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MUSIC

Rock

Clubs

BLACK CAT BACKSTAGE 1811 14th St. NW. (202) 667-4490. Fri., 8/6, KICKS! A Night of Rock and Roll, Punk, Power Pop with DJs Kim and Sara. Tue., 8/10, Young Galaxy, Oberhofer.

BLACK CAT 1811 14th St. NW. (202) 667-4490. Fri., 8/6, The Eighties Prom with DJ lil'e. Sat., 8/7, Run for Cover. Sun., 8/8, Here We Go Magic, Beach Fossils. Mon., 8/9, Phosphorescent, J Tillman. Wed., 8/11, Mumiy Troll, Run Run Run.

DC9 1940 9th St. NW. (202) 483-5000. Sat., 8/7, Kids. Mon., 8/9, Chris Shiflett and the Dead Peasants, Ari Shrine. Tue., 8/10, East Hundred, The Canon Logic. Thu., 8/12, Dax Riggs.

IOTA CLUB & CAFE 2832 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. (703) 522-8340. Fri., 8/6, Fight the Lion, Helo (CD Release), The Lincoln Bedroom. Sat., 8/7, One Town Wonton. Mon., 8/9, Garland of Hours, Anna Connolly, Dennis Kane. Tue., 8/10, Bronze Radio Return. Thu., 8/12, The Greenbeets, Dan Haas.

JAMMIN JAVA 225 Maple Ave. E., Vienna. (703) 255-1566. Fri., 8/6, The Lydia Finale (A Goodbye & Farewell Tour), River City Extension, Analog Rebellion. Sat., 8/7, Nathan and the Gang Bang, Nunchucks, The Wave Exchange. Sun., 8/8, Cerca Trova (CD Release), Knife at a Gunfight, Hero of the Beach, I, the Capulet, Iona Sound, Fyasco. Mon., 8/9, Tracy Bonham, Bleu, Common Rotation. Tue., 8/10, Atomic Tom, The Potentials, Jesse Ruben. Wed., 8/11, The Guggenheim Grotto, Todd Carey, Josiah Leming. Thu., 8/12, Grind Gala featuring Powerlaces, DJ Lova, Beetkeepers.

JAXX 6355 Rolling Rd., Springfield. (703) 569-5940. Fri., 8/6, Faster Pussycat, LA Guns, John Corabi, After Therapy, Critical Propeller. Sat., 8/7, Ivy Rose (CD Release). Sun., 8/8, Y & T, Icarus Witch, Sidetrak. Mon., 8/9, Project 86, The Wedding.

MCGINTY'S PUB 911 Ellsworth Dr., Silver Spring. (301) 587-1270. Fri., 8/6, Westpole. Sat., 8/7, Ten Feet Tall. Thu., 8/12, Jonny Grave.

MERRIWEATHER POST PAVILION 10475 Little Patuxnet Pkwy., Columbia. (877) 435-9849. Fri., 8/6, Arcade Fire with Spoon. Sat., 8/7, Erykah Badu, The Roots, Common, Chuck Brown, B.o.B, Janelle Monae. Sun., 8/8, Barenaked Ladies with Kris Allen, Angel Taylor. Thu., 8/12, O.A.R with Citizen Cope.

NEW DEAL CAFÉ 113 Centerway Rd., Greenbelt. (301) 474-5642. Sat., 8/7, Bruce Kitt. Sun., 8/8, Jim Stimson. Tue., 8/19, Black Muddy River Band.

9:30 CLUB 815 V St. NW. (202) 265-0930. Fri., 8/6, Galactic featuring Cyril Neville, Corey Henry with Lionize. Tue., 8/10 & Wed., 8/11, Something Corporate. Thu., 8/12, The Saw Doctors.

THE RED & THE BLACK 1212 H St. NE. (202)-399-3201. Fri., 8/6, Achtung Panda, Atomic Shotgun, Deville, The Urbangis. Sat., 8/7, The Loom, Little Bigheart, The OK Corral. Sun., 8/8, Tom McBride, Jim Hanft, Buster Brown and The Get Down. Wed., 8/11, Jeremy Current, Bailey Cooke. Thu., Family Band, One Hundred Dollars.

ROCK & ROLL HOTEL 1353 H St. NE. (202) 388-7625. Fri., 8/6, Billy Woodward & The Senders, The Blackberry Belles, The Bellevederes, The Motorettes. Sat., 8/7, The Silver Liners, The Vanity Plates, Koshari, The Last Monarchs. Sun., 8/8, Cynic, Intronaut, Dysrhythmia.

ST. ELMO'S COFFEE PUB 2300 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. (703) 739-9268. Wed., 8/11, Brooke Hudd.

VELVET LOUNGE 915 U St. NW. (202) 462-7625. Fri., 8/6, Evan Bliss and the Welchers, MEM. Sat., 8/7, Seamonsters, Seas, Bearshark. Tue., 8/10, Daddy Lion, J Raud and the Firing Squad, Ivorys. Wed., 8/11, Grass is green, Dark Montgomery, Iroquois and the Keds. Thu., 8/12, The Sounds of Machines.

R&B

Clubs

Marygolds 8827 Annapolis Rd., Lanham. (301) 306-0041. Fridays, Familiar Faces with Lissen.

STATE THEATRE 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church. (703) 237-0300. Fri., 8/6, Ballyhoo, Mike Pinto, The Pocket Band, Feed God Cabbage. Sat., 8/7, Soul Rebels Brass Band. Wed., 8/11, Panteon Rococo. Thu., 8/12, Yoso, The Voice of Toto-The Magic of Yes.

TAKOMA STATION TAVERN 6914 4th St. NW. (202) 829-1999. Saturdays, Familiar Faces.

TRADEWINDS 5859 Allentown Way, Camp Springs. (301) 449-1234. Fridays, Rare Essence. Wednesdays, Big G and the Band.

TWELVE RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 1123 H St. NE. (202) 398-2655. Thursdays–Saturdays, Live R&B.

ZANZIBAR ON THE WATERFRONT 700 Water St. SW. (202) 554-9100. Wednesdays & Thursdays, Rare Essence and Lissen.

DJ Nights

Clubs

LUX LOUNGE 649 New York Ave. NW. (202) 347-8100. Fridays, Lux Fridays. Sundays, Glamour Sundays.

BABYLON CLUB 3501 S. Jefferson St., Falls Church. (703) 820-3900. Mondays, elektro/house w/ DJ Rabi. Thursdays, line dancing/disco w/ DJ "Simply DJ"; club mix w/ DJ Cabo. Fridays, international mix w/ DJ Mamush. Saturdays, DJ El Piojo.

BABYLON CLUB 3501 S. Jefferson St., Falls Church. (703) 820-3900. Wednesdays, DJ Blaze, DJ Armageddon, and DJ Mamush. Thursdays, Joy of Jazz, "Mix, Mingle, & Groove" with DJ Simply DJ. Fridays, DJ Mamush "Habesha Entourage" party.

CHIEF IKE'S Mambo Room 1725 Columbia Rd. NW. (202) 332-2211. Thursdays, Deja Vu '80s dance party. Fridays, DJ Big Apple Eddie & DJ Bobby Bishop. Saturdays, DJ East 137 & DJ Redstar. Tuesdays, Reggae night with DJ Jahnny Aleus.

18TH STREET LOUNGE 1212 18th St. NW. (202) 466-3922. Thursdays, DJs Sean Haney, Chris Brooks. Fridays, Double07. Sundays, Sam "The Man" Burns, Thomas Blondet. Tuesdays, Moose, Chris Brooks. Wednesdays, Kalani, Version Sounds, John Bowen.

FUR NIGHTCLUB 33 Patterson St. NE. (202) 842-3401. Sat., 8/7, Joachin Garraud.

HEAVEN & HELL 2327 18th St. NW. (202) 667-4355. Fridays, Liquid Fridays. Saturdays, Ultimate Saturdays.

MADAM'S ORGAN 2461 18th St. NW. (202) 667-5370. Fridays and Saturdays, DJ India.

MARX CAFÉ 3203 Mt. Pleasant St. NW. (202) 518-7600. Saturdays, DJ Luis.

MODERN 3287 M St. NW. (202) 338-7027. Thursdays, DJ Halfstep and DJ Face. Fridays, DJ Stylus Chris. Saturdays, DJ Black Ceaza.

MUSE 717 6th St. NW. (202) 842-9800. Fridays, DJ Lion L. Saturdays, DJ Danny C, Mixalis.

SCIENCE CLUB 1136 19th St. NW. (202) 775-0747. Fridays, JimP Collective. Saturdays, Chronic with DJ "Chunky Beats" Hooper. Tuesdays, DJ Trevor Martin. Wednesdays, Ill Element. Thursdays, Video Killers.

STEVE'S BAR ROOM 1337 Connecticut Ave. NW. (202) 293-3150. Tuesdays, Empresarios Sound System with Arsam and Sonny Cheeba.

TEMPLE LOUNGE 4001 N. Fairfax Dr., Arlington. (703) 908-4999. Saturdays, Cloud Saturdays.

THE LIBRARY BAR & GRILL 3514 12th St. NE. (202) 832-0517. Fridays, Brookland Happy Hour with DJs Blackstar and Hene.

TWELVE RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 1123 H St. NE. (202) 398-2655. Thursdays–Saturdays, DJs night.

U STREET MUSIC HALL 1115 U St. NW. (202) 588-1880. Sat., 8/7, Treasure Fingers, Dave P & JDH, Stereo Faith.

ULTRABAR 911 F St. NW. (202) 638-4663. Thursdays, DJ Tektronics, DJ Rick, DJ Suelto, DJ Sonixx, DJ Soundwave. Fridays, DJ Geometrix, DJ Bomba, DJ Maskell, DJ Spaz. Saturdays, DJ Tektronics, DJ Mario, DJ Zyon, DJ Saam.

WONDERLAND BALLROOM 1101 Kenyon St. NW. (202) 232-5263. Fri., 8/6, DJ Obeya. Sat., 8/7, DJ BIG Nick.

Jazz

Clubs

BOHEMIAN CAVERNS 2001 11th St. NW. (202) 299-0800. Mondays, Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra.

BLUES ALLEY 1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW, rear. (202) 337-4141. Fri., 8/6, - Sun., 8/8,Freddy Cole Quartet. Mon., 8/9, Michael Olatuja. Tue., 8/10, Jacques "Saxman" Johnson. Wed., 8/11, The Meters Experience featuring Leo Nocentelli. Thu., 8/12, Marilyn Ashford-Brown.

COLUMBIA STATION 2325 18th St. NW. (202) 462-6040. Saturdays & Wednesdays, Butch Warren Experience. Saturdays & Sundays, jam session with Peter Edelman Quintet.

DAHLAK 1771 U St. NW. (202) 527-9522. Sundays, DC Jazz Jam.

DOGWOOD TAVERN 132 W. Broad St., Falls Church. (703) 237-8333.

GEORGIA BROWN'S 950 15th St. NW. (202) 393-4499. Sundays, Jazz Brunch.

HR–57 1610 14th St. NW. (202) 667-3700. Wednesdays, Thursdays, & Sundays, Jazz Jam Sessions.

JO JO'S 1518 U St. NW. (202) 319-9350. Tuesdays, Caribbean Jazz. Wednesdays & Thursdays, Jazz. Fridays, Latin Jazz.

MANDARIN ORIENTAL 1330 Maryland Ave. SW. (202) 554-8588. Fri., 8/6, The Big Joe Maher Trio with Bill Heid and Marshall Keys. Sat., 8/7, The Sheila Ford Quartet.

1905 RESTAURANT 1905 9th St. NW. (202) 332-1905. Thursdays, Hot Club of DC, Nicki Gonzalez & Matvei Sigalov Duo, and Laissez Foure play on a rotating schedule of nights.

RESTON TOWN CENTER PAVILION 1900 Market St., Reston. (703) 912-4062. Sat., 8/7, Big Joe & the Dynaflows.

ST. ELMO'S COFFEE PUB 2300 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. (703) 739-9268. Thursdays, Not So Modern Jazz Quartet +.

TRYST 2459 18th St. NW. (202) 232-5500. Mondays, The Will Rast Trio. Tuesdays, The Peter Edelman Quartet. Wednesdays, Lovesome Thing Jazz Trio.

TWINS JAZZ 1344 U St. NW. (202) 234-0072. Fri., 8/6 & Sat., 8/7, Bopnation featuring Skip Gailes, Mike Ess, Wade Short, Kip Williams. Tue., 8/10, Aaron Seeber Quartet. Thu., 8/12, Solomon's Dream.

U-TOPIA 1418 U St. NW. (202) 483-7669. Thursdays, Wayne Wilentz Trio. Fridays, Collector's Edition. Saturdays, Ed Hahn Quintet. Sundays, Wayne Wilentz and Jim West. Tuesdays, Bill Heid. Wednesdays, Paul Piper.

WOLF TRAP FILENE CENTER 1645 Trap Rd., Vienna. (703) 255-1868. Sun., 8/8, Jace Bruce, War.

