Every time mid-October comes around, D.C.’s population swells for a weekend. Alums and non-alums alike descend on the District to partake in the ritual that is Howard University’s homecoming. Unlike some other schools with which you might be familiar, the traditional football game is almost an after-thought, albeit a sold out after-thought. Large, celebrity hosted parties and concerts are the big draws. But if you want to avoid long lines of overly pretentious people or…

>> The DC Independent Film Festival (DCIFF) opens tonight with a special tribute to Academy Award winning Executive Producer John Daly (Terminator, Platoon), and DCist will be there. Daly will be presented a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the film industry. Having trouble choosing between which of the 139 films being offered this year? DCist will have a slew of reviews over the course of the festival. We’re especially excited about DCIFF’s move…