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!

Celebrate the New Year with a three-course, prix-fixe meal during DC Restaurant Week, January 11-17, 2010.  Visit Open Table  for a list of over 100 participating restaurants.   $20.10 Lunches & $35.10 Dinners.

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

Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets

Leesburg Premium Outlets is having its annual Labor Day weekend sale through Monday, September 7.  Make your way to Leesburg post haste before all the good deals are gone.

For those about to shop, we salute you!

Location:  241 Fort Evans Road N.E., Leesburg, Va.