The only thing I can add to this good advice in this thread is to try to find a copy of the City Paper. It's a free tabloid and is rather thick. If you're not offended by 4-letter words in print and ads for adult video stores (not the majority of the paper by any means, but they are pretty obvious), there is a section that lists literally EVERYTHING going on in DC. There is also a good restaurant section and evening entertainment section. You can find them at Metro stations and throughout the city. They are located in gray-colored newspaper machines located right along with the "pay" newspapers.

You also might try the on-line Washington Post.

Have fun! ^