Things to do for April 28, 2011

The Weekender

Royal Cocktails, Bikes and Half-Smoke Challenges

The weekend has nothing to hide.

Thursday
Wine Country, Delivered... for 42% Off
PERK ALERT

Wine Country, Delivered... for 42% Off

Imagine a wine tasting in Napa Valley. The crowds. The cabernets. Comparing notes with a ringer for Virginia Madsen. But you don’t have time for all that, so we’re getting you six mini-bottles of top-tier vino to try. And giving you $30 towards a bottle of your favorite. Virginia approves.

Cutting the Line at the 9:30 Club
BACKDOOR

Cutting the Line at the 9:30 Club

Your days of lining up in front of the 9:30 Club to get a front-row spot are over. For nearly every show (like Of Montreal tonight), the Backbar downstairs will open an hour before the doors, and drinkers and diners there will get first admittance to the club.

Backbar, 9:30 Club, 815 V St NW, 202-265-0930

Your New Throwback Bike
TWO-WHEELED FURY

Your New Throwback Bike

Bike share is all well and good, but you crave something with a bit more individuality. Like these classic-looking roadsters, assembled in New York City from American steel and sporting leather saddles, cork handles and wooden crates. Which should make your paper route go that much quicker.

Friday
Will, Kate and Whiskey
ANGLOPHILES

Will, Kate and Whiskey

We know you’d never miss the royal wedding. Or at least the chance for some mid-day cocktailing. H Street’s new British haunt is playing the wedding on a loop all day, while hawking drinks like Crown Royal shooters and Pimm’s Cups for $5. So it’s a populist event after all.

Going Gallic in Georgetown
FRANCOPHILES

Going Gallic in Georgetown

With the rest of the world fixated on London, Georgetown is looking across the channel for its annual sidewalk market. Stop into Sherman Pickey for up to 85% off preppy duds, grab a grilled merguez sausage outside Patisserie Poupon and end the day with $6 wine tastings at Bacchus.

Sunday
Half-Smoke Throwdown in Arlington
STILL SMOKIN’

Half-Smoke Throwdown in Arlington

Of course, after a Eurocentric weekend, your thoughts will turn local. By which we mean half-smokes. On this Arlington patio, 11 chefs will compete with their takes on the classic DC dog. It’s Ben’s Chili Bowl vs. the World.

May 1, 3-5pm, $20, Domaso, 1121 N 19th St, 703-351-1211, tickets here

Elsewhere on the Daddy

More Radar in Washington DC