 

Lunchtime - Film at National Geographic - Farragut North
Tuesdays at Noon: Weekly Film Screening
Doomsday Preppers (2013, 48min)

12:00pm - 1:00pm

"Across the country, ordinary Americans are preparing to survive in the event of a social breakdown. In this National Geographic Channel series, they share their ideas and plans. Followed by a conversation with Executive Producer Kathleen Cromley."
National Geographic
1145 17th Street, NW
Metro: Farragut North or take the S2 or S4 bus along 16th St to M St

PAST: TALK: Reddit Co-founder Alexis Ohanian speaks at GWU on TUES, Nov 5th from 8:00pm - 10:30pm, Free, arrive early for stand by tickets

"Without Their Permission" A Night With Reddit Co-founder Alexis Ohanian

Tuesday, November 5th

8:00pm - 10:30pm

Free, RSVP required, sorry for the late post but I just found out about this one.

Note: I contacted their media point person to ask if they would have a stand-by line and he said that the best chance for folks getting in would be to just show up. They can't guarantee admittance, but a lot of times there are no shows for free events so they will do their best to accommodate folks who show up.

Alexis Ohanian co-founder of Reddit, arguably the world’s most important social website right now, will be at GWU on Tuesday, November 5th at 8:00pm. He'll be "talking about how Reddit blew up (and why he eventually sold it to Condé Nast), Internet freedom, and the art of founding a tech startup. Even if you don’t visit the site, which can often be a dark and scary place, nearly every news organization uses it to generate content." - from the Washingtonian post where I found the event. "Ohanian has an impressive repertoire: after co-founding Reddit and later selling it to Condé Nast Publications, he founded Hipmunk, a consumer oriented online travel website, and then went on to become an angel investor. He was a major force in the fight against SOPA and PIPA, and remains an active proponent of the open internet today. Listen to Alexis discuss the secrets of entrepreneurship, marketing advice, and how to ignite a grass-roots internet movement. He just published his first book, "Without Their Permission: How the 21st Century Will be Made, Not Managed". This event is co-sponsored by GW Tech Collective, the GW Office of Entrepreneurship, and the 2014 GW Business Plan Competition."

The George Washington University
Funger Hall, Room 108
2201 G St NW

Metro: Foggy Bottom-GWU 

PAST: THEATER: Woolly Mammoth hosts their final Pay-What-You-Can night for their new show "Appropriate" TUES, Nov 5th, 8:00pm show, 6:00pm ticket sales, line forms earlier

Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company hosts two Pay-What-You-Can nights for their new show "Appropriate"

Monday, November 4th & Tuesday, November 5th

6:00pm ticket sales, line forms earlier, 8:00pm show 

Cash or check at the door, two tix max per person 

Click link above to read more about the show

Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company

641 D St NW

Metro: Archives - Navy Memorial or Gallery Pl - Chinatown

PAST: OPEN MIC + EXHCHANGE: The Lab All Ages All Styles Open Mic and Music Exchange in Alexandria, VA this THURS, Nov 7th from 7:30pm - 10:00pm, All ages, $2 requested donation

The Lab All Ages (LAA) Open Mic and Music Exchange in Alexandria. VA

Thursday, November 7th 

7:30pm - 10:00pm

All ages, $2 donation requested
All styles welcome! Want to perform? Sign up here

Hosted by Dan Abh. "All genres and performances welcome! Hangs and Doors at 730pm, Calling out names at 8pm for performances. Can take up to 10 max so get those registrations in." Bring your tunes, poems, stand up routines, improv, and mime routines to share. Or just come to watch the magic happen when some sweet performers take the stage! Also, bring your vinyl, cds, distro, show fliers, zines, gear to trade, sell or donate at the Music Exchange in the back. 

Register to perform in advance here as spaces are limited. Your $2 donation helps to support LAA and events like the Open Mics and Showcases.

