MONDAY, NOV. 20
LIGHT YARDS: The family-friendly art installation returns to Yards Park. This year’s installation, Swinging Bells,features five 13-foot bells that play jingles. The lights will be on display until Jan. 7. (The Yards Park; 5 p.m.; FREE)
FOUNDATIONS OF HOUSING INEQUALITY: It’s no secret that D.C.’s housing costs are out of control. For this week’s Profs and Pints lecture, Richard Kahlenberg, a professorial lecturer of public policy at George Washington University, will be digging into the structural basis of today’s housing woes that contribute to inequality. (Penn Social; 6 p.m.; $14.31)
FLOWER LAB: The Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council is partnering with Black Flower Market for a unique flower design workshop. Visitors to the National Harbor venue can immerse themselves in the world of petals, fragrances, and botanical wonders while also learning about the medicinal and cultural context of florals and how to make beautiful arrangements. (Arts’tination; 6:30 p.m.; $25)
MORE: Daniel Levin + Melvin Bauer / Simone Baron / Gong/Baiza (Rhizome DC; 7 p.m.; $10+), Open Gem x Afrosoreal presents: Show Love (The Pocket; 8 p.m.; $10), Grimm Winter (Songbyrd; 8 p.m.; $15+), The Bobby Lees (The Atlantis; 6:30 p.m.; $20)
TUESDAY, NOV. 21
RAQUEL WILLIS: Writer and activist Raquel Willis discusses her new book,The Risk it Takes to Bloom. The novel recounts her experience as a young Black transgender woman in the South between the Obama and Trump eras. (Politics and Prose Connecticut Avenue; 7 p.m.; FREE)
TEQUILATLK LIVE!: The podcast Tequila TLK has their first live show this week! Rank the No. 1 most popular podcast in the metropolitan Washington area, it provides a platform for fun and honest conversations about life, relationships, sex, career, and other hot topics. And of course, all of these conversations are conducted while sipping on tequila. (Union Stage; 8 p.m.; $25+)
ART TALK TUESDAY: Join local artists Zola Monroe Studios, Rae Akino, Chris Ben Beauty, and Mark Bryant (aka Absurdly Well) at Busboys in Anacostia for a conversation about their art, inspiration, and creative processes at the venue’s monthly art discussion. (Busboys and Poets Anacostia; 6 p.m.; FREE)
MORE:Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway (9:30 Club; 7 p.m.; $28), Wolfmother (Lincoln Theatre; 8 p.m.; $30), Insomnia screening (Suns Cinema; 7 p.m.; $12), Exploring Native Ancestry: Navigating the Path to Reconnection (South Bowie Library; 6 p.m.; FREE)
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 22
UP CLOSE WITH ANIMALS: Have a kid who love animals? They can get up close and even feed them at the Feed the Animals event at Potomac Overlook Regional Park in Arlington this week. Park staff will introduce participants to the nature center’s turtles, snakes and birds and even let some feed them with mealworms, mice, and more. Registration is required. (Potomac Overlook Regional Park; 3:30 p.m.-5 p.m.; $10 for adults and children 5 and up)
GIMME GIMME DISCO: Ring in the holiday weekend with a Wednesday night dance party. Inspired by ABBA, the disco will feature the band’s beloved hits as well as other top artists of the ‘70s and ‘80s. (9:30 Club; 9 p.m.; $35)
OUR COMMON HUMANITY: Studio Gallery’s new exhibition goes up this week. Featuring artworks selected from its historic cooperative of more than 60 local artists, the exhibit explores how remembering our common humanity can help navigating all sorts of challenges, from environmental threats to global conflicts. (Studio Gallery; Through Dec.16; FREE)
NUTCRACKER: With a little over a month until Christmas, it’s high time for Nutcracker performances. From Wednesday to Sunday, Ballet West will be performing their rendition at the Kennedy Center. (Kennedy Center Opera House; 7:30 p.m.; $109)
FRIENDSGIVING: What better way to kick off the holiday weekend than with cheap beer? The Roost’s beer garden, Shelter, will be offering a selection of 12 draft beers for $5 each. (The Roost; 4 p.m.; FREE admission)
MORE:John K’s Furthurmore (The Hamilton; 8 p.m. ; $25.51+), Candlelight: Featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons (The Howard Theatre; 6:30 p.m.; $47), Pre-Thanksgiving Fiesta (Inca Social; 7 p.m.; FREE), Teddy Carpenter & Friends Comedy (DC Improv; 7:30 p.m.; $25)