ZOO BAR 3000 Connecticut Ave. NW. (202) 232-4225. Sundays, Mike Flaherty’s Dixieland Direct Jazz Band.

Blues

Clubs

FLANAGAN'S HARP & FIDDLE 4844 Cordell Ave., Bethesda. (301) 951-0115. Sundays, Mary Ann Redmonds.

JVS 6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church. (703) 241-9504. Fri., 8/6, The Bob and Jerry Band. Sat., 8/7, Jedd Duvall and The Tennessee Quartet. Sun., 8/8, Andrew Acosta and The New Old Time String Band. Tue., 8/10, Dave Chappell and His Band. Thu., 8/12, Funkways.

MADAM'S ORGAN 2461 18th St. NW. (202) 667-5370. Fri., 8/6 & Sat., 8/7, Lex Grey and the Urban Pioneers. Sun., 8/8, The B.T Richardson Band. Mondays, One Nite Stand. Tuesdays, The Johnny Artis Band. Wednesdays, Bob Perilla & The Big Hillbilly Bluegrass Band.

Strathmore Outdoors 10701 Rockville Pike, N. Bethesda. (301) 581-5100.

Country

Clubs

WOLF TRAP FILENE CENTER 1645 Trap Rd., Vienna. (703) 255-1868.

World

Clubs

BABYLON CLUB 3501 S. Jefferson St., Falls Church. (703) 820-3900. Saturdays, Joe Falero & the DC Latin All Stars. Sundays, East Origin Reggae & Amharic with special guest Abdu Kiar. Wednesdays, live reggae with Passion. Tuesdays, Arabic Stage Show w/ Leila Atef.

BIRCHMERE 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. (703) 549-7500. Fri., 8/6 - Sat., 8/7, Desert Rose Band. Sun., 8/8, Los Lobos. Mon., 8/9, Jonny Lang with Sharon Little. Wed., 8/11, Lenny White Band featuring Jimmy Herring. Thu., 8/12, James McMurtry (Solo) & Ray Wylie Hubbard (Duo).

BOSSA BISTRO AND LOUNGE 2463 18th St. NW. (202) 667-0088. Fridays, Sin Miedo. Saturdays, Palanke Music Company.

IRELAND’S FOUR FIELDS RESTAURANT AND PUB 3412 Connecticut Ave. NW. (202) 244-0860.

MADAM'S ORGAN 2461 18th St. NW. (202) 667-5370. Thursdays, Patrick Alban & Noche Latina.

WOLF TRAP FILENE CENTER 1645 Trap Rd., Vienna. (703) 255-1868. Sun., 8/1, Beres Hammond. Mon., 8/2, Alejandro Sanz.

Classical

Clubs

KENNEDY CENTER MILLENNIUM STAGE 2700 F St. NW. (202) 467-4600. Fri., 7/30, Washington International Piano Festival. Sat., 7/31, International Young Artist Piano Competition.

Comedy

ALMAZ RESTAURANT 1212 U St. NW. (202) 462-1212. Tuesdays, Harold Night: Improv longform.

ARLINGTON CINEMA 'N' DRAFTHOUSE 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington. (703) 486-2345. Thursdays, Live Standup Comedy. Fri., 7/30 and Sat., 7/31, T.J. Miller from Get Him to the Greek. Sat., 7/31, open mic stand-up.

CAPITOL SKYLINE HOTEL 10 I St. SW. (202) 488-7500. Wednesdays, Ian Salmon.

COMEDY SPOT 4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. (703) 294-5233. Fridays & Saturdays, ComedySportz, the Blue Show. Saturdays, ComedySportz 4 Kidz.

DC IMPROV 1140 Connecticut Ave. NW. (202) 296-7008. Fri., 7/30–Sun., 8/1, Tom Green. Wed, 8/4, Improv comedy lounge show. Thu., 8/5, Mitch Fatel.

HARMAN CENTER FOR THE ARTS 610 F St. NW. (202) 547-1122. Fri., 7/30 and Sat., 7/31, Tony Camin and Rob Cantrell in the Marijuana-Logues.

HEAVEN AND HELL 2327 18th St. NW. (202) 667-4355. Wednesdays, Simple JT's Purgatory.

OLD ARLINGTON GRILL 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington. (703) 486-2345. Thursdays, Comedy Nonsense Live.

RONALD REAGAN BUILDING & INTERNATIONAL TRADE CENTER 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. (202) 397-7328. Fridays & Saturdays, Capitol Steps.

RECESSIONS 1823 L St. NW. (202)-296-6686. Wednesdays, WayneMan will host a free comedy show with special guests.

RI RA IRISH PUB 2915 Wilson Blvd. Arlington. (703) 248-9888. Wednesdays, Ha-Ha at Ri-Ra.

TOPAZ HOTEL 1733 N St. NW. (202) 393-3000. Thursdays, Laughing Buddha-ha-ha.

TWELVE RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 1123 H St. NE. (202) 398-2655. Mondays, comedy night.

Open Mic

AUSTIN GRILL 36 Maryland Ave., Rockville. (301) 838-4281. Wednesdays, music open mic, hosted by Mike Holden.

BOBBY LEW'S 2006 18th St. NW. (202) 234-2739. Thursdays, open mic with Silky Dave.

BOSSA BISTRO AND LOUNGE 2463 18th St. NW. (202) 667-0088. Mondays, open mic.

BUSBOYS AND POETS 2021 14th St. NW. (202) 387-7638. Tuesdays, poetry open mic.

THE CHANNEL INN'S PIER 7 RESTAURANT 650 Water St, SW. (202) 554-2400. Wednesdays, jazz open mic. Sundays, open mic.

CLUB SODA DC 3433 Connecticut Ave. NW. (202) 244-7196. Sundays, MindMadness with RightMind.

EJ'S LANDING 8601 Baltimore Ave., College Park. (301) 474-5951. Wednesdays, open mic.

FRONT PAGE 4201 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. (703) 248-9990. Tuesdays, open mic, hosted by Brad Pugh.

HR-57 1610 14th St. NW. (202) 667-3700. Sundays, Wednesdays & Thursdays, jazz open mic.

HYATT REGENCY BETHESDA 7400 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda. (301) 657-1234. Saturdays, Laugh Riot comedy open mic.

IOTA CLUB & CAFÉ 2832 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. (703) 522-8340. Wednesdays, open mic with Todd and James.

IRELAND'S FOUR COURTS 2051 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. (703) 525-3600. Sundays, Emerging Artists Showcase open mic.

JAXX 6355 Rolling Rd., Springfield. (703) 569-5940. Tuesdays, open mic with Bob Gaynor.

JV's Restaurant 6666 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church. (703) 241-9504. Mondays, open mic with Dianna Quinn and Mike Woods.

MADAM'S ORGAN 2461 18th St. NW. (202) 667-5370. Wednesdays, country, blues, folk, whatever open mic hosted by Jack Gregori.

MODERN TIMES COFFEEHOUSE 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW. (202) 362-2408. Fridays, acoustic open mic hosted by Jay Paslay.

NEW DEAL CAFÉ 113 Centerway Rd. Greenbelt, MD. (301) 474-5642. Thursdays, open mic.

OLD ARLINGTON GRILL 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington. (703) 486-2345. Saturdays, comedy open mic.

SOLLY'S U STREET TAVERN 1942 11th St. NW. (202) 232-6590. Tuesdays, music and comedy open mic, hosted by John Lanou.

TAVERN ON THE LAKE 1617 Washington Plz., Reston. (703) 303-6434. Tuesdays, open mic.

TIFFANY TAVERN 1116 King St., Alexandria. (703) 836-8844. Mondays–Thursdays, music open mic.

ZOO BAR 3000 Connecticut Ave. NW. (202) 232-4225. Thursdays, blues open mic, hosted by Big Boy Little Band.

Talks

A.C.T.O.R: "UPDATE ON HAITI" OPEN DISCUSSION Part of the A.C.T.O.R. discussion series, which provides the opportunity for people to come together and speak openly and honestly about issues of race. Busboys & Poets, 2021 V St. NW. Sun., 8/1, at 4:00 p.m. Free. (202) 387-7638.

CARVED IN STONE: A MAJOR SCULPTURAL MATERIAL OF ANGKOR Conservation scientist Janet Douglas explains the connections between Khmer stone sculpture and regional geology and ancient quarrying in Cambodia. Freer Gallery, Jefferson Dr. & 12th St. SW. Sat., 7/31, at 2 p.m. Free. (202) 633-1000.

HOPE NOT HATE: 20,000 DIALOGUES FILM SERIES Featuring a film screening of Prince Among Slaves: The True Story of an African Muslim Prince Enslaved in the American South. With a special guest presentation from Dr. Sulayman Nyang, Chair of African Studies at Howard University. A former deputy ambassador and head of chancery of the Gambia Embassy in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Nyang has served as consultant to several national and international agencies and on the boards of the African Studies Association, the American Council for the Study of Islamic Societies, and the Association of Muslim Social Scientists. Busboys & Poets, 2021 V St. NW. Thu., 8/5, at 6:00 p.m. Free. (202) 387-7638.

Peace Café: Discussion on Israeli/Palestinian Conflict An open discussion on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict facilitated by New Story Leadership (NSL), featuring five Israelis and five Palestinians from Tel Aviv, Gaza, Jerusalem and Bethlehem. They will introduce their program, and discuss other programs they are taking part in, such as the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies (AIES), as young leaders in Palestine and Israel. Busboys & Poets, 2021 V St. NW. Sun., 8/1, at 9:00 a.m. Free. (202) 387-7638.

Books

Andrew Bacevich Author of The Limits to Power discusses and signs Washington Rules, a critique about America's approach to foreign policy. Politics and Prose, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW. Thu., 8/5, at 7 p.m. Free. (202) 364-1919.

SHANNON BELLAMY Discusses and signs copies of Pimps in the Pulpit, an account of her experience with a manipulative, corrupt pastor. Borders Largo, 931A Capital Centre Blvd., Largo. Sat., 7/31, at 6 p.m. Free. (301) 499-2173.

Charles Peters Former editor of Washington Monthly discusses and signs Lyndon B. Johnson: The American Presidents Series: The 36th President, , about the flaws and accomplishments of the former president. Politics and Prose, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW. Fri., 7/30, at 7 p.m. Free. (202) 364-1919.

JAMIE FORD Discusses and signs copies of Hotel On The Corner Of Bitter And Sweet, about a complicated war-time romance in this novel set in 1940s Seattle. Politics and Prose, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW. Wed., 8/4, at 7 p.m. Free. (202) 364-1919.

KEVIN CANTY Discuss and signs Everything, a new novel about loss and connection. Politics and Prose, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW. Mon, 8/2, at 7 p.m. Free. (202) 364-1919.

MISS KP Discusses and signs copies of The Dirty Divorce about a drug lord who gets served divorce papers from his wife. Borders Largo, 931A Capital Centre Blvd., Largo. Fri., 7/31, at 3 p.m. Free. (301) 499-2173.

SONIA SHAH Discusses and signs The Fever, about the effect of Malaria on human history. Politics and Prose, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW. Mon, 8/2, at 7 p.m. Free. (202) 364-1919.

SONSYREA TATE Discusses and signs copies of Do Me Twice about an African-American Muslim woman struggling with her identity. Borders Largo, 931A Capital Centre Blvd., Largo. Sat., 7/31, at 12 p.m. Free. (301) 499-2173.

Tours

BUREAU OF ENGRAVING AND PRINTING TOUR See millions of dollars being printed. Bureau of Engraving and Printing, 14th & C Sts. SW. Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Free. (202) 622-2000.

HILLWOOD HOUSE SPRING GARDEN TOUR. Hillwood Museum and Gardens, 4155 Linnean Ave. NW. Tuesdays–Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. $12. For reservations call (202) 686-5807.

KENNEDY CENTER TOUR Led by members of Friends of the Kennedy Center. Meet at the Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW, Level A parking plaza. Mondays–Fridays, 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Saturdays & Sundays, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Free. (202) 416-8340.

LUNCHTIME TOUR OF THE CONSERVATORY Take a tour with a knowledgeable guide who will connect the exotic plant world to everyday life. U.S. Botanic Garden, 245 1st St., SW., Conservatory Garden Court. Mondays, 12–1 p.m. Free. (202) 226-4145.

MEMORIALS BY MOONLIGHT Walking tour of the major memorials along the National Mall; sponsored by Washington Walks. Jefferson Memorial, Front Steps, 900 Ohio Drive SW. Monday, Friday, Saturday, & Sunday at 6:30 p.m. $15. (202) 484-1565.

U.S. CAPITOL HISTORICAL SOCIETY'S EXTERIOR WALKING TOUR A two-hour walking tour around the United States Capitol led by trained historical volunteers, who tell about construction, politics, events, and how our government works. Meet at Union Station Metro, at the top of outside escalator at the Massachusetts Avenue exit. Mondays at 10 a.m. $10. (202) 543-8919, ext. 13.

