D.C. community calendar, July 10-17, 2014

Thursday, July 10

Walking club, for fitness and better health, co-sponsored by Sibley Memorial Hospital. 8:30-9:30 a.m. Thursdays and Tuesdays, Mazza Gallerie, 5300 Wisconsin Ave. NW. Free, with free parking. 202-364-7602.

Constitution-in-action family learning labs, explore history, learn about the National Archives and discover the Constitution’s impact on our daily lives. 10 a.m.-noon and 2-4 p.m., National Archives, Boeing Learning Center, 700 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Free; reservations required 24 hours in advance. 202-357-5000. www.archivesfoundation.org .

Amber waves of grain: an overview, Ari Novy, Botanic Garden deputy executive director, leads a walk through a world of wheat, discussing how humans have utilized this crop and how one man saved a billion people from starvation in the 20th century with this simple grain; bring sunscreen, protective clothing and water. 10:30 a.m., U.S. Botanic Garden, terrace in front of the Conservatory, 100 Maryland Ave. SW. Free; registration required. 202-225-8333. www.usbg.gov .

Washington Cathedral behind the scenes, age 11 and older, see gargoyles and stained-glass windows and climb stairs for a panoramic view of the city. Bring a camera. 10:30 a.m. weekdays, Washington National Cathedral, Wisconsin and Massachusetts avenues NW. $25; ages 11-12, $21. 202-537-6200 or www.nationalcathedral.org .

Gen. Early invades Maryland, 1864, National Park Service rangers in period attire talk to Junior Ranger Program members about the event that led to the Battle of Fort Stevens. 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Lincoln Memorial, 23rd Street NW and West Potomac Park. Free. Mike Rose, 202-438-9667.

Washington’s Civil War forts and parks, B. Franklin Cooling, historian, author and National Defense University history professor, and Loretta Neumann, vice president of the Alliance to Preserve the Civil War Defenses of Washington, discuss the development of Washington’s Civil War forts, their role in the war and their transformation into the public parks and cultural resources known as the Fort Circle Parks. Noon, National Archives, McGowan Theater, Constitution Avenue and Ninth Street NW. Free. 202-357-5000.

U.S. Air Force Band concert, small ensembles from the Airmen of Note perform. 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30 p.m., National Museum of American History, Warner Brothers Theater, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. Free. 202-633-1000.

Beautiful containers, rose and butterfly gardener Margaret Atwell and gardener Beth Ahern demonstrate the proper techniques for planting and maintaining flowers, herbs or vegetables in containers at home. 1 p.m., U.S. Botanic Garden, Conservatory West Gallery, 100 Maryland Ave. SW. Free; registration required. 202-225-8333. www.usbg.gov .

American art: after and before, a staff member discusses a featured artwork that has received treatment by museum conservators then leads a tour of the Lunder Conservation Center for a behind-the-scenes look at the way staff members apply science, art history and skilled hands to address the artworks before they are unveiled in exhibition spaces. 1 p.m., Smithsonian American Art Museum, G Street Lobby, Eighth and F streets NW. Free. 202-633-1000.

Victory garden tour, a horticulturist leads a tour of the garden and discusses some of the vegetables and flowers in the museum’s recreated WWII-era Victory garden. 1 p.m. Thursday, July 24, and Aug. 7 and 21, National Museum of American History, Welcome Desk, Constitution Avenue Entrance, first floor, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. Free. 202-633-1000.

Beginner computer class, learn how to create an e-mail account, search the Internet and use online library services. 1-3 p.m. Thursdays, Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Library, 1630 Seventh St. NW. Free. 202-727-1288.

Reptiles Alive! learn about snake secrets, laugh at lizard stories and turtle tales, meet a live boa constrictor, tortoise, lizard or other animal. 1:30 p.m., Deanwood Library, 1350 49th St. NE. Free. 202-698-1175.

Memorials on the Mall, a National Park Service ranger leads a walking tour of a selection of memorials. 2-4 p.m. daily through July 31, Lincoln Memorial, 23rd Street NW and West Potomac Park. Free. 202-426-6841.

Parkinson’s support group,and for those with other movement disorders, sponsored by Sibley Senior Association. 3-4 p.m., Grand Oaks Assisted-Living Facility, 5901 MacArthur Blvd. NW. Free; registration required. 202-364-7602.

Origami nights, for ages 7-12, learn how to create paper cranes, frogs, foxes, ties and other designs using the Japanese art form, beginners welcome. 4:30 p.m. Thursdays and Tuesdays, Francis A. Gregory Library, 3660 Alabama Ave. SE. Free. 202-645-4297.

Ruthie and the Wranglers in concert, the classic country musicians perform as you walk around the National Garden. 5-7 p.m., U.S. Botanic Garden, National Garden Lawn Terrace, 100 Maryland Ave. SW. Free; registration required. 202-225-8333. www.usbg.gov .

Art Signs: Gallery Talk in ASL, a volunteer American Sign Language gallery guide leads conversations about various artworks. 5:30 p.m., Smithsonian American Art Museum, F Street Lobby, Eighth and F streets NW. Free. 202-633-1000.

Classical music concert, a performance by middle, high school and college students who are studying with George Washington University faculty artists. 6 p.m., Kennedy Center, Millennium Stage, 2700 F St. NW. Free. 202-467-4600.

Anacostia Library yoga, develop your mind, body and spirit. 6:30 p.m. Thursdays, Anacostia Library, 1800 Good Hope Rd. SE. Free. 202-715-7707 or 202-715-7708.

“Mayor for Life,” four-time mayor of Washington, D.C., Marion Barry tells his shocking and courageous life story, beginning in the cotton fields of Mississippi to the executive offices of one of the most powerful cities in the world. 7 p.m., Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, Great Hall, 901 G St. NW. Free; registration required. 202-727-0321.

