Best Music
1. National Symphony Orchestra: Composer John Adams conducts his “City Noir,” Respighi’s “Fountains of Rome” and Ravel’s Piano Concerto performed by Jeremy Denk.
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. The National Philharmonic: Music Director Piotr Gajewski conducts an all-Wagner concert to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the composer’s birth, with highlights from “The Flying Dutchman,” “Die Walkure,” “Die Meistersinger,” “Tristan and Isolde,” “Lohengrin,” “Tannhauser,” “Das Rheingold,” “Gotterdammerung” and “Parsifal.”
Where: Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, free lecture at 6:45 p.m.
Info: $28 to $81, kids ages 7 to 17 free; 301-581-5100; nationalphilharmonic.org
3. “The Mikado”: The New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players present the timeless satirical operetta with stunning Japanese costumes and scenery.
Where: Wolf Trap Filene Center, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna
When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Info: $32 to $50 in-house, $12 lawn; 877-965-3872; wolftrap.org
4. Markus Groh: Washington Performing Arts Society presents the acclaimed pianist playing works by Golijov, Beethoven, Liszt, Hindemith and Wagner.
Where: Kennedy Center Terrace Theater, 2700 F St. NW
When: 2 p.m. Saturday
Info: $38; 202-533-1886, 202-467-4600, 800-444-1324; kennedy-center.org, wpas.org
5. Baltimore Symphony Orchestra: Jack Everly conducts “The Magic of Motown,” featuring quartets Spectrum and Radiance.
Where: Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda
When: 8 p.m. Thursday
Info: $31 to $91; 877-BSO-1444, 301-581-5100; bso.org, strathmore.org
Best Theater
1. “The Guardsman”: Finn Wittrock, Sarah Wayne Callies and Shuler Hensley star in this Kennedy Center production of Ferenc Molnar’s play, directed by Gregory Mosher and featuring a new translation by Richard Nelson.
Where: Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater, 2700 F St. NW
When: Through June 23
Info: $54 to $95; 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org
2. “Stupid F–king Bird”: By Aaron Posner, “sort of adapted” from Chekhov’s “The Seagull.” An aspiring young theater director struggles to get out from under the shadow of his mother, Emma, a famous actress. Meanwhile, his young muse Nina falls for Emma’s lover, Doyle, and everyone discovers just how disappointing love, art and growing up can be.
Where: Woolly Mammoth Theatre, 641 D St. NW
When: Through June 23
Info: $35 to $77.50; 202-289-2443; woollymammoth.net
3. “The Hampton Years”: Theater J presents a world premiere that explores the development of celebrated African-American artists John Biggers and Samella Lewis under the tutelage of Jewish refugee Viktor Lowenfeld. A product of Theater J’s inaugural Locally Grown Festival, “The Hampton Years” chronicles the triumphs and struggles of these real-life emerging artists in a segregated society.
Where: Theater J, 1529 16th St. NW
When: Through June 30
Info: $25 to $60, pay way you can on Thursday; 800-494-8497; theaterj.org
4. “Becky Shaw”: When Suzanna sets up her best friend Max on a blind date with her husband’s co-worker Becky Shaw, she sets into motion a series of cataclysmic events that forever change all of their lives. Like the Victorian upstart Becky Sharp, this modern Becky is unsure, overdressed and socially ambitious. But she’s no shrinking violet, as the silkily cynical Max soon learns.
Where: Round House Theatre, 4545 East-West Highway, Bethesda
When: Through June 23
Info: $26 to $63; 240-644-1100; roundhousetheatre.org
5. “Lost Songs of Broadway: 1970s”: Hear songs from the 1970s Broadway musicals that didn’t fare quite so well. Revisit some incredible gems that Signature has dug out of the trunk. Where: Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave. NW
When: Through Saturday
Info: $35; 202-820-9771; signature-theatre.org
Best Outdoors
1. Under the Arbor Series: “Garden Classics — Lavender and Roses”: Immerse yourself in the beauty and fragrance of two garden classics in full bloom: Discover the garden’s collection of more than 60 types of lavender, and explore the Antique and Heritage Rose Garden, filled with vintage varieties. Enjoy demonstrations, food samples, crafts and expert information about growing these two useful and popular herbs.
