Allow me to state the obvious: It’s inauguration weekend. Almost every bar, restaurant, theater, museum and store is gearing up for crowds of revelers with special events, special food and special deals.
In tomorrow’s Examiner, we’ll have a map that can point you in the right direction for the weekend (through the big day) with all of the must-see and go-to places. You’ll be primed to find the best crowds, best inaugural balls and best events the city has to offer.
But, in case your invitation to the inaugural ball got lost in the mail, we’ve got a few alternatives for the weekend.
“Wake Up World”: Think of it as “The Daily Show” in person. Daily Show co-creator Lizz Winstead’s comedy troupe brings an edgy, satirical (and multimedia) look at the world and current events through the filter of the fictional crew of news show “Wake Up World,” which bills itself as the worst morning news show in America. You can catch this show at the Arlington Cinema n’ Drafthouse at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $20. For more information, call 703-486-2345 or visit wakeupworld.tv or arlingtondrafthouse.com.
In case you need another reason to celebrate: Rustico in Alexandria is celebrating the presidential inauguration with American Beer Week. The restaurant will showcase 30 American craft beers on tap. You can grab a pint for $5 to $9 and you get to keep the glass as a memento. For details, call 703-224-5051 or visit rusticorestaurant.com.
Science is fun: Since you’ll be downtown anyway, why not check out the Whales/Tohora exhibit at National Geographic Museum at Explorers Hall? Visitors can see giant whale skeletons, hear whale voices and walk through a life-sized model of a blue whale heart. This exhibit is free. The museum, at 17th and M streets NW, is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (it opens at 10 a.m. Sundays). To learn more about the exhibit, visit events.nationalgeographic.com.
For the sports fans: The Capitals are home against the Boston Bruins at 7 p.m. Saturday. For info and tickets, visit capitals.nhl.com. Also, you can catch the Wizards this weekend as they take on the New York Knicks at 7 p.m. Friday. Even better? It’s Fuzzy Dice giveaway night. Visit washingtonwizards.com for tickets and information.
Mellow music: Take a break from all of the reveling to enjoy some laid-back sounds. Local acoustic pop favorites Eddie from Ohio has a weekend set at Birchmere. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 and can be bought online at birchmere.com
Catch it before it’s gone: “Next to Normal” at Arena Stage Crystal City ends its run this weekend. As a bonus, the theater is offering inauguration attendees a 20 percent discount on tickets to the show. For information or to buy tickets, visit arenastage.org.
