1. Thursday gives us three competing outdoor concerts, starting with the always-reliable Fort Reno, which features the haunting Soft Power, Peter Pan-enthusiast Benjy Ferree and the mysterious TBA opener. The free show begins at 7:15 and wraps by at 9:30.
2. Other free concerts to note: Pop cover band Gonzo’s Nose plays in Farragut Square Park from 5:30 to 7:30 Thursday. Local businesses will be giving out lots of free swag. Then, at Pentagon Row, Goonies-inspired rockers Sloth Loves Chunk will perform from 7 to 9. A lucky attendee will win a free couch.
3. The Washington Freedom hosts its Summer Domination Party at Tommy Joe’s Restaurant in Bethesda this Thursday. Channel college with beer pong, cheap drinks, and ladies’ specials—the first fifty women will receive a free shot. The party starts at 5:30 and a $10 donation to DC Scores will get you in the door.
4. Enjoy an hour of local stand-up comics for $5 at the Old Arlington Grill. The new offshoot of the Arlington Cinema ’N’ Drafthouse will feature comedy acts from 7 to 8 Thursday night.
5. Party with rapper Fabolous, NBA stars Carmelo Anthony and Michael Beasley, and Redskins star Clinton Portis at Lux Lounge Friday night for a listening party of Fabolous’s new album, Loso’s Way, which drops the 28th. Score free admission from 10 to midnight with a flyer, which you can get here.
6. The Nats have gotten so bad that the Bullpen, the outdoor bar/frat-game area across the street from the stadium might feature more athletic prowess than the on-field action. From 12:30 to 5:30 Saturday, warm up for the game with Battle of the Biceps, a strong-man (and woman!) competition featuring such time-honored sports as keg tossing, fast pitching, and arm wrestling. Ten bucks for charity gets you admission, and live music and drink specials will help fuel your puny arms.
7. Get ready for eight hours of the area’s best hip-hop and soul artists at Capital Hip-Hop Soul Fest 2009 this Saturday at 11 AM at Marvin Gaye Park. You can catch free performances by Godisheus, Bomani Armah, Marcell & the Truth, and more.
8. Brightest Young Things seems like it’s running out of ideas for its Saturday summer-camp-themed pool parties. We’ve never heard of rave camp, but it still sounds fun. Party starts at noon and costs $10. Expect glowsticks, candy and drink specials, and lots of techno and house music.
9. Watch artists in action at Graffiti Rhapsody at Bohemian Caverns from 5 to 11 on Saturday. Ten bucks gets you inside, and the finished products will be up for auction.
10. The Capital Fringe Festival closes up shop this weekend, but you can celebrate one last time Sunday from 7 to 11 PM at the Baldacchino Gypsy Tent. The free closing-night party features drink specials, live music, dancing, and an awards ceremony.
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