Sports

MLB: WASHINGTON NATIONALS VS. Philladelphia Phillies Nationals Park, 1500 S. Capitol St. SE. Fri. 7/30 and Sat., 7/31 at 7:05 p.m; Sun. 8/1 at 1:35 p.m. $10–$335. (888) 632-6287.

Washington Mystics VS. Tulsa Shock Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW. Sat., 8/1, at 4 p.m. $17–$200. (202) 397-7328.

Galleries

AARON GALLERY 1717 Connecticut Ave. NW. Tuesdays–Saturdays, 11–5 p.m. (202) 234-3311. Ongoing: "Gallery's Own." Work by gallery and new-to-gallery artists. To August 31.

DC Arts Center 2438 18th St. NW. Wednesdays–Sundays, 2 p.m.–7 p.m. (202) 462-7833. Ongoing: "1460 Wallmountables." DCAC's annual open exhibit, in which visitors hang their own work. To August 29.

ALLIANCE FRANCAISE 2142 Wyoming Ave. NW. Mon.–Fri., 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (202) 234-7911. Ongoing: "Monumental Moment." Photos of the Washington Monument by Yacouba Tanou.

KATZEN ARTS CENTER at AMERICAN UNIVERSITY 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW. Tuesdays–Sundays, 11 a.m–4 p.m. Ongoing: "Emergence." Work by Georgia June Goldberg. To August 8.

ARLINGTON ARTS CENTER 3350 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. Tue.–Sat., 11 a.m.–5 p.m. (703) 248-6800. Ongoing: "Art Scouts." Six local artists curate exhibits. To August 21. Ongoing: "The Unhappy Life of a Plastic Bag." Works with discarded plastic bags by Sabyna Sterrett. To August 21.

ART LEAGUE GALLERY Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria. Mondays–Saturdays, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sundays, noon–5 p.m. (703) 683-1780. Closing: "Stories in Paper." Work by Megan Coyle. To August 2.

ART LEAGUE GALLERY AT NATIONAL HARBOR 120 American Way, Oxon Hill. Wednesdays–Fridays, 12–7 p.m.; Saturdays & Sundays, 12–6 p.m. (703) 683-1780. Ongoing: "Alice." Work by C.M. Dupre. To September 5.

ART WHINO 173 Waterfront St., National Harbor. Tuesdays–Thursdays, noon–8 p.m.; Fridays–Saturdays, noon–10 p.m.; Sundays & Mondays, noon–6 p.m. (301) 567-8210. Ongoing: "Malagueta." Works by Tatiana Suarez. To August 15.

ATHENAEUM 201 Prince St., Alexandria. (703) 548-0035. Thursdays, Fridays, & Sundays, 12 p.m.–4 p.m.; Saturdays, 1 p.m.–4 p.m. Closing: "Of Itself: Medium as Message." Works by Christian Benefiel, Michael Fitts, Joanne Kent, Kevin Kepple, J.T. Kirkland, Laurel Lukaszewski, and Kim Manfredi. To August 1.

CAPITOL HILL ARTS WORKSHOP 545 7th St. SE. Mondays–Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.–9 p.m.; Fridays, 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m.; Saturdays, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. (202) 547-6839. Ongoing: "Hands of Time." Paintings by Leslie Schwing. To August 9.

CARROLL SQUARE GALLERY 975 F St. NW. Mondays–Fridays, 8 a.m.–6 p.m. (202) 638-3000. Ongoing: "Travelogue." Work by Elsie Hull, Ruth Pettus, Foon Sham, and Polly Townsend. To August 27.

CHEVY CHASE PAVILION 5335 Wisconsin Ave. NW. Mondays–Saturdays, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sundays, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. (202) 783-2963. Closing: "Trees of Life II." Featuring work by Zenith Gallery artists. To July 31.

CITY GALLERY 804 H St. NE. Fridays & Saturdays, 1 p.m.–5 p.m., and by appointment. (202) 468-4277. Opening: First annual regional juried show. To August 28.

CROSS MACKENZIE GALLERY 1054 31st St. NW. Tuesdays–Fridays, noon–6 p.m.; Saturdays, noon–5 p.m. (202) 333-7970. Ongoing: Sculpture by Elizabeth Kendall. To September 14.

DADIAN GALLERY Wesley Theological Seminary. 4500 Massachusetts Ave. NW. Mondays–Fridays, 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (202) 885-8600. Ongoing: "Circular Reasoning." Painting and sculpture by Eric Finzi. To August 6.

EMBASSY OF HAITI 2311 Massachusetts Ave. NW. (202) 332-4090. Mondays–Fridays, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Ongoing: "Artists United." Work by various Haitian artists. To August 6.

EMBASSY OF JAPAN 1155 21st St. NW. Mondays–Fridays, 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (202) 238-6949. Ongoing: "A Collaboration in Wood, Clay and Silk." Work by Tado Arimoto, Willi Singleton, and Yoichi Nakajima. To August 27.

FOUNDRY GALLERY 1314 18th St. NW. Wednesdays–Sundays, noon–6 p.m. (202) 463-0203. Closing: "Bridges, Cars, & Pumps (and a few African Rumps)." Photos by Sarah Alexander. To August 1.

GALLERY 10 1519 Connecticut Ave. NW. Wednesdays–Saturdays, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. (202) 232-3326. Closing: "Some Like it Hot." Juried exhibition. To July 31.

GALLERY NEPTUNE 5001 Wilson Ln., Bethesda. Thursdays–Saturdays, noon–5 p.m., and by appointment. (301) 718-0809. Ongoing: "Summer Artist Marketplace." Work by Duane Cregger, Ellen Hill, Greg Minah, Katherine Mann, Lisa Montag Brotman, Hsin-Hsi Chen, Joan Belmar, David Wallace, and Marco deChiro. To August 21.

GALLERY PLAN B 1530 14th St. NW. Wednesdays–Saturdays, 12–7 p.m.; Sundays, 1–5 p.m. (202) 234-2711. Opening: "Take You Home." Paintings by Jason Wright and Mike Weber. To August 29.

GOETHE-INSTITUT 812 7th St., NW. Mondays–Thursdays, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Fridays, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Ongoing: "Gute Aussichten." Photos by German photography students. To September 3.

Greater Reston Arts Center 12001 Market St., Ste. 103, Reston. Tuesdays–Saturdays, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. (703) 471-9242. Closing: "Gaps." Juried sculpture and new media exhibition. To July 31.

HEMPHILL FINE ARTS 1515 14th St. NW. Tuesdays–Saturdays, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., and by appointment. (202) 234-5601. Ongoing: Paintings by Emma Tapley and sculpture by Mary Early. To August 7.

HONFLEUR GALLERY 1241 Good Hope Rd. SE. Tuesdays–Fridays, noon–5 p.m.; Saturdays, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. (202) 536-8994. Opening: "East of the River." Juried exhibition. To September 10.

International Arts & Artists 9 Hillyer Ct. NW. (202) 338-0680. Mondays, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Tuesdays–Fridays, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; Saturdays, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Closing: "Mapping Source." Juried Members' Show. To July 31.

INTERNATIONAL VISIONS–THE GALLERY 2629 Connecticut Ave. NW. Wednesdays–Saturdays, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. (202) 234-5112. Closing: Work by Scherezade Garcia and Bela. To July 31.

IRVINE CONTEMPORARY 1412 14th St. NW. Tuesdays–Saturdays, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. (202) 332-8767. Closing: "Gaia: The Urban Romantic." Work by Gaia. To July 24. Opening: "Introductions 6." Work by new art college graduates. To September 4.

JERUSALEM FUND GALLERY 2425 Virginia Ave. NW. Mondays–Fridays, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and by appointment. (202) 338-1958. Ongoing: "the light thread. the dark thread." Sculptural paintings by Anna Kipervaser. To September 10.

JOAN HISAOKA HEALING ARTS GALLERY Smith Farm Center, 1632 U St. NW. Wednesdays–Fridays, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; Saturdays, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. (202) 483-8600. Ongoing: "Through Their Eyes: Haitian Artists Share Visions of Home." Photos by photojournalist Maggie Steber and work by Haitian artists. To August 7.

LONG VIEW GALLERY 1234 9th St. NW. Wednesdays–Saturdays, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sundays noon–5 p.m. (202) 232-4788. Ongoing: "Informed Design." Architectural vignettes by D.C. architects Ernesto Santalla and David Jameson. To August 1.

BURTON MARINKOVICH FINE ART 1506 21st St. NW. Tuesdays–Saturdays, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. and by appointment. (202) 296-6563. Permanent: Includes works by David Hockney, Wassily Kandinsky, Ellsworth Kelly, Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso.

MARSHA MATEYKA GALLERY 2012 R St. NW. Wednesdays–Saturdays, 11 a.m–5 p.m. (202) 328-0088. Closing: "Painters' Prints." Work by Howard Hodgkin, Robert Motherwell, Sam Gilliam, and Nathan Oliveira. To July 31.

MCLEAN PROJECT FOR THE ARTS 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean. Tuesdays–Fridays, 10 a.m–4 p.m.; Saturdays, 1–5 p.m. (703) 790-1953. Closing: "Fantastic Journeys." A juried exhibition featuring work by local artists highlighting the spirit of adventure and exploration. To July 31.

MOCA DC 1054 31st St. NW. Wed.–Fri., 1 p.m.–6 p.m., Sat., 1 p.m.–5 p.m. (202) 342-6230. Closing: "A Celebration of the Figure." Work by various artists. To July 31.

PARISH GALLERY 1054 31st St. NW. Tuesdays–Saturdays, 12–6 p.m. (202) 944-3613. Ongoing: Gallery Artists Summer Show. To September 14.

PRISON ART GALLERY 1600 K St. NW, Suite 501. Mondays–Fridays, 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Saturdays & Sundays, 12:30–5:30 p.m. (202) 393-1511. Permanent: Works by current and former inmates.

PROJECT 4 GALLERY 1353 U St. NW, 3rd Fl. Wednesdays–Saturdays, noon–6 p.m. and by appointment. (202) 232-4340. Closing: "Art+Space." Sculpture by Sharon Louden, Jeanne Quinn, Foon Sham, and Katy Stone. To July 31.

STUDIO 18 Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria. Open Mondays–Sundays, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. (703) 548-0935. Closing: "Interlacements." Fiber art by local artists. To August 1.

STUDIO GALLERY 2108 R St. NW. Wednesdays & Thursdays, 1–7 p.m.; Fridays 1–8 p.m.; Saturdays, 1–6 p.m. (202) 232-8734. Opening: "Tripping the Light Fantastic." Work by various artists. To August 14.

CONNER CONTEMPORARY 1358 Florida Ave. NE. Wed.,–Sat., 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (202) 588-8750. Ongoing: "Academy 2010." Annual MFA/BFA invitational. To August 23.

TARGET GALLERY Torpedo Factory Art Center. 105 N. Union St., Alexandria. Open Mondays–Sundays, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. (703) 838-4565. Ongoing: "Art in Balance: Rhythm and Repetition." Paintings by Marsha Staiger and Alison Sigethy. To August 15.

THE GALLERY at 111 Pennsylvania Avenue 1111 Pennsylvania Ave., NW. Mondays–Fridays, 8 a.m.–7 p.m.; Saturdays & Sundays by appointment. (202) 783-2963. Ongoing: "Transparency." Sculpture by Jackie L. Braitman. To September 30.

WASHINGTON PRINTMAKERS GALLERY Pyramid Atlantic Art Center. 8230 Georgia Ave., 2nd Fl. (301) 273-3660. Tuesdays–Thursdays, noon–6 p.m.; Fridays, noon–7 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sundays, noon–5 p.m. Closing: "The Unbroken Line: A Cast of Characters." Work by Terry Svat. To August 1.

WAVERLY STREET GALLERY 4600 East-West Hwy., Bethesda. Tuesdays–Saturdays, 12–6 p.m. (301) 951-9441. Closing: "Exploration." Work by various artists. To July 31.

Museums

AFRICAN AMERICAN CIVIL WAR MEMORIAL MUSEUM True Reformer Building, 1200 U St. NW. (202) 667-2667. Monday–Fridays, 10a.m.–5 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Permanent: Using photographs and documents, the museum helps visitors understand the African American's heroic and largely unknown struggle for freedom for all.

ALEXANDRIA ARCHAEOLOGY MUSEUM Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St., Suite 327, Alexandria. Tuesdays–Fridays, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sundays, 1–5 p.m. Free. (703) 838-4399. Permanent: "A Community Digs Its Past: The Lee Street Site," exhibit features artifacts from the excavation.

ALEXANDRIA BLACK HISTORY MUSEUM 902 Wythe St., Alexandria. Tuesdays–Saturdays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (703) 838-4356. Permanent: "Securing the Blessings of Liberty," exhibit explores the African American journey from Africa, through the slave trade, and into Alexandria.

ANDERSON HOUSE MUSEUM OF THE SOCIETY OF THE CINCINNATI 2118 Massachusetts Ave. NW. Tuesdays–Saturdays, 1–4 p.m. Free. (202) 785-2040. Permanent: The 1905 mansion houses a collection of decorative art and artifacts relating to the period.

