With weather temperatures finally starting to feel like fall, now is the perfect week to get out and about. Good news: there’s a lot to do this week, including an exclusive screening of a sports movie classic, a paella cook off, underground comedy (literally) and much more.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
MILK MAN: Following its graphs-heavy exhibit on local punk music, Lost Origins Gallery presents a narrative series focused on what might happen when society reaches the end of the line. Local artist Tom Kim’s Milk Relics will tell the tale of our (potential) post-apocalyptic world, once we pass over the brink of environmental collapse. While the exhibit is inherently personal, Kim will collaborate with a variety of different artists on performances at the gallery throughout the month of September, including musicians, poets, and writers. The exhibit opens Monday with a performance from cellist Isabelle Posey. (Lost Origins Gallery, 7 p.m.-10 p.m., FREE)
CHECK AND MATE: If you’ve ever wanted to sit down and play a game of chess, but weren’t sure to start, there’s now a place for you. Alexandria’s Pints and Pawns is a gathering of like minded chess players across all skill sets where you can get some reps. Whether you’re a regular Bobby Fischer or just starting out playing, there’s plenty of friendly competition to be had. (T.J. Stone’s, 7 p.m.-9 p.m., FREE with registration)
MORE: DC Run Crew “HIIT and RUN” (Nationals Park, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m., FREE with registration), The Smuggler (Eaton DC, 8:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m., $40), Los Stellarians (Rock & Roll Hotel, 8 p.m., $25)
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
LOVE SHACK: The B-52s will rock and roll The Anthem on Tuesday night as part of their 40th anniversary tour. The band’s long and storied history has inspired generations of musicians—hear the hits beyond “Love Shack” at their high-energy show. (The Anthem, 8 p.m., $55)
SPELL IT OUT FOR YOU: Dating back all the way to the first event in 1913, the Press vs. Politicians Spelling Bee will grace the National Press Club’s ballroom for a battle of wits and smarts. Hosted by NPC president Alison Kodjak, participants for this year’s contest include Rep. Don Beyer, Rep. Jennifer Wexton, Alexandra Petri from the Washington Post, Zoe Tillman from Buzzfeed, and Eric Geller from Politico. (National Press Club, 7:30 p.m.-9 p.m., $25)
AMAZON RELIEF: Those looking for a way to contribute to Amazon rainforest relief might want to make their way to Eaton DC on Tuesday, as the space will host a screening of the 2008 documentary Children of the Amazon. Brazilian filmmaker Denise Zmekhol followed indigenous Surui and Negarote children to tell a story of how their lives changed after a road was built right through the heart of the forest. All proceeds of the tickets will go to Amazon Watch. (Eaton DC, 8 p.m.-9:30 p.m., $10)
MORE: Harry Potter Trivia (Pinstripes, 7 p.m.- 9 p.m., FREE with registration), Screening: The War is Over (Embassy of France, 7 p.m.-10 p.m., FREE with registration), DC — Single Varietal Focus and Tasting (Cork & Fork, 7 p.m.-8 p.m., $60)
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
JOG ON: The On Art Run is a scenic jog winding through some of the District’s best and most interesting historical street art. More of a casual stroll than a dedicated 5K (yes, pausing to take photos is allowed), participants will also have a chance to try a pair of shoes from Swiss brand On Running before heading back for a celebration complete with complimentary food, drink, and art. (Culture House, 6 p.m.- 9 p.m., $15)
FESTIVE: Wednesday night will see chefs Jordi Gallardo (Fairmont Executive Chef), Cinthia Bonilla (Mola), and Carlos Gomez Segovia (Taberna del Alabardero) all teaming up for a giant night of paella cooking. Taking place in the middle of the Fairmont courtyard, each chef will bring their unique spin and flavor to this traditional Spanish dish. Sides and dessert are included in the ticket price; sangria and cocktails are available for purchase. Proceeds will benefit Horton’s Kids, a D.C. charity that helps under-resourced children get the tools they need to succeed. (Fairmont Washington, 5 p.m.- 7 p.m., $15)
COMEDY, UNDERGROUND: D.C. certainly has its fair share of stand up nights in bar basements, and now there’s another subterranean space offering up laughs. On Wednesday evening, Dupont Underground’s stunning space hosts the latest in its monthly comedy showcase. Comedians from near and far will be on hand to make you laugh, perfect for a good mid-week pick-me-up. (Dupont Underground, 8:30 p.m.-10 p.m., $10)
JAZZY: If comedy isn’t your thing, the Blue Dot Jazz Troupe performs at The Alex in Georgetown as part of its biweekly residency. Inspired by New Orleans jazz, the group also pulls from an unlikely mix of blues, funk, Afro-Cuban, and pop to create a distinct and unique sound. (The Alex Craft Cocktail Cellar and Speakeasy, 6 p.m.-9 p.m., FREE with registration)
MORE: Naomi Klein | ON FIRE (Sidwell Friends Meeting House, 7 p.m.-8 p.m., $10), Holly Bowling (The Hamilton, 7:30 p.m., $10), J-Film: Drowning Love (Embassy of Japan, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., FREE with registration)
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
DO YOU BELIEVE: Landmark E Street will host a screening of the 2004 Disney sports classic Miracle on Thursday evening, with some stars in attendance. Actor Patrick O’Brien Demsey, who played Mike Eruzione, will join Capitals broadcasters Joe Beninati and Craig Laughlin for a chat after the big screen viewing to talk all about the film’s creation. Proceeds from the event will go to USA Warriors Ice Hockey, which helps support disabled vets through a therapeutic, recreational hockey program. (Landmark E Street, 6 p.m.-9 p.m., $70)
TAKE MY PICTURE: Fiesta DC (formerly known as the D.C. Hispanic American Cultural Festival) kicks off Thursday evening with a photography exhibition of work from Nancy Shia, celebrating the fest’s 49-year history. The festival continues on Sunday with a parade. (Mount Pleasant Neighborhood Library, 6 p.m.-9 p.m., FREE with registration)
LOOKING GOOD: If you’re the kind of person that loves cooking and cooking photography, Common Good’s Easy Does It workshop sits at the intersection of both. Participants will get tips and tricks on recipes that are easy to make, yet look anything but. (Common Good City Farm, 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m., $45)
MORE:Bijou (Soundcheck, 10 p.m., $15), CONTACT: Alan Fitzpatrick (Flash, 10 p.m., $10), Haymakers for Hope (The Anthem, 7:30 p.m., $80)
