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1960 Lunch Counter Sit-Ins single. Image courtesy of the Postal Museum.

Friday, February 4: Teenagers are Taking Over the Hirshhorn

If you’re someone aged 12-21 and have a creative streak, come on out to the National Mall where the Hirshhorn is hosting an open mic night. Music, dance, comedy—the sky’s the limit as long as you keep it PG, keep it fun and bring your own equipment. Free, but registration is required. For more information and to sign up, visit the event’s Facebook page. Hirshhorn, 6:30-10:30 PM.

Saturday, February 5: Black History Month 2011 Family Day Celebration

The whole family is invited to the Smithsonian’s kickoff celebration of Black History Month. The day includes the award-winning interactive theatrical presentation “Join the Student Sit-Ins,” performances by the Washington Performing Arts Society, tours of the exhibition The Kinsey Collection: Shared Treasures of Bernard and Shirley Kinsey, the debut of an American Girl self-guided Civil War family tour (“Addy’s World”), and many interactive activities to celebrate family and heritage. Free. American History Museum, 11:30 AM-5:00 PM.

Sunday, February 6: Oaxaca Weaving Workshop

Join artisan Abigail Mendoza for a demonstration of the traditional weaving methods used by Mexico’s contemporary indigenous peoples. Mendoza’s expertise is featured in the documentary Woven Lives: Contemporary Textiles from Ancient Oaxacan Traditions, which examines how traditional art and design play an active role in the cultural sustainability of the Zapotec communities, living in Mexico’s Central Valleys and the Sierras. Her work is available for purchase after the demonstration. Free. American Indian Museum, 11:00 AM-1:00 PM. This event repeats today at 2:00 PM.

For updates on all exhibitions and events, visit our companion site goSmithsonian.com