January 11-13

International Motorcycle Show

See the fastest motorcycle in the world, learn how the helmet has changed through the years and check out the latest in ATVs. Friday from 4 to 9, Saturday from 9:30 to 8, Sunday from 9:30 to 5 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. $13, $6 ages 6 through 11, younger free. Discounts available. 800-331-5706 or www.motorcycleshows.com.

• Washington Camping RV Expo: Jan. 18-20 at the Dulles Expo Center. 804-425-6556 or www.agievents.com.
• Washington Auto Show: Jan. 23-27 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. 202-249-3400 or www.washingtonautoshow.org.
• Baltimore Boat Show: Jan. 23-27 at the Baltimore Convention Center. 410-649-7000 or www.baltimoreboatshow.com.

January 14-20

Restaurant Week

Eat at some of the city's nicest spots, including Cafe Atlantico, Ardeo and Oyamel, for prices that won't shock your post-holiday wallet. Three-course, fixed-price lunches are $20.08; dinners are $30.08. For a list of participating restaurants, visit www.washington.org/restaurantwk. Baltimore's Restaurant Week runs Jan. 28 through Feb. 3; www.baltimorerestaurantweek.com.

January 17

Sci-Fi Spectacular

The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra performs music from "E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial," "Star Wars" and other science-fiction classics -- and throws in a laser light show and narration by "Star Trek's" George Takei (that's Mr. Sulu to you). At 8 at the Music Center at Strathmore. $21-$84. 301-581-5100 or www.strathmore.org.

January 21

"Let Freedom Ring"

This musical tribute to the life and legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. features Denyce Graves, Nuttin' but Stringz and the Let Freedom Ring Choir. At 6 at the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage. Free. 202-467-4600 or www.kennedy-center.org.

January 26-27

Professional Bull Riders Fairfax Invitational

Count to 8. Now, do you think you could stay on 2,000 pounds of raging bull for that long? That's the appeal as a bit of the Old West comes east. Jan. 26 at 7:30 and Jan. 27 at 2:30 at the Patriot Center, George Mason University. $15-$65. 202-397-7328, 703-993-3000 or www.patriotcenter.com.

January 26, 28

Dr. Dremo's Last Night and Auction

Jan. 26 will be the last night to raise a pint in one of Arlington's most colorful, quirky drinking establishments, Dr. Dremo's Taphouse. At least until the bar finds a new location. And make a return trip for swag: On Jan. 28, that beer-swilling totem pole will be up for auction, along with pool tables, brewing equipment and other worthy souvenirs. 703-528-4660 or www.drdremo.com.

February 2

Fire and Ice Gallery Walk

Sparkling ice sculptures, ice-carving demonstrations and the beautifully lighted streets of downtown Frederick encourage you to get out for a brisk stroll to catch live entertainment and guest artists. From 5 to 9 in Frederick's Main Street area, including Everedy Square and Shab Row. Free. 301-698-8118.

February 5-17

Japan! Culture + Hyperculture

Discover the art and artistry of Japan during this 13-day festival at the Kennedy Center. Ballet, theater, art, fashion -- even robotics -- will be showcased. For a schedule of events and tickets, visit www.kennedy-center.org. (Weekend will have more on the festival in its Feb. 1 issue.)

February 9-10

Chris Rock

Whether you know him from his stand-up work, "Saturday Night Live" skits or "Everybody Hates Chris," Rock is one of the most prolific funnymen of his day. He makes two rare Washington area appearances Feb. 9 at 7:30 and Feb. 10 at 7 at the Lyric Opera House. $52.50-$72.50. 410-547-7328 or www.lyricoperahouse.com.

February 11

Valentine's Day Drag Show

"Ella and Company: Call Me Madame!" features a bevy of glammed-up female illusionists. Recommended for age 13 and older. At 6 and 7:30 at the National Theatre. Free. 202-628-6161, 202-783-3372 or www.nationaltheatre.org.

