Laura’s Weekend Picks: Mumford & Sons Tickets, Filmfest DC, BBQ, Beer

From Laura Herman. Follow her on Twitter @Lmhhabs.

First, stop whatever you are currently doing and see if there are still tickets available for the June 9 Mumford & Sons concert at the Merriweather Post Pavillion. Yes, I know that’s far off and far away but 9:30 Club just announced that ticket pre-sales begin this Thursday, April 7, with the full sale opening to the public at 10 am on Friday, April 8. Tickets and more information are available here. I guarantee that this will sell out quickly and be one of the most fun shows of the summer. Crossing my fingers that I can get a ticket…

International Film Festival

Now that we have that business out of the way, let’s talk weekend. Spring? For real this time? Because I am a skeptic, I plan to spend a portion of the weekend inside decidedly NOT enjoying any nice weather that we may have, but enjoying Filmfest DC instead, Washington’s International Film Festival that kicks off this Thursday, April 7 and runs through Sunday the 17th.

Films from around the world will be shown at different locations throughout the city, including Regal Cinemas in Gallery Place and the Landmark E Street Theater. Tickets to most films are $11. A full listing of the films, schedules, and tickets are available here.

If you are looking to spend some time outside this weekend, stop by Standard, our new beer and barbecue neighbor in the original Garden District space (northwest corner of 14th and S). Billed as a minimalist restaurant with limited ten-person indoor seating, but a large outside German-style beer garden patio packed with picnic tables and heat lamps, Standard sounds just about right to kick off the season of outdoor merriment.

Standard’s menu includes barbeque standards (hah) like pulled pork, ribs, fries, beans, and slaw, as well as bratwursts and kraut. The German influence comes out in the draft selections, which include Köstritzer Schwarzbier and Weihenstephaner Hefe-weissbier, as well as Bell’s Two Hearted IPA, Avery Ellie’s Brown Ale, and North Coast Scrimshaw Pi. For the early Spring (a.k.a. until the weather warms up), they’re open Wednesday and Thursday from 5:30 pm to 1 am… on Fridays from 5:30 pm to 2 am… and Saturdays and Sundays beginning at noon.

Register for Beer Tasting at Whole Foods

Finally, plan in advance and register for P Street Whole Food‘s Beer Class & Tasting featuring canned beer next Thursday, April 14 from 7 to 8 pm. The P Steet store’s beer director and buyer will share his knowledge of canned beer, which we know has stepped up its game in the age of microbreweries and refined canning practices, and offer a tasting to help expand your discerning palate. The class will explore familiar Pilsners and lagers but also Amber Ales, Belgian Wit, Red Ales, Scotch Ales, Pale ales and different styles of Stouts and IPAs. Fee: $15. Registration is required.

What are YOU doing this weekend? Any films at Filmfest DC flicks to recommend? As always, let me know what you’re up to and what I missed below, at Laura(AT)borderstan.com , and on Twitter @Lmhhabs.