PAST: "A Higher Standard: Leadership Strategies from America's First Female Four-Star General" at the National Archives TUES, April 28 from 12:00pm - 1:00pm, Free, Highlight from CultureCapital.com

Here are some more great free arts and culture events from CultureCapital.com! This site is a fantastic resource for events provided by CultureCapital (formerly known as the Cultural Alliance of Greater Washington) a wonderful organization that supports and highlights the DC metro area's vibrant and diverse arts community!

Find more free events and exhibits on view inside of the beltway on the custom designed "Free in DC" Inside Out page on CultureCapital.com and you can connect with CultureCapital.com on facebook now too! TICKETPLACE is another great program of CultureCapital where you can find half-price tickets to performances in the DC metro area @TICKETPLACEDC on twitter and at TICKETPLACE.org.

Tuesday, April 28

Lunchtime - Author Talk and Book Signing at The Archives - Archives 
A Higher Standard: Leadership Strategies from America's First Female Four-Star General
12:00pm - 1:00pm
General Ann Dunwoody, the first female four-star general in military history, shares leadership lessons from her 38 years of service in the Army. A book signing will follow the program.
National Archives

between 7th & 9th on Constitution Ave, NW
Metro: Archives - Navy Memorial

See the "Free in DC" Inside Out page on CultureCapital.com for more free events and exhibits!

PAST: SWING DANCE: Free Outdoor Dance in Dupont Circle as part of the 14th annual Washington DC Lindy Exchange on SUN, April 26 from 1:00pm - 5:00pm

Swing Dance in Dupont Circle as part of the 14th annual Washington DC Lindy Exchange

Sunday, April 26

1:00pm - 5:00pm
Free
See video above for a snapshot of last year's event

As part of the 14th annual Washington DC Lindy Exchange (DCLX), there's a swing dance in Dupont Circle, complete with live music! Based in Baltimore and DC, the The Butler Parks Hot Serenaders play 1930s small-combo jazz in the tradition of Artie Shaw’s Gramercy Five ensemble and Benny Goodman’s septet. The Butler Parks Hot Serenaders specialize in the performance of traditional and original swing and pre-bop repertoire. The band gets its name from the location of the Jam Cellar, DC’s fine Tuesday evening swing dance. Located next to Malcom X / Meridian Hill Park, the Josephine Butler Parks Center is a historic 40-room mansion originally built to be the home of the Vice President.

In Dupont Circle
1525 20th St, NW
Metro: Dupont Circle

PAST: OPEN STUDIOS: Open Studio Weekend at Washington ArtWorks in Rockville, MD by the Twinbrook Metro on SUN, April 26 from 10:00am - 5:00pm, Free

Open Studio Weekend in Rockville at Washington ArtWorks
Sunday, April 26
10:00am - 5:00pm
Free

Washington ArtWorks opens its’ expansive visual arts facility and Resident Artist studios to the public for a full weekend of art shopping, music, and food trucks. The event will feature hundreds of pieces of art including photography, painting, pottery, jewelry and glass as well as artist demonstrations, local food trucks La Strada, Holy Crepes, and Carmen’s, and live music. “With over 50 resident artists and over 30,000 square feet, we are the largest visual arts facility in Montgomery County,” said Missy Loewe, CEO & President of Washington ArtWorks. “We only do this twice a year so it’s always a massive event!” Resident Artists will be on hand for demonstrations, art sales, to talk to visitors, and give studio tours.

Washington ArtWorks

12276 Wilkins Ave - Rockville, MD

Metro: Twinbrook Metro is close by, those driving can park for free on site

PAST: LECTURE: Edward Snowden’s Attorney from the ACLU, Ben Wizner will speak at the UDC Law School on THURS, April 23 at 7:00pm, Free and open to the public

Edward Snowden’s Attorney from the ACLU, Ben Wizner will speak at the UDC Law School

Thursday, April 23 

7:00pm
Free and open to the public, RSVP requested

University of DC, School of Law

4340 Connecticut Avenue NW
Moot Court Room - Room 518
Metro: Van Ness - UDC, from the metro go two blocks down Connecticut and on the left you'll see the building for the law school, it's the big brick building right after Gold's Gym. Take the elevator up to the 5th floor and the moot court room is right there—there will be a few staff members there to help guide people.

PAST: POETRY: Poets from DC's Sister City in South Africa, Tshwane/ Pretoria, Perform at ReCreative Spaces on FRI, April 17 from 8:00pm - 10:00pm, All ages, $5

Azania to DC: Poetry Show/ Welcoming Party for South African Poet Delegation

Friday, April 17 

8:00pm - 10:00pm

All ages, $5

view and share the facebook event page here

Drinks and light refreshments available for purchase

DC's reigning World Champions of slam poetry, DC Youth Slam Team hosts this open poetry mic and showcase featuring rising spoken word artists from South Africa who are visiting the U.S. for the first time, bringing their poetry, music and art to the DC community!

The artists from the City of Tshwane/ Pretoria are touring in the U.S. as part of the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities’ Sister City International Arts Grant.  

Artists: Vangi Gantsho, Phomolo "Flex" Sekamotho, Bianca Mashyle, Ishmael "Phiziks" Sibiya, Sphephelo "ZuluBoy" Mfundo, Refilwe Majoko, Rolland "Simpi" Motaung, and Lenah Mashiya.

While in D.C., they will be hosting the 2015 Louder Than a Bomb DMV Teen Poetry Slam Festival with the national poetry and social justice nonprofit, Split This Rock, and working with youth programs in local high schools.

April's DC Youth Slam Team Poetry event is held in conjunction with the April Gallery Show, Black Lives/ White Light at ReCreative Spaces DC. 

