Best Music
1. NSO at Wolf Trap: Hamlisch Goes Gershwin: Marvin Hamlisch conducts an evening of music by George Gershwin with vocalist Melissa Errico and pianist Kevin Cole.
Where: Wolf Trap Filene Center, 1645 Trap Road, Vienna
When: 8:15 p.m. Friday
Info: $35 to $52 in-house, $20 lawn; 877-WOLFTRAP (965-3872); wolftrap.org
2. NSO at Wolf Trap: “The Wizard of Oz”: Emil de Cou conducts the orchestra playing the original “Wizard of Oz” score in synch with the film appearing on giant screens.
Where: Wolf Trap Filene Center, 1645 Trap Road, Vienna
When: 8:30 p.m. Saturday
Info: $35 to $52 in-house, $20 lawn; 877-WOLFTRAP (965-3872); wolftrap.org
3. Simone Dinnerstein: The chart-topping pianist performs an all-Bach program to launch George Washington University’s Summer Arts Initiative.
Where: The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st St. NW
When: 4 p.m. Sunday
Info: $20, members $8; 202-387-2151; phillipscollection.org
4. Wolf Trap Opera Company: From Bel Canto to Can Belto: Steven Blier conducts this recital featuring songs by Italians and Italian-Americans.
Where: The Barns of Wolf Trap, 1645 Trap Road, Vienna
When: 3 p.m. Sunday
Info: $32 to $48; 877-WOLFTRAP (965-3872); wolftrap.org
5. 6th Annual Mike Seeger Commemorative Old Time Banjo Festival: An evening of picking and playing with Bill Evans, Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer, Adam Hurt, Evie Ladin and the Old 78’s.
Where: The Birchmere Music Hall, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Info: $29.50; 703-549-7500; birchmere.com
Best Galleries
1. Antony Gormley: Drawing Space: British artist Gormley is best known for his public installations, but his works on paper are a significant part of his oeuvre, too. This first U.S. show of his prints and drawings features 80 works made over a four-decade span, often using materials such as blood, bleach and dirt to investigate the human body’s relationship to the spaces surrounding it.
Where: The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st St. NW
When: Through Sept. 9
Info: $12, seniors 62-plus and students with valid ID $10, visitors under 18 and members free; 202-387-2151; phillipscollection.org
2. The Sixth Annual East of the River Exhibition: The celebration of work by artists with connections to the communities in Wards 7 and 8 boats a strong showing by first-time participants. Jonathan Edwards’ satirical drawings, Danielle Scruggs’ ink portraits of adolescents who died too young, Melani Douglass’s installation examining how love can bloom among strangers — the show amuses, moves and surprises in equal, stirring measure.
Where: Honfleur Gallery, 1241 Good Hope Road SE
Where: Friday through Sept. 8
Info: Free; 202-365-8392; honfleurgallery.com
3. Inside Outside: Originally proposed for the concurrent East of the River Festival, photographer and multimedia artist Gabriela Bulisova’s sprawling project documenting once-incarcerated men and women’s re-entry into society earned its own solo showcase.
Where: The Gallery at Vivid Solutions, 2208 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE
When: Friday through Sept. 28
Admission: Free; 202-365-8392 ; vividsolutionsdc.com/gallery
4. Kevin Roche: Architecture as Environment: One of the most celebrated architects in the industry gets a detailed exploration of his solutions for various design challenges encountered over the last half-century. Drawings, models, slides and interviews illuminate the way Roche implemented systems theory into his designs for buildings and public spaces throughout the United States.
Where: National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW
When: Through Dec. 2
Info: $8, seniors 65-plus, visitors ages 3 to 17, students with valid ID $5; children age 2 and under and members free; 202-272-2448; nbm.org
5. Reinventing the Wheel: Japanese Ceramics 1930-2000: Functional and sculptural forms exhibiting the traditional craftsmanship as well as the daring artistic exploration of contemporary Japanese ceramics artists.
Where: Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, 1050 Independence Ave SW
When: Continues indefinitely
Info: Free; 202-633-4880; asia.si.edu
Best Gatherings
1. DC Hip-Hop Theater Festival: Dance company Teo Castellanos D-Projects debuts “Fat Boy,” a breakdance/dubstep dance-theater mash-up written and directed by Castellanos.
Where: Dance Place, 3225 Eighth St. NE
When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Info: $20; 202-269-1600; danceplace.org
2. 11th Hour Poetry Slam: This slam provides an opportunity for poetry lovers to enjoy the competitive art of late-night performance poetry! Enjoy two rounds of high-intensity poetry, with the audience choosing a winner. Come join an alternative way to spend your Friday night. Tickets on sale at 10 a.m.
