After a week of rain and humidity, it looks like a beautiful weekend in Washington. In between Saturday brunch and Sunday Funday, there are several events for history buffs and Echostage regulars alike, and I’ve got the details in this week’s Washington Times column, available in the print edition, in PDF format, and below. Don’t forget to call your Dad on Sunday, too!

Celebrate Flag Day at the National Museum of American History (Credit: Smithsonian)

Get Out: The Week’s Pocket Picks for June 13, 2014

The Washington Times

By Samantha Sault

Pick of the Pack: Flag Day at the American History Museum

On June 14, 1776, the Second Continental Congress adopted the red-white-and-blue flag with a circle of 13 stars as the official flag of the United States less than a month before the signing of the Declaration of Independence. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson declared June 14 “Flag Day,” and while it’s not a federal holiday, it’s a perfect occasion to remember the history and importance of the flag. On Saturday, the Smithsonian National Museum of American History—home of the Star-Spangled Banner that inspired Francis Scott Key to pen the poem of the same name—will celebrate the holiday with several special events. At 2:30 p.m., enjoy a concert featuring R&B star Brian McKnight, a 400-voice choir and the U.S. Air Force Band and Singing Sergeants, a performance that will conclude with viewers around the world simultaneously singing the national anthem. Saturday at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, 14^th St. & Constitution Ave. NW. 202/633-1000. Web: americanhistory.si.edu. 

Comedy: DC Shorts Laughs

Washington political junkies think they’re hilarious—just look at the snark on Twitter following this week’s primary races. Some Washingtonians actually are quite humorous, and this weekend, you can see a few of the funniest. The DC Film Alliance, an organization devoted to supporting local filmmakers and events, will showcase short comedy films along with live performances by contestants in the Funniest Feds competition, which seeks to find the staffers with the best sense of humor. The 90-minute shows will start at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., and proceeds will benefit the Alliance’s DC Shorts Film Festival in September. If you’d prefer a movie night, the DC Film Alliance website has more than 250 short films available for free. Friday and Saturday at the Burke Theater at the U.S. Navy Memorial and Naval Heritage Center, 701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. 202/737-2300. Web: dcshorts.com. 

Festival: The Union BBQ

If you’re an apartment dweller, a cookout is a special treat—and you’ll accept any summer invitation where there might be a grill or smoker involved. This weekend, however, city denizens can get their barbecue fix at the Union Market, which has teamed up with the U Street Music Hall for a day of food and music. The Union BBQ will feature two stages of local, national and international electronic music artists including Jamie xx from London, Kaytranada from Haiti and Viceroy, who reached No. 1 on Spotify, along with local favorites like DJ Will Eastman, DJ Lisa Frank and others. While you’re there, several local food vendors will supply barbecue and other bites for meat lovers and vegetarians alike. Participants include Hill Country Barbecue, 13^th Street Meats, DCity Smokehouse, Toki Underground, The Brixton, El Rey, Dolcezza Gelato, and more. Saturday at Union Market, 1309 5^th St. NE. 800/680-9095. Web: unionbbqdc.com.

Theater: Side Show

The 1998 Tony Awards marked the first and only time that two actresses were co-nominated for Best Actress in a Musical when Alice Ripley and Emily Skinner were recognized for their co-starring roles as conjoined twins in “Side Show.” Beginning Saturday, the Kennedy Center will revive the acclaimed musical, with several new songs and new characters in the mix. With lyrics by Bill Russell and music by Henry Krieger (“Dreamgirls”), “Side Show” is based on Daisy and Violet Hilton, real-life circus performers of the 1930s who rose from “circus freaks” to vaudeville starlets. The sisters, now portrayed by Erin Davie and Emily Padgett, couldn’t be more different, but they know they want to move on to bigger and better venues, and most importantly, find love. Can the sisters have a successful Hollywood career—or even just a normal life? Through July 13 at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F St. NW. 800/444-1324. Web: kennedy-center.org. 

Dining: Crab Cake Competition

If Dad loves crab, you might be considering getting a bushel and some beers to celebrate Father’s Day. But if he’s a foodie, you should take him out to try some of the best crab cakes in the Washington area. On Sunday the American Institute of Wine and Food (AIWF) will join Wolfgang Puck’s The Source to host the ninth-annual crab cake competition. This year eight chefs will compete to cook up the best crab cake using certified Maryland blue crab, and the winner will receive funds to support an intern. The participants include chefs from the city’s most buzzed-about restaurants: Beauchert’s Saloon, Doi Moi, Iron Gate Inn, Le Diplomate, Minibar, Osteria Morini, Passion Fish and Ris. In addition to tastes of all the crab cakes, you’ll also enjoy food from local oyster bars, beer and wine, and raffle items. The proceeds will benefit the AIWF’s scholarships, internships and educational programs for budding chefs. Sunday at the Source, 575 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. 917/744-6172. Web: aiwf.org.

© Copyright 2014 The Washington Times, LLC and Samantha Sault