Best Music
1. National Symphony Orchestra: Jakub Hrusa conducts Mozart’s Symphony No. 25; Dvorak’s Violin Concerto featuring Augustin Hadelich and Prokofiev’s “Alexander Nevsky” with mezzo-soprano Nadya Serdyuk.
Where: Kennedy Center Concert Hall, 2700 F St. NW
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Info: $10 to $85; 202-467-4600, 800-444-1324; kennedy-center.org
2. National Philharmonic: Stan Engebretson conducts the National Philharmonic Chorale and guest soloists in Orff’s “Carmina Burana,” a blend of secular medieval text with modern melodies, and Lutoslawski’s “Three Poems by Henri Michaux.”
Where: Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday
Info: $28 to $84; 301-581-5100; strathmore.org
3. Baltimore Symphony Orchestra: Marin Alsop conducts the Morgan State University Choir, Peabody Children’s Chorus and guess soloists in Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana,” other works by Christopher Rouse and Silvestre Revueltas.
Where: Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda
When: 8 p.m. Thursday
Info: $35 to $95; 877-BSO-1444; bso.org
4. “Rock of Ages”: The musical featuring classic rock tunes by Bon Jovi, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Styx and many others.
Where: Wolf Trap’s Filene Center, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna
When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Info: $42 to $45 in-house, $25 lawn; 877-965-3872; wolftrap.org
Best Theater
1. “The Hampton Years”: a world premiere event that explores the development of celebrated African-American artists John Biggers and Samella Lewis under the tutelage of Jewish refugee Viktor Lowenfeld. “The Hampton Years” chronicles the triumphs and struggles of these real-life artists in a segregated society.
Where: Theater J, 1529 16th St. NW
When: Through June 30
Info: $35 to $60, $30 to $55 seniors; 202-777-3210; washingtondcjcc.org
2. “Biography”: S. N. Behrman’s witty vision of renowned portraitist Marion Froude. Best known for painting the images of celebrated subjects, she accepts a lucrative advance from an editor in exchange for writing her potentially sensational memoirs. This news inspires a parade of anxious friends and lovers who seek to influence Marion’s depiction of them in her autobiography.
Where: American Century Theater, 2700 S. Lang St., Arlington
When: Through June 29
Info: Free to $40; 703-998-4555; americancentury.org
3. “Approaching Ali”: Composer D.J. Sparr and librettists Mark Campbell and Davis Miller’s hourlong opera tells the story of a reporter’s transformative meeting with boxing legend Muhammad Ali.
Where: Kennedy Center Terrace Theater, 2700 F St. NW
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday
Info: $30; 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org
4. Source Festival: A three week long festival that celebrates artists of every persuasion, but especially theater, and allows Washington to see what’s happening in the rest of the country.
Where: Source, 1835 14th St. NW
When: Friday through June 30
Info: $10 to $20; sourcefestival.org
5. “Company”: On his 35th birthday, Bobby, a commitment-phobic bachelor, searches for the answers to love and life in New York City. While enjoying the company of some lovely ladies, he observes both the joys and pitfalls of marriage from his five quirky couple friends. But is he ready? Only Bobby can find the answer in this witty and piercing examination of matrimony.
Where: Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington
When: Through June 30
Info: $29 to $67; 703-820-9771; signature-theatre.org
Best Family
1. “Pinot & Augustine”: Happenstance Theatre’s clowns perform.
Where: The National Theatre, Helen Hayes Gallery, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
When: 9:30 and 11 a.m. Saturday
Info: Free; 202-628-6161; nationaltheatre.org
2. Craft Camp! Family Day: Children can explore the exhibit Thomas Day: Master Craftsman and Free Man of Color and then try their hand at crafts including jewelry making.
Where: Smithsonian American Art Museum, Renwick Gallery, 1661 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday
Info: Free; 202-633-1000; americanart.si.edu
3. Gulf Branch’s 47th Birthday: Come one and all to celebrate at Gulf Branch. There will be games, crafts and cake. Don’t miss the owl presentation by the Raptor Conservancy. For more information, call 703-228-3403.