February 14

"The Cinema Effect," Part 1

This new exhibit explores how movies affect contemporary art. The first part, "Dreams," looks at how movies can take us from reality into a dream world (through May 11). The second part, "Realisms," opens in June. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. Free. 202-633-1000 or www.hirshhorn.si.edu.

February 15

"Butterflies & Plants: Partners in Evolution"

This walk-through exhibit featuring high humidity and live butterflies fluttering around a pavilion opens at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History. Entrance to the exhibit will cost $4.50 to $6 but will be free on Tuesdays. 202-633-1000 or www.butterflies.si.edu.

February 19

Monterey Jazz Festival 50th Anniversary Tour

Hear the magical stylings of Terence Blanchard on trumpet, Benny Green on piano and singer Nnenna Freelon. At 8 at the Music Center at Strathmore. $25-$58. 301-581-5100 or www.strathmore.org. Also March 9 at 7 at George Mason University's Center for the Arts. $21-$42. 888-945-2468 or www.gmu.edu/cfa.

February 19-24

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Mixing new dances with "Revelations," Ailey's signature work, this troupe never fails to astound with its power, raw energy and sheer joy. Kennedy Center Opera House. $30-$85. 202-467-4600 or www.kennedy-center.org.

February 24

Red Cross Oscar Party

Sure, you could stay at home and watch the stars accept their statuettes on TV, but why do that when you can get dressed up, go to an Academy-sanctioned viewing party and help the Red Cross, too? From 7 to midnight at Kstreet Lounge. $95-$150. 703-584-8420 or www.redcrossnca.org/Events/special_events.php3.

March 4 - April 6

August Wilson's "20th Century in America" plays

The story of the African American experience told in a cycle of 10 plays, each set in a different decade of the 20th century, unfolds in stories as diverse as the lives they portray. Productions include "Gem of the Ocean," "Jitney" and "Radio Golf." $65. 202-467-4600 or www.kennedy-center.org.

March 11-22

Environmental Film Festival

Whether you want to discover the Grand Canyon without going farther than the natural history museum or learn more about the elusive ivory-billed woodpecker, the 16th annual film festival can accommodate you. Films will be screened throughout the area. www.dcenvironmentalfilmfest.org.

March 16 - June 30

Baltimore Festival of Maps

Calling all cartophiles. This festival presents an array of map-themed programming at places as diverse as the Walters Art Museum, the Peabody Institute and the Maryland Science Center. If you think that once you've seen one map, you've seen them all, this festival may change your mind. www.baltimorefestivalofmaps.com.

March 20-23

Split This Rock

This poetry festival is timed to coincide with the fifth anniversary of the start of the war in Iraq. Poets and filmmakers from throughout the United States will gather along the U Street NW corridor for readings, panel discussions and open-mike sessions urging artists to take a greater role in public life. For a schedule of readings and events, visit www.splitthisrock.org.

March 29

Smithsonian Kite Festival

Go fly a kite. No, really. If you've never been on the Mall by the Washington Monument on a glorious spring day as the kites outnumber the clouds, what's wrong with you? www.kitefestival.org.

March 30

Nationals home opener

How often do you get to say you were part of a first? You and 41,000 of your closest friends can see the Washington Nationals take on the Atlanta Braves in the first regular-season game at the Nats' new stadium in Southeast. Game time is 8:05. Single-game tickets start at $5 (they're not on sale just yet), but expect them to be hard to come by. If you can't be there, the game will be televised on ESPN. 202-675-6287 or www.washingtonnationals.com.

April 1-13

National Cherry Blossom Festival

Washington's most famous spring fling offers daily entertainment, guided walks, art shows, photo safaris, river cruises and kids' programs. Popular free events include music and fireworks at the Southwest Marina April 5 from 5 to 9; the stone lantern lighting ceremony April 6 from 2:30 to 4; and the Cherry Blossom Parade April 12 from 10 to noon and Sakura Matsuri street fest from 11 to 6. www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.

