From sing-offs to forensic crime-fighting, check out the top five on-campus Colonials Weekend events.

1.Political science professor Michelle Allendoerfer’s lecture on “Human Rights in International Relations.” The topic is classic Elliott School – and gives your parents a chance to judge whether the nearly $60,000 dollar cost of attendance is worth it.
Saturday at 3 p.m. on the Mount Vernon Campus

2. Oktoberfest: With its rolling lawns, changing leaves and picturesque brick buildings, seeing the Vern can convince your parents that you live on a real campus. Plus, it’s the site of Saturday’s Oktoberfest celebration complete with pie-eating contests, pumpkin carving and three-legged races. Sometimes parents like to pretend they aren’t actually too old for these things anymore.
Saturday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on the Vern

3. Acapellapalooza: Though your parents might be strangers to a capella, this is the perfect time to introduce them to the musical sensation sweeping across colleges and film screens. GW a capella groups The GW Vibes, The Troubadours, Sons of Pitch and The Pitches will serenade you and your parents in the annual event.
Saturday at 5:30 p.m. in Lisner Auditorium

4. David Sedaris: Renowned funnyman and bestselling author David Sedaris will take the stage at Lisner Auditorium. Sedaris isn’t afraid veer into the politically incorrect, but his insights are so smart and witty that even the most stodgy parents will crack a smile. If your parents can’t get enough, Sedaris’ autobiography was just adapted to into the film “C.O.G.” earlier this year.
Friday at 8 p.m. in Lisner Auditorium

5. CSI Mount Vernon: Solve a case using your detective skills and forensic technology. Mount Vernon is hosting a CSI-style murder mystery for crime-fighting parents and students. Before mom starts going off on her speech about the dangers of living in D.C., be sure to clarify that this is a fictional case.
Sunday from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. on the Vern