ReCreative Spaces, located near Brookland, is a new space in NE, created in partnership with The Menkiti Group, for people to gather and share their passion for art of all kinds! See their calendar of events here.  ReCreative Spaces is also an Art Gallery and space for dance classes, poetry events and more! If you're an artist looking to use the space you can also reach out to them about studio space rental and event space rental, contact Emily, find contact info here. Gallery Hours: Thursday & Friday 4:00pm - 8:00pm, Saturday & Sunday 12:00pm - 5:00pm and by appointment.

Save the date for these upcoming events at ReCreative Spaces:

Black Lives/White Light: White Artists on Black Movement: From Abolition to Now

Tuesday, April 21 

7:00pm - 9:00pm

Free

Black Lives/White Light: Black Artist Response + Closing Reception

Tuesday, April 28 

7:00pm - 9:00pm

Free

ReCreative Spaces
1613 Rhode Island Ave NE
Metro: Rhode Island Ave and take the 81, 82, 83, or 86 bus directly to the front of the space. See metro trip-planner for bus times and options. Folks driving car find street parking in the area.

PAST: HIGHLIGHTS: Lots more Free and low-cost events to choose from on THURS, April 16

Highlights Post for free and low-cost events Thursday, April 16, organized by start time

Happy Hour with DC Divest at Meridian Pint
5:30pm - 8:00pm

No cover, drink specials, 21+

Learn more about DC Divest and meet with others who care about the environment. Climate activists from DC Divest will be hanging out at the downstairs bar at Meridian Pint and will be happy to share more about the fossil fuel divestment campaign.
Meridian Pint
3400 11th St NW
Metro: Columbia Heights

Monthly Arts Walk at Monroe Street Market

right by the Brookland - CUA Metro

6:00pm - 9:00pm

Free

Arts Walk at Monroe Street Market is a unique destination to DC, where you have an experiential tour through the diverse mix of art studios from craftsmen to fine art painters and sculptures and a chance to procure your own art collection. While strolling the Arts Walk, enjoy a live Arts on 8th performance, hosted by Dance Place. Tour the Brookland Works residential building as well. Read more on the invite, link above. Click here for a list of the Artists that call the Arts Walk home. 

Monroe Street Market

716 Monroe St NE
Metro: Brookland - CUA, exit to the left and keep left, just outside of the metro, you can also see metro trip-planner for bus access which may get you there more easily depending on where you are coming from

Artist Directory Launch Happy Hour at the Capitol Skyline Hotel Lounge

6:00pm - 9:00pm
Free, RSVP requested
WPA is happy to announce the launch of its 2015-2016 WPA Artist Directory and to celebrate, they will be throwing a launch party.
Bring your friends, mingle with other members, celebrate spring, and pick or purchase your copy of the Directory!  The  "2015-2016 WPA Artist Directory" is published by East City Art and is the "definitive guide to established, emerging, and mid-career contemporary artists throughout the region. Used by curators, art advisors, collectors, artists, editors, designers, and people with an interest in the arts, our bi-annual print directory is the primary resource for access to art and artists in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region." The directory is available for purchase online or can be purchased/pick-up at the WPA office at the Capitol Skyline Hotel.

Capitol Skyline Hotel Lounge

10 I (Eye) Street SW
Metro: Navy Yard and walk just about ten minutes or so

Art Opening at All We Art - Forms of the Journey

6:00pm - 9:00pm
Free
RSVP requested to media@artseedc.com
All We Art is pleased to announce the exhibition Forms of the Journey, featuring artists Félix Ángel, Marta Luz Gutierrez, and Jesús Matheus.
The three artists share their work as part of their experience as individuals committed to artistic creation of the journey that started several decades ago when they migrated to the United States.  The exhibition will run through Sunday, May 17, 2015. The Gallery will also be opening during the Georgetown Galleries Art Walk on Friday, April 17from 6:00pm - 8:00pm.
All We Art
1666 33rd St NW - near Reservoir Rd
Metro: Accessible by multiple bus lines from metro. From Farragut West/ North or Foggy Bottom you can catch the Circulator express bus, Georgetown-Union Station line, to Wisconsin Ave & R St NW or you can take any of the line buses to the same stop, except for the 38B. Buses also available from Tenleytown southbound or from Dupont Circle.

Words Beats & Life Academy Open House

6:00pm - 8:00pm

Free

Get a first hand experience of all the classes of the WBL Academy. This is a family friendly event, and parents, guardians and school officials can attend to learn more about out program. To learn more about the Academy, or to register for classes, visit  their website here.
Words Beats & Life

St. Stephens Church
1525 Newton St NW - corner of 16th & Netwon

Metro: Columbia Heights and walk or take the S2 or S4 bus along 16th St right to Newton

Peggy Brennan hosts a new Open Mic Night at The Electric Maid

right across the street from the Takoma Metro 

7:00pm - 10:00pm

All ages, by donation, $5 or more requested, free for performing artists

sign-up 6:45pm, doors 6:30pm

performers are along 15 min or 3 songs, whichever is less

waters, sodas, & tea/coffee available for sale
Emcee/producer Peggy Brennan. Likely to repeat on the 1st & 3rd Thursdays, definitely 4/23 & 4/30.
The Electric Maid

268 Carroll St NW

Metro: Takoma, just across the street on the right 

Poly Discussion Group at The DC Center

7:00pm - 8:30pm

Free, $5 donation appreciated
You've likely heard the term monogamish in Dan Savage's column or elsewhere and you've likely also heard about swingers but do you might not be sure how they differ from polyamory. Learn more about polyamory at this event at The DC Center, led by Tamara Pincus. Discussion is open to those curious about poly. new to poly and those already practicing polyamory. 

The DC Center
Located inside of the Reeves Center, a government building at the corner of 14th & U St NW
Metro: U St or take the Circulator bus, or any metro bus that will drop you at the corner of 14 & U

80s Dance Party, ALL NIGHT LONG in April

at the Rock And Roll Hotel
8:00pm - close
Free, 21+
"Transport yourself back in time at our monthly event 'ALL NIGHT LONG': An 80's Dance Party with music by DJs Total and Special Sauce. Dig out your neon, pile on the hairspray and wear your Rayban sunglasses (at night)." Happy hour all night long too.

