AT THE SMITHSONIAN

Events June 22-24: Choctaw Days, Hollywood Classics and a Day at the Zoo

This weekend, celebrate the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, watch some Hollywood classic films and take the kids to the zoo

June 21, 2012

The National Zoo’s newest addition, a baby howler monkey. Image courtesy of Janice Sveda/the National Zoo

Friday, June 22 Choctaw Days

The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma celebrates its tribal history and heritage with four days of food, workshops and performances. The event will honor the tribe’s rich military tradition, including a discussion of a competition called “Little Brother of War,” which was a lacrosse-like game that was played to settle disputes before declaring war. Other activities include Native dance and singing performances, storytelling programs and booths showcasing bead work, pottery, flutes, the Choctaw language and tribal cooking. Free. 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m through Saturday June 23. Part of the series Choctaw Days. National Museum of the American Indian.

Saturday, June 23 The Outlaw Josey Wales

While all of big summer Hollywood films are hitting theaters, there is nothing like watching the classics. This Saturday, as a part of the the Classic Film Festival Series at the American History Museum, come check out the screening of The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976, directed by Clint Eastwood). The film takes place at the end of the Civil War when a group of union soldiers called the “Red Legs” is terrorizing Missouri farmers, killing, pillaging and plundering homesteads. One farmer, Josey Wales (Clint Eastwood), joins a Confederate guerrilla unit and takes revenge on the Union soldiers who murdered his family. Get there at 1:00 p.m. for a pre-screening discussion with NPR film commentator Murray Horwitz, who will highlight historical things to look for in this classic Hollywood movie. The screening begins at 2:00 p.m. Warner Brothers Theater, American History Museum.

Sunday, June 24 What do Zoo Animals Eat?

Need a place to take the kids this Sunday? The hot weather should break soon and so we recommend the National Zoo where they can see all of their favorite animals—especially the new baby howler monkey. Find out what time the animals get to eat at the Zoo’s daily calendar and be there to watch. Animal feedings take place every day, beginning at 10:00 a.m. with the fish feedings at the Kids’ Farm. Watch up to six feedings a day, including the giant Pacific octopus at the Invertebrate House at 11:00 a.m. and 3p.m. and the small mammals at their house at 1:30 p.m. Don’t be late; the feedings last only 15 to 20 minutes. Free. National Zoo.

For a complete listing of Smithsonian events and exhibitions visit the goSmithsonian Visitors Guide. Additional reporting by Michelle Strange.