MONDAY, DEC. 4
THE YEAR CIVILIZATION COLLAPSED: GWU Classics professor Eric Cline takes the Profs and Pints stage to discuss the end of the Bronze Age. Cline will chronicle the apocalyptic disaster that struck the Mediterranean in 1177 BCE, and how collapse of ancient civilizations can have lessons for today. (Penn Social; 6 p.m.; $14.31)
A BOHEMIAN CHRISTMAS: Ring in the Christmas season with a performance from the Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra. The 17-piece big band will play classics from artists like Shorty Rogers, Thad Jones, Duke Ellington, and more.(Atlas Performing Arts Center; 8 p.m.; $30)
AQUA: Barbie season lives on this winter. Aqua, the band behind the hit “Barbie Girl”will play The Fillmore in Silver Spring as part of their Barbie World tour. Come for a chance to hear the hit live, and bask in 90s nostalgia. (The Fillmore; 8 p.m.; $65).
MORE: Lydia Loveless (The Atlantis; 6:30 p.m.; $25), PRJC Zoom JazzTalk: Congo Square’s influence on early jazz it Freddi Evans (Virtual; 7 p.m.; FREE), Gus Dapperton (9:30 Club; 7 p.m.; $25), Fear of a Black Universe: A Busboys and Poets Books Presentation (Virtual; 6 p.m.; FREE)
TUESDAY, DEC. 5
EMILY DICKINSON BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE: Celebrate the American poet’s birthday with Folger’s annual tribute to Dickinson. This year’s event will include poet and literary scholar Evie Shockley. (Virtual; 7:30 p.m.; Pay what you will)
SAFER SPACES: Throughout the country this year, there have already been more mass shootings than days. Faith leaders and activists discuss the gun violence epidemic and how to move forward through legislation, policy, and community action. (Sixth & I and virtual; 7 p.m.; $10 in person and $6 virtual)
BIG FREEDIA’S CHRISTMAS: Rapper and performer Big Freedia will brings the Christmas cheer to the 9:30 Club this Tuesday. The night will also feature performances from Anjelika Jelly Joseph and Haiku Hands, and $1 from each ticket will benefit homeless and at-risk LGBTQ+ youth. (9:30 Club; 7 p.m.; $26)
MORE:La Goony Chonga (The Atlantis; 6:30 p.m.; $17), Winter wreath building with cocktails (Jungle & Loom at Union Market; 6:30 p.m.; $81.13), Damn Things Will Kill Ya (American University Katzen Arts Center; 8 p.m.; various prices) Frosty Follies(McLean Community Center; 6 p.m.; FREE)
SPONSORED DACHA HOLIDAY MARKET: Fill your stockings at Dacha’s Annual Holiday Market Showcasing handmade and vintage goods from more than 20 vendors. Warm up with a traditional gluhwein and check out our prize wheel for a chance to win a whole keg of beer. Join us in Shaw on Dec. 6 and Navy Yard on Dec. 7. Free entry, Sign up DachaBeerGarden.com
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 6
MICROCINEMA: Rhizome will plays “not a remake” of Frank Capra’s It’s A Wonderful Life. Inspired by a joke, It’s A Wonderful Horrible Life was produced and directed by D.C. local Paul Bishow in 2001, and now the “truly no budget film” will be on screen for everyone to see. (Rhizome DC; 7 p.m.; $10)
A DELICATE SHIP: Last spring, the 4615 Theatre announced they would sunset the organization. But the under-the-radar D.C. theater decided to put on one last play: Anna Ziegler’s A Delicate Ship. Set on Christmas Eve, it’s a coming-of-age play pertinent to every phase of one’s life. (Studio 1469; 8 p.m.; Pay what you can)
THE SEAFARER: Wednesday also marks the premiere of another production set on Christmas Eve. Conor McPherson’s play follows James “Sharky” Harkins as he returns back to Ireland to take care of his newly blind brother. (Roundhouse Theatre; 7:30 p.m.; $46)
MORE: Vintage Market (Drew Drop Inn; 6 p.m.; FREE), Harry Potter Trivia (Johnny Pistolas; 7 p.m.; FREE), Queen of Cuba discussion (International Spy Museum; 6:30 p.m.; FREE), LaMP: Russ Lawton, Scott Metzger, Ray Paczkowski (The Atlantis; 6:30 p.m.; $25), The Bard and the Beat (Kennedy Center; 6 p.m.; FREE)
SPONSORED ROSSLYN CHEER: Welcome the holiday season in Rosslyn! Beginning Thursday, the Rosslyn BID is hosting a full lineup of festive fun this weekend with a tree lighting, Santa Paws Yappy Hour, and Holiday Market at Central Place Plaza. (1800 N. Lynn St., Dec. 7-10; FREE)
THURSDAY, DEC. 7
COFFEE AND COLLECTIONS: In the 1960s and 70s, the New Thing Art and Architecture Center in Adams Morgan was a cultural hub for many. As part of this week’s Coffee and Collections session at the Anacostia Community Museum, visitors will get a chance to peruse the art and artifacts from the beloved center for Black arts and culture. (Anacostia Community Museum; 11 a.m.; FREE)
’90S POETRY: This week Humanities DC is sponsoring an open mic for poets. Kenny Carroll, Quique Aviles, Patrick Washington and Sami Miranda will read their work, and discuss the \’90s poetry scene (and community) in DC. (Busboys and Poets Brookland; 7 p.m.; FREE)
HANDI-HOUR: It’s arts and crafts time at the Renwick. And the ticket covers more than just after-hours access to the gallery — attendees will get light snacks, crafting materials, and two drinks. (Renwick Gallery; 5:30 p.m.; $25)
QUILTERS: Starting Thursday, 1st Stage in Tysons is putting on their rendition of the The Quilters.The musical centers on a group of women on the American frontier who create a quilt that represents their shared struggles and triumphs (1st Stage; 7:30 p.m.; $55)
CHAINSAW ART: In 2022, the oldest tree in Montgomery County — estimated to be 300 or 400 years old — died. On Thursday, local chainsaw artist Colin Vale will be unveiling the bench he created with the remains. (Ken-Gar Palisades Park; 1 p.m.; FREE)
MORE: Chris Tucker (The Anthem; 8 p.m.; $39.50), Josh Thomas: Let’s Tidy Up(Sixth & I; 7:30 p.m.; $30), Heifetz Holiday Concert (Kreeger Museum; 7 p.m.; $40), Holiday Trivia (Atlas Brew Works Ivy City; 7 p.m.; FREE); Chanukah Happy Hour for Young Professionals (Twelve After Twelve; 6 p.m.; $8), Winter Solstice (Phillips Gallery; 5 p.m.; $2), Book Talk and Holiday Party (DC History Center; 5:30 p.m.; FREE), Norwegian Tree Lighting Ceremony (Union Station; 6 p.m.; FREE), National Menorah Lighting (The Ellipse; 6 p.m.; FREE), Trauma Transformation Training (UPO Petey Greene Community Service Center; 6 p.m.; FREE)