The Lab - Alexandria, VA

1819 N. Quaker Lane

Metro: Pentagon, catch the 25C bus toward NVCC Alexandria from Bus Bay U3 at 6:45pm (10 mins, 3 stops) to S Stafford St & 32ND Rd (S) and walk to about 4 mins (0.2 mi). 

PAST: MUSIC: North Korea Farewell Party for Local Rappers Pacman & Pe$o and debut release for their mixtape 'Coming Soon' this THURS, Nov 7th at The Dunes, 7:00pm - 12:00am, Free, donations welcome

'Coming Soon' Mixtape Release / Official North Korea Farewell Party at The Dunes
Thursday, November 7th
7:00pm - 12:00am
Free, donations welcome, $10 suggested
All ages, 21+ to drink, bar available, drink specials 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Local rappers from Congress Heights and Landover, Pacman & Pe$o, release their debut mixtape 'Coming Soon,' one week before their historic trip to North Korea! They'll be celebrating this Thursday at The Dunes before embarking on their historic journey to North Korea to film a groundbreaking music video. The duo, who raised over $10,000 on Kickstarter for their North Korea journey, has already been featured in The Washington Post, The Washington City Paper, the DCist, The Japan Times, The Montreal Gazette, Bloomberg News, and several other publications. Come out to the Dunes to meet Pacman & Peso and see what all the fuss is about!

The party will include a live performance by Pacman & Peso and guest performances by DC rappers Goo Marley and DB Bantino. The debut of 'God Bless Amerika' music video and more music from DJ BZW and DJ Vega. Redskins fans might be happy to hear that the game will also be playing.

"Kickstarter. A plane ticket to North Korea. And then, superstardom for two local rappers?"
-The Washington Post (http://bit.ly/1hEJqyA)

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: FILM: DC Asian Pacific American Film's 2013 Free Fall Series presents a Screening of "Someone I Used to Know" + Q&A with the director, producer and actor at Busboys and Poets 5th & K St NW this THURS, Nov 7th from 6:30pm - 8:30pm, Free

Film Screening of  "Someone I Used to Know" + Q&A with the director, producer and actor at Busboys and Poets 5th & K St NW
as part of DC Asian Pacific American Film's 2013 Free Fall Series
Thursday, November 7th
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Free, donations welcome,RSVP recommended, Walk-ins welcome but only a limited number of seats will be available

Screening of the film "Someone I Used to Know" starts at 6:30pm, followed by a Q&A and discussion at 8:00pm on community-supported films with: Nadine Truong, Director, Brian Yang, Producer, and Actor (Hawaii Five-O, The Man with the Iron Fists, Saving Face, The People I've Slept With).

Busboys and Poets
5th & K St NW
Metro: Mt Vernon Sq - Convention Center or Gallery Pl - Chinatown or take the Circulator or bus closer

PAST: COMEDY WRITING: The Annual "Comic Sunday Funday" this SUN, Nov 3rd at Judy's Bar and Restaurant on 14th St from 1:00pm - 5:000pm, Free, 21+

Comic Sunday Funday II 
Sunday, November 3rd
1:00pm - 5:00pm
Free,  21+

Are you ready for some serious comedy fun and networking? Please join the Washington DC Comedy Writers Group as they host their annual 'Comic Sunday Funday' at Judy's Restaurant in Washington, DC. "This is the chance to meet with some members of the comedy community, other comedians, writers, bloggers, and those folks who are just plain funny (or want to learn how to become funny). Activities will also include the showing of a comedy documentary and other surprises."

Judy's Bar and Restaurant
2212 14th St NW
Metro: U St or take the Circulator bus to 14th & U, walk north on 14th, between W St & Florida Ave

PAST: ART: "Onstage" features Paintings of Musicians on Stage by Cindi Lewis at The Art League in the Torpedo Factory Art Center in Old Town Alexandria, VA from THURS, Oct 10th - MON, Nov 4th, Freee

Onstage at The Art League
Free
Thursday, October 10th - Monday, November 4th

Composed of musicians, instruments, and attentive audiences, Cindi Lewis' paintings prompt viewers to enjoy musical performances from a purely visual perspective.

