Thursday, October 11: If you’re into the local music scene (and you should be—it’s always growing and getting better), then the next few days are exciting ones for you. The DAM! Festival officially kicks off tonight and goes until October 15. In addition to excellent local bands like Exit Clov, These United States, Vandaveer, and more, the young festival (it’s only in its second year) has managed to attract such national acts as Cat Power and Stellastarr*. Plus it’s a fun chance to check out diverse venues throughout the area. Bands are playing everywhere from a local synagogue to the Rock and Roll Hotel on H Street, Northeast (see our guide to H Street here). Check out the schedule here.
Something about Thursday to me just screams “happy hour.” Why not tap off your Thursday by trying a new drink? Check out our new Buzzed column, where we explore new drinks around the city and rate them (try the Yellow Cab at Creme, Festbier at Gordon Biersch, Mr. Brightside at Poste, or Bourbon Street at Firefly). Or, as always, use our Happy Hour Finder—new bars are being added all the time—to find your perfect Thursday drinking spot.
Friday, October 12: Hit a Parisian-style happy hour in DC with the Soirée Carte Blanche at Hillwood Museum and Gardens (4155 Linnean Ave., NW). Hosted by the Alliance Française, the event includes drinks, video, and DJs—plus you can stroll through Hillwood’s gardens and walk through its collection of 18th-century French art. If you’re going by Metro, get off at Van Ness and await the shuttle that will take you to Hillwood at 6 and 6:30 PM. 6 to 9:30; $8. Reservations are required; call 202-686-5807.
In the mood for Halloween? Get started early by taking the Capital Hauntings Walking Tour this evening. Hosted by Washington Walks, it takes you around Lafayette Park right by the White House. According to the organization, the spot is the “most haunted site in the city.” Go find out why. 7:30 PM; $10 per person. More info and tickets are available here.
For more events, nightlife, and happy hours, check out our Events Finder calendar and our great Happy Hour Finder.
Saturday, October 13: Observe artists questioning the impact of high-end retail and luxury goods on our culture with the exhibit “Luster,” hosted by Project 4 and the Pink Line Project. To make the night more interesting, the space in which the artists will be exploring these concepts is an abandoned garage. Plus there’ll be drinks and DJs. “Luster” takes place at the Lee Jensen Brake Shop (1333 14th St., NW); a suggested $10 donation goes toward the Pink Line Project’s emerging-artist grant program. 7 PM to midnight (Sunday noon to 5).
The show I’m most looking forward to as part of the aforementioned DAM! Festival is the Stellastarr*/Exit Clov/Pela lineup tonight at the Sixth & I Historic Synagogue (600 I St., NW). Pela, from Brooklyn, puts on an emotional, blistering rock show; Exit Clov—the locals on the roster—play moody, contemplative pop; and Stellastarr* is all about lovely new wave. 8 PM; $18. Buy tickets here.
Head to Wisconsin Avenue and M Street today for the annual Taste of Georgetown. More than 30 restaurants will be offering samples, and live jazz will be playing. 11 AM to 4 PM. A tasting ticket costs $5; five are $20; unlimited tastings $100.
Little black dresses plus drink specials on a midtown bar crawl? Count me in. Tonight, Dress for Success is hosting the Little Black Dress Midtown Charity Bar Tour from 7 to 10. Dress for Success is a nonprofit that helps women who are homeless and jobless get office-appropriate clothing. Registration is $10, or just $5 with a clothing donation, and you’ll get specials such as $3 Miller Lites, $4 Black Dress Wines, and $5 Stoli Martinis. It all starts at the Front Page (1333 New Hampshire Ave., NW); other bars on the crawl include Porter’s, Rumors, Buffalo Billiards, and more.
Sunday, October 14: Got some free time this Sunday? Get out of town. Check out our comprehensive list of fun fall activities all over the area. We’ve got everything from great pumpkin patches to haunted houses that will have you laughing and screaming.
If staying in for Sunday sports is more your style, read our guide to bars to watch your favorite football teams in action. Got a bar we’ve missed? Leave it in the comments section!
