A week of elections, exhibition openings and wordsmith contests lies ahead.
By Laura Wainman
President Obama and Governor Romney will go head to head Tuesday night in the presidential election. (AP Photos)
We know that by now you are probably sick of “Bronco Bama” and Mitt Romney, but get ready for one more week of non-stop election talk, celebrations and drowning-your-sorrows parties as we head in to the first full week of November. Escape the politico madness with museum exhibition openings, Victorian-era dramas and even a crossword contest, sure to distract you from the mayhem that awaits you at the polls on Tuesday.
Election Night
Brightest Young Things 2012 Election Night Spectacular
Tue., Nov. 6, 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Bohemian Caverns/ LIV
2001 11th St. NW202-299-0800
Join this full-blown circus party with patriotic eating contests, cotton candy, real-time poll updates, battleship tournaments, pinatas and deejays. Conservatives are welcome, but likely to feel out of place if the creators start doling out “Obama won” champagne toasts and celebratory hugs.
Election Night Jam
Tue., Nov. 6, 6 p.m.
Kennedy Center, Grand Foyer
2700 F St. NW
202-467-4600
Dance your cares away as Jason Moran & The Bandwagon delivers a night of “joyful delirium.” You can still catch all the election happenings on the big screens as you sway to the soothing jazz tunes.
Art & Soul Election Party
Tue., Nov. 6
415 New Jersey Ave., NW
202-393-7777
Enjoy happy hour deals on beer, wine, house cocktails and small plates from 4 p.m. until a winner is declared and nosh on election-themed cookies from Sticky Fingers Bakery. You’ll want to pay special attention to swing states, as bartenders will be dishing out eight specialty cocktails for those undecided states, including the Cardinal Cooler with Virginia’s own White Hall Vineyards Viognier. Swing state cocktails start at $13, but will drop to $6.50 for 15 minutes after its namesake’s results are announced. If you prove that you performed your civic duty (“I voted” sticker), your first swing state cocktail is buy one, get one free, so bring a friend.
Bullfeathers Election Party
Tue., Nov. 6
410 1st St. SE
202-484-0228
If you want insider information, head to Bullfeathers for what is sure to be a gathering of Hill staffers, from both sides of the aisle, eagerly awaiting to see if they’ll still have a job come January.
Museums and Theater
Intersections: Xavier Veilhan
Sat., Nov. 3, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Phillips Collection
1600 21st St., NW
202-387-2151
Check out the first major museum presentation in the U.S. of this French artist’s work, featuring 18 original installations, sculptures and paintings. And don’t miss Xavier Veilhan’s discussion of his recent work on Sunday.
L.A. Theatre Works: Pride and Prejudice
Sun., Nov. 4, 12 p.m.
George Mason University Center for the Arts, Concert Hall
4400 University Dr., Fairfax VA
703-993-2787
Celebrate the 200th anniversary of the beloved courtship between spirited Elizabeth and arrogant Mr. Darcy with this adaptation by Cristina Calvit. The radio theater company will bring new life to this Victorian classic as it navigates the trials and tribulations of marriage, family and morals in the Bennet family.
You For Me For You
Mon., Nov. 5, 8 p.m.
Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company
641 D St., NW 202-289-2443
Be prepared to get emotional as you are engrossed in the chilling drama about two refugee sisters who make a deal with a smuggler to escape the corruption of North Korea. But when the youngest is too weak to make the journey, her older sister must make the tough decision to forge on without her, with the hopes of being reunited in the U.S.
Family Fun
Arlington Puzzle Festival
Sat., Nov. 3, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Arlington Central Library, auditorium
1015 N Quincy St., Arlington VA
703-228-6330
Put on your thinking caps and prepare to show off your wordsmith prowess with crossword and Sudoku tournaments.Famed New York Times crossword-creator Will Shortz will provide the word puzzles, while U.S. and world Sudoku champion Thomas Snyder will contribute the number puzzles.
Washington DC Walk Now for Autism Speaks
Sat., Nov. 3, 10 a.m. (registration opens at 8:30 a.m.)
The National Mall
9th St. and Madison Dr., NW
202-955-3111
Stretch your legs for a good cause at the 12th annual 2.5 mile walk benefiting Autism research. Food, games and entertainment will be provided as a thank you to all who walk to change the future for those who struggle with Autism, which the CDC has estimated is 1 in every 88 children in the U.S.
The Wizards take on the Celtics Saturday in their home opener. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
Washington Wizards v. Boston Celtics
Sat., Nov. 3, 7 p.m.
Verizon Center
601 F St., NW
202-628-3200
Break out your foam fingers and head to the Verizon Center to watch the Wizards take on the Celtics for their home opener. Though it’s been a long time since Washington has seen a winning basketball team, the young guys in the current lineup should bring some much-needed enthusiasm to the arena. Plus, who doesn’t love a game day pretzel?
