Brain Food
1. Mariinsky Ballet: St. Petersburg’s magnificent company, formerly the Kirov, returns with the full-length “Don Quixote,” Petipa’s delightful interpretation of Cervantes’ tale of romance, chivalry, and bittersweet emotion.
Where: The Opera House, The Kennedy Center
When: 7:30 Tuesday-Saturday; 1:30 Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 13-18
Info: $47 to $135; 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org
2. Poets Linda Pasten and Tracy K. Smith: Two very different poets will read their poetry, which explores the language of their personal and social realms.
Where: The Folger Library, 201 E. Capitol St. SE
When: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 12
Info: $12; 202-544-4600; www.folger.edu
3. “Friday Morning Music Club”: Enjoy a performance by the Friday Morning Music Club, a community of music lovers and musicians, which performs Haydn, Ermano, Chopin and additional selections to be determined.
Where: 801 K St. NW
When: Noon; Friday
Info: Free; 202-333-2075; www.fmmc.org
4. “Face-to-Face Portrait Talk: Elvis Presley”: Celebrate the King’s birthday by hearing gallery researcher Warren Perry talk about the Elvis Presley portrait by Ralph Cowan.
Where: National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, Eighth and F streets NW
When: Noon to 12:30 p.m. today
Info: Free; 202-633-1000; www.si.edu/events
5. “Shakespeare Smorgasbord”: An entertaining and illuminating presentation of scenes from five plays by William Shakespeare.
Where: D.C. Arts Center, 2438 18th St. NW
When: Today through Saturday
Info: $15; 202-462-7833; www.dcartscenter.org
Family
1. Botanical fun: Bring your preschooler to the U.S. Botanic Garden for plant-related fun. Sign up for a one-month session and attend four different programs. Each Wednesday session will vary and may include a story, art activity, or walk in the garden. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Due to the nature of the program, participating children must be 3 years of age. Because of program popularity, children may register for only one month of activities, either January or February.
Where: Conservatory Classroom, Unites States Botanical Gardens, 100 Maryland Ave. SW
When: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Jan 14, 21, 28; Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25
Info: 202-225-8333; www.usbg.gov/education
2. “Are You A Worm?”: Doreen Cronin’s “Diary of a Worm” approaches a worm’s lifestyle in a distinctive way. Enjoy the book and some worm activities and crafts. For worm lovers ages 4 to 6.
Where: Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington
When: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday
Info: $2; registration required; 703-228-4747; registration.arlingtonva.us
3. “NSO Kinderkonzert … Strings and Stories”: If you like animals and slapstick, come hear these four musicians from the NSO in a lively program, using music from the classical repertoire.
Where: The Family Theater, The Kennedy Center
When: 1:30 and 4 p.m. Saturday
Info: $18; 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org
4. “Rapunzel”: In this version of Grimms’ fairy tale, Witch Wartsmith wants a baby and bargains for little Rapunzel, then goes to great lengths to keep her out of the hands of a handsome prince. Performed by The Puppet Co. for children 3-9 years old.
Where: Discovery Theater, S. Dillon Ripley Center, 1100 Jefferson Drive SW, Room 3111
When: 10:15 and 11:30 a.m. Friday
Info: $6 adults, $5 children; 202-633-8700; discoverytheater.org
5. “Aviation Day”: Humans first learned how to fly 216 years ago but some animals have been doing it for millions of years. Learn about flying and gliding animals that inhabit the states and make a craft to take home. For flying enthusiasts ages 5 to 10.
Where: Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington
When: 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday
Info: $2; 703-228-4747; registration.arlingtonva.us
Galleries
1. “Yoshimi Matsukata: A Hosta Story”: Yoshimi Matsukata is a Harvard-trained biochemist, but the acuity with she observes and records fine details of the natural world is equal parts science and imagination.
Where: The Art League Gallery, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria
When: Through Feb. 2
Info: Free; 703-683-1780; theartleague.org
2. “Cory Oberndorfer: Flavor of the Month”: While earning his MFA from American University, painter and printmaker Cory Oberndorfer received a Mellon Grant to study the subculture of the roller derby — which happens to be the subject of his latest series, inspired, says the artiste, by “sweets, pop culture and bad-ass women, although not necessarily in that order.” Wild rollergirls couldn’t drag us away.
Where: Flashpoint, 916 G St. NW When: Friday-Feb. 13
Info: Free; www.flashpointdc.org
3. “Black Box: Ori Gersht”: Tel Aviv-born, London-based photographer and videographer Ori Gersht explores the effects of human intervention in nature in two haunting pieces, “The Forest” and “Pomengranate,” both from 2006.