Where: U.S. National Arboretum, National Herb Garden, 3501 New York Ave. NE
When: 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday
Info: Free; 202-234-2726; usna.usda.gov
2. Airplane Flying Lesson for Beginners … and you will take the controls and fly the airplane!: This one-time airplane-flying lesson gives you a hands-on learning experience as you are taught the basics with an expert and then take the controls of the plane in the air.
Where: Manassas Regional Airport, 10503 Wakeman Drive, Manassas
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday
Info: $159; thingstododc.com
3. Exploring Hawaii Lecture: Todd Brethauer offers an informative lecture in celebration of King Kamehameha Day, outlining the evolutionary forces that shaped Hawaii’s unique native plant communities. Highlights include how the arrival of humans and their animal companions impacted the plants, and how the early Hawaiians used the plants to meet their food, fiber, shelter, tool, religious and medicinal needs. This lecture will be repeated on June 11.
Where: U.S. Botanic Garden, Conservatory Classroom, 100 Maryland Ave. SW
When: 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday
Info: Free, preregistration required; 202-225-8333; usbg.gov
4. Adventures in Sailing: Enjoy the cool waters of the Potomac with the monuments in the background. After basic instruction, the 19-foot Flying Scot sailboats (three participants and one captain/instructor per boat) will set out for a two-and-half-hour sail. Optional postreception.
Where: Meet at the gazebo next to Gangplank Marina, 600 Water St. SW
When: 1:45 to 5 p.m. Saturday
Info: $68; thingstododc.com
5. Wildflower & Wine Tour at Naked Mountain Winery: Walk through a forest of wildflowers on the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The location of the trail head 2,000 feet above sea level allows for an exciting floral diversity of spring wildflowers. Participants will receive a wildflower identification checklist and information about the historical medicinal use of plants. Strenuous to moderate; beginners are welcome. The hike ends with refreshments at Naked Mountain Winery (bring $3 cash per person).
Where: Thompson Lake, Va. (see website for directions)
When: 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday
Info: $65; thingstododc.com
Best Brainfood
1. “Light in a Darkness”: Acclaimed actress Mirenka Cechova and her company, Tantehorse, from the Czech Republic will mount “Light in a Darkness,” a piece that combines surreal poetry with elements of physical theater and modern dance.
Where: Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE
When: Friday through Sunday
Info: $15 to $25; 202-399-7993; atlasarts.org
2. “Ballet Across America III”: Since its debut in 2008, the Kennedy Center’s “Ballet Across America” series continues to showcase the best of ballet from regional companies across the nation.
Where: Kennedy Center Opera House, 2700 F St. NW
When: Tuesday through June 9
Info: $15 to $75; 202-467-4600; 800-444-1324; kennedy-center.org
3. “The Embroidery Girl”: The Agis Center for Arts and Humanities presents a traditional grand dance drama.
Where: Kennedy Center Opera House, 2700 F St. NW
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Info: $25 to $75; 202-467-4600; 800-444-1324; kennedy-center.org
4. The Folgers Our Founders: Explore the collecting history of founders Henry and Emily Folger through highlights from their early purchases. Shakespearean items include a 1632 Second Folio censored by the Spanish Inquisition, the first known manuscript of a Shakespearean play and a bracelet braided from the hair of American Shakespearean actor Edwin Booth.
Where: Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 E. Capitol St. SE
When: Thursday through Sept. 29
Info: Free; 202-544-4600; folger.edu
5. “La Tenchis! In … Memorias de una diva de las pupusas”: The talented Salvadoran comedian Julio Ernesto Hernandez Yudice presents the popular character “La Tenchis” with her hilarious reflections on life and hot topics in the Salvadoran community.
Where: GALA Hispanic Theatre, 3333 14th St. NW
When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Info: $20; 800-494-8497; galatheatre.org
Best Family
1. Blue Sky Puppet Theatre: “Bananas!”: Dr. Broccoli is holding a musical talent show on healthy living, and the Blue Sky Puppets are determined to win the grand prize. Accompanied by a snappy score, the puppets sing songs about nutrition and exercise backed up by a dancing chorus of bananas, Band-Aids and basketballs.
