Best galleries
1. Suprasensorial: Experiments in Light, Color and Space: This examination of pioneering Latin American artists’ work in installations forces viewers — though the word isn’t really adequate here — to reconsider their perception of hue, distance and even gravity.
Where: Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, Seventh Street and Independence Avenue SW
When: Through May 23
Info: Free; 202-633-4674; hmsg.si.edu
2. ART*SPARKS: Rekindling the Gifts: This solo exhibition by Marian Osher features more than 50 new prints that demonstrate her effortless command of a variety of formats — monotype on painted canvas, mixed media, and more.
Where: Second Floor, Washington Printmakers Gallery, 3230 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring
When: Through March 25
Info: Free; 301-273-3660; washingtonprintmakers.com
3. The Magic Foxhole: New ink, gouache and watercolor works from Dawn Black are inspired by J.D. Salinger’s eponymous (and unpublished) short story.
Where: Second Floor, Curator’s Office, 1515 14th St. NW
When: Through Dec. 22
Info: Free; 202-360-2573; curatorsoffice.com
4. Frida Kahlo: Her Photos: Curated by photographer Pablo Ortiz Monasterio, this collection of some 240 personal snapshots from the extraordinary life of Mexican painter Kahlo is drawn from an archive of 6,500 objects that remained sealed for more than half a century after her death in 1954.
Where: The Artisphere, 1101 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
When: Through March 25
Info: Free; 703-875-1100; artisphere.com
5. In Thoughts: Words and Deeds: Florida-based mixed media artist Tony Savoie explores the abuse of power around the globe through his thought-provoking, visually complex shadowboxes.
Where: LongView Gallery, 1234 Ninth St. NW
When: Through March 19
Info: Free; 202-232-4788; longviewgallerydc.com
Best music
1. Angela Gheorghiu: The Washington National Opera presents the acclaimed soprano in her WNO debut with a program of the songs that made her a star.
Where: Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW
When: 7 p.m. Saturday
Info: $50 to $190; 202-467-4600, 800-444-1324; kennedy-center.org
2. An Evening with Smokey Robinson: Presented by the Duke Ellington School of the Arts as part of its Performance Series of Legends.
Where: Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Info: $50 to $150; 202-467-4600, 800-444-1324; kennedy-center.org
3. Nordwest Deutsche Philharmonic: American Eugene Tzigane conducts works by Grieg and Brahms; cellist Amit Peled performs Victor Herbert’s Cello Concerto No. 2.
Where: George Mason University Center for the Arts, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax
When: 4 p.m. Sunday
Info: $25 to $50; 888-945-2468; cfa.gmu.edu
4. Jerusalem String Quartet: The Discovery Series presents the debut performance of winner of ECHO Classic chamber music award and others.
Where: The Barns at Wolf Trap, 1624 Trap Road, Vienna
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Info: $35; 877-965-3872; wolftrap.org
5. Peter Yarrow: The member of trio Peter, Paul and Mary sings his top folk songs, with special guest Mustard’s Retreat.
Where: The Barns at Wolf Trap, 1624 Trap Road, Vienna
When: 8 p.m. Thursday
Info: $28; 877-965-3872; wolftrap.org
Best theater
1. “Proof”: The critically acclaimed Walnut Street Theatre presents a touching play about fathers and daughters, genius and insanity, legacy and truth, in this Pulitzer Prize-winning play.
Where: George Mason University Center for the Arts, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Info: $20 to $40; 888-945-2468; cfa.gmu.edu
2. “Sucker Punch”: A fast-paced look at the world of boxing and the lives of two young boxers in 1980s London.
Where: Studio Theatre, 1501 14th St. NW
When: Through April 8
Info: $35 to $69; 202-332-3300; studiotheatre.org
3. “Twelve Angry Men”: In Reginald Rose’s behind-the-scenes courtroom drama, jurors must listen to evidence, look beyond their prejudices and decide one man’s fate.