Where: Hirshorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, Seventh Street and Independence Avenue SW When: Through April 19
Info: Free; 202-633-4674; hmsg.si.edu
4. “Michael Gross: MONO/CHROMATICS”: Three decades of D.C. artist Michael Gross’ mastery of color, line and energy are on display in this show of more than 60 pieces, which runs the stylistic gamut from purely representational to wildly abstract.
Where: Pepco’s Edison Place Gallery, 702 8th St. NW
When: Through Feb. 20
Info: Free; michaelgrossart.com
5. “Indefinite States of Emergency: Prints by Guest Artist Helen Frederick”: George Mason University professor and Pyramid Atlantic founder Helen Frederick presents her latest series, which ruminates on “endangerment, genocide, loss and surveillance.”
Where: Washington Printmakers’ Gallery, 1732 Connecticut Ave. NW
When: Through Jan. 25
Info: Free; 202-332-7757, washingtonprintmakers.com
Gatherings
1. Lincoln’s cottage: President Lincoln’s Cottage will offer special private tours during the inaugural season in response to the tremendous interest in Abraham Lincoln on the eve of the Obama inauguration and the bicentennial of Lincoln’s birth in 2009.
Where: President Lincoln’s Cottage, Rock Creek Church Road at Upshur Street NW
When: Through Jan. 31
Info: $30; reservations required; 202-829-0436; culturaltourismdc.org
2. Snowy Winter Nights: Part of the second Thursday series, the Torpedo Factory Art Center keeps its doors open late for an open house. Browse open studios and galleries and enjoy refreshments.
Where: Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria
When: 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday
Info: Free; 703-683-1780; torpedofactory.org
3. Open-Mic Night: Poetry. Come hear poetry read by other poetry enthusiasts — or get up and read yourself.
Where: The Mocha Hut, 1301 U St. NW
When: 8 to 11 p.m. Thursday
Info: Free; 202-667-0616; mochahut.com
4. “Jewish Pirates of the Caribbean”: Jamaica-based writer Edward Kritzler takes listeners on an adventurous and illuminating journey with his book documenting how a generation of swashbuckling pirates, descendants of Spanish Jewish exiles, carved out an empire of religious freedom and ensured the safety of Jews living in hiding.
Where: Washington D.C. Jewish Community Center, 1529 16th St. NW
When: 7:30 to 9 p.m. Monday
Info: $9; $6 members, seniors, those under 25; reservations not required; 202-518-9400; washingtondcjcc.org
5. Evening at Medieval Times: Transport yourself back in time to a land of kings, queens, knights and jesters. Enjoy a spectacular presentation of jousting, enjoy a fabulous meal and meet the king himself.
Where: Medieval Times, 7000 Arundel Mills Circle, Hanover
When: 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday
Info: $58; thingstododc.com
Movie
‘Bride Wars’
Stars: Kate Hudson, Anne Hathaway, Candice Bergen
Director: Gary Winick
Rated PG for suggestive content, language and some rude behavior.
Running Time: 90 minutes
Music
1. National Symphony Orchestra: Philippe Jordan makes his Kennedy Center debut conducting Prokofiev’s Classical Symphony, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 4 and cellist Lynn Harrell performing Schumann’s Cello Concerto.
Where: Kennedy Center Concert Hall
When: 7 p.m. tonight, 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday
Info: $20 to $80; 202-467-4600, 800-444-1324; kennedy-center.org
2. Baltimore Symphony Orchestra: Marin Alsop conducts the Martin Luther King Jr. 80th Birthday Celebration narrated by Kweisi Mfume and featuring Soulful Symphony, harpist Sally Nystrom, marching bands and Joseph Schwantner’s “New Morning for the World” showcasing texts by Dr. King set to music.
Where: Music Center at Strathmore
When: 8 p.m. tonight
Info: $18 to $55; 877-276-1444; BSOmusic.org
3. National Philharmonic: Happy Birthday Maestro Gajewski features symphonic blockbusters by Ravel, Rachmaninoff, Rimsky-Korsakov and Strauss.
Where: Music Center at Strathmore
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday
Info: $29 to $79, children ages 7 to 17 are free; 301-581-5100; strathmore.org
4. Choral Arts Society of Washington: Norman Scribner conducts the 21st Annual Choral tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a multicultural celebration by chorus, soloists and instrumentalists.