Where: Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 N. Military Road, Arlington
When: 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday
Info: Free; arlingtonva.us
4. Children’s Dog Show: Dogs can compete in categories including best costume while their owners learn tricks to make their pets more obedient.
Where: Ticonderoga Farms, 26469 Ticonderoga Road, Chantilly
When: 11 a.m. Saturday
Info: 703-327-4424; ticonderoga.com
5. Flying Flowers: Butterflies take the colors of flowers into the air! You’ll look for butterflies in flight, nectaring on flowers, basking in the sun and more. Along the way, you’ll learn about common butterflies in our area and just what makes those lovely colors. For families with children ages 6 and up. For more information, call 703-228-6535.
Where: Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington
When: 2 p.m. Sunday
Info: $5; registration necessary: 703-228-4747; program No. 642953-B
Best Gatherings
1. Steve Vogel: A Washington Post staff writer will discuss his book “Through the Perilous Fight: Six Weeks That Saved the Nation.”
Where: Politics and Prose Bookstore, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Info: Free; 202-364-1919; politics-prose.com
2. Cooking Class: The session focuses on light spring recipes.
Where: Patowmack Farm, 42461 Lovettsville Road, Lovettsville
When: 11 a.m. Saturday
Info: $55; 540-822-9017; patowmackfarm.com
3. Create a Tee Workshop: Visitors can design a shirt as part of the Free Summer Saturdays series.
Where: Corcoran Gallery of Art, 500 17th St. NW
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday
Info: Free; 202-639-1770; corcoran.org
4. Federal Poets Read: A group of local poets, including Pam Blehert, Miles David Moore and Judy McCombs, will read from their poetry.
Where: Georgetown Library, 3260 R St. NW
When: 3 p.m. Saturday
Info: Free; 202-727-0232; dclibrary.org
5. Bob Garfield: Garfield will discuss his latest book, “Bedfellows,” a comic crime novel, and the nonfiction book “Can’t Buy Me Like,” co-authored with Doug Levy.
Where: Iota Club & Cafe, 2832 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
When: 6 p.m. Saturday
Info: Free; 703-522-8340; iotaclubandcafe.com
Best Outdoors
1. Explore Perennials: Interspersed among the shrubs of the National Boxwood Collection, the beds of two dependable and tantalizing perennials — daylilies, daffodils and peonies — bring their bright colors to this corner of the Arboretum throughout the growing season.
Where: National Arboretum, 3501 New York Ave. NE
When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Monday
Info: Free; 202-234-2726; usna.usda.gov
2. Nationals vs. the Minnesota Twins: Come visit the Nationals Park, located south of the Capitol, along the fast-developing Capitol Riverfront area adjacent to the Navy Yard. The new park not only redefines modern sports facility architecture, but also serves as the catalyst and cornerstone of a new mixed-use Capitol Riverfront.
Where: Nationals Park, 1500 S. Capitol St. SE
When: 7:05 p.m. Friday
Info: $10 to $325; 202-675-6287; washingtonnationalsmlb.com
3. Tour of National Garden: Follow Bill McLaughlin, USBG curator, as he takes you around the National Garden, highlighting some of his favorite plants, while sharing plant stories and answering your questions. This tour is held outdoors. Please bringing sunscreen, protective clothing and water. The tour is canceled if it rains or during times of extreme heat.
Where: Meet at National Garden Lawn Terrace, U.S. Botanic Gardens, 100 Maryland Ave. SE
When: 10:30 a.m. to noon Friday
Info: Free; registration required: 202-225-8333; usbg.gov
4. Skydiving 101: Over the Beach: Have you ever wanted to fly? Ready for the biggest rush in your life? Try this ultimate challenge as you step aboard a plane — and jump out of it!
Where: Ocean City Sky Center, Berlin, Md. (see website for directions)
When: 2:30 to 4 p.m. Saturday
Info: $275; 301-519-8030; thingstododc.com
5. Birding: Shenandoah National Park: Join an excursion to the mountains in search of nesting songbirds. Participants should dress for the weather and bring binoculars, a bag lunch, a drink and snacks for the day. The trip will include walking over uneven terrain and gentle slopes. For adults. For more information, call 703-228-6535.
