Best Music
1. National Symphony Orchestra: Christoph Eschenbach conducts Beethoven's "Grosse Fuge," Bartok's Concerto for Orchestra and Mozart's Violin Concerto No. 5 performed by Dan Zhu.
Where: Kennedy Center Concert Hall, 2700 F St. NW
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Info: $10 to $85; 202-467-4600; 800-444-1324; kennedy-center.org. Thursday performance followed by a postlude played by J. Reilly Lewis on the new organ.
2. National Philharmonic: Conductor Miroslaw Jacek Blaszczyk remembers Mstislav Rostropovich in a program of works by Tchaikovsky and Lutoslawski's Cello Concerto, written for him and performed by Dariusz Skoraczewski.
Where: Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday
Info: $28 to $84, children ages 7 to 17 free; 301-581-5100; strathmore.org
3. Cellist Steven Isserlis and pianist Kirill Gerstein: The Discovery Series presents these artists in a program of works by Liszt, Busoni, Brahms and Bartok.
Where: The Barns of Wolf Trap, 1635 Trap Road, Vienna
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Info: $35; 877-965-3872; wolftrap.org
4. Barbara Cook's Spotlight: Broadway and jazz club performer Terri White sings show-stopping numbers.
Where: Kennedy Center Terrace Theater, 2700 F St. NW
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Info: $45; 202-467-4600; 800-444-1324; kennedy-center.org
5. Ladysmith Black Mambazo: The a cappella group sings "Songs from a Zulu Farm," its latest album.
Where: Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Info: $25 to $65; 301-581-5100; strathmore.org
Best Galleries
1. Nam June Paik: Global Visionary: This comprehensive, 67-piece survey of the Korean-born "Father of Video Art" is drawn from Nam June Paik's personal archive (acquired by the Smithsonian American Art Museum in 2009) with contributions from numerous other public and private sources.
Where: The Smithsonian American Art Museum, Eighth and F streets NW
When: Through Aug. 11
Info: Free; 202-633-7970; americanart.si.edu
2. Lalla Essaydi: Revisions: Lalla Essaydi's subversive photo series Converging Territories and Silence of Thought are well-represented in this exhibition, which also includes rarely exhibited paintings and installations and a selection of new work.
Where: National Museum of African Art, 950 Independence Ave. SW
When: Through Feb. 24
Info: Free; 202-633-4600; africa.si.edu
3. The Sultan's Garden: The Blossoming of Ottoman Art: Tulips, carnations, hyacinths, honeysuckles, roses and rosebuds all came to represent the power of the Ottoman Empire, which spanned seven centuries and three continents. This exhibit demonstrates the longevity of this iconographic vocabulary within Ottoman crafts, as well as those of the societies they influenced.
Where: The Textile Museum, 2320 S St. NW
When: Through March 10
Info: Free, $8 suggested admission for nonmembers; 202-667-0441; textilemuseum.org
4. Picturing the Sublime: Photographs from the Joseph and Charlotte Lichtenberg Collection: This set of 11 photos by the likes of Ansel Adams, Lynn Davis, Richard Misrach and others captures the beauty of a natural world enduring violent change from human influences.
Where: The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st St. NW
When: Through Feb. 17
Info: Free to $12; 202-387-2151; phillipscollection.org
5. Fashioning the New Woman: 1890-1925: This exhibit examines how fashion reflected the evolving societal and economic roles opened to women during the Progressive Era.
Where: Daughters of the American Revolution Museum, 1776 D St. NW
When: Through Aug. 31
Info: Free; 202-628-1776; dar.org/museum
Best Brainfood
1. The National Ballet of Canada: 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland': The National Ballet of Canada brings an astonishing production of "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon, full of surprises and delights.
Where: Kennedy Center Opera House, 2700 F St. NW
When: Through Sunday
Info: $45 to $150; 202-467-4600; 800-444-1324; kennedy-center.org
2. Noche de Boleros: Join the magical voices of Aurora Paz, Elizabeth Ammerman, Alex Alburqueque and Luis Wanderlinder as they interpret well-known Spanish-language love ballads, accompanied by Alejandro Hernandez-Valdez on the piano.
