Marcatus by Art Whino at Yards Park, Sunday While there’s a lot to like about Art Whino, the local art gallery does have some limitations. One is space — there just isn’t enough of it for all the local artists looking to display their work there. The other is the National Harbor location necessitates and bit of travel.
Thank goodness for this weekend’s Marcatus.
Marcatus, which means “market” in Latin, is a large art festival put on by Art Whino and held at Yards Park in the District this Sunday.
“For me, this is more of a community,” said Marcatus organizer Shane Pomajambo. “Unfortunately, we get a lot of submissions [for the gallery], but we can’t work with them.”
Marcatus features dozens of artists, fashion tents, food vendors, arts and crafts vendors, and much more. Music is also plays a big role, with a number of live acts. And, it’s all free, which always a good thing.
Pomajambo said that the participants in Marcatus come from the D.C. area. The larger space offers those who might not have the opportunity to display at Art Whino a chance to be seen.
“It’s more to showcase local talent,” Pomajambo said.
Marcatus takes place the first Sunday of each month this summer, but because of Independence Day, July’s event was moved to this Sunday.
“It’s evolving,” Pomajambo said. “Every month it’s a little bit different.”
When: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday
Info: Free; artwhino.com/marcatus
Play! A Video Game Symphony at Wolf Trap, Friday
Remember playing video games for hours on end as a child and getting the theme from “Super Mario Bros.” and “The Legend of Zelda” permanently stuck in your head? Awaken those memories of carefree days at Wolf Trap’s Video Game Symphony, conducted by Andy Brick. Live video game music includes tunes from the aforementioned “Super Mario” and “Zelda,” as well as “Castlevania,” “World of Warcraft” and more.
When: 8:30 p.m. Friday
Info: $20 to $52; wolftrap.org
Artivist Film Festival at Artisphere, Saturday
Social justice topics are the theme at Artivist, a showcase of documentaries. Films are grouped into four different blocks, so pick and choose what you’re interested in checking out.
When: Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday
Info: $10 a block, $20 for an all-day pass; artisphere.com, artivist.com/festival
Animal Collective at Merriweather, Saturday
This is kind of a homecoming for Animal Collective. Now based in New York, the spacey jam band is originally from Baltimore. Heck, the group named its 2009 album “Merriweather Post Pavilion” after the venue they’ll take over this weekend. With Black Dice and Deradoorian, both out of Brooklyn.
When: 6:30 p.m. doors, Saturday.
Info: $30 to $45; merriweathermusic.com
Def Leppard at Jiffy Lube Live, Saturday
There’s no doubt that Def Leppard knows how to throw a party. Expect all the big-hair, sing-along-worthy hits such as “Pour Some Sugar On Me” and “Photograph.” What makes this show even better? Heart (“Barracuda,” “Crazy On You”) opens.
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Info: $20 to $50; livenation.com
