Brain Food
1. ‘Breaking News: Renaissance Journalism and the Birth of the Newspaper’: A glimpse into the form and content of the earliest newspapers in Renaissance England.
Where: The Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 E. Capitol St.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Nov. 31
Info: Free; 202-544-7077; www.folger.edu
2. European Union Film Showcase: 22 films from 27 countries, Festival award-winning film from Cannes, Berlin and Venice.
Where: AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center, Silver Spring
When: 7 p.m. through Nov. 25
Info: $10 to $15; 301-495-6700; www.afi.com/silver
3. “A Life of My Own: Meeting Eleanor Roosevelt”: Linda Kenyon stars in this one-woman show, which is based on the life of the famous and influential first lady.
Where: National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
When: 6 and 7:30 p.m. Nov. 10
Info: Free; tickets given out 30 minutes before performance; 202-783-3372; www.nationaltheatre.org
4. “CHAWbaret 4: Cabaret Connections”: an evening of pop songs, standards, and show tunes about family, friends, and the ties that bind us. Advance tickets for “Chawbaret” are strongly recommended. Refreshments available before the show.
Where: Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, 7th and G St. SE (2 blocks south of Eastern Market)
When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Info: $15 in advance; $20 at door; 202-547-6839; www.chaw.org
5. “Benedictus”: An Iran-Israel-Us Collaboration”: The final reading in the series examining ethical behavior in time of war, a joint project with Theater J and Journeymen Theater. Two estranged childhood friends, one Jewish and one Muslim, agree to meet to find an alternative to war.
Where: Church Street Theater, 1742 Church St. NW
When: 7:30 p.m. Nov.10
Info: Free; 202-669-7229; www.journeymentheater.org
Family
1. The Building Zone: Build a tower or brick wall, curl up with an architecture picture book, drive bulldozers and other construction play trucks in the Construction Zone and imagine being a craftsperson complete with a hard hat, tool belt and goggles. Intended for children 2-6.
Where: National Building Museum
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
Info: Free; 202-272-2448; www.nbm.org
2. Kids’ EuroFest: Catch the final performances of these shows from around the world.
Where: Austrian Cultural Forum, 3524 International Court NW; Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage, 2700 F St. NW
When: Through Wednesday
Info: Free; 202-944-6006; www.kidseurofestival.org
3. “Space: A Journey to Our Future”: Hear how living on the moon may not be so far off. This exhibit speculates on the future of space science and highlights current projects in space exploration — satellites, space telescopes, living in space — and provides a glimpse to future human space travel.
Where: National Air and Space Museum, 4th Street and Independence Avenue SW
When: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Info: Free; 202-633-1000; www.nasm.si.edu
4. Parade of Trabants: In celebration of the 19th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, a caravan of the vintage communist-bloc cars thousands of East Germans used to reunite with their families will be parked in front of the museum. Experts on the cars and history will be on hand. Win a ride in a Trabant.
Where: International Spy Museum, 800 F St. NW
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday
Info: Free; 866-779-6873; www.spymuseum.org
5. “Playing from the Heart”: Inspired by the life of internationally acclaimed percussionist Evelyn Glennie, this play follows her life from age 8 on, as she excels in school orchestra despite her deafness, through her acceptance by the Royal Academy of Music. Appropriate for ages 6 and up.
Where: Reeve Theatre, Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda, Md.
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday; 4 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Nov. 26; 4 p.m. Sunday through Nov. 30.
Info: $18.50; 301-280-1660; www.imaginationstage.com
Galleries
1. ‘Pompeii and the Roman Villa: Art and Culture Around the Bay of Naples’: Prior to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79, Naples, Pompeii and Herculaneum were centers of cultural sophistication. These 150-ish paintings, sculptures and mosaics from private collections in homes from those communities illustrate the artistic advancement of that time and place. Most of these have never been shown in the U.S.
Where: National Gallery of Art, 4th Street and Constitution Avenue NW
When: Through March 22, 2009
Info: Free; 202-737-4215; nga.gov
2. ‘DARFUR/DARFUR’: Nine world-renowned photojournalists present their heartbreaking images of Darfur — the humanitarian crisis, but the culture of everyday life, too. Features work by Helene Caux, Ryan Spencer Reed, Lynsey Addario and others.
