Yes, this is Halloween weekend. And I’m sure you’ve heard about a certain rally on the Mall on Saturday and a major marathon on Sunday. But if those activities don’t float your boat, check out these five fun things to do this weekend.
Friday: Sanity vs. Fear: A March for Beer at the Brickskeller
“Coincidentally” taking place the evening before the big Jon Stewart/David Colbert rally on the Mall, the Brickskeller is holding its own “Sanity vs. Fear: A March for Beer” on Friday night. Enjoy prime selections from Devil’s Backbone Brewing Company and MadFox Brewing Company (out of Falls Church). Also, Beer Guy Dave will pour from his special stash L’Vapeur de Folie 1987 and a 2006 Clipper City Below Deck Barleywine. While quaffing, enjoy live music. For more details, visit lovethebeer.com.
Beer over candy? Dogfish Head Alehouse in Falls Church is hosting a Spooktacular from 11:30 a.m. to close on Sunday. dogfishalehouse.com.
Friday: Michael Jackson Dance Party at the State Theatre
When will local clubs cease with the Michael Jackson dance parties? Well, they won’t stop until you get enough, that’s for sure. Check out this celebration of the King of Pop, and listen to who put the thrill in “Thriller” this Halloween weekend. 8 p.m. doors, 9 p.m. show time. $10. thestatetheatre.com
Saturday at the State: The Fright Night Halloween Monster Bash will be one of the biggest Halloween parties this year.
Through Sunday: Margaret Cho, Norm MacDonald and David Alan Grier
Three big names of comedy — or at least big names during the Clinton administration — come through town this weekend. Margaret Cho appears at the Warner Theatre on Friday (7 p.m., $45), David Alan Grier performs at the Arlington Cinema ‘n’ Drafthouse on Friday (7:30 and 9:55 p.m., $28), and Norm MacDonald brings the funny to the DC Improv Friday through Sunday (show times vary, $27).
More back to the ’90s: Jim Breuer — he did the Goat Boy skit on “Saturday Night Live” 15 years ago — appears at the Improv in December.
Through Nov. 3: Noir City D.C. at AFI
AFI Silver Theatre in Silver Spring once again presents Noir City D.C., a celebration of the film noir cinematic genre. This weekend, enjoy “Pitfall,” “Cry Terror,” “Nightfall,” “The Night of the Hunter,” Julie” and “The Steel Trap.” Show times vary. For complete details, visit afi.com/silver.
Spookier fare: E Street Cinema is showing “The Shining” this weekend. www.landmarktheatres.com
Through Nov. 7: Synetic Theater presents ‘King Arthur’ in Crystal City
This is an interesting take on the classic tale of “King Arthur” by Synetic Theater. First off, Synetic Theater uses no dialog. That’s right, nada. To make up for the lack of vocal communication, the company employs water. Meaning, the stage is covered ankle-deep in water. If you’re in the front couple of rows, you’ll get wet, but it is an otherwise engaging device that adds a different dimension. The show takes place at the company’s new digs in Crystal City. $40 to $50. Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. Extended through Nov. 7.
Coming up: Synetic’s “The Master and Margarita” opens Nov. 11.