Where: Busboys and Poets, Langston Room, 2021 14th St. NW
When: 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday
Info: $5; 202-387-POET (7638); busboysandpoets.com
3. “Dreams in the Arms of the Binding Lady”: A puppetry performance by Izumi Ashizawa Performance, this surreal show mines the dreams of an entangled man. Part of the Capital Fringe Festival.
Where: Studio Theatre, 1501 14th St. NW
When: 9 p.m. Friday, 1 p.m. Saturday, noon and 6:30 p.m. Sunday
Info: $17 plus Fringe button; 202-332-3300; capfringe.org
4. Caffeine: Friend and Foe Lecture: Caffeine has been called the most popular drugin the world. Why do plants have caffeine? Howhave people used these plants throughout theages? Come learn the answers to these and otherquestions about plants that hail from Africa, theAmericas and Asia. You will hear the latestresearch on caffeine’s beneficial and harmfuleffects on people, plants and insects.
Where: Conservatory Classroom, United States Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW
When: Noon to 1 p.m. Friday
Info: Free; preregistration required; program No. LH071312; 202-225-8333; usbg.gov
5. Twenty-two Years Celebrating the Arts: A retrospective exhibition of works by Argentinean artist Rosana Azar.
Where: Embassy of Argentina, 1600 New Hampshire Ave. NW
When: Through Monday
Info: Free; 202-238-6400; embassyofargentina.us
Best Brainfood
1. “Confessions of a Microfinance Heretic How Microlending Lost Its Way and Betrayed the Poor”: Hugh Sinclair’s credentials include eight years of experience with microfinance organizations, along with extensive travel throughout Africa. But the more he learned about the nongovernmental organizations, banks and investment funds, the more disillusioned he became. In this memoir/expose, Sinclair recounts his experiences — both good and bad — in detail.
Where: Politics and Prose Bookstore, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Info: Free; 202-364-1919; politics-prose.com
2. “Language from the Land”: Dance Exchange presents a multigenerational dance work that explores “what happens when story, history and place intersect.” Part of the Capital Fringe Festival.
Where: GALA Hispanic Theatre, 3333 14th St. NW
When: 9:15 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday
Info: $17 plus Fringe button; 866-811-4111; capfringe.org
3. “Love, Sex and the IRS”: Comedy about a couple of musicians who are discovered by the IRS for filing taxes as a married couple.
Where: Bowie Playhouse, 16500 White Marsh Park Drive, Bowie
When: Friday through July 28
Info: $17, students and seniors $12; 301-805-0219; bctheatre.com
4. “Life of Galileo”: Join the Shakespeare Theatre Company and the National Academy of Sciences for a free staged reading. Bertold Brecht’s play, first performed in 1943, explores the life of the visionary scientist Galileo as he is made to question his moral integrity and ethical responsibilities in the face of the Inquisition. Visitors need to show a photo ID to enter the National Academy of Sciences.
Where: National Academy of Sciences, 2101 Constitution Ave. NW
When: 7:30 p.m. Monday
Info: Free; 202-547-1122; shakespearetheatre.org
5. Theater Look-In: Join company members of “The Addams Family” for an insider’s look, complete with a lively discussion and the opportunity to ask questions of the artists.
Where: Terrace Gallery, Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW
When: 5 p.m. Tuesday
Info: $12; 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org
Best Family
1. Exploring Our WILD Neighbors: Wildlife ambassadors teach kids about creatures that call backyards their home.
Where: Discovery Theater, Ripley Center, 1100 Jefferson Dr. SW
When: 10:15 and 11:30 a.m. Thursday and Friday
Info: Adults $8, children $6, children under 2 $3; 202-633-8700; discoverytheater.org
2. Nritya: Rhythms of India: The legends and folk tales of India are explored through classical dance featuring rich imagery, stunning costumes and intricate choreography.
Where: National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
When: 9:30 and 11 a.m. Saturday
Info: Free; 202-628-6161; nationaltheatre.org
3. Sculpture Making: Family Session: An arts adventure for the whole family! This series will combine environmental science and various innovative sculptural techniques to create art from found materials. Participants will be introduced to the sculptures on exhibition at Artisphere, explore the role of sculptures in public spaces and will get introduced materials such as foam, cardboard, cement and wood through a hands-on process.
Where: Education Lab, Artisphere, 1101 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
When: 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday
Info: 13 and up $20, 12 and under $10; 703-875-1100; artisphere.com
4. ID that Tree!: Summer solstice just passed us, and the leaves are creating great shade. Learn to identify the trees of Arlington parks by their bark, leaf and shape. Dress for the weather; we will be outside the whole time. For children 14 and older.