City of trees and Rock Creek Park, Melanie Choukas-Bradley, author of “City of Trees: The Complete Field Guide to the Trees of Washington, D.C. ,” discusses the city’s historic and botanically diverse trees from colonial times to the present and shows stunning visual images of them through the seasons at the White House, the Capitol, National Arboretum, Mount Vernon, the Tidal Basin and other locations, Choukas-Bradley also discusses her book about Rock Creek Park, to be published in October. 7 p.m., Chevy Chase Library, 5625 Connecticut Ave. NW. Free. 202-282-0021.

“The Day Lincoln Was Almost Show: The Fort Stevens Story,” Benjamin Franklin Cooling discusses his book about the significance of the Battle of Fort Stevens. 7 p.m., Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW. Free. 202-895-6070.

The State of Marriage Equality, Jonathan Rauch, a senior fellow in governance, Brookings Institution, discusses his book “Gay Marriage .” 7 p.m., Southwest Library, 900 Wesley Pl. SW. Free. 202-724-4752.

Meditation and Mindfulness, a facilitator teaches and leads techniques that help those whose stress response is triggered by a recent cancer diagnosis, cancer patients, their family members and caregivers welcome. 7-8 p.m. Thursdays, Sibley Medical Building, Conference Room 4, Floor 2, 5215 Loughboro Rd., NW. Free. 202-364-7602.

“Shear Madness,” a comedy-mystery set in Georgetown, with audience participation to help solve a mock murder. 8 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 6 and 9 p.m. Saturday, 3 and 7 p.m. Sunday, 8 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday, Kennedy Center, Family Theater, 2700 F St. NW. $50. 202-467-4600.

“Private Lives ,” Maria Aitken directs Noël Coward’s fast-talking comedy of manners that looks into the lives of honeymooners spending time on neighboring balconies. 8 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Lansburgh Theatre, 450 Seventh St. NW. $40-$100, discounts for students, seniors, military and groups. 202-547-1122. www.shakespearetheatre.org .

“One Night With Janis Joplin,” a performance about the life of the rock legend, packed with classic songs like “Piece of My Heart ,” “Summertime ,” and “Mercedes Benz ,” featuring Mary Bridget Davies and Joplin’s band Big Brother and the Holding Company; also featuring Sabrina Elayne Carten as a blues singer who pays homage to the performers who influenced Joplin’s blues-rock style. 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sundays, 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Wednesdays, continues through Aug. 11, Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW. $40-$99, subject to change and based on availability. 202-488-3300 or www.arenastage.org .

Friday, July 11

Battle of Fort Stevens 150th anniversary commemoration, Mayor Vincent Grey and other government representatives, historian C. R. Gibbs and former National Park Service chief historian Ed Bearss speak about the Civil War battle, period music, wreath-laying ceremony and the first cannon fired in the nation’s capital in 150 years. 10 a.m.-noon; Civil War living history demonstrations, 19th century crafts, children’s activities, historic talks, walks and more. 12:30 to 4 p.m., Fort Stevens, 13th and Quackenbos streets NW. Free. 202-895-6070.

Seniors line dancing, age 50 and older. 10 a.m. Fridays, Woodridge Interim Library, 1790 Douglas St. NE. Free. 202-541-6226.

U.S. Air Force Band concert, jazz favorites by the Airmen of Note. 11 a.m., noon, 1 and 2 p.m., National Air and Space Museum, Sixth Street and Independence Avenue SW. Free. 202-633-1000 and 202-767-5658.

Gen. Early attacks D.C.’s Fort Stevens, National Park Service rangers in 1864 period clothing discuss the city’s Battle of Fort Stevens, its effect on the Civil War and impact on the world today. 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Lincoln Memorial, 23rd Street NW and West Potomac Park. Free. Call Mike Rose, 202-438-9667.

H.O.P.E. Theater: “Helping Our People Engage,” in the spirit of revitalizing the historic cinema theaters of Anacostia, such as the Carver, Anacostia, Naylor and Congress theaters, the Anacostia Neighborhood Library presents H.O.P.E. Theater, “Helping Our People Engage,” weekly movie matinees on Friday mornings, a discussion group follows. 11:30 a.m. Fridays, Anacostia Library, 1800 Good Hope Rd. SE. Free. 202-715-7707 or 202-715-7708.

“Jazz: A Film by Ken Burns ,” Episode Seven: Dedicated to Chaos,” during World War II, swing becomes a symbol of democracy at home as bandleaders enlist and take their music to the armed forces overseas. Noon, National Archives, McGowan Theater, Constitution Avenue and Ninth Street NW. Free. 202-357-5000.

Secrets of the Washington Monument grounds, a National Park Service ranger leads a walking tour of the soaring tribute to George Washington. 2-4 p.m., Refreshment Stand-Paddle Boat parking lot, Independence Ave. SE. Free. Michael T. Kelly, 202-359-2662.

Magician Joe Romano, for ages 5-12, magician Joe Romano answers the question “Is it Science or Magic?” Children will witness a glass of water defy gravity, smoke rings fly over their heads and more. 2 p.m. Friday, Northwest One Library, 155 L St. NW. 202-939-5946; and 2 p.m. Saturday, Mount Pleasant Library, 3160 16th NW. 202-671-3121. Free.

Science Friday, let’s watch Bill Nye!, for ages 8-12, watch two episodes of “Bill Nye the Science Guy,” a TV show that makes science fun for kids. 3 p.m. Fridays, Dorothy I. Height/Benning Library, 3935 Benning Rd. NE. Free. 202-281-2583.

Join the STEAM team, for ages 6-12 with an interest in science, technology, engineering, art and/or mathematics and a desire to design, construct, discover, create and more. 4 p.m. Fridays, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW. Free. 202-727-0321.

Jazz in a sculpture garden, jazz by the Rick Whitehead Trio. 5-8:30 p.m., National Gallery of Art, Sculpture Garden, Seventh Street and Constitution Avenue NW. Free. 202-737-4215.

Opera music, participants in the Washington National Opera Institute perform. 6 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Kennedy Center, Millennium Stage, 2700 F St. NW. Free. 202-467-4600.

