Photo by Vileinist

FOOD & DRINK: Birch & Barley (1337 14th Street NW) is hosting a three-course Cider and Gluten-free Dinner tonight, highlighting their 30 available ciders and gluten-free menu. Dishes include shirred farm egg with salt cod and arugula, corn garganelli with braised tripe, grilled flank steak, and a selection of cheeses. Call (202) 567-2576 for reservations. 7:00-10:00 p.m. $73 (plus tax and tip).

MOVIE: Experience “the goofy underbelly of old Hollywood” in the 1940s sci-fi movie Dr. Cyclops, tonight at the Washington Psychotronic Film Society screening at McFadden’s (2401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW). 8:00 p.m. $5 suggested donation.

MUSIC: Caveman earned a mixed review for their rock/shoe-gaze/folk sound in our SXSW Scouting Report, but decide for yourself how they measure up when they play the Red Palace (1212 H Street NE) tonight. Night Moves opens. 8:30 p.m. $12.

>> D.C. band The Public Good hits the Black Cat Backstage (1811 14th Street NW) tonight with The El Reys. 8:00 p.m. $8.

>> The Magnetic Fields are playing the 9:30 Club (815 V Street NW) tonight with DeVotchKa, but the show is sold out. 7:00 p.m.

Coming up this week…

TUESDAY: Cork Wine Bar (1805 14th Street NW) kicks off their new monthly “Whole Animal Grill-Outs” this Tuesday with a suckling pig roast. Email Roasts@CorkDC.com to save yourself a spot. 7:00 p.m. $50 (includes suckling pig, salad, mac n’ cheese, baked paples, sauerkraut, and fruit crostada).

WEDNESDAY: The entire seven show run (this Wednesday through Sunday) of the Washington Ballet’s production of Alice (in wonderland) is sold out. But try your luck consulting Craig, because it looks like this is going to be a fantastic show.

THURSDAY: FilmFestDC, an international film festival in the nation’s capital, kicks off this Thursday and continues through April 22nd. Check out the full film line-up online. Tickets: Most films are $11, with multiple ticket packages ranging from $33 to $80.

FRIDAY: Start your weekend off with the Visio-Disco art dance party at the National Portraig Gallery (9:00 p.m., $35) or the Tamagawa University Taiko Drumming and Dance Troupe at the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage (6:00 p.m., free).

SATURDAY: The annual Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival (12th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW), which coincides with the National Cherry Blossom Festival each year, is back this Saturday with Japanese dance, costumes, and lots of food. 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. $5 for those aged 13 years and up.

>> Celebrate 51 years since the first human space flight this Saturday at Countdown to Yuri’s Night 2012, an art, variety show, and dance party at Artisphere (1101 Wilson Boulevard Arlington, VA). 8:00 p.m. Tickets: $25 in advance, $30 day of.

SUNDAY: Immerse yourself in Thai culture and food this Sunday at the annual Songkran Festival at Wat Thai Temple (13440 Layhill Road, Silver Spring MD). This event celebrates the Thai new year and offers so many types of food to sample that it’s best to experience with a large group (so you can share!). Check out our article from last year to get a sense of what this event has to offer. 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Free.