This post was written by Hatchet staff writer Ruby Lee.

Kickstart the holiday season with Halloween-inspired races, a lottery for tickets to the lighting of the National Christmas Tree and a spooky Edgar Allen Poe reading, plus live entertainment in dance, theater and music.

Thursday

CultureBlast: Once Upon A Midnight Dreary…: Celebrate the spookiest time of year with a marathon reading of Edgar Allen Poe classics like “The Tell-Tale Heart” and “The Raven.” Sponsored by Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe and Grill and Hillyer Art Space, the evening promises to be a celebration of all things spine-tingling. Poe-themed costumes are encouraged, though not required, but the best costume gets a mystery prize. Bonus: Wine and beer will be available for the over-21 set. Books are also for sale, so if you can’t drink, you can at least snag a copy of Poe’s work.
Hillyer Art Space, 9 Hillyer Ct. NW. 6:30 p.m. Free.

Kaytranada with Teklun and DJ Kidd Marvel at U Street Music Hall: On the rise with no signs of slowing down, the Canadian DJ Kaytranada brings his electric, hip-hop infused beats to U Street for a night full of both original tracks and bootleg remixes. Originally from Montreal, Kaytranada has made a name for himself through releases like “Leave Me Alone” (feat. Shay Lia)” and “Talk is Cheap (Kaytranada Flip)” on YouTube and Soundcloud. The 21-year-old cites a variety of genres like disco, house and R&B as influences, so expect an eclectic sound that’ll get you grooving. Teklun and DJ Kidd Marvel open.
U Street Music Hall, 1115 U St. NW. 10 p.m. $20. Must be 18 or older.

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Friday

Alice Russell & Yuna featuring Hollie Cook at Lisner Auditorium: Spend the night listening to a trio of talent as Alice Russell, Yuna and Hollie Cook take center stage at Lisner. All three women spotlight their internationally acclaimed voices with songs sure to please. Alice Russell dazzles with her soulful voice and rhythmic beats, both found in her latest release “Breakdown,” while Malaysian pop star Yuna will likely revive hits like “Lullabies” and “Rescue.” Hollie Cook, a London native, makes her D.C. debut with performances from her latest EP “Twice.”
Lisner Auditorium. 8 p.m. $25 to $30.

Dance Theatre of Harlem at Shakespeare Theatre Company: The Dance Theatre of Harlem makes its return this season to Shakespeare Theatre Company. The company focuses on its reputation as a multi-cultural dance institution, presenting racially diverse dancers who perform at the highest level. Friday marks opening night in the District, followed by three additional shows planned during the weekend.
Sidney Harman Hall, 610 F St. NW. 8 p.m. $35 to $50.

Ticket Lottery for National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony: The National Park Service and National Park Foundation begin distributing tickets for the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony through an online lottery system Friday at 10 a.m., proving it’s never too early to think about Christmas. Watch President Barack Obama celebrate the holidays Dec. 4, which will mark the ceremony’s 91st year. The lottery closes Oct. 20, so make sure not to miss this chance for a truly unique D.C. tradition. The lucky winners will be notified starting Nov. 3.
Lottery opens at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 17 through Monday, Oct. 23. Apply online or call 1-877-444-6777 for tickets.

Saturday

Toast at Capitol Hill Arts Workshop: Get engaged with “Toast,” a participatory performance act that calls on the audience to help brainstorm scientific inventions. Performers explore discovery in the two-hour show, asking audience members for suggestions. It’s almost guaranteed that you’ll end up on stage, with the audience contributing up to 80 percent of the show’s content. The performance focuses on the networks that weave people together. Check out the last show Saturday.
Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, 545 7th St. SE. 7:30 p.m. $16.82 with student identification.

SoMo featuring Francesco Yates and Dunson at The Fillmore: Known for recent songs like “Ride” and “Kings & Queens (Throw It Up),” SoMo will host the next stop of his tour Saturday at The Fillmore. The concert will mostly feature songs from his latest album, “SoMo.” Go for a night full of calm beats and smooth vocals as SoMo belts out hooks sure to stay with you long after the concert ends. Francesco Yates and Dunson will open.
The Fillmore, 8656 Colesville Rd., Silver Spring, Md. 8 p.m. $30.50.

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Spook Hill Cider & Wine Run: Head over to the historic town of Burkittsville, Md., the site of horror classic “The Blair Witch Project,” for the second annual Spook Hill Cider and Wine 4-Mile Run. Get ready for a looped, mixed course of road and cross country, which offers magnificent and magnificently creepy views of orchards, vineyards and cemeteries. The race begins on legendary, haunted Spook Hill. Want to hear more about the scariness? Read up about the lore surrounding Spook Hill.
Burkittsville Ruritan, 500 East Main St., Burkittsville, Md. 8:30 a.m. $30.

Sunday

Bombay Bicycle Club at 9:30 Club: Indie-rock fans are in for a treat as Bombay Bicycle Club takes the stage at 9:30 Club. The British group’s trademark aesthetic remains true in its most ambitious project yet. The band’s newest album, “So Long, See You Tomorrow,” took a year to record before its release last February. Look forward to new offerings like “Luna” and “Carry Me” along with all-time favorites like “Shuffle” and “Always Like This.” Milo Greene and Luxley will open.
9:30 Club, 815 V St. NW. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Evita at the Kennedy Center: Experience some of theater’s most awe-inspiring music at the last night of “Evita” at the Kennedy Center. This Tony Award-winning musical tells the story of Eva, a young woman from the slums of Argentina, and her political rise to become First Lady. Songs include “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” and “High Flying, Adored.”
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F St. NW. 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices start at $39.