April 5

Potomac River Watershed Cleanup

The 20th annual trash pickup targets 10 sites in Washington along the Potomac River, Piney Branch, the C&O Canal and Rock Creek, as well as about 300 others in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. Last year's total neared 300 tons. Volunteer or sign a Trash-a-Thon pledge at www.potomaccleanup.org.

April 6

Andy Warhol's "Sleep"

In 1963, Warhol turned a 16mm camera on poet John Giorno in dreamland. He could shoot only four minutes at a time, but spliced together eight hours (with repeats) of silent, grainy black-and-white. Only nine people came to the premiere, and two left in the first hour. How far will you get? Noon to 5:30 at Ring Auditorium, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Seventh Street SW and Independence Avenue. FREE. 202-633-4674 or www.hirshhorn.si.edu.

April 11

Newseum Opening

The $450 million, seven-floor journalism museum features a "4-D" theater and interactive kiosks for would-be news anchors. ABC's "Good Morning America" will broadcast live from the scene on opening day, and entertainment continues through the weekend. Opening day FREE; regularly $20, $18 age 65 and older, $13 ages 7-12, younger free. 9 to 5. 555 Pennsylvania Ave. NW; 888-639-7386 or www.newseum.org. If you hope to eat at the Wolfgang Puck-created Source restaurant, better reserve now: 202-637-6100.

April 12

FONZ's 50th Birthday Celebration

We're all Friends of the National Zoo, right? Celebrate the group's first half-century with games, party hats, and cupcakes and ice cream for the first 1,000 guests. Party 10 to noon; demonstrations 11 to 3. 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW. FREE. 202-633-3040 or www.fonz.org.

April 13

Loudoun Hunt Point-to-Point Races

The races start at 1, but gates open for picnicking and mansion tours at 11. Oatlands Plantation, 20850 Oatlands Plantation Rd., Leesburg. $5; $50 gets a car of four parking close to the paddock. 703-729-2777 or www.loudounhunt.com.

• Middleburg Spring Races: April 19 at Glenwood Park, 36800 Glenwood Park Lane, Middleburg. 540-687-6545 or www.middleburgspringraces.com.
• Fairfax Hunt Point-to-Point Races: April 20 at Morven Park Equestrian Center, 41793 Tutt Lane, Leesburg. 703-787-6673 or www.fairfaxhuntraces.org.
• Middleburg Hunt Point-to-Point: April 27 at Glenwood Park in Middleburg. 540-454-2991 or www.middleburghunt.com.
• Virginia Gold Cup: May 3 at Great Meadow, 5089 Old Tavern Rd., The Plains. 540-347-1215 or www.vagoldcup.com.

April 20

Earth Day on the Mall

This most green of festivals, now a Live Aid-style network of eight simultaneous gatherings across the country, is going carbon-neutral. You can be part of the flagship event on the Mall starting at noon. Demonstrations of eco-friendly technology and volunteer programs, with entertainment by the Roots, Warren Haynes and Toots & the Maytals. FREE. Also watch for associated concerts at area nightclubs. www.greenapplefestival.com.

April 26

Maryland Day

The University of Maryland at College Park hosts its 10th annual open house from 10 to 4, with agricultural exhibits, chemistry experiments, robotics, Terps team autographs and previews of theater and music performances - plus hot dogs, ice cream, face painting, insect petting and pig kissing. Parking on Campus Drive off Route 1 or Stadium Drive off Route 193/University Boulevard. FREE. www.marylandday.umd.edu.

May 2

Herblock's Presidents: Puncturing Pomposity

Forgive the boasting, but Herbert Block, a.k.a. Herblock, won three Pulitzer Prizes and (ironically, considering the exhibit) a Presidential Medal of Freedom as The Washington Post's beloved editorial cartoonist. Eleven chief executives are featured in these 44 original cartoons, through Nov. 30 at the National Portrait Gallery. FREE. Eighth and F streets NW. 202-633-8300 or www.npg.si.edu.

