This post was written by Hatchet reporter Nadia Meher-Zaman.
Cold weather got you down? Though weekends no longer include beer gardens, picnics or rooftop bars, there’s still plenty to do.
Take a look at our guide to this weekend’s indoor events, from music acts like Dillon Francis to a dance performance and free film screening, and get into the holiday spirit without the chill.
Thursday
Brian Posehn at the Black Cat: Kick off the weekend with comedian and actor Brian Posehn at the Black Cat. Known for his humorous stories about stoners, his role as Brian Spukowski on “The Sarah Silverman Program” and his unmistakeable beard, Posehn offers the perfect stress-free zone after a long week.
Black Cat, 1811 14th St. NW. Doors at 8 p.m. $20
NPR’s All Crafts Considered: NPR will host the annual holiday arts and crafts sale at its D.C. headquarters, where you can purchase handmade gifts from over 50 local vendors, including NPR employees themselves. While you peruse, you’ll also enjoy live music, food and refreshments. Just be sure to reserve a ticket online before you head out.
NPR Headquarters, 1111 North Capitol St. SE. 3 to 8 p.m. Free.
Friday
Dillon Francis at Echostage: Don’t miss rising EDM star Dillon Francis as he DJs his debut album, “Money Sucks, Friends Rule,” at Echostage. From the reggae-influenced track “We Make it Bounce” to Middle Eastern-infused “Get Low,” the artist has something for every taste. Just don’t forget your kandi bracelets.
Echostage, 2135 Queens Chapel Road NE. Doors at 9 p.m. $35
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Ballet with Loni Landon at American Dance Institute: This thought-provoking performance at the American Dance Institute features new works by Runqiao Du, a world-renowned dancer from Shanghai, alongside the Juilliard-trained Loni Landon. Inspired by an intricate 3D sculpture of a single body with two heads, this ballet performance explores the roles that individuals have in society and the idea of multiple identities.
American Dance Institute, 1570 East Jefferson St., Rockville, Md. 8 p.m. $16.25 with student ID
Saturday
Jesse Boykins III at U Street Music Hall: Enter the musical world of Jesse Boykins III, who will mix trippy instrumental beats with soulful vocals at U Street Music Hall. He’ll play R&B vibes and smooth, experimental electronica sounds from his newest LP, “Love Apparatus.” DJ Underdog will open.
U Street Music Hall, 1115 U St. NW. Doors at 7 p.m. Tickets $18 online, $22 at door
Belinda Rathbone Book Event at Politics & Prose: Art lovers and curious minds alike are invited to meet Belinda Rathbone, the daughter of Perry Rathbone, who headed the Museum of Fine Arts when it smuggled a painting by Raphael into the U.S. from a shady Italian art dealer. Stop by Politics & Prose and solve this art mystery one step at a time with Rathbone’s in-depth, informative account.
Politics & Prose Bookstore, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW. 1 p.m. Free
Sunday
“Evolution of a Criminal” free screening: Catch a free film screening of “Evolution of a Criminal,” which follows the transformation of real-life criminal Darius Monroe from a care-free teenager to a terrorizing thief. The true plot twist? Monroe directed the film himself. Brace yourself for an evening of drama: This flick goes beyond clichéd plots of a good kid gone bad.
Busboys and Poets, 2021 14th St. NW. 5 to 7 p.m. Free
Holiday sale at The Mansion on O Street: Beat the holiday rush and head over to The Mansion on O Street, a luxury hotel with an antique interior, to buy unique gifts for your friends and family, from antiques and jewelry to home furnishings, art and sculpture. Don’t forget to bring your own shopping bag to this eco-friendly event, where all proceeds benefit the O Street Museum Foundation’s Artist-in-Residence program.
The Mansion on O Street, 2020 O St. NW. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Free