Monday, July 7: Fleet Foxes at the Black Cat
Fleet Foxes, the latest indie buzz band, play harmony-filled folk music, with a baroque sensibility, that sounds like it came straight out of the ’70s. You can hear everything from Appalachian influences to classic rock to even a tinge of Beach Boys in the lush melodies. Check them out tonight at the Black Cat with the Dutchess and the Duke opening.

Tuesday, July 8: The Washingtonian’s Best of Washington Party
It’s finally here! The Washingtonian’s Best of Washington Party, from 7 to 10 PM at the National Building Museum, features food from Washington’s best restaurants, an open bar, and lots of summer fun. Click here for tickets (or buy them Tuesday evening at the door).

Wednesday, July 9: Hip-Hop Theater Festival
This annual festival, kicking off tonight, is five days of live music, dance, poetry, theater, and other performances. Each event melds hip-hop with an exploration of the culture while showcasing new talent from Washington and beyond. Best of all? All events are free. Check out the full schedule and venues here.

Thursday, July 10: Capital Fringe Festival
More than 130 performing-arts groups are coming together for the third Capital Fringe Festival, which starts today. As part of the general fringe wackiness, there’s a comedy/drama group named Truffle Pigs, a one-man storytelling performance about Abe Lincoln, and a musical drama with masks entitled The Fiddler Ghost. Venues range from Chief Ike’s Mambo Room to Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, Flashpoint’s Mead Theatre, Goethe-Institut, Source Theatre, Studio Theatre, and the Warehouse.

More>> After Hours Blog | Arts & Events | Happy Hour Finder | Calendar of Events