Photo by Jim Havard.

FRIDAY

FILM: The Freer’s 2014 China Onscreen Biennial continues this week with the North American premiere of The Continent, written and directed by Chinese novelist/blogger Han Han. Bérénice Reynaud summarizes the film as “three slackers leave their forsaken Dongji Island to explore the Chinese continent, but elusive women, gangster uncles, thieves, puppies, and hitchhikers upset their plans.” You had me at puppies. Shown in the HDCAM format. The screening will be preceded by a pre-recorded Q&A with writer-director Han Han. Screens at 7 p.m. at the Freer Gallery ( 1050 Independence Avenue SW). — Pat Padua

CONCERT: The Luce Foundation Center at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, in partnership with Washington City Paper, is once again bringing some terrific local bands to the American Art Museum for a special free concert. Soul-punks Laughing Man perform with spacey synth-pop group Furniteur. There will be free Atlas Brew Works tastings, as well. Starts at 6 p.m. More details here.

ART: The “Portrait of an Artist” exhibition opens at the Pleasant Plains Workshop (2608 Georgia Avenue NW), featuring the works of artists David Ibata, Danielle Scruggs, Alice Wonder, and Yodith Dammlash. The exhibition “explores the nature of visual work as a reflective surface, one that gives insight into artists’ processes, practices, influences and distinct personalities.” Opening reception is tonight from 6-8 p.m. Info here.

HALLOWEEN: Friday through Sunday, the National Zoo (3001 Connecticut Avenue NW) will host one of D.C.’s bets Halloween events, Boo at the Zoo. Candy from Mars (not the planet), chips, pretzels and other snacks will be handed out at 40 decorated stations around the Zoo. Tickets are $20 for Friends of the National Zoo members, $30 for non-members. 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.—Sarah Anne Hughes

MORE HALLOWEEN: If you’re looking for something scary, the Crime Museum’s (575 7th Street NW) haunted house will offer tours on October 24 and 25th and and October 27 through November 1st. “Those brave enough to attend will be led through a dim-lit maze of empty jail cells, electric chairs, dark alleyways, and gruesome crime scenes. Along the way, guests will encounter evil clowns, spiders, zombies, and ghosts lurking in the shadows, waiting to pounce.” $30. Tours begin at 7 p.m.—Sarah Anne Hughes

SATURDAY

BEER & KITCH: Stop by Jack Rose (2007 18th Street NW) tomorrow for their “Tour de Fall Carnival”, a celebration of beer and carnival kitsch. Sip on $5 seasonal New Belgium drafts while playing ring toss or getting your fortune read by a psychic. Corn dogs, cotton candy, and beer floats will also be on hand for the full nostalgia effect. The carnival runs from noon to 5 p.m. — Alicia Mazzara

RESTORATIONS: From emo to Americana to “punk for grown-ups” to even pop-punk, Philadelphia’s Restorations have been creating music that isn’t easily classifiable since 2008. On their third LP—bluntly titled LP3—the band’s musical maturation has evolved into next-level territory; a full-fledged heartland album whose sound is indebted as much to Bruce Springsteen and Crazy Horse as it is to the more experimental side of punk, like Fugazi. On the album, which you can stream on NPR Music’s First Listen, the band isn’t afraid to stuff each song with as many of their favorite tricks as they can—big choruses, heavy distortion, shoegazey electronics, and “too many guitar solos.” The band rolls into DC9 on Saturday in support of LP3, which will formally be released on October 28 via SideOneDummy Records, along with experimental post-hardcore collective Self Defense Family, and Fires.

FOOD DAY: Celebrate national Food Day with National Geographic’s (1145 17th Street NW) Harvest Festival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Activities include cooking demonstrations, food tastings, and craft and gardening activities for kids and adults. — Alicia Mazzara

FILM: A greedy dame (Lizabeth Scott) stumbles on a cache of dead presidents that belongs to a shady mug (Dan Duryea). The AFI Silver’s Noir City D.C. festival continues with a new 35mm print of this classic noir from 1949 directed by Byron Haskin. Film Noir Foundation member Alan K. Rode will introduce the October 25 screening. Next week’s Noir City listings also include rare screenings of international noirs from France (Jules Dassin’s classic heist film Rififi, October 25 and 28), Germany (The Murderers are Among Us, 16mm, October 26 and 30), Norway (Death is a Caress, October 26 and 29) and Japan (Kurosawa’s Stray Dog, October 30). See the festival’s entire program here. I’d camp out in Silver Spring if I could. Screens at 5:20 p.m. Tickets here. — Pat Padua

DOGS: Howl to the Chief/Rural Dog Rescue will host its annual costume contest in Lincoln Park (East Capitol and 11th Street NE). Dress up your pup for the chance to win prizes, and stick around for the parade of adoptable dogs. 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.—Sarah Anne Hughes, who is a volunteer for this organization

MORE DOGS: The Washington Animal Rescue League will also host a dog costume contest at its Washington Animal Rescue League fundraiser in Yards Park (355 Water Street SE). The celebration also includes beer tasting, food and live music. Tickets $35 and includes unlimited tastings. 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.—Sarah Anne Hughes

SUNDAY

ART: Beginning Sunday, the Phillips Collection (1600 21st Street NW) will open the new exhibition, Intersections, by Mallorcan artist Bernardi Roig. The exhibition “is a series of contemporary art projects that explores—as the title suggests—the intriguing intersections between old and new traditions, modern and contemporary art practices, and museum spaces and artistic interventions.” It’ll be on display until March 8 and is part of the museum’s regular admission fee.

FUNDRAISER: Martha’s Table will host its One Pot Supper fundraiser around the city. You can either host a dinner in your home for between five to 25 people to raise money for Martha’s Table, or dine out at a restaurant that will donate a portion of its proceeds to the organization (Ardeo + Bardeo; Iron Gate; Birch & Barley; and 701 Restaurant). Find out more here. —Sarah Anne Hughes

JAZZ: October 2014 marks the 50th anniversary of the October Revolution in Jazz, organized by trumpeter Bill Dixon in New York City, which ultimately led to the creation of the Jazz Composers Guild. Musicians from D.C. and New York will celebrate the occasion on Sunday at Union Arts (411 New York Avenue NE) with a series of duo performances. 7 p.m. Tickets $10. — Sriram Gopal