Scott’s New Band, a concert of pops music. 6:30-8:30 p.m., Yards Park, 355 Water St. SE. Free. 202-289-0111 or www.yardspark.org.

Learn to knit and crochet, a two-hour class where you may learn to make a washcloth, yarn and other supplies provided. 6:30-8:30 p.m., HacDC, 1525 Newton St. NW. Free. 240-829-1458.

Paint and sip art workshop, with instruction by artists Ellen Cornett and Sheppard Bear, create your own artwork, enjoy snacks and wine. 6:30-8:30 p.m., Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, 545 Seventh St. SE. $30, includes materials and refreshments. 202-547-6839 or www.chaw.org .

Civil War historians’s roundtable, Robert Sutton, chief historian of the National Park Service; Frank Smith, executive director of the African American Civil War Memorial and Museum, and Benjamin Franklin Cooling, professor of history at National Defense University, discuss the Civil War and Battle of Fort Stevens. 7 p.m., Nativity Church, 6001 13th St. NW. Free. 202-895-6070.

Bach festival, organist Julie Vidrick Evans performs Six Trio Sonatas of J.S. Bach. 7:30 p.m., Grace Church, Georgetown, 1041 Wisconsin Ave. NW. $20. 202-333-7100. www.gracedc.org .

Memorials by night, a National Park Service ranger leads a walk through American history at night. 8-10 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, National World War II Memorial, 17th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. Free. Ranger Station, 202-426-6841.

U.S. Marine parade, U.S. Marine Silent Drill Team, Drum and Bugle Corps, Color Guard, Silent Drill Platoon and Ceremonial Marchers; guests with reservations are admitted at 7:15 p.m.: visitors must arrive no later than 8 p.m. Parade, 8:45 p.m., Fridays through Aug. 29, Marine Barracks, Eighth and I streets SE. Free; reservations required. 202-433-4011 or 202-433-6060 or www.barracks.marines.mil .

“The American President ,” an outdoor screening of Rob Reiner’s 1999 film about a modern president and the environmental lobbyist who wins his heart, starring Michael Douglas, Annette Bening, Martin Sheen and Michael J. Fox, sponsored by the Golden Triangle Business Improvement District. Bring a blanket. Sunset, Farragut Square, Connecticut Avenue and K Street NW. Free.

Saturday, jULY 12

Run with a National Park Service ranger, on a three- to four-mile run around the nation’s iconic memorials, about 10 minutes per mile. 8 a.m., Washington Monument bookstore, 15th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. Free. Survey lodge, 202-426-6841.

Ward 8 farmers market, fresh fruits and vegetables, cooking demonstrations, yoga. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays through Nov. 22, 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE. 202-889-5901 or www.thearcdc.org .

Library used book sale, priced to sell, most less than $1, buy one get one free, proceeds support library programs. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, 1:30-4 p.m., Southwest Library, 900 Wesley Pl. SW. Free. 202-724-4752.

Storytime at the police station, reading books and singing songs about police and safety officers, meet a police officer and sit inside a police car. 10 a.m., Chevy Chase Library, 5625 Connecticut Ave. NW. Free. 202-282-0021.

Youth workshop, “Fun with Flowers and Photography,” for ages 10-13, photographer Kevin Blackburn teaches the basics of photography, how to use photography as an artistic tool and share the joy of nature through a camera lens; participants will be given a thumb drive with the photos taken during the course. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2-5 p.m., U.S. Botanic Garden, Conservatory Classroom, 100 Maryland Ave. SW. Free; registration required. 202-225-8333 or www.usbg.gov .

Potpourri of khorjin (saddle bags), collector Bob Emry discusses a variety of complete khorjin. 10 a.m., Textile Museum, 2320 S St. NW. Free. 202-667-0441, Ext. 64.

Yoga at the library, for adult and teen beginners with an instructor from Yoga Activist. No experience required; bring a mat or use one from the library. 10 a.m., Dorothy I. Height/Benning Library, 3935 Benning Rd. NE. 202-281-2583; 11 a.m., Petworth Library, 4200 Kansas Ave. NW. Free. 202-243-1188.

House and neighborhood walking tours, a staff member leads a tour of the house based on the Civil War home front. 10:30 a.m.; and a walking tour of the neighborhood. 1 p.m., Tudor Place, 1644 31st St. NW. $10, one tour; $15, both tours. 202-965-0400.

Cemetery tours, a docent leads a tour of the cemetery that provides a final resting place for John Philip Sousa and other famous people. 11 a.m.-noon every Saturday through Nov. 1, Congressional Cemetery, 1801 E St. SE. Free. 202-543-0539. www.congressionalcemetery.org .

Microsoft Office software workshops, a four-week series taught by Byte Back. July 12: Intro to Microsoft Word; July 19: Intro to Microsoft Excel; July 26: Intro to Microsoft PowerPoint; Aug. 2: Intro to Google Drive. 11 a.m., Francis A. Gregory Library, 3660 Alabama Ave. SE. Free; advance registration saves a spot for punctual attendees. 202-645-4297.

Bike clinic, volunteers from the Bike House provide free repair service for all ages outside the library. Noon-2:30 p.m., Anacostia Library, 1800 Good Hope Rd. SE. Free. 202-715-7707 or 202-715-7708.

Youth fashion design workshop, for ages 7-10, be inspired by fabric, color, embellishments and the peacefulness of classical music, use inspiration, positive thinking and the power of artistic freedom to create your interpretation of fashion art. 12:30-2:30 p.m., Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, 545 Seventh St. SE. $45; registration required. 202-547-6839 or www.chaw.org .

Carillon recital, carillonneur Edward M. Nassor performs. 12:30 p.m., Washington National Cathedral, Bishop’s Garden and other outdoor areas, Wisconsin and Massachusetts avenues NW. Free. 202-537-6200 or www.nationalcathedral.org .

