Film Forum, King Lear, National Gallery
Photograph of posters courtesy of DCIFF.
Happy Monday, everyone!
Black History Month is wrapping up, and Women’s History Month is on the horizon, with lots of events on the calendar. You can celebrate all things history at a local lecture or neighborhood run. Or, check out the movie lineup for the DC Independent Film Forum.
Best Things to Do This Week
- DC Independent Film Forum. More than 70 filmmakers are featured in the 24th annual DC Independent Forum. From web series and short films to documentaries and animations, there’s a number of creative titles to binge-watch at Landmark’s E Street Cinema. In addition to the screenings, the forum schedule includes happy hours and industry seminars (Wed-Sun, $13, $105 for all-access pass, Northwest DC).
- “Philip Guston Now” at the National Gallery of Art. The eclectic works of popular modern artist Philip Guston are on display at the National Gallery of Art. Spectators can immerse themselves in the artistic styles and abstract techniques featured in 150 paintings and drawings on view at this much-anticipated exhibition (Thurs through August 27).
- Vienna Restaurant Week. The second annual Vienna Restaurant Week kicks off with a showcase of 50 participating restaurants and eateries. Diners can enjoy three-course prix fixe menus during brunch, lunch, and dinner (Fri through March 12, $25+, Vienna).
- “King Lear.” The Shakespeare classic tale of King Lear arrives in DC under the direction of Simon Godwin. This new Shakespeare Theatre Company production follows the story of the monarch, played by actor Patrick Page, as he navigates the challenges of ruling and family (through April 8, $69+, Northwest DC).
Want More Things to Do?
Budget-friendly. Mingle with neighbors at Neptune Room’s 3 Year Anniversary party (Tues, free, Northwest DC).
Arts and culture. Watch a screening of Black Travel Across America followed by a panel discussion (Mon, free, virtual). Watch a screening of Marked for Death at Songbyrd (Tues, free, Northeast DC). Join a new book club at Bold Fork Books (Mon, $5, Northwest DC). Don’t miss this year’s Capital Irish Film Festival (Thurs-Sun, $13, $130 for all-access pass, Silver Spring). Discover the exhibit “Masterpieces of American Furniture from the Kaufman Collection, 1700–1830” (daily, free, National Gallery of Art). Observe “Called to Create: Black Artists of the American South” before it closes (through March 26, free, National Gallery of Art). Meet up with the authors of 111 Places in Women’s History That You Must Not Miss in Washington, DC (Mon, $25, virtual). Check out the opening of “Confluence” at Fred Schnider Gallery (Sat through April 23, free, Arlington). A Spectacular Black Girl Art Show is coming to town (Sun, $40, College Park). “Intangible Forms” immersive exhibit closes soon at Artechouse (Mon-Sun, $17+, Southwest DC). Observe “The Utopia Project” before it closes (Mon-Wed, free, Anacostia).
History and heritage. Learn about wildlife species that are defying extinction (Mon, $25, virtual). Join DC Run Crew for a jog through U Street’s historic sites (Mon, free, U Street). Explore the race and history of Rock Creek Park (Tues, free, virtual). Wish historic singer Marian Anderson a happy birthday at this documentary screening (Mon, free, Southwest DC).
Theater and shows. Get tickets to Into the Woods (through March 19, $45+, Kennedy Center). The romantic film The Notebook is showing at Miracle Theatre (Wed, $8, Southeast DC). This comedy show is a combination of storytelling and interrogation (Wed, $15+, Northwest DC). Laugh out loud at the Comedy Shuffle (Mon, free, Northwest DC). Experience live music, performances, food, and dancing at Atlas Performing Arts Center’s gala (Thurs, $175, Northeast DC). It’s the last chance to see English at Studio Theatre (through March 12, $85+, Northwest DC). The new stage play Clyde’s opens this week (Wed through April 9, $65+, Northwest DC). Award-winning artist SZA makes a tour stop in DC (Mon, $375+, Capital One Arena).
Music and concerts. Bill Callahan performs at Capital Turnaround (Tues, $30, Southeast DC). The first Washington Performing Arts Ruth Bader Ginsburg Memorial Recital presents Cotton (Tues, $40+, Kennedy Center). The U.S. Air Force Band celebrates women in the arts (Thurs, free, Alexandria). Washington Master Chorale presents Poetry Into Song (Sun, $20+, students $10, virtual, Northwest DC). Attend community showcase of a music and art at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts (Wed, free, Northwest DC). Chopteeth Afrofunk Big Band is live at Pearl Street Warehouse (Fri, $20, Wharf). Rock out with Colony House at the 9:30 Club (Sun, $25, Northwest DC). Steve Aoki performs at Echostage (Wed, $46, Northeast DC).
Exercise and wellness. Participate in a kirtan class at District Flow Yoga (Sat, $35, Capitol Hill). Meditate at kundalini yoga (Wed, $21+, Northwest DC). Stretch and relax at R&B yoga (Wed, $25, Downtown). Attend a wellness event at Hotel Zena (Wed, $15, Downtown).
Sports. See who will take home the winning title at this year’s MAC Wrestling Championship (Fri-Sat, $20, Fairfax). Go to the Congressional Hockey Challenge (Wed, $10, Arlington).
Game night. Calling all bingo lovers to The Fainting Goat (every Tues, free, U Street). Play trivia at Solly’s for a good cause; a portion of the proceeds go to Rural Dog Rescue (Wed, free, U Street). It’s game night at Western Market (Mon, $1, Northwest DC).
Things to do with kids. Read to your furry friend at the library (Mon, free, Alexandria). Have a family movie day and watch Ghostbusters (Sun, free, Northeast DC).
If you enjoyed these events, please don’t forget to share this post with a friend on social media, and sign-up for our newsletter for more things to do.
Briana A. Thomas is a local journalist, historian, and tour guide who specializes in the research of D.C. history and culture. She is the author of the Black history book, Black Broadway in Washington, D.C., a story that was first published in Washingtonian in 2016.