Events September 28-30: Dance Parties, Family Days and Artist Talks

Friday, September 28 Asia After Dark: Asian Soundscape

“Art, drink and be happy;” it’s a simple premise for a fun night. The regular-but-still-too-rare After Dark dance party heads to the Sackler for an evening of drinks, music and art (and, oh yeah, face-painting). Curators Carol Huh and Alexander Nagel will start the night with tours of new exhibitions, which include Jananne Al-Ani’s video installation of aerial views of the Middle East, “Shadow Sites,” and Ai Weiwei’s “Perspectives,” as well as “Nomads and Networks.” Sufficiently inspired by art new and old, you’ll be ready to get down to the digital dance party that is DJ Spooky. Come for the art, stay for the drinks. Or, come for the dancing, stay for the art. Or, come for the drinks, stay for the dancing. Just come. $25 ($30 at the door). 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Sackler Gallery.

Saturday, September 29 Family Day: Hispanics in Science and Aerospace

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, which kicked off September 15, as well as National Aerospace Week, the Air and Space Museum welcomes families to discover the numerous contributions made by Latin Americans to the fields of aviation and space exploration. Hands-on activities and story readings will all be offered in both English and Spanish, in conjunction with the Smithsonian Latino Center. One small step for mankind, pero un salto gigante para la humanidad. Free. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Air and Space Museum, Udvar-Hazy Center.

Sunday, September 30 Luce Artist Talk with Krista Caballero

Stare, frown, step back. Most of us have our art viewing routine down to a thoughtful science. Break the routine with local artist, Krista Caballero, who will add her insight to a conversation on select pieces in the American Art Museum. Caballero, whose works focuses on the creation and identity of the mythic American West, will discuss works in the collection that resonate with her as an artist. Through her perspective, viewers can gain an understanding of the ongoing artistic conversation that occurs across generations, tying together everything from Byzantine icons to French turn-of-the-century advertisements to work from today’s artists. Free. 1:30 p.m. American Art Museum.

For a complete listing of Smithsonian events and exhibitions visit the goSmithsonian Visitors Guide. And download our new Visitors Guide & Tours App for both iPhone and Android. Additional reporting by Michelle Strange.

Leah Binkovitz | | READ MORE

Leah Binkovitz is a Stone & Holt Weeks Fellow at Washington Post and NPR. Previously, she was a contributing writer and editorial intern for the At the Smithsonian section of Smithsonian magazine.