Photo by pablo.raw.

DANCE: Cooler weather is here. The holidays are upon us. And yet again The Nutcracker takes the stage. See the Joffrey Ballet production of Tchaikovsky’s classic tonight through this weekend (except the night of Thanksgiving) at the Kennedy Center (2700 F Street NW). 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $45-$150.

MUSIC: Kurt Vile & The Violators hit the Black Cat (1811 14th Street NW) with Purling Hiss. 9 p.m. $10 in advance, $12 at the door.

>> Carbon Leaf, a band originally from Richmond, come to the 9:30 Club (815 V Street NW) with Ingram Hill. 6 p.m. $25.

>> Bob Perilla’s Big Hillbilly Bluegrass blends bluegrass, country and folk and has been performing for over 13 years. See them tonight at the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage (2700 F Street NW). 6 p.m. Free.

PARTY: Clarendon Ballroom (3185 Wilson Blvd., Arlington) is throwing a Thanksgiving Eve Party, with cover band Kristen and the Noise. Doors open at 6 p.m. $10.

FOOD & DRINK: It’s “Drink Your Beer, Steal Your Glass” week at Belga Cafe (514 8th Street SE). Choose from their special beer pairings a la carte, or get three courses for $45.

THEATER: Woolly Mammoth (641 D Street NW) presents another “Cheap Date Night,” where you and a date can get $20 tickets to House of Gold. Before and after the show, have happy hour in the theater. Use code 1035 to get this deal from the box office. 6:30 p.m.