Best Galleries 1. In the Tower: Nam June Paik: This exhibition of 20 pieces by Paik includes the best installation of his circa 1988-2000 “One Candle, Candle Projection” to date, using the Gallery’s I.M. Pei-designed tower. There are also never-before-seen works on paper and a brief documentary about Paik, who died in 2006.
Where: East Building, National Gallery of Art, Fourth Street and Constitution Avenue NW
When: Through Oct. 2
Info: Free; 202-737-4215; nga.gov
2. Fragments in Time and Space: Sixteen artists manipulate the fabric of time in this cleverly curated exhibit culled predominantly from the museum’s permanent collection. But one fascinating piece, “MA: Space/Time in the Garden of Ryoan-Ji,” is making its Hirshhorn debut.
Where: Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, Seventh Street and Independence Avenue SW
When: Through Aug. 28
Info: Free; 202-633-4674; hmsg.si.edu
3. Trying to Be There: This site-specific installation from recent MICA graduate Lindsay Rowinski pegs her as one of the region’s most promising emerging artists.
Where: Transformer, 1404 P. St. NW
When: Through July 30
Info: Free; 202-483-1102; transformergallery.org
4. Gabriel Metsu: This first U.S. monographic exhibit of the works of the 17th century Dutch master Gabriel Metsu includes among its 33 paintings 14 never before shown in the United States. Metsu had an uncanny ability to make ordinary scenes from daily life feel extraordinary.
Where: East Building, National Gallery of Art, Constitution Avenue between Third and Seventh streets NW
When: Closing Sunday
Info: Free; 202-737-4215; nga.gov
5. Jenny Sidhu Mullins: American Temple: A sculpture dubbed “The New American Spiritual Tent” and graphite portraits of chakra-wrapped monkeys is the product of Mullins’ Fulbright Scholarship-funded year in India investigating what she calls “spiritual tourism.” Last chance, thrill seekers!
Where: Flashpoint, 916 G St. NW
When: Closing Saturday
Info: Free; 202-315-1305; flashpointdc.org
Best Music
1. Cyrus Chestnut Trio: The acclaimed jazz pianist is comfortable in every style under the sun. He will celebrate for four evenings of imaginative keyboard artistry.
Where: Blues Alley
When: 8 and 10 p.m. Thursday to Sunday
Info: $25; 202-337-4141; bluesalley.com
2. Marc Cohn: The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter revisits some of his favorite numbers by Bread, Cat Stevens, Paul Simon and John Lennon in his latest recording, “Listening Booth, 1970.” Country singer/songwriter Matraca Berg is also on board.
Where: The Birchmere
When: 7:30 p.m. Sunday
Info: $45; 703-549-7500; birchmere.com
3. Carbon Leaf: Virginia’s own Celtic/bluegrass rockers, winners of the 2002 International Songwriting Competition, Rock category.
Where: The Birchmere
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Info: $27.50; 703-549-7500; birchmere.com
4. Signature Theatre Open House: The annual Target Open House features performances, exhibits, kids’ activities, classes, a Signature Idol Competition, concerts, cabaret and something for absolutely every family member. Broadway is represented by Rob Britton Lyons and Eddie Clendening (Carl Perkins and Elvis in “Million Dollar Quartet”) and Hunter Foster of “Urinetown.”
Where: All Signature Theatre venues
When: Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday
Info: Free, no tickets required; signature-theatre.org
Best Brainfood
1. Conversations with the Earth: Indigenous Voices on Climate Change:This exhibition, the first of its kind devoted to indigenous science, provides a Native perspective on global climate change. Through photographs, video and audio of tribal communities from the Arctic to Brazil, the environmental effect of pollution is found in its consequences on local livelihoods.
Where: National Museum of the American Indian, Fourth Street and Independence Avenue SW
When: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily, beginning Friday
Info: Free; 202-633-1000; nmai.si.edu
2. “Nothing Daunted: The Unexpected Education of Two Society Girls in the West”: Dorothy Wickenden’s pioneer story follows two Smith graduates (one the author’s grandmother) who headed out to tiny Elkhead, Colorado, in 1916. Eschewing high society for a community of homesteaders and a rough-hewn schoolhouse, the women faced blizzards, ruffians and illness, but persevered, preserving their experiences in the letters home that richly illuminate this book.
