Brain Food
1. Design for the Other Ninety Percent: This exhibit explores a growing movement to design low-cost solutions for those not traditionally served by professional designers. Entrepreneurs, engineers, students, professors and architects from around the globe are devising cost-effective ways to improve access to water, food, energy, education, health care, revenue-generating activities and affordable transportation for that section of the world’s population that lives in poverty.
Where: National Geographic Museum, 1145 17th St. NW
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday; through Monday
Info: Free; 202-857-7588; events.nationalgeographic.com/events/exhibits
2. “Roman Holiday”: The last in The Atlas Performing Arts Center’s tribute to films made in or about Italy.
Where: Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Info: $6; 202-399-7993; atlasarts.org
3. “Ground Zero Dialogue”: Gather for a meaningful, engaging discussion and film screening that will address the ground zero controversy. Explore why this has sparked a divisive reaction that requires a constructive conversation about remaining a united America — across cultures and faiths. Hear from Imam Johari Abdul-Malik, a respected advocate for civil rights, liberties and interfaith dialogue. Watch the award-winning film “Talking Through Walls.”
Where: Busboys and Poets, 2021 14th St. NW
When: 6 p.m. Tuesday
Info: $5; 202-3387-7638; busboysandpoets.com
4. Constance Borde and Sheila Malovany-Chevalier (translators): Simone de Beauvoir’s “The Second Sex,” her monumental classic on the place of women in society, originally appeared in English missing 15 percent of its text. Now, 60 years after that truncated edition (produced by a retired zoologist with college-level French), the complete work is available in English. Borde and Malovany-Chevalier will discuss the continuing relevance of Beauvoir’s book.
Where: Politics and Prose Bookstore, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday
Info: 202-364-1919; politics-prose.com
5. “The Dinner Party”: The second of six courses leading up to “Intersections: A New America Arts Festival,” “The Dinner Party” is an ongoing monthly alternative venue for experimental dance, music and performance art. Through Dec. 9.
Where: Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE
When: 8 p.m. Thursday
Info: $10; 202-399-7993; atlasarts.org
Family
1. Book Signing: “An Uncaged Eagle”: Author Richard Toliver signs copies of his book, which is an inspirational memoir of victory over adversity. During his lifetime, Toliver served as a “top gun” fighter pilot and retired as a full colonel after 26 years of service.
Where: Air and Space Museum, Gallery 101, Museum Shop, Independence Avenue and Fifth Street SW
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday
Info: Free; 202-633-2214; nasm.si.edu
2. “When I Wish Upon a Star: Autumn Night Sky”: Visit the only planetarium in the National Park System. View the season’s brightest stars, planets and constellations and learn about their stories. Ages 5 and older.
Where: Rock Creek Planetarium, Rock Creek Nature Center, 5200 Glover Road NW
When: 1 p.m. Saturday
Info: Free; 202-895-6070; nps.gov/rocr
3. Squirrels Campfire: Bring the whole family to enjoy old-fashioned fun. Stories, games, songs, animal guests and s’mores.
Where: Gulf Branch Fire Ring, 3608 Military Road, Arlington
When: 6 to 7:15 p.m. Saturday
Info: $5 per person, $20 maximum per family; registration required at 703-228-4747; program 612850-A
4. “Little Red Riding Hood and The Three Little Pigs”: The Puppet Co., a center for the exploration of the art of puppetry, presents these two beloved tales joined into one.
Where: Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Bethesda
When: Through Sunday
Info: $10; 301-634-5380; thepuppetco.org
5. “The Wiz”: See the updated version of the classic “Wizard of Oz” with Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.
Where: Paul Sprenger Theatre, Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE
When: 5 p.m. Saturday
Info: Limit four tickets to show; 202-399-79938; atlasarts.org
Galleries
1. June Wayne’s “Dorothy Series”: The hyperrealistic series of lithographs Wayne made in the latter half of the 1970s to tell her mother’s biography only seem more poignant as time marches on — Wayne’s mother, Dorothy, died at 60; the artist remains active at age 92.
