Top 5 weekend picks March 8

If you're not going on a warm vacation or home, you can still find fun things to do during your spring break if you're staying in the area. Here are some events that you can do this weekend to get started on your spring break fun. 
 

1. Beethoven Orchestra Bonn
   When: Saturday, March 9 at 8:00 p.m.
   Where: Center for the Arts
   Price: Free with a Mason ID
   
   While some people may make the assumption that classical music is boring, you will forget all of your misconceptions when you see this all-Beethoven concert performance by the German Orchestra Bonn. Having performed full concerts at Carnegie Hall, this orchestra has been hailed by the New York Times and the Washington Post and is sure to give you a stellar performance when they come to George Mason University’s Center for the Arts. The orchestra has been credited with being one of the “key pillars of cultural life” in Beethoven’s hometown when it was founded over a century ago. Performed Beethoven’s hailed Symphony No. 7 and Piano Concerto No. 4, you will surely not want to miss this performance.
    
2. Author & activist Aaron Dixon at Busboys & Poets
   When: Saturday, March 9 from 5:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m.
   Where: Busboys & Poets on 5th & K in Washington D.C.
   Price: Free and open to the public
   
   Even though Black History Month was in February, it’s important to still celebrate the life and work of prominent African Americans in U.S. history. Author and activist Aaron Dixon will be speaking at Busboys & Poets on the rise and fall of the Black Panther movement through is own perspective as a founding member of the group. Since the Black Panther movement, Dixon has founded various non-profits focused at Seattle youth and has run as a Green Party candidate in the state’s 2006 Senate race.
    
3. Washington D.C. Independent Film Festival
   When: March 6 through March 10
   Where: Various locations in Washington D.C.
   Price: Varies by film and location
   
   Showcasing a variety of films ranging from drama, comedy, documentary, or shorts this award-winning festival can spark any movie lover’s interest. If you’re looking to find a unique movie experience outside of the blockbuster, take a peek into some of the featured films at this year’s Washington D.C. Independent Film Festival which often includes discussions with the directors and filmmakers. Screenings are held throughout the city and offer up something for everyone. Check out the list of films being screened along with their location and times at the festival’s website.
    
4. Francophonie Cultural Festival
   When: Now until April 13
   Where: Various locations in and around Washington D.C.
   Price: Varies by event
   
   Each year, the Washington D.C. area opens its doors to the Fracophonie Cultural Festival which highlights six weeks of concerts, theater performances, film, culinary outings, music, and film screenings to celebrate the cultural of French-speaking countries. This is the largest festival in the world celebrating French-speaking culture. It includes events throughout Washington D.C. offering something for everyone.  Check out the full list of events here to find something up your alley in your cultural discovery.
    
5. Movies at University Mall
   When: Every week with times varying
   Where: Unviersity Mall Theaters
   Price: $3 with a a valid student ID
   
   Whether you’re staying in the area or on campus, you can’t pass up a good deal. A favorit movie going spot for Mason students, University Mall offers discount tickets to re-releases of movies for students. This week students can see “The Hobbit,” “Argo,” “James Bond: Skyfall,” and “Wreck-It Ralph.” At just three dollars, students can take advantage of this one of a kind deal if you missed these movies when they were first released.