Where: Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington
When: 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday
Info: $5; registration required: 703-228-4747; program No. 642942-C
5. The 4th Annual Firefly Festival: Celebrate summer’s natural nightlights at Fort C.F. Smith. There will be lots ways to have fun and learn all about the critters that light up the night. Events include: bug hunts, games, crafts, walks and talks about fireflies. Bring your picnic blanket and dinner to enjoy as you wait for the sun to go down and the lights to come out. Cancelled if raining. For all ages.
Where: Meet at Fort C. F. Smith Park, 2411 N. 24th St., Arlington
When: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Sunday
Info: $5 per person, $20 max per family; 703-228-6535
Best Outdoors
1. Sailing 101: One of the most relaxing and exciting activities takes place on a simple sailboat, relaxing on the cool waters of the Potomac with the monuments towering over you in the back ground. You’ll begin with basic instructions. Then, you’ll take to the boats (four visitors and one captain/instructor per boat) for a two-and-a-half-hour sail. All members will sail a 19-foot Flying Scot sailboat. An optional reception with a cash bar follows.
Where: Meet at Gazebo next to entrance of Gangplank Marina, 600 Water St. SW
When: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday
Info: $65; thingstododc.com
2. Hang Gliding 101: Take to the air and fly like an eagle! Visit the Eastern Shore for a life-changing experience. At 10 a.m., the first group climbs into the gliders to learn how to soar from our expert instructors. Following the safety lessons, you take to the air. After being towed to 2,500 feet, you are released (with an instructor). Then, gravity takes over. Soar over the beautiful scenery of the Eastern Shore and enjoy amazing views as you glide slowly back to Earth. Please expect to spend approximately two hours at the air park.
Where: 24038 Racetrack Road, Ridgely, Md. (see website)
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Info: $164; thingstododc.com
3. An Early Morning Bike Tour of Downtown Washington: We have all biked past the monuments, memorials and federal buildings in this town, but how many of us actually know the history of what we just passed? The tour begins on the east front of the U.S. Capitol and will explore sites known and unknown. You’ll wind up at the opposite end of the Mall at the Lincoln Memorial.
Where: Meet outside the Capitol South Metro station
When: 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Sunday
Info: $20; thingstododc.com
4. Remove Invasives!: Not all plants are good for the environment. Kids and adults will learn what these troublesome beasts look like and can help rescue the park from these alien invaders! No registration required. For ages 9 and up.
Where: Meet at Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington
When: 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday
Info: Free; 703-228-6535
5. Huntley Meadows Park: Nestled in Fairfax County’s Hybla Valley, Huntley Meadows Park is a rich, natural island in the suburban sea of Northern Virginia. Its 1,424 acres harbor majestic forests, wildflower-speckled meadows and vast wetlands bursting with life. Some of the best wildlife watching in the Washington area is enjoyed here, on a 1.6-mile round trip on a well-maintained trail.
Where: Alexandria
When: Any season
Info: Free; 703-768-2525; localhikes.com
Best Theater
1. The Seventh Annual Capital Fringe Festival: Hundreds of performing arts productions hit 12 venues throughout the city. Among other attractions, enjoy free music and a sidewalk cafe.
Where: Various venues (see website)
When: Thursday through July 29
Info: Performances $17; festival button $7 (see website); 866-811-4111; capfringe.org
2. “Mein Kampf”: Scena Theatre produces George Tabori’s dark look at a young, down-and-out painter named Adolf Hitler before he got interested in politics.
Where: H Street Playhouse, 1365 H St. NE
When: Saturday through Aug. 19
Info: $17 through July 19, $25 to $35 through Aug. 19; 703-683-2824; scenatheater.org
3. “Big Love”: Charles Mee’s modern version of Aeschylus’ Danaids play in which 50 brides flee their 50 grooms and seek refuge in a villa on the coast of Italy.
Where: The Hub Theatre, John Swayze Theatre, 9431 Silver King Court, Fairfax
When: Friday through Aug. 5
Info: $25, seniors 65-plus and students $15; 800-494-8497; thehubtheatre.org
4. Sizzlin’ Summer Cabarets: A fabulous lineup of performers, including Will Gartshore, Natascia Diaz and Carrie Manolakos, sing throughout July at Signature Theatre.
Where: Signature Theater, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington
When: Through July 28
Info: $25; 703-573-SEAT (7328); signature-theater.org
5. “Beertown”: An audience-participation work, “Beertown”takes place during a town’s 20th quinquennial time capsule celebration.The fictional community meets every five years to celebrate its history and debate whether to change the contents of the time capsule (described as a metal ammunition box, but bearing an appropriate resemblance to a beer keg).Only 13 items are allowed, so a decision to approve a new item must be balanced by the painful process of selecting an item for removal.
Where: Woolly Mammoth Theatre Rehearsal Hall, 641 D St.
When: Thursday through July 22
Info: $17; 202-393-3939; woollymammoth.net