Art lecture, Eric Denker discusses signs and symbols in Jan Steen’s paintings. 1 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, West Building Lecture Hall, Sixth Street and Constitution Avenue NW. 202-737-4215.

Uncle Devin Show, for ages 5-12, the musician introduces children to the world of percussion, gives a brief history of the instruments and teaches easily memorized rhymes. 1 p.m., Chevy Chase Library, 5625 Connecticut Ave. NW. Free. 202-282-0021.

Firefighter and fire truck visit, firefighters from Engine Company No. 18 invite you to check out a real fire truck, meet firefighters and learn about fire safety. 1 p.m., Southeast Library, 403 Seventh St. SE. Free. 202-698-3377.

Songwriting workshop for girls, for ages 11-13, explore your world through emotions and senses while learning the fundamentals of songwriting, no instruments or previous musical training necessary. 1:15-3:15 p.m., Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, 545 Seventh St. SE. $25; registration required. 202-547-6839 or www.chaw.org .

Shakespeare tour, National Portrait Gallery docent Lorna Grenadier leads a special tour that highlights figures in the gallery’s collection, lives that were touched by the bard in diverse and surprising ways as the 450th anniversary of his birth is celebrated. 1:30 p.m., National Portrait Gallery, Eighth and F streets NW. Free. 202-633-1000.

Face value: portraiture in the Age of Abstraction, chief curator and curator of painting and sculpture Brandon Fortune leads a tour of the exhibit. 2 p.m., National Portrait Gallery, Second Floor Exhibit Entrance, Eighth and F streets NW. Free. 202-633-1000.

“Origins,” short lyrical films from Canyon’s beginnings featuring work by the organization’s founding members including “Have You Thought of Talking to the Director?” (1962), “Angel Blue Sweet Wings” (1966), “My Name Is Oona” (1969) and “Hot Leatherette” (1967), among others. 2:30 p.m., National Gallery of Art, West Building Lecture Hall, Sixth Street and Constitution Avenue NW. 202-737-4215.

Guided bike ride, about three hours, led by a National Park Service ranger, with stops to discuss moments in American history; bring your bike, water and snacks; helmets required. 2-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, 900 Ohio Dr. SW. Free. 202-426-6841.

Tango lessons, for adults, learn and practice the Argentine tango with Rendezvous Tango’s Bahman Aryana, all skill levels welcome. 2 p.m. Saturdays through Sept. 27, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW. Free. 202-727-0321.

Full STEAM ahead!, for ages 5-12, a fun, inquiry-based, hands-on experiment and literacy workshop to spark your natural interest in science, technology, engineering, arts and math. 3:30 p.m. Saturdays through Aug. 30, Juanita E. Thornton-Shepherd Park Library, 7420 Georgia Ave. NW. Free. 202-541-6100.

Dana Carvey and Dennis Miller: a comedy concert, 8 p.m., Kennedy Center, Concert Hall, 2700 F St. NW. $39-$125. 202-467-4600.

Sunday, jULY 13

Palisades farmers market, locally grown seasonal produce, music provided by the Sherier Mountain. 9 a.m.-1 p.m., 48th Place and MacArthur Boulevard NW. Admission, free. www.palisadesdc.org .

Battle of Fort Stevens programs, re-enactments, ranger-led walks and talks and the National Park Service’s cutting-edge, portable Civil War museum. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Fort Stevens, 13th and Quackenbos streets NW. Free. 202-895-6070.

Bonsai II workshop, take your skills and your tree and learn how to prune properly, wire and apply design elements to improve its overall design and health. 12:30-3:30 p.m., U.S. National Arboretum, National Bonsai and Penjing Museum, 3501 New York Ave. NE. $39; registration required. 202-245-4521. www.usna.usda.gov .

Family MESS, for ages 3-12 to learn about math, engineering and science through experiments, building and other activities, parental/caregiver participation encouraged. 1 p.m., William O. Lockridge/Bellevue Library, 115 Atlantic St. SW. Free. 202-243-1184.

Bach festival, organist Stephen Ackert and harpist Rebecca Smith perform J.S. Bach’s Preludes and Fugues from the Well Tempered Clavier. 1:30 p.m., Grace Church, Georgetown, 1041 Wisconsin Ave. NW. $20. 202-333-7100 or www.gracedc.org .

Petworth Pacers, walkers age 50 and older should bring a water bottle and face towel; dress in comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing for a low-impact 60-minute walk around the neighborhood. 1:30 p.m., Petworth Library, second-floor Program Room, 4200 Kansas Ave. NW. Free. 202-243-1188.

Battle of Fort Stevens 150th anniversary commemoration, forty Union soldiers that paid the ultimate sacrifice during the Battle of Fort Stevens are permanently interred at Battleground National Cemetery and be honored for their service. 2-4 p.m., Battleground National Cemetery, 6625 Georgia Ave. NW. Free. 202-895-6070.

National Mall architecture walking tour, a National Park Service ranger leads a tour. 2-4 p.m., Washington Monument, Lodge, 15th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. Free. Michael Draper, 202-426-6841.

Join the STEAM team, for ages 6-12 with an interest in science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics and a desire to design, construct, discover and create. 2 p.m. Sundays, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW. Free. 202-727-1278.

Fizz, Boom, Read! the library’s summer program to explore and get creative with STEAM-related crafts. 2:30-4 p.m. Sundays through Aug. 24, Palisades Library, 4901 V St. NW. Free. 202-282-3139.

Classical music recital, pianist Sara Daneshpour performs Cesar Franck’s prelude, chorale and fugue, Schumann’s Variations on the name ABEGG, and Ravel’s Gaspard de la Nuit, part of the Steinway series. 3 p.m., Smithsonian American Art Museum, McEvoy Auditorium, Eighth and F streets NW. Free. 202-633-1000.

