Cold weather is finally here. How to keep warm? Dance parties, good beer and Celtic rock bands should do the trick. Five things to do this weekend: Friday: Eighties Mayhem at the Black Cat
“Mayhem,” “Eighties” and “dance party” are words that we like to hear. Billed as a “Super ’80s Dance Party Holiday Extravaganza,” DJs Steve EP, Missguided, Killa K and Krasty McNasty promise to chase the holiday blues away with some of the best beats of the 1980s. On the main stage at 9 p.m. $10. For more information, visit blackcatdc.com.
Also at the Black Cat: The monthly WAG dance party featuring ’60s garage and soul is on Saturday, and the Web site says it is the last one. Backstage, 9:30 p.m. doors, $5.
Friday: Great Lakes Christmas Ale at the Black Squirrel
If you haven’t tried Great Lakes Christmas Ale by now, you’re missing out. Heck, you don’t have to be from Ohio to appreciate this great line of beers, and the Christmas Ale is one of the brewery’s most popular selections. On Friday, the Black Squirrel in Adams Morgan will pour the Christmas Ale, whip up some holiday desserts that pair with the beer and serve complimentary Christmas cookies. Starts at 5 p.m. For more details, visitblacksquirreldc.com.
More brew: Area Dogfish Head Ale Houses are serving holiday beer dinners Monday through Wednesday of next week. Check out dogfishalehouse.com for more info.
Saturday: Washington Film Institute’s Capital Irish Film Festival at the Goethe-Institut
The Washington Film Institute presents its Capital Irish Film Festival this Saturday at the Goethe-Institut in Washington. The fest presents three films: “Perrier’s Bounty,” “Savage” and “Between the Canals.” Tickets are $15 for each film and include the complimentary drinks gathering from 6 to 10 p.m. For more information, visit dcfilminstitute.org.
More film: The Washington Jewish Film Festival is in full swing through Dec. 12. Visit wjff.org for details.
Saturday: Scythian and Enter the Haggis at the 9:30 Club
Looking for high energy? You can find high energy at the 9:30 Club this Saturday. Celtic rock is at the heart of talented locals Scythian and Toronto-based Enter the Haggis. It’s a perfect pairing if there’s ever been one, kinda like eggnog and yams. $15. 8 p.m. doors. For more info, visit 930.com. [Check out our concert preview on Page 26]
Also at the 9:30 Club: With roots in D.C., the Walkmen headline the 9:30 Club on Friday.
Sunday: BB&T Classic at the Verizon Center
College basketball season is now in full swing, and this triple-header featuring local teams benefiting charity is a great way to scratch that hoops itch. The three games pair American University against Florida (2:45 p.m.), George Washington against Navy (5:15 p.m.), and Maryland against Temple (8 p.m.). Proceeds benefit the Children’s Charities Foundation. Tickets are $20 and $45.
Another worthy fundraiser: The annual Smithsonian Young Benefactors Jolly Holiday is Friday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $70 for members, $95 for nonmembers. youngbenefactors.org.
