Brain Food
1. Films at the Avalon: “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” is Woody Allen’s funny and open-minded celebration of love in all its configurations.
Where: Avalon Theatre; 5612 Connecticut Ave. NW
When: 1:15, 3:30, 5:45 and 8 p.m. Friday-Sunday
Info: $9.50, matinee $6.75, seniors and students $6.75; 202-966-6000; theavalon.org
2. Exhibition — Eero Saarinen: Shaping the Future: Eero Saarinen was one of the most prolific, fascinating and unorthodox masters of 20th century architecture. Famous for his simple, sweeping and arching shapes, Saarinen changed the face of domestic and industrial design in the U.S.
Where: National Building Museum; 401 F St. NW, Washington
When: Through Aug. 24
Info: free; 202-272-2448; nbm.org
3. Exhibition — Yellow Mountain: China’s Ever-changing Landscape: Yellow Mountain (Mount Huang or Huangshan) is arguably one of the most beautiful mountains in China. For centuries artists have endeavored to capture the ever-changing appearance of the area.
Where: Arthur M. Sackler Gallery; 1050 Independence Ave. SW, Washington
When: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday-Sunday
Info: free; asia.si.edu
— washington.org
Family
1. Jim Henson’s Fantastic World: The exhibition explores the creativity and “visual thinking” of artist, puppeteer, film director and producer Jim Henson. On view are some 100 original artworks, including drawings, cartoons and storyboards; television and movie props; photographs of Henson and his collaborators at work; original video productions, including excerpts from Henson’s early career and experimental films; and Muppets, including Kermit the Frog, Rowlf, Bert and Ernie.
Where: S. Dillon Ripley Center; 1100 Jefferson Drive SW, Washington
When: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through Oct. 5
Info: free; sites.si.edu/henson
2. Indian Summer Showcase: The Indian Summer Showcase is a free outdoor concert series outside the National Museum of the American Indian’s main entrance on the Welcome Plaza. Presented twice a month from June through August, the series presents native talent from throughout the Americas. On Friday, listen to Tonolec, who combine electronic and ethnic music from their native Chaco, Argentina.
Where: National Museum of the American Indian; Fourth Street and Independence Avenue SW
When: 5:30 p.m. Friday
Info: free; 202-633-1000; nmai.si.edu
3. Jazz in the Garden: Concerts take place in front of the Pavilion Cafe next to the grand reflecting pool and fountain. Picnickers are welcome to bring blankets.
Where: National Gallery of Art; 4th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington
When: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday
Info: free; 202-737-4215; nga.gov
4. A Camera, Two Kids and a Camel: Featuring more than 30 images from award-winning National Geographic photographer Annie Griffiths Belt, the exhibit showcases the highlights of Belt’s career, including assignments that took her into a roaring North Dakota blizzard; into the desert by camel with Bedouins; and into Israel, where she dressed as a boy to gain access to a male-only Jewish holiday called Lag b’Omer. Complementing the images are four personal stories drawn from Belt’s new book, “A Camera, Two Kids, and a Camel: My Journey in Photographs,” that give visitors a closer look into Belt’s life and travels with her two kids in tow.
Where: National Geographic Museum at Explorers Hall; 17th and M streets NW, Washington
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Info: free; 202-857-7588; nationalgeographic.com/museum
— washington.org
Galleries
1. “China’s Forgotten Fleet: Voyages of Zheng He”: Along with intricately crafted scale models of the vessels that comprised his fleet, including a 10-foot replica of one such treasure ship, the exhibit includes copies of the maps Zheng He made during his seven voyages over the course of more than three decades.
Details: Through Sept. 7; National Geographic; 1145 17th St. NW; free; 800-647-5463; www.nationalgeographic.com/museum
2. “Made in China: Dana Ellyn and Matt Sesow”: Painters Dana Ellyn and Matt Sesow went to China for three weeks to capture the ancient land’s modern contradictions on canvas.
Details: Through Sept. 20; Long View Gallery; 1302 Ninth St. NW; free; 202-232-4788; www.longviewgallery.com.
3. “TXT MSG”: This dual exhibit, comprised of John James Anderson’s “Four Letter Words” and Mark Cameron Boyd’s “Song for Europe,” explores the semiotic cargo of typography itself.
Details: Through Sept. 21; The Athenaeum, Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association; 201 Prince St., Alexandria; free; 703-548-0035; www.nvfaa.org.
4. “Perspectives: Y.Z. Kami”: Using collage and large-format portraiture, the Tehran-born artist Y.Z. Kami explores meditation’s power to reveal a hidden world within each of us.
Details: Through Oct. 13; Freer Gallery; 1050 Independence Ave. SW; free; 202-633-4880; www.asia.si.edu.
5. “Recent Additions”: The absence of a theme isn’t such a problem when the individual pieces are this strong. Featuring work by Ed Ruscha, Robert Rauschenberg and Alma Thomas.
Details: Through Aug. 29; Hemphill Fine Arts; 1515 14th St. NW; hemphillfinearts.com.
— Chris Klimek
Gardening
1. Washington Gardener Magazine’s Tomato Tasting: Sample the multitude of tomatoes at market and vote on your favorites. Stop by for tomato recipes, growing tips and much more.
Details: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday; FreshFarm Market; Ellsworth Drive between Fenton Street and Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring; free, registration is not required; 202-362-8889; www.freshfarmmarkets.org.
2. Native Plant Seminar/Sale: The seminar, in its 17th year, features three dynamic speakers as well as post-seminar workshops. Throughout the day the Native Plant Sale, featuring 13 native nurseries, is open to the general public.
Details: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday; Irvine Nature Center; 11201 Garrison Forest Road, Owings Mills; $70, $60 for members, workshops are $25, sale alone is free; 410-484-2413, ext. 25; www.explorenature.org.
3. Invasive Plant Identification and Removal: Join The Nature Conservancy for a volunteer workday removing invasive plants from the Potomac Gorge, in the national parks just upstream from Georgetown. Children over the age of 5 are welcome.
Details: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 23; Potomac Gorge Park; free; 202-225-1116; www.usbg.gov/education/events.
4. Rain Gardens — Learn How to Manage Storm Water Beautifully: Learn the five types of rain gardens that are easiest for homeowners to install. Get tips on how to design, plant and maintain your rain garden. After the talk, participants will have the chance to view the Chesapeake Conservation Landscaping Council’s demonstration “RainScape” garden on the USBG grounds to check out some beautiful landscape elements that also control storm water runoff.
Details: noon to 1 p.m. Friday; U.S Botanic Garden; National Mall, Washington; free, registration is not required; 202-225-8333; www.usbg.org.
5. Tropical Sensations Art Show: The Brookside Gardens Visitors Center exhibitions showcase affordable original works or giclee prints of original works on horticultural themes by area artists.
Details: Through Oct. 10; Brookside Gardens; 1800 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton; 301-962-1400; www.brooksidegardens.org.
— www.washingtongardener.com
Gatherings
1. Maryland Renaissance Festival: Performers from across North America entertain on the Festival’s many stages while the streets and woods are filled with characters to amuse and delight. See a fire-eater, watch authentic jousting in full armor, listen to music and choral groups and more.
Details: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday-Sunday; Maryland Renaissance Festival Village; 1801 Crownsville Road, Annapolis; $18 adults, $15 seniors, $8 children 7 to 15, children under 7 are free; multiple-day passes are available; 800-296-7304; www.rennfest.com.
2. Second Annual Family Fest: Activities include face painters, balloon artists, arts and crafts, a magic show by Wes Holly, fitness games by JW Tumbles, a Bob Brown puppet show, a cooking activity with the Young Chefs Academy and more. Details: noon to 4 p.m. Saturday; White Flint; 11201 Rockville Pike, Kensington; free; 301-231-7467; www.shopwhiteflint.com.
— www.washington.org
Movie
“Trumbo”
It’s a clever approach to a complicated man. Dalton Trumbo’s words — thunderous, eloquent, ribald and sometimes even tender — provide the spine and substance of the documentary “Trumbo,” about the blacklisted screenwriter. Based on the play by Trumbo’s son, Christopher. (Stars: Documentary featuring appearances by Michael Douglas, Nathan Lane, Brian Dennehy, Paul Giamatti and Joan Allen. Director: Peter Askin Rated: PG-13 for a sex-related commentary Running Time: 96 min.) — AP
Music
1. Rod Stewart: A recipient of Britain’s prized CBE, a Grammy Award for “Stardust … The Great American Songbook Volume III” and the Diamond Award for more then 100 million records sold worldwide, the rocker-turned-romanticist croons songs from his 50 recent ventures into the standards from the ’30s and ’40s and some nostalgic favorites from his 50 years as one of the U.K.’s most prolific singer/songwriter/pop stars.