May 2-3

Flower Mart at Washington National Cathedral

The 69th annual fair offers a lot more than plants; it has rare books, antiques, arts and crafts, food (lobster rolls are a tradition), tower climbs, floral displays, kids' activities, music and entertainment and - this one weekend a year - rides on the antique carousel. May 2 from 10 to 6 and May 3 from 10 to 5. FREE. 3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW. 202-537-3185 or www.cathedral.org/ahg.

May 3-4

Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival

The 35th annual baa-fest features sheepdog trials, spinning and shearing contests, a parade of exotic sheep breeds, llamas and alpacas, a lamb cook-off, arts and crafts, herb and plant sales, and entertainment. May 3 from 9 to 9, May 4 from 9 to 5. Howard County Fairgrounds, 210 Fairgrounds Rd., West Friendship. FREE. 410-531-3647 or www.sheepandwool.org.

May 8-Aug. 28

NoMa James Bond Film Festival

The NoMa neighborhood (north of Massachusetts Avenue NE) hosts a summer-long salute to 007, with FREE outdoor screenings Thursdays at dusk at Florida and New York avenues NE. Each screening is preceded by an Oddjob costume contest and bowler tossing. www.georgetownfilmfest.com.

May 9

National Museum of Crime and Punishment

Check out this Spy Museum-style three-floor mix of interactive games (simulated forensics, a shooting gallery, fingerprinting), medieval torture tools, Bonnie and Clyde's car and an electric chair. John Walsh is a partner in the company, and "America's Most Wanted" will be filmed in a studio here. Spring-summer hours 9-7 daily. $17.95; ages 5-11, 60 and older and military/law enforcement $14.95; age 4 and younger free. 575 Seventh St. NW; 202-393-1099 or www.crimemuseum.org.

May 17-18

Food and Wine Festival at National Harbor

Get a look at this new spread while enjoying wine and food, magic, culinary traditions, exhibits and a Julia Child impersonator. May 17 from 11 to 7, May 18 from 11 to 6. $65-$100 (includes glass and 20 tasting tickets per day), $50 for designated drivers. 6710 Oxon Hill Rd., National Harbor. www.foodandwinenh.com.

May 18

Washington Post Hunt

It's part puzzle, part scavenger hunt, and the prizes are Florida getaways for four, so pick your team carefully. It kicks off at the City Center green between Ninth and 11th streets NW and H and I streets, and winds through Penn Quarter and Chinatown - but you'll need to bring the special May 18 edition of The Post Sunday Magazine, because the clues themselves are brainteasers! Humorist Dave Barry, columnist Gene Weingarten and magazine editor Tom Shroder are emcees. Noon to 5. FREE. www.washingtonpost.com/posthunt.

May 17-18

Joint Service Open House and Air Show

Andrews Air Force Base hosts an expo of tanks, helicopters, vintage warbirds and advanced technology jets. Aerial action includes formation flying, precision parachuting and aerobatics. No parking on-site; take shuttles from FedEx Field or Branch Avenue Metro. Gary Sinise's Lt. Dan Band plays May 17 at 10:45. 8 to 5. FREE. 301-981-4600 or www.jsoh.org.

May 23-24

"A Prairie Home Companion"

Garrison Keillor and company relocate from Lake Wobegon to Wolf Trap with musical guests Rhonda Vincent and the Rage. Dress rehearsal May 23 at 8, live broadcast May 24 at 5:45. $20-$48. 1645 Trap Rd., Vienna. 703-255-1900 or www.wolftrap.org.

