Thursday, March 13: For all of the NPR fans out there, Weekend Edition Saturday host Scott Simon will be reading from his latest novel, Windy City, at Politics and Prose (5015 Connecticut Ave., NW) tonight at 7. For more information, call 202-364-1919.

Does the “M” in March stand for movies? Not only are Ben Affleck and Russell Crowe in town filming State of Play, but the DC Independent Film Festival is also underway. And last night, the DC Environmental Film Festival kicked off—more than 115 films from 30 countries are being showcased during the its 12-day run. Screenings take place at various locations, and most are free. Tonight’s short films, Malaria: Killer Number One and Salud! will be  shown at the Rome Auditorium (1619 Massachusetts Ave., NW) at 6. For more information about the festival and other showtimes, click here.

Think you’re funny? Prove it at a standup-comedy night at the Topaz Hotel’s bar (1733 N St., NW), where you can compete for a $25 cash prize and free beer in the Everybody’s a Comedian joke contest. Before the contest, catch professional and amateur comedians perform standup. The free event, organized by StandupComedyToGo.com, runs from 8 to 10. Want to have more fun in Washington without spending any money? Click here.

Friday, March 14: If you’re into the bizarre, then the Squidling Brothers & the Lady Circus show at the Palace of Wonders (1210 H St., NE; 202-398-SHOW) might be your cup of tea. In addition to burlesque and fire-breathing, the show promises aerial acrobatics, perverted puppetry from outer space, and shape-shifting clowns. Sign us up! Tickets are $10. For more on the Palace of Wonders and other cool spots on H Street, check out our guide.

R&B singer Jill Scott plays at DAR Constitution Hall tonight at 8. Purchase tickets here.

If you haven’t done so already, make sure to check out “Sweet: The Graphic Beauty of the Contemporary Rock Poster” at the University of Maryland’s Art Gallery (1202 Art-Sociology Building, College Park) before the gallery closes for a week of spring break. On display is cool artwork for bands such as Spoon, My Morning Jacket, and the White Stripes. For more information, call 301-405-2763.

Saturday, March 15: Ready for a sensory overload? Check out “Indulge: An Evening of Art, Wine, Food and Music” at Art Whino (717 N. Saint Asaph St., Alexandria). The show goes from 7 to 11pm. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Click here for more information.

Having hosted performances by Vampire Weekend and, just recently, Jukebox the Ghost, the Rock and Roll Hotel (1353 H St., NE; 202-388-ROCK) is quickly becoming our favorite venue. Tonight at 8:30, San Diego band Louis XIV takes the stage. Stuck somewhere between crafting its own sound and evoking the catchy glam-rock rhythms of early the Killers and the Bravery, this band is one to keep on your radar. Tickets are $15.

Sunday, March 16: Almost St. Patrick’s Day! Start celebrating early and check out this year’s parade, which starts at noon and proceeds down Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th streets. This year’s grand marshal is former DC commissioner of sports and entertainment Mark H. Tuohey. For a complete list of St. Patrick’s Day events, click here.