Summer Guide: Dare to Be Different

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LET YOUR FREAK FLAG FLY and unleash your inner quirkster with these offbeat happenings.

» OPERATION SPY:
A nuclear device has gone missing, and it needs to be relocated before (cue ominous music) ... it ends up in the wrong hands. Sound like a task for Jack Bauer? Wrong! It's up to you and your U.S. Intelligence teammates in this new one-hour virtual-reality exhibit to decipher the clues.
» International Spy Museum, 800 F St. NW; opens June 1, $14 or $24 with regular museum admission; 202-393-7798. (Gallery Place-Chinatown)

» CAPITAL FRINGE FESTIVAL:
What if the art at the Hirshhorn could walk and talk? That's what you get with this 10-day event, now in its second year, which aims to enlighten and enliven with an astounding array of live performances.
» Various locations throughout Washington; July 19-29, tickets TBD.

» U.S. AIR GUITAR COMPETITION:
Ever think you could channel Slash, but when you plugged your axe into an amp it turned out to be nothing more than a loud and screechy mess? Never fear — the D.C. round of the US Air Guitar Competition is here. Grab your hot pants and do your windmill best.
» 9:30 Club, 815 V St. NW; June 6, tickets TBD; 202-483-5000. (U Street-Cardozo)

» PALACE OF WONDERS ONE-YEAR, ALL-STAR ANNIVERSARY BLOWOUT:
Has it been a year already? The hands-down most eccentric bar in the District (it's not every day your bartender can swallow swords) celebrates its first birthday with a two-day bash.
» Palace of Wonders, 1210 H St. NE; June 29-30, tickets TBD; 202-398-7469.

» DELIRIUM: A CIRQUE DU SOLEIL LIVE MUSIC CONCERT:
Reeeemiiiiiiiix! Now that the public has been able to take a breath after the original bonanza that is Cirque du Soleil was unleashed, be prepared to be left awestruck all over again with this live extravaganza. Drawing on the popular music from the first Cirque, the show promises to be a dazzling world music feast for the eyes and ears.
» Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW; June 22-24, 8 p.m., $39.50-125; 202-628-3200. (Metro Center)

» UNDERGROUND CIRCUS:
The wacky theme of the 23rd Annual Kennedy Center Open House Arts Festival is clowning around. This vibrant extravaganza will feature more than 30 performances throughout the Kennedy Center, from local street performers to Pittsburgh's Zany Umbrella Circus.
» Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F St. NW; Sept. 8, 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m., tickets TBD; 202-467-4600. (Foggy Bottom)

» VIDEO GAMES LIVE:
Indulge both your inner music snob and game geek when this first-of-its-kind traveling concert experience docks at the Kennedy Center. You'll hear the National Symphony Orchestra play the theme tunes from Zelda to Warcraft, all while watching jaw-dropping special effects. And some not-so-jaw-dropping, like the ultra-old school Pong bit. Don't forget to dress as your favorite gaming character for the costume contest.
» Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F St. NW; June 29-30, 8 p.m., $25-45; 202-467-4600. (Foggy Bottom)

Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images