Best Galleries
1. Picasso's Drawings 1890-1921: Reinventing Tradition: Sixty drawings, pastels and watercolors from the first 30 years of Picasso's career make the case for him as the 20th century's greatest draftsman. Seven pieces are from the Gallery's permanent collection, but the majority of them are on loan from various collections fro the U.S. and Europe.
Where: National Gallery of Art, Fourth Street and Constitution Ave. NW
When: Through May 6
Info: Free; 202-737-4215; or nga.gov
2. Suprasensorial: Experiments in Light, Color and Space: Five installation pieces by Latin American artists to which the term viewer is wholly inapplicable -- these works disorient and dislocate you, forcing you to grapple with light and space on their terms
Where: Hirshorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Seventh St. and Independence Ave. SW
When: Through May 13
Info: Free; 202-633-4674; hmsg.si.edu
3. Raoul Middleman: City Limits: Baltimore artist Raoul Middleman heavily-shadowed oil paintings embrace imperfection, whether he's depicting cities or people -- two frequent subjects he approaches with equal mastery.
Where: The American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center, 4400 Massachusetts Ave.
When: Through March 18
Info: Free; 202-885-1300; american.edu/cas/katzen/museum
4. Excavate: Rosemary Feit Covey and Laurel Hausler: Rosemary Feit Covery woodcuts and Laurel Hausler's paintings are both heavily layered, reflecting the nature of memory.
Where: Morton Fine Art, 1781 Florida Ave. NW
When: To March 14
Info: Free; 202-627-2787; mortonfineart.com
5. Shakespeare's Sisters: Voices of English and European Women Writers, 1500-1700: This may stretch the boundaries of an art exhibit, but it certainly engages the imagination. Poems, prose fiction, and bits of memoir from more than 50 European women who refused to accept the narrow definition of "womens' work" that prevailed during their lifetimes.
Where: Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol St. SE
When: Through May 20
Info: Free; 202-544-4600; folger.edu
Best Gatherings
1. Intersections: New American Arts Festival: An extensive collection of theater, dance, music, poetry, comedy and family fun.
Where: Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NW
When: Through March 11
Info: See website for ticket prices; intersections.org
2. Watch This: New Directions in the Art of the Moving Image: The Smithsonian collection of video art examines the essence of the moving image.
Where: Smithsonian Museum of American Art, Eighth and F Streets NW
When:11:30 to 7 p.m. daily
Info: Free; 202-633-7970; americanart.si.edu
3. Africa Underground: One of the most enjoyable museum parties. This month, a celebration of African and African-American women, features Cameroonian R&B singer Naomi Achu and local DJ Natty Boom, spoken word and dance performances and an African weaving workshop.
Where: National Museum of African Art, 950 Independence Ave. SW
When: 7 to 11 p.m. Friday
Info: $25 includes one drink; 202-633-4651; africa.si.edu
4. Arthur Phillips: The bestselling author reads from and discusses "The Tragedy of Arthur," his latest novel that juggles a family's tangled legacy and a "lost" Shakespeare play. A reception and book sale/signing follow.
Where: Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol St. SE
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Info: Free; 202-544-7077; folger.edu.
5. 84th Annual Oscar Ceremony: A black-tie optional Oscars viewing party, with minute-by-minute Oscars coverage, live music, contests and more.
Where: The Hamilton, 600 14th St. NW
When: 6 to midnight Sunday
Info: $25; 202-841-6441; theartsoiree.com
Best Brainfood
1.The Washington Ballet "Twyla Tharp: AllAmerican": In homage to the high priestess of contemporary dance, The Washington Ballet mounts an all Twyla Tharp program. Showcasing works from two decades of Tharp's prodigious career, this program shows off The Washington Ballet dancers at their best.
Where: Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW
When: Thursday through Sunday
Info: $88 to $125; 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org
2. Master Class with Elizabeth Futral: Observe the creative process as pre-professionals receive instruction from one of opera's great singers.