May 24-26

Memorial Day weekend

Area celebrations include the annual concert by the National Symphony Orchestra with conductor Erich Kunzel, Gladys Knight and Charles Durning, May 25 at 8 on the West Lawn of the Capitol. Dress rehearsal May 24 at 7:30. FREE. www.pbs.org/memorialdayconcert. For other Memorial Day activities, be sure to check out Weekend, Sunday Source, Style on the Go and www.washingtonpost.com/cityguide.

May 28-June 6

Kennedy Center a Capella: Singing Solo Festival

This celebration of vocal traditions from around the world kicks off with Washington's own Sweet Honey in the Rock on the Millennium Stage on May 28 at 6 and ends there with the Manhattan Transfer on June 6. In between, concerts will showcase doo-wop and barbershop, medieval chants, Inuit and Cherokee songs, bluegrass gospel and jazz. FREE. On June 1, Bobby McFerrin headlines "A World of Voices" with Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Le Mystere des Voix Bulgares and others. Kennedy Center Concert Hall, 2700 F St. NW. $12-$65. 202-467-4600 or www.kennedy-center.org.

June 6-8

Celebrate Fairfax

This annual expo offers carnival rides, music and more than 400 vendors, June 6 from 6 to midnight, June 7 from 10 a.m. to midnight and June 8 from 10 to 6. OK Go performs June 6 at 8 and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts on June 7 at 8, both followed by fireworks. Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Pkwy., Fairfax. $10 ages 11-54, $8 military and age 55 and older, $5 ages 3-10, younger free. 703-324-3247 or www.celebratefairfax.org.

June 6-15

Capital Pride Festival

Washington's week-long get-together of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people culminates with a famously fabulous parade through the Dupont Circle and Logan Circle neighborhoods June 14 starting at 6:30; and the free street festival on Pennsylvania Avenue between Third and Seventh Streets NW on June 15 from 11 to 6. www.capitalpride.org.

June 10-15

Ballet Across America

Nine major American dance troupes, including the Washington Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, Ballet West and Pacific Northwest Ballet, perform three programs a night. June 10-13 at 7:30, June 14 at 1:30 and 7:30 and June 15 at 1:30. Kennedy Center Opera House, 2700 F St. NW. $29-$85. 202-467-4600 or www.kennedy-center.org.

June 21-22

National Capital Barbecue Battle

Pulled pork, ribs, hot sauces and three stages of live music including Chuck Brown - smmmmokin'! June 21 from 11 to 9 and June 22 from 11 to 7:30. Pennsylvania Avenue between Ninth and 14th streets NW. $10, $5 ages 6-12, younger free. 202-828-3099 or www.bbqdc.com.

June 21-22

Northern Virginia Brewfest

More than 40 craft breweries, chili and barbecue vendors and kids' activities, plus entertainment by Road Soda, the Crawdaddies, Everyone but Pete and Politicks. June 21 from 11 to 9 and June 22 from 11 to 7. Morven Park, 41793 Tutt Lane, Leesburg. Advance tickets $20, designated drivers $15; gate admission $25 and $20 (includes glass and four tastes). 703-923-0800 or www.novabrewfest.com.

June 26-Aug. 24

"The Lion King"

The Broadway version of the animated Disney blockbuster featuring Simba, Timon & Pumba and the wicked Uncle Scar won six Tony Awards. It comes to Washington for the first time, complete with Julie Taymor's fantastic costumes and music by Elton John and Tim Rice. (Can you feel the love?) Opening night is sold out, so act fast. Kennedy Center Opera House, 2700 F St. NW. $25-$135. 202-457-4600 or www.kennedy-center.org.

June 29

NSO Salute to Leonard Slatkin

Special guests and tributes mark the famed conductor's final concert with the National Symphony Orchestra. Cellists Yo-Yo Ma and Sol Gabetta perform Slatkin's "Dialogue for Two Cellos and Orchestra." Kennedy Center Concert Hall, 2700 F St. NW. $25-$150. 202-467-4600 or www.kennedy-center.org.

