TOP 5 FOR FRIDAY, JULY 13
1. THE IMMORTAL World Tour: Cirque du Soleil At Verizon Center
This is nuts for a lot of reasons but they're mostly good reasons. Cirque de Solel doesn't do anything poorly and everyone alive knows at least a few Michael Jackson tunes. Why it's called 'The IMMORTAL World Tour' is one of the nutty things. 8 p.m.. all ages, $50 to $200, also July 14, 15
2. Murder By Death At Black Cat
More post-rock bands need cello. Most post-rock bands should score films that don't exist. Murder By Death does both. 9 p.m., all ages, $15
3. "Aaaaaargh! Murder!" At Mountain
Follow the excessively-British sounding Sergeant Inspector Barnaby Tweed as he helps Lord and Lady Killington solve the mysterious murder of all their servants, in this satirical murder story. One of our ten picks for Capital Fringe 2012. 6 p.m., all ages, also July 18, 21
4. Paint On Known At Hillyer Art Space
Check out the new collaborative exhibition of work by Chajana DenHarder and Deborah Anzinger which mixes which photography, painting, grids and projections. 6 p.m., all ages, no cover
5. Paul Mooney At The Howard Theatre
The stand up legend will probably say more controversial things than Daniel Tosh but get away with it. Anyone doing this for more than 40 years knows how to control a crowd. 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., all ages, sold out, also July 14 (not sold out)
TOP 5 FOR SATURDAY, JULY 14
1. 8th Annual Bastille Day Street Bash At L'Enfant Cafe
Celebrate Bastille Day with DJs, can-can dancers, food, champaign and more. Dress up for the French maid race and catch a drag show. The most appropriate way to honor France. 3 p.m., all ages, $5
2. "Wizard of Oz" At Wolf Trap
One of the greatest films of all time will be shown on giant screens with live accompaniment from the NSO. 8:30 p.m., all ages, $20 to $52
3. Best Coast At 9:30 Club
Their recent Letterman appearance proved the West Coast band has grown into a competent act. No longer hiding behind waves of distortion, not that that's a bad thing, they're letting the hooks shine in front. 8 p.m., all ages, sold out
4. Converse Block Party At Banneker Community Center
This may be awful or awesome. Corporate sponsored 'fun' events are either a bust or wonderful. Expect a chance to win free sneakers, free food, free drinks or nothing. 12 p.m., all ages, no cover
5. "The Rise & Fall Of The Clash" At St. Stephens
This benefit for We Are Family will please most punk rock fans. The new Clash documentary by Danny Garcia covers the lesser known, later era of "The Only Band That Matters." Following the screening with be a Q&A with Garcia. 7 p.m., all ages, $10
TOP 5 FOR SUNDAY, JULY 15
1. Birthday Bash At Dupont Circle FRESHFARM Market
FRESHFARM Markets celebrates 15 years of local produce and more from local farmers and vendors. Bluegrass, balloon twisting, face paintings, raffles and, of course, the market, make this Sunday afternoon activity fun and family friendly. 4 p.m., all ages, no cover
2. El-P At Rock And Roll Hotel
Critically acclaimed rapper and CEO of on-hiatus Definitive Jux label, El-P returns to the stage promoting his new record "Cancer 4 Cure." 9 p.m., 21+, sold out
3. Grand Piano Party At Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center
Part of the William Kapell International Piano Competition & Festival, we're picking this event because it has something for anyone who loves keys. Moog demonstrations, lessons in how pianos work, young artist competitions, children's rooms and more. 1 p.m., all ages, no cover
4. Man Meets Grill At Sixth & I
Pam Ginsberg, one of DC’s best-known butchers, and Brian Fuchs of Wagshal’s Market teach the basics of grilling, cuts of meat and more. A good primer for the man or woman that thinks they're a grill-master. 5 p.m., all ages, $18 to $20
5. "Nevermind The Bollocks, Here's A Midsummer Night's Dream" At Warehouse
The classic play, transplanted into New York City's punk heyday. In addition to the usual romantic mayhem, the show promises leather jackets, florescent hair and three chord tunes. One of our ten picks for Capital Fringe 2012. 9:15 p.m., all ages, $17, also July 13, 14, 22, 26, 28