Best events for August and September photo
(Lois Raimondo)

Best events for August and September

Jess Righthand  |  Updated 08/17/2012

The heat is here, and it's likely to hang around a while. But don't let the soaring temperatures derail your plans for the next few months. Summer also means outdoor concerts illuminated by fireflies and festivals serving fresh local seafood. If all else fails, you can always retreat to the (air-conditioned) multiplex for a summer blockbuster. Here's what to put on your calendar for July, August and September.

 
 
 
 
 

The Amazing Spider-Man

Frederick, MD  | Through 8/23

In this iteration of the franchise, Andrew Garfield of "The Social Network" fame plays the lead and Emma Stone of "Easy A" and "The Help" takes a turn as his lovely classmate, Gwen Stacy. It appears the couple has developed a real-life romance, so get ready for some extra special sparks to fly on the screen.

 
 
 
 
 

40 Under 40: Craft Futures

Washington, DC  | Through 2/3/13

If the words "crafting" and "decorative arts" conjure images of Grandma embroidering up a storm in her rocking chair, then this exhibition is sure to change your impression. Art installation, fashion design, sculpture and even industrial design make up this showcase of artists born since 1972, the year the Renwick was founded. All pieces in the show were created after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, so the exhibit also functions as a representation of arts and crafts in the 21st century. Without a doubt, this is not your grandmother's crafts show.

 
 
 
 
 

Worlds Within Worlds: Imperial Paintings from India and Iran

Washington, DC  | Through 9/17

It's a busy summer for Asian art at the Sackler Gallery, where three exhibitions open during the months of July and August as the gallery celebrates its 25th anniversary. First on display is a selection of 50 folios and paintings from India and Iran created under the Timurid and Mughal emperors from the 15th to the 17th century.

 
 
 
 
 

Nomads and Networks: The Ancient Art and Culture of Kazakhstan

Washington, DC  | Through 11/12

Coming up on Aug. 11 is a show of artifacts from Kazakhstan's nomadic peoples.

 
 
 
 
 

Shadow Sites: Recent Work by Jananne al-Ani

Washington, DC  | 8/25 - 1/27/13

On Aug. 25, an exhibit of new video art and early 20th-century photographs by Iraqi artist Jananne Al-Ani, explores how Middle Eastern landscapes have been represented over time.

 
 
 
 
 

Centreville Starlight Cinema

Centreville, VA  | 8/18 - 8/25

Remember the days when you would throw on your poodle skirt or letterman jacket, hop in the car with your sweetie and spend summer nights eating popcorn and watching movies under the stars? No? Then get the drive-in experience in Centreville, where four family movies screen outside on Saturdays during August. First up is "The Muppets," followed by "The Smurfs," "Hugo" and "Kung Fu Panda 2." Music and children's activities kick off the evening at 6 p.m., and food and drinks are available for purchase.

 
 
 
 
 

Free For All: 'All's Well That Ends Well'

Washington, DC  | 8/23 - 9/5

There aren't many times where the public can see professional-caliber Shakespeare productions free. The Shakespeare Theatre Company offers that privilege each summer. On tap for this year is "All's Well That Ends Well," the quirky tragicomedy that hasn't graced the Free For All stage since 1998.

 
 
 
 
 

Women Who Rock: Vision, Passion, Power

Washington, DC  | 9/7 - 1/6/13

At the 1969 Woodstock festival, Janis Joplin played a historic set that propelled her into the upper echelon of female rock stars. This summer, the National Museum of Women In the Arts recognizes Joplin and women of rock-and-roll with an exhibition organized by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. On view are guitars played by Bonnie Raitt and Taylor Swift, handwritten lyrics by Patti Smith and Madonna and a costume worn by Cher, not to mention Lady Gaga's childhood piano (don't stare at that for too long or it might spontaneously combust).

 
 
 
 
 

Maryland Seafood Festival

Annapolis, MD  | 9/8 - 9/9

This weekend homage to the fruit of the sea is loaded with crabs and oysters, as well as several lesser-known (and less-often consumed) seafood specialties. The annual crab-soup cook-off is a beloved focal point of the event, and music, cooking demonstrations, a fishing contest and family-friendly activities round out the weekend.

 
 
 
 
 

Small Press Expo

Bethesda, MD  | 9/15 - 9/16

Set aside some time for the Small Press Expo, where more than 300 writers, artists and publishers of graphic novels and independent comics congregate for talks and workshops.

 
 
 
 
 

National Book Festival

Washington, DC  | 9/22 - 9/23

Once again, this annual festival hosts an exciting crop of internationally acclaimed authors: Philip Roth, Mario Vargas Llosa, T.C. Boyle, Geraldine Brooks, Lois Lowry and Junot Diaz are just a few.

 
 
 
 
 

Redskins Home Opener

Landover, MD  | 9/23

It has been a good, long while since fans have had a reason to be excited about the Redskins. Finally, cause for jubilation has arrived in the form of No. 2 overall draft pick and Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III (a.k.a. RGIII). See him make his FedEx Field debut in the Redskins' home opener against the Bengals.

 
 
 
 
 

Nationals Homestand

Washington, DC  | 9/18 - 9/24

Head to Nationals Park for back-to-back series against the Dodgers and the Brewers, which could very well decide the team's playoff eligibility.

 
 
 
 
 

Opera In the Outfield: 'Don Giovanni'

Washington, DC  | 9/29

You can get your classical fix in a nontraditional setting during the Washington National Opera's annual simulcast at Nationals Park; this year features the Mozart masterpiece "Don Giovanni." Russian bass Ildar Abdrazakov plays the titular character, a self-important philanderer on the brink of a serious smackdown by karma (or its 17th-century Spanish equivalent).

 
 
 
 
 

Gotye, Missy Higgins, Jonti

Columbia, MD  | 9/30

You know that song that has been playing continuously on the radio and that you just can't get out of your head? Yes, the irresistibly catchy "Somebody That I Used to Know" by up-and-coming Belgian-Australian artist Gotye will be the song du jour when he headlines this show. He's reportedly touring with a 10-piece band, and he'll likely play some drums and keyboards himself. If his recent television performances are any indication, this is an artist with a big sound that might pleasantly surprise you.

 

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