Where: Through Sept. 13
When: National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Ave. NW
Info: 202-783-5000; nmwa.org
2. The Gods of Angkor: Bronzes from the National Museum of Cambodia: Three dozen magnificent bronze sculptures of Buddha, Ganesha and other spiritual figures, some nearly 2,000 years old, are displayed.
Where: Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, Jefferson Drive and 12 Street SW
When: Through Jan. 23, 2011
Info: Free; 202-633-4880; asia.si.edu
3. German Master Drawings from the Wolfgang Ratjen Collection, 1580-1900: These 120 samples of German drawings from the 17th through 19th centuries features sterling examples of baroque, rococo, romantic and realistic works assembled over a three-decade period by ahead-of-his-time collector Ratjen.
Where: National Gallery of Art, Fourth Street and Constitution Avenue NW
When: Through Nov. 28
Info: Free; 202-737-4215; nga.gov
4. Alan Binstock: Way-stations: D.C.-based sculptor Binstock unveils his arresting new steel-and-glass additions to the Sylvia Berlin Katzen Sculpture Garden.
Where: The American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center, 4400 Massachusetts Ave.
When: Through Oct. 24
Info: Free; 202-885-1300; american.edu/cas/katzen/museum
5. Introductions 6: Hedieh Javanshir Ilchii’s acrylic-on-mylar paintings are a highlight of this latest installment of Irvine’s annual curated show of work by recent grads.
Where: Irvine Contemporary, 1412 14th St. NW
When: Through Saturday
Info: Free; 202-332-8767; irvinecontemporary.com
Gatherings
1. Maryland Renaissance Festival: This year’s festival finds Henry VIII visiting Revel Grove hoping to take Katherine Parr as his sixth wife. Jousting, music, trapeze acts, comedy, acrobatics, food and entertainment for the whole family.
Where: Crownsville, Md.
When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekends; through October
Info: $7 to $18, special passes available; 800-296-7304; marylandrenaissancefestival.com
2. KanKouran West African Dance Company: “Circle of Praise: Blessings!” Part of the KanKouran West African Dance Company 27th annual conference.
Where: Lisner Auditorium, 730 21st St., NW
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Info: $25 to $30; 202-994-6800; lisner.org
3. Maryland State Fair: Where else could you find Justin Bieber headlining a weekend filled with pig racing and chainsaw carving? Entertainment, food and more.
Where: Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Road, Timonium
When: Through Monday
Info: 410-252-0200; marylandstatefair.com
4. Free Admission to the Corcoran on Saturdays: Complimentary tours, workshops and performances. This is the last weekend to enjoy this summer treat.
Where: Corcoran Gallery of Art, 500 17th St. NW
When: Through Saturday. Special offerings: noon to 3 p.m. — Sketching in the Atrium; at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. the Washington Revels Celebrates Historic American Art
Info: Free; 202-639-1700; corcoran.org
5. “A.C.T.O.R.: A Continuing Talk on Race”: This discussion series provides the opportunity for people to come together and speak openly and honestly about issues of race. The intent is that each person walks away from the discussion feeling something: challenged, educated, uncomfortable, enlightened, refreshed, reassured and hopefully inspired and moved to action. Regular discussions take place the first Sunday of each month a new topic is discussed, with Busboys and Poets sponsoring a facilitator.
Where: Busboys and Poets, 14th and V St. NW
When: 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday
Info: Free; 202-387-7638; busboysandpoets.com
Music
1. National Symphony Orchestra: Emil de Cou conducts the NSO in the annual Labor Day Concert with special guests.
Where: West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol
When: 8 p.m. Sunday
Info: 202-416-8114; dress rehearsal Sunday at 3:30 p.m. In case of inclement weather, the program will be moved to the Kennedy Center.
2. Nils Lofgren and Friends: The virtuoso guitarist takes a break from Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band to perform an evening of acoustic music as only he can.
Where: The Birchmere
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Sunday
Info: $45; 703-549-7500; birchmere.com
3. Eddie Daniels and Bob James Project with Peter Erskine: A clarinet, piano and drum fest with veteran jazz and classical artists, colleagues of such luminaries as Freddie Hubbard, Bucky Pizzarelli, Earl Klugh, David Sanborn and Fourplay.