Where: Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church St. NW
When: Saturday through March 25
Info: $30 to $35; 703-892-0202; keegantheatre.com
4. “Brother Russia”: A rock musical in which a fourth-rate theater group in a potato field in Russia entertains its audiences with musicals about Tolstoy and Dostoevsky. This time, their subject is none other than the mystic Rasputin.
Where: Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington
When: Tuesday through April 15
Info: $62 to $67; 703-820-9771; signature-theatre.org
5. “Ah, Wilderness!”: Return to an idyllic age of Americana in Eugene O’Neill’s unabashedly romantic and sweetly funny “Ah, Wilderness!” One of O’Neill’s best-loved works.
Where: Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW
When: March 9 to April 8
Info: $55 to $100; 202-488-3300; arenastage.org
Best outdoors
1. Bird Watching at Long Bridge Park: Arlington’s newest park is located near the Potomac River and the Roaches Run Waterfowl Sanctuary. Gather for a beginners bird walk through the park. You’ll look for waterfowl, eagles, hawks and late-winter songbirds. No experience necessary.
Where: Long Bridge Park, 475 Long Bridge Drive, Arlington
When: 8 to 9:30 a.m. Saturday
Info: Free; registration required; 703-228-4747; program No. 632942-D
2. The Trees and History of Fort C.F. Smith Park: Fort C.F. Smith was one of the last Union forts built to protect Washington during the Civil War. Today it is the home of the largest tree in Arlington County as well as other state and county champion trees. You’ll learn about the park’s history and nature during this walking tour of the park. Dress for the weather; terrain will be uneven and possibly muddy. Ages 10 to adult — children must be accompanied by an adult.
Where: Meet at Fort C.F. Smith Park, 2411 N. 24th St., Arlington
When: 11 a.m. Saturday
Info: Free; registration required; 703-228-4747; program No. 632752-A
3. C&O Canal: White’s Ferry to Edwards Ferry: This hike follows a large and shallow bend made by the Potomac River in a part of western Montgomery County where farmlands rather than subdivisions predominate. It’s a 10-mile out-and-back hike on the milepost-dotted, flat towpath between White’s and Edwards ferries. Hikers, dogs, horses welcome.
Where: Poolesville; see website for directions
When: Any day
Info: Free; 301-739-4200; localhikes.com
4. Mount Pleasant Heritage Trail: Discover a neighborhood celebrated for its cultural diversity and charming streets when you follow Village in the City: Mount Pleasant Heritage Trail. The trail’s 17 poster-size street signs combine storytelling with historic photographs and maps. The 90-minute, self-guided tour loops through the Mount Pleasant Historic District and ends at Mount Pleasant and Kenyon streets NW.
What: First sign at 16th and Harvard streets NW
When: Any day
Info: Free; 202-661-7581; [email protected]
5. Bird Walk: Join members of the Northern Virginia Bird Club for an informal walk through Long Branch and Glencarlyn parks in search of resident and migratory birds.
Experienced and beginning birders welcome. Bring binoculars and field guides. For adults. Information: 703-228-6535.
Where: Meet in the parking lot at Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington
When: 9 to 11:30 a.m. March 7
Info: Free; registration required; 703-228-4747; program No. 632942
Best family
1. Searching for Spring: A chill may linger, but spring is on the way! You’ll look and listen, smell and feel for signs of the oncoming season at this scavenger hunt/hike. For children 5 and up. For more information: 703-228-3403.
Where: Meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road, Arlington
When: 2 p.m. Saturday
Info: $5 per person; registration required; 703-228-4747; program No. 632822-M
2. Fairfax Chinese Dance Troupe: Ancient Chinese dances are magically recreated by the amazing performers of the Fairfax Chinese Dance Troupe. Children of all ages will be mesmerized by the colorful costumes and dynamic dance patterns in this cultural exploration of ancient China.
Where: The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
When: 9:30 and 11 a.m. Saturday
Info: Free; 202-783-3372; nationaltheatre.org
3. Mysterious Marsupials: Families with children 5 and up. What has a small brain, more teeth than any other mammal in North America and can play dead? Come learn all about who this could possum-ly be! For more information: 703-228-3403.
