FRIDAY: The DAM! Festival doesn't start until next weekend, but the organizers rightfully want you to be psyched for it to start already. They're hosting a Kickoff Party tonight at the Rock and Roll Hotel, with Exit Clov, The Dance Party, Dirty on Purpose (pictured), and DJ Geologist (who we interviewed earlier this week). $9 gets you in the door. >> Reel Affirmations, the D.C. area's Annual Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered film festival, wraps... more ›

The Post is reporting today that although officials are not planning to close any streets, security personnel will be "more aggressive" searching vehicles coming near the IMF and World Bank for explosives. 17th Street, between Farragut Square and Constitution Avenue (adjacent to the White House's Old and New Executive Office Buildings), is already shut down to all trucks. Although we understand their motivations, DCist is a little concerned by Mayor Anthony Williams and Metropolitan Police Chief Charles Ramsey's suggestion D.C. citizens notify the authorities if they spot "strangers photographing possible targets" and "people or vehicles making unusual movements." We wonder when the last time was they took a stroll around the monuments in August. more ›