Where: Civilian Art Projects, 406 7th St. NW
When: Through Dec. 6
Info: Free; 202-347-0022; civilianartprojects.com
3. ‘Bound to Print: Artists Books and Portfolios’: Hand-bound books and portfolios of members’ prints emphasize the beauty and permanence of the book as a physical object. From Ellen Verdon Winkler’s “bug books” to the accordion-folded folios of Rosemary Cooley and Terry Svat, this show celebrates the book in its endless mutability.
Where: Through Nov. 30
When: Washington Printmakers Gallery, 1732 Connecticut Ave. NW
Info: Free; 202-332-7757; washingtonprintmakers.com
4. ‘Machine, Man, Monster’: The Milwaukee-based pop surrealist painter and illustrator Jimbot unveils his latest creatures and creations.
Where: Art Whino, 173 Waterfront St., National Harbor
When: Through Nov. 16
Info: Free; artwhino.com
5. ‘David Febland: Transported’: This hypnotic collection of new oils by the London-born, New York City-based painter is well worth a visit before it closes.
Where: Fraser Gallery, 77000 Wisconsin Ave., Suite E, Bethesda
When: Through Saturday
Info: Free; 301-718-9651; thefrasergallery.com
Gatherings
1. Marker-Miller Orchards Bakery Festival: Enjoy fresh local produce and pick your own apples. Order your Thanksgiving and Christmas baked goods. Picnic areas, playground and wagon rides for the kids.
Where: Marker-Miller Orchard Farm Market, 3035 Cedar Creek Grade, Winchester, Va.
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday
Info: Free; 540-662-1980; www.markermillerorchards.com
2. Green Festival: More than 125 speakers and 350 green businesses will offer environmentally friendly ideas and services.
Where: Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place, Washington
When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday
Info: $15; 800-368-9000; www.dcconvention.com
3. Washington Craft Show: This annual show features a wide variety of contemporary metal, leather, ceramic and glass crafts by 190 accomplished artists.
Where: Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place, Washington
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
Info: $15; 800-368-9000; www.dcconvention.com
4. Tea Tasting: Enjoy the taste of history by sampling beverages offered during the Federal Period. Meet with experts who will share history, tasting advice, and comparisons to the present-day.
Where: Dumbarton House, 2715 Q St. NW
When: 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday
Info: $15 advanced registration and payment required; 202-337-2288; www.dumbartonhouse.org
5. Paella Cooking Class: Watch a Paella cooking demonstration and enjoy the final product with a glass of sangria, which you will also learn to make.
Where: La Tasca Restaurant, 2900 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
When: noon Saturday
Info: $20; 703-812-9120; www.latascausa.com
Movie
‘Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa’
Critic’s grade: One and a half stars out of four
Rating: PG Running time: 89 minutes
A giraffe in love with a hippo, a zebra with an identity crisis, a lion desperate to win his newfound daddy’s respect — the makers of “Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa” could have plunked their heroes down in a therapist’s office for an animals-with-issues session.
Instead, they maroon them on the African mainland for what amounts to more of the same: a shrill retread of the 2005 animated hit “Madagascar.” – AP
Music
1. Arlo Guthrie: Legendary folk singer, with his son Abe, celebrates release of “Lost World,” his first new album in 12 years.
Where: Music Center at Strathmore
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Info: $25 to $55; 301-581-5100; www.strathmore.org
2. Tetzlaff Quartet: Virtuoso violinist Christian Tetzlaff and his quartet perform works by Mozart, Berg and Sibelius.
Where: Library of Congress Coolidge Auditorium
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Info: www.ticketmaster.com
3. Marsalis Brasilianos: Grammy award-winning saxophonist Branford Marsalis solos with members of the Philarmonia Brasileira and renowned conductor Gil Jardim.
Where: Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center, Montgomery College
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Info: $48 regular, $46 seniors and students; 240-567-5301; www.montgomerycollege.edu/PAC
4. Jeremy Denk: The Discovery Series presents the pianist performing “Concord Mass., 1840-1860” by Charles Ives and Beethoven’s Sonata No. 29 (“Hammerklavier”).
Where: The Barns at Wolf Trap
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Info: $35; 877-965-3872; www.wolftrap.org
5. Melissa Manchester: Enduring singer/songwriter performs songs from her newest album and past hits.
Where: The Barns at Wolf Trap
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Info: $35; 877-965-3872; www.wolftrap.org
Also worth noting:
6. Antares: Distinctive Clarinet Quartet performs Paul Moravec’s Pulitzer Prize winning “Tempest Fantasy” for clarinet, violin, cello, piano; Robert Schuman’s Fantasy Pieces for Clarinet and Piano and his Fantasy Pieces for Piano Trio.