Where: NRECA Conference Center, 4301 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
When: 7 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday
Info: $30, students and seniors 60+ $25; 703-548-3092; teatrodelaluna.org
3. "Cabaret": Step into the Kit Kat Klub, a place teeming with seedy nightlife on the eve of Hitler's rise to power in Weimar Germany. This eight-time Tony Award-winning musical classic depicts the interlocking stories of a cabaret singer, a writer from America and the denizens of Berlin, all caught up in the swirling maelstrom of a changing society.
Where: The Keegan Theater, 1742 Church St. NW
When: Saturday through Feb. 23
Info: $35 to $40; 703-892-0202; keegantheatre.com
4. "Lalla Roukh": Opera Lafayette and Kalanidhi Dance collaborate on an elaborate production of Felicien David's masterpiece, "Lalla Roukh," which debuted at the French Opera Comique in 1862.
Where: Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater, 2700 F St. NW
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Info: $40 to $100; 202-467-4600; 800-444-1324; kennedy-center.org
5. Voices Beyond Opera: Members of Washington National Opera's Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program team up with music director, conductor and pianist Luke Frazier to present an evening of works from musical theater to jazz.
Where: Kennedy Center Millennium Stage, 2700 F St. NW
When: 6 p.m. Wednesday
Info: Free; 202-467-4600; 800-444-1324; kennedy-center.org
Best Family
1. "Toyland": Bad ol' Mr. Barnaby, aka "the crooked man," is up to no good, and it's up to Mother Goose, Little Bo Peep and Tom the Piper's son to sing their way to a happy ending.
Where: The Puppet Co., 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo
When: Through Feb. 10
Info: $10; 301-634-5380; thepuppetco.org
2. "Wake Up Brother Bear": Watch as Brother and Sister Bear experience a full year of glorious seasons. You'll see a waterfall melt, meet a butterfly, chase an elusive fish, and skate on an icy pond. Children are invited to join the action with a small bag of props that helps create magical moments. Ages 1-5.
Where: Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda
When: Through Feb. 3
Info: $10 to $12; 301-280-1660; imaginationstage.org
3. "Winnie the Pooh": Follow Pooh and Piglet on a Heffalump hunt, watch Rabbit scheme to rid the forest of Kanga's dreaded bathtub, and help Eeyore search for his tail. Pooh's intentions are always the best, but his passion for honey and condensed milk keeps getting him into trouble.
Where: Adventure Theatre MTC, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo
When: Through Feb. 24
Info: $19; 301-634-2270; adventuretheatre-mtc.org
4. See, Hear, Sketch: Coyote Calls and Colors: Now that the coyote has officially arrived in Arlington, come spend an afternoon learning about its wintertime colors, and learn, by sketching, how to reliably tell a coyote from a fox, a wolf or a German Shepherd! Art supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring your own sketchbook and pencil. For information: 703-228-3403.
Where: Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 N. Military Road, Arlington
When: 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday
Info: $5; Registration necessary: 703-228-4747; Program No. 622823-T
Best Gatherings
1. The International Association of Blacks in Dance: The group presents a youth dance showcase including Benjamin D. Foulois Creative and Performing Arts Academy, West Las Vegas Arts Center Performing Arts Ensemble Xtension Program, MLK Jr. Senior High School, Renaissance High School and others.
Where: Kennedy Center Millennium Stage, 2700 F St. NW
When: 6 p.m. Friday
Info: Free; 202-467-4600; 800-444-1324; kennedy-center.org
2. Intergenerational Family Latin Dance Class: For ages 12 and older. Strengthen intergenerational family ties and have fun all while learning an important social skill. The two-hour class covers three styles of Latin social dance: the basics of merengue, cha-cha-cha and salsa.
Where: Artisphere, 1101 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
When: 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday
Info: $10; 703-875-1100; artisphere.com
3. Eric Dinerstein: "The Kingdom of Rarities": In a startling thought experiment, Dinerstein, chief scientist with the World Wildlife Fund, proposes that we split the animal kingdom into two groups: the common and the rare. This perspective makes clearer not just which species are suffering recent population declines and which have always been sparse, but shows where and why declines are likely to occur -- and what can be done about it.
Where: Politics & Prose Bookstore, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW
When: 1 p.m. Sunday
Info: Free; 202-364-1919; politics-prose.com
4. Cirkestra: The Massachusetts-based band features musicians tapped from the greatest circuses in the United States, including Ringling Brothers, Big Apple Circus and Circus Smirkus, among others.
