Every time mid-October comes around, D.C.’s population swells for a weekend. Alums and non-alums alike descend on the District to partake in the ritual that is Howard University’s homecoming. Unlike some other schools with which you might be familiar, the traditional football game is almost an after-thought, albeit a sold out after-thought. Large, celebrity hosted parties and concerts are the big draws. But if you want to avoid long lines of overly pretentious people or run-ins with Diddy, you might want to check out these two less-advertised events:

Friday:
True School House Party

Just when you thought it was time to retire from the club because you couldn’t do the latest dance craze, the True School House Party comes along. Catering more to Carter administration kids than second term Reagan babies, Grammy-winning producer and former Little Brother member 9th Wonder will be deejaying some of the finest R&B and hip-hop from the 1980s through late 1990s. He might even drop a beat from his newest album. If that isn’t enough, Monie Love will serve as the night’s emcee. Oh yeah, Erykah Badu is hosting. And now for the downer: A dress code will be strictly enforced. Still, trading the Pumas in for one night could be worth it. Everything takes place at Liv starting at 10 p.m. Tickets are $25 and early arrival is highly encouraged since online ticket sales have ceased.

Saturday:
Rebirth/Spiritual Party

D.C. is often seen as a city of soulless bureaucrats given the area’s dominant industry. At least once a month that image is shed with the rolling out of the Rebirth party. Teaming up this Saturday with Baltimore’s Spiritual party, Rebirth features the best in underground house music and offers patrons the opportunity to dance off the negative vibes that can accumulate during the drudgery of the workweek. Resident DJ Divine will be spinning as usual. This month’s special guest deejay is New York-based producer/DJ Ian Friday. Friday’s made a name for himself in the Big Apple’s house scene for the work he’s done on his Tea Party Music label with the likes of Erro, better known as Eric Roberson. Rebirth/Spiritual is taking place at Mirrors. Doors open at 9 p.m. Admission is $10 before midnight.

Photo taken from Gumbusters' website