Where: Politics and Prose Bookstore, 15 Connecticut Ave. NW
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Info: Free; 202-364-1919; politics-prose.org
3. Maryland Writers’ Association: Contributors to the new anthology from the Maryland Writers’ Association, “Life in Me Like Grass on Fire: Love Poems,” share their work.
Where: Touchstone Gallery, 901 New York Ave. NW
When: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday
Info: 202-347-2787; touchstonegallery.com
4. BAREdance: “Gallery Space”combines dance, theater and multimedia to create an evening-length work encompassing three main characters struggling to find their identity in the milieu of a gallery space.
Where: Dance Place, 3225 Eighth St. NE
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, 7 p.m. Sunday
Info: 202-269-1600; danceplace.org
5. The Great American Hall of Wonders: This new exhibitexamines the 19th century American belief that the people of the United States shared a special genius for innovation. It explores this belief through works of art, mechanical inventions and scientific discoveries, and captures the excitement of citizens who defined their nation as a “Great Experiment,” sustained by the inventive energies of Americans in every walk of life.
Where: Smithsonian American Art Museum, Eighth and F streets NW
When: 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily
Info: Free; 202-633-1000; americanart.si.edu
Best Family
1.”The Wizard of Oz”: Based on the original L. Frank Baum story rather than the movie, this new version has characters and adventures never seen in the movie. For kindergarten students through adult.
Where: The Puppet Co., 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo
When: Friday to Sept. 4
Info: $10; 301-634-5380; thepuppetco.org
2. Celebrating Dr. Seuss’ Wild Animals: Through activities, stories and crafts at Hidden Oaks NatureCenter, meet some of Dr. Seuss’ curious animals and compare them to several unusual creatures that live in Fairfax County. Participants must be at least 4 years old. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Info: 703-941-1065.
Where: Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 7701 Royce St., Annandale
When: 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday
Info: $6; registration necessary: 703-222-4664; partakes.fairfaxcounty.gov
3. Fly Fishing at Riverbend Park: Try fly-fishing along the banks of the scenic Potomac River. Bring your own fully rigged rod or rent one from the park for $50. Participants must be at least 12 years old. An additional supply fee of $5 is payable to the instructor. Register online. For more information, call 703-759-9018.
Where: Riverbend Park, 8700 Potomac Hills St., Great Falls
When: 9 a.m. Saturday
Info: $5; 703-759-9018; partakes.org
4. Stories Round the Campfire: The whole family will enjoy a campfire, songs, games and special animal guests.
Where: Meet at Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington
When: 7 to 8:15 p.m. Saturday
Info: $5; registration necessary: 703-228-4747; program No. 642951-L
5. Summer Bilingual Workshops for Children: Workshops geared for 6- to 11-year-olds who want to explore the world of theater and song, dancing, puppet making, playacting and characterization. Suitable for any child with a basic knowledge of Spanish.
Where: Casa de la Luna, 4020 Georgia Ave. NW
When: Monday to July 29, Aug. 1 to 5, Aug. 8 to 12, Aug. 15 to 19
Info: $150 per session; 202-882-6227; teatrodelaluna.org
Best Gatherings
1. Contra Dancing with a club twist: Contra dancing is American folk dance with roots in square dancing, but when you add free glow sticks, a disc jockey and laser display, you get Contra Sonic.Co-presented with the Folklore Society of Greater Washington, dancers of any experience level are welcome, so grab your friends, put on your twirly skirt and get yourself over to Artisphere.
Where: Ballroom, Artisphere, 1101 Wilson Blvd. NW
When: Dance class 7:30 p.m. Thursday, live music and dance 8 to 11 p.m.
Info: $8 and $6; 888-841-2787; artisphere.com
2. Green Genes Lecture Series: “Life in Extremes — Euphorbs & Cacti”: Cacti and euphorbs are best known for their ability to adapt to survive in arid environments, but that is just part of their magic. Cacti served as an important food source for American Indians in the Southwest. One euphorb was discovered by a congressman from South Carolina and has become a holiday favorite. Come learn how “green genes” are helping us understand the origins of the cacti that have big leaves and how to improve a crop that feeds 500 million people around the world each day.
Where: United States Botanic Garden, Conservatory Classroom, 100 Maryland Ave. SW
When: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday
Info: Free, preregistration required: usbg.gov; code: LH072311
3. “Life, Love, Sex, Death … and Other Works in Progress (a Multi-Chakra Extravaganza)”: Stevie Jay presents a humorous take on relationship, sex and life at the gym.