Where: National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
When: 9:30 and 11 a.m. Saturday
Info: Free; 202-628-6161; nationaltheatre.org
2. “Cinderella”: Enjoy the beauty of the lush French countryside, the grandeur of 17th century royalty, and the chases, masquerades and mistaken identities of French comedy. Be whisked away by a glittering pumpkin coach, a magic ball and a very special hazelnut tree.
Where: The Puppet Company, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo
When: Through June 9
Info: $10; 301-634-5380; thepuppetco.org
3. “Three Owl Campfire”: The whole family is invited to the Gulf Branch fire ring for lots of old-fashioned fun — including s’mores. For all ages. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.
Where: Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 N. Military Road, Arlington
When: 7 to 8 p.m. Saturday
Info: $5; 703-228-4747; program No. 642853-F
4. “Big Nate, The Musical”: Nate Wright, a detention-riddled sixth grader hopes to woo beautiful Jenny away from her boyfriend Artur by winning the first prize in his school’s Battle of the Bands. But when Artur and Jenny team up with Nate’s arch-rival Gina to form a sap-pop band, he’s gotta take his game to an all-star level.
Where: Adventure Theatre, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo
When: Through Sunday
Info: $19; 301-634-2270; adventuretheatre-mtc.org
5. “Citizen Science: Firefly Watch”: Can you spend 10 minutes a week watching fireflies in your yard? Help scientists learn more about the distribution of fireflies and environmental factors affecting them. For more info, call 703-228-3403.
Where: Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 N. Military Road, Arlington
When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday
Info: $5; registration necessary: 703-228-4747; program No. 642843-A
Best Gatherings
1. Scott C. Johnson: A long-time Newsweek foreign correspondent will discuss his memoir, “The Wolf and the Watchman: A Father, a Son, and the CIA.”
Where: Politics and Prose Bookstore, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Info: Free; 202-364-1919; politics-prose.com
2. “An Evening with the Painting”: This is a special after-hours presentation by author/historian Sue Boardman of the Gettysburg Cyclorama painting. Attendees will explore the history of cycloramas and, in particular, the history of the Gettysburg Cyclorama.
Where: Gettysburg National Military Park, 1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Info: $10 to $20; 877-874-2478; gettysburgfoundation.org
3. “Five Dollar Comedy”: The regular comedy showcase at the State Theatre is back with more local comics including Matty Litwack, Tyler Richardson and Ahmed Huidobro.
Where: Old Court House Civil War Museum, 20 N. Loudon St., Winchester
When: Friday through Sunday
Info: Free to $5; 540-542-1145 civilwarmuseum.org
4. DanceAfrica DC 2013: A celebration of the dance and music of the African Diaspora features African dance companies and more.
Where: Dance Place, 3225 8th St. NE
When: Through Sunday
Info: $10 to $25; 202-269-1600; danceplace.org
Best Galleries
1. “Over, Under, Next”: An even hundred experimental works circa 1913 to present, culled primarily from the Hirshhorn’s permanent collection, that repurpose prosaic materials and objects as art.
Where: Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, Seventh Street and Independence Avenue SW
When: Through Sept. 8
Info: Free; 202-633-4674; hmsg.si.edu
2. “Ceramica de los Ancestros: Central America’s Past Revealed”: This bilingual showcase illuminates through preserved ceramics the politics, economies and artistic traditions of the complex civilizations that thrived in what is now Belize, Costa Rica, El Savador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama as early as 1,000 B.C.
Where: National Museum of the American Indian, Fourth Street and Independence Avenue SW
When: Through Feb. 1, 2015
Info: Free; 202-633-1000; nmai.si.edu
3. “Antoine Sanfuentes: Unsung Jazz”: Emmy-winning TV producer Antoine Sanfuentes brings his passion project — photographs of D.C.’s underrecognized jazz musicians — to a celebrated Anacostia gallery.
Where: The Gallery at Vivid Solutions, 2208 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE
When: Through June 28
Info: Free
4. “Whistler’s Neighborhood: Impressions of a Changing London”: This collection of etchings, watercolors and small oils from famed 19th century painter James McNeill Whistler document the dramatic changes his Chelsea neighborhood underwent over the course of the 1880s.
Where: Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, Jefferson Drive and 12th Street SW
When: Through Sept. 8
Info: Free; 202-633-4880; asia.si.edu
