This free, public event organized by The Smithsonian Associates and the National Air and Space Museum features kite displays, demonstrations and handmade kite competitions.

When:  Saturday, March 27 (rain date Sunday, March 28) 

Time:  10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Location: National Mall (around the Washington Monument)

Website:  http://kitefestival.org/

Every Thursday from 5pm-8:30pm of every month, the Phillips  Collection (1600 21st street NW)  combines live jazz, gallery talks,  modern art, and a cash bar for a lively evening.

This Thursday, February 4, Poet Shani Jamila will recite Georgia O’Keeffe’s letters to her husband Alfred Stieglitz, to the accompaniment of violinist Lucan Klyne and music spun by DJ Adrian Loving.

Enjoy!

The Capitol Riverfront Business Improvement District opens its 2009 Holiday Market today, which will run from December 15th – 18th, on the Canal Park site located at 2nd Street and M Street, SE.  Wrap up your holiday shopping and find unique gifts, festive food, holiday greenery, live music and more! 

Date:  December 15th – 18th, 2009 

Time:  12:00 – 6:00 pm

Location:  Canal Park

Cost:  FREE

DC experienced a dynamic, rising conductor at the Strathmore on Thursday night.

The Orquestra de Sao Paulo, conducted by Kazem Abdullah, delivered a stunning performance of classical music infused with Brazilian flavor last night in Bethesda. 

Not only was the music captivating, it also conjured mental images of epic movie scenes — from the escape through the Swiss Alps after a bank heist, to a dramatic chase sequence in a Scorsese film.  The only thing more impressive than the vivid music was the conductor himself.   The 29-year-old Abdullah was exacting at culling the perfect sound and notes from each instrument and player.  The most seasoned classical music conductor would have been impressed by Kazem’s command of the baton. 

That Abdullah (like us) most likely grew up watching MTV makes his presence at center-stage even more amazing.   DC on a Dime has not seen a conductor so young, accomplished, and inspiring as this one.  It appears that the era of change extends beyond politics, to now include classical music.

Upcoming Performances.  The symphony was only in town for one night, so those who didn’t see it really missed a treat.  But, if you’re up for classical road trippin’ we suggest you check out Abdullah and the Sao Paulo Orchestra in Pennsylvania or New Jersey:

10/23/2009 7:30:00 PM

Eisenhower Auditorium

University Park, PA

GET TICKETS

10/24/2009 8:00:00 PM

State Theatre Regional Arts Center at New Brunswick

New Brunswick, NJ

GET TICKETS

Don your door with a wreath, collect wood for the fire, and buy a pumpkin.  All these things are tell tale signs of fall.  However, if you really want to get into the fall spirit, check out the local corn mazes,  pumpkin patches, and hayrides.  Click here for full list of fall activities in Virginia. 

Most of these activities are affordable, and always fun.  Pack a lunch, grab some friends, and dive into fall.

In honor of National Hispanic Heritage month, the National Zoo is having a Fiesta Musical!  On tap are animal demonstrations, music, dancers, crafts, food and so much more.  This may be the only time you can feed the animals, so don’t miss it.  Oh, and it’s…(wait for it) FREE!

When is it:  This Sunday, September 20

Where is it:  National Zoo

How to get there:  Take the red line to the Woodley Park Zoo Metro station.

From when to when:  11am-5pm

To kick-off its 2009–2010 season, the Kennedy Center will open its doors for the annual Open House Arts Festival this Saturday, from 12 noon until 6pm.  The event will include free  indoor and outdoor performances, so get there early, to beat the crowd.   Check out this link to see a list of performances and family-friendly activities. 

Admission:  FREE

Location:  The Kennedy Center, 2700 F Street, NW Washington, DC 20566

The Courtyard Café

As Washingtonians return from vacation to reclaim the city, DC on a Dime wants to share a favorite super-secret-quite-time-spot:   The National Portrait Gallery.

This excellent Smithsonian museum tells the American story through individual portraits of those who have shaped our national culture.  And, since it’s not on the National Mall, there is rarely a crowd.  

However, what we love most about the museum is the Courtyard Café, which is located in the “Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard.”   This expansive courtyard is covered by a giant sky light, so there’s no better place for indoor reading, writing and reflection. 

 

The Café offers a seasonal menu of American-inspired dishes, using local, organic or sustainable ingredients when possible. The menu includes soups, create-your-own salad entrees, sandwiches and panini, and a selection of antipasti with a focus on vegetarian offerings and premium meats. These items are available until 4 p.m. Gourmet desserts, creamery-made ice cream and healthy snacks, such as fruit and yogurt parfaits, also are available.

Express offerings, called “Grab & Go,” include pre-made sandwiches and salads; these items are available until 6:30 p.m. Coffee, espresso, beer and red and white wines also may be enjoyed in the cafe anytime. Free public wireless Internet access (Wi-Fi) is available throughout the Kogod Courtyard.

Location:  The museum is located at Eighth and F Streets, NW, D.C., 20001 

Admission:  FREE 

Museum Hours:
11:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m. daily
Closed December 25

Fall

After a brief hiatus (summer vacay in Kenya), DC on a Dime is back and ready to assist.  The dog days of summer are getting ever shorter, and fall is on its way in.  The Washingtonian has amassed a list of 36 easy getaways from the DC metro area for the fall, and DC on a Dime recommends a few modifications for the cost conscious.

1.) Try to book your stay after Labor Day weekend.  Accomodation and activity prices usually fall after the high summer season.

2.) Limit your stay to one night.  If you arrive early Saturday morning and depart Sunday evening you can still have time to enjoy the activities offered in the area.

3.) Call ahead.  In the throws of a the recession, clientele strapped businesses are more willing to wheel and deal.  Take a chance and call ahead to see what you can negotiate.  You might get lucky.