Where: Nissan Pavilion
When: 8 p.m. Sunday
Info: $147 to $665 in-house, $63 to $108 lawn; 800-279-4444; tickco.com
2. “Les Miserables”: The 1987 Tony Award-winning musical tells the plight of common folk living through the French Revolution, with dramatic effects and such spine-tingling songs as “Bring Him Home” and “On My Own.”
Where: Wolf Trap Filene Center
When: Through Sept. 7
Info: $25 to $80; 877-965-3872; wolftrap.org
3. The Irish Tenors: Irish classics and contemporary songs by the three sons of the Auld Sod, Anthony Kearns, Karl Scully and Finbar Wright.
Where: Wolf Trap Filene Center
When: 8 p.m. Sunday
Info: $22 to $52; 877-965-3872; wolftrap.org
4. “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”: The album in its entirety plus all the hits of Taylor Hicks, Todd Rundgren, Denny Laine and more.
Where: Wolf Trap Filene Center
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Info: $40 in-house, $25 lawn; 877-965-3872; wolftrap.org
5. En Vogue: The sizzling Grammy-nominated quartet and winners of more MTV Video Music Awards than any female group is back together and singing up an R&B storm.
Where: The Birchmere
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Info: $45; 703-549-7500; birchmere.com
— Emily Cary
Outdoors
Kid’s Bike Hike: Join a park ranger and explore Rock Creek Valley up to Rapid’s Bridge and back. Participants should bring their own bikes and water, and helmets are required. Designed for children ages 6 to 18.
Details: 10 a.m. Saturday; meet at 2401 Tilden St. NW (Tilden Street and Beach Drive); 202-895-6070; www.nps.gov/rocr
Ranger-Led Horseback Tour: The one-hour tour leaves from the Rock Creek Park Horse Center and travels south along Rock Creek. Designed for children ages 12 to 18.
Details: 9:30 a.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. Sunday; Rock Creek Park; 5200 Glover Road, Washington; $35, reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance and are taken on a first come-first served basis; 202-362-0117; www.nps.gov/rocr
PGRC Estimated Time Fun Run/Walk 5K: This race is open to males and females and will immediately follow the 8 a.m. women’s race. Winners are the three nearest their estimated times, not the fastest. All participants will receive a T-shirt.
Details: 9 a.m. Saturday; College Park; www.pgrc.org.
Walking Tour: Join a National Park Service Ranger for a two-hour walking tour of the history and culture of the Spanish and Latin American statues on Virginia Avenue. This will be a strenuous walk and comfortable shoes are recommended. There are no public restrooms along the route.
Details: 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday; meet at the entrance to the Foggy Bottom Metro Station, 23rd and I streets NW; www.nps.gov.
— www.washington.org
Theatre
1. ‘Maria/Stuart’: In his family in suburban New Jersey, Stuart tries to contain his mother’s and aunts’ anxieties as three generations of his family prepare a birthday celebration for their oldest member. But secrets of the dysfunctional family cannot be contained when they are faced with a shapeshifter that slurps soda and gabbles in German.
Where: Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company; 641 D St. NW, Washington
When: Through Sept. 14, no performance Aug. 22
Info: $26 to $60; 202-393-3939; woollymammoth.net
2. ‘Rooms: A Rock Romance’: Natascia Diaz and Doug Kreeger star in this folk/rock/pop/punk musical about an ambitious young singer and a hard-drinking rocker chasing their dreams of stardom from Glasgow to New York in the late 1970s.
Where: MetroStage; 1201 N. Royal St., Alexandria
When: Through Sept. 7
Info: metrostage.org
3. ‘Theories of the Sun’: This imaginative play takes place in late 1963 in a small hotel in France, where the guests include Tennessee Williams, Tom Stoppard and a mysterious young woman has traveled there to meet a medical specialist.
Where: Longacre Lea Productions; Catholic University, 3801 Harewood Road NE, Washington
When: Through Sept. 7
Info: longacrelea.org
4. ‘Rabbit Hole’: David Lindsay-Abaire’s 2007 Pulitzer Prize-winning drama unsentimentally and sensitively depicts the way an upscale family deals with grief months after an accident completely upsets its world.
Where: The Olney Theatre; 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney
When: Through Sept. 7
Info: www.olneytheatre.org
5. ‘Jerry Springer: The Opera’: Jerry Springer’s trash-talk television show is the locus of this controversial opera, until the scene shifts to Hell and the characters include Satan, Jesus and God.
Where: The Studio Theatre; 1501 14th St. NW, Washington
When: Through Aug. 31
Info: www.studiotheatre.org
— Barbara Mackay
