It’s the fourth week of school. It’s time to get ahead of the rest of the student body and do your own thing. These spots are going to get you out of Northwest and deep into the city with artsy dance performances, a pretty hipster state fair, concerts at the Kennedy Center and comedy shows.
Midnight Screening of “The Graduate”
“The Graduate” is a movie you can watch over and over again. Directed by Mike Nichols (“Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolfe?”), the movie features Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft as the infamous Mrs. Robinson, the film was a hallmark to societal pressures young people were feeling during that time and features incredible cinematography. Take a midnight trip to E Street Cinema to understand why it’s such a classic.
When: Friday, Sept. 19, midnight
Where: Landmark E Street Cinema, 555 11th St NW #2, Washington, DC 20004
Metro stop: Metro Center, Red Line
Price: $11.50
Listen Local First D.C. Presents Paperhaus
The Kennedy Center’s Millenium Stage hosts Paperhaus, a local psychedelic pop rock band The band is upbeat with a garage rock vibe that is fitting for the stage and large hall. Support your local music scene at one of the best venues this side of the Potomac.
When: Friday, Sept. 19, 6:00 p.m.
Where: Kennedy Center Millenium Stage, 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC 20566
Metro stop: N3 from Tenleytown
Price: Free
Petworth Community Market
There are more community markets than the one of campus every Wednesday. Petworth’s market features baked goods, fresh fruit and vegetables, local art and gifts all with a city neighborhood vibe.
When: Saturday, Sept. 20, 9 a.m.to 1 p.m.
Where: 9th and Upshur Streets NW
Metro stop: Red Line to Chinatown, then Green/Yellow Line to Georgia Ave./Petworth station
Price: Free
D.C. VegFest
Are you really into veggies and making sure everyone knows about it? Check out D.C.’s VegFest and learn more about being vegetarian/vegan. The event is hosted by Compassion Over Killing and is open to seasoned veg-heads and new vegans alike. There will be plenty of free food, over 125 vendors, a beer garden, music, how to’s and talks. There may even be swag bags included for early visitors.
When: Saturday, Sept. 20, 11 a.m.
Where: The Yards Park, 1331 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Metro stop: Red to Green Line towards Branch Ave. and getting off at Navy Yard
Price: Free
D.C. State Fair
D.C. legally isn’t a state, but there is a state fair. This fair is a bit artsier than the typical fried Oreo and shady ride operator fairs. The fair focuses on the arts with contests, food and ironic D.C. state fair merchandise. Portlandia-esque contests include mason jar flower arrangements, pickled foods and the honey contest.
When: Saturday, Sept. 20, 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Where: Old City Farm and Guild, 925 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
Metro stop: Red to Green/Yellow Line to Shaw
Price: Free
Cheap Thrills at Anacostia Arts Center
Over 40 artists will be profiled until Oct. 4 at the Anacostia Arts Center. The emerging artists’ work covers sculpture, drawings, paintings and more.The arts center is also in a growing neighborhood rich with culture and personality that should be visited at least once during an undergraduate’s career.
When: Sunday, Sept. 21 10:00 a.m.
Where: Anacostia Arts Center, 1231 Good Hope Road SE, Washington, DC 20020
Metro stop: Red Line to Chinatown, transfer to Green Line towards Anacostia station
Price: Free, unless you buy something
Underground Comedy
Every Sunday night, the Wonderland Ballroom hosts underground stand-up comedians. This could turn out as a wonderful “laughing with me” or the dreaded “laughing at me” situation. Either way, you’re laughing. Heads up, you have to be 21 to attend.
When: Sunday, Sept. 21 7-9 p.m.
Where: Wonderland Ballroom, 1101 Kenyon St NW, Washington, DC 20010
Metro stop: H2 from Van Ness
Price: Free
Australia Homeland
Enjoy dance performances that express the feelings and meanings of home. Sarah Ewing, of the dance troupe S.J. Ewing & Dancers, brings her experiences of going between her home in Australia and the United States to life. The performance is from Ewing’s 2013 Kennedy Center project.
When: Sunday, Sept. 21 5-6:30 p.m.
Where: Hill Center, Old Naval Hospital, 921 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003
Metro stop: Red to Blue Line at Eastern Market Metro Station
Price: Free
