Blame it on the bossa nova.

MINGLE
Tropicalia Opens
What: Sidle up to the subterranean LED-lit bar, where bartenders pour cocktails like the Mutantes (coconut cream, rum, and grenadine) and a part sake, part cachaca brain bomb called the Rising Sun.
Why: International beats (Afro house, Italian disco, baile, and more) to fill a passport.
When: Sun., Wed. & Thurs., 7 p.m.-2 a.m.; Fri. & Sat., 7 p.m.-3 a.m.
Where: 2001 14th St. NW, lower lvl., at U St. (202-629-4535).

STRETCH
Pop Pilates on the Patio
What: Human pretzel Chauna Bryant leads a 45-minute mat session ($19) in the courtyard of the Hotel Monaco.
Why: Class ends with a champagne toast and invitation to stay for brunch.
When: Thru Oct. 6. Every Sat., 10 a.m.
Where: Poste Moderne Brasserie, 555 8th St. NW, b/t E & F Sts. (202-783-6060). Preregister at chaunabryant.com.

SCRIBBLE
Small Press Expo
What: Stacks of comics, drawings, and posters from more than 400 independent exhibitors fill the pop-up bookstore.
Why: Geek out over attendees like Daniel Clowes (Ghost World), Chris Ware (Jimmy Corrigan), and the badass Hernandez brothers (Love and Rockets).
When: Sat., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m.
Where: Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, 5701 Marinelli Rd., at Rockville Pke. (301-822-9200). Admission $10-$15.

DECORATE
Urban Essentials Reopens
What: After twelve years on U St., the stockists specializing in furnishings for small spaces have expanded into a 5,400-square-foot shop. New staged rooms display pieces from 40 brands, including TemaHome, Elite, and Bontempi.
Why: Sofa so good.
When: Mon.-Fri., noon-7 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m.
Where: 1401 14th St. NW, at Rhode Island Ave. (202-299-0640).

RESEARCH
“Help! I’m Stuck” Genealogy Clinic
What: Sign up for a free twenty-minute appointment with an expert archivist. Take letters, photos, and Ellis Island inquiries to shimmy up a new branch of your family tree.
Why: Guess who else is a chip off the old block?
When: Sat., noon-4 p.m.
Where: National Archives, 700 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, b/t 7th & 9th Sts., rm. g25 (866-272-6272).

Photo: Courtesy of Tropicalia