Rock And Roll Hotel
1353 H St NE
Metro: Gallery Pl - Chinatown and take the X2 bus along H St to the stop closest to 14th & H St, NE or take a short taxi from Union Station or take a 90's line bus from U St to 8th & H St, NE and walk over a few blocks. See metro trip-planner for best bus access.

UPCOMING: WORKSHOPS & EXPO: Learn more about Jyoti Meditation and more at the Pathways Natural Living Expo focusing on Mind • Body • Spirit this SUN, April 12 at the Marriott by the White Flint Metro in Bethesda, MD at 2:00pm, Expo from 10:30am - 7:00pm, $10 with coupon

Learn more about Jyoti Meditation with the folks from Science of Spirituality DC as part of the Pathways Natural Living Expo
Sunday, April 12
2:00pm (expo hours and details below)
$10 with the $5 coupon you can find online,  in their magazine pullout, and usually onsite as well

David Newcomb will share more about how Jyoti Meditation can lift you up at this talk that will take place as part of the Pathways Natural Living Expo at the Marriott hotel right across from the White Flint Metro Station! Details about the expo noted below.  At the talk you can learn to access inner light through a simple, natural, age-old Jyoti Meditation technique that focuses your attention on the seat of your soul.

Pathways Presents their 41st Natural Living Expo!  Mind • Body • Spirit
Enjoy 146 Exhibitors Who Heal, Entertain, Enlighten and Offer Lots Of Wonderful Products.
Choose From 64 Dynamic, Creative Mind, Body, Spirit Workshops Sunday, April 12
10:30am - 7:00pm
 $10 price of admission with coupon

Bethesda North Marriott 
5701 Marinelli Rd - N. Bethesda, MD
Metro: White Flint, right across the street from the metro just off of Rockville Pike. Driving? Free parking on site!

PAST: Some Free events as part of the Cherry Blossom Festival on SUN, April 12

Sunday, April 12

Final Day of Free Performances at the Tidal Basin Stage!
12:00pm - 6:00pm
Free
See link above for the full schedule of performances, scroll down to the bottom of the page. Today's lineup includes Irish Dancing, Batala all-women percussion group, Hawaiian Hula & Polynesian dances, and more!
Tidal Basin Stage
501 Maine Ave SW
Metro: Smithsonian

National Cherry Blossom Festival: Ranger-Led Programs

The beautiful and delicate cherry blossoms cultivated in the National Mall and Memorial Parks have inspired generations of viewers since 1912. A gift from Japan, the flowering trees symbolize friendship between nations, the renewal of spring, and the ephemeral nature of life. Blooming occurs between mid-March and mid-April depending on the species of tree and annual environmental conditions. Programs include: Cherry Blossom Ranger Talks, Walk with a Ranger, Lantern Walk, Bike Tour, Running Tour, and more events for kids and even one for dogs!
Thomas Jefferson Memorial
701 West Basin Drive SW
Metro: Smithsonian is closest

National Cherry Blossom Festival: Anacostia River Festival
12:00pm - 4:00pm
Celebrate the Anacostia River, its history, ecology and the communities that live and work alongside it. This Free event will bring together residents from across the region to engage in hands-on art workshops, musical performances, tours of historic Anacostia, boating and even fishing workshops!

• Kayak and Canoe Paddle Experience
• Performances Throughout the Day
• Live Birds of Prey Demonstration
• Make your own River Masterpiece
• Anacostia River Photography Exhibition
• River Mural Workshop

For more information visit: www.bridgepark.org/anacostia-river-festival

Anacostia Park
1900 Anacostia Drive SE

Metro: Anacostia, Free shuttle buses will run from Anacostia and Eastern Market metro stations to the Festival. Driving? Free parking available at Maritime Plaza 1220 12th St SE and Anacostia Metro Station 1101 Howard Rd SE. Free shuttles from both sites. Biking? Free bike valet! Capital Bikeshare station at Anacostia Metro. 

PAST: FESTIVAL: "Flower Power In Historic Anacostia" along the 1200 block of Good Hope Rd SE this SUN, April 12 from 12:00pm - 4:00pm, Free

National Cherry Blossom Festival: Flower Power in Anacostia along the 1200 block of Good Hope Rd SE 

Sunday, April 12

12:00pm - 4:00pm

Free

Flower Power in Historic Anacostia! The afternoon includes live music inspired by the 60s; a DJ with retro beats; floral arranging classes; artworks comprised hundreds of fake flower petals; gardening tips; and more. Presented by the National Cherry Blossom Festival. 

ARCH Development Corporation
1231 Good Hope Road SE
Activities along the 1200 block of Good Hope Rd, SE

Metro: Anacostia and walk or take a bus, or Eastern Market and take the Circulator bus toward Syland 

PAST: MUSIC: Friday Morning Music Club Chamber Music Recital at The Lyceum in Old Town Alexandria, VA on SUN, April 12 at 4:30pm, Free

Friday Morning Music Club Chamber Music Recital

at The Lyceum in Old Town Alexandria, VA
Sunday, April 12

4:30pm
Free

See the calendar on the FMMC site for program details.

The Lyceum
201 South Washington St - Alexandria, VA

Metro: King St and walk south on King toward the Waterfront to S Washington 

PAST: Neighborhood Meet + Greet along Rhode Island Ave NE at ReCreative Spaces on SAT, April 11 from 2:00pm - 4:00pm, Free

ReCreative Spaces - Neighborhood Meet + Greet along Rhode Island Avenue NE
Saturday, April 11
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Free

From the ReCreative Spaces facebook page: "Picked up the Zeke's Coffee of DC raffle item for tomorrow's Meet + Greet... that and other great neighborhood prizes will be available! Stop on by and see us! All proceeds will help benefit the (Up)Rising Festival, 2015!"
ReCreative Spaces, located near Brookland, is a new space in NE, created in partnership with The Menkiti Group, for people to gather and share their passion for art of all kinds! See their calendar of events here.

