TOP 5 PICKS FOR FRIDAY, MAY 18
1. Artomatic At 1851 S. Bell St.
This year's Artomatic will take place in a Crystal City office building ready for demolition. Ten floors of art from more than 1,000 artists, all free of charge, make this month-long event mandatory for every art fan. Here's an extensive preview. 6 p.m., all ages, no cover
2. Washerwoman At Comet Ping Pong
Pummeling dark wave music from a two piece, Washerwoman is the kind of band that makes you want to pick up an instrument until you see them live. On record, Washerwoman is the soundtrack for awful things happening in a David Lynch film. Live, they're a pummeling force of rock and roll, meant to utilize their drums and guitar for evil. 10 p.m., all ages, $10
3. Buzz Bissinger At Politics And Prose
The Pulitzer Prize-winning author of "3 Nights in August" (an excellent ready for any baseball fan, especially if you follow the Cubs or Cardinals) and Friday Night Lights is touring his new book, "Father's Day: A Journey into the Mind and Heart of My Extraordinary Son." A personal story, this book tells the story of Bissinger and his special needs son on a cross-country road trip. 7 p.m., all ages, $26 for the book
4. Young And Accident (The Girl Was Young) At Artisphere
Artishphere's early Hitchcock series continues with this film about a murderer who must get help from a young, innocent girl. The title was spot on. 8 p.m., all ages, $8
5. The Black Keys And Arctic Monkeys At Merriweather Post Pavilion
Like it not, these two bands are the future of rock and roll. A two-piece garage rock revival act from Akron and a four guys playing post-punk from England. Both have weathered clubs then theaters then arenas and now, large scale outdoor barns. 6:30 p.m., all ages, $40 to $55
TOP 5 PICKS FOR SATURDAY, MAY 19
1. Survive DC
Like to fantasize about a zombie apocalypse? Don't actually want to perish but the idea of running through D.C. at night with people chasing you sound appealing? This event is the closest thing we can find to your fantasy that's legal and safe. 7 p.m., all ages, donations requested
2. In Praise Of Independents: The Flaherty At National Gallery Of Art
The film programming at the National Gallery is full of quality films for a variety of genres and era. The Flaherty, an annual seminar for film, is in the same vein. This weekend's program includes a selection of experiments, documentaries, and shorts from the 2011 "Sonic Truth" seminar. 2 p.m., all ages, no cover
3. 8th Annual Testy Fest At American Legion Post 139
This exists and while it may be a little off putting, it needs to be celebrated. We live in a glorious time in a glorious place, where like minded individuals can get together and eat the testicles of various animals without shame. 6 p.m., all ages, $25 to $30
4. Last Tides At Black Cat
This local three piece psychedelic act is celebrating the release of their newest album, "Lost to Memory." For fans of Red Red Meat and adults playing rock music. 9 p.m., all ages, $10
5. H Streeet Crab Boil At Red Palace
An all you can eat crab boil on H Street for only $15? Yes, an all you can eat crab boil on H Street for only $15. 1 p.m., 21+, $15
TOP 5 PICKS FOR SUNDAY, MAY 20
1. SoundBites At 9:30
A sampling of some of D.C.'s food trucks and restaurants to benefit D.C. Central Kitchen. A DJ set by Eric Hilton of Thievery Corporation. This city is rich with great food events for great causes. 5 p.m., all ages, $40
2. Grey Market At Emergence Community Arts Collective
For all the food producers that don't fit into the farmers market system, the Grey Market offers an opportunity for local food producers a chance to sell their goods. 12 p.m., all ages, $2
3. Fireside Cocktail - Truth, Honesty And The Pursuit Of Writing From Life At The Coterie
This lecture/cocktail event is being staged in part with 826DC, a literary after school style tutoring program. Author Jessica Anya Blau will be talking about how honest one has to become when writing personal tales. 6 p.m., 21+, $55
4. Peter Pan At AFI Silver Spring
Remember that wonderful Disney film we grew up loving? Or the made for television Broadway production? Or the one that spawed that awful Bryan Adams song? This "Peter Pan" isn't any of those. It's the silent version that was recently rediscovered. Made in 1924, this film has a new score and restored color. 4:15 p.m., all ages, $7 to $11.50
5. Jewelry Swap At Think Outside The Store
Sick of the jewelry lying around the house? Want to swap it out? Maybe re-imagine it? Here's your chance to do it with some willing participants. 1 p.m., all ages, $5
