TOP 5 FOR FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
1. Bruce Springsteen At Nationals Park
The Boss in a ballpark. It's impossible to deny. 7:30 p.m., all ages, $115 and up
2. Literary Death Match At Jack Morton Auditorium
The host/creator of Literary Death Match Todd Zuniga is a genius. He brings together people from the literary world to read their works in front of an audience and a panel of "experts." Two sets of contestants perform. The finalists advance and compete in arbitrary games that sort-of relate to the written word. Nerds love it and people that aren't nerds enjoy it. This will be the fourth edition of LDM in D.C. The show tours the world and if there's any justice in entertainment, will one day be a television show. 6:30 p.m., all ages, $10
3. Luce Unplugged Community Showcase At Smithsonian American Art Museum
Washington City Paper curated this evening of music from Kokayi, The Caribbean and Alex Minoff. DC Brau will be there offering free samples. So, a well-curated lineup in a museum with free beer. This will be good. 6 p.m., all ages, no cover
4. Special Agent Galactica At Black Fox Lounge
Start your weekend at a no-cover happy hour with a D.C. drag queen who embraces rock and roll. 6 p.m., 21+, no cover
5. Home & Home At Heiner Contemporary
This exhibit of eye-opening, colorful photography from Satomi Shirai opens today and runs until Oct. 27. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., all ages, no cover
TOP 5 FOR SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15
1. H St Festival
A family-friendly street festival that isn't sanitized. Music on five stages, a fashion show, the Baltimore Rock Opera Society and specials from all the bars in the H Street corridor that makes the neighborhood "new" to a lot of people. 12 p.m., all ages, no cover
2. TJ Miller At Arlington Drafthouse
The manic, seemingly in every comedy film actor is a stand up vet. His first Comedy Central was recorded last year. To make things a little more interesting, he also released a hip-hop album. Why? Why not? 7:30 p.m., 10 p.m., all ages early, 21+ late, $26.75
3. Anna Bolena At Kennedy Center
The Washington National Opera kicks off their season with Donizetti's retelling of Anne Boleyn's tragedy starring Sondra Radvanovsky. 7 p.m., all ages, $30 to $240
4. Get Lucky Swap And Pop-Up Shop At 777 7th St. NW
Rid yourself of seven items of clothing and benefit Good Girls DC and Martha's Outfitters. Your donation will get you a Lucky 7 charm and the chance to mingle and shop on the rooftop lounge. 2 p.m., all ages, $10 to $15
5. Thievery Corporation, Gogol Bordello At Half Street Fairgrounds
Gotta support the home team. 1 p.m., 21+, $48.50 to $195
TOP 5 FOR SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
1. DC Shorts Best of the Fest A and B
Culled from 140 shorts, these two programs will run at three different theaters. Whether you want to see a film downtown, head to H Street or check out the new Angelika, here's your chance to do so with minimal risk. Various times and locations. Also Saturday.
2. Speed Book Dating at Shirlington Branch Library
This is a simple and good idea. Single and want to meet a reader? 6 p.m., all ages, no cover
3. William Elliott Whitmore At Rock And Roll Hotel
The singer-songwriter has been going strong for more than 10 years. The Anti- Records recording artist is in the midst of a seemingly never ending tour. 9 p.m., 21+, $15
4. Grape Festival At Zaytinya
This is the final weekend to enjoy this downtown Greek restaurant's special menu to celebrate the little fruit. Also Friday and Saturday
5. Heavy Times At Black Cat
Loud, dance-friendly garage rock that isn't afraid of hooks. Or noise. Wake up Monday having trouble hearing. 8 p.m., 18+, $8