Plus, ReCreative Spaces is also an Art Gallery and space for dance classes, poetry events and more! If you're an artist looking to use the space you can also reach out to them about studio space rental and event space rental, contact Emily, find contact info here. Gallery Hours: Thursday & Friday 4:00pm - 8:00pm, Saturday & Sunday 12:00pm - 5:00pm and by appointment.

ReCreative Spaces
1613 Rhode Island Ave NE
Metro: Rhode Island Ave and take the 81, 82, 83, or 86 bus directly to the front of the space. See metro trip-planner for bus times and options. Folks driving car find street parking in the area.

PAST: Enjoy Performances and Conversation with Hip-Hop Artists from Around the World at "Hip Hop Diplomacy" at American University this FRI, April 10 from 5:30pm - 7:30pm, All Ages, Free

"Hip Hop Diplomacy" a special event at American University 
Friday, April 10
5:30pm - 7:30pm
All ages, Free
view and share the facebook event

"Join the Next Level Global artists, including DJs, Beatmakers, Breakdancers and MCs from around the world for an evening of hip hop performances and conversation on hip hop diplomacy.  Next Level is a new hip hop diplomacy initiative from the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the University of North Carolina's Music Department. Next Level uses hip hop as a tool for empowerment and conflict resolution. Program hosted by the International Communication and Media Program SIS AU.

Performances and conversation with hip-hop artists from around the world including:

• DJ Zlijay (DJ-Bosnia)
• Andjelko Pavlovic (Breakdancer- Serbia)
• Black Zang (MC-Bangladesh)
• Toussa Senerap (MC-Senegal)
• Malibika Brahma (Singer- India)
• FTR (Beatmaker- Zimbabwe)

American University, School of International Service, Atrium
4400 Massachusetts Ave NW  (map) (see AU campus map)
Metro: Tenleytown and take the free AU Shuttle bus to campus, pick up spot is behind the Panera in the parking lot there, Free parking in the Katzen Center parking garage after 5:00pm on weekdays.

PAST: KIDS: "Wacky Science: with Ken Scott" science event for Kids 5-12 at the Natural History Museum on TUES, April 7 at 10:15am or at 11:15am, $5 - $8

Wacky Science: with Ken Scott for Kids 5-12
Tuesday, April 7
10:15am - 11:00am or
11:15am - 12:00pm

$5-$8 buy tickets online or call 202-633-8700

Whiz, bang, poof, and pop—Dr. Science’s zany show makes science look way cool! With a focus on amazing science experiments that use everyday objects, Scott makes the scientific method easy to understand in a high-energy, hands-on experience. Presented by The Smithsonian Associates. Read more here!

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

in the Baird Auditorium
10th St & Constitution Ave, NW
Metro: Federal Triangle or Smithsonian

PAST: AUTHOR TALK: "Fortune's Fool: The Life of John Wilkes Booth" TUES, April 7 from 12:00pm - 1:00pm at The Archives, Free

Author Talk - Fortune's Fool: The Life of John Wilkes Booth

Tuesday, April 7
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Free

Lunchtime author talk and book signing at the National Archives.
John Wilkes Booth catapulted into history on the night of April 14, 1865, when he assassinated President Lincoln. Historian Terry Alford looks at the man whose life has been overshadowed by his final, infamous act.

National Archives

between 7th & 9th on Constitution Ave, NW

Metro: Archives - Navy Memorial

PAST: HIGHLIGHTS: More Free events to choose from on SAT, April 4 from CultureCapital.com - a fabulous resource for Arts & Culture events in the DC Metro Area

Here are some more great free arts and culture events from CultureCapital.com! This site is a fantastic resource for events provided by CultureCapital (formerly known as the Cultural Alliance of Greater Washington) a wonderful organization that supports and highlights the DC metro area's vibrant and diverse arts community!

Find more free events and exhibits on view inside of the beltway on the custom designed "Free in DC" Inside Out page on CultureCapital.com and you can connect with CultureCapital.com on facebook now too! TICKETPLACE is another great program of CultureCapital where you can find half-price tickets to performances in the DC metro area @TICKETPLACEDC on twitter and at TICKETPLACE.org.

Saturday, April 4

Morning - Film Screenings for kids as part of the Environmental Film Fest at Atlas - H St NE

Four Kids Films -Environmental Film Festival at Atlas Performing Arts Center

11:00am

MeJane, Lucky Ducklings,  FINconceivable and The Marvelous Musical Report of The Marine National Monuments.
Atlas Performing Arts Center

1333 H St NE

Metro: Closest metro is Union Station but no direct buses from there, you can catch the X2 bus along H St NW from Gallery Pl - Chinatown if you don't want to take an uberx, taxi, etc...  (see note below for uber and lyft promos for first time users!) or you can catch any of the 90 line buses that go to 8th & H St NE and walk over. See metro trip-planner for bus info. 

Morning - Lecture with the Kennedy Center's Artistic Director for Jazz + Documentary Film at NGA West Building - Archives
Lecture and Documentary Film: In My Mind
11:00am - 12:45pm
Jason Moran, artistic director for jazz, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, in person to introduce the documentary. In My Mind is a film from the Center for Documentary Studies (CDS) at Duke University documenting Jason Moran and The Big Bandwagons 2009 original interpretation of Thelonious Monks 1959 Town Hall performance (2010, 100 minutes).
National Gallery of Art

West Building Lecture Hall

6th & Constitution Ave NW
Metro: Archives

Afternoon - Panel on Shoe Exhibit at Strathmore - Grosvenor

Panel Discussion: If The Shoe Fits

2:00pm

Please join us for a lively panel discussion on Strathmore's If the Shoe Fits exhibit, on view March 7 - May 31. "Learn about the art and sole of the shoe. Trace its footprint through history and culture. Part fantasy, part function, this exhibit looks at footwear from every angle and features shoe design, sculpture, and invention, plus a shoe painting workshop."