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: COMMUNITY DAY: "Corcoran Community Day" this SAT, Nov 2nd from 10:00am - 3:00pm, Free Activities and Admission to the Museum!

Corcoran Community Day 2013

Saturday, November 2nd

10:00am - 3:00pm

Free admission to the museum!

All activities and admission, including to Mia Feuer: An Unkindness, are Free! Come out to create, and be inspired at this day-long celebration of art and creativity. Try your hand at printmaking, make a ceramic bowl to be donated to SOME (So Others Might Eat), check-out a 3D Printing demonstration, and shop at our Community Art Fair, featuring fine arts and crafts made by D.C.-area artists. Don't miss artist talks, special tours, films, music, and beer tastings all afternoon in our Biergarten sponsored by Muse Café.

Corcoran Gallery of Art 

and College of Art + Design
500 17th St, NW
Metro: Farragut West or Farragut North and walk down 17th St about ten minutes, toward E St

PAST: HIGHLIGHTS: More Free, donation based and low-cost events to choose from on SAT, Nov 2nd!

Highlights for events on Saturday, November 2nd organized by start time

Fall Solos 2013 Reception, Open Studios, and more at Arlington Arts Center

6:00pm - 9:00pm 

Free

Join Arlington Arts Center and artists in celebration of the opening our their newest exhibitions, Fall Solos 2013, Katie Lynch Thibault: Airfoil and AAC's 10th Annual Dia De Los Muertos Exhibit (which was highlighted also in a celebration last night). Catch up with AAC's eleven resident artists and see what they've been up to in their studios! 

Arlington Arts Center 

3550 Wilson Blvd - Arlington, VA  

Metro: Virginia Square-GMU, just across from the metro on Wilson Blvd

Above The Radar III Opening Reception at The Fridge
7:00pm - 11:00pm
Read more about the exhibit and featured artists on the invite and on The Fridge site
The Fridge
516 ½ 8th Street SE, Rear Alley
Metro: Eastern Market, turn right on 8th, cross street, turn left into alley past Belga Cafe

An Evening of Chanting with Gita's Dream Kirtan
at Sun & Moon Yoga in Arlington,VA 
7:00pm - 8:30pm
All ages, by donation
Come on out to Sun & Moon Yoga Studio in Arlington, Virginia, for chanting with Gita's Dream Kirtan this Saturday night.  Donations gratefully accepted to benefit Gita's work with victims of sex trafficking in India. Need more info? Check the studio website.
Sun & Moon Yoga Studio
3811 Lee Hwy - Arlington, VA (map)
Metro: Rosslyn and take the 3A bus about ten minutes, or see metro trip-planner for other bus options

Satanic Mechanic's Present Beetlejuice 

at UMD in College Park, MD

11:55pm - 3:00am 

Free 

The Mechanics bring you Tim Burton's Classic fantasy Comedy starring Alec Baldwin, Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder. Come out for a fun and free Halloween themed celebration in the Hoff Theatre. 

Hoff Theater 0110 Stamp Student Union

University of Maryland - College Park, MD 

Metro: College Park - U of MD Walk, bus or taxi from the metro

PAST: ART OPENING: New Gallery, Dal Basso Gallery, 923 F St NW, celebrates it's first exhibit "A Reason for E'ry Time" Paintings by Seth Remsnyder SAT, Nov 2nd, 6:30pm - 9:30pm, Free

New Gallery! Dal Basso Gallery at 923 F St NW presents their first show "A Reason for E'ry Time" Paintings by Seth Remsnyder
Saturday, November 2nd
6:30pm - 9:30pm
Free

Paintings of "raw elements composed in a variety of plaid styles designed to guide audiences to those fundamental things that inspire and motivate us."

