TOP 5 FOR FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26
1. Brightest Young Things & The Temple of Doom At The Sphinx Club
Have you ever partied at The Sphinx Club? Did you know it exists? If you're not sure if you want to celebrate Halloween, remember this event. Free zombie makeovers and a chance to see a downtown institution most people don't visit. 8 p.m., 21+, $25
2. "Nosferatu, A Symphony Of Horror" At AFI Silver Spring
Celebrate the 90th (90!!!) anniversary of this classic film. Live musical accompaniment by Not So Silent Cinema will perform at both screenings. 7:30 p.m., 9:45 p.m., all ages, $18 to $20
3. Brick Penguin At Goethe-Institut Washington
This sketch and improv show gets our pick thanks to "Jimmy Kimmel Live" and "John Oliver's New York Stand Up Show" vet Ben Kronberg. 8 p.m., 10 p.m., all ages, $10
4. Tilted Torch’s Spook-O-Rama At Red Palace
A burlesque show that encourages people to dress up and win raffle prizes. This is what you should do the weekend before Halloween. 10 p.m., 21+, $12
5. Day Of The Dead At Little Miss Whiskey's
US Royalty DJ's this dark, windowless, always looks like Halloween inside, bar. Face paint encouraged. 9 p.m., 21+, no cover
TOP 5 FOR SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27
1. Family Day: Decision 2012 At Newseum
Teach the kids about the glorious political system that gives every citizen a voice. Or tries to give every citizen a voice. It works in theory. 11 a.m., all ages, $12.95 to $21.95, kids 6 and younger free
2. Punk Rock Flea Market At St. Stephens
You'll need a costume for the weekend and next Wednesday. Find one here. Proceeds go to Positive Force DC. 12 p.m., all ages, $3
3. Bettye LaVette At The Howard Theatre
After being overlooked for a few decades, LaVette's 2005 release "I've Got My Own Hell to Raise" finally put her into the spotlight she should have entered in the mid-70s. Better late than never. 8 p.m., all ages, $25 to $30
4. Halloween Zombie Fest At Half Street Fairgrounds
Zombie movies, zombie makeup, cash bar, DJs and more. Not a bad way to spend the first part of Saturday night. 6 p.m., 21+, $20
5. AIDS Walk Washington
Not feeling up for running or watching people run a marathon? Want to do something helpful? Participate in the 2012 AIDS Walk. The 5K is a little over half-way to its $1 million dollar goal. 9:15 a.m., all ages, $15 to $18
TOP 5 FOR SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28
1. Marine Corps Marathon
This is the big one. Hopefully Sandy doesn't get in the way. 7:55 a.m.
2. NSO Family Concert: Halloween Spooktacular! At The Kennedy Center
Another family event, this one with costumes. Musicians from the NSO perform Halloween themed music in costume. Cute! 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., ages 5 and up, $15 to $18
3. Coffee Tasting And Lecture With Qualia Coffee At Livingsocial's 918 F Street
Qualia Coffee in Petworth makes some of our favorite beans. Learn how to brew the perfect cup of coffee from Qualia Coffee. Even if you don't take home any knowledge, at least you'll drink good coffee. 1 p.m., all ages, $29
4. Washington International Horse Show At Verizon Center
The final day of the horse show. You'll want to have this conversation.
"What did you do during one of the worst storms of our lifetime?"
"I went to a horse show."
"Outside?!?"
"No, in an arena."
"Why?"
"Because that's how you end a weekend. At a horse show."
7 a.m., all ages, Free to $15
5. Story League At Busboys And Poets
Have you had 15-minutes of fame? Can you tell a story? Compete for a $100 prize at this monthly Story League competition in Shirlington. This month's theme, if you haven't already guessed it, is fame. 7 p.m., all ages, $10
