Traditional Mexican yarn art

Artist Francisco Loza will display his colorful collection at Arlington Arts Center. Loza learned how to create arte en estambre or pressed yarn art from artists of the Huichol community, living in the Sierra Madre Mountains of central Mexico. Loza creates his art pieces by pressing yarn, thread by thread, onto wooden surfaces covered with wax. His work is influenced by Latin American and Mexican culture and illustrates traditions and community.
Arlington Arts Center, Friday, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.

Get your funny on

Washington Improv Theater is hosting a series of inclusive improv workshops throughout the weekend. Saturday’s class will be taught in American Sign Language by improv comedian and ASL interpreter Erin Murray, using games and exercises to ease into improv techniques. Another workshop partners with District Queer Comedy Festival to share improv basics with LGBTQ+ community members. WIT offers three more workshops over the weekend for improv newbies so check out their calendar. Registration can fill quickly so make sure to RSVP.
Various locations and times

Get into the holiday spirit

In Silver Spring this weekend, you can celebrate the holidays with a tree lighting ceremony and block party. Bring your best smile for a picture at the Marigold Bus & Booth. Hot cider, cocoa, or mulled wine will be available for sale at stations in the plaza, and guests can play games like Giant Connect 4, Jenga, and Cornhole. Enjoy views of the surrounding Silver Spring Walls, a collection of murals created by artists from D.C. and abroad. The centerpiece for the evening is a huge Christmas tree installation created by Karl Unnasch, who’s been creating trees for Silver Spring’s holiday celebrations since 2013. Previous installations have focused on themes of community, music, and sustainability.
Fountain Plaza Silver Spring, Saturday, 6 p.m.-10 p.m.

Put on your dancing shoes

Please stretch before this event! This weekend, you can learn how to dance zouk at this free workshop. Zouk is a Brazilian partner dance characterized by close embrace and strong hip movements (get a taste of it here). Throughout the session, the lights will stay on and “zoukable” music will play. Learn some moves you can show off on your next night out and have fun with others as you learn this smooth dance.
George Mason’s Johnson Center, Sunday, 2 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

Unwind to the sounds of the symphony

Close the weekend with the powerful sounds of the D.C. Concert Orchestra Society, which since its inception in 2007 has grown to an orchestra of more than 600 musicians. In their season opening concert, they present Romantic Masterworks, including works from Max Bruch, Louise Farrenc, and Johannes Brahms. Join the maestro for a pre-concert talk before the orchestra. D.C. Concert Orchestra Society also offers chamber master classes and produces multiple orchestra concerts throughout the year.
Church of Epiphany, Sunday, 3 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

Looking for more things to do around D.C. this weekend?

11 Things To Do Around D.C. This Weekend
10 Food Events To Feast On This Week
13 Concerts You Won’t Want To Miss Around D.C. This Week
8 Art Exhibits To Explore In November
10 Plays And Musicals To See On D.C. Stages In November