The Smithsonian Folk Life Festival kicks off its second week starting today and runs through Monday. Explore the culture of Asian Pacific Americans, Mexico and the Smithsonian during this 44th annual festival. Enjoy the various performances, demonstrations and food from the chosen cultures including opera, dance, martial arts, tequila making, and dance parties every day from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. more ›

FRIDAY: >> Maybe you check in with DCist only occasionally to get a few tips on which concerts to see, but tend to stick to touring acts for the most part, and still haven't really exposed yourself to the local rock scene. If so, confess tonight and all your sins will be forgiven. Three of the best local bands are playing a show together on the Black Cat's main stage at 9 p.m. -- catch... more ›

It's a slow week in jazz land because of the holiday, but there's still some great music happening. Happy 4th of July, everyone! >> Smooth jazz saxophonist Walter Beasley comes to Blues Alley for a four night stand, beginning this Thursday, with daily 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets. $35. >> This week's top pick is legendary drummer Andrew Cyrille (pictured), who brings a group to Twins Jazz this Friday and Saturday. This man has... more ›

By DCist Contributor Steve Kiviat The Smithsonian Folklife Festival has a somewhat well-deserved reputation as a highly educational place to dump visiting relatives, but tourists and discerning locals alike can also have some fun at the event’s daytime performances and evening concerts and dance parties (not to mention chowing down on grub that’s better than street-corner hotdogs). This year’s 41st annual version features three themes: "Mekong River: Connecting Cultures," "Northern Ireland at the Smithsonian," and... more ›

FRIDAY: >> While Argentinian actress and singer-songwriter Juana Molina put out her first album in 1996, most of us in the U.S. probably didn't get hooked on her until 2004, when her sophomore effort, Segundo, was finally released. Despite such a long lag time between her debut and follow-up, since then she's been recording like a woman on fire — this tour is support of a fourth outing, Son. She'll be bringing her unique Latin/French/Electronica/Folk... more ›

If your fellow employees were able to reap the benefits of July 4th being on a Tuesday and took July 3rd off -- and even added today for good measure -- chances are your workplace will be a veritable ghost town. So much the better, right? There's World Cup soccer to be watched. Pharmacies Oppose D.C. Cold Medicine Law: Kids getting high off of Sudafed? Basement drug producers using cold medication to make meth? It's... more ›

FRIDAY: more ›

The Smithsonian's 39th Annual Folklife Festival kicks off today on the Mall and is typically one of the best reasons to venture down to the Mall during the height of the summer tourist season. more ›