Friday, October 10

There’s no need to go to a museum downtown to experience the D.C. art scene. On the second Friday of every month, Bethesda’s art galleries and studios host the Bethesda Art Walk, a guided tour of fourteen the Maryland suburb’s artistic offerings. Galleries often showcase their special exhibitions for the tour, and many of the locations even provide free food and drink!

The galleries on the tour are open from 6 to 9 p.m. The guided tours, which leave from the Bethesda Metro Center, begin at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call 301-215-6660. Metro: Bethesda (Red line).

Saturday, October 11

You don’t have to wait for Parents Weekend to try Georgetown’s fine cuisine. Today’s “Taste of Georgetown,” an annual food-lover event, features many popular restaurants in the area, including 1789, Café Bonaparte and Filomena. Instead of committing to a full meal at any of these pricey restaurants, you can purchase tasting tickets and sample favorite dishes.

Taste of Georgetown runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is located at Wisconsin Ave. and M St. Tasting tickets cost $5. For more information, visit www.tasteofgeorgetown.com or call 202-298-9222.

Sunday, October 12

Don’t miss the final Sunday of the Eastern Market Music Series, a weekly concert series at the farmer’s market. Sponsored by Capitol Hill Community Foundation, this week the concert series features the Capitol Hillbillies and Rio Garage. Don’t forget to explore the market and pick up some delicious local produce!

The Capitol Hillbillies play at 10:30 a.m. and Rio Garage plays at 1 p.m. The concert will take place at the corner of 7th St. SE and North Carolina Ave. SE. Admission is free. For more information, call 202-549-0744. Metro: Eastern Market (Blue and Orange lines).

Monday, October 13

Use your day off from classes to explore an often-overlooked destination on the National Mall: the U.S. Botanic Garden. Today is the final day to visit the “One Planet – Ours!” exhibit, which focuses on environmental preservation. Check out the various garden displays, as well as “Cool Globes,” a collection of 40 thought-provoking spherical sculptures — all designed to raise environmental awareness.

The Botanic Garden is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is located at 100 Maryland Ave. SW. Admission is free. For more information, call 202-225-8333. Metro: Federal Center SW (Blue and Orange lines).

Tuesday, October 14

If you’re a fan of the music included on The Devil Wears Prada soundtrack, head to the Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda, Md. to see award-winning folk singer-songwriter Ray Lamontagne, whose song “How Come” was featured in the movie. Known for his raspy, soulful voice, Lamontagne has released two albums (Trouble and Till the Sun Turns Black), and his third, entitled Gossip in the Grain, comes out today.

The concert begins at 7 p.m. The Music Center at Strathmore is located at 5301 Tuckerman Lane in North Bethesda, Md. Tickets cost $40. For more information, call 202-397-7328. Metro: Bethesda (Red line).

Wednesday, October 15

From wardrobe malfunctions to yo-yo diets, Janet Jackson is always a source of entertainment. Head to the Verizon Center tonight to see Janet’s newest moves on her Rock Witchu tour. Featuring 35 songs and nine costume changes, the show has received rave reviews since it opened on Sept. 10.

The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. The Verizon Center is located at 601 F St. NW. Tickets cost between $49.75 and $129.75. For more information, call 202-397-7328. Metro: Gallery Place/Chinatown (Green, Yellow and Red lines).

Thursday, October 16

If you believe that art is confined to the right brain and esoteric subjects, think again. “Art & Social Issues,” an exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art, explicitly relates art to the current election and key social issues, showing that art can express concerns about the economy, housing, the environment, immigration and other topics. The exhibit features an array of different media, including paintings, written pieces, photographs, sculpture and videos.

The exhibit runs until Oct. 25 and is open from 1 to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. The Museum of Contemporary Art is located at 1054 31st St. NW. Admission is free. For more information, call 202-342-6230.