Artomatic in Crystal City, through June 23
Our long wait is over. Artomatic is back.
Artomatic, the massive open-entry art extravaganza, has returned after a three-year break. Artomatic opened last week in Crystal City and runs through June 23.
“It’s the ability to see a huge amount of art in one place,” said Crystal City Business Improvement District President Angela Fox, as to the appeal of Artomatic.
Artomatic will take place in an empty building at Bell and Crystal Drive. This is not the first time the organizers have staged the event in the Arlington neighborhood.
“It was our first really big project,” Fox said of Crystal City hosting Artomatic in 2007. She said having such an event was transformative for the neighborhood. “People had a perception of Crystal City. The message was ‘Wow, something is going on there.’ ”
In 2008, Artomatic set up shop in the NoMa neighborhood, and then down near Nationals Park in 2009. Then the event went on hiatus.
“It’s not easy to keep going,” Fox said. “We’re thrilled they came back to us.”
Artomatic is a come one, come all, free, five-week happening that includes, but is not limited to, installations, live music, film, wine and beer tastings and workshops.
“It’s your chance to dabble in something different,” Fox said. “It’s lively. It’s energetic.”
When: Wednesday through Sunday, through June 23
Info: Free; artomatic.org
Eighties Mayhem at the Black Cat, Friday
Nothing like an ’80s dance party to kick off Memorial Day weekend the right way. Enjoy all the hits and dance the night away in the able hands of DJs Steve EP, Missguided, Killa K and Krasty McNasty.
When: Doors at 9 p.m., Friday
Info: $10; blackcatdc.com
Drake at Verizon Center, Friday
Popular Canadian performer continues on his Club Paradise Tour, still supporting the 2011 album “Take Care.” If you have a chance, look up his performance on “Saturday Night Live” from last fall. Good stuff.
When: 7 p.m., Friday
Info: $59.75 to $109.75; verizoncenter.com
Jay Pharoah at the Arlington Cinema ‘n’ Drafthouse, Friday through Sunday
Speaking of “SNL,” can Jay Pharoah get some more air time? His impression of Denzel Washington is worth it on its own. See him for yourself as he does three nights at the Drafthouse. Get your Pharoah fix that “SNL” fails to provide in person.
When: 10 p.m., Friday through Sunday
Info: $23; arlingtondrafthouse.com
1964: The Tribute at the Birchmere, Sunday
Ever been to one of these Beatles tribute acts? OK, they can be kinda cheesy, but they’re also quite a bit of fun. And you know the music will be good. This is not an all-encompassing show, but instead focuses on the good ol’ early stuff. Get ready to “Twist and Shout.”
When: 7:30 p.m., Sunday
Info: $35; birchmere.com