The Mansion at Strathmore

10701 Rockville Pike -  Bethesda, MD - see map

Metro: Grosvenor, follow the walkway from the metro exit to the left, cross the street, go up the grassy hill, the Mansion is on the left across from the main Strathmore building. 

Find more exhibits on view inside of the beltway on the custom designed "Free in DC" Inside Out page on CultureCapital.com!

Promo: Free in DC also has promotions for those who want to give uber or lyft a try. Smart phone users can download the app and  get $10 off your first lyft ride with promo code FREEINDC10 and $20 off your first Uber ride with the promo code FREEINDC14 when you sign up here: uber - Note: Be sure to select uberx for best price!

UPCOMING & ONGOING: POETRY: Monthly: Youth Open Mic - every third SAT of the month - at Busboys and Poets 5th & K St, NW from 5:00pm - 8:00pm, $5

Monthly Youth Open Mic for all styles for those 20 and younger at Busboys and Poets 5th & K St NW

every third Saturday of the month

5:00pm - 8:00pm

$5, cash at the door

Open Mic artists get 5 minutes to perform whatever they like, poetry or song, or dance, or story, or otherwise. 

This monthly youth-focused and youth-led series is held every 3rd Saturday.  Young people (under 20) are encouraged to come share their poetry, music, rap, acting, or other appropriate skills. Email slam@splitthisrock.org for more info.

Busboys and Poets

5th & K St, NW

Metro: between Gallery Pl and Mt Vernon Sq or you can take the Circulator bus to 5th & Mass.

UPCOMING & ONGOING: FILM: Weekly: BloomScreen Independent Film Series, Screenings every TUES night, followed by a discussion and Q&A from 7:00pm - 9:00pm, All ages, by donation

BloomScreen Independent Film Night at BloomBars

Films vary each week
Discussion with Q&A after, often with the director

7:00pm - 9:00pm
All ages, by donation, $10 suggested, no one turned away, Free organic popcorn and refreshments served

BloomBars

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

UPCOMING & ONGOING: OPEN MIC: Weekly: Poetry Open Mic at Busboys and Poets 14th & V Hosts vary each Week, every TUES night, 9:00pm - 11:00pm, All ages, $5

Tuesday Night Open Mic Poetry at Busboys and Poets
every Tuesday night

9:00pm - 11:00pm
Open mic sign up starts at 8:30pm $5, available online or at the door if seats are still available  Note: seating is first come, first seated, no saved seats allowed.

Open Mic Night every Tuesday night, usually with a new feature and host. "Expect a diverse chorus of voices and a vast array of professional spoken word performers, open mic rookies, musicians and a different host every week."

Busboys and Poets

14th & V St, NW
Metro: U St

PAST: FILM: Final Day of the Annual Environmental Film Festival in the Nation's Capital, Free Films for SUN, March 29

Environmental Film Festival in the Nation's Capital

Tuesday, March 17 - Sunday, March 29

features hundreds of free films! Some allow for advance RSVP

looks like there are eight or more screenings every day to choose from

Click here for the list of screenings!

The 23rd annual Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital explores the pervasive impact of climate change on our planet through a special focus on Climate Connections. This series of films, speakers and events explores the effects of this challenging global phenomenon on the world’s natural systems and resources. See the schedule below for more information. Most of the films are free, click through each event to be sure. Some allow for advance RSVP but many are just first come first seated, recommend you arrive early to get in as lines tend to form before the screenings. 

Participating venues include Embassies, libraries, churches, theaters,  National Geographic,  Carnegie Institution for Science, GALA Hispanic Theatre and more!

Free film screenings below are organized by day but not by time, click for details
some may require RSVP, especially the ones at Embassies
See metro trip-planner for best bus and metro access.

Sunday, March 29 - Final Day of the Festival!

Eight films at the Carnegie Institution for Science

• Animated Life of A.R. Wallace
• City Under the Sea
• Gardeners of Eden
• Living Wild
• Pride
• Silencing the Thunder
• Sticky
• The Frog Photographer

Four kids films at the Dorothy I. Height/Benning Neighborhood Library

• FINconceivable
• Lucky Ducklings
• MeJane
• The Marvelous Musical Report of The Marine National Monuments

PAST: ART: March Show featuring works by 14 Local Artists "(Re)creation" at ReCreative Spaces, New Art Space in NE near Brookland, SUN, March 29, Open from 11:00am - 5:00pm, Free

March Show (Re)creation at ReCreative Spaces featuring works by fourteen local artists!

Free
On view Friday, March 6 - Sunday, March 29

Friday, March 27 -  4:00pm - 8:00pm

Sunday, March 29 - 11:00am - 5:00pm
Closing Reception -  Sunday, March 29 

11:00am - 1:00pm, Open til 5:00pm 

Free

This group show is built around the theme of recreation. Artists were given the flexibility to express this theme in any way they see fit, and may present up to two pieces in this open call exhibit.

Participating Artists: Leon Allen, Lisa Allen, Becky Borlan, Erica Chamblee, Travis Childers, Kath Gayle, Adrian Harris, Jessica Jackson, Arthur Lee, Peter Lewis, Candy Schibli, Brendan Smith, Juliana Vallejo and Tiphanie Williams.

ReCreative Spaces, located near Brookland, is a new space in NE, created in partnership with The Menkiti Group, for people to gather and share their passion for art of all kinds! See their calendar of events here.

ReCreative Spaces
1613 Rhode Island Ave NE
Metro: Rhode Island Ave and take the 81, 82, 83, or 86 bus directly to the front of the space. See metro trip-planner for bus times and options. Folks driving car find street parking in the area.

