Evening Star Cafe's Big Birthday Party, Friday through Sunday
Evening Star Cafe's birthday celebration this weekend is significant for two reasons. First, the restaurant is marking 15 years of serving Del Ray. How many restaurants survive 15 years? Second, Evening Star is going large with its Big Birthday Party, celebrating for three days.
"For the 15th, it's kind of a big anniversary," said Evening Star Cafe general manager Steve Greksouk. "We wanted to knock it out of the park."
Greksouk, who grew up in Alexandria, has worked at Evening Star since January 2011. He said that Evening Star's patrons have grown along with the establishment. Young 20-somethings looking for a night out in 1997 now have families. Greksouk said that was the idea behind offering three different days of celebration.
On Friday, enjoy a '90s dance party, hearkening back to the decade that saw the birth of Evening Star, in the No. 9 Lounge. Greksouk added that the newly renovated lounge features an expanded beer selection.
On Saturday the fun continues with a barbecue block party featuring local brew (including Port City's Derecho Common debut) and live music.
The weekend winds down on Sunday with complimentary coffee and beignets followed by a two-course supper prepared by new chef Jim Jeffords.
Greksouk added that Evening Star's longevity can be attributed to its customers' loyalty.
"It was here when there was not much else," Greksouk said of the neighborhood when the restaurant first opened in 1997. "Since then, it's blossomed."
When: Friday dance party doors at 6 p.m., dancing at 9 p.m.; Saturday's block party runs from noon to 5 p.m.; and Sunday's complimentary coffee and beignets runs from 9 a.m. to noon and the supper starts at 5:30 p.m.
Info: eveningstarcafe.net
Open House at Signature Theater, Saturday
Signature Theater in Shirlington holds its annual open house this weekend. Enjoy a free show every 15 minutes on one of Signature's four stages, plus check out the fun on the Plaza. On Saturday, theater patrons will also have the opportunity for half off select shows in the 2012-2013 season.
When: Noon, Saturday
Info: The Open House is free; signature-theatre.org
Summer Spirit Festival at Merriweather, Saturday
The Summer Spirit Festival features an impressive line up. Erykah Badu, Common, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, Estelle, a Chuck Brown tribute and more.
When: 3 p.m., Saturday
Info: $44 to $125; merriweathermusic.com
Run For Cover Benefit Show at the Black Cat, Saturday
Local musicians gather this weekend for a night of tributes and covers. The show is a benefit for Girls Rock! D.C., a non-profit rock 'n' roll camp for girls ages 8 to 18.
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Info: $10; blackcatdc.com and girlsrockdc.org
Salsa Leadership Awards Dance Party at Artisphere, Saturday
Begin with a dance lesson at 8 p.m. Then you'll be ready for the dance party that starts at 9 p.m., featuring music from DJ Bruno, DJ Steve Greene and DJ Tito Morales. There will also be a tribute to local salsa leaders.
When: Lessons at 8 p.m., party at 9 p.m.; Saturday
Info: $10 in advance, $15 day of; artisphere.com