About the new gallery and exhibit, from Mark Fedeli: "Dal Basso is Italian for "from the bottom." My father impressed upon me from a young age the power of raw hunger and precise execution to get things done and help others, whatever the obstacles. His parents were children of Italian immigrants who recognized that anyone from anywhere can bring their talents forward with confidence they can break through to reach their vision of success. No excuses. These raw elements of productivity are what I have tried bring to work each day. They keep me pushing forward, amid shut downs, sequesters, delays, losses, and the like. Another thing that keeps me pushing forward are the many friends and colleagues who have demonstrated these same raw elements to me. So that's who's invited to this exhibit. It is my small attempt to show appreciation by providing a venue to take a step back from the grind, while reflecting together on what easily goes unnoticed within us that drives us forward toward."

This program will be geared toward Seth's production process and will include a discussion on Art Education. Fedeli says "If you have a child or young person in your life with creative talent, and you are looking for ways to productively cultivate that talent, this part of the program will be for you. When I first met Seth nearly a decade ago, he was an Art teacher. Seth's journey and vision surrounding Art Education are compelling."

Dal Basso Gallery
923 F Street, NW
Studio 201
Metro: Gallery Pl - Chinatown, 9th & G exit, or Metro Center and walk a few short blocks

PAST: MUSIC: Weekly: Friday Noon-Time Organ Recital Series "Magical, Mystical, Musical Machine" at the National City Christian Church in Thomas Circle every FRI from 12:15pm - 1:00pm August - Dec & Feb - June, Free

Friday Noon-Time Organ Recital Series
"Magical, Mystical, Musical Machine" at the National City Christian Church in Thomas Circle

every Friday from August - December & February - June 

12:15pm - 1:00pm

Free

NOTE: On break for the end of December and all of January

Fridays at 12:15pm you can experience the "floor-shaking sounds" generated by National City Christian Church’s “Magical, Mystical, Musical Machine” - the organ! Surround yourself by the instrument’s 7,000 pipes and hear the roar of DC's third-largest pipe organ. This fully hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind musical machine incorporates wood working, metal-smithing, electricity and electronics, computer technology, physics, acoustics, and a lot of other scientific and musical know-how. Come hear the majesty of the five-keyboard Möller pipe organ in free 30-minute recitals of some of the most thrilling and sublime music written by the great musical geniuses of the pipe organ.

Even if you’re not a musician, familiar with the pipe organ at all, or one who rarely steps foot inside a church: these recital/demonstration are geared to all people, all ages. Whether you are familiar with the pipe organ or have never seen one up close, you are welcome to attend. Have a look and learn some more interesting information on pipe organ history at the post-recital demonstration of how the organist operates the keyboards, pedal board, and over 300 controls.

National City Christian Church

5 Thomas Circle, NW

Metro: McPherson Sq and walk or take the 52 or 54 bus along 14th St to the stop just by Thomas Circle, or catch the Circulator bus to 14th & RI Ave or P St, depending on which way you are coming from, and walk to the circle. 

PAST: HIGHLIGHTS: Nine more Free and low-cost events to choose from on FRI, Nov 1st!

Highlights post for Free and low-cost events on Friday, November 1st, organized by start time.

Freedom Plow Award for Poetry & Activism honors Eliza Griswold at the Goethe with Split this Rock & The CrossCurrents Foundation and performances by DC Youth Slam Team members!
6:00pm - 9:00pm
Student tickets just $10, RSVP here (general public $25)
Please Join Split This Rock & The CrossCurrents Foundation as they present the inaugural Freeedom Plow Award for Poetry & Activism to: Eliza Griswold!  Reception * Awards Ceremony * Reading * Open Bar (Beer & Wine) Co-Sponsored by the Goethe-Institut and the Institute for Policy Studies. With special performances by the DC Youth Slam Team!
Goethe-Institut Washington
812 7th St NW

