Weekend Roundup, October 17-20
By October 16, 2024 0 729
•As we work our way through October, this weekend includes lots of fall-centric events. There’s a fall market in Georgetown, the Oak Hill Cemetery Gala is Friday and Mount Vernon is hosting a fall festival too.
The Georgetown Fall Market is This Weekend
Don’t miss the annual Georgetown Fall Market this weekend. Stemming from the success of springtime’s Georgetown French Market, this weekend’s market is a similar format, with a bit of cinnamon and pumpkin thrown in. The market will be Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Wisconsin Ave. NW between N and R Streets. More information can be found here.
See “Felix Gonzalez-Torres: Always to Return” at the National Portrait Gallery
An exhibit opens tomorrow that will focus on artist Felix Gonzalez-Torres and his engagement with portraiture and construction of identity. Gonzales-Torres is one of the leading artists of the 20th century. The exhibit is planned to continue outside with Gonzales-Torres’s light string work. More information on the event can be found here.
So Fetch! “Mean Girls” is Playing at The National Theatre Through This Weekend Only
The 2004 comedy has been transformed into a Broadway musical. The star-studded minds behind the show include book writer Tina Fey, (who wrote the movie), composer (and Fey’s husband) Jeff Richmond, lyricist Nell Benjamin (who is also behind the Broadway musical “Legally Blonde”) and Casey Nicholaw, who choreographed the show (as well as “The Book of Mormon). More information on tickets can be found here.
Continue to Nourish at The Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center is continuing its “Nourish” program, which focuses on nourishing the mind, body and soul through the arts. Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the REACH Plaza, join local non-profit FRESHFARM to explore the local food system. There will be activities to help guests learn about everything from composting to cooking. Also, on Saturday is “Breaking Bread: A Conversation on Gastro-Diplomacy” with journalist and author Alex Prud’homme. Prud’homme, who wrote the books “Dinner with the President” and “My Life in France,” will chat about how food is the center of diplomacy. More information can be found here.
This Weekend only: Renée Fleming Sings Strauss, Noseda Conducts Brahms
The National Symphony Orchestra will be accompanying soprano Renée Fleming, who will be singing music from one of her most memorable roles: Countess Madeleine from Strauss’s “Capriccio.” Also, Gianandrea Noseda will be conducting the majestic intro to “Capriccio” and finally, sit back and take in Brahms’ prolific First Symphony. More information on the weekend shows can be found here.
See Broadway Star Norm Lewis at Wolf Trap
Broadway (and Emmy, Grammy, SAG Award and Tony Award nominated) actor and singer Norm Lewis performs at The Barns at Wolf Trap Friday and Saturday evening. He will be singing songs from his career highlights, including selections from “Les Miserables,” “Porgy and Bess,” and more. More information on tickets can be found here.
Oak Hill Cemetery’s 175th Anniversary Gala is Friday
Celebrate 175 years of Oak Hill Cemetery this Friday at the Omni Shoreham hotel on Calvert St. NW. Cocktails start at 6 p.m. with dinner to follow. Friends of Oak Hill Cemetery, as well as anyone interested in joining the celebration, are welcome. Tickets are $100 for a single one and $175 for couples. More information on the event can be found here.
Enjoy Mount Vernon’s Fall Festival
Celebrate all the autumnal excitement at Mount Vernon this weekend. Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., learn about wheat treading, see how soap was made, check out cooking demonstrations, enjoy a story time for kids, and more. There will even be a scavenger hunt! More information on the fall fun can be found here.
Washington Master Chorale Kicks Off Their Season
The Washington Master Chorale begins their fifteenth season with “I, Too Sing America,” which will feature music from across the country that celebrates composers of color. The show will be performed at St. Ann’s Catholic Church on Yuma Street. The concert begins at 3 p.m. with a post-concert chat starting at 5 p.m. More information on the event can be found here.
The Royal Sonesta Capitol Hill Hosts an Election Discussion Tonight
There’s still a few tickets left to “Election Reflection: The Memeification of Politics” panel discussion this evening at 6 p.m. at the Royal Sonesta Capitol Hill. The event will discuss how memes are influencing political discourse and current campaigns. More information on tickets can be found here.
The National Building Museum Hosts “The Big Build”
An annual, free STEM-focused event heads to The National Building Museum Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. “The Big Build” is for all ages and explores a variety of interactive activities with construction workers, carpenters, home remodelers and more. There will also be an outdoor “petting zoo,” where kids can climb inside real construction equipment. More information can be found here.
The Cathedral Choral Society Performs Brahms “Requiem” at The National Cathedral
The Cathedral Choral Society will be performing Brahms “A German Requiem” Sunday afternoon at 4 p.m. at The Washington National Cathedral. The piece, Brahms longest work, is a composition meant for a large scale—a chorus and orchestra, and soprano and baritone soloists. It includes seven movements, and last approximately 65-80 minutes. More information can be found here.
Heads Up, Book Lovers—There’s a Used Book Sale at the Georgetown Library
This weekend, head to Georgetown Branch Library for a used book sale. Saturday, children’s books are $2 and under, paperbacks are $2 and hardcovers are $4. Sunday, all books are half price or fill your shopping bag for $10. Cash, check, Zelle and Venmo will all be accepted. More information can be found here.
A Room with a “Clue” at Strathmore
What’s spooky season without a little mysterious fun? Strathmore is hosting “A Room with a Clue” by Dean Fiala. The show involves a gaming group who plays a live version of the game “Clue.” As the game turns just a bit too real, the group ends up having more than one murder to solve. Come dressed as your favorite character (Miss Scarlet, Col. Mustard, or Professor Plum, anyone?) to be entered to possibly win a prize. The show is recommended for ages 15+. More information on tickets can be found here.
Shuck It! Oyster and Beer Festival
The 11th Annual Shuck It! Oyster and Beer Festival will be at Tony & Joe’s this Saturday from 1-5 p.m. Don’t miss freshly shucked grilled oysters, locally brewed beers, wines, bratwurst, shrimp, salad and more. More information on the event can be found here.
Coming this Week…
Chefs for Equality
Chefs for Equality, the event that brings together 150+ chefs and mixologists for an evening of food and cocktails, will be Monday at the National Building Museum. There will be 50 tasting stations and 20 crafted cocktail stations, along with 13 personal chef tables. Chefs for Equality advances the fight for LGBTQ equality through the work of the Human Right Campaign. More information can be found here.