Joaquin Miller poetry series, Word Works hosts poetry readings by Jennifer Lambert and Ellen Steinbaum, bring your own or your favorite works for an open mike session, recommended for mature audiences. 3-4:30 p.m., Rock Creek Park Nature Center, 5200 Glover Rd. NW. Free. 202-895-6070.

Smooth jazz and Scrabble, relax to the sounds of many different artists. 3-5 p.m., William O. Lockridge/Bellevue Library, Lounge in the Main Meeting Room, 115 Atlantic St. SW. Free. 202-243-1184.

Board games in the afternoon, for age 10 and older, play board games with your friends or learn to play chess. 3 p.m. Sundays, Northwest One Library, 155 L St. NW. Free. 202-939-5946.

Zumba kids, for ages 4-13, dance to peppy music and follow kid-friendly moves. 3:30 p.m. Sunday and the second and fourth Sunday of every month, Capitol View Library, 5001 Central Ave. SE. Free. 202-645-0755.

“Sweet California,” from vault to screen: Canyon Cinema 16mm, a personal, intricate essay about Robert Nelson’s home state, other films about Californian culture and environment follow. 4 p.m., National Gallery of Art, West Building Lecture Hall, Sixth Street and Constitution Avenue NW. Free. 202-737-4215.

Classical music, participants in the National Symphony Orchestra’s Summer Music Institute perform Saint-Saëns’s “Samson et Delilah,” and Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Sheherazade.” 6 p.m., Kennedy Center, Concert Hall, 2700 F St. NW. Free. 202-467-4600.

Monday, July 14

Tots and tykes yoga, for age 4 and younger with an adult companion, a 45-minute program focused on the growing mobility as the child moves to crawling, standing and walking; rhymes, songs and games accompany the program. 10 a.m., Southeast Library, 403 Seventh St. SE. Free. 202-698-3377.

Therapeutic yoga classes for cancer patients, Corrin Bennett and Alaina Sadick lead patients, survivors and caregivers. 10:30 a.m.-11:45 a.m. Mondays, 6-7:15 p.m. Wednesdays, Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St. NW. $25/month. 202-483-8600 or www.smithcenter.org .

U.S. Botanic Garden lunchtime tour, museum volunteers lead a tour of plants and discuss what manila folders, Chanel No. 5, vanilla and fossil fuels have in common. Also, a discussion of possible breakthroughs in medicinal plant research. Noon, Mondays and Wednesdays through July 28, U.S. Botanic Garden, Conservatory Garden Court, 100 Maryland Ave. SW. Free. 202-225-8333 or www.usbg.gov .

Yoga at West End, Smita Kumar from Yoga District teaches a weekly class, bring a mat or use one of the library’s. 12:30 p.m. Mondays, West End Interim Library, 2522 Virginia Ave. NW. Free; registration required: teresa.sakon@dc.gov or 202-724-8698.

Bioscience in the summer, children in grades 2-3 and 4-6 will build models of plant and animal cells to learn their differences and similarities, how cells are important for life, how bacteria can be both helpful and harmful and more. Grades 2-3, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Grades 4-6, 3-4 p.m., Georgetown Library, 3260 R St. NW. 202-727-0232; and Grades 2-3, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Grades 4-6, 3-4 p.m., Rosedale Library, 1701 Gales St. NE. 202-727-5012. Free.

Meditation and Qigong, Eve Soldinger discusses how to relieve stress and foster a healthy emotional state by using therapeutic meditation. 3:30-4:45 p.m., Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St. NW. $10. 202-483-8600 or www.smithcenter.org .

Mental health and HIV confidential group, for people with HIV and mental-health problems, sponsored by MetroHealth. Transportation tokens and refreshments provided. 3:30 p.m. 1012 14th St. NW. Free. 202-638-0750.

Youth step dance workshops, a two-week class, teaching artist Briana Stuart, Step Afrika!, teaches about the origins and significance of stepping while learning basic movements and techniques, workshops culminate in a demonstration for friends and family at the final class. Children in grades 3-5, 4 p.m.; grades 6-8, 5 p.m., all classes Mondays-Thursdays through July 24, Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, 545 Seventh St. SE. $152. Register: 202-547-6839 or www.chaw.org .

Chess club, instruction open to children and teens. 5:30 p.m. Mondays, Woodridge Library, 1801 Hamlin St. NE. Free. 202-541-6226.

Shaw knitting and crocheting circle, all experience levels welcome, bring needles and yarn to create projects to take home. 6 p.m. Mondays, Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Library, 1630 Seventh St. NW. Free. 202-727-1288.

Piano music, students from the Eastern Music Festival Piano Program perform a variety of works. 6 p.m., Kennedy Center, Millennium Stage, 2700 F St. NW. Free. 202-467-4600.

Mother Delight Rice and her children, author Ronald M. Hirano discusses his biographical work on the first teacher of the deaf in the Philippines, a reception sponsored by Gallaudet University Class of 1957 follows, ASL and voice interpreters present. 6 p.m., Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, Room 215, 901 G St. NW. Free. 202-727-0321.

“Roman Holiday ,” William Wyler’s 1953 romantic film about a princess who escapes her boring, pampered world and falls in love with an American journalist in Rome, starring Audrey Hepburn, Gregory Peck and Eddie Albert. 6:30 p.m., National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Free ticket, one per person, distributed 30 minutes before each show. 202-783-3372.

Yoga for adults, led by a teacher from Yoga Activist, mats provided. 6:30 p.m., Francis A. Gregory Library, 3660 Alabama Ave. SE. Free; registration requested. 202-645-4297.

Knitting and crocheting, all experience levels welcome. 6:30 p.m. Mondays, Francis A. Gregory Library, 3660 Alabama Ave. SE. Free. 202-645-4297.

Zumba class, taught by certified instructor Christine, no experience necessary, all participants must sign a waiver. 7 p.m. Mondays, Southeast Library, 403 Seventh St. SE. Free. 202-698-3377.

Yoga at Georgetown Library, taught by Yoga Activist. 7:15 p.m. Mondays, Georgetown Library, 3260 R St. NW. Free; registration required. erika.rydberg@dc.gov or 202-727-0232.

