The To Do List

image uploaded by Patrick Hoesly on Flickr

Happy Thursday, dear readers — just two more days till the weekend. And with it being the first weekend of December, you know what that means: the start of the holiday party season! Well if you’d like to mix in some fun around the Hill between those tacky sweater parties, we’ve got a few ideas for you.

First up, since the holiday season has officially started, stop by Eastern Market, Frager’s, Surroundings or Ginko Gardens for a Christmas tree, wreath and garland. I hear that if you stop by Eastern Market late-night, you can negotiate some great deals.

Or you can get into the arts. Mondays through Saturdays 8:30 am- 5 pm, stop by the Library of Congress for I Love Lucy: An American Legend. Photographs, scripts, family scrapbook artifacts, and other documents trace the history of the show on the 60th anniversary of its debut.

And, stop by the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop for Beertown. Every five years, the residents of Beertown dig up their treasured time capsule and painstakingly decide what artifacts should be added—and which get the heave-ho. Dog & Pony DC’s production tells the story of the offbeat town’s ritual.

Friday

Stop by the Atlas for Arlen & Berlin. The Songs of Irving Berlin and blues-and-jazz great Harold Arlen defined what America played, sang and danced to for much of the 20th century. Come celebrate the beginning of the 2011 holiday season with “They Say That Falling in Love is Wonderful”, “Come Rain, Come Shine”, “Stormy Weather”, “White Christmas” and more! Cabaret Table seating is available as well for an additional $3 per person. More information can be found here.

Saturday

Bring your gently used coats to Eastern Market for the annual Boy Scout Troop 500 coat drive. They will be set up in front of the Home Health Care Building near 7th and C Street SE, across from Eastern Market, from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday and 12 pm to 4 pm on Sunday.

Spring Mill Bread Company is having a grand opening on Saturday. They’ll have popcorn, loads of free samples and reusable totebags for customers who spend $20 or more (while supplies last).

At 7:30, stop by the American Legion Post 8 at 3rd and D Streets, SE for the famed DC Lady Arm Wrestlers, officially known as D/CLAW the women. Their hilarious antics – they have bout nicknames and wear outrageous costumes – plus the tens of thousands of dollars they’ve raised for a myriad of charities, have won them coverage in newspapers, magazines and television. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Post’s Building Fund. It’s hoping to raise $7,000, which will pay to make the Post’s restrooms accessible to the disabled. The entry charge is $5; there’s a cash bar. For more information on D/CLAW go to: http://dclawleague.blogspot.com

In honor of the 78th anniversary of the Repeal of Prohibition, the Atlas Theater is hosting SpeakeasyDC’s second annual showcase of the best stories of the year! An absolute Don’t-Miss event, for reals. Last year’s was phenomenal. Relentless funny, smart, and moving. More information can be found here.

Sunday

Start getting into the holiday spirit at the Atlas, listening to the Annual Holiday Sing with the Capital City Symphony, Congressional Chorus, and American Youth Chorus. Shows are at 4 and 7pm.