PAST: WORKSHOP: Essential Oils Info Session with Hilary Mughloo at lil omm in Tenlyetown on SUN, March 29 from 6:30pm - 7:00pm, Free

Essential Oils Info Session with Hilary Mughloo at lil omm in Tenleytown

Sunday, March 29

6:30pm - 7:00pm
Free

"We all know stress causes inflammation and toxicity in the body, which in turn can lead to disease. When you can alleviate stress, you will sleep better, your moods will change, your digestion will improve, and in general you will feel a new sense of lightness. Just what we need any time of year! When we have the tools to manage our response to stress in the day to day, life flows toward ease. What a gift! Join us for a free info session on how to use essential oils to decrease stress!"

lil omm yoga

4708 Wisconsin Ave, NW
Metro: Tenleytown, walk just a few blocks north on Wisconsin Ave, lil omm is on the left side (same side as Best Buy)

PAST: HIGHLIGHTS: Five more Free events to choose from on THURS, March 26

More free and low-cost events on Thursday, March 26

Reading with Poet Tim Seibles, co-sponsored by Split This Rock at Upshur Street Books

7:00pm

Free
Tim Seibles, born in Philadelphia in 1955, is the author of several poetry collections... was one of five poetry finalists for the 2012 National Book Award and the 2013 Pen Oakland Josephine Miles Award for poetry recipient....and has been a workshop leader for Cave Canem, a writer’s retreat for African American poets, and for the Hurston/Wright Foundation. Tim is visiting faculty at the Stonecoast MFA in Writing Program sponsored by the University of Southern Maine. He lives in Norfolk, Virginia, where he is a member of the English and MFA in writing faculty at Old Dominion University. Read more about him on the invite. Learn more about Split This Rock.

Upshur Street Books
827 Upshur St NW

Metro: Georgia Ave - Petworth

SpeakeasyDC Free Student Storytelling Showcase at Rí Rá in Georgetown

7:15pm

All ages, Free
You're invited to see the debut performances of SpeakeasyDC's graduating Storytelling 101 students. Support these novice storytellers as they share the stories they've been working on for the four weeks prior to this night. 

RiRa Georgetown

3125 M St NW

Metro: Foggy Bottom or Farragut North and take the Circulator bus or any of the 30 lines buses

The Bicycle Diaries: Book talk and slideshow
7:30pm - 9:30pm
All ages, Free, Please RSVP on Eventbrite here
Former Stanford climate change researcher David Kroodsma has bicycled from California to the southern tip of South America, from Turkey to the east coast of China, and across the U.S. twice. Along the way he has talked to hundreds of people -- both laypeople and experts -- about climate change, gathering personal stories about its impacts across three continents. Join David for a slideshow of his best photos and videos. In addition to stories of adventure -- ranging from fending off a jaguar in Belize to hiding from police in Tibet -- David will share how people across the globe are currently experiencing climate change, drawing on interviews with people in 28 different countries. Visit rideforclimate.com to learn more.
Copies of his recent book, The Bicycle Diaries, will be available for purchase.
BicycleSPACE
700 5th St NW
Metro: Gallery Pl - Chinatown

PlayBackTheTape celebrates their One Year Anniversary 

"The Birds and the Bees" at their new home, Petworth Citizen

Thursday, March 26 

8:00pm

All ages, Free

Now monthly, every fourth Thursday of the month at Petworth Citzen

Following a full year venue-hopping month after month, PlayBackTheTape celebrates its first anniversary with a now-permanent home venue in the Reading Room at Petworth Citizen, and a regular schedule of shows on the fourth Thursday of every month.The program includes four home-recorded television specials, each complete with vintage commercials and ancillary content captured from original broadcast. "The Birds and the Bees,” features an assemblage of recorded television specials demonstrating an evolving view of sexual education, politics, and liberation on TV from the 1980s through the 1990s. 

Petworth Citizen’s Reading Room

829 Upshur St NW
Metro: Georgia Ave - Petworth

Zoë Ravenwood Photo by Devon Rowland Photography

Live Music at Wonderland Ballroom in Columbia Heights
8:00pm - 12:00pm, music starts at 9:00pm
Free, 21+
"It's the End" at Wonderland features performances from Precious Child, Coleus, and Zoë Ravenwood, an "intense theatrical rock/metal experience" Coleus at 9pm, Zoë Ravenwood at 10pm, Precious Child at 11pm.
Wonderland Ballroom
11th & Kenyon St NW
Metro: Columbia Heights, walk north on 14th one block, right on Kenyon and walk three blocks to 11th

PAST: CRAFT & MUSIC: Handi-Hour at the American Art Museum, Luce Foundation Center, features Laser Cutting and 3D-Printing Artists, Craft Beer, Live Music and more on WED, March 25 from 5:30pm - 9:00pm, $10 includes two drink tickets, snacks and crafting 21+

Handi-Hour at the American Art Museum, Luce Foundation Center in Chinatown

Wednesday, March 25

5:30pm - 9:00pm

$10 incl. two drink tickets, light snacks, and all you can craft, 21+ 

Additional food and drink available for purchase

Handi-hour is Washington, D.C.’s premier crafty hour, bringing together the city’s craftiest folks for an evening of creative revelry. All-you-can craft activities, world-class art, craft beer selected by Greg Engert of ChurchKey, and live music by local acts make this quarterly event something you won’t want to miss!

For the spring edition, cutting-edge artists Christy Oates and Joshua DeMonte bring their laser cutting and 3D-printing skills to DC’s favorite crafting happy hour! Check out a how-to video for Oates's kits here (everyone who attends will get one of her marquetry kits). See past Handi-hour crafts and corresponding videos here.