Where: Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW
When: 3 p.m. Sunday
Info: Free; 202-467-4600; kennedy-center.org
3. After Hours with Kent Monkman: In his first appearance in the States, this Canadian artist presents his paintings, photos and film that subvert the official history of the "noble savage."
Where: The National Museum of the American Indian, 300 Maryland St. SW
When: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday
Info: Free; 202-633-1000; nmai.si.edu
4. While America Sleeps": Reviewing the decade since 9/11, the former Wisconsin Senator Russ Feingold outlines the lessons about international relations that the U.S. needs to implement to ensure national strength.
Where: Politics and Prose Bookstore, 5015 Connecticut Ave. HW
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Info: Free; politics-prose.com
5. Literary Love Poetry: Celebrate the spirit of Valentine's Day with local area middle school poets and their winning poems. You'll be inspired by their fresh young perspectives, and be reminded that "talent is everywhere."
Where: Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW
When: 7:30 p.m. February 29
Info: Free but reservations necessary; 202-375-7715; kennedy-center.org
Best Family
1. "The Magic Flute": An hour of beautiful music and very easy to understand action in this most elaborate full marionette production.
Where: The Puppet Company, 7300 MacArthur Ave., Glen Echo
When: Friday through Sunday only
Info: $19; 301-634-5380; thepuppetco.org
2. Growing Up a Bird: Families ages 5 and older. Go for a walk to meet some of Arlington's champion trees. You'll enjoy some tree-themed games and crafts. Info: 703-228-3403.
Where: Fort C. F. Smith Park, 2411 N. 24th St., Arlington
When: 10 a.m. To 11 a.m. Saturday
Info: $3; registration required: 703-228-4747; Program #622822-S
3. "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown": Charlie Brown struggles through another full day of book reports, baseball games, kite flying and philosophy with a little help from his friends.
Where: Olney Theatre Center, 3001 Olney-Sandy Spring Rd., Olney
When: Through March 18
Info: $26 to $54; 301-924-4485; olneytheatre.org
4. Fun with Geocaching: Families ages 6 and older. Geocaching combines old-fashioned treasure hunting with modern technology. Learn how to participate in this great activity for all ages as you search for caches in the park. Bring a GPS device if you have one.
Where: Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington
When: 1 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday
Info: $5; registration required: 703-228-4747; Program #622952-O
5. Get Ready for Wood Frogs!: Families ages 5 and older. Come look for our earliest amphibians. After the first warm rain of spring, you'll hear them making a racket in the pond. Where do they come from? Info: 703-228-3403.
Where: Meet at Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Rd., Arlington
When: 2 to 3 p.m. February 26
Info: $3; registration necessary: 703-228-4747; Program #622852-L.
Best Outdoors
1.Walk the Brightwood Heritage Trail: In Brightwood, a distinguished past meets a promising present. A 90 minute self-guided roam through Brightwood will reveal an illustrious Civil War legacy, ample African- American history, and an eclectic assortment of architecture and shops. Where: See website for map; first sign at 5427 14th St. NW
When: Any day
Info: Free; 202-661-7587; culturaltourismdc.com
2. Hoyles Mill Trail: Connector trail between two recreation areas. Easy path, well-maintained. 7.8 miles round-trip. This trail in Montgomery county connects Black Hill Regional Park and South Germantown Recreational Park. New bridge over Little Seneca Creek. Dogs, bikes, horses.
Where: See website for directions
When: Note: On weekends S. Germantown Park gets full for soccer games; parking scarce
Info: Free; 301-670-8080; localhikes.com
3. Winter Tree ID: Adults, 14 and older. The leaves are all gone, but buds are starting to grow. You can still identify what tree it is without the easy leaf clues. Learn to identify Arlington's trees by their barks and shapes. Wear weather gear to fit the day.
Where: Meet at Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington
When: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday
Info: $5; registration necessary: 703-228-4747; Program 622942-J.
4. The Little Things that Sing: Crickets & Katydids For adults. Find out about the singing insects in the D.C. area from a naturalist and entomologist. The talk will introduce common species and their natural history. Info: 703-228-6535.
