Bossa Nova, Indie Rock, Avenue Q, Paint This and Foster Parenting

You've made it to Thursday West Enders, and the weekend is just on the horizon. Here's a few suggestions of what to do today in and around your neighborhood.

Enjoy an evening concert by Jason Paul Curtis & Swing Lab performing American songbook, jazz, swing and bossa nova. The event is part of the Carlyle Music at Twilight Concert series. 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., John Carlyle Park, 300 John Carlyle St. Special Events Hotline, 703-746-5592.

Rock out with indie rock, punk rock, dreamy shoe gazers and other up-and-coming bands at the long-running and free Fort Reno Park concerts. The series wraps up for the summer on Thursday from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The park is located at Chesapeake Street and Nebraska Avenue in Northwest Washington, DC.

Avenue Q, the Tony Award-winning musical comedy featuring racy puppets and rowdy songs is in the midst of its run at The Little Theatre of Alexandria (600 Wolfe St.). A performance of the coming-of-age tale will be presented at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $22. For mature audiences only.

Paint your own pottery. Trying to find things for the kiddos to do on a rainy day or for some quiet time? There are paint your own pottery places all around the Washington area including Paint This! located at 1013 King St. in Old Town Alexandria. It's not just for kids, either.

Considering becoming a foster parent? Join the Foster Parent information meeting at Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St., from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Participants will learn about the approval process, agency requirements, information about children who are in foster care and steps to become licensed resource parents. The event is free. For more information, contact Christine Levine, 703-746-5858.