June 25-29 and July 2-6

Smithsonian Folklife Festival

The 42nd annual extravaganza of food, dance, art and tradition celebrates Texas, the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan and NASA, which turns 50 this year. The festival continues July 2-6. Daily 11 to 5:30; concerts and dances at 6. FREE. www.folklife.si.edu.

July 2-6

A&T National

Okay, that may be the official name of the professional golf tournament at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda. But anyone who can tell a putter from a driver knows that this is really “Tiger’s Tourney.” A bum knee will keep Tiger Woods from playing this year, but 120 of his closest golfing buddies will be there. Congressional is at 8500 River Rd. www.attnational.org. Daily passes (which include parking and a program listing each player’s tee time) start at $25, $30 July 5 and 6; $15 for ages 13 to 17; free for age 12 and younger (limit two children per paying adult).

July 2-6

Smithsonian Folklife Festival

After a few days off, the food, dance, art and culture festival picks right back up celebrating Bhutan, Texas and NASA. On the Mall from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with concerts and dances at 6. www.folklife.si.edu. FREE

July 4

Fourth of July Fireworks

The highlight of the Fourth in Washington is the concert and fireworks display on the Mall. The National Symphony Orchestra plays on the West Lawn of the Capitol with fireworks exploding over the Washington Monument. Concert starts at 8 p.m. with fireworks about 9:15. Rain date is July 5. FREE

July 10-27

Capital Fringe Festival

Bigger (and presumably more offbeat, eccentric and engaging) than ever before, the festival takes over downtown Washington for 18 days this year. The celebration of artistry and drama will grow its performance schedule by almost a third and spread across 20 venues, including Flashpoint, the D.C. Arts Center and the Goethe-Institut. Be prepared to encounter Fringe Fest quirkiness on our button-down streets, whether or not you seek it out. www.capfringe.org. $15-$35.

July 10-September 28

County Fairs

The area's fair season opens July 10-13 in Fauquier County, and other fairs continue through the end of September. Fauquer's features livestock, entertainment, rides, rodeos and good-ol'-time summer fun. Fauquier County Fairgrounds, 6509 Old Auburn Rd., Warrenton. http://www.fauquierfair.org. $10 July 10-12, with discounts for kids; $5 everyone July 13.

July 12-Oct 5

Jim Henson's Fantastic World/Muppets, Music and Magic: Jim Henson's Legacy

A museum-and-movies twofer traces the humble roots of the global Muppet empire back to the early doodles and experimental films of the whiz-kid puppeteer who created Kermit the Frog and other indelible characters. “Jim Henson’s Fantastic World,” an exhibition featuring storyboards, puppets and film props at the International Gallery of the Smithsonian’s S. Dillon Ripley Center, 1100 Jefferson Dr. SW, runs through Oct. 5. www.sites.si.edu/exhibitions/exhibits/henson/main.htm. FREE “Muppets, Music and Magic,” a mini film fest featuring rarely seen archival footage, movies and TV shows by Henson, runs through Aug. 24 at the AFI’s Silver Theatre, 8633 Colesville Rd., Silver Spring. www.afi.com/silver. $9.75, matinees $7.50.

July 16

Green Mic

What do poetry slam champs ages 13 to 25 have to say about global warming? Find out at this showcase, which is part spoken-word drama, part smack-down and part “American Idol.” Five poets will be chosen to represent Robert Redford’s Sundance Preserve and the International Youth Poetry Slam around the world. At the Kennedy Center Family Theater, 2700 F St. NW, at 6 p.m. www.kennedy-center.org. FREE

July 17-20

Slapsticon

See the Three Stooges as they’ve never been seen before. Really. “The Three Stooges Rarity Show” is a compilation of home movies, TV clips and, of course, classic gags. Other highlights include silent comedies featuring live piano accompaniment. Screenings are at the Rosslyn Spectrum Theatre, 1611 N. Kent St., Arlington. July 17 from 1 p.m. to midnight, July 18 and 19 from 9 a.m. to midnight and July 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.slapsticon.org. $99 four-day pass; single-day tickets $30; half-day tickets $16.

