What You’re Doing This Weekend

What are you doing this weekend? We offer you a starting point:

If you're looking to celebrate your birthday, or a reason to celebrate someone else's (also known as a reason to drink), try the Brewer's Birthday Potluck BBQ Party at Baying Hound Aleworks (1108 Taft St., Rockville, Md.). Their head brewer/owner Paul Rinehart is turning 39. You can bring a side dish or something to throw on the grill. If not, just show up if you're thirsty! Enjoy great specials all night, including $1 Light Ales, or a case of 24 Light Ale bottles for $15 (carry-out only). Noon-10 p.m.; no cover.

Enjoy a night of spoken word with unspoken words. Busboys & Poets (2021 14th St. NW) and American Sign Language unite for an evening of open mic and music. ASL users and viewers come together to recite a poem or a song. This is an open stage for anyone who's willing to share some inspiration. Hosted by DJ SupaLee. 11 p.m.; $5.

All weekend long, the Capital Home & Garden Show will showcase design and decor ideas, exhibitors and vendors, demos and shows. Whether you're looking to upgrade or install a patio, bathroom fixtures, a new closet concept -- or just in the mood for some serious browsing -- you'll probably find it here. Fri. 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Part 2 of the AMC Best Picture Showcase returns this weekend. Catch five of the nominees for the Best Picture Academy Award: "Hugo" in 3D, "The Help," "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close," "The Artist" and "Midnight in Paris" in one bleary-eyed day. Four theaters (two in Virginia; two in Maryland) host. $40 one-day pass for four films; order tickets here. The truly brave can see ALL NINE in one go at AMC Loews Georgetown 14 (3111 K St. NW) over a 24-hour period. Good luck. 11 a.m. Sat.-11 a.m. Sun.; $60; order tickets here.

All four teams of the D.C. Rollergirls meet up at the D.C. Armory (2001 E. Capitol St. SE) for double-header: Scare Force One vs. the Majority Whips, and Cherry Blossom Bombshells vs. the D.C. DemonCats. The Greenbelt S.I.T.Y. will perform jumprope acrobatics at half-time. 3 p.m. doors; 4 p.m. first bout; 5:45 p.m. second bout. $16.35 in advance or $12 at the door if not sold out.

Eden Lounge (1716 I St. NW) hosts Sisqo -- of "The Thong Song" fame -- at its second monthly '90s night. DJs will be mixing '90s hits (Pearl Jam and Snoop Dogg to Sublime and Salt-n-Pepa, Eden planners say) for a rare opportunity to bust out the running man and sprinkler.” Wear your most amusing period attire. Get on the guest list here.

D.C. Fashion Week wraps up with an international fashion runway show at the Embassy of France (4101 Reservoir Road NW). 5-9 p.m.; show 6 p.m; tickets $70 general or $150 VIP admission (includes front row, deluxe gift bag, champagne toast, and VIP pre-show reception).

Didn't get invited to the Oscars this year? (It's OK -- neither did we.) Walk the red carpet at the Hamilton (600 14th St NW) instead, where Art Soiree is hosting their third annual Academy Awards viewing party in full award-season style. Beware of the paparazzi as you make your way inside, dressed in your (optional) black-tie best. This year's party features a live jazz band and Oscar-themed cocktails, plus a contest for the "Best Dressed to Kill" man and woman in attendance. 6 p.m.-midnight; $25.

Strike a pose on the red carpet at An Evening with the Stars -- in your Hollywood finest, a movie-inspired costume, or your everyday gear -- at the Silver Spring Civic Building (1 Veterans Plaza, Silver Spring, Md.). You'll find raffles, swag bags, drinks and heavy hors d'oeuvres. $25-$35; 7-11:30 p.m.

Join Helix Lounge (1430 Rhode Island Ave. NW) to toast this year's nominees at their annual Oscar Happy Hour. Knock back a few movie-themed cocktails as you take in the red carpet action on Helix Lounge's two flat-screen TVs. Highlights include the Southern Sweet Tea (Firefly sweet tea vodka, grapefruit juice, fresh lemon and sparking water) and the Aloha, Oscar! (Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, 10 Cane Rum, cranberry sour, sprite, and fresh lemon). All cocktails are $8 and there will be half-priced Spiel-burgers and fries for $6.50 all night long. 5-11 p.m.; no cover.

Glamour, Glitter & Gold is returning to town -- Town Danceboutique (2009 8th St. NW), that is. Hosted by the D.C. Center for the LGBT Community, this annual Oscar celebration grants you a night of fun and live entertainment... plus, of course, the chance to watch the Academy Awards. Predict the winners for a chance to win prizes, and enjoy festivities during commercial breaks as well. 7:30 p.m.; $20 admission online or at the door.

Black History Month isn't over just yet -- we still have plenty more time to celebrate. Friends of the Doleman Black Heritage Museum are holding a concert at the Maryland Theatre (21 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown, Md.). Catch performances by the Bowie State Gospel Choir, and students of Barbara Ingram School for the Arts and North Hagerstown High School. 4 p.m. doors; 5 p.m. concert; $10. Tickets available at the Maryland Theatre box office -- call 301-790-2000.

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