Charles Schulz’s cartoon characters come to life as the Olney Theatre Center begins its run of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney, 301-924-4485; olneytheatre.org

Don’t miss a chance to shop for a good cause at Bloomingdale’s Fashionable Fundraiser for Mentoring USA, a national nonprofit organization that helps foster mentoring relationships for at-risk youths. In-store and online purchases count toward Bloomingdale’s donation to Mentoring USA, so head out to Chevy Chase or Tyson’s Corner to make your contribution. 5300 Western Ave., Chevy Chase and 8100 Tyson’s Corner Center, McLean, 240-744-3700 and 703-556-4600; bloomingdales.com

Celebrate the DC achievements of the American Heart Association in black-tie style at the 2012 Heart Ball. Join over 600 physicians and community leaders at the Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner for dinner, dancing, entertainment, and auctions. 1700 Tysons Boulevard, McLean, 703-248-1745; dcheartball.com

With a film lineup that rivals Sundance and Cannes, and moderated discussions by AOL, Discovery, National Geographic and PBS, the Washington DC Independent Film Festival is a local treasure. Nightly musical performances will follow screenings as part of the aptly timed Washington D.C. Independent Music Festival. Through March 4. Navy Memorial Heritage Center, 701 Pennsylvania Ave., NW; dciff.org

Off the Cuff joins One Medical, Washington's very own health-care-by-design innovator, to host An Evening of Cocktails, Classic Style & Health at Clyde's of Gallery Place (5 - 7 PM). Meet the minds behind DC's best menswear and get a complimentary one-year membership to the health center. 707 7th Street, NW, 202-349-3700; offthecuffdc.com/cocktails-classic-style

Shopping has never been more rewarding. Visit Nordstrom and win two free tickets to watch Titanic in 3D when purchasing Charriol pieces. facebook.com/CHARRIOLUSA

Rising young stars shine at DC College Access Program’s A Night of CAP-ital Stars performance and reception at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Purchase advance gala tickets to see ten of DC’s public and charter high school students showing off their greatest talents, with a winner to be chosen by the audience and a panel of celebrity judges. 2700 F St. NW, 202-248-1930; contest.sapphiretec.com

Sample 10 wines for $10, or a three-course lunch with wine pairings for $50, at Smith & Wollensky's 50th Anniversary of Wine Week. Through March 9th, smithandwollensky.com/news/view/id/188

This year, Prevent Cancer Foundation’s 18th Annual Spring Gala: Modern + Majestic = Switzerland will be Honoring the Ambassador of Switzerland. Held at the National Building Museum, this gala helps the foundation raise money for cancer research, education, and outreach. 401 F St. NW, 703-519-2103

Join Georgetown’s Urban Chic for its “Urban Chic Says I Do” party. Meredith Liberty will help you plan bridal party looks, while Ipsa will be working on hair and Nectar Beauty Bar will give you makeup tips. Fluffy Thoughts Cakes will also offer tasty treats to sample. 1626 Wisconsin Ave NW, 301-657-0290; urbanchiconline.com

Looking to do some home renovation this spring? Don’t miss Ty Pennington at the Washington Home & Garden Show. Learn the perfect way to make over your home from hundreds of experts in home design, gardening, and remodeling. Walter E. Washington Convention Center; washingtonhomeandgardenshow.com

It’s time to honor the charitable work done by the Spanish Catholic Center of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington at the 2012 Spanish Catholic Center Gala. With dinner by Café Milano and a night of live music and dancing, it’s sure to be a fitting celebration. 17th Street and Constitution Avenue, 202-772-4334; catholiccharitiesdc.org/SCCgala

Head to Snapshot Confidential: Dancers and Photography at the Phillips Collection to see art in motion. Choreographer and artist-in-residence at CityDance, Christopher K. Morgan takes the exhibit’s photographs and brings them to life. 1600 21st St. NW, 202-387-2151; phillipscollection.org

Put on your finest pink for the sixth annual Pink Tie Party at the Mayflower Hotel, a fundraiser and opener to the centennial celebration of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. It’s the perfect way to kick off the spring season. 1127 Connecticut Ave. NW, 877-442-5666; nationalcherryblossomfestival.org

Visit the Strathmore to see Ethan Bortnick and His Musical Time Machine. The hottest ticket in the music world since he picked up a violin at age three, Bortnick is sure to stun audiences in DC as he plays pieces ranging from Bach to Billy Joel. 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, 301-581-5100; strathmore.org

Through June, Michel Richard Citronelle is offering a series of wine classes for both beginning and seasoned wine connoisseurs led by sommelier Laurent Lala. 202-625-2150; citronelledc.com

Indulge in your love for France and watch Paris: the Luminous Years at the Phillips Collection, a film exploring Paris between 1905 and 1930. Directed by Perry Miller Adato, who will be answering questions following the screening, this cinematic gem reveals the city’s rich cultural history. 1600 21st St. NW, 202-387-2151; phillipscollection.org

Don’t miss a true vocal legend as Patty LaBelle, a two-time Grammy winner and the original Lady Marmalade, plays at the Strathmore. Singing a wide variety of pop, jazz, blues, and spiritual songs, LaBelle will not disappoint during her weekend stay. 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, 301-581-5100; strathmore.org

It’s time for the 2012 Fashion Fights Poverty Dress Responsibly Gala. Benefiting Fashion Fights Poverty programs, the show features several of the hottest eco-friendly and ethical designers today. 1101 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, 571-969-3121; fashionfightspoverty.org