Where: Dumbarton Concerts
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Info: $30 regular, $26 seniors and students; 202-965-2000; www.dumbartonconcerts.org
7. Chad & Jeremy: British duo perform their folk-rock hits and more.
Where: The Barns at Wolf Trap
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Info: $25; 877-965-3872; www.wolftrap.org
Outdoors
1. Downtown Heritage Trail: Civil War to Civil Rights – Follow the 21 illustrated signs on this self-guided trail to walk in the footsteps of Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, Martin Luther King Jr. and other great Americans whose lives were intertwined with the history of the nation’s capital city.
Where: Three separate loops; see website for details
When: Every day
Info: Free; 202-661-7581;www.culturaltourismdc.org
2. Birding trip to Blackwater: An excursion to 27,000 acre refuge of tidal marsh and woodlands, home to bald eagles, migrating waterfowl and the endangered Delmarva fox. Dress for the weather.
Where: Meet at Lubber Run Recreation Center parking lot, Arlington.
When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 8
Info: $25 registration required; 703-228-4747; www.arlingtonva.us
3. Great Race Scavenger Hunt of Washington, D.C.: This final race of 2008 will be a tri-state event with stops in and around Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia. Have fun, get exercise and win prizes as you look for items in far-flung places and landmarks. Must use public transportation.
Where: Meet at top of escalator of Dupont Circle Metro (South Exit)
When: 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Nov. 8
Info: $27; www.thingstododc.com (Sports and Outdoors)
4. Bike the Sites: interactive guided tours are a good way to see our nation’s capital, whether you’re a first-time visitor to Washington or a local. The tours combine history, interesting facts, and a love for the city with a safe, enjoyable bike ride. Bike the Sites offers a variety of bikes including: tandems, jog strollers, wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and wheelchair rentals.
Where: Behind Old Post Office Pavilion, 1100 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
When: Through November
Info: $15-$80/bike; 202-8422453; www.bikethesites.com
5. Fall Chores at Claude Moore Colonial Farm, Turkey Run: Help the farm family clear brush from the fields, stack wood for the winter, repair fencing in preparation for the coming winter. All hands welcome! Work gloves and old clothes recommended.
Where: Claude Moore Colonial Farm, 6310 Georgetown Pike, McLean, Va.
When: 1-4 p.m. Nov. 8
Info: Free; 703-442-7557 or 703-903-9330; www.1771.org
Theatre
1. ‘Boom’: A graduate student’s personal ad attracts the attention of a randy journalism co-ed and lures her to his lab, where he studies the sleep cycles of fish. Playwright Peter Nachtrieb marries his background as a biologist with the continued debate over evolution to come up with a comedy that searches for truth in the face of great obstacles and celebrates the resilience of life itself.
Where: Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, 641 D St.
When: Through Nov. 30
Info: $25 to $60; 202-303-3939; www.woollymammoth.net
2. Beckett Duo — ‘Impromptu’ and ‘Krapp’s Last Tape’: A double bill of Samuel Beckett plays presents memory lost, found and altered, mingling slapstick and profundity.
Where: Spooky Action Theatre, Black Box Theater, Montgomery College, Takoma Park
When: Through Nov. 23
Info: www.spookyaction.org
3. ‘All’s Well That Ends Well’: Joe Banno directs one of Shakespeare’s most beloved “problem plays” in which Bertram (eternally the bad boy) gets fooled by the clever Helena.
Where: Washington Shakespeare Company, 601 S. Clark St., Arlington
When: Through Dec. 7
Info: www.washingtonshakespeare.com
4. ‘The Comedy of Errors’: The acclaimed Aquila Theatre Company returns to George Mason University’s Center for the Arts with a production of Shakespeare’s classic farce, in which two pairs of identical twins separated during a shipwreck are ultimately united.
Where: Center for the Arts, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Info: www.gmu.edu/cfa
5. ‘The Way of the World’: William Congreve’s famous comedy of manners and courtship, where fops, fools, wit and gossip fill Restoration drawing rooms.
Where: The Shakespeare Theatre, Lansburgh Theater, 450 7th St. NW
When: Through Nov. 16
Info: www.shakespearetheatre.org
— Compiled by Emily Cary, Chris Klimek and Barbara Mackay
