Photo by Pianoman75.TALK: DC Science Cafe presents Life as We Don’t Know It, a talk with Washington Post science writer Marc Kaufman and NASA Planetary Protection Officer Cassie Conley on the search for extraterrestrial life and the moral responsibilities that come with that search, at Busboys and Poets’ 5th & K location (1025 5th Street NW) tonight. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free.
FASHION: DC Fashion Week held a fashion show at the H Street Festival this past Saturday, but the official kickoff happens tonight. Head to architectural design firm Perkins + Will (1250 24th Street NW) for an Eco Fashion Show at 7:00 p.m. Free admission, but RSVP to rsvp@dcfashionweek.org.
BEER: As we mentioned last week, Bourbon in Glover Park (2348 Wisconsin Avenue NW) is offering a series of Beer School classes through October, with beer expert Rachel Murray. Each class has a different theme and features tastings of 6 beers that highlight that theme. Tonight’s class (offered at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.) is on malts. $25.
MOVIE: It’s a Mel Brooks double feature at the Black Cat’s (1811 14th Street NW) Drink and a Movie night, with screenings of Spaceballs and History of the World: Part I. 8:30 p.m. Free.
FOOD & DRINK: Jaleo celebrates the annual Tomatina Festival at its three locations, with cooking demonstrations, tomato cocktails, and tomato dishes. Tonight through October 2nd.
Coming up this week…
TUESDAY: NPR’s Diane Rehm moderates the panel talk A Voter’s Primer: Presidential Politics and the Constitution, which looks at how presidential campaigns “use (and mis-use) the Constitution,” at the National Archives William G. McGowan Theater (700 Pennsylvania Avenue NW). 7-9 p.m. Free.
>> Raise a glass to Hispanic Heritage month at Eatonville Restaurant’s (2121 14th Street NW) Food & Folklore series event, pairing a 3-course meal with South American wines. 6:30-9:30 p.m. $57.60.
WEDNESDAY: Chef, restaurant-owner, and Food Network star Bobby Flay discusses his Bar Americain Cookbook at Sixth and I Street Synagogue (600 I Street NW). Doors 6:30 p.m., talk 7:30 p.m. $40 includes admission and a copy of the book.
THURSDAY: Celebrate Capital Bikeshare’s first year with a Birthday Bash, featuring an ’80s band, free Sprinkles cupcakes, a moonbounce, bike races, giveaways and more, at The Yards Park (10 Water Street SE). 6-9 p.m. Free.
>> Head to Nationals Park (1500 South Capitol Street SE) and grab a seat on the field or in the stands for this year’s Opera in the Outfield. The event will feature a simulcast of the Washington National Opera’s performance of Puccini’s Tosca. Gates open at 5:30 p.m, show starts at 7:30 p.m. No registration required. Free.
FRIDAY: 826DC, a nonprofit that teaches students writing skills, is throwing a Back to School party (21 and older) at The Dunes (1402 Meridian Place NW). Special guest, author Dave Eggers, will be in attendance, music will be provided by Bluebrain’s Hays Halladay, and Lagunitas Brewing Company is supplying the drinks. 5:30-8:00 p.m. Tickets: $20.
SATURDAY: Over 100 authors, including David McCullough, Dave Eggers, Garrison Keillor and Toni Morrison, will be giving talks and doing readings at the National Book Festival, presented by the Library of Congress, this Saturday (10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.) and Sunday (1-5:30 p.m.) on the National Mall. Free.
