Friday, September 21

Think beige is boring? Think again with an evening at Galleries 1054 as they present their second annual “Crème de la Crème” party. Celebrate the opening of their newest gallery, featuring works from many different media, including ceramics and jewelry. Make a fashion statement by dressing in basic beige and enjoy complimentary food and drinks.

The event lasts from 6-8 p.m. Galleries 1054 is located at 1054 31st Street NW.

Saturday, September 22

If you’re already sick of city life, it’s a good time to check out the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo. Highlights of the show include barrel racing, steer wrestling and bull riding. The rodeo is named after Bill Pickett, a former slave who made a name as a cowboy and was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 1989.

Shows begin at 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. The rodeo is at the Show Place Arena and Prince George Equestrian Center, located at 14900 Pennsylvania Ave in Upper Marlboro, Md. Tickets are $17. For more information, call 301-952-7999.

Sunday, September 23

The Kennedy Center is always an amazing venue, but it’s even better when it’s free. The Berlin-based music group 17 Hippies is an ensemble that blends music from France, America and Eastern Europe to create a style that’s funky and eclectic. Their performance on the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage is sure to get your feet moving and heart pumping.

The show begins at 6 p.m. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is located at 2700 F St. NW. Admission is free. Metro: Foggy Bottom-GWU (Blue and Orange lines).

Monday, September 24

If you’ve already seen the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights and the Constitution, you may think you’ve seen the highlights of American history. But with the latest addition to the National Archives — a new exhibit called “Public Vaults” — you’re history lesson has just begun. The collection features a sampling of various documents from the Archives, including a wax-cylinder recording of Teddy Roosevelt and handwritten telegrams from Abraham Lincoln.

The exhibit is ongoing. The National Archives and Records Administration is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and is located at Constitution Ave. and 17th St. Admission is free. Metro: Achieves-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter (Yellow and Green lines).

Tuesday, September 25

Get some life advice from a Hollywood actor who stays out of the tabloids. Alan Alda, star of The West Wing and The Aviator, presents his new book of essays, Things I Overheard While Talking to Myself, at the Sixth and I Historic Synagogue. The book is a series of essays designed to help the reader find the answers to some of life’s biggest philosophical questions.

The lecture begins at 7 p.m. The Sixth and I Historic Synagogue is located at 600 Eye St. NW. Tickets are $6. Metro: Gallery Place-Chinatown (Red, Green and Yellow lines).

Wednesday, September 26

Can living in the suburbs kill you? The answer is yes, according a panel of environmental and architectural experts. They tackle that question and many more during a discussion on the perils of living in the 21st century, located at the National Building Museum.

The panel is from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The National Building Museum is located at 401 F St. NW. Admission is $12 for students. Metro: Judiciary Square (Red line).

Thursday, September 27

Combine fashion, fun and fair trade at the International Ethical Fashion Show, part of D.C.’s Fashion Week. Models will be presenting fashions from around the world that are created using ethical and fair practices. Before the show, there will also be a Fair Trade Trunk Show, giving you a chance to purchase some of your favorite items.

The trunk show begins at 6 p.m. and the fashion show begins at 7:30 p.m. The event is at the Galleria at Lafayette Center, located at 1155 21st St. NW. Tickets are $25. For more information call 202- 263-8492. Metro: Foggy Bottom-GWU (Blue and Orange lines).