Where: Meet at Lubber Run Center, 300 N. Park Drive, Arlington
When: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday
Info: $40; registration necessary: 703-228-4747; program No. 642943-C
Best Brainfood
1. 21st Poetry Marathon: The Best of Hispano-American Poetry: Teatro de la Luna brings its annual Poetry Marathon to D.C. In this “celebration of words,” renowned Spanish-language poets are accompanied by audience members of all ages who recite, read or interpret their own work or that of well-known authors.
Where: Friday at Library of Congress Mary Pickford Theater, 101 Independence Ave. SE; Saturday at 4020 Georgia Ave. NW
When: 1:30 p.m. Friday; 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday
Info: Free; 202-822-6227; teatrodelaluna.org
2. Margaret Talbot: The New Yorker staff writer and author of “The Entertainer: Movies, Magic, and My Father’s Twentieth Century” will join movie critic Nell Minow for a screening of “Three on a Match,” a 1932 film starring her father, Lyle Talbot, Bette Davis and Joan Blondell.
Where: Hill Center, Old Navy Hospital, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Info: Free; registration necessary: 202-549-3172; hillcenterdc.org
3. “The Real Thing”: Henry is a celebrated playwright, his wife is an actress, and his latest play is a Cowardesque take on relationships and adultery. A distinguished play about the complexities of commitment, the power of great writing, and the mysterious ways of love from one of the world’s most celebrated playwrights, Tom Stoppard.
Where: The Studio Theatre, 1501 14th St. NW
When: Through June 30
Info: $39 to $72; 603-332-3300; studiotheatre.org
4. “Twelfth Night” preshow talk and book signing: Enjoy an interactive discussion on “Twelfth Night” with acclaimed author and Tony Award nominee Ken Ludwig, followed by a book signing for his new work, “How to Teach Your Children Shakespeare.”
Where: Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 E. Capitol St. NW
When: Noon Saturday
Info: Free; 202-544-4600; folger.edu
5. “The Three Musketeers”: “All for one and one for all” springs onto the stage with Synetic’s fiery, bombastic ensemble of lovers and fighters as they fence, wine, dance and fling their wit across the stage in the ultimate cross between physical and romantic comedy.
Where: Synetic Theater, 1800 S. Bell St., Arlington
When: Through Sunday
Info: $35 to $55; 800-494-8497; synetictheater.org
Best Galleries
1. Georges Braque and Cubist Still Life: Duncan Phillips acquired 11 of the modernist Georges Braques’ works and presented the artist’s first U.S. retrospective in 1939. This new show is the first to put Braque’s still lifes in the political context of 1928-1945, a period of enormous political and economic change.
Where: The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st St. NW
When: Saturday through Sept. 1
Info: $10, $8 for seniors 62-plus and and students with ID, free for age 18 and under; phillipscollection.org
2. Extrakions: Recent prints by Ron Meick covering a range of subjects from Chinese political reform to the stock market to dogs.
Where: Washington Printmakers Gallery, Pyramid Atlantic Art Center, second floor, 8230 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring
When: Through June 30
Info: Free; 301-273-3660; washingtonprintmakers.com
3. “Tabletop” and “Yellowstone Abstracted”: “Tabletop” is a juried exhibition of functional ceramics bringing together 47 artists from throughout the U.S. and Canada. “Yellowstone Abstracted” is a series of large-scale photos from Bob Tetro capturing the majesty of Yellowstone National Park.
Where: The Art League Gallery, the Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria
When: Through July 1
Info: Free; 703-683-1780; theartleague.org
4. Artist-Citizen, Washington DC: Nine D.C.-based artists contribute portraiture, video installation, mixed-media sculpture and pieces in other media all responding to the theme of art’s social responsibility.
Where: Hemphill Fine Arts, 1515 14th St. NW
When: Through July 27
Info: Free; 202-234-5601; hemphillfinearts.com
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 ceramic artists.
Where: Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, Jefferson Drive and 12th Street SW
When: Continues indefinitely
Info: Free; 202-633-4880; asia.si.edu
