Photo by B.W. Johnson

ART: Peruse artwork while you enjoy Flying Dog Brewery’s Spring Ale
and live music from The Potomac Heelsplitters at Hillyer Art Space’s (9 Hillyer Court NW) Beer and Bluegrass event tonight. 7:00-9:00 p.m. $7 in advance, $10 at the door.

>> ACTIVATE from RAW:natural born artists is a showcase of 30 local artists presenting their visual art, film, fashion, hair and makeup, photography, and more at the Cafe Asia (1720 I Street NW) this Thursday from 8 p.m. to midnight. $10 in advance, $15 at the door.

TALK: Kate Bolick discusses her much talked about Atlantic article, “All the Single Ladies,” at Sixth and I Historic Synagogue (600 I Street NW) tonight. Senior Editors Hanna Rosin and Garance Franke-Ruta, also from The Atlantic, take part in the discussion. 7:00 p.m. $10.

FOOD & DRINK: the International Wine & Food Festival kicks off with a Sommelier Showdown at the Ronald Reagan Building (1300 Pennslvania Avenue NW) from 6:00-9:00 p.m. Tickets: $150.

>> Local tasty food makers Tarts by Tarts will be offering free cookies and caramels and selling tartlets, doughnuts, and bars at aValentine’s Party at Treasury Vintage (1843 14th Street NW, Second Floor) tonight. While you’re there enjoy boozy drinks and deals from the Treasury. 5:00-9:00 p.m.

MUSIC: Royal Baths bring their “darkly-psychedelic garage rock” to DC9 (1940 9th Street NW) tonight with Slowdance and Surgery Dot Com. 8:30 p.m. $8.

>> Consult the Weekly Music Agenda for your other live music options tonight.

DANCE: Take a class in 18th-century dance at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum (134 N. Royal Street Alexandria, VA) tonight. 7:30-9:30 p.m. $12 per class (next class on February 16), or $30 for series of three classes (first class took place on February 2).