Metro: Gallery Pl - Chinatown 

"Dia De Los Muertos Celebration" and Art Exhibit at the Arlington Arts Center
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Free
More about celebrating life than remembering death, this special day encourages us to connect with loved ones while reflecting on the ties that bind the past to present. Join us for dancing, a live mariachi band, Mexican hot chocolate and pan de los muerto (bread of the dead). At the heart of the excitement is an exhibition featuring twelve artists, presenting works on the Day of the Dead.  AAC's 10th Annual Dia De Los Muertos Artists incluse: David Amoroso, Dana Ellyn,  Ric Garcia,  Jeannette Hererra, Nicolas de Jesus, Carlos Lara, Claudia Olivos, Sergio Olivos,  Orlando Sanchez,  Matt Sesow,  Gloria Valdes, Tarasca Ivan, and Mendizabal Nuffio.
Arlington Arts Center
3550 Wilson Blvd - Arlington, VA
Metro: Virginia Square-GMU, just behind the metro exit on Wilson Blvd

"Ethiopia From the Heart" Gallery Show Opening 
at the Washington Gallery of Photography in Rockville, MD features the work of Ethiopian Photographer Andarge Asfaw
6:00pm - 9:00pm
Free
The Washington Gallery of Photography will opening "Ethiopia from the Heart" featuring the work of Ethiopian Photographer Andarge Asfaw. Join us for the opening reception to meet the artists, view his work, and enjoy some appetizers and wine.
Save the Date note for the Artist Lecture!
"Creating a Personal Photography Project"
Saturday, November 9th
3:00pm
Free
Washington Gallery of Photography
12276 Wilkins Ave - Rockville, MD
Metro: Twinbrook and walk, about .8 mile

November Shows first Friday Opening Reception at Touchstone Gallery
6:00pm - 8:30pm
Free
On view Friday, November 1st - Sunday, November 24th
"Through A Different Lens; Touchstone member artists see the inside and outside world through many individual lenses, then express their vision in photography as well as other media: painting, sculpture, ceramics, collage, and drawing.“Lucid Dreams” by Tré Where we've been, where we are, and where we hope to be: lucid dreams, a spectral journey depicting the archetypes of humanity.“SOUL FOOD” by Betsy Forster.Pastel, oil and mixed media paintings show Forster’s deep connection to nature and to the land itself."
Touchstone Gallery
901 New York Ave, NW
Metro: Metro Center

First Friday Opening for "Lines & Feelings: Contemporary Polish Painting" at Gallery A in Dupont Circle
6:00pm - 8:30pm
Free
Opening Reception for "Lines & Feelings: Contemporary Polish Painting," by artist Jaroslaw Sznytzer. Gallery A
2106 R St. NW
Metro: Dupont Circle, Q St north exit

First Friday Opening at Hillyer Art Space in Dupont Circle 
6:00pm - 9:00pm
donations welcome
Opening for "Unnatural Histories" new work by Chandi Kelley. Hillyer is open an hour later than the other galleries on First Fridays so suggest going there last.

Hillyer Art Space
9 Hillyer Court NW

Metro: Dupont Circle, Q St north exit

Buddha Party at Mind Your Body Oasis in Crystal City, VA
7:00pm - 12:00am
by donation
Buddha party 11.1.13 is donation only w/ Kirtan, yoga trance dance, stations for the senses, therapy sampling! To us, the Buddha represents the middle path, a way to create peace, love, and harmony.
Mind Your Body Oasis
1750 Crystal Dr - Arlington, VA
Metro: Crystal City, inside the Crystal City Shops, underground by the foodcourt

Acoustic Show at The Lab in Alexandria, VA
Show 7:00pm, doors 6:30pm
All ages, by donation to support the touring acts, $5+ suggested
Five performers. From the invite: "Mandee Price: Fairfax babe with rad songs and a rad voice, Alyssa Giannini : Sweetest lady with a lovely voice, her first show! Del Oro: Folky awesomeness that'll make ya feel, Cult Choir: Experimental jams coming your way in an acoustic fashion, and Chris Ricci: Perfection at its punkest, get stoked!"
The Lab - Alexandria, VA
1819 N. Quaker Lane
Metro: Pentagon, catch the 25C bus toward NVCC Alexandria from Bus Bay U3 at 6:45pm (10 mins, 3 stops) to S Stafford St & 32ND Rd (S) and walk to about 4 mins (0.2 mi).