ARLINGTON HISTORICAL MUSEUM 1805 S. Arlington Ridge Rd., Arlington. Saturdays & Sundays, 1–4 p.m. (call to confirm availability). Free. (703) 892-4204. Permanent: Artifacts and exhibits detailing the settlement and history of Arlington.

ARLINGTON HOUSE, THE ROBERT E. LEE MEMORIAL Arlington National Cemetery, Memorial Dr., Arlington. Daily, 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Free. (703) 235-1530. Permanent: Exhibit features the pre-Civil War home of Robert E. Lee.

BEALL-DAWSON HOUSE 103 W. Montgomery Ave., Rockville. Tuesdays–Sundays, noon–4 p.m. $3. (301) 762-1492. Permanent: The collection in this house, built in 1815, examines the early history of and life in Montgomery County.

BLACK HISTORY MUSEUM 902 Wythe St., Alexandria. Tuesdays–Saturdays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (703) 838-4356. Permanent: Collection narrates local and regional black history. Includes the Robert H. Robinson Library, which was built in 1940 after protestors staged a sit-in at the then-segregated Alexandria Library.

BREWMASTER'S CASTLE (CHRISTIAN HEURICH HOUSE MUSEUM) 1307 New Hampshire Ave. NW. Viewable by tour only. (202) 429-1894. Permanent: The 1894 home and garden of German immigrant and brewer Christian Heurich is the most intact late-Victorian home in the United States, and features hand-painted murals and original furnishings from the Heurich family's residency. Tours: Wednesdays–Fridays at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.; Saturdays at 11:30 a.m. and 1 & 2:30 p.m. $5 (includes admission).

BROOKSIDE GARDENS 1800 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton. Monday–Sunday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Free. (301) 962-1400. Permanent: A 50-acre public display garden featuring an azalea garden, rose garden, children's garden, formal garden, fragrance garden, Japanese style garden, trial garden, two conservatories, and a horticultural reference library.

CLAUDE MOORE COLONIAL FARM AT TURKEY RUN 6310 Georgetown Pike, McLean. Wednesdays–Sundays, 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. $3. (703) 442-7557. Permanent: 18th-century living history farm demonstrates aspects of colonial farm life and history.

COLLEGE PARK AVIATION MUSEUM 1985 Cpl. Frank Scott Dr., College Park. Daily, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $4. (301) 864-6029. Permanent: Collection includes a 1916 Curtiss "Jenny," a 1932 Monocoupe, an Ercoupe, a J-2 Cub, and a Berliner helicopter.

CORCORAN GALLERY OF ART 500 17th St. NW. Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays–Sundays, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Thursdays, 10 a.m.–9 p.m. $14. (202) 639-1700. Permanent: "Nature as Nation," features landscape paintings from the gallery's permanent collection. Collection includes 19th- and 20th-century works and the Salon Doré, the museum's 18th-century French period room. Talks: "Lunchtime Perspectives," lecture by a museum staff member. Thursdays at noon. $14 (includes admission). Tours: Wednesdays & Fridays at noon; Thursdays at noon & 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays & Sundays at noon & 2:30 p.m. Free.

DAR MUSEUM 1776 D St. NW. Mondays–Fridays, 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m.; Saturdays, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Free. (202) 628-1776. Permanent: Collection features early-American ceramics, quilts, textiles, and other decorative arts.

DECATUR HOUSE MUSEUM 1610 H St. NW. Tuesdays–Sundays, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $5 (suggested donation). (202) 842-0920. Permanent: Collection includes paintings, dishes, and furniture dating from the 19th century. Tours: Tuesdays–Sundays, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Free.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR MUSEUM 1849 C St. NW. Mondays–Fridays, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (202) 208-4743. Permanent: The museum's permanent collection features artifacts related to the history of the Department of the Interior, featuring four painted murals by William Henry Jackson, concrete cores from construction at the Grand Coulee and Hoover Dams, and an animated diorama of the Juneau, Alaska, Gold Mill in 1935.

DUMBARTON HOUSE MUSEUM 2715 Q St. NW. Tuesdays–Saturdays, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. (202) 337-2288. $5. Permanent: Federal-period historic house features period furnishings and artifacts. Tours: Museum tours, Tuesdays–Saturdays at 10:15 & 11:15 a.m. and 12:15 & 1:15 p.m. $5 (includes admission).

FOLGER SHAKESPEARE LIBRARY 201 East Capitol St. SE. Mondays–Saturdays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free. (202) 544-4600. Permanent: "The First Folio," exhibit features the first collected edition of Shakespeare's plays, published in 1623. "The Shakespeare Gallery," exhibit features a multimedia tour of over 230 works related to Shakespeare. Tours: "Library Tours," tour by museum staff member. Mondays–Fridays at 11 a.m.; Saturdays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Free.

FORT WARD MUSEUM 4301 W. Braddock Rd., Alexandria. Tuesdays–Saturdays, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sundays, noon–5 p.m. Free. (703) 838-4848. Permanent: Collection features Civil War artifacts from Union-occupied Confederate Alexandria and those related to the system of defensive forts surrounding Washington.

FREER GALLERY OF ART 12th St. & Jefferson Dr. SW. Daily, 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Free. (202) 633-4880. Ongoing: "Gods of Angkor." Bronzes from the National Museum of Cambodia. To January 23, 2011. Permanent: "Ancient Chinese Pottery and Bronze," exhibit features ancient works dating from 2000 B.C. to the second century A.D. "Art for Art's Sake," exhibit includes works valued for beauty. "Arts of the Indian Subcontinent and the Himalayas," exhibit features a collection of art and artifacts from the region including Jain sculpture, bronze statues, paintings, and decorative daggers. "Arts of the Islamic World," exhibit features ninth- to 17th-century works, including ceramics, glassworks, paintings, and calligraphy. "Black & White Chinese Ceramics From the 10th–14th Centuries," exhibit showcases glazed pottery including dishes, boxes, and tomb ceramics. "Freer + Whistler: Points of Contact," exhibit features 23 oil paintings by James McNeill Whistler. "Japanese Screens," exhibit features works dating from the 15th to the 19th centuries. "The Peacock Room," exhibit includes the London dining room James McNeill Whistler painted between 1876 and 1877. "Small Glass Vessels and Sculpture Collected by Charles Lang Freer," exhibit features 68 objects dating from the New Kingdom to the Roman period, including glass vessels, amulets, and sculpture. "Small Masterpieces: Whistler Paintings From the 1880s," exhibit features more than 20 small works by the artist depicting sea and village landscapes and other subjects. "Surface Beauty: American Art and Freer's Aesthetic Vision," exhibit features paintings by Dwight Tryon and Thomas Dewing. "Tales of the Brush: Literary Masterpieces in Chinese Painting," exhibit features works from the first century to the present by Chinese artists. "Vietnamese Ceramics From the Red River Delta," exhibit collects more than 20 objects including jars, boxes, and bowls from the 12th to 16th centuries.

FRIENDSHIP FIREHOUSE MUSEUM 107 S. Alfred St., Alexandria. Fridays & Saturdays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sundays, 1–4 p.m. Free. (703) 838-3891. Permanent: Exhibit features historic firefighting equipment including hand-drawn engines, leather buckets, and early rubber hoses.

GADSBY'S TAVERN MUSEUM 134 N. Royal St., Alexandria. Tuesdays–Saturdays, 11–4 p.m.; Sundays & Mondays, 1–5 p.m. $4. (703) 838-4242. Permanent: Collection features a house restored to late 18th- and early 19th-century appearance and includes china settings and other household items from the period. Tours: Wednesdays–Saturdays, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sundays, 1–4 p.m. $4 (includes admission).

GREENBELT MUSEUM HISTORIC HOUSE 10-B Crescent Rd., Greenbelt. Sundays, 1–5 p.m. $2. (301) 474-1936. Permanent: Exhibit features furniture and household items used by Greenbelt families in the ’30s and ’40s, illustrating the early history of this federally built garden city.

HILLWOOD MUSEUM & GARDENS 4155 Linnean Ave. NW. Tuesdays–Saturdays, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (Reservations required.) $12. (202) 686-5807. Permanent: Collection includes Russian imperial fine and decorative arts, rare Russian books, works by Carl Fabergé, 18th-century French furnishings and tapestries, and Sèvres porcelain.

HIRSHHORN MUSEUM AND SCULPTURE GARDEN Independence Avenue & 7th St. SW. Daily, 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Free. (202) 633-4674. Ongoing: "Yves Klein: With the Void, Full Powers." Works by artist Yves Klein. To September 12. Permanent: Sculptures by John Chamberlain, Alexander Calder, Josef Csaky, Auguste Rodin, David Smith, Jean Tinguely, and others. Paintings by Alex Katz and Iona Rozeal Brown. Various media by Miranda Lichtenstein, Edgar Orlaineta, Edgar Orlaineta. Tours: "Exhibition Tour," daily at 1 & 3 p.m. Free. "Collections Tour," daily at 2 p.m. Free.

HOUSE OF THE TEMPLE SCOTTISH RITE OF FREEMASONRY 1733 16th St. NW. Mondays–Thursdays, 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m. $5.33/Adult. $3.33/Students & Seniors. Children Free. (202) 232-3579. Permanent: "International Library," exhibit features materials from the library's foreign collections that relate to the Masonic groups in those countries. "Robert Burns Library," exhibit features the second largest collection of Burns material in the world. Collection also includes a rotating selection of hundreds of objects, including rare books, photographs, jewelry, artifacts, and fraternal memorabilia. Tours: Mondays–Fridays, 8 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Free.

INTERNATIONAL SPY MUSEUM 800 F St. NW. Daily, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. $18. (202) 393-7798. Permanent: "Introduction to Espionage," exhibit features identification badges, a film, and other artifacts. "Operation Spy," exhibit features an interactive immersion into the life of U.S. intelligence officers. "School for Spies," exhibit examines the motivations that lead individuals into the world of espionage, techniques used for training spies, and tools typically used in intelligence-gathering operations. "The Secret History of History," exhibit chronicles the history of spying from biblical times to the 20th century. "Spies Among Us," exhibit examines historical events related to espionage through videos, including operations conducted by such celebrities as Julia Child, John Ford, and Josephine Baker. "The 21st Century," video-based exhibit explores challenges of modern espionage. "War of the Spies," exhibit explores the myths and history of spying during the Cold War through artifacts. Service members and their families will receive a $5 discount on Memorial Day, May 31.

MARIAN KOSHLAND SCIENCE MUSEUM OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES 6th & E Sts. NW. Mondays & Wednesdays–Sundays, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. $5. (202) 334-1201. Permanent: "Global Warming Facts & Our Future," exhibit explores issues related to global warming, and looks at the implications of this phenomenon for the quality of life worldwide. "Wonders of Science," exhibit features animations of groundbreaking research and includes an introductory film about the nature of science. "Infectious Disease: Evolving Challenges to Human Health," exhibition explores the microbial world, its threats, and the human response.

KREEGER MUSEUM 2401 Foxhall Rd. NW. Tuesdays–Fridays, by appointment only; Saturdays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $8. (202) 337-3050. Permanent: Collection of the Philip Johnson–designed building features 19th- and 20th-century paintings and sculptures from David and Carmen Kreeger's private collection, including works by Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, and Vincent van Gogh.

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 10 1st St. SE. Mondays–Saturdays, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Free. (202) 707-4604. Ongoing: "Hope for America: Performers, Politics & Pop Culture." New exhibit honoring Bob Hope and political satire. Permanent: "Here to Stay," exhibit features sound recordings, sheet music, and artifacts from the Gershwin Collection. "Library of Congress Experience," exhibit features interactive features related to the library. Tours: Jefferson Building tours, Mondays–Fridays at 10:30 & 11:30 a.m., and 1:30, 2:30, & 3:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 10:30 & 11:30 a.m., and 1:30 & 2:30 p.m. Free.

LILLIAN & ALBERT SMALL JEWISH MUSEUM 701 3rd St. NW. Mondays–Thursdays, by appointment only. $3 (suggested donation). (202) 789-0900. Permanent: Collection features the first synagogue built in Washington in 1876.

LYCEUM 201 S. Washington St., Alexandria. Mondays–Saturdays, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sundays, 1–5 p.m. Free. (703) 838-4994. Permanent: "Building a Community: Alexandria Past to Present," exhibit traces the history of the community from its Native American inhabitants to the early 1960s.

MARIETTA HOUSE MUSEUM 5626 Bell Station Rd., Glenn Dale. Fridays, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.; Saturdays & Sundays, noon–4 p.m. $3. (301) 464-5291. Permanent: Exhibit includes 19th-century-style furnishings and original root cellar. Tours: Walk-in tours available during museum hours.