American Art Museum

Luce Foundation Center, third floor

8th & G St NW
Metro: Gallery Pl - Chinatown, also walking distance from Metro Center

PAST: TALK: "Beauty in the Shadows: Wrought Iron in Washington National Cathedral" An Evening with Nol Putnam WED, March 25 at 7:30pm, Free, RSVP

Beauty in the Shadows: Wrought Iron in Washington National Cathedral
An Evening with Nol Putnam
Wednesday, March 25

7:30pm

Free, RSVP here

Books will be available for purchase at the event.

Ironwork adorns Washington National Cathedral, as it does many great buildings. From massive gates and grilles to delicate chandeliers, crosses, and liturgical embellishments, ironwork graces, enhances, and speaks. The hands of a master ironworker transform this rigid material into fluid shapes: leaves, flowers, people, animals, and—here—biblical stories.

Nol Putnam’s work joins that of Samuel Yellin and many other artisans in the National Cathedral. Putnam’s new book, Beauty in the Shadows: Wrought Iron in Washington National Cathedral, catalogs this collection with insightful descriptions and beautiful photographs by Cathedral volunteers Chris Budny and Jim Pittman and contributions by researcher and docent Barry Bem.

Join Nol Putnam for the Cathedral launch of his book and an insider’s look at wrought iron. You’ll gain new insight into this ancient craft and art form.

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 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.

My personal recommendation after commuting her for many years from across town, for those of you with smart phones, use uber or lyft app on your phone. New users get $10 off your first ride with promo code FREEINDC10 when you sign up at lyft.com and get $20 off your first Uber with the promo code FREEINDC14 when you sign up at uber.com/go/freeindc14 - select uberx for best price!

PAST: LECTURE: UDC Law School hosts a Free Lecture on the fight for Marriage Equality with BuzzFeed's Chris Geidner on WED, Mach 25 at 7:00pm, RSVP Requested

BuzzFeed's Chris Geidner Lecture at UDC
Lecture will be on the fight for Marriage Equality

Wednesday, March 25

7:00pm 

Free, RSVP Requested

"The legal battle over same-sex marriage will, again, find its way into the Supreme Court in April. No reporter has been following the issue as diligently as BuzzFeed News' Chris Geidner. His thorough and accurate reporting earned him the 2014 NLGJA Journalist of the Year award and a spot in Out's 100." 

University of DC -  David A. Clarke School of Law

4340 Connecticut Avenue NW
Moot Court Room - Room 518
Metro: Van Ness - UDC, from the metro go two blocks down Connecticut and on the left you'll see the building for the law school, it's the big brick building right after Gold's Gym. Take the elevator up to the 5th floor and the moot court room is right there—there will be a few staff members there to help guide people.

PAST: Free Lunchtime Talk on the Parks and Gardens in DC on TUES, March 24 at 12:00pm at The Archives - Highlight from CultureCapital.com - a fabulous resource for Arts & Culture events in DC, VA & MD Metro Area

Here are some more great free arts and culture events from CultureCapital.com! This site is a fantastic resource for events provided by CultureCapital (formerly known as the Cultural Alliance of Greater Washington) a wonderful organization that supports and highlights the DC metro area's vibrant and diverse arts community!

Find more free events and exhibits on view inside of the beltway on the custom designed "Free in DC" Inside Out page on CultureCapital.com and you can connect with CultureCapital.com on facebook now too! TICKETPLACE is another great program of CultureCapital where you can find half-price tickets to performances in the DC metro area @TICKETPLACEDC on twitter and at TICKETPLACE.org.

Tuesday, March 24

Lunchtime - Author Talk at The Archives - Archives 

Field Guide to the Natural World of Washington, DC
12:00pm - 1:00pm

The parks and gardens of Washington, DC, contain tremendous biodiversity. In Field Guide to the Natural World of Washington, D.C., naturalist Howard Youth takes us on an urban safari through the wild side of the nation’s capital. A book signing will follow the program.
National Archives
between 7th & 9th on Constitution Ave, NW
Metro: Archives - Navy Memorial

Follow "Free in DC" Inside Out page on CultureCapital.com for more free events and exhibits on view, CultureCapital.com on facebook, @TICKETPLACEDC on twitter and TICKETPLACE for half-price tickets to performances in the DC metro area!

PAST: FILM: More Free Films on TUES, March 24 as part of the Environmental Film Festival

Environmental Film Festival in the Nation's Capital

Tuesday, March 17 - Sunday, March 29

features hundreds of free films! Some allow for advance RSVP

looks like there are eight or more screenings every day to choose from

Click here for the list of screenings!

The 23rd annual Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital explores the pervasive impact of climate change on our planet through a special focus on Climate Connections. This series of films, speakers and events explores the effects of this challenging global phenomenon on the world’s natural systems and resources. See the schedule below for more information. Most of the films are free, click through each event to be sure. Some allow for advance RSVP but many are just first come first seated, recommend you arrive early to get in as lines tend to form before the screenings. 

Participating venues include Embassies, libraries, churches, theaters,  National Geographic,  Carnegie Institution for Science, GALA Hispanic Theatre and more!

Organized by day but not by time, click for details
some may require RSVP, especially the ones at Embassies
See metro trip-planner for best bus and metro access.

Tuesday, March 24 

Four films at the Jefferson Auditorium at U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

• A Deeper Creek: The Watchable Waters of Appalachia 
• Bringing Back the Brooks: Reviving the South's Trout
• Exploring Appalachian Waters: Aquatic Conservation in a Regional Hotspot of Biodiversity
• The Last Dragons: Protecting Appalachias Hellbenders

Two films at the Carnegie Institution for Science

• Can Religion Save the Environment? 
• China: Searching for Sacred Mountain

Two films at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars

• Broken Landscape
• Global Trends, Local Stories: New Films From India and Ethiopia

Are Vah!

