This post was written by Hatchet staff writer Madison Pontz.

If you’re still trying to work off the midterm stress, take a much-needed break this week with a free Halloween movie screening, a pumpkin carving party and live entertainment across the District.

Monday

Halloween Movie Mondays: Halloween fanatics looking for a stiff drink and a good scare to kick off the week can check out Halloween Movie Mondays at Dodge City D.C. Scary and/or funny Halloween movies about teenagers will roll this Monday night starting at 8 p.m. This event for those 21 and older has no cover fee and includes discount drinks, free candy, vegan options and popcorn. “Teen Witch,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Scream” will entertain bar-goers.
Dodge City D.C., 917 U St. NW. Movies start at 8 p.m. Free.

Benjamin Booker at U Street Music Hall: Singer-songwriter Benjamin Booker, originally from New Orleans, will rock out at U Street Music Hall on Monday night. Booker combines blues, soul and hard garage rock to create the unique sound on his debut self-titled album, released in 2013. Blank Range, a rock band from Nashville, will open the show.
U Street Music Hall, 1115 U St. NW. 7 p.m. $15.

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Tuesday

“designPOP” Talk and Book Signing: Lisa Roberts will speak about her latest book, “designPOP,” which explores influential, creative products developed since 2000, like the many Apple products introduced over the past 14 years. Along with the opportunity to hear Roberts’ talk and have their books signed, event attendees will also get to watch an episode of “My Design Life,” Roberts’ television series, which looks at much of the same design-centric information as her new book. Online RSVP is required.
National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW. 12:30 p.m. Free.

Open Mike Night hosted by Droopy: Busboys and Poets, a hipster haven for literary lovers and foodies alike, will host an open mike night at its 14th and V streets location Tuesday night. Audience members can expect two hours of live entertainment from spoken word performers, musicians and more. Wristbands are required to enter the event, which will charge a $5 cover fee.
Busboys and Poets, 2021 14th St. NW. 9 p.m. $5. 

Wednesday

District of Change: LGBTQ Life in D.C. Then and Now: If the history of the LGBT movement is of interest, head over to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library on Wednesday for a discussion about the state of equal rights in D.C., moderated by Slate’s LGBT issues writer, Mark Joseph Stern. Stern and the event panel will talk about the past, present and future of LGBT issues and rights in the city. The event is free, but attendees must RSVP online.
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW. 7 p.m. Free.

Bloodshot Bill at DC9: For music-lovers looking for something a bit more than the usual acts at large venues, check out Bloodshot Bill at DC9. The show is sure to be an adventure, with the artist playing guitar, using a small foot-controlled drum set and singing to create a form of greaser punk rock. JJ Damage and the Bandits, a three-piece band based in the District, will open.
DC9 Nightclub, 1940 9th St. NW. Show begins at 9 p.m. $12. This event is for those 21 and older.

Thursday

NoMa Pumpkin Carving Party: If you are one of the handful who have yet to catch autumn fever, head over to NoMa for the neighborhood’s pumpkin carving party and fall extravaganza. Free pumpkins and carving utensils are available for the first 300 event attendees. It will also include a petting zoo, live music from the Page County Ramblers, face painting, a candy scavenger hunt and seasonal food and drinks.
1100 First St. NE. 4 p.m. Free.

RDGLDGRN at the 9:30 Club: For a new take on the classic D.C. Go Go music style, check out RDGLDGRN at the 9:30 Club. The trio combines elements of hip-hop, punk rock and indie rock for diverse tunes. While the band is on the rise, working with artists like Pharrell Williams, take this chance to see them in the District. Mista Selecta and Redline Graffiti will open the show.
9:30 Club, 815 V St. NW. Doors at 7 p.m. $15.

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