Outside is where it’s at this weekend, with plenty of live music and food to be enjoyed. Unless you prefer a burlesque tribute to Queen.
Friday and Saturday: Beer, Bourbon & Barbecue Festival at National Harbor
A triple assault of the letter B that has left us drooling in anticipation. The annual Beer, Bourbon & Barbecue Festival is back again with 60 beers, 40 bourbons, tons of food and live entertainment at this two-day event. National Harbor has hosted a number of events so far this summer, and this one promises not to disappoint. VIP Whole Hog Friday Night Pig Pickin’ tickets are still available for $75. For more information, visit www.beerandbourbon.com
Sounds of Summer: National Harbor also has free live music Fridays and Saturdays this summer. On Friday from 5 to 7 p.m., catch the Roosevelt Smith Duo, and Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m. it’s the John Ellis Duo. nationalharbor.com
Friday: Fools and Horses at the Bullpen
Before and after home games at Nationals Ballpark, the empty lot across the street comes alive with music, games, drinks and food. It’s called the Bullpen, and it’s a good way to get your pre- or post-game fun on. On Friday, Baltimore band Fools and Horses rock out, along with the Bobby T Project. Free. www.thebullpendc.com
Buried the lead: Oh yeah, there’s a game that night, too. Some kid named Stephen Strasburg is scheduled to start for the Nationals. Next victims: The Chicago White Sox. Sorry, Mr. President. washington.nationals.mlb.com
Saturday: M3 Rock Festival at Merriweather Post Pavilion
The lineup for this rock show at Merriweather is amazing: Scorpions, Cinderella, Vince Neil, Warrant, L.A. Guns. Heck, even Winger is in the mix. All that is missing is an appearance from Dokken to complete this ’80s hair metal dream. Too bad. Word has it that this is Scorpions’ farewell tour, so this may be the last time they’ll “Rock You Like a Hurricane.” 11 a.m. doors, tickets start at $35 for lawn seats. For more info, visit www.merriweathermusic.com
Tongue in cheek: If you prefer your music a little more silly, Weird Al is at the Warner Theatre on Friday. warnertheatre.com
Saturday: Ebbit Block Party at the 1400 block of G Street NW
The Old Ebbit Grill closes down a block of D.C. and rocks out with live music and food provided by, you guessed it, the Old Ebbit Grill. Six bands play on three stages, and entertainment includes California singer-songwriter Jackie Greene and popular local Justin Trawick. Tickets are $35 for general admission, $110 for VIP. From 4 to 11 p.m., corner of 15th and G streets Northwest. www.ebbittblockparty.com
Dinner: According to the restaurant’s Web site, the June special is a grilled rib-eye for $19.95. Yum. ebbitt.com
Saturday: Killer Queen Burlesque at the Palace of Wonders
The Palace of Wonders always has some interesting shows, but this one stands out simply because of the title. This “striptease showcase” makes its local premiere as a tribute to the rock band Queen. It remains to be seen if there will be any “Fat Bottomed Girls.” 6 p.m. doors, shows at 9:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. $10 each show.
Friday night: Catch the Cheeky Monkey Sideshow on Friday.
Details: Palace Wonders, 1210 H St. NE; 202-398-7469; palaceofwonders.com
