Thursday, July 10: More than 130 performing-arts groups are coming together for the third Capital Fringe Festival, which starts today. As part of the general 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. Locations vary; click here for the schedule.

A DJ night is just a DJ night—but not at Shorts (Version 5.0) where the attire of—you guess it—shorts is mandatory. Gavin Holland of Nouveau Riche spins tunes, while the bartenders at Asylum serve up drink specials ($2 High Lifes from 9 to 11). The fun goes till 2 AM. Free.

Friday, July 11: Like every July 11 (7/11—get it?) today is Free Slurpee Day at all participating 7-Elevens. Stroll in and walk out with a free 7.11-ounce Slurpee. Tasty! Check store locations here.

Tennis fan? Then you probably already know about the Washington Kastles, an all-star tennis team franchise playing several matches for three weeks this summer on courts that have taken over the old convention-center site in downtown DC. Tennis stars like Serena Williams play against other cities’ teams while the public watches. There are several match-ups tonight (though Williams isn’t playing in any of them); get tickets and the schedule here.

Saturday, July 12: The Hip-Hop Theater Festival continues throughout the weekend with 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? Every event  is free. Check out the full schedule and venue locations here.

If you’re in the mood for a traditional summer county fair, you can’t do much better than heading to this weekend’s Fauquier County Fair. There are rodeos, livestock competitions, a pie-eating contest, and lots more. 9 AM to 10 PM; $10.

Two great shows at the 9:30 Club tonight: The early show, starting at 7, is Texas singer/songwriter Alejandro Escovedo, who plays poignant roots rock that’s both gritty and soaring; $20. The late show (11 PM) is Brazilian Girls, an eclectic NYC band we’ve been in love with long before college jocks started chanting, “Pussy, pussy, pussy, marijuana” (choice lyrics from “Pussy,” a song on the band’s first record) at fraternity parties. $25.

Sunday, July 13: The Jamaica Day Outdoor Reggae Festival takes place today at the Anne Arundel County Fairground. You can count on lots of great food vendors, live bands, and dancing. Noon; $30. More information and tickets can be found here.

Free wine! Free wine! Enjoy a sampling of complimentary wine as the DC wine bar Cork hosts an afternoon tasting of Loire Valley wines; 3 to 5 PM. RSVP by July 11 to info@corkdc.com.

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Dinner Under the Sun (or Stars): Restaurants Unveil New Patios
Calendar of Events
All Nightlife Guides

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