Where: Kennedy Center Millennium Stage, 2700 F St. NW
When: 6 p.m. Saturday
Info: Free; 202-467-4600; 800-444-1324; kennedy-center.org
5. The Black Watch and Band of the Scots Guards: Experience the magnificent pageantry of British military tradition and history when these two esteemed military bands take the stage in full ceremonial dress, filling the hall with brilliantly precise military music and regimental dance.
Where: George Mason Center for the Arts, Concert Hall, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax
When: 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday
Info: $25 to $50; 888-945-2468; cfa.gmu.edu
Best Outdoors
1. Visit the Tomb of the Unknowns: Located in Arlington National Cemetery and patrolled by a special honor guard, the monument is dedicated to American service members who have died without their remains being identified.
Where: Arlington National Cemetery, 1 Memorial Drive, Fort Myer
When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Info: Free; 877-907-8585; arlingtoncemetery.mil
2. Adventures in Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding with Lessons: Hit the slopes of Pennsylvania for an exciting adventure. The day begins with lessons catered to all levels. Lunch included.
Where: 13805 Blairs Valley Road, Mercersberg, Pa.
When: 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday
Info: $82; thingstododc.com
3. Winter Weeds: Spring and summer wildflowers get all the press, but those blooms give way to wonderful shapes and textures of winter weeds. Adults and teens will hear about winter survival and seed dispersal strategies of plants, the ecological value of winter weeds, and winter weed identification. After the discussion, you'll explore winter weeds in the meadow and woods at Fort C.F. Smith Park.
Where: Fort C.F. Smith Park, 2411 N. 24th St., Arlington
When: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday
Info: $5; registration necessary; 703-228-4747; program No. 622943-M
4. Touch Football and Bagel Brunch: Although the Super Bowl is a week away, one of the great American traditions takes place for everyone: football. Join some friends, divide up into team teams and toss the old pigskin around.
Where: Rock Creek Park, 5200 Glover Road NW, Grove Nos. 13 and 14
When: Noon to 3 p.m. Sunday
Info: $20; thingstododc.com
5. Explore Deanwood: This traditionally African-American enclave, which sits on a former tobacco plantation, is alive with stories of pride and community. From 1890s craftsmen to a 20th-century R&B icon, Deanwood reveals a rich African-American legacy. Here you can check out the site of the National Training School for Women and Girls, founded in 1909 by educator and civil rights and women's rights activist Nannie Helen Burroughs, and the home of prominent architectural engineer and civic leader Howard D. Woodson.
Where: See website for location
When: Any day
Info: Free; culturaltourismdc.com
Best Theater
1. "Henry V": Shakespeare tells the thrilling story of the rise to power of a young king whose ambition reaches beyond the English court to the fields of France.
Where: Folger Shakespeare Theatre, 201 E. Capitol St. SE
When: Through March 3
Info: $30 to $68; 202-544-7077; folger.edu
2. "Ladies Swing the Blues": The year is 1955. The place is New York City's 52nd Street, the cultural mecca of jazz in the universe, where the in-crowd gathers to commemorate the passing of jazz legend Charlie Parker. Here, where music and mythology mingle in one unforgettable evening.
Where: MetroStage, 1201 N. Royal St., Alexandria
When: Through March 17
Info: $25 to $55; 703-548-9089; metrostage.org
3. "Our Town": Teenagers George and Emily meet, fall in love, marry and suffer the slings and arrows of everyday life. Thornton Wilder transforms their ordinary story into a poignant and captivating exploration of mortality and the connections between human beings.
Where: Ford's Theatre, 516 10th St. NW
When: Friday through Feb. 24
Info: $15 to $62; 202-347-4833; fordstheatre.org
4. 3 by Samuel Beckett: This program showcases the masterpiece "That Time," along with "Embers" and "Rough for Theatre II."
Where: D.C. Arts Center, 2438 18th St. NW
When: Through Feb. 3
Info: $10 to $15; 202-462-7833; arcturustheater.com
5. "The Tempest: Such Stuff as Dreams are Made On": The Pallas Theatre Collective tells Shakespeare's play as if it were a chess match.
Where: Warner Memorial Presbyterian Church, 10123 Connecticut Ave., Kensington
When: Through Sunday
Info: $15 to $20; 301-949-2900; pallastheatre.org