Where: Shop at Fort Fringe, 607 New York Ave. NW
When: Through Friday
Info: $17; 866-811-4111; capfringe.org
4. “Eat Your Math Homework: Recipes for Hungry Minds”: Author Ann McCallum and illustrator Leeza Hernandez get together to discuss their new children’s picture book. A book signing follows.
Where: One More Page Books, 2200 N. Westmoreland St., No. 101, Arlington
When: 2 p.m. Saturday
Info: 703-300-9746; onemorepagebooks.com
5. First Annual Summer Concert Series at MetroStage: The last in the series is Inspirational Jazz, with Lori Williams, Nova Tate, William Knowles and the Saltman Knowles Group. Williams is the lead vocalist of the Washington-based jazz ensemble Lori Williams and Friends. Tate has toured and performed in more than 150 major cities across the United States, as well as Canada, Saudi Arabia and Australia.
Where: MetroStage, 1201 N. Royal St., Alexandria
When: 8 p.m. July 25
Info: $30; 703-548-9044; metrostage.org
Best Outdoors
1. History on Foot: Walking Tours: Join the tour “Investigation: Detective McDevitt” led by a costumed actor playing a historical character from Civil War Washington. The tour leads visitors on a 1.5-mile interactive journey through the city, narrating its history during the era of President Lincoln.
Where: Tours begin at Ford’s Theatre, 511 10th St. NW
When: See website for dates and times
Info: $15; 800-551-7328; fords.org
2. National Arboretum: Come see what’s blooming in July: water lilies, hibiscus, crape-myrtle, daylilies, herbs, wildflowers, hydrangeas and more.
Where: National Arboretum, 3501 New York Ave. NW
When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Info: Free; 202-245-2726; usna.usda.gov
3. Hidden Pond: A short but beautiful hike around a small nature pond and along Pohick Creek. Nestled in the middle of Fairfax County, the park offers solitude and opportunity for exploration. Two miles around. Well maintained trail. Hikers, dogs, bikes.
Where: Springfield; see website
When: Any season
Info: Nature Center: 703-451-9588; localhikes.com
4. Sam O’: Caribbean music in the Lunchtime Concert Series at the Yards Park
Where: Yards Park, Third and Fourth streets SE and Water Street
When: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. Wednesday
Info: Free; capitolriverfront.org; dcyards.com
5. Evening Tour of the National Garden: Stroll through the National Garden to see trees and shrubs of the mid-Atlantic region. Enjoy stories surrounding them and learn which would grow well locally in your lawn and/or garden. Please note:This tour is held outdoors. Bring sunscreen, protective clothing and water. The tour is canceled if it rains or during times of extreme heat.
Where: National Garden Lawn Terrace, National Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW
When: 5 to 7 p.m. July 28
Info: Free; no registration required; usbg.gov
Best Theater
1. “Clybourne Park”: A white community in 1950s Chicago splinters over the black family about to move in. The play fast-forwards to today and the same house represents very different demographics. A hilarious and horrifying look at a pitched battle over territory and legacy.
Where: Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, 641 D St. NW
When: Through Aug. 14
Info: $30 to $65; 202-393-3939; woollymammoth.net
2. “Steel Magnolias”: Six women of various ages meet in a beauty salon in a small town in Louisiana. The play is a touching meditation on the bonds between friends and the special bonds among women.
Where: Keegan Theatre, Church Street Theatre, 1742 Church St. NW
When: Saturday through Aug. 21
Info: $35; 703-892-0202; keegantheatre.com
3. Open House: A day full of extraordinary professional performances, master classes, show tunes, rock ‘n’ roll, Signature Idol, a Broadway on the Plaza concert and much more will be at this annual theater celebration. A great event for adults or families.
Where: Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington
When: Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday
Info: Free; signature-theatre.org
4. “The Merchant of Venice”: Shakespeare’splay challenges audiences to look beyond misleading appearances to find the true measure of things. This intriguing story of power and revenge, justice and mercy, true love and duplicity features some of Shakespeare’s most complex and memorable characters.
Where: Shakespeare Theatre, 601 F St. NW
When: Through Sunday
Info: $20 to $98; 202-547-1122; shakespearetheatre.org
5. “Rock Bottom”: A rock musical based on the book by Michael Shilling, about the last day in the life of a rock band as it crashes and burns.
Where: D.C. Arts Center, 2438 18th St. NW
When: Through Aug. 7
Info: $25; landlesstheatrecompany.org
