Free and Easy Events

Every week, the Going Out Gurus suggest ways to enjoy Washington's cultural scene without spending any money. Have an idea for us? Send it to events@washingtonpost.com.

Monday
'Ornament as Art' at the Renwick Gallery
A glittering new exhibition at the Renwick examines avant-garde jewelry, including necklaces made from sliced books, shards of Coca-Cola bottles and colored fishing line.

Tuesday
'Blackadelic 1968: Pivot Towards Potential' at the Carnegie Library
This multimedia presentation, led by George Mason professor Thomas Stanley, addresses the political unrest of the 1960s and its impact on artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Sly Stone, James Brown and Aretha Franklin. While free, reservations are required.

Wednesday
Charlotte Marin at the Millennium Stage
French actress and cabaret singer Charlotte Marin, whose one-woman show "chronicles the universe of the single woman," performs her French-language songs at the Kennedy Center as part of the Francophonie Festival of Washington, D.C.

Thursday
An Alphabet Garden of Orchids at the U.S. Botanic Garden
The Botanic Garden's annual exhibition of beautiful and exotic orchids is choked with visitors on weekends, so a lunchtime visit could provide extra time to linger over the sensual flowers.

ThursdayFriday
Dave Brubeck and the Brubeck Institute Jazz Quintet at the Meridian International Center
The Meridian International Center's current "Jam Session" exhibit chronicles foreign tours taken by jazz artists like Dizzy Gillespie, Louis Armstrong, Dave Brubeck, Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman between the 1950s and 1970s. Tonight, Brubeck discusses his role as a cultural ambassador on the tours as part of a panel discussion. Afterwards, there are performances by the Brubeck Institute Jazz Quintet and Polish group the Jagodzinski Trio. Reservations are required.

Saturday
National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade and Sakura Matsuri Street Festival
Watch floats, giant balloons and marching bands make their way down Constitution Avenue, then make your way over to Pennsylvania Avenue for a giant multi-block party with live music, geisha performances, karate exhibitions and much more.

Sunday
Panda Month at the National Zoo
Stop by the Panda House between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to learn about the panda's physique, daily activities and natural habitat. It's part of Panda Month, a tribute to the beloved black-and-white bears.

Monday
Nintendo Wii at the Front Page
Don't have a Nintendo Wii at home? The Ballston branch of the Front Page is happy to let you use its system, which is hooked up in the back bar. Just be nice and don't hog the bowling, okay?

-- Fritz

By Fritz Hahn |  April 7, 2008; 1:29 PM ET Misc.
Previous: April Mixtape | Next: Coming Soon: Mini-Golf, Wine and Sushi

Posted by: nationalzoofriend | April 7, 2008 9:45 PM

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