TOP 5 FOR FRIDAY, MAY 25
1. A Prairie Home Companion At Wolf Trap
Garrison Keillor is bringing a live version of his long running story telling variety show to a venue near D.C. For those of us who are strong, good-looking and above average -- which is to say all of us -- but who don't want to trek out to Minnesota, it's a must-see show. 8 p.m., all ages, $25 to $55, also May 26
2. Jonny Grave And The Tombstones At The Kennedy Center
D.C.'s finest young bluesman gigs around town and the world -- he recently played 10 days of shows throughout the United Kingdom. Whether he's a restaurant's entertainment, a supporting act for a rock and roll show or acting as musical emcee, Grave has the ability to win over most any crowd he encounters. This venue will be a stark contrast to his typical surroundings. It'll be interesting to see the singer and guitarist in the ornate Kennedy Center. 6 p.m., all ages, no cover
3. Italian Feast At ?
The good folks at Feastly turn a night of dining into an adventure. This event features Grace, a a Food Network and Washington Post featured chef, teaching dinergoers how to make pasta. The event will be in Mount Pleasant but the address will only be revealed upon signing up. 7 p.m., all ages, $27
4. "The Illusion" At Round House Theatre Silver Spring
Tony Kushner, author of "Angels in America" and a bunch of other plays that make him a national treasure, penned this play about an aging father who turns to a sorcerer for help reaching his son. This performance and the one on Saturday evening are Pay What You Can, allowing the frugal theater fan a chance to see this new production. 8 p.m., all ages, you tell them, through June 16
5. Rock And Roll Spelling Bee At Rock And Roll Hotel
40 fun souls will compete in a spelling bee meant for elementary and junior high school students. The fun part is the drinking. The emcee can make the contestants drink whenever he so chooses, leading to the grade school experience that would land you in years of therapy. 6 p.m., 21+, no cover
TOP 5 FOR SATURDAY, MAY 26
1. Zou Bisou Bisou At The Embassy Of France
D.C.'s premier party folks Brightest Young Things are staging this after-hours embassy party. A variety show, outdoor music, DJs, multiple full bars, a wonderfully stupid amount of lights and enough hipster hate to fuel Twitter for multiple nights. It's easy to dislike B.Y.T. events from a distance but they're the best at what they do -- large scale events for all walks of cool folks. 8 p.m., 21+, $20 to $25
2. Sonic Circuits At Millenium Stage
John Cage will be interpreted by D.C. musicians using new technology. This is what the future will sound like. 6 p.m., all ages, no cover
3. Growing Gardens Workshop: Let's Compost! Standard And Worm Composting 101 At Common Good City Farm
It's your duty as a good, Earth-caring, internet-reading individual to compost anything you can. With worms. Learn how. 10:30 a.m., all ages, $25
4. Screen Printing Workshop At The Fridge DC
If you're learning how to compost worms, you might as well learn how to put ink on paper and cotton. Circle of life? Art? It's creative. 3 p.m., all ages, no cover
5. Life Unreal Art Show At Northside Social
This art show showcasing the super neat cartoons of Evan Keeling and Scott White opens. If you're not familiar with the solid D.C. comic scene, this could be a fun introduction. 7 p.m., all ages, no cover
TOP 5 FOR SUNDAY, MAY 27
1. Funk 4 Peace 2012: Afrika Bambaataa At U St Music Hall
One of the originators of hip-hop at D.C.'s finest home for sound? And it's only $10? This seems too good to be true. Buy tickets now before this should-sell-out-event sells out. 9 p.m., 18+, $10
2. Rolling Thunder At Various Locations
Thousands of motorcyclists from all walks of life are converging in D.C. for Rolling Thunder, the annual gathering meant to honor and remember prisoners of war and military service members who are missing in action. The main event is the noontime Rolling Thunder motorcycle rally. But there's lots more going on as well, including a performance by Nancy Sinatra. See the schedule of events here. All weekend, all ages, free
3. "The Music Man" At Arena Stage
A classic musical at one of D.C.'s newest, largest, neatest places for the arts. Good for residents and tourists alike for a holiday weekend adventure. 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., all ages, $109
4. "Patton" At AFI Silver Spring
There may not be a more appropriate film to see this Memorial Day weekend. 1 p.m., all ages, $7 to $11.50, also May 28
5. Jason Isbell At The Mansion On O
This former Drive-By Trucker is playing an intimate acoustic set in an only-in-D.C. type of venue. 6 p.m., all ages, $50