Blinky Palermo, “Untitled,” 1968. Collection Musée d’Art Moderne Grand-Duc Jean, MUDAM Luxembourg. © 2010 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York/VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn. (Photo: Jens Ziehe.)

>> On Thursday, the Hirshhorn opens Blinky Palermo: Retrospective 1964-1977. The exhibit is the first comprehensive U.S. survey of Palermo’s work, and includes examples from all phases of his short career in a selection of 70 works. During the opening night, exhibit curator Lynne Cooke will lead an exhibit walk-through at 7 p.m. The museum will remain open prior to the walk-through.

>> The INTERSECTIONS Festival kicks off this weekend, offering up an almost nonstop schedule full of theater, dance, spoken word, music, visual art and film. Check out the full schedule of events (PDF), purchase passes or find one of the many free concerts happening throughout the festival. Help celebrate at the Festival Opening Party with Trio Caliente, a blend of Flamenco, pop and Brazilian Jazz. Friday, 9 p.m. $20.

>> On Saturday, view a photography exhibit hosted by Ten Miles Square, as a part of the INTERSECTIONS Festival. The show highlights “where arts merge and cultures meet,” and includes some of the photogs we know and love here on DCist. Opening reception 5:30 – 7 p.m. in the in the Bernstein Gallery.