Johns Hopkins SAIS

Confessions of a Wildlife Filmmaker

American University, Malsi Doyle and Michael Forman Theater

Gambling on Extinction
Goethe-Institut

Lions on the Edge
National Geographic

Neighborhood Problems, Neighborhood Solutions
West End Cinema

See No Evil
Embassy of France

Wrenched
Georgetown University

PAST: STORYTELLING: SpeakeasyDC features this TUES, March 24 at "Nerds in NoMa" with storytelling and discussion from 6:00pm - 8:00pm, Free, RSVP Requested

Nerds in NoMa: SpeakeasyDC comes to Noma
Tuesday, March 24
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Free, RSVP here

See a free performance from SpeakeasyDC storytelling and enjoy a discussion with the folks behind Speakeasy DC as well at this edition of ‘Nerds in NoMa.’

The Lobby Project
1200 1st St, NE
Metro: NoMa/ Gallaudet U

PAST: FILM: The Environmental Film Festival continues with more Free films on SUN, March 22 at select venues throughout DC

Environmental Film Festival in the Nation's Capital

Tuesday, March 17 - Sunday, March 29

features hundreds of free films! Some allow for advance RSVP

looks like there are eight or more screenings every day to choose from

 Click here for the list of screenings!

The 23rd annual Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital explores the pervasive impact of climate change on our planet through a special focus on Climate Connections. This series of films, speakers and events explores the effects of this challenging global phenomenon on the world’s natural systems and resources. See the schedule below for more information. Most of the films are free, click through each event to be sure. Some allow for advance RSVP but many are just first come first seated, recommend you arrive early to get in as lines tend to form before the screenings. 

Participating venues include Embassies, libraries, churches, theaters,  National Geographic,  Carnegie Institution for Science, GALA Hispanic Theatre and more! Click here for the list of screenings! Organized by venue, click each film for time of screening and more details. See metro trip-planner for best bus and metro access

Sunday, March 22

Ten Films at the Carnegie Institution for Science, organized alphabetically, not by time

• Anthem for the Amazon
• Atlantic
• Climate Connections: Filmmakers as Catalysts for Change 
• Delta Dawn
• EarthEcho Expeditions: Beyond the Dead Zone
• For All the Marbles
• Gone Wild
• Slow Season
• Water and Oil 
• White Earth

Three films at the Baird Auditorium, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

• Deadly Pole to Pole: Arctic
• Legends of the Deep: The Giant Squid
• The Bat Man of Mexico

The Anacostia River: Making Connections

National Museum of Women in the Arts

PAST: HIGHLIGHTS: More Free events on SUN, March 22

Highlights for more events on Sunday, March 22

Capital City Mural Tour

11:30am - 2:30pm

Free, RSVP Requested here
Have you ever wondered about those beautiful murals dotting DC? Join BicyleSPACE for a memorable tour of the city's hidden works of art led by Words Beats & Life Executive Director Mazi Mutafa. Read more about Murals DC here. 

Meet at BicyleSPACE

700 5th St NW

Metro: Gallery Pl - Chinatown 

Petworth History Discussion and Documentary Screening at Upshur Street Books

4:30pm
Free
Come out for an interactive discussion of Petworth’s history and a screening of the documentary “The Pride and Promise of Petworth.” The discussion will be led by Lois Cooper, creator of the documentary and founder of the DC African American Legacy Foundation, and Linda Crichlow White, local author of Back There, Then, a Historical and Genealogical Memoir.
Upshur Street Books
827 Upshur St NW
Metro: Georgia Ave - Petworth and walk north on Georgia Ave, past the Yes! market at Taylor, keep right there and walk to Upshur and turn right, or take any of the buses along Georgia Ave closer

PAST: EXHIBIT: "IBERIAN SUITE: Picasso Ceramist and the Mediterranean" on view at The Kennedy Center WED, March 4 - SUN, March 22 from 10:30am - 9:00pm, Free, timed-entry tickets required

IBERIAN SUITE: Picasso Ceramist and the Mediterranean on view at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Free, see note below
On view in the Atrium from 10:30am - 9:00pm daily
Wednesday, March 4 - Sunday, March 22

An exclusive U.S. exhibition, Picasso Ceramist and the Mediterranean is a curated, exceptional selection of more than 140 of Pablo Picasso's ceramic pieces that reveal how the prolific artist reshaped the very notions of how clay could be used. Reflecting the artist's strong attraction to Mediterranean colors, shapes, and mythological creatures, the exhibition is the first of its kind to be shown in the United States.

Note: Free, timed-entry tickets required. Free tickets may be reserved online, by phone, or at the box office. 

The Kennedy Center
2700 F St NW
Metro: Foggy Bottom and take the free Kennedy Center shuttle from the metro, it runs every ten minutes and takes about 5 minutes to get to the Kennedy Center from the metro.

PAST: DANCE: Contradiction Dance Open Class in on SAT, March 21 from 12:30pm - 2:00pm, Pay-what-you-can

Kelly King

Open Class with Contradiction Dance
drop-in class every Saturday through March 21
12:30pm - 2:00pm
Pay-what-you-can, $15 suggested donation
Please bring a water bottle and dress in layers if you can

UPDATE: Saturday, March 21 class will be back at their usual location 1234 Quincy Street, NE and NOT at ReCreative Spaces

Note: Stay tuned to the Contradiction Dance Facebook and Twitter pages for class updates - if the weather is nice they may be back at their usual location instead of at ReCreative Spaces, their winter home.

Kelly King invites you to join the company each week in an exploration of various styles of contemporary dance and approaches to movement. Class typically includes an introduction, conditioning warm-up, across the floor exercises and a choreographed combination. Kelly is known for her warm and inviting approach to class; she encourages all who are curious to attend with an open heart and open mind!


Saturday, March 21 class will be back at their usual location
1234 Quincy Street, NE (was at ReCreative Spaces in the winter)
See metro trip-planner for bus times and options. Folks driving car find street parking in the area. You can also hop in an uber from the metro, select uberx for the most affordable option. Get $20 off your first ride when you download the app and use the promo code FREEINDC14.