Thursday, May 22
ART: The old Wonderbread Factory has been turned into a co-op workspace, at which the American Institute of Graphic Arts hosts When Lightning Strikes, a night featuring the work of some of DC’s best graphic artists. It features art and inspirational talks, with a focus on getting you started in the industry. Tickets ($20) are available online. 6:30 PM.
MUSIC: For five years now, Deleted Scenes have been one of DC’s strongest indie-rock bands—they’ve toured all around the country and gotten love from Pitchfork and NPR. Now, they’re back with a brand new album and a show at Rock & Roll Hotel to launch it. Tickets ($15) are available online. 8 PM.
Friday, May 23
PODCASTS: You, Me, Them, Everybody is Wonderland Ballroom’s talk show/podcast recording/comedy show/catchall entertainment event. It’s really fun, and you can stick around afterward for dancing. Free. 7:30 PM.
VARIETY: The Black Cat Bacchanalia features bands, burlesque, and sideshow, and is in general a great time. It’s hard to know what’s planned for this year, but it’s basically the official summer kickoff party for the venue, so you know it’ll be big. Tickets ($12) are available online. 9 PM.
THEATER: Fort Fringe hosts a short run of Nero/Pseudo, a—bear with me here—glam-rock opera/musical that takes place in ancient Rome, shortly after the fall of Nero. You’ll learn all about history, psychology, and how to combine major historical events with big hair and body suits. Tickets ($30) are available online. 7:30 PM.
Saturday, May 24
BEER: The Nationals are out of town, but the Half-Street Fairgrounds will be as full as ever with Summerfest DC, which features unlimited pours of more than 100 craft beers and 20 wines, 15 food trucks, music, and all the games you’re used to at the Fairgrounds. Tickets ($40 to $65) are available online. 12:30 to 3:30 and 4 to 7.
DANCE: Haydees Restaurant hosts TNT!, a night where funk meets soul, Latin meets Motown, ska meets rocksteady, and beer meets tequila for an $8 combo special. Just hope your legs don’t give out from dancing too hard. Free. 8 PM.
MARKETS: The Petworth Community Market is back—this week, country artist Jeff Smith will perform, and in the morning, there’s storytelling and arts and crafts for the kids. As usual, there’s also lots of fresh produce and locally sourced foods for you to stock up on. Free. 9 to 1.
FILM: Alexandria’s GI Film Festival is going on all this weekend, and their big event features two films: The Knee Deep Sailor, about the invasion of Sicily, and Forgotten Flag Raisers, about the infamous raising of the American flag during the Battle of Iwo Jima. There to receive an award for his service as a US Marine is Adam Driver, whom you know better as your favorite character in Girls (he is your favorite character in Girls, right?). Tickets ($50) are available online. 6:30 PM.
Sunday, May 25
DRAG SHOW: Town Danceboutique is hosting WTF!? Dinosaur Luau, and we’re not totally sure what that means, but you can probably expect grass skirts, coconut bikinis, leis, Jeff Goldblum outfits, and T. rex masks. There’ll be a “drag dinosaur” show featuring Teri Dactyl, Tyra Rex, Sarah Tops, and more. The club is gay-focused but straight-friendly, so check it out if you’re into paleontology. $5. 10 PM.
CRABS: For the fourth year in a row, Policy hosts its Memorial Day crab feast, featuring all-you-can-eat crabs, hushpuppies, corn on the cob, coleslaw, hot dogs, and wings. It’s also pouring $5 drafts of three of Atlas Brew Works’ newest beers—they’re not Natty Bohs and they’re not the new Old Bay beer, but hey, they’ll do. $45. Noon.
PIGS: Speaking of food, Trummer’s on Main hosts its first pig roast of the year, featuring all the pork you’d expect plus other delicious things such as house-made cured meats, chicken-liver mousse, locally made cheese, baked beans, and peach panzanella. To be clear, as far as pig roasts go, it’s very classy. $48. All day; the pig will be ready at 5.
Monday, May 26
COMEDY: For the past three years, Looking Glass Lounge has hosted 8×8, a night of comedy, music, storytelling, and performance art that has helped get a lot of local performers into the scene. That’s coming to an end tonight with one last show for old time’s sake. If you’ve been going to the show regularly, you’ll probably notice some familiar faces. Free. 8:30 PM.
PARTY: Jack Rose hosts a Memorial Day pinup party on its rooftop, featuring 20 draft beers for $5 each, special cocktails for the event, and a costume contest open to anyone who dressed up like a pinup model from yesteryear. Free. 2 PM.
Know of something cool going on around town? E-mail Jason Koebler at jasontpkoebler@gmail.com, or find him on Twitter.
