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Thursday, November 27: Yes, we know it’s Thanksgiving and you’re technically supposed to be hanging out with your family and being thankful for all the great things in life, but why not skip out early and head to DC9 for the Taintsgiving dance party? DJ Aran Slaughter will be spinning the jams. Doors open at 9; $5.

If you’re not the best cook or you’d rather just be spoiled this Thanksgiving, see if any of these restaurants are still taking reservations. Most of the chefs have created special menus for the day, topped off with delicious pies and some other not-so-typical desserts.

Friday, November 28: With most people running around trying to get good deals for Black Friday, the museums might not be super-packed. Take this chance to check out the newly reopened National Museum of American History, and work off some of that turkey by hiking up its new grand staircase.

Head to the Reston Town Center to see its animation-themed parade. Marching bands, helium balloons of Mr. Potato Head and My Little Pony, and of course Santa and Mrs. Claus will all be there. The parade starts at 11; free.

Saturday, November 29: For many people, Thanksgiving weekend is all about football, but this weekend they can give some love to another sport: a roller-derby match at the DC Armory. And if you’re concerned about those football scores, announcers will provide updates through the bout. DC Demon Cats and Scare Force One will battle at 5 PM; ages 12 and older $12; ages 6 to 11 $6; free for children five and younger.

The Pittsburgh rock band the Clarks started as a college band playing frat parties about 20 years ago, and it’s been rocking ever since. It makes its way back to the 9:30 Club with the opening act Spring Standards. Doors open at 8; $18.

Sunday, November 30: If you didn’t get enough sales on Friday, don’t fret. DC is celebrating the holiday with no sales tax. Items under $100 will be tax-free.

Now that Thanksgiving is officially over, the Christmas and other winter holiday festivities can begin. Start the season off by enjoying some outdoor events such as light displays at Merriweather Post Pavilion, Brookside Gardens, or the National Zoo.

Busboys and Poets continues its film series “Focus In! Cinema for a Conscious Community” with a screening of Cradle Will Rock. Take a look at 1930s America in the Tim Robbins film, with an A-list cast including Joan and John Cusack, Bill Murray, Susan Sarandon, and John Turturro; 8 PM.

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