Where: Blues Alley
When: 8 and 10 p.m. Thursday-Saturday
Info: $45; 202-337-4141; bluesalley.com
Outdoors
1. Adventure: In the historic and scenic Harpers Ferry area, enjoy rafting, tubing, kayaking, canoeing, biking, climbing and hiking. Outdoor adventures for all ages just one hour away from Washington. Lessons take place on the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers.
Where: 604 Valley Road, Knoxville, Md.
When: See Web site
Info: 888-446-7529; rivertrail.com
2. Eastern Market: Now in its 27th year, the market boasts 100 exhibitors from five continents. One of the most diverse in the nation, it offers arts, crafts, antiques, collectibles and imports every weekend, weather permitting.
Where: Seventh and C streets SE
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday; music noon to 3:30 p.m.
Info: 703-534-7612; easternmarket.net
3. Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens: Explore this urban national park looking for blooms and birds. You’ll walk a couple of easy miles on trails and open boardwalks looking at water lilies, lotus and hibiscus plants, and searching for wading migrants like herons and egrets. Info: 703-228-6535.
Where: Meet at Lubber Run Rec Center, 300 N. Park Drive, Arlington
When: 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday
Info: $20; registration required at 703-288-4747; program 612940-F
4. Hike the Appalachian Trail: Dahlgrens to Ed Garvey: Pleasant woodland trails with plenty of civil war history near Boonsboro, Md. It’s 10.9 miles, 5.5 hours, moderately difficult. OK trail conditions. Part three of four hikes that could be done as individual day hikes or strung together for a four-day backpacking trip. Dog-friendly.
Where: Trailhead is at Turner’s Gap (see Web site)
When: All seasons
Info: Potomac Appalachian Trail Club; 703-242-0693; patc.net
5. Botanic Gardens: Visit the National Botanic Garden and see what’s going on in the Butterfly Garden. Why did the Botanic Garden include a butterfly garden in its plans? The grace and beauty of butterflies fill their garden with excitement, joy and life. By gardening for butterflies, the garden not only created an attractive and safe haven for butterflies; it is supporting other pollinators and useful insects as well.
Where: National Garden, United States Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Info: Free; 202-225-8333; usbg.gov
Theater
1. “The Sound of Music”: Celebrate the golden anniversary of this iconic musical with timeless standards including “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” and “Climb Ev’ry Mountain.”
Where: Filene Center, Wolf Trap, 1555 Trap Road, Vienna
When: 8 p.m. Sept. Thursday to Sunday; 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Info: $20 to $80; 877-965-3872; wolftrap.org
2. Ninth Annual Page to Stage Festival: More than 40 productions of plays and musicals being developed by local, regional and national playwright, librettists and composers.
Where: The Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW
When: 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday to Monday
Info: Free; 202-467-400; kennedy-center.org
3. “Travels With My Aunt”: Graham Greene’s touching comic novel is given a new theatrical staging with four actors playing 25 characters, in the central figure, a meek, middle-aged bank clerk who accompanies his flamboyant Aunt Augusta on a series of intriguing journeys.
Where: Rep Stage, 10901 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Sunday, Wednesday, Sept. 9 and 12; 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10 and 11; 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 11 and 12
Info: $14 to $30; 410-772-4900; repstage.org
4. “Cherry Smoke”: James McManus’ play tells the story of a short-tempered boxer and his lost soul of a girlfriend.
Where: Round House Theatre, Silver Spring, 8641 Colesville Road, Silver Spring
When: 8 p.m. Thursday to Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday
Info: $10 to $15; 240-644-1100; roundhousetheatre.org
5. “Something You Did”: A stellar student from a good family, Alison Moulton is serving her third decade behind bars for an anti-war action she participated in as member of a 1960s radical group that resulted in the death of an African-American police officer. Now petitioning for parole, she’s visited by the daughter of the slain officer.
Where: Theater J, Washington D.C. Jewish Community Center, 1529 16th St. NW
When: Through Oct. 3; see Web site for dates and times
Info: $30 to $55; 800-494-8497; theaterj.org
