Lots of reasons to stay inside and avoid the heat this weekend, from live music to a burlesque show to raunchy puppets. Five fun things to do:
Friday: Summer's Eve Party at the Rock 'n' Roll Hotel
Who's the person who said that a New Year's Eve-type of party should happen only on Dec. 31? Not the folks at the Rock 'n' Roll Hotel. On Friday, the H Street bar and venue is hosting its first Summer's Eve Party. Enjoy a number of DJs spinning all night, and other NYE-themed fun. General admission is $15; $25 gets you in the door and an open bar from 6 to 11 p.m.; and $50 gets you in and an open bar from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Something new: Now that the World Cup is over, maybe the lines at the nearby Biergarten Haus won't be as long. Maybe. biergartenhaus.com
Details: Rock 'n' Roll Hotel, 1353 H St. NE; 202-388-7625; rockandrollhotel.com
Saturday: The Marshall Tucker Band at the State Theatre
Yeah, we also couldn't believe it's been nearly 40 years since MTB first came on the scene. Though they've suffered through their fair share of tragedy, this Southern rockers keep moving along. Yeah, does bring to mind Lynyrd Skynyrd. Doors at 7 p.m., show at 9 p.m. $30.
Good weekend at the Falls Church venue: Check out an excellent local show Friday, and Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers on Sunday.
Details: State Theatre, 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church; 703-237-0300; statetheatre.com
Sunday: Burlesque-A-Pades at the Birchmere
The Palace of Wonders isn't the only place where someone can enjoy a good burlesque show this summer. For the folks in Virginia, head out to the Birchmere in Alexandria for the Burlesque-A-Pades Summer of Love show. Catch glimpses of the Pontani Sisters, Kitten DeVille, and Mr. Showbiz Murray Hill. Show is at 7:30 p.m., tickets are $29.50.
Maryland folks: If Alexandria isn't convenient, Burlesque-A-Pades is at the Ottobar in Baltimore on Saturday. theottobar.com
Details: The Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria; 703-549-7500; birchmere.com
Through Aug. 15: 'Avenue Q' at the Lansburgh Theatre
The Shakespeare Theatre Company presents "Avenue Q," the 2004 Tony Award-winning musical. Yes, the home of the Bard's best and raunchy puppets collide. This isn't for the faint of heart, but it is one of the funniest shows around. What better way to cool off in the middle of the summer? Ticket prices and show times vary.
Grab a drink: Head to the nearby District ChopHouse & Brewery for a beer sampler, glass of wine or good-single malt scotch. chophouse.com.
Details: Lansburgh Theatre: 450 Seventh St. NW; 202-547-1122; shakespearetheatre.org.
Sunday: Carlos Santana at Jiffy Lube Live
A great summer music experience just may be enjoying the sounds of guitar virtuoso Carlos Santana at an outdoor venue on a Sunday evening. Enjoy hits like "Oye Como Va" and "Black Magic Woman." With fellow ax man Steve Winwood. 7:30 p.m. $25.50 to $95.50.
On Friday: The "American Idol Live" tour comes through town. For more info, visit livenation.com.