Where: Meet at Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Rd, Arlington
When: 7 to 8:30 p.m. February 29
Info: Free; registration necessary: 703-228-4747; Program #622942-K
5. Sky Meadows: This 8.6 mile, moderately difficult hike makes use of most of the trails within one of Virginia's newest state parks. Sky Meadows was opened in 1983 and encompasses nearly 1900 acres of rolling pastures and woodlands. A three-mile section of the Appalachian Trail passes through the western edge of the park. For hikers, dogs.
Where: Delaplane, Va.
When: Any day
Info: Ranger contact: 540-592-3556; localhikes.com
Best Theatre
1."El Abrazo Lunar"("The Moon's Embrace"): Teatro de la Luna's midwinter Latin American play festival with works from Costa Rica, Spain, Argentina and Uruguay.
Where: Theater II, Gunston Arts Center, 3700 S. Four Mile Run, Arlington
When: Thursday through March 17
Info: $30 to $35; 703-548-3092; See website for production details;
2. "New Jerusalem: The Interrogation of Baruch De Spinoza."A literate, suspenseful retelling of the story of the 1656 interrogation of philosopher Baruch De Spinoza, examining the clash between religion and modernity, faith and philosophy.
Where: Theater J, 1529 16th St. NW
When: Through April 1
Info: $25 to $60; 800-494-8497; washingtondcjcc.org
3."The Language Archive": George is a brilliant linguist. But at home, he can't find the words that will preserve his disintegrating marriage. "The Language Archive" asks whether love is a universal language or, like Esperanto, just a well-intentioned dream.
Where: Forum Theatre, 8641 Colesville Road., Silver Spring
When: Through March 10
Info: $26 to $61; 240-644-1100; forumtheatre.org.
4. "Astro Boy and the God of Comics": A highly visual, retro-sci-fi performance about the 1960s animation series Astro Boy and its creator Osamu Tezuka, combining Tezuka's life, the history of Japanese animation and the fictional world of a crime-fighting boy robot.
Where: Studio Theatre, 2nd Stage, 1501 14th St. NW
When: Through March 11
Info: $30 to $35; 202-332-3300; studiotheatre.org
5. "Civilization (all you can eat)": Six hungry city-dwellers scramble for sustenance in this provocative vaudeville of American enterprise and ingenuity at the dawn of the Obama age.
Where: Woolly Mammoth Theatre, 641 D St. NW
When: Through March 11
Info: $20 to $67.50; 202-393-3939; woollymammoth.net
Best Music
1. Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra: Wynton Marsalis, trumpet, part of Jazz Legends Series
Where: Kennedy Center Concert Hall
When: 8 p.m. Sunday
Info: $35 to $85; 202-785-9727; wpas.org.
2. Washington National Opera. Soprano Elizabeth Futral stars in Mozart's "Cosi fan tutte" in modern dress
Where: Kennedy Center Opera House
When: Saturday through March 15
Info: $55 to $300; 202-467-4600; 800-444-1324; kennedy-center.org.
3. National Philharmonic: Piotr Gajewski conducts the orchestra, the National Philhrmonic Chorale and guest soloists in an All-Bach program of the Brandenburg Concerti Nos. 2, 3, and 4 and the Magnificat in D Major
Where: Music Center at Strathmore
When: 8 p.m. Saturday; 6:45 p.m. pre-concert lecture
Info: $28 to $81; 301-581-5100; nationalphilharmonic.com.
4. NSO Pops: Cirque de la Symphonie features circus magic with aerial flyers, acrobats, dancers and surprising artists set to classical and popular music.
Where: Kennedy Center Concert Hall
When: 7 p.m. Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Info: $20 to $85; 202-467-4600; 800-444-1324; kennedy-center.org.
5. Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra: Jim Carroll conducts "Buddy, Woody and Stan," a tribute to big bands.
Where: George Mason University Center for the Arts
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Info: $20 to $40; 888-845-2468; cfa.gmu.edu.