U.S. Navy Band concert, the Country Current ensemble performs country and bluegrass music favorites. 8 p.m., U.S. Capitol. Free. 202-433-2525.

Tuesday, July 15

Pop-up science: making it real with the Children’s Science Center, a cool Mobile Lab engages and excites children in science and engineering learning and exploration. 10:15 and 11:30 a.m., Discovery Theater at S. Dillon Ripley Center, 1100 Jefferson Dr. SW. $8; ages 2-16, $6; 1 and younger, $3. 202-633-8700 or www.discoverytheater.org .

Guided garden tour: historic and growing, a lively guided walk through the history, horticulture and landscape of the estate. 11:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m., Tudor Place, 1644 31st St. NW. $10. 202-965-0400.

“Folk Music, Archives and Performing: Experiences, Adventures and Great Stories,” a presentation by Joseph C. Hickerson, former archivist and former head of the Archive of Folk Culture at the Library of Congress. Noon, Library of Congress, Madison Building, Mumford Room, 101 Independence Ave. SE. Free. 202-707-5510.

Yoga at noon, led by traditional yoga teacher and therapist Heather Ferris, bring a mat. Noon Tuesdays, Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Library, 1630 Seventh St. NW. Free. 202-727-1288.

Classical music concert, vocalist and pianist Anthony Zwerdling and pianist Charles Staples perform songs of the 1930s by Barber, Ives, Cole Porter and George Gershwin. 12:10 p.m., Church of the Epiphany, 1317 G St. NW. Suggested donation, $10. 202-347-2635, Ext. 20.

Yoga for lunch, bring a mat, instructors from Yoga Activist. 12:30 p.m., Georgetown Library, 3260 R St. NW. Free. Register: Erika.Rydberg@dc.gov. 202-727-0232.

Cathedral tour and tea, a docent-led tour of the highlights of the cathedral, its history, architecture and artworks, plus a traditional English tea and a scenic view of the city from the cathedral tower. 1:30 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday, Washington National Cathedral, Docent Station at the Rear Nave, Wisconsin and Massachusetts avenues NW. $30; reservations required. 202-537-8993, www.allhallowsguild.org or misbister@cathedral.org .

Sketching workshop, bring pencils and a small sketchbook, work with objects on display in the Luce Foundation Center. 2:30-4:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Luce Foundation Center, Eighth and F streets NW. Free. 202-633-1000.

Germs transmission and HIV workshop, for ages 13-19, the Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League offers a series of workshops that focus on how germs are transmitted and how they affect the body, with emphasis on HIV and AIDS, part of the D.C. Public Library Teen Summer Program — Spark A Reaction, earn badges and prizes. 3 p.m., Rosedale Library, 1701 Gales St. NE. Free. 202-727-5012.

Forensic mystery workshop for teens, explore the field of forensic science, in partnership with the National Museum of Health and Medicine, taught by educators with backgrounds in Army medical research. 3 p.m., Tenley-Friendship Library, 4450 Wisconsin Ave. NW. Free; registration required. 202-727-1449.

D.C. Youth Slam Team poetry, for ages 13-19, an exciting poetry workshop. 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW. Free; registration required. Jonathan Tucker, 202-787-5279.

“Mary Poppins ,” Robert Stevenson’s 1964 pioneering film with animation, based on the P.L. Travers story about a perfect nanny and her lovable chimney sweep friend, starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke. 6 p.m., Palisades Library, 4901 V St. NW. Free. 202-282-3139.

Flute Loops concert, internationally acclaimed flutists Nina Assimakopoulos and Matej Grahek and pianist Tadej Horvat perform a blend of multi-cultural works for flute combining classical, jazz, rock, folk, Caribbean, Asian and South American musical influences, includes two world premiere performances by American composer David Taddie and Slovenian composer Črt Sojar Voglar. 6 p.m., Kennedy Center, Millennium Stage, 2700 F St. NW. Free. 202-467-4600.

U.S. Army Band concert, the U.S. Army Blues performs a salute to veterans with Big Band tunes. 6 p.m., National World War II Memorial, 17th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. Free. 703-696-3399.

Yoga in the evening, one-hour lesson, all skill levels welcome, mats provided. 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays through July 29, Northwest One Library, 155 L St. NW. Free. 202-939-5946.

“Shakespeare at 450: A Standing Ovation,” Carol Ann Lloyd Stanger, a Tudor and Renaissance scholar and Folger Shakespeare Library education specialist, discusses the possibly most-read author in history on the 450th anniversary of his birth and uses images and film clips to show some interpretations of the plays that continue to shape our culture. 6:45 p.m., S. Dillon Ripley Center, 1100 Jefferson Dr. SW. $42. 202-633-3030. www.smithsonianassociates.org .

Yoga for teens and adults, Doriel Hall teaches a step-by-step program for beginners’ health and well-being. 7 p.m. Tuesdays, Southwest Library, 900 Wesley Pl. SW. 202-724-4752; and a class taught by a representative from Yoga Activist, geared toward beginners but all are welcome. 7 p.m. Tuesdays, Cleveland Park Library, 3310 Connecticut Ave. NW. 202-282-3080. Free.

Petworth knit and crochet club, a fiber arts club for anyone who wants to knit and crochet with talk and tea. 7:30 p.m., Petworth Library, 4200 Kansas Ave. NW. Free. 202-243-1188.

U.S. Air Force Band concert, the Concert Band and Singing Sergeants perform. 8 p.m., U.S. Capitol (West Steps). Free. 202-767-5658.

Wednesday, July 16

Seniors workout, Carolyn Gichner leads six weeks of a total body workout for active seniors, sponsored by Sibley Senior Association; bring a mat and light weights. 11 a.m. Wednesdays and Fridays, through Aug. 1, Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church, 3401 Nebraska Ave. NW. $60 for one day per week; $100 for two days per week. 202-364-7602.

