We were lucky to have an un-swampy summer in Washington, D.C., this season, but alas, we’re in for high heat and humidity during this first full weekend of September. And just by chance, all of my picks for this weekend and the week ahead take place indoors, where you’ll probably want to stay until the fall weather comes around for real. Check them out in the Washington Times print edition, in PDF format, and below.

Washington Times Get Out: The Week’s Pocket Picks for September 5, 2014

By Samantha Sault

Pick of the Pack

Pick of the Pack: DC Shorts
The leisurely days of summer are gone, but you can still squeeze in a movie between work or school hours. The 11th DC Shorts Film Festival, beginning Thursday, will feature 135 short films from 25 countries that range in length from two minutes to half an hour long, so even the busiest Washingtonians have time to catch a few. This year’s festival includes several world premieres like “Heal H Street,” which examines the gentrification of Washington’s H Street Northeast, and “Fondly, Maggie,” an intimate look at the life and wisdom of an 89-year-old woman. The festival will include Q&A sessions and cocktail receptions with the filmmakers, as well as a competition in which viewers can vote for selected screenplays to win $2,000 to produce a film for next year’s festival. The screenings will be at several locations, including the E Street Cinema in Penn Quarter and the Angelika Film Center in Fairfax. If you’re short on time, purchase access to watch more than 100 of the films on the festival website. Through Sept. 21 citywide. 202/393-4266. Web: dcshorts.com.

DC Short Film Festival begins Thursday. (Courtesy DC Shorts)

Theater: The Shoplifters
“Life is a supermarket. We wander it—sometimes shopping, sometimes pilfering—gathering what pleasure, necessities, hope and joys can fill up our baskets before we head, as eventually we must, to the check out,” Morris Panych says of the inspiration for his play “The Shoplifters,” which makes its world debut Friday at Washington’s Arena Stage. Starring Tony Award nominee Jayne Houdyshell (“Follies”) and Delaney Williams (HBO’s “The Wire”), the play follows Alma, who has made a living as a “career shoplifter”—until she gets caught by security guard Otto and his protégé Dom. While you might think you can’t relate to a shoplifter, you’ll find yourself laughing out loud during this dark comedy about the commonalities between humans of all socio-economic classes. The playwright, who also directed the show, has earned several awards for his plays including “The Ends of the Earth” and “Girl in the Goldfish Bowl.” Through Oct. 19 at the Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St. SW. 202/488-3300. Web: arenastage.org.

Shopping: Museum Shop Sidewalk Sale
The weather still may be warm, but it’s not too early to start your holiday shopping. On Saturday, the Kennedy Center will join with nearly a dozen local museums to host a “Sidewalk Sale” with deep discounts for merchandise such as art prints, books, jewelry, housewares, holiday items and other unique finds. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., visit the Kennedy Center’s atrium to shop the National Zoo for the wildlife lover, the International Spy Museum for the budding intelligence agent, or the Shakespeare Theatre Company for the literature fan, among others. Stick around for the free 6 p.m. Millennium Stage performance of traditional Japanese dance and martial arts hosted by the Okinawa Prefectural Government. Saturday at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F St. NW. 800/444-1324. Web: kennedy-center.org.

Comedy: Charlie Murphy
Comedy fans undoubtedly know Eddie Murphy, the former “Saturday Night Live” cast member and Academy Award nominee best known for decades of film work including “Beverly Hills Cop” and “The Nutty Professor.” You should also get to know his equally funny big brother. Charlie Murphy began his career as a cast member on Comedy Central’s “Chapelle Show,” in which he made a name for himself for his “True Hollywood” sketches telling uproarious tales from life in his little brother’s entourage. Charlie Murphy has been featured in films including “The Perfect Holiday” and “Lottery Ticket,” along with several Comedy Central stand-up specials. His world tour stops at the Howard Theatre for two nights this weekend. Saturday and Sunday at the Howard Theatre, 620 T St. NW. 202/803-2899. Web: thehowardtheatre.com.

Arts: NextNow Festival
The University of Maryland is developing the next generation of innovative artists — and perhaps you’ll discover the next big star when the university’s Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center welcomes a new school year and performing arts season with a four-day festival. The free event will feature theater, music, dance and arts workshops produced by professionals as well as university students, professors and alumni. It opens Thursday evening with funk and brass house trio Too Many Zooz and Pearsonwidrig Dancetheater’s “A Curious Invasion,” a mystery story told by vibrant dancers. Before you head to the home football game against West Virginia on Sept. 13, stop by the Arts Tailgate for outdoor performances and other creative pursuits in the parking lot. While you’re on campus, check out exhibitions by art students, browse the costume shop and library clearance sales, and visit the outdoor lounge featuring music and cocktails. Through Sept. 14 at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center at the University of Maryland, College Park, Md. 301/405-ARTS. Web: theclarice.umd.edu.

© Copyright 2014 The Washington Times, LLC and Samantha Sault