MARY MCLEOD BETHUNE COUNCIL HOUSE 1318 Vermont Ave. NW. Mondays–Saturdays, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Free. (202) 673-2402. Permanent: Collection features photographs and home furnishings related to the political activist and educator. Tours: Daily, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM 6th St. & Independence Ave. SW. Mondays–Saturdays, 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (202) 633-1000. Permanent: "America by Air," exhibit examines the history of commercial air transport in the United States. "At the Controls: Flight Simulator Zone," flight simulators offer visitors a virtual-reality-based, user-controlled ride with various flight programs. "Apollo to the Moon," exhibit features artifacts relating to NASA's manned space program. "Beyond the Limits: Flight Enters the Computer Age," exhibit explores the effects of the computer revolution on the aerospace industry. "Early Flight," exhibit features artifacts related to the early history of the airplane. "Earth Today," exhibit examines the latest information about the planet's atmosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere through data displays. "Explore the Universe," exhibit examines the history of observational tools in the science of astronomy. "Exploring the Planets," exhibit examines planetary exploration. "The Golden Age of Flight," exhibit examines the history of flight from World War I through World War II. "How Things Fly," interactive gallery explores the principles of flight, aerodynamics, and propulsion, and includes a Cessna 150 airplane, a supersonic wind tunnel, and a cutaway section of a Boeing 757 fuselage. "Space Race," exhibit chronicles the Cold War-era competition in rocketry and space flight between the United States and former Soviet Union through artifacts, including a camera from the first spy satellite and a spacesuit made for a planned Soviet moon landing. "Voyage: A Journey Through Our Solar System," outdoor exhibit features a one-ten-billionth-size rendering of the solar system, stretched out over 650 yards. "The Wright Brothers and the Invention of the Aerial Age," exhibit examines the contributions of Wilbur and Orville Wright to modern flight through 170 photographs and artifacts. Tours: Daily, 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Free.

NATIONAL ARCHIVES 700 Constitution Ave. NW. Daily, 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Free. (202) 357-5000. Permanent: "Magna Carta," exhibit features one of only four originals of the 1297 charter in existence. "A New World Is at Hand," exhibit explores the history of the Charters of Freedom through original documents. "Public Vaults," exhibit features documents, photographs, maps, films, recordings, and objects from the museum's collection, offered as an interactive experience. "Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom," exhibit features the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and the Constitution.

NATIONAL BUILDING MUSEUM 401 F St. NW. Mondays–Saturdays, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sundays, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. $5 (suggested donation). (202) 272-2448. Ongoing: "Building Zone," child-oriented exhibit features LEGOs and toy trucks. "Cityscapes Revealed: Highlights From the Collection," exhibit surveys America's architectural heritage through drawings, early-20th-century photographs, and original building fragments from historic landmarks. "Washington: Symbol and City," exhibit explores Washington's history, development, and importance through artifacts, videos, and photography. Tours: Mondays–Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m.; Thursdays–Sundays at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 & 1:30 p.m. Free.

NATIONAL FIREARMS MUSEUM 11250 Waples Mill Rd., Fairfax. Open daily, 9:30 A.M.-5 P.M., and Saturdays, 9:30 A.M.-7 P.M. Free. (703) 267-1600. 15,000 square feet of firearms and accouterments from every era since 1350. Over 80 displays feature 2,400 guns in 15 galleries. Here, you’ll find historic treasures such as a wheel lock carbine that was brought to Plymouth Colony aboard the Mayflower in 1620, or a Browning pistol that belonged to Theodore Roosevelt. See the guns, ammunition and equipment carried by our troops in service, from the Revolutionary War to the modern day. The guns are displayed in settings that are evocative of the time periods in which they were used and feature many life-sized dioramas and period rooms. It is great place to learn about American heritage, firearms, and the tradition of Constitutional freedom.

NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART Constitution Ave. between 3rd & 9th Sts. NW. Mondays–Saturdays, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sundays, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Free. (202) 737-4215. Ongoing: Beat Memories: The Photographs of Allen Ginsberg. To September 6.

NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART SCULPTURE GARDEN 7th St. & Constitution Ave. NW. Mondays–Saturdays, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sundays, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Free. (202) 737-4215. Permanent: Collection includes post–World War II works by Louise Bourgeois, Claes Oldenburg, and Tony Smith.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MUSEUM AT EXPLORERS HALL 17th & M Sts. NW. Mondays–Saturdays, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sundays, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (202) 857-7588. Ongoing: "Da Vinci: The Genius." Inventions recreated by modern day artists from drawings in Da Vinci's notebooks. To Sept. 12.

NATIONAL GUARD MEMORIAL MUSEUM 1 Massachusetts Ave. NW. Mondays–Fridays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free. (202) 789-0031. Permanent: Exhibits include artifacts and documents tracing the history of the military-service branch.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN ART 950 Independence Ave. SW. Daily, 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Free. (202) 633-4600. Ongoing: "Paul Emmanuel Transitions." Works by South African artist Paul Emmanuel. Includes drawings that contemplate manhood and transitions through society. To August 22. Ongoing: "Grass Roots: African Origins of an American Art." To November 11.Permanent: The permanent collection, most of which is not on view, contains more than 7,000 objects in various styles of African Art, including funerary sculpture, hunting horns, ritual masks, and decorated armor.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN 4th St. & Independence Ave. SW. Daily, 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Free. (202) 633-1000. Permanent: "Always Becoming," exhibit features outdoor sculpture by Nora Naranjo-Morse. "Our Lives: Contemporary Life and Identities," exhibit surveys contemporary Native-American life and identity. "Our People: Giving Voices to Our Histories," exhibit examines historical events told from a Native American point of view, including a wall of gold objects, guns, bibles, and treaties. "Our Universes: Traditional Knowledge Shapes Our World," exhibit explores tribal philosophies, worldviews, annual ceremonies, and events. "Return to a Native Place: Algonquian Peoples of Chesapeake," exhibit features photographs, maps, and ceremonial and everyday objects relating to the local Nanticoke, Powhatan, and Piscataway tribes. "Window on Collections: Many Hands, Many Voices," exhibit features more than 3,500 objects from the museum's collection, including animal-themed figurines, dolls, and peace medals.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN JEWISH MILITARY HISTORY 1811 R St. NW. Mondays–Fridays, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (202) 265-6280. Free. Permanent: Displays include the Capt. Joshua L. Goldberg Memorial Chapel and "Maj. Gen. Julius Klein, His Life and Work," an exhibit documenting Klein's life and work.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF HEALTH AND MEDICINE 6900 Georgia Ave. NW (At Walter Reed Army Medical Center). Daily, 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Free. (202) 782-2200. Permanent: "RESOLVED: Advances in Forensic Identification of U.S. War Dead," exhibit highlights the underlying forensic sciences that have evolved in fulfilling this nation’s commitment to the identification and commemoration of the U.S. service member. "Battlefield Surgery 101: From the Civil War to Vietnam," examines the development of medical techniques used during wartime through artifacts. "Blood, Sweat, and Saline: Combat Medicine in the Korean Conflict," explores the challenges and accomplishments of the military medical units that served during the Korean War. "From a Single Cell," documents human development from the embryonic stage to age five. "Medical Diagnostic and Treatment Technology," features an iron lung, a dental X-ray machine, and other pieces of medical equipment.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY 10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW. Daily, 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Free. (202) 633-1000. Permanent: "African Voices," exhibit explores the people, culture, and history of Africa through photographs, interactive media, and sound stations. "Carmen Lúcia Ruby," exhibit features a 23.1-carat Burmese ruby set in a platinum ring with diamonds. "Hope Diamond," exhibit features the 45.52-carat diamond, the largest blue diamond in existence. "Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals," exhibit features gemstones and illustrations of plate tectonics and mines. "The Kenneth E. Behring Family Hall of Mammals," exhibit features information on and examples of 274 types of mammals. "Korea Gallery," exhibit features ceramics, paintings, and textiles celebrating Korean culture. "Life in the Ancient Seas," exhibit features fossils, models, and paintings chronicling the evolution of marine life. Olmec Colossal Head, sculpture is a reproduction of an ancient Mexican artifact. "Tyrannosaurus Rex" and "Triceratops," exhibits feature cast skeletons of the dinosaurs. Tours: Tuesdays–Fridays at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Free.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF WOMEN IN THE ARTS 1250 New York Ave. NW. Mondays–Saturdays, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sundays, noon–5 p.m. $8. (202) 783-5000. Permanent: Collection includes works by Mary Cassatt, Gabriele Münter, and Jaune Quick-to-See Smith.

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY 8th & F Sts. NW. Daily, 11:30 a.m.–7 p.m. Free. (202) 633-1000. Permanent: "American Origins, 1600–1900," exhibit features works from the arrival of European explorers through the Gilded Age. "America's Presidents," exhibit features multiple images of the 42 U.S. presidents and includes Gilbert Stuart's "Lansdowne" portrait of George Washington. "Jo Davidson: Biographer in Bronze," exhibit features 14 bronze and terra-cotta portraits made by the renowned American sculptor. "Twentieth-Century Americans," exhibit features portraits of major cultural and political figures of the 20th century. Tours: "Highlights of the National Portrait Gallery," Mondays–Fridays at 11:45 a.m. & 2:15 p.m; Saturdays & Sundays at 11:45 a.m. & 3:15 p.m. Free. "Great Britons: Treasures from the National Portrait Gallery, London," Mondays–Fridays at 1 p.m; Saturdays & Sundays at 1:30 p.m.

NATIONAL POSTAL MUSEUM 2 Massachusetts Ave. NE. Daily, 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Free. (202) 633-1000. Permanent: "Airmail in America," exhibit studies the postal system's role in the development of commercial aviation. "Networking a Nation: Star Route Service," exhibit explores postal routes dating back to 1845. Collection traces the history of the postal service through artifacts, including a mail coach from the 1850s and a watch recovered from the R.M.S. Titanic, belonging to the postal clerk onboard. "Victory Mail," exhibit features a collection of World War II V-mail correspondence.

NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL PARK 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW. Grounds open daily, 6 a.m.–6 p.m.; indoor exhibits open daily, 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Free. (202) 633-4800. Permanent: "Asia Trail," exhibit features seven Asian species. "Fujifilm Giant Panda Habitat," exhibit features "Amazonia," exhibit replicates a tropical rainforest and features various tropical fish and plants. "Bald Eagle Refuge," exhibit features two rescued bald eagles as well as an informational display. "Bird House," exhibit features birds from North America and around the world. "Cheetah Conservation Station," exhibit features cheetahs, a zebra, and a scimitar-horned onyx, a species extinct in the wild. "Elephant House," exhibit features Asian elephants and giraffes. "Great Ape House," exhibit features gorillas and orangutans. "Great Cats," exhibit features tigers and lions, a Tyrannosaurus rex skull, graphic displays, and a walk-through trail. "Kids Farm," exhibit highlights cows, goats, and other domestic species. "Lemur Island," exhibit features a community of the animals. "Mexican Wolves," exhibit features endangered wolves. "Reptile Discovery Center," exhibit includes a Komodo dragon and a Burmese python. "Small Mammal House," exhibit features small mammals from all over the world, including marmosets, tamarinds, naked mole rats, and prehensile-tailed porcupines.

NAVY MUSEUM Washington Navy Yard, 805 Kidder Breese St. SE. Mondays–Fridays, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Saturdays & Sundays, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Free. For reservations call (202) 433-6897. Permanent: "The Civil War," exhibit examines Civil War–era naval strategy. Collection also includes artifacts from the Revolutionary War, the Spanish-American War, World War I, and World War II.

NEWSEUM 555 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Mondays–Sundays, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. $13–$20. (888) 639-7386. Permanent: Great Hall of News; News History Gallery; Interactive Newsroom; 9/11 Gallery; Internet, TV and Radio gallery; Pulitzer Prize Photographs Gallery; Berlin Wall Gallery; First Amendment Gallery; World News Gallery; Journalists Memorial; Today's Front Pages Gallery; Great Books Gallery.

OLD STONE HOUSE 3051 M St. NW. Wednesdays–Sundays, noon–5 p.m. Free. (202) 426-6851. Permanent: Colonial house, built in 1765, is one of the oldest structures in the District of Columbia and features period furnishings and artifacts.

PHILLIPS COLLECTION 1600 21st St. NW. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, & Saturdays, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Thursdays, 10 a.m.–8:30 p.m.; Sundays, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Special exhibition admission is $12; admission to the permanent collection is $10 on weekends, and free on weekdays with a suggested donation. (202) 387-2151. Permanent: collection contains 19th, 20th, and 21st century European and American art, including Renoir’s Luncheon of the Boating Party, and works by such artists as Van Gogh, Georgia O’Keeffe, Pablo Picasso, and Jacob Lawrence.

RENWICK GALLERY Smithsonian American Art Museum, 17th St. & Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Daily, 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Free.(202) 633-1000. Permanent: Decorative arts and craft from the 19th century to the present. One-of-a-kind pieces created from clay, fiber, glass, metal and wood are displayed on a rotating basis in the second-floor galleries. Special installations of paintings from the Smithsonian American Art Museum's permanent collection are densely hung salon style—one-above-another and side-by-side—in the Grand Salon. Temporary exhibitions rotate through the first-floor galleries.

