Thursday, August 28 Study Snacks at The Tombs 3 p.m.-5 p.m. and 10 p.m.-close, Monday-Friday WHERE: The Tombs, 1226 36th St. N.W. METRO: Foggy Bottom-GWU (blue and orange lines) INFO: Free snacks at this popular college hangout spot near Georgetown University serve as an excellent way to mingle with other D.C. students during back-to-school week. COST: Free
"The Truth about Crystal Skulls" 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., through Sept. 1 WHERE: National Museum of Natural History, 10th St. and Constitution Ave. N.W. METRO: Smithsonian (blue and orange lines) INFO: Visit this interesting exhibit about the history of crystal skull mythology and remember why "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" was such a box-office hit this summer. COST: Free
Friday, August 29 Jesse McCartney 7:30 p.m. WHERE: Constitution Hall, 1776 D St. N.W. METRO: Farragut West (blue and orange lines) INFO: Teen pop star Jesse McCartney takes on D.C. to capture the hearts of every teenybopper in the area. Be there to join in or make fun. "American Idol" winner Jordin Sparks will perform as well. COST: $39.50-$49.50
ComedySportz 8 p.m. WHERE: The Comedy Spot, 4238 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, Va. METRO: Ballston-GMU (orange line) INFO: This interactive improv comedy show will prove quite a hoot for those who enjoy made-up scenes and silly songs. COST: $15, tickets available at comedyindc.com
Saturday, August 30 "Jazz in the Garden" 5 p.m.-8:30 p.m. WHERE: National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, 700 Constitution Ave. N.W. METRO: Smithsonian (blue and orange lines) INFO: Enjoy a soulful evening with outdoor sculptures, free jazz and good company as a pleasant highlight to your Saturday night. COST: Free
Extended Summer Hours at the Washington Monument 8:30 a.m.-10 p.m., through Sept. 1 WHERE: 15th St. and Constitution Ave. N.W. METRO: Smithsonian (blue and orange lines) INFO: See D.C. 500 feet above the Mall at the Washington Monument's observation platform, which the National Park Service has opened for the summer. COST: Free, but advance tickets required - tickets available at location
Sunday, August 31 National Symphony Orchestra Labor Day Concert 8 p.m. WHERE: U.S. Capitol West Lawn, East Capitol and First streets METRO: Capitol South (blue and orange lines) INFO: Celebrate Labor Day with this free concert in which conductor Emil de Cou will lead the National Symphony Orchestra near the Capitol. Gates open at 3:20 p.m. COST: Free
Prince vs. Michael Jackson vs. Madonna Dance Party 9 p.m. WHERE: Black Cat, 1811 14th St. N.W. METRO: U Street/African-American Civil War Memorial/Cardozo (green and yellow lines) INFO: DJ Dredd will help students get their groove on during this epic night of famed music legends. COST: $12
Monday, September 1 "Jim Henson's Fantastic World" 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. WHERE: S. Dillon Ripley Center - Smithsonian, 1100 Jefferson Dr. S.W. METRO: Smithsonian (blue line) INFO: Return to childhood days and revel in the imagination of Jim Henson's popular puppetry. COST: Free
Salsa Lessons and Dancing 9 p.m. WHERE: Lima, 1401 K St. N.W. METRO: McPherson Square (blue and orange lines) INFO: Forget all your troubles and shake what your mama gave you during this free salsa lesson downtown. COST: Free
Tuesday, September 2 Daniel Mendelsohn 7 p.m. WHERE: Politics & Prose, 5015 Connecticut Ave. N.W. METRO: Van Ness-UDC (red line) INFO: Author of "How Beautiful It Is and How Easily It Can Be Broken" will discuss the attitudes of contemporary post-9/11 society and how profound literature can help influence a brighter future for the world. COST: Free
Tuesday Night Open Mic at Busboys & Poets 9 p.m. WHERE: Busboys & Poets, Langston Room, 2021 14th St. N.W. METRO: U Street/African-American Civil War Memorial/Cardozo (green and yellow lines) INFO: Come get to know new and different people at this down-to-earth bookstore where free spirits and eager minds come to share their experiences, introspections and musical talents. Doors and open mic list opens at 8:15 p.m. COST: $4