Microsoft Office software workshops, a three-week series taught by Byte Back. July 16: Intro to Microsoft Word; July 23: Intro to Microsoft Excel; July 30: PowerPoint. 11 a.m., Tenley-Friendship Library, 4450 Wisconsin Ave. NW. Free; registration requested. 202-727-1488.

Job readiness training, James Kendlin assists with constructing a résumé and discusses interview skills and general job readiness. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesdays through Aug. 27, Anacostia Library, 1800 Good Hope Rd. SE. Free. 202-715-7707 or 202-715-7708.

Author discussion, “Kidnapping the Enemy: The Special Operations to Capture Generals Charles Lee and Richard Prescott,” author Christian M. McBurney discusses the American plan as well as other attempts to kidnap high-ranking military officers and government officials during the Revolutionary War. Noon, National Archives, McGowan Theater, Constitution Avenue and Ninth Street NW. Free. 202-357-5000.

Portraits Alive! D.C., Virginia and Maryland teens lead a theatrical tour that brings the Portrait Gallery’s collection to life through an original student-written play that takes visitors on a memorable journey to a variety of portraits as the students perform biographical portrayals of the people represented in various photographs, paintings, drawings, sculptures and prints. Noon and 2 p.m. Wednesday through July 18, National Portrait Gallery, F Street Lobby, Eighth and F streets NW. Free. 202-633-1000.

STEAM Team, for ages 6-18, “Space Exploration with 826DC,” explore science, technology, engineering, arts and math with hands-on activities. 2 p.m. Wednesdays through Aug. 20, Mount Pleasant Library, 3160 16th St. NW. Free. 202-671-3121.

Train your brain games, a fun workout for your brain using puzzles, games and other activities that help prolong healthy functioning, learning, memory, creativity and flexibility in thinking. 3 p.m., Petworth Library, 4200 Kansas Ave. NW. Free. 202-243-1188.

Pennsylvania Avenue: America’s Main Street, a National Park Service ranger leads a walk and reveals some of the avenue’s lesser-known events, places and people. 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Old Post Office Tower, Benjamin Franklin statue, 1100 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Free. 202-606-8691.

Arts in the library, for ages 5-12 to explore their creative side and discover their passion for dance, painting, music and more. 4 p.m. Wednesday and the third Wednesday of each month, Northeast Library, 330 Seventh St. NE. Free. 202-698-0183.

Fizz! Boom Read!, for age 5 and older, participate in a science activity each week. 4 p.m. Wednesdays, Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Library, 1630 Seventh St. NW. Free. 202-727-1288.

Chess for kids, instruction for all ages. 4 p.m. Wednesdays, Cleveland Park Library, 3310 Connecticut Ave. NW. Free. 202-282-3080.

1913 Armory Show Tour, a staff member leads a tour that highlights works by artists who were in the 1913 Armory Show and explores the influence this groundbreaking exhibition had on American artists throughout the 20th century. 5:30 p.m., Smithsonian American Art Museum, G Street Lobby, Eighth and F streets NW. Free. 202-633-1000.

Teen game night, for ages 13-19, play board and Wii games. 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Francis A. Gregory Library, 3660 Alabama Ave. SE. Free. 202-645-4297.

Classical music concert, participants from the National Symphony Orchestra’s Summer Music Institute in small chamber ensembles perform works by Schubert, Brahms, Mendelssohn, Debussy, Shostakovich and Barber. 6 p.m., Kennedy Center, Millennium Stage, 2700 F St. NW. Free. 202-467-4600.

Open mike night, recite your favorite poem, short story or song or one you wrote yourself. 6 p.m., Francis A. Gregory Library, 3660 Alabama Ave. SE. Free. 202-645-4297.

Breast cancer support, for women in treatment for breast cancer, learn relaxation techniques, imagery and cognitive coping skills to help with worry and stress. 6-8 p.m. second Wednesdays, Patient Services Conference Room, fourth floor, Renaissance Building, 5255 Loughboro Rd. NW. Free; registration requested. 202-686-6335.

“The Great Confusion ,” writer and director Michael Maglaras introduces his new documentary film that examines the New York exhibition that exposed Americans to modern art by Cézanne, Renoir, van Gogh and Duchamp as well as works by Americans such as Hartley, Marin and Sheeler, a question-and-answer session follows. 6:30 p.m., Smithsonian American Art Museum, McEvoy Auditorium, Eighth and F streets NW. Free. 202-633-1000.

Foster care information, make a difference in a child’s life by providing a safe, nurturing home for children or teens who are temporarily separated from their families, ideal for those who wish to become foster or resource parents. 6:30 p.m., Takoma Park Library, 416 Cedar St. NW. Free. 202-576-7252.

Historic discovery, Clara Barton’s Missing Soldiers Office: a historical rediscovery on Seventh Street, George Wunderlich, executive director of the National Museum of Civil War Medicine in Frederick, Md., discusses Barton’s remarkable life, work and the rediscovery and restoration of her office, set to open soon as a museum, a forgotten downtown building slated for demolition. 6:45 p.m., Freer Gallery of Art, Meyer Auditorium, Jefferson Drive and 12th Street SW. $57. 202-633-3030. www.smithsonianassociates.org .

Sam Kean: science’s premier storyteller, the man who regularly turns the history of science into sagas filled with adventure, mystery, fascinating people and fun discusses his new book, “The Tale of the Dueling Neurosurgeons: The History of the Human Brain as Revealed by True Stories of Trauma, Madness and Recovery .” 6:45 p.m., S. Dillon Ripley Center, 1100 Jefferson Dr. SW. $25. 202-633-3030. www.smithsonianassociates.org .

A “Sound of Music ” Sing-Along, Jeanne Kelly, leader of the Smithsonian Associates Encore Chorale and head of Encore Creativity, leads participants through the score and screens clips from the iconic movie, the wearing of Lederhosen is optional. 6:45-8:45 p.m., National Museum of the American Indian, Rasmuson Theater, Fourth Street and Independence Avenue SW. $42. 202-633-3030. www.smithsonianassociates.org .

