Sometimes “free” events cost money, but are still worth it; former cheerleaders make excellent comedians; and Hamlet speaks Klingon. These are the things that keep life interesting. Five fun things to do this weekend in the D.C. area:
Saturday: Virgin Mobile FreeFest at Merriweather Post Pavilion
The free tickets of the annual FreeFest were scooped up by eager music lovers long ago. However, VIP Pavilion seats are available for $125, and include a bunch of other goodies. Acts this year include M.I.A., LCD Soundsystem, T.I., Ludacris, Pavement, Thievery Corporation, Joan Jett, Matt & Kim, Jimmy Eat World and many more. 11 a.m. doors. For more information, visit merriweathermusic.com.
Also at Merriweather: Lady Antebellum headlines a country show on Sunday. $45 to $75. 1 p.m. doors.
Friday and Saturday: Lewis Black at Warner Theatre
There’s no one better at pointing out the absurdities in life than comedian Lewis Black. And if the hilarious Black is to be believed, there are plenty of absurdities to point out. Watching the area native get worked up to the point it seems like his head is going to explode like a volcano is classic. Catch Black at the Warner Theatre on his “In God We Rust” tour. $49.50 to $75. 8 p.m. each night. warnertheatre.com
More funny: Tyler Perry’s “Madea’s Big Happy Family” is at the Verizon Center this weekend. tylerperry.com
Friday and Saturday: Anjelah Johnson at the Arlington Cinema ‘n’ Drafthouse
So how about this for a CV: Stand-up comedian, actress and Oakland Raiders cheerleader. Yep, that’s just a sample of everything the talented Anjelah Johnson has done. Those cheering days are behind her, but you might recognize Johnson from “Alvin and the Chipmunks 2: The Squeakquel” and MADtv. Currently, she’s focusing on her stand-up comedy, including shows at the Drafthouse on Friday at 7:30 and 9:45 p.m., and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. $25. www.arlingtondrafthouse.com
Also Saturday: For the late show at the Drafthouse on Saturday, catch the League Stars stand-up comedy.
Saturday and Sunday: Das Best Oktoberfest at National Harbor
For beer drinkers, Oktoberfest is like Christmas. But heck, with all the food, music and other fun, you don’t have to love beer to love Oktoberfest. National Harbor hosts a two-day event featuring live music, contests and lots and lots of beer. Noon to 6 p.m. each day. Tickets start at $30 for single-day passes purchased on site, and there are various VIP options. For details, visit dasbestoktoberfest.com.
Another option: If you can’t make the National Harbor event — or loved it so much you want to go again — the Maryland Brewers’ Oktoberfest is at the Timonium Fairgrounds near Baltimore on Oct. 9.
Saturday: Washington Shakespeare Company presents “By Any Other Name: An Evening of Shakespeare in Klingon”
Yes, you read that right — the WSC is to perform scenes from classic works of Shakespeare in Klingon, the fictional language from “Star Trek.” What’s better? George Takei, who played Sulu, will participate. In addition to scenes from some of the Bard’s best, there will be an introduction, and a Q&A session (presumably not in Klingon) following the performances. At the Rosslyn Specturm Theater in Arlington. 8 p.m. Visit washingtonshakespeare.org for details.
More traditional: If you prefer your Shakespeare a little more straightforward, the Shakespeare Theatre Company in D.C. presents “All’s Well That Ends Well” through Oct. 24. shakespearetheatre.org.