July 24

Summer Champagne and Other Bubbles Festival

Who doesn’t enjoying sipping bubbly on a warm summer evening? (If you answered, “Not me,” move on to the next item, please.) In addition to samplings of more than 25 champagnes and sparkling wines, there will be nibbles (to cleanse your palate, of course). Connoisseurs and wannabes welcome. At the French Embassy, 4101 Reservoir Rd. NW. From 6:30 to 9 p.m. www.giramondowine.com (click on “Upcoming Events”). $79.

July 26

Capitol Bocce Ball Tournament

This is why it’s so great to live in Washington. The game, an ancestor of similar ones dating to the Roman Empire, will be played on the Mall as a benefit for Arghand, a cooperative based in Afghanistan that tries to develop economic options other than the poppy in the southern part of the country. On the Mall between Fourth and Seventh streets. Matches start at 10 a.m. You can come and play or just watch. Teams of four can register in advance to play for $200 per team at www.ballsonthemall.blogspot.com. A reception follows the matches to toast the winners. FREE to watch.

August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Drive-In Movies

Did you think this quaint anachronism from the 1950s was gone forever? Not in Centreville, where for five Saturdays you can go back in time and watch a movie in your car under the stars. “Bee Movie” kicks off the month Aug. 2 at 5875 Trinity Pkwy. Gates open at 6 p.m., pre-movie activities start at 7:30 and movies start at dark. www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances. FREE

August 7-9

DC Comedy Fest

Four years in, Washington’s comedy extravaganza is exploding. Held at seven locations across the area, this year’s festival showcases the best stand-up, sketch and improv talent from the District and beyond. Look for a “Politics Is Funny” panel with writers from “The Daily Show With Jon Stewart” and “The Colbert Report,” and don’t miss local comics audition for scouts from “Best Week Ever” and “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno.” www.dccomedyfest.com. $5-$25.

August 8-24

Summer Olympics

You know you’ll be watching, sucked in by the latest judging controversy or the heart-wrenching story of the orphan who wants to be the first to win a skeet-shooting medal for the foster family that raised him. (We’re making this up, we think.) But if you’re looking to do more than watch the games (on NBC, of course), check out Weekend’s Aug. 8 cover story about ways you can play Olympic sports right around here.

August 9-10

Virgin Mobile Festival

This two-day music fest promises something for everyone, including possible heatstroke. Headliners Aug. 9 include the Foo Fighters, Jack Johnson and punkers Offspring. Aug. 10’s lineup features the eclectic combination of Bob Dylan, Kanye West and Nine Inch Nails. Pimlico Race Course, 5201 Park Heights Ave., Baltimore. Performances are from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day. www.virginmobilefestival.com. All that talent doesn’t come cheap: One-day tickets go for $97.50, $175 for two days.

August 9-17

Legg Mason Tennis Classic

Every year it occurs to us that the tennis gods must be masochists to schedule a professional tournament in Washington in August. But every year top-name players come (past winners include Andy Roddick, Andre Agassi and Ivan Lendl) and are rewarded by crowds of enthusiastic fans. Matches are played at Rock Creek Park’s William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center, at 16th and Kennedy streets NW. www.leggmasontennisclassic.com. Single-session tickets start at $10 for qualifying rounds to $45 for the finals.

August 15-17

International Gem and Jewelry Show

Here’s your chance to see eye-popping baubles from gemologists from around the world. Even if you can’t afford to buy, this is one of the best window-shopping events going. Dulles Expo Center, 4368 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly. Aug. 15 from noon to 6 p.m., Aug. 16 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Aug. 17 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.intergem.net/event/detail.cfm?showID=63. $7.

