TOP 5 PICKS FOR FRIDAY, MAY 11
1. Song 1: A Happening At Hirshhorn
The recently extended exhibit is breathing new, exciting and hip air into the Mall. Doug Aitken’s “Song 1” has recently been extended an extra week due to popular demand. Tonight's special event includes live performances of the song from No Age, Oneohtrix Point Never, Nicolas Jaar, Animal Collective’s Geologist, Tim McAfee Lewis, Leo Gallo and High Places. 8 p.m., all ages, $25
2. LOOK UP! Night Street Fair At Old Post Office Pavilion
The Kennedy Center's "Look Both Ways: Street Arts Across America" is sadly coming to an end. Their ambitious and satisfying week of programming is going outside and sideways and up in the air. Performers from Project Bandaloop will perform their work "Bound(less)" on the exterior of the Old Post Office Pavilion. Not in front of, not inside, not on top, on the exterior. 8 p.m., all ages, no cover
3. Mark Lanegan at 9:30
The graveliest voice in rock and roll, Lanegan has been slowly crooning into the hearts of alternative fans since the early 90s with Screaming Trees. He's worked with Queens of the Stone Age, Isobel Campbell, Greg Dulli and more. Think of him as rock and roll's utility player. 6 p.m., all ages, $20
4. The Patents and Trademarks of Steve Jobs: Art and Technology that Changed the World at S. Dillon Ripley Center
Now that the last remaining man what knew what he was doing is no longer with us, we might as well look at some of his official government documents. 10 a.m., all ages, no cover
5. Truckeroo 5 at Yards Park
If you don't work close to the downtown D.C. food truck mecca, this 12 hour event at a not exactly permanent structure is a good place to sample food from over 20 food trucks. Did we mention it runs 12 hours? 11 a.m., all ages, no cover
TOP 5 PICKS FOR SATURDAY, MAY 12
1. Shortcut to Europe: European Union Embassies' Open House
The best day to be a D.C. resident, the European Union Embassies' Open Houses can make you feel incredibly lucky to be living in America to incredibly humbled because you don't own gold everything within a block. 10 a.m., all ages, no cover
2. Saranuta and Fwends at DCAC
Sara Armour is the brainchild behind this new sketch show. This stand up, improviser and sketch performer has been slowly gaining more fans with stellar performances. The debut show of anything tend to be well produced and this should be no exception. 10 p.m., all ages, $10
3. Pasties And Popcorn At Atlas Performing Arts Center
For the short film aficionado/burlesque fan, this event on H St. on Friday and Saturday is a good chance to check out the not usually full of films and burlesque Atlas. 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., midnight, all ages, $20, also May 11
4. Ballston Arts & Crafts Market At Welburn Square
Beginning today and running on the second Saturday until October, this Arlington-based handmade crafts market is a nice little way to spend an afternoon. Peruse cute jewelery, cute screen prints, cute soaps, cute stuffed animals and other things that are cute. 10 a.m., all ages, no cover
5. Esperanza Spaulding at Howard Theatre
The Best New Artist Grammy Winner who angered Justin Bieber fans is coming to D.C. for a sold out show. This jazz bassist is getting people excited about jazz bassists. That's new. 8 p.m., all ages, sold out
TOP 5 PICKS FOR SUNDAY, MAY 13
1. Dance In The Circle at Dupont Circle
A six-hour outdoor dance event free and open to the public, this event brought to you by the same people that staged Soccer in the Circle and the Official Dupont Circle Snowball Fight. Established dance companies will teach one and all how to move. 3 p.m., all ages, no cover
2. Global Market Place At National Museum Of Women In The Arts
New to the Passport DC events, this shopping event features items created by women from emerging economies. Not only can you buy your Mother's Day gift, you can feel good about what you're doing. Inside the museum will be the exhibits Royalists to Romantics: Women Artists from the Louvre, Versailles, and Other French National Collections and Women Silversmiths from the NMWA Collection. Noon, all ages, $10
3. "Valley of Saints" at Freer and Sackler Gallery
Co-winner of the Alfred P. Sloan Feature Film Prize at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, this debut from Musa Syeed tells a universal story of love versus home. The director will be at this screening. 2 p.m., all ages, no cover
4. The Metal Lords' Day featuring Rob Zombie & Megadeth at Merriweather Post Pavilion
Say what you will about the current Rob Zombie and current Megadeth, this show will be fun. Zombie cares about production and his touring band is made of up Marilyn Manson's "Mechanical Animals" era guitarist and drummer. The showmanship will shine. Megadeth front man Dave Mustaine may be nuts, but he still cares about riffs and not much else. Your neck will be thoroughly sore. 3 p.m., all ages, $40-$55
5. Torpedo Factory's Annual Spring Open House
Stroll through this Alexandria art space on a Sunday afternoon. Live music, demonstations, wine, cookies and more make this something that mom might enjoy. It may not be a Mother's Day event, but there's inevitably something there she'll like. 1 p.m., all ages, no cover