SACKLER GALLERY 1050 Independence Ave. SW. Daily, 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Free. (202) 633-4880. Permanent: "The Arts of China," exhibit features 228 artworks spanning 6,000 years of Chinese history. "Contemporary Japanese Porcelain," exhibit features works by 20th century Japanese artists. "Sculpture of South and Southeast Asia," exhibit features 10th- to 13th-century Cambodian stone sculptures. "Sculpture: Monkeys Grasping for the Moon," exhibit features a suspended wood sculpture by expatriate Chinese artist Xu Bing.

SEWALL-BELMONT HOUSE AND MUSEUM 144 Constitution Ave. NE. Tuesdays–Fridays, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.; Saturdays, noon–4 p.m. (Visitation by tour only.) $5 (suggested donation). (202) 546-1210. Permanent: Collection features photographs, artifacts, and political cartoons from the women's suffrage and equal rights movement. Tours: Tuesdays–Fridays, 11 a.m., noon, and 1 & 2 p.m.; Saturdays, noon, and 1, 2, & 3 p.m. $5 (suggested donation).

SMITHSONIAN AMERICAN ART MUSEUM 8th and F Sts. NW. Daily, 11:30 a.m.–7 p.m. Free. (202) 633-1000. Permanent: The nation's first collection of American Art, including colonial art, Gilded Age masterpieces, American impressionist paintings, images of Western expansion, historic and contemporary folk art, African American art, Latino art, nineteenth century to contemporary photography, New Deal art, modern art, decorative arts and craft, and contemporary art.

SMITHSONIAN CASTLE 1000 Jefferson Dr. SW. Mondays–Fridays, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. (202) 357-2700. Permanent: "The Smithsonian Institution: America's Treasure Chest," exhibit features highlights from various Smithsonian museums.

SMITHSONIAN INTERNATIONAL GALLERY Ripley Center, 1100 Jefferson Dr. SW. Daily, 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (202) 633-1000. Permanent: "Graphic Eloquence: Limited-Edition Prints From the Smithsonian Associates Art Collectors Program," exhibit features lithographs, linocuts, and screen prints.

STABLER-LEADBEATER APOTHECARY MUSEUM 105-107 South Fairfax St., Alexandria. Tuesdays–Saturdays, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sundays & Mondays, 1–5 p.m. $4. (703) 838-3852. Permanent: Collection features pill rollers, mortars and pestles, medical glassware, and historical documents.

TEXTILE MUSEUM 2320 S St. NW. Mondays–Saturdays, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sundays, 1–5 p.m. $5 (suggested donation). (202) 667-0441. Tours: "Highlights," Saturdays & Sundays at 1:30 p.m. $5 (suggested donation; includes admission). Ongoing: "Art by the Yard: Women Design Mid-century Britain." Features the work of textile designers Lucienne Day, Jacqueline Groag, and Marian Mahler. To Sep. 12.

TUDOR PLACE 1644 31st St. NW. Tuesdays–Saturdays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sundays, noon–4 p.m. $6. (202) 965-0400. Permanent: Collection includes artifacts of the Peter family, who built the historic house in 1816.

U.S. HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM 100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl. SW. Daily, 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Free. (202) 488-0400. Permanent: Exhibit tells the story of the Holocaust through artifacts, films, videos, photos, and oral histories.

U.S. NATIONAL ARBORETUM 3501 New York Ave. NE. Daily, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Free. (202) 245-2726. Permanent: "Asian Collections," exhibit features plants collected from the floras of Asia, with an emphasis on plants from China, Korea and Japan. "Azalea Collections," exhibit features varieties of the flower. "Dogwood Collection," exhibit features several varieties of the flowering tree. "Fern Valley," exhibit features ferns, wildflowers, shrubs and trees from the eastern United States. "Friendship Garden," exhibit features grasses and plants native to Europe, Asia, and North America. "Gotelli Dwarf and Slow-Growing Conifer Collection," exhibit features groups of spruces, firs and dwarf pines as well as the arboretum's crapemyrtle introductions. "Holly and Magnolia Collections," exhibit features the arboretum's magnolia introductions in spring and holly introductions in winter. "National Bonsai & Penjing Museum," exhibit examines the history and tradition surrounding the decorative Japanese trees through specimens, informational displays, and meditative gardens. "National Boxwood Collection," exhibit features over 100 Buxus species and varieties. "National Capitol Columns," exhibit features twenty-two of the original sandstone Corinthian columns that once stood at the east portico of the U.S. Capitol from 1829 to 1958. "National Grove of State Trees," exhibit features examples of trees native to the 50 U.S. states. "National Herb Garden," exhibit features 800 kinds of herbs from around the world. "Perennial Collections," exhibit features beds of daffodils, peonies, and day-lilies which bloom from late February through July. "Washington Youth Garden," exhibit features organic hands-on gardens planted by area school children. Seasonal: "Perennial Collection," exhibit features a collection of flowering plants that bloom each spring. "Washington Youth Garden," one-acre exhibit features herbs, vegetables, and flowering plants tended by area elementary school students.

U.S. NAVY MEMORIAL 701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Monday–Saturday, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. (202) 737-2300. Permanent: Exhibits highlighting the history of the U.S. Navy through both World Wars.

STEVEN F. UDVAR-HAZY CENTER Washington Dulles International Airport, 14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway, Chantilly. Daily, 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (202) 633-1000. Permanent: The National Air and Space Museum's companion facility features displays of more than 200 aircraft and 135 spacecraft, including the space shuttle Enterprise, an SR-71 Blackbird reconnaissance aircraft, the Dash 80 prototype of the Boeing 707, an F-4 Phantom fighter, and the B-29 Superfortress Enola Gay. Tours: Daily, 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Free.

UNITED STATES BOTANIC GARDEN 100 Maryland Ave. SW. Daily, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Free. (202) 225-8333. Permanent: "Garden Court," exhibit features plants with commercial uses, including lemon trees, coffee and tea plants, and rice. "Garden Primeval," exhibit features prehistoric ferns and plants. "How Plants Work: A Guide to Being Green," exhibit looks at the daily realities of life as a plant. "Jungle/Palm House," exhibit reconstructs a tropical rain-forest environment. "Medicinal Plants," exhibit features plants with therapeutic uses, including ginger root and saw palmetto. "National Garden," exhibit features a lawn terrace, rose garden, butterfly garden, and more. "Oasis," exhibit includes an Arizona palm tree named after George Washington. "Orchid House," exhibit features more than 150 types of the flowering plants. "Plant Adaptation," exhibit features plants that have developed strategies to thrive in nutrient-poor soil. "Plant Exploration," exhibit features plants from the 1838 world expedition of Charles Wilkes, including mandarin orange trees and birds of paradise. "Plants in Culture," exhibit explores the use of plants in music, ceremonies, and other aspects of culture. "Rare and Endangered Species," exhibit features plant species threatened with extinction. "Six Plants We Can't Live Without," exhibit features illustrations of corn, cocoa, citrus, cotton, tea, and rice. "World Deserts," exhibit features succulents, grasses, and palms that thrive in arid environments.

GEORGE WASHINGTON'S MOUNT VERNON ESTATE AND GARDENS George Washington Memorial Parkway, Mount Vernon. Daily, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. $13. (703) 780-2000. Permanent: Collection features artifacts and personal effects of George and Martha Washington.

WOMEN IN MILITARY SERVICE FOR AMERICA MEMORIAL Arlington National Cemetery, Memorial Dr., Arlington. Daily, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Free. (703) 533-1155. Permanent: Collection of artifacts explores the experiences of American women in the military.

WOODROW WILSON HOUSE 2340 S St. NW. Tuesdays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $7.50. (202) 387-4062. Permanent: The post-presidential residence of Woodrow Wilson is a National Trust historic site that houses a collection of Wilson's personal effects, White House mementos, and gifts of state from around the world. Furnished as it was in Wilson's time, the fashionable 1915 house just off Embassy Row is a living textbook of modern American life in the 1920s. Visit www.WoodrowWilsonHouse.org for information on current exhibitions and upcoming events.

Dance

New Releases Choreographers Showcase Showcase of new works from area choreographers, ranging in styles from modern to classical Indian dance. Dance Place, 3225 8th Street NE. Sat., 7/31 at 8 p.m. & Sun., 8/1 at 7 p.m. $22 general admission. (202) 269-1600.

Theater

A Lovely Sunday for Creve Coeur Set in the West End of St. Louis in the mid-'30s on a lovely Sunday for a picnic at Creve Coeur Lake. This play, featuring four of Williams’ most engaging female characters, explores the meaning of loneliness, the need for human connection, as well as the inevitable compromises one must make to get through "the long run of life." Quotidian Theatre Company at the Writer's Center,, 4508 Walsh St., Bethesda. Fridays & Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m. $25. Closes August 8.. (301) 816-1023..

Forever Plaid Before the Jonas Brothers or the Backstreet Boys, there were four guys destined to harmonize their way to greatness: Sparky, Smudge, Jinx, and Frankie. The "flipside" of the 1950s rock 'n' roll revolution, these boys represented innocence and traditional family values. While en route to picking up plaid tuxedos for their first real gig, a freak accident ended their promising careers too soon. Including hit songs "Three Coins in the Fountain," "Sixteen Tons," and "Love is a Many Splendored Thing." Olney Theatre Center, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Rd., Olney. Wednesdays–Fridays, 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 1:30 & 7:30 p.m.; Sundays, 1:30 and 6:30 p.m. $26.. Closes August 1. (301) 924-3400..

Pirates! A Boy at Sea When Jim is rescued from pirates by sailors from the British Man-of-War, the action has deep connections to Jim’s life. The strict McGovern reminds Jim of his Dad, while the fun-loving but enigmatic Freely reminds him of his estranged Mom. Lerner Family Theatre at Imagination Stage,, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda. Saturdays & Sundays, 1:30 and 4:00 p.m.; Tuesdays–Fridays, 10:30 a.m. $10–$21. Closes August 15. (301) 280-1660.

Las Aventuras de Tio Conejo (The Adventures of Uncle Rabbit) A well-known trickster from Nicaragua, Tio Conejo, or Uncle Rabbit, finds great delight in tricking many of his neighbors, especially Tio Tigre (Uncle Tiger). Three folktales in one: Tio Conejo and the Beehive , Tio Conejo and the Mirror and Tio Conejo Saves Tio Burro. Synetic Family Theater, 4041 Campbell Ave., Arlington. Saturdays & Sundays at 12:30 p.m. $12. Closes August 15. (703) 824-8060.

The Savannah Disputation Comedy about a missionary who drops in on two Catholic spinsters and ends up converting one, which results in an uproarius divine intervention by the other. Olney Theatre Center, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Rd., Olney. Wednesdays–Fridays, 8 p.m.; Saturdays, 2 & 8 p.m.; Sundays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. $39–$54. Closes August 22. (301) 924-3400..

Avenue Q Broadway's 2004 Tony Award-winning show for best musical, best score, and best book, about trying to make it in New York with big dreams and a tiny bank account. Featuring a cast of people and puppets who tell the story in a smart, risque way. Lansburgh Theatre,, 610 F St. NW. Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m.; Thursdays & Fridays, 8 p.m.; Saturdays, 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.; call for other times $76–$86. Closes August 15.. (202) 547-1122.

Greenbelt Voices–Vignettes about our Town For Transitions Theater's debut production, a collection of monologues telling the heartwarming tales about people's personal experiences with transitions during their lives. Greenbelt Arts Center, 123 Centerway Rd., Greenbelt. Fri., 7/30 at 8 p.m.; Sat., 7/31 at 2 p.m. $12. Closes July 31. (301) 441-8770.

How I Became a Pirate A musical pirate adventure with a giddy, goofy spirit. Imagination Stage,, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda. Saturdays & Sundays, 1:30 and 4:00 p.m.; Thursdays and Fridays, 10:30 a.m. $10–$21. Closes August 24. (301) 280-1660.

If You Give a Pig a Pancake The story of a little girl hosting a challenging piglet, whose never-ending wishes lead them from the kitchen table to the bathtub to the backyard. Adventure Theatre, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo. Call for schedule. $12–$15. Closes Aug 15.. (301) 634-2270.

Mary Poppins Combining the best of the original Mary Poppins stories by P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film, this Tony-winning musical tells the delightful story of a nanny who uses her magical touch to change the lives of the Banks children for the better. Kennedy Center Opera House, 2700 F St. NW. Tuesdays–Sundays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. $25–$135. Closes August 22. (202) 467-4600.

Noises Off! Noises Off uses the concept of play within a play while comically showing how cast and crew’s off-stage antics and personalities affect on-stage performance. It is made up of three acts, in each of which the first act of a bawdy comedic romp called "Nothing On" is performed in different phases of a tour. Keegan Theatre at Church Street,, 1742 Church St. NW. Thursdays–Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 3 p.m. $25–$30. Closes August 22. (703) 892-0202.

