Welcome to the weekend (almost), Greater Washington! We have an awesome variety of events and opportunities, so just follow your interests …

Ready to Volunteer?

Saturday from 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM in Falls Church marks the first day of volunteer training with the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia and you can sign up right here. From 2:00 – 3:30 PM, For Love of Children also welcomes new and returning volunteers to learn about FLOC’s mission, accomplishments, goals, and tutoring programs; email ntorentinos@floc.org for more info. And definitely call Chess Challenge DC (202.560.1467) to learn more about Saturday’s big intramural tournament for all kids enrolled in their program.

Feeling Creative?

Head to Capitol Hill Arts Workshop on Saturday at 10:00 or 11:00 AM for a FREE Eco Art Jewelry Workshop: learn to recycle plastic containers, expired credit cards, and other “trash” into great accessories! From 4:00 to 6:00 PM, you also can get a little messy (aprons are available) and create handmade bowls — to benefit the SOME Empty Bowls Project.

Looking for Dance?

Guess who will be performing before tip-off at the Washington Wizards’ game on Saturday? That would be Joy of Motion Dance Center’s Groove Elements, Urban Impact, and DCypher Dance! You also can catch an open rehearsal of JOMDC’s Classical Repertory Dance Theatre at 6:30 PM on Sunday. At 8:00 PM on Saturday, witness the cultures of Guinea and Bali share the stage in Rhythms of the World at Joe’s Movement Emporium or experience Tzveta Kassabova’s The Opposite of Killing and Betty Skeen’s Geminuspace at Dance Place (also performing at 4:00 PM on Sunday).

Thinking about Theater & Music?

The ultimate story of forbidden love set amid the rhythms of the LA barrio, Oedipus El Rey is onstage at Woolly Mammoth at 8:00 PM on Saturday & Friday and 3:00 PM on Saturday & Sunday. You have another chance to catch Landless Theatre Company’s original Mash-Up Fest at the District of Columbia Arts Center at 10:00 PM on Saturday. Or at 3:00 PM on Sunday, enjoy an afternoon of classical music with the American Youth String Ensemble and at 6:00 PM, experience a diverse range of music from the Youth Symphonic Orchestra — both from the American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras.