Sip cocktails for a cause at Kill the Beast, a fundraiser to benefit the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (though you couldn’t be blamed for thinking it’s a Beauty and the Beast reprise, pitchforks and all). The organization will receive a donation for every drink purchased. Thursday 5 to 10 at Midtown Loft. No cover.
Thursday is September 9, also known as 9/9. So what better way to celebrate than a few Magic Hat #9s? The Vermont microbrewery is hosting a party at U Street Music Hall Thursday, complete with a DJ, raffles, and three pints of Magic Hat for $9. 7 to 10; no cover.
Brush shoulders with the stars of this year’s DC Shorts Film Festival at Thursday night’s Celebrity Party, hosted at Madame Tussaud’s. The event features food from Matchbox and Cowgirl Creamery; an appearance by special guest director Roger Ross Williams (whose Oscar-winning short Music by Prudence is screening at the festival); and libations courtesy of Stella Artois, Ketel One, and Barefoot Wines. Doors open at 9. The $10 ticket includes entry and refreshments.
Fashionistas, take note. This Friday is Fashion’s Night Out in Georgetown, and it’s the perfect chance to freshen up your wardrobe for fall. More than 80 shops, restaurants, and salons along M Street and Wisconsin Avenue are participating. Don’t miss free performances from Cirque du Soleil, free pedicab rides, and food giveaways, and winetastings at Betsey Johnson. 6 to 11.
This weekend, the new Southwest waterfront development the Yards Park is hosting a grand-opening celebration. Events include the opening of the “Beautiful Minds” exhibit (which features more than 60 local artists), henna, children’s crafts, live music, fitness classes, and a fireworks display. Saturday 9 AM to 10 PM. Free.
Herbivores should be sure to check out DC VegFest, a free festival celebrating all things vegetarian. From tasty food vendors such as the late-night favorite Amsterdam Falafel to guest speakers such as NBC-4 anchorwoman Wendy Rieger, the event is a veggie lovers’ paradise. Saturday, noon to 6 at George Washington University’s University Yard. No entry fee; most bites are less than $10.
The 20th Annual Rosslyn Jazz Festival is this Saturday, featuring Grammy Award nominees the Tierney Sutton Band, rock/jazz fusion the Bad Plus, and many others. Gateway Park from 1 to 7. Free.
To mark the bicentennial of Mexico’s independence, the National Gallery of Art is hosting GenMex, a film series showcasing recent works by young Mexican filmmakers. This week’s movie is El Calambre, and it’s about the friendship between an old fisherman and a visiting Frenchman in a coastal Mexican village. Saturday at 4. Free.
Come to the Halfway House (1253 Newton St., NE) Saturday night for an underground rock-and-roll dance party, which is helping to kick off a rage-party trend in Brookland. The DJs Las Bandidas, Three Lexington Arrows, Blackberry Belles, and Maybe Baby will spin. Doors open at 9; $5.
Cap off your weekend with endless mash-ups and remixes from On & On, a DJ pair spinning at DC9 Saturday. The dance party starts at 10. Free.
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