FRIDAY NOVEMBER 12
SIDE YARDS: On Friday, the Yards Park is hosting their “Side Yards” celebration: an evening with multiple entertainment stages for the whole family. Attendees can see everything from magicians, to contortionists, to bubble artists — and there will be interactive activities like tarot card and palm readings, too. (The Yards Park; 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.; FREE)
THEATER: Friday is the first night of Workhouse Arts Center’s latest celebration All Together Now! The musical revue will feature music from fan-favorites including Matilda, Les Misérables, and Little Shop of Horrors. The performance runs through November 15. (Workhouse Arts Center; 8:00 p.m.; $30)
EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP: Start off your weekend by visiting the Museum Shop Holiday Open House at George Mason’s Gunston Hall. On Friday, the museum is celebrating the start of the holiday season with an open house that includes discounts and custom goodie bags. Private 20-minute shopping sessions are available by appointment. (George Mason’s Gunston Hall; 2:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.)
MORE: Roomful of Blues (The Hamilton Live; 6:30 p.m. doors, 8:00 p.m. show; $15+); Fridays at the Saloon (Saloon at U Street; 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.; FREE); A Musical Celebration of the Film The Bodyguard (National Philharmonic at Strathmore; 8:00 p.m.; $20+ and free for children)
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 13
CHECK, PLEASE: On Saturday, 30 players will face off against local chess grandmaster Rashad Babaev at the Boro’s Gambit. At this family-friendly event, participants can enter the games themselves or just be the spectating audience. Children’s activities will also be available. (The Boro Tysons; 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.; $20 to compete, FREE to spectate)
THEY’RE KILN IT: Ahead of the holidays, the Alexandria Clay Co-op is hosting a sale showcasing local artists and their latest goods. More than 20 potters (and studio members) will be at the event so you can learn more about the work that went behind each piece. (Alexandria Clay Co-Op; 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., free entry)
TOTALLY SPIES: This weekend, the Spy Museum is hosting the 15th Annual Parade of Trabants. Car enthusiasts will recognize these Cold War era cars, organizers say, by their “questionable performance and smoky two-stroke engines.” Participants can expect a free parade, experts ready to answer questions, and live music. (International Spy Museum; 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; FREE)
HARVEST FEST: This weekend, Hungry Harvest is hosting their Festival of Goodness at Culture House DC. The event includes live music from Juan Wauters, D.C.-based Frass Green, and Baltimore’s Proper Nouns. Food trucks and breweries will be on hand with local food and drink, too. (Culture House DC; 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.; $10)
MAKERS MARKET: On Saturday, Dumbarton House is hosting its fall “Makers Market” featuring artist and vendors from across the region. This season’s event will include Gerogetown’s T&U Mongolian Cashmere, Mayapple Soaps, and Inner Loop Coffee Roasters, among others. (Dumbarton House; 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
FRIENDSGIVING: Supreme Core Cider is hosting its Friendsgiving at the Taproom this weekend, in partnership with B. Lin Catering & Bladensburg Road. Each ticket will include a full plated dinner and two pints of cider. The southern-style menu includes smoked gouda mac n’ cheese, buttermilk fried chicken, and sour cream mashed potatoes. (Supreme Core Cider; 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.; $45 – $50 per ticket)
MORE: The Heavyweights Comedy Show Presents: Jasmine Ellis (Lost Origins Gallery; 8:00 p.m.; $10); Body Language: The Second Annual Yoga Kickback (Viceroy Washington DC; 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.; $75); Be the Change: Skills for Interrupting Hate (Virtual; 2:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.; $60); Dustbowl Revival (The Hamilton; 6:30 p.m. doors, 8:00 p.m. show; $15+)
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 14
BLACK CLASSICAL MUSIC: Close out your weekend with the concert The Souls of Black Folk: Rediscovering Black Classical Music. The performance is held in partnership with Howard University and the Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts. According to organizers, the show, “explores the roots of Black classical music, from the sorrow songs that speak to the suffering of enslaved Africans in the United States to the spiritual arrangements of composer Harry Burleigh and the musical prophecies of Antonin Dvorak.” (All Souls Church; 5:00 p.m.; $45)
PUPUSA CONTEST: Sunday is National Pupusa Day, and El Tamarindo is pulling out all the stops. To celebrate, the local Salvadoran/Mexican restaurant will be hosting a full day of activities, including a Pupusa Making Contest, a live painting, live music, and a pupusa making workshop for kids. (El Tamarindo; 10:00 a.m. onwards)
MORE: City-State Story Hour Reading: Kalamata’s Kitchen! (City-State Brewing; 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.; FREE); Art Fest (Torpedo Factory Art Center; 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.); Halley’s Hot Gumbo Swingtet(Rosensteel Knights of Columbus; 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.; $20+)
