Washington, D.C. - April 16, 2009

The Weekend Guide

What to Do This Weekend

The pages just keep turning.

GATHER
Vertigo Books Wake & Potluck
What: Take food or drinks and bid farewell to the indie bookstore before it closes on April 25.
Why: Storewide discounts and a tribute to one of the coolest literary havens around.
When: Sat., 5 p.m.
Where: 7346 Baltimore Ave., College Park (301-779-9300)

SEE
Secret Garden
What: Tom Block’s mystifying arrangement of more than 200 art panels inspired by Sufi mystics depicts universal harmony in a modern world.
Why: That’s a really nice idea.
When: Thru May 8. Reception, Thurs., 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Where: Washington Project for the Arts, 2023 Massachusetts Ave. NW, b/t 2oth & 21st Sts. (202-234-7103).

WATCH
International Film Festival
What: Dozens of globe-spanning movies, including the Japanese Oscar winner Departures.
Why: Travel without the red eye.
When: Thurs.-Apr. 26.
Where: Participating theaters at filmfestdc.org.

EXPLORE
DC Design House
What: The opening tour of a 19th-century Georgetown rectory transformed in 40 days by top D.C. interior designers.
Why: Ticket sales benefit the Children’s National Medical Center.
When: Sat.-May 10. Tues.-Fri., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 1-5 p.m.
Where: 3238 O St. NW, b/t Potomac St. & Wisconsin Ave.

READ
Bethesda Literary Festival
What: Authors, journalists, and literature lovers come together for a poetry slam, readings, and book signings.
Why: It’s a novel activity.
When: Fri.-Sun.
Where: Schedule online at bethesda.org.