... to come to their 3rd Wednesday Happy Hours. And if you aren't yet as excited about the Capital Fringe Festival as we are, let it be known that the time to wave those freak flags high is nigh.

Here's the deal: From July 20 to 30, 2006, the District will host its very own, first-ever Fringe festival, in the tradition of Edinburgh and Edmonton. Imagine a city-wide arts festival that leans on the crazy side (and by that we of course mean crazy-cool). Venues throughout D.C. will play host to theater, dance, music, poetry, spoken word, puppetry and no doubt things much, much stranger than you can possibly imagine.

But DCist, you say, this is not until July. Why should we care about this in December? Because Festival organizers are currently accepting applications from both artists and venues, and this evening is an excellent opportunity to meet up with other Fringe Fest folk and get your questions answered. There will be $2 Yuenglings available tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. at Warehouse Cafe & Bar, and if you'd like to apply to use a Capital Fringe Venue, it'll only cost you $25 to turn in your application by hand tonight (downloadable here, and the deadline for venues is Dec. 31).

I've had a chance to meet some of the insanely motivated and together Capital Fringe organizers, and let me tell ya, these kids have got it going on. If you have any interest at all in participating or volunteering, get thyself to Warehouse Cafe tonight (or any other 3rd Wednesday in the next few months) and sign up. And stay tuned to DCist for continuing Fringe Fest coverage.