Going Out Guide for July 18, 2009

Tastings Summer Soiree

Free beer -- now that's a promise worth noting. This afternoon, Gilly's Craft Beer & Fine Wine will be offering samples of craft brews, wines and artisan cheeses inside its small shop. Taste suds from big-name beer vendors like Magic Hat and Sam Adams in addition to those from smaller brewers like Hook & Ladder and Dogfish Head. A guitarist will provide a classic-rock soundtrack for the afternoon. The sippin' is free, but if you want a full glass of wine or a bottle of beer, you'll have to buy it from the shop.

4-7 p.m. today. 2009 Chapman Ave., Rockville. 301-770-5515.

-- Julia Beizer

Music Future of the Left

The usual ways of describing a band must be thrown out the window when discussing Future of the Left. So here are some new ones that apply for the Welsh trio. (1) Like standing in front of a cannon right before it releases its payload. (2) Like getting kicked in the face, enjoying every second of it and begging for more. (3) If Satan were more wickedly funny than actually wicked and fronted a rock band that wrote songs as catchy as they are pummeling. Needless to say, this one's a can't-miss. $12. 9 p.m. Sunday. DC9, 1940 Ninth St. NW. 202-483-5000.

-- David Malitz

Art Synchroswim

Want to see if artists out of their element will sink or swim? Then head to the Capitol Skyline Hotel's pool for a synchronized swimming competition hosted by Washington Project for the Arts. Just as Spike Mendelsohn's Sunday pool party winds down, the admission fee disappears and the flutter kicks get underway. Six teams of two to eight artists will be competing, while judges Philippa Hughes, Mendelsohn and WonKee Moon decide which aquatic acrobats deliver the most impressive performances. Meanwhile, Conner Contemporary will be showing its second poolside installation of experimental water-themed video.

Free. 6-9 p.m. Sunday. Capitol Skyline Hotel, 10 I St SW. 202-234-7103.

-- Stephanie Merry

Movies Screen on the Green

Still seeking the feel-good story of the summer movie season? Look no further than this beloved movie series. After dancing dangerously close to cancellation due to financial issues, the outdoor classic is back and kicking off on Monday. The opening film? "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," the blockbuster that proved aliens can be friendly and mashed potatoes can be formed into awesome sculptures. Bring blankets, friends and enough Off! to slather on any exposed skin.

Films screen at sunset on Mondays through Aug. 9. The Mall between Fourth and Seventh streets NW. 877-262-5866.

-- Jen Chaney