Where: Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road, Arlington
When: 2 p.m. Sunday
Info: $5; registration required; 703- 228-4747; program No. 632852-I
4. “The Magic Flute”: One hour of very understandable action and music is packed into this full marionette adaptation by Christopher Piper. A great way for children to learn to appreciate Mozart.
Where: The Puppet Co., 7300 MacArthur Ave., Glen Echo
When: Through March 11
Info: $10; 301-634-5380; thepuppetco.org
5. “P.Nokio”: This world-premiere musical reimagines the classic Pinocchio story in the enchanted land of Hip-Hopia. G.Petto, a designer of computer games, magically finds himself with a “son” when his character, P.Nokio, comes to life.
Where: Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda
When: Through March 11
Info: $10 to $22; 301-280-1660; imaginationstage.org
Best gatherings
1. “This Is Our Youth”: Set in the early 1980s, this coming-of-age play explores issues of adolescence and growing into maturity.
Where: TheatreSpace, George Mason University’s Center for the Arts, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax
When: Thursday to Sunday
Info: $8 to $12; 888-945-2468; cfa.gmu.edu
2. Compania Olga Pericet: One of flamenco’s most exciting new talents.
Where: George Washington University’s Lisner Auditorium, 730 21st St. NW
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Info: $35 to $65; 202-994-6800; lisner.org
3. Anglo-Saxon Hoard: Gold from England’s Dark Ages: Don’t miss this exhibit’s only appearance in the United States.
Where: The National Geographic Museum, 17th and M streets NW
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
Info: $4 to $8; 202-857-7588; nationalgeographic.com
4. Bill Burr: The standup comedian is a favorite on the shows of David Letterman, Conan O’Brien and Jimmy Fallon.
Where: Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U St. NW
When: 7 and 10 p.m. Saturday
Info: $34.50; 202-328-6000; thelincolntheatre.org
5. Intersections: A New America Arts Festival: An extensive collection of theater, dance, music, poetry, comedy and family fun.
Where: Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NW
When: Through March 11
Info: See website for ticket prices; intersectionsdc.org
Best brainfood
1. Bowen McCauley Dance: “The Rite of Spring”: The program presents the world premiere performance of McCauley’s “Le Sacre du Printemps” — a quatre mains in celebration of the 100th anniversary of Stravinsky’s 1913 seminal work. This ensemble work will be accompanied by a live performance by Fabio and Gisele Witkowski of the four-hand piano version of the score.
Where: Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday
Info: $36; 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org
2. KEIGWIN + COMPANY: Known for provocative, witty and engaging dances, KEIGWIN + COMPANY returns with a program that includes “Megalopolis”, a fun and serious blend of formalism and pop performed to a mash-up of music by Steve Reich and M.I.A.
Where: Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW
When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Info: $18 to $55; 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org
3. “Architecture and the Great Recession”: It is difficult to exaggerate the chilling effect of the economic slowdown on architecture. A panel of developers, architects and design experts examines how the building industry is responding to profound challenges created by the current recession.
Where: The National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW
When: 6:30 p.m. March 8
Info: $20; 202-272-2448; nbm.org
4. “Brave Dragons”: Taking over the Shanxi Brave Dragons, China’s lowest-ranked professional basketball team, former NBA coach Bob Weiss found that he had to adapt his techniques as much as the players had to change theirs. In this entertaining account of a season with the Brave Dragons, Jim Yardley profiles players, owners and fans.
Where: Politics and Prose Bookstore, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Info: Free; politics-prose.com
5. “El Abrazo Lunar” (“The Moon’s Embrace”): Teatro de la Luna’s midwinter Latin American play festival features works from Spain, Argentina and Uruguay.
Where: Theater II, Gunston Arts Center, 3700 S. Four Mile Run, Arlington
When: Through March 17
Info: $30 to $35; 703-548-3092; teatrodelaluna.org