Where: Kennedy Center Concert Hall
When: 7 p.m. Sunday
Info: $20; 202-467-4600, 800-444-1324; kennedy-center.org
5. Barbara Cook’s Spotlight: Tony nominee Liz Callaway sings music from Broadway, movies and the 1960s.
Where: Kennedy Center Terrace Theater
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Info: $45; 202-467-4600, 800-444-1324; kennedy-center.org
Outdoors
1. Winter Walk: Adults and teens over the age of 15 are invited to forget winter hibernation on this brisk hike in Sky Meadows State Park. Dress for strenuous hiking and for the weather: It’s much colder in the mountains. Bring a bag lunch, water and binoculars (not required).
Where: Vans leave from Lubber Run Center parking lot, 300 N. Park Drive, Arlington
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
Info: $12; 703-228-6535; registration required; registration.arlingtonva.us
2. Georgetown Flea Market: Unless it’s raining or snowing, the flea market is back in business, full of antiques, collectibles, furniture, china, silver, jewelry, art, rugs, vintage linens and clothes, book, stained glass — and political memorabilia, of course.
Where: 1819 35th St. NW
When: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Sunday
Info: Free; 202-296-4989; georgetownfleamarket.com
3. Arboretum walk: It may be cold outside, but you can still enjoy the marvels of winter at the National Arboretum, where you can see witch hazel, conifer foliage and cones, hollies in fruit, Japanese apricot, wintersweet, sweet-box and winter jasmine.
Where: The National Arboretum, 3501 New York Ave. SW
When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except major holidays
Info: Free; 202-245-2726; usna.usda.gov
4. “Battleground to Community: Brightwood Heritage Trail”: Put on your walking shoes and follow the 18 poster-sized illustrated signs on this self-guided Heritage Trail to experience Brightwood. You’ll see the site of the only Civil War battle to take place within the District of Columbia and learn about the personalities and forces that created this unique urban community.
Where: First sign located at 5427 14th St. NW, southeast corner of Kennedy and 14th streets and Colorado Avenue NW. Tour ends at southwest corner Georgia Avenue and Peabody Street NW.
When: Every day
Info: Free; 202-661-7581; culturaltourismdc.org
5. Introduction to Birding — Roosevelt Island: Adults and families with kids 12 and up are invited to learn the basics of birding and become acquainted with the common birds found in our area. You’ll review the basics of binoculars and field guides and see a variety of habitats as the series progresses. Dress for the weather.
When: 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday
Info: Free; registration required; 703-228-6535; registration.arlingtonva.us
Theatre
1. “1984” and “As You Like It”: The National Players, celebrating their 60th year, return to the Olney Theatre with two classics. George Orwell’s futuristic tale deals with the machinations of the totalitarian state. Shakespeare’s timeless comedy pairs Rosalind, banished from Court and having fled to the Forest of Arden, where she meets extraordinary characters, with Orlando, the man she loves.
Where: The Olney Theatre, Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney
When: “As You Like It”: 7:30 p.m. Friday and 1:30 p.m. Saturday; “1984”: 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 1:30 p.m. Sunday.
Info: $16; 301-924-3400; olneytheatre.org
2. “How Theater Failed America”: Mike Daisey returns to Washington with a new show, which analyzes and criticizes a subject he is intimately acquainted with: the theater.
Where: Woolly Mammoth Theater Company, 601 D St. NW
When: Through Jan. 18
Info: $25; 202-393-3939; woollymammoth.net
3. “West Side Story”: With music by Leonard Bernstein, book by Arthur Laurents and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, this musical based on Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” tells the story of the turbulent streets of the Upper West Side of New York, where star-crossed lovers find themselves trapped in a world of gang violence and prejudice.
Where: National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave.
When: 8 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.; 7:30 p.m. Sunday; 2 p.m. Wednesday. Through Jan. 17
Info: $46.50 to $176.50; 202-783-3372; nationaltheatre.org
4. “Life With Father”: Lindsay and Crouse’s beloved family comedy about the quintessential paternalistic father, Clarence Day, and his wife and four sons.
Where: Theatre Two, Gunston Arts Center, 2700 S. Lang St., Arlington
When: 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 2:30 Saturday-Sunday. Through Jan. 24.
Info: $25-$32; 703-998-4555; www.americancentury.org
5. “Legally Blonde”: When sorority star Elle Woods’ boyfriend dumps her for someone more serious, she begins to study, attends Harvard Law School and eventually starts a new life based on her own desires.
Where: The Opera House; Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW
When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday; 1:30 Saturday and Sunday. Closing Sunday.
Info: $25 to $95; 202-467-4600; www.kennedy-center.org
— Compiled by Emily Cary, Chris Klimek and Barbara Mackay