One Man Lord of the Rings Forget the books; Peter Jackson’s film trilogy is the true subject here. Charles Ross hurls his body and voice at breakneck speed through its language, its performances and, far more than anything else, its sound design. A Elbereth Gilthoniel! the sounds: Using only throat and lungpower, Ross reproduces the trilogy’s most memorable aural cues–the birth of the Uruk-Hai, the piercing screech of the Nazgul’s flying beasts, the march of those badass armored pachyderms–all in high, if phlegmy, fidelity. (The posters should offer the Gallagher-caution: "The first few rows are gonna get wet!") The only real disappointment–and it’s a surprising one–is how gently Ross chides the trilogy’s manifold excesses. His One Man Star Wars seemed to attain an ideal fuel mixture, a sixty-forty blend of the straight-ahead to the satirical; here, perhaps because he believes the Tolkien trilogy hasn’t permeated the culture as thoroughly as the Lucas films, the pot-shots are parceled out too parsimoniously. (GW) Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, 641 D St. NW. Wednesdays–Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. $40–$62. Closes August 1. (202) 393-3939.

Passing Strange Passing Strange delights in upending cliche. Unlike so many 21st century metamusicals–we’re looking at you, [title of show]–it manages to be self-aware without feeling self-congratulatory. It’s an unremarkable story (young man leaves home, prospers abroad, finds occasion to reevaluate what he left behind) remarkably told, by Stew’s Tony-winning book and by Jahi A. Kearse, the magnetic actor stepping into Stew’s snakeskin loafers for Studio Theatre’s energetic revival–the first since the show ended its 165-show Broadway run two years ago. Kearse is an interesting choice for the Stew-in: He doesn’t look at all like Aaron Reeder’s Youth, the other character into which Stew has bifurcated his semi-autobiography. Kearse is also more conventionally handsome and athletic than the bald, rotund man who wrote and originated the role. But don’t hate him because he’s handsome: He’s got it where it counts, which is in the voice, you perverts. An onstage rock quartet led by Christopher Youstra (with occasional instrumental support from the cast) gives us vigorous takes on the score, comprised mostly of the late '60s-to-mid-'70s rock its authors grew up on, with occasional funk, soul, gospel and icy new wave inflections. At their best, Stew and Rodewald synthesize these influences with a grace that recalls the dazzling first half of Prince’s career. (CK) Studio Theatre 2nd Stage,, 1501 14th St. NW. Wednesdays–Saturdays, 8:30 p.m.; Sundays, 7:30 p.m. $38–$43.. Closes August 8.. (202) 332-3300.

Serenading Louie Renowned playwright Lanford Wilson brings to stage an intimate examination of marriage in suburban America. American Century Theater at Gunston Arts Center, 2700 S. Lang St., Arlington. Thursdays & Fridays at 8:00 p.m.; Saturdays at 2:30 and 8 p.m.; Sundays at 2:30 p.m. $25–$28. Closes Aug. 21. (703) 998-4555.

SHEAR MADNESS The "most fun night" Arch Campbell's ever had at the Kennedy Center is an extended vaudeville routine set in a Georgetown hair salon rather than a play. Funny without ever becoming either witty or clever, it's an audience-participation whodunit in which we're encouraged to grill the witnesses and essentially to write our own ending by voting for a guilty party. In practice, there are four endings (one for each suspect), but how the performers get there each evening depends on the questions. There are faggot jokes galore, and shaving-foam jokes, and general stupidity for those looking for froth. It's not theater exactly, but as empty-headed entertainment it's not appreciably less stimulating than Cats or a visit to the bowling alley. (BM) Kennedy Center,, Theater Lab, 2700 F St. NW. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays at 8 p.m.; Saturdays at 6 p.m. & 9 p.m.; Sundays at 7 p.m.; matinees Sundays at 3 p.m. $40–$50. (202) 467-4600.

Stella Morgan The world premiere of one of Northern Ireland’s most respected female playwrights, Rosemary Jenkinson. Set in modern day Belfast, the play examines the lives of two outsiders–an Irish fortune teller and her drug dealing son–through intermingling monologues. Keegan Theatre at Church Street,, 1742 Church St. NW. Mondays–Wednesdays and Sundays at 8 p.m.; Saturdays at 3 p.m. $20–$25. Closes August 18. (703) 892-0202.

The Importance of Being Earnest Jack and Algy have it all, thanks to carefully crafted double-lives–'til love and marriage enter the equation. Jack loves Gwendolyn. Algy loves Cecily. Yet, both women insist on marrying the elusive man who is "earnest." After true identities are revealed, will all live happily ever after? A comedy of errors with a sexy twist. Scena Theatre at H Street Playhouse, 1365 H St. NE. Thursdays–Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 3 p.m. $25–$35. Closes August 29. (703) 683-2824.

Whatnot

TEXAS HOLD ’EM POKER TOURNAMENT Features prizes and drink specials. Asylum, 2471 18th St. NW. Mondays at 10 p.m. Free. (202) 319-9353.

MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA FIGHT Features prizes and drink specials. Wonderland Ballroom, 1101 Kenyon St. NW. Mondays at 7:30 p.m. Free. (202) 232-5263.

Film

Karate Kid So it's not actually karate, it's kung fu, but what's a little inaccuracy compared to franchise cache, right? Twelve-year-old Dre Parker (Jaden Smith, spawn of Will) is a popular kid in Detroit who moves to China after his mom takes a job there. Difficulties adjusting ensue–after he develops a crush on his classmate Mei Ying, he draws the ire of Cheng, the class bully, who schools Dre on the kung fu mat. He turns to Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), a maintenance man who is secretly a kung fu master. (See washingtoncitypaper.com for venue information)

Toy Story 3 Adults and children alike will enjoy Toy Story 3 and the return of Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and the rest of the gang. As their owner, Andy, departs for college, the toys find a new, less than satisfactory home at a daycare center and plot their escape. Penned by Little Miss Sunshine screenwriter Michael Arndt. (See washingtoncitypaper.com for venue information)

Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work A documentary on the life and career of 75 year-old comedienne Joan Rivers. With appearances by Don Rickles and Kathy Griffin. (See washingtoncitypaper.com for venue information)

City Island Andy Garcia stars as a prison guard who throws his life into chaos when he shares his deepest secret with his drama class. Soon the secrets of everyone around him—including family, friends and fellow drama students—are revealed as well. With Alan Arkin, Julianna Margulies, and Emily Mortimer. (See washingtoncitypaper.com for venue information)

Winter's Bone In a star-making performance, Jennifer Lawrence plays 17 year-old Ree Dolly, an industrious Ozark Mountain girl who tries to track down her drug-dealing father with little help from her relatives. Winner of Best Picture and Best Screenplay at Sundance. (See washingtoncitypaper.com for venue information)

Cyrus Is mumblecore dead? Jay and Mark Duplass, who helped pioneer the irritating genre, have certainly taken a step away from its conventions in Cyrus, a love-triangle comedy in which two of the parties are mother and son. Yes, it's a sitcom setup. Or maybe a pornographic one. Yet the Duplass brothers, who also wrote the script, hold back just when you expect things to go over the top. This restraint may leave you disappointed at first but ultimately is impressive. It's difficult to fully critique the film without giving too much away, but it involves John (John C. Reilly), a sad-sack divorcè who meets a dream: Molly (Marisa Tomei), who overhears his poor-me monologues at a party and thinks he's "raw and honest." They see each other often, but she repeatedly refuses to spend the night with John, saying, "My life is complicated right now." So one night he follows her home, and when doing some closer surveillance the next day, gets spotted by Molly's son, Cyrus (Jonah Hill, playing it serious). Cyrus then proceeds as more mystery than rom-com, with the mother-son bond weirdly intense for hard-to-pinpoint reasons. Reilly's charm perhaps pushes itself through a little too much to make you believe he's such a loser, but when he calls Cyrus "a little weirdo," there's both levity and bite. Mumblecore may have been hailed as refreshing realism, but here the kings of it prove that a more mainstream approach can likewise balance comedy and seriousness, plot and looseness, and generally move the way life does. (TO) (See washingtoncitypaper.com for venue information)

Grown Ups Following the death of their childhood basketball coach, five middle aged friends (Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, Rob Schneider, and David Spade) gather with their families for a Fourth of July holiday weekend to celebrate and reminisce. Slapstick hijinks ensue. (See washingtoncitypaper.com for venue information)

I Am Love In this film by Luca Guadagnino, a wealthy and powerful Milanese family crumbles apart as its matriarch Emma and her adult children pursue passion over convention. Emma, played by Tilda Swinton, is a Russian émigré who marries into the Recchi family fortune. She dresses impeccably and runs a tight household but has no job or pursuit to speak of—until, that is, she falls in love with a young, inventive chef named Antonio, who is opening a restaurant with Emma’s son Edoardo. Edoardo, who recently inherited the family textile business, is disillusioned with his family’s materialism; and his sister Elisabetta reveals that she is a lesbian. But the interwoven family stories—some deeply tragic—build up slowly, ultimately offering little pay-off and a rushed and melodramatic ending. And what could have been a feast for the senses—between the Italian culture, cooking, and lustful affairs—is instead spoiled on jarring, disconnected visuals. Yet Swinton’s command of the screen in a feminine role (uncharacteristic for her), coupled with irresistible Italian melodrama is more than worthy. (TM) (See washingtoncitypaper.com for venue information)

Coco Chanel and Igor Stravinsky The development of a perfume shouldn't be more exciting than the development of a love affair. But the heat that allegedly fuels Coco Chanel and Igor Stravinsky is absent in this superficially sumptuous biopic. Based on a book by Chris Greenhalgh, Jan Kounen's adaptation is rife with longing gazes, single tears, consumption, and purple post-coital scenes such as sunlight beaming through trees. The film, however, is as lacking in emotional color as Coco's black-and-white wardrobe and decor. The most significant factor of the film's anemia is that only one of these icons feels like an icon. As played by Mads Mikkelsen, Stravinsky is a passive, plain man with a plain wife (Elena Morozova) and vanilla children. Chanel, on the other hand, is magnetic: Anna Mouglalis is gorgeous with her character's bob, designer clothes, and wriggly walk. She sees what she wants and takes action. And, yes, the creation of her famous perfume is exciting, with hundreds of flowers contributing to hundreds of scent combinations, the main scientist growing increasingly demoralized as Chanel rejects each one. Until, of course, she's given No. 5. Taking place in 1920 Paris, the film has plenty of eye candy. But its story is boring fluff. (TO) (See washingtoncitypaper.com for venue information)

Knight & Day Nine years after Vanilla Sky, Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz pair up again in this action-packed comedy. He plays Roy and she plays June, who meet by chance as she's about to get on a plane. She's instantly smitten but learns he's a hit man. She starts to see him in random places and, despite his dubious credentials, thinks he might be boyfriend material. (See washingtoncitypaper.com for venue information)

Twilight: Eclipse Step aside, you creepy cougars: Finally, there's a Twilight for all grown-ups. Not that many moviegoers outside the shriek!-to-swoon demographic were likely waiting for this franchise to entertain them. But those who are dragged to Twilight: Eclipse may just enjoy themselves enough to avoid suffering the usual walk of shame after the credits roll. Director David Slade shows off the tonal shift in his approach to the series in the first few minutes. Looking like a scene out of his own 30 Days of Night, Eclipse opens with a young man walking alone on a desolate rainy evening. A shadowy thing, quick as lightning, knocks him down and hurls him in the air. Eventually he's permanently felled, screaming from pain. Of course, the heart of Twilight is romance, so the film can't be all ghouls and gore lest Slade dumped Meyer's vision completely. (Hmm...) You're going to have to sit through the still-human Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) and her bloodsucking beau, Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson), reading poetry in Forks, Wa.'s lavender fields (no joke), gushing "I love you"s, and in general exuding the kind of teen-lust behavior that elicits eye-rolls or cranky pleas to get a room. And this third installment also brings the first two novels' Team Edward vs. Team Jacob setup to a boil. Werewolf Jacob (Taylor Lautner), who comforted Bella in New Moon after her undead boyfriend suddenly dumped her, is ready to fight for the one he loves. Melissa Rosenberg, who penned the first two films, distills Meyer's doorstop of a novel perfectly. Though there's enough treacle–and shirtlessness–to satisfy the tweens, it's balanced by goosebump mystery and even (intentional!) humor. (TO) (See washingtoncitypaper.com for venue information)

The Killer Inside Me Some ink-black stories can thrill; others can turn your stomach. The Killer Inside Me is a film noir so steeped in ugliness it's difficult to enjoy on any level. Based on a novel by Jim Thompson (and co-written by director Michael Winterbottom), the film starts stylishly, with "Fever" accompanying 1950s-decked-out stills of the cast. Baby-but-crazy-faced Texas sheriff Lou Ford (Casey Affleck) is sent to scope out a hooker, Joyce (Jessica Alba), and advise her to get out of town. She gets angry and starts slapping him, and he eventually hits her back. And then they pause, stare at each other, and start going at it, the highlight of their coupling being the belt with which Lou whips her. Twisted behavior from a man of the law who doesn't carry a gun and plays classical piano, but Lou's S&M proclivity turns out to be tame compared to what follows. Even with flashbacks and Affleck's mumbly Joe narration, Lou's motives are never quite clear. Affleck, at least, makes a fine psycho, albeit one who's essentially a reprise of his The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford character. He can simultaneously appear both innocent and loony; polite and barbaric. But such nuance is represented only in Lou and not the film as a whole. (TO) (See washingtoncitypaper.com for venue information)

