Classes are picking up, and your weekend workload is probably growing as you read this, but a little procrastination can be healthy at times. Use these events to give yourself a well deserved break and restart your brain before returning to that to-do list.
Union Kitchen’s Free Concert
Did the words “free concert” catch your attention? We’ve got your in. Union Kitchen will be sponsoring a concert and block party this Saturday, following a happy hour starting at 5 p.m. The event features performances by D.C. blues rock band She Keeps Bees, D.C. heavy blues band Wanted Man and New York City blues punk artist Shilpa Ray. There will also be food trucks and vendors, so you can indulge both your stomach and your ears.
When: Sept. 27 from 5-10 p.m.
Where: The Lot @ Atlantic Plumbing, 945 Florida Avenue NW
Metro stop: U Street Metro, Green/Yellow Lines
Art All Night (21 ONLY)
Nuit Blanche, an all-night arts festival, is coming to D.C. this weekend to mix culture with nightlife. From live performances to graffiti art to video screenings, the event highlights the diversity of the D.C. arts scene. There will be live music as well as food and drinks, so put on your walking shoes and get ready to stay out from sunset to sunrise. The event is free, but you must register online ahead of time.
When: Sept. 27 from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Where: North Capitol Main Street
Metro stop: NoMa/Gallaudet, Red Line
Turkish Festival
September is Turkish Cultural Heritage Month, and there isn’t a better way to celebrate than attending the 2014 Turkish Festival. Sponsored by the American-Turkish Association of Washington D.C., the event is open to the public and showcases the best of Turkey’s culture and traditions. From cuisine and coffee to arts and crafts vendors, you’ll get a taste of the country’s rich history and be exposed to another worldview.
When: Sept. 28 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Freedom Plaza on Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Metro stop: Metro Center, Red Line
Crafty Bastards
You want quirky? Check out the Crafty Bastards. “Breaking Bad” soaps, whale bracelets and burger gloves are only a few of the items you’ll find at the 11th annual arts and crafts festival. Get a head start on the Etsy-worthy local crafts that will easily be the conversation of your home, office or wardrobe. There’s even a Pinterest page with participating vendors, so you can pick out what you want before you get there. Over 20 food trucks will be available throughout the festival weekend from Dangerously Delicious Pies to The Big Cheese. Read a full preview here.
When: Sept. 27-28, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m
Where: Union Market, 1309 5th St NE
Metro stop: Red Line to NoMa/Gallaudet
District Improv Festival
Laughter is the best medicine to recover from a rough week. Get a healthy dose of humor at the second annual District Improv Festival, running this weekend at the Source theater. The event presents a variety of improv artists and troupes, both local and national, as well as workshops and other training opportunities. Improv duo TJ and Dav is headlining the festival, which is presented by the District Improv Company and the Washington Improv Theater. Tickets to individual shows range between $10-15 and all-access passes are $40. You can find more details and a full schedule at the event website.
When: Sept. 24-27
Where: Source Theater, 1835 14th St NW
Metro stop: U Street, Green/Yellow Lines