“Last Year at Marienbad ,” Alain Resnais’s 1961 New Wave film in which the past and present are mingled in a puzzling story of a man and woman, an escapade into memory that is unsettling, dreamy and possibly even peopled by ghosts, in French with English subtitles, sponsored by the National Gallery of Art. 7 p.m., French Embassy, 4101 Reservoir Rd. NW. Free. 202-737-4215.

Chess club, for players of all ages and abilities. 7 p.m. Wednesdays, Francis A. Gregory Library, 3660 Alabama Ave. SE. Free. 202-645-4297.

U.S. Air Force Band concert, the Concert Band and Singing Sergeants perform. 8 p.m., Sylvan Theater, on the Washington Monument grounds near 15th Street and Independence Avenue SW. Free. 202-767-5658.

Exploring Pluto and its satellites at the solar system’s frontier, a discussion with Alan Stern, New Horizons team leader, William McKinnon, Pluto scientist, and science writer Dava Sobel. 8 p.m., National Air and Space Museum, Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater, Sixth Street and Independence Avenue SW. Free, reservations suggested. 202-633-1000.

U.S. Marine Band concert, a performance of works by Gustav Holst, Henry Fillmore and Dmitri Shostakovich. 8 p.m. Wednesday and July 17, U.S. Capitol (west terrace). Free. 202-433-4011.

“For a Woman,” Diane Kurys’s 2013 film about a writer in her mid-thirties who knows almost nothing of her own family’s past until her mother’s death, discovering old photos and letters that convince her to take a closer look at the life of her parents, a young couple who met in a concentration camp during World War II, the writer looks into their Jewish history and their ties to Lyon’s communist party, revealing the existence of a mysterious uncle whom everyone seems intent on forgetting entirely, in French with English subtitles. 8 p.m., Avalon Theatre, 5612 Connecticut Ave. NW. $11.50; students, $9; seniors, $8.75; military and age 12 and younger, $8.50. 202-966-6000.

Thursday, July 17

Framework of conservation, Martin Kotler, the American Art Museum’s frame conservator, leads a gallery tour showcasing the variety of frames in the collection and discusses the historical background of these works and his ongoing efforts to preserve them for generations to come. Noon, Smithsonian American Art Museum, G Street Lobby, Eighth and F streets NW. Free. 202-633-1000.

Reconsidering Ian McHarg: the future of urban ecology, landscape architect Ian McHarg advanced the integration of ecology into land planning and design, Ignacio Bunster-Ossa discusses the precepts of a new urban ecology involving the integration of green infrastructure and public art as a way to make compact development the most appealing and sensible choice. 12:30 p.m., National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW. Free; registration required. 202-272-2448. www.nbm.org .

U.S. Air Force Band concert, the Brass Quintet ensemble performs. 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30 p.m., National Museum of American History, Warner Brothers Theater, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. Free. 202-633-1000 or 202-767-5658.

Heirloom garden tours, a horticulturist leads a tour and discusses some of the plants in the museum’s Heirloom garden that were passed down from generation to generation and cultivated in American gardens prior to 1950. 1 p.m. July 17 and 31, Aug. 14 and 28, National Museum of American History, Mall Terrace, Southwest Corner, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. Free. 202-633-1000,

Blue Sky Puppet Theatre, follow Rufus through his adventures in science class with Dr. Science, an interactive puppet show with science, technology, engineering and math. 1:30 p.m., Takoma Park Library, 416 Cedar St. NW. Free. 202-576-7252.

Reptiles Alive!, learn about snake secrets, laugh at lizard stories and turtle tales, meet a live boa constrictor, tortoise, lizard or other animal. Northwest One Library, 155 L St. NW. Free. 202-939-5946.

Operation Valkyrie, a National Park Service Ranger discusses the plot to kill Adolf Hitler, how it came about and its impact on the war. 2 and 4 p.m., National World War II Memorial, 17th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. Free. Call Paul O’Brian, 202-438-7066.

HIV/STI testing, for ages 13-24, hosted by Metro TeenAIDS. 4:30-7:30 p.m., Dorothy I. Height/Benning Library, Meeting Room 2, 3935 Benning Rd. NE. Free. 202-281-2583.

Take 5! Four Cool Blue Maniacs - All Mingus, the Four Cool Blue Maniacs perform jazz by Charles Mingus, paint a canvas to take home as you listen. 5-8 p.m., Smithsonian American Art Museum, Kogod Courtyard, Eighth and F streets NW. Free. Register: www.artjamzdc.com. 202-633-1000.

Anacostia library chess club, for ages 10-16. 6 p.m. Thursdays, Anacostia Library, 1800 Good Hope Rd. SE. Free. 202-715-7707 or 202-715-7708.

“The Mystery of the Centreville Six: Forensics and the Civil War,” local relic hunter, Civil War historian, writer and Washington Post photographer Kevin Ambrose tells a tale that spans 145 years, about the Centreville Six, 6 Yankee soldiers who died at the Battle of Blackburn’s Ford in Northern Virginia, on July 18, 1861 and hastily buried in shallow graves in that town as the Union Army retreated. 6:45-8:45 p.m., National Museum of American History, Warner Brothers Theater, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. $42. 202-633-1000. www.smithsonianassociates.org.

St. Nazaire: The Greatest Raid of All, U.S. Naval Academy history professor Marcus Jones discusses the planning and execution of the March 1942 raid on the heavily defended dry dock of the ocean liner SS Normandie and its consequences in the broader context of World War II, then educator Al Gaspar shows the miniature war-game battlefield created to depict the St. Nazaire raid. 6:45-9 p.m., S. Dillon Ripley Center, 1100 Jefferson Dr. SW. $42. 202-633-3030. www.smithsonianassociates.org.

— Compiled by Gerri Marmer

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