The Last Airbender M. Night Shyamalan is back with the The Last Airbender, a live-action feature based on the popular Nickelodeon animated TV series. The nations of Air, Water and Earth fight to restore balance when the Fire Nation launches a brutal war. With Dev Patel (Slumdog Millionaire) and Jackson Rathbone (Twilight). (See washingtoncitypaper.com for venue information)

The Girl Who Played with Fire Most of the talk about the American remake of Sweden's The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo has focused on which American actress has The Look. Noomi Rapace's Lisbeth Salander, its inked heroine, was all eyeliner and edge, with a Kate Gosselin haircut that came off as appropriately Goth instead of ridiculous. She was tiny but tough, fighting back with remarkable physicality against those who wronged her. Lisbeth didn't particularly care if she was a law-abiding citizen. And you loved her for it. In The Girl Who Played With Fire, The Look is largely gone, and likewise dampened is Lisbeth's ability to fascinate. The phenomenon that's become the late Stieg Larsson's Millennium series is similar to The Twilight Saga–except that the books are well-written and the first film adaptation is excellent. Which means expectations for the second installment are high enough to be unsatisfiable. The strikingly original character Larsson sprang to life is, alas, already getting predictable. Here, Rapace's antisocial hacker returns with long hair and less makeup. Worse, she's reduced to a nearly silent performance, save for a Taser here and threat there; mostly, Lisbeth smokes and looks vaguely alarmed as she sees herself on wanted posters or spies on some bad guys. There is enough of a whodunit element to keep the story engaging, but it's not nearly as thrilling as our initial introduction to the brilliant, dark, violent force of nature. (TO) (See washingtoncitypaper.com for venue information)

Restrepo Consider Restrepo the nonfiction Hurt Locker. When Vanity Fair writer Sebastian Junger and photographer Tim Hetherington had the idea of following a platoon to Afghanistan for one year, they had no idea they'd end up stationed at Korengal Valley, considered one of the most dangerous outposts in the country. Still, cameras in hand and zero preparation save for previous embed experiences, the co-directors collectively spent 10 months with the Battle Company of the 173rd Airborne Brigade. Their intention, according to the documentary's summary, is to make the viewers feel as if they're going through a 94-minute deployment. Named after the first of the 15-man company's fallen (and also what the troops called the outpost itself), the film nixes narrative or even interviews with anyone except the soldiers to avoid adding a perspective they did not have. Instead, we get their reactions upon arriving. And footage of the shuras, or meetings, they held with the locals. And the thirst for revenge that trumped any sense of duty when things got deadly. These baby faces may indeed have been clueless kids when they signed up, but the interviews and strategizing included in Restrepo show fiercely intelligent and fiercely determined men. Those who got out alive talk about their physical and emotional scars, and you ache for them. (TO) (See washingtoncitypaper.com for venue information)

Countdown to Zero Panic! That's one apt and perhaps welcome reaction to Countdown to Zero, Lucy Walker's documentary about the danger of nuclear weapons. More likely, though, the filmmakers (including the producers of Food, Inc. and An Inconvenient Truth) are aiming to elicit from their audience not hide-under-your-desk alarm but deep concern, with the evidence presented culminating in a campaign in which you learn that the title is not only a reference to a doomsday clock, but also a call to action. What do we want? No more nukes. When do we want it? Yesterday. Though it's not exactly healthy to live in a hypervigilant state of what-if, Walker's film is tight and persuasive enough to leave even the most carpe diem among viewers a wee bit rattled. Impeccably fleshed-out from a JFK speech in which he refers to nuclear arms as a sword of Damocles that could be cut at any time by accident, miscalculation, or "madness," the doc begins with the latter, speaking of terrorism and the ease in which those bent on destroying mankind can obtain the materials necessary to make crude bombs. Even more disturbing is the breakdown of how readily one of the approximately 23,000 nuclear weapons left in the world could be fired–as well as a day in 1995 when it was minutes from happening. The history of the bomb is also discussed here, but Walker largely keeps the tech talk and graphics plain. And one uncharacteristically treacly scene is not likely to stay with you. Not after nearly 90 minutes of analysts insisting with simultaneous urgency and what-are-you-gonna-do shrugs that we're thisclose to being obliterated. (TO) (See washingtoncitypaper.com for venue information)

Life During Wartime Sisters Joy (Shirley Henderson), Trish (Allison Janney), and Helen (Ally Sheedy) are back in Todd Solondz's sequel/variation to his 1998 movie Happiness–but they're played by different actresses. Ten years after shocking revelations shattered their family's world, the sisters are embroiled in their own unique problems and struggling to find their place. (See washingtoncitypaper.com for venue information)

Farewell (L'affaire Farewell) A political thriller about espionage, Farewell tells the story of an unfortunate chain of events set off when the French intelligence service alerts the U.S. about a Soviet spy operation during the height of the Cold War. (See washingtoncitypaper.com for venue information)

Mugabe and the White African Robert Mugabe's turning the tables. With his controversial land seizure program, the president of Zimbabwe is trying to reclaim white-owned land and distribute among poor blacks. Michael Campbell, a 74-year-old white farmer, is trying to hold on to his land by taking the notorious dictator to an international court for racism and violation of his human rights. Set against the backdrop of the tumultuous 2008 presidential election in Zimbabwe. (See washingtoncitypaper.com for venue information)

Salt Angelina Jolie does James Bond. Jolie plays CIA officer Evelyn Salt, a loyal operative accused by a defector of being a Russian spy. She goes on the run and draws on her years of expertise to elude capture, but her efforts to prove her innocence only serve to cast doubt on her motives. (See washingtoncitypaper.com for venue information)

Ramona and Beezus Based on Beverly Cleary's best-selling books, this film tells the adventures of accident-prone 8-year-old Ramona Quimby (Joey King) and her big sister Beezus (tween fave Selena Gomez). With John Corbett and Bridget Moynahan Ramona and Beezus' parents, Ginnifer Goodwin as Aunt Bea, and Sandra as Ramona's third grade teacher, Mrs. Meacham. (See washingtoncitypaper.com for venue information)

The Sorcerer's Apprentice The key players of National Treasure–producer Jerry Bruckheimer, director Jon Turteltaub, and leading man Nicholas Cage–team up once again for The Sourcerer's Apprentice, a re-telling of the classic Disney tale. Cage plays Balthazar Blake, a master sorcerer trying to defend Manhattan from his arch-nemesis, Maxim Horvath (Alfred Molina). He can't do it alone, so he recruits a reluctant Dave Stutler (Jay Baruchel) to be his protégé. (See washingtoncitypaper.com for venue information)

Standing Ovation Call it High School Musical meets American Idol. If you're still reading, Standing Ovation follows five junior high friends as they form a singing group and compete to win $1 million in a national music video contest. (See washingtoncitypaper.com for venue information)

Wild Grass Ending a movie with the line, "Mummy, when I'm a cat, will I be able to eat cat munchies?" from a character you haven't seen before isn't whimsical, it's just weird. And, in the case of Alain Resnais' Wild Grass, infuriatingly so, considering the nonsense that preceded it. Because the film is based on the Christian Gailly novel L'incident, these things aren't entirely the New Wave director's fault. But maybe once you hit your 80s–Resnais is now 88–you should consider your adaptation selections more carefully. Wild Grass has no clue what kind of movie it wants to be. Ostensibly a fanciful romance, the plot centers on a woman who had her purse stolen and the man who found her wallet. The woman, Margeurite (Sabine Azema), is a flame-haired dentist and amateur pilot, prone to hurting her patients when she's lost in thought. The man, Georges (Andre Dussollier), is a middle-aged nutjob, psychoanalyzing her by her photos and getting angry when she asks him to stop writing her letters–yet she becomes obsessed with him, too. These are not likable characters, or even ones who seem to have regular contact with planet earth. Georges comes off as a psycho and Margeurite a shell, and both of their motives are restricted to "because the script said so." The final nail is when the story goes from cutesy/disturbing to straight-up Dada. And how is this mess relevant to the title? Who the fuck cares. (TO) (See washingtoncitypaper.com for venue information)

The Kids Are All Right At its simplest, The Kids Are All Right is about two teenagers (Mia Wasikowska and Josh Hutcherson) of a lesbian couple (Annette Bening and Julianne Moore) who seek out their sperm-donor father. But really the film is about family–from pretty much every angle you can imagine. Issues include the distance that wedges itself into long-term romance, infidelity, brother-sister relationships, teenage rebellion, leaving the nest, and the difficulty of accepting that the person you spend the most time with is actually a douchebag. Of course, there's also the central question of anonymous sperm donation and whether it's wise to allow the children who are created by this artificial union to get to know their biological fathers. The fourth feature from Lisa Cholodenko is rich and real, so textured that not a second of its 104 minutes seems superfluous. That it centers on a homosexual couple is, for the most part, as insignificant a detail as an onscreen pairing of a curvy blonde and tall, dark, handsome man. You don't have to have two moms to relate. (TO) (See washingtoncitypaper.com for venue information)

Inception Christopher Nolan’s mesmerizing, if not quite as great, follow-up to The Dark Knight took the director eight years to write–his first original script since his debut, 1998’s Following–and the tuning is fine. Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Dom Cobb, an expert in stealing secrets from people’s subconscious while they’re dreaming. A mistake from his past, though, has not only compromised his skill, it’s kept the globetrotter from returning to the States and his family. But one final, dangerous job may redeem him. Cobb and his team–played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page, and Tom Hardy–are tasked by a nefarious type (Ken Watanabe) not to lift but implant an idea in the mind of Robert Fischer Jr. (Cillian Murphy), heir to a generic empire. The technique, known as inception, is thought to be impossible. Cobb insists that it’s not. Besides, his new boss’ promise to wipe his slate clean is too good to pass up. Nolan’s concept is as irresistible as its execution. As the characters talk about building dreamscapes, maneuvering within them, how to know what is real and what’s not, etc., it may be a lot of exposition, but it’s too fascinating–and even logical–to feel cumbersome. (TO) (See washingtoncitypaper.com for venue information)

DINNER FOR SCHMUCKS Few moviegoing experiences are as excruciating as watching two gifted comics struggle with terrible material. "Inspired by" the French film Le Diner de Cons, Jay Roach's comedy pits a reluctant asshole, Tim (Rudd), against an enthusiastic idiot, Barry (Carell). Tim is a white-collar ladder-climber who feels that, if he wants to get promoted, he must attend his boss's regular "Dinner for Winners," which actually is a competition of who can bring the biggest moron. Tim's good-guy conscience is further reflected by his good-girl girlfriend, Julie (Stephanie Szostak), who knee-jerkingly leaves their apartment and, seemingly, him when he shows a glimmer of willingness to go along with the cruel gag. Tim is ready to make an excuse to wriggle out of the commitment when he hits Barry in a texting-while-driving accident. And when Barry picks up a dead mouse to add to his lavish dioramas -- his "mousterpieces" -- Tim believes he's been given a sign. He invites Barry to the party the next night. Then Barry shows up at his apartment that eve instead and immediately begins his destruction. Although there are small laughs here and there -- it seems the pair's charisma can't completely be quashed -- Barry is too much of a buffoon and Tim too exasperated a straight man for the premise to work. The freaks at the last-chapter dinner party are more entertaining, but by then you're weary. (TO) (See washingtoncitypaper.com for venue information)

HUGH HEFNER: PLAYBOY, ACTIVIST AND REBEL Sure, he's built an empire as a softcore pornographer. And in recent years has made a caricature of himself, known better for seeming a dirty old man with simultaneous "girlfriends" than for the chestnut of a magazine he founded. But even those who object to Playboy may find themselves admiring the Hef in Hugh Hefner: Playboy, Activist and Rebel, Brigitte Berman's documentary about sides of the 84-year-old (!) that few likely know about. It's a fascinating watch about a fascinating -- and impossibly lucid -- man. Hefner mostly recollects his past, most significantly, of course, the first Playboy issue in 1953, whose cover featured a nude Marilyn Monroe. It wasn't long before this psychology major and cartoonist had a popular publication on his hands, all buoyed by fine prose both fiction and non- that helped the magazine argue its respectability. Hefner's lack of prejudice during a time when African-Americans and homosexuals were second-class citizens is remarkable. The articles he chose -- and still edits -- reflected his open mind about race, sexuality, contraception, and marijuana reform. But it was Hefner's television shows, Playboy's Penthouse and Playboy After Dark, that brought his thoughts to the masses as well as busted a ceiling, with Penthouse being the first national program to feature both black and white entertainers. Young Hef's ambition even wasn't fueled by prurient interests as much as a desire to avoid his parents' stagnant domestic life, asking himself, "Is that all there is?" If you think all there is to Hugh Hefner is a smoking jacket and a posse of blondes, this film will likewise strip that assumption. (TO) (See washingtoncitypaper.com for venue information)