Admit it: You thought the Kennedy Center and the White House had cornered the market on arts honors in Washington. But just as it does with most of the big national stuff, the District has its own scrappy civic equivalent. In this case it’s the Mayor’s Arts Awards. Awards aren’t limited to the artists themselves, of course; institutions, patrons, presenters, and educators get their fair share of official kudos as well. Among the performers are D.C. staples like the National Hand Dance Association, and homegrown hip-hop talents Poem-Cees (above) and Christylez Bacon. MORE>> (Michael J. West)

The Mayor’s Arts Awards begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U St. NW. Free. Reserve seats at mayorsartswards.eventbrite.com. (202) 724-5613.

EAT THIS

Uptown Tap House is making its debut in the Cleveland Park space previously occupied by Ireland’s Four Fields. Today through Saturday, the restaurant is celebrating with a number of specials. Dinners will include half-off appetizers and raw bar items as well at $10 wine flights. Cocktail hours will have passed hors d’oeurvres, half-off raw bar items as well as free mixed drinks, beer, and wine from 9-10 p.m. and half-off drinks from 10 p.m to 12 a.m.  To attend, RSVP to uptownshanadc@gmail.com with your name, number of guests in your party, event preference (dinner or cocktail), and preferred seating time. Space is limited. Uptown Tap House, 3412 Connecticut Ave. NW; (202) 244-2030; uptowntaphousedc.com. (Jessica Sidman)

OH AND ALSO

Locally formed EDM duo Nadastrom—-they of Moombahton fame—-are celebrating their fifth anniversary with a late-night set in the 9:30 Club’s intimate Backbar. 10 p.m. at 9:30 Club, 815 V St. NW.

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