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/

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

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

Washington, DC, August 4 -9

The men of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity have descended upon Washington, DC, for their 2009 National Conclave -79th Grand Chapter Meeting.  Prepare to see thousands of Kappa men, sporting their trademark crimson and cream, as they celebrate the frat’s 98th year.  

Please join us in welcoming these distinguished gentlemen, at this free happy-hour on Capitol Hill:

“Konclave Kapitol Hill Kick-Off”

(sponsored by David Robinson and Nupes on the Hill)

When:  Tuesday, August 4th, 5 -8 pm

Location:  Lounge 201 (Address: 201 Massachusetts Ave.).

Admission:  FREE

Photo from Evite

We kid you not, today is National Tequila Day.  In honor of this momentous occasion, DC on a Dime might knock-off early and head to Happy Hour.   If you can’t do that, National Tequila Day is also a good excuse to throw a margarita party this weekend, or just take shots at your favorite restaurant or bar.   In any event, it’s a celebration.  Salud!

Photo from DCist

Starting tonight, through August 10 (next four Mondays), the Screen on the Green Film Festival returns to the National Mall, between 4th and 7th Streets.  After a brief scare that this annual event had been cancelled, Comcast and the Trust for the National Mall decided to team-up with HBO to bankroll the series.  

Showtime starts at sunset – around 8:30pm — but get there early.  No alcohol allowed.  This event is free.

Schedule:

July 20,  Close Encounters  of the Third Kind

July 27,  Dog Day Afternoon

August 3, On the Waterfront

August 10,  Rebel Without a Cause

Every Friday, through August 28, the United States Marines Corps will hold a one hour and fifteen minute performance of music and precision marching at the Marine Barracks, in Washington D.C.  The Evening Parade features “The President’s Own” Marine Band, “The Commandant’s Own” Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, the Marine Corps Color Guard, the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, Ceremonial Marchers, and the official mascot of Marine Barracks Washington.

The ceremony will begin at 8:45 pm, with a concert by the U. S. Marine Band, but guests with reserved seats should arrive by 8pm.  After 8:15 pm, guests without reservations, waiting outside the main gates, will be offered unclaimed seats. 

For more information go here.  You may also call (202) 433-6060 to hear a recorded message.

Time:  Friday, 8:45 pm – 10:15 pm  (This week’s performance will be held on Thursday, July 2).

Location:  Marine Barracks Washington, 8th and “I” Streets, SE

Cost:  This event is free.

Calling all people from Barbados, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago, the Virgin Islands, and everywhere in between – the annual DC Caribbean Carnival is happening this weekend. 

Hands-down one of the most fun events of the year, DC on a Dime looks forward to it each and every year, even the year organizers moved the parade from Georgia Ave. to Pennsylvania Ave., which was  ill-conceived, but fun no less. 

Of course, you don’t have to hail from the islands to enjoy Carnival.  (I’m from Ohio, but one of my best friends is a Trini).  It has it all:  authentic Carribbean food, live music, colorful costumes, and random acts of craziness!  What’s not to like?

The festivities begin at 11 am, on June 27, with the parade along Georgia Ave. from Missouri Ave. to Barry Place. 

Following the parade, there will be an outdoor festival at Banneker Recreation Park (across from Howard University), also on Georgia Ave.  There you will find all your Caribbean food favorites:  ackee and saltfish, meat patties, jerk everything, roti, and much more. 

Visit the Caribbean Carnival website for additional details, then grab a friend and head to Carnival, DC style.