A sound bath incorporates singing bowls like these. (Photo by captain orange)

This weekend holds dancing, lots of chances to shop for food and trinkets, and … zombies? It must be October.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5

HIT THE BOOKS: Push aside your college memories of late nights at the library near finals week and get ready to dance this Friday at the Columbia Pike Branch Library. The Arlington Public Library has resurrected its First Friday series “Groovin’ on the Pike,” an all-ages dance party. Headlining this weekend’s party is Afro-Brazilian singer-songwriter Cissa Paz, who, if past performances are any indication, might just groove mid-song along with the crowd. (Columbia Pike Branch Library, 7 p.m.-9 p.m., FREE)

SOUNDS SKETCHY: We’re no doctors, but studies have shown that watching old compilations of something silly like Whose Line Is It Anyway? can alleviate symptoms brought on by a really rough news week. Turn your phone off and catch two of the stars, Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood, in a live improv show. (Strathmore, 8 p.m., $34-$64)

SOAK UP THE SOUND: A sound bath is … well, it’s exactly what it sounds like: an experience that immerses you in sound. The practice has been found to reduce tension and blood pressure. At Monday’s sound bath at Church of the Holy City, relax amid the meditative tones of brass singing bowls and enjoy a brew of ceremonial cacao. And cancel the coffee order: It’s recommended that you avoid caffeine, dairy, meat, alcohol, and processed foods before heading to the bath. (Church of the Holy City, 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m., $20)

MORE: LOAD (DC Arts Center, 8 p.m.-9 p.m., $20-$75), National Symphony Orchestra: Tchaikovsky’s Fifth & Ax plays Mozart (Kennedy Center, 11:30 a.m., $19-$74), The Philadelphia Story (St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, various dates and times through Oct. 20, $20)

VIDA Fitness will host a fair of volunteer opportunities on its roof on Saturday. (Photo courtesy of VIDA Fitness)

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6

DO SOME GOOD: The mayor’s office and Vida Fitness are teaming up to take advantage of two things: Your do-goodism and your love of cocktails. At this volunteer expo, you’ll learn about more than 20 ways to donate your time across the city, including with Martha’s Table, Teens Run DC, N Street Village, and more charities. Plus, make a $10 donation to one of these organizations and receive a drink ticket at the bar. (Vida Fitness U Street Penthouse Pool Club, 4 p.m.-6 p.m., free entry)

JOIN THE CLUB: This outdoor festival that includes live music, kids’ activities… and a working rice mill. After you check out the traditional fest fare, learn all about co-op living at the Co-op Festival, which includes a scavenger hunt, a chance to sample some co-op produce, and energy efficiency demonstrations. (National Mall between 10th and 11th streets NW, through Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., FREE)

SWEET DREAMS ARE MADE OF THIS: Though the group 80s Dance Party has been throwing their namesake fêtes around D.C. for 25 years, they’ve never hosted at Black Cat (another institution celebrating 25 years, and resilience as it downsizes, too) before Saturday’s party. DJs will be spinning 80s tracks and the shoulder pads will be out in full force, but unfortunately we can’t confirm that drinks at the bar will be down to ’80s prices. (Black Cat Backstage, 9:30 p.m., $5 at door)

LEARN THE STEPS: If you prefer something a little more structured, take one of the dance classes at the AfroCuban DC Dance Festival. Throughout the two-day event, pros will be on hand to teach the basics of rumba, AfroModern, and Colombian dancing. After, show off your moves at an afterparty at Local 16. If you really have your sights set on So You Think You Can Dance, cough up $120 for a pass to every dance class. (Capitol Quarter Community Center, through Sunday, various times, $25 per class)

MORE: All Things Go Fall Classic (Dock 5 at Union Market, through Sunday, various times, $65-$95), Black Masala CD Release Party (Pearl Street Warehouse, 8:15 p.m., $15), Juan Gabriel Vásquez (Union Market, 6 p.m.-7 p.m., FREE), DC Vegan Foodie Night (Dwell DC, 7 p.m.-10 p.m., $10-$20)

A narrow escape at a zombie chase in 2013 (Photo courtesy of ZombieChase)

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7

TO MARKET …: Walter Reed is getting its own FRESHFARM market for three weekends in October (is a pop-up farmers market a thing?), including such fare as Call Your Mother bagels, Full Cellar Farm produce, and carbs galore from Ravenhook Bakehouse. Once Ward 4 Councilmember Brandon Todd rings the traditional bell that marks the start of the market, get ready to elbow some eager veggie enthusiasts out of the way to snag some squash. (The Parks at Walter Reed, 9 a.m.-noon, free entry)

BRAAAAAAINS: Imagine your regular commute, but add ravenous packs of zombies. That’s the premise behind the “live adventure game” ZombieChase, taking over the District on Sunday. Participants will be split into two sides: Zombies will chase after survivors, and survivors will try to make their way to checkpoints where their brains will be safe. (Penn Social, 3 p.m., $10)

TO LIFE!: Each year, the Russian Bazaar brings traditional folk songs, youth dancing—and yes, tons of food—to the Russian Orthodox Cathedral near 16th Street NW. There are also plenty of books, textiles, and other tchotchkes to peruse, but don’t skip out on the tour of the church, lined with colorful frescos and gold accents. (Russian Orthodox Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, noon-6 p.m., also takes place Saturday, free entry)

MORE: Blessing of the Animals (Washington National Cathedral, 2:30 p.m.-3:15 p.m., FREE), Capital City Symphony: Trouble in Tahiti (Atlas Performing Arts Center, 4 p.m.-6 p.m., $25), A (GOOD) AMERICAN: Artists on Immigration (Heurich House Museum, through Nov. 9, various times)