August 29-9/7

Les Miserables

This long-running Broadway weepfest opens a nine-day run at Wolf Trap. It won the 1987 Tony for Best Musical, so it deserves a spot on this calendar, with the appropriate warning that sitting outside for more than two hours in August may mean that the characters aren’t the only miserable ones. www.wolftrap.org. Wolf Trap Filene Center, 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna. $25-$80.

August 31

NSO Labor Day Concert

This annual rite of summer passages makes a rare appearance in August this year. Emil de Cou will conduct the symphony from the West Lawn of the Capitol. Concert starts at 8 p.m.; gates open at 3:20 p.m. In case of bad weather, the concert will be moved to the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. www.kennedy-center.org. FREE

September 6-7

Black Family Reunion Celebration

Join in as a half-million people celebrate the rich traditions, strengths and cultures of the black family in this two-day festival featuring pavilions, health screenings and plenty of great food. On the Mall. A concert each night at 5:30 winds down the day’s activities. www.ncnw.org/events/reunion.htm. FREE

September 6-7

National Capital Cat Show

The saying goes that you’re either a cat person or a dog person. Well, apparently 38.4 million Americans are cat people. If you’re one of them, you won’t want to miss this cat show, with cats up for adoption, kittens for sale and the always-popular cat agility competition. Dulles Expo Center, 4368 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly. Sept. 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sept. 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. www.nationalcapitalcatshow.com. $8, age 11 and younger and age 60 and older $5. (Discount coupon online.)

September 13

Kennedy Center Open House Arts Festival

The great thing about the Kennedy Center is that, thanks to its Millennium Stage concerts, it has an open house 365 days a year. But this special day-long celebration with the theme “American Stories, Songs and Steps” features dozens of FREE performances of music, dance and theater. Festivities start at noon at the Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW. www.kennedy-center.org.

September 13

Richard Avedon: Portraits of Power

Is it possible for a portrait to be both stark and glam? The work of photographer Richard Avedon, who shot coal miners, fashion models and more, often displays a mix of clinical dispassion and slickness. About 250 of the artist’s portraits (mainly boldface names, but also ordinary citizens caught up in late-20th-century politics) go on view at the Corcoran Gallery of Art through Jan. 25. At the Corcoran, 500 17th St. NW. www.corcoran.org. Admission to the exhibit, which includes the permanent collection, is $14; $12 for seniors and military; $10 for students; free for children younger than 6 and members.

September 21

Kalorama House and Embassy Tour

Maybe you won’t be able to peek inside the medicine cabinets, but this once-a-year chance to see some of Embassy Row’s prime real estate is almost as good. The tour benefits the Woodrow Wilson House, a stop on the tour. Noon to 5 p.m. starting at the Wilson House, 2340 S St. NW. www.woodrowwilsonhouse.org. $25 in advance; $30 the day of the tour.

September 25

Nationals' Last Home Game

Have you been meaning to get out to the new stadium all summer long? Well, it’s your last chance as the Nats finish their home season against the Florida Marlins. Unless they make the playoffs, that is. Hey, we believe in our boys of summer. Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol St. SE, at 7:10 p.m. www.washingtonnationals.com. Tickets start at $5.

September 27

Ocean Hall Opening

The National Museum of Natural History unveils its biggest, most complex exhibition devoted to the planet’s biggest, most complex ecosystem: the ocean (it would be pretty silly to call it Ocean Hall if it wasn’t about oceans). The hall will feature a 45-foot-long North Atlantic right whale model, a 24-foot female giant squid and a 1,500-gallon coral reef tank with more than 70 live animals. National Museum of Natural History, 10th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. www.mnh.si.edu/exhibits/ocean%5Fhall. FREE

September 27

National Book Festival

Man, the Mall is going to be crowded this day, with people checking out the new ocean exhibition at the National Museum of Natural History and more than 100,000 bibliophiles attending the Library of Congress’s annual book love-in. On the Mall between Third and Seventh streets. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.loc.gov/bookfest. FREE