If the line, “feed me, Seymour,” evokes a familiar chill down your spine, grab tickets to the opening of Little Shop of Horrors and see Audrey II at her finest as a carnivorous Venus fly trap at Ford's Theatre (511 10th St., NW; 202/347-4833; fords.org). The familiar tunes of this Broadway musical will have you tapping your feet and maybe even humming along—and definitely make you rethink that spring commitment to gardening.  Details: Tickets range from $39 to $55. Available online or by phone.

Don’t miss any of the great events during the opening weekend of In the Realm of Buddha, celebrations dedicated to the sacred arts of Tibetan Buddhism at the Freer and Sackler Galleries (1050 Independence Ave., SW; 202/633-1000; asia.si.edu). It kicks off Friday night with the world premiere of Buddha, a two-hour documentary narrated by Richard Gere. Between the Gyal-Shay dancers, lectures from experts and musical interludes, there’s plenty to choose from. Stop by to witness the making of a mandala (not to be confused with a mandolin) from a master of spiritual and meditation development—he’ll be working on it until March 20. Details: All events are free. Full listing of events available on web site.

Sip on sake while taking in the latest Asian couture at The Textile Museum (2320 S St., NW; 202/667-0441; textilemuseum.org) at its Gallery Talk Friday night. Associate Curator of the museum Lee Talbot will lead a tour of “Contemporary Japanese Fashion: The Mary Baskett Collection,” featuring avant-garde styles based on traditional Japanese staples such as the kimono or obi sash. Attendees can sample several different varieties of the Japanese libation, made from rice wine, offered prior to the tour. Details:  Advance registration required, $45 fee for members, $55 for nonmembers. Call 202/667-0441 ext. 64 to register.

Think you’re the next Brad Pitt or Sandra Bullock? Put your A-list hat on and stop by the Round House Theatre’s Education Center Free for All Fridays (925 Wayne Ave., Silver Spring, Md.; 301/585-9696; roundhousetheatre.org). Through March 26, the center offers free beginner acting classes for all ages every Friday. The hour-long class will be taught by a pro, so you’ll walk out ready for the Oscars—or at least entertainment for your next dinner party. Details: Class is held from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. No registration required.

Celebrate St. Paddy’s weekend with books, not beer (OK, indulge afterwards) at the DC Irish Writers Festival at one of three venues, hosted by Solas Nua (solasnua.org). The inaugural festival runs through March 15, with free public events featuring eight contemporary writers who’ll share their creative processes and read excerpts from their work. Details: Events are held at Busboys and Poets, The Arts Club of Washington and the Goethe-Institut. Check Solas web site for festival details and addresses.

Celebrate the Emerald Isle at the 39th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade Sunday afternoon (dcstpatsparade.com). The parade features Clydesdales, local heroes, green and white holiday floats and mile-long motorcades. Really into the parade scene? Snag grandstand tickets for $10 to ensure you don’t miss any of the action in special elevated seats next to the judge’s stands. Details: Parade begins at noon on Constitution Avenue and will end on 17th Street, lasting about two and a half hours.