Comedy Show "Giant Box of Porn" by Patrick Flynn at the Pinch
8:00pm - 10:00pm
Free, 21+ RSVP
About the show: "Young couple Ron and Kate return from a trip to find a giant box of porn in their living room. This comedy explores life’s most important questions: What kind of burglar breaks in and leaves porn? Is it okay to buy baby paraphernalia just because it’s on sale? And, most importantly, who still has a VHS player? Directed by Maureen Monterubio Dramaturgy by Megan Westman"
The Pinch
3548 14th St NW
Metro: Columbia Heights and walk north on 14th St about nine minutes or so, or take any of the 50 lines buses along 14th St closer

PAST: MUSIC: Monthly: Lunchtime Chamber Music Concert - every first THURS of every month - at MLK Library, 9th & G NW, from 12:00pm - 1:00pm, Free

**Note: I didn't see this one on the calendar so please call first to confirm whether or not there is a concert this month. More info, Info Services Department, 202-727-1291.**

Free Lunchtime Chamber Music Concerts
at the MLK Library, 9th & G St NW
every first Thursday of the month
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Free

The DC Public Library presents a performance of chamber music at MLK Library, room A-5 on the first Thursday of every month! Performers include internationally known, local musicians.

Martin Luther King Jr. Library
Room # A5 (located downstais)
901 G St NW
Metro: Gallery Place - Chinatown

PAST: REGGAE: Family Reggae Night features The Relics & Baba Ras D at BloomBars! This new monthly event began last month. All ages welcome! Usually on the first FRI of the month from 6:30pm - 8:00pm, by donation, $10 suggested, give as you can

Family Reggae Night with The Relics & Baba Ras D (who teaches the Harambe kids class- see video about kids classes) at BloomBars - new monthly event!

usually on the first Friday of the month
6:30pm - 8:30pm

All ages, by donation, $10 suggested, no one turned away, please give as you can. All proceeds support BloomBars and the artists.

BloomBars hosts their new family reggae night featuring the Relics and the one and only Baba Ras D!

The Relics are an up and coming band from DC who blend many different styles into one. Drawing from many different influences including reggae, blues and jazz The Relics combine them all to form a new and ever expanding sound. Featuring the musical styles of Menlik Zergabachew (Vocals), Marco Escobar (Bass), Noah Bonaiuti (Guitar) and Obi Igbo (Percussion), the band was formed in 2012 and is currently working with world-renowned producer Jim Fox on their first EP, which they hope to release sometime around January. Currently The Relics have a residency every Wednesday nights at Takoma Station in DC.

BloomBars

3222 11th St, NW
at Kenyon, next to Wonderland
Metro: Columbia Heights, walk one block north on 14th, turn right on Kenyon, left on 11th

PAST: BURLESQUE & IMPROV: Monthly: "Burlesque & Belly Laughs" at The Pinch in Columbia Heights every fourth FRI of the month from 10:00pm - 11:30pm, Free, tips welcome, 21+

Burlesque & Belly Laughs at The Pinch

every fourth Friday of the month!

10:00pm - 11:30pm 

Free, tips welcome, 21+

Free performance at The Pinch with Burlesque & Belly Laughs! Each fourth Friday, Rock Tender and Wendy Whiskysour will bring you their very special brand of entertainment. 

The Pinch
3548 14th St NW
Metro: Columbia Heights, walk north on 14th St, past Park, toward Spring

PAST: COMEDY: Weekly: LYGO DC presents "Blorp!" at Desperados on U St every TUES night from 6:30pm - 8:30pm, $10

LYGO DC presents Blorp! at Desperados on U St
every Tuesday night
6:30pm - 8:30pm
$10 at the door, RSVP Requested, All ages, 21+ to drink

Hosts Matty Litwack and David Tveite team up with LYGO DC to present Blorp! a pro-am comedy show at Desperados on U St. Comedians vary each week.

Desperados Burgers and Bar
1342 U St, NW
Metro: U Street or take the Circulator bus o 14th & U

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