Laura’s Weekend Picks: Fashion, Films, Buffy, Dance Parties

From Laura Herman. Follow her on Twitter @Lmhhabs.

Well hello there, Borderstanis. Yet another week has flown by and the weekend is nearly upon us. Lots going on locally this weekend:

Thursday. Ever since an unseasonably warm start to the week, I’ve had sundresses on my mind. If you’re also itching to put away your sweaters and break out the spring wardrobe, start your weekend off at ReadysetDC’s fashion:district Spring/Summer 2011 show this Thursday, April 14, 2011 at the Longview Gallery (1234 9th Street NW).

The event includes a full-length runway show and pop-up shops featuring local influential and innovative designers including; ARTAYA, Clockwise Clothing, Derringer Friday, Durkl, Ginger Root Design, Hugh & Crye and SAINTCHiC. Doors open at 7 pm, the show begins at 9 pm, and tickets are still available for purchase here. Proceeds from ticket sales also benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. What a tres chic way to support local business and a good cause.

Friday. Next up, if you missed the FORWARD Festival earlier this month you can still catch and relive some of the fun at the Forward Decompression Party this Friday night at Lost & Found (1240 9th Street NW), featuring artists from this year’s festival line up, including Brian Billion, Deyv, Measax, Joe L., Juan Zapata, Ray Casil and vAnniety Kills. The party’s free (just 21+) and doors open at 8 pm.

If that’s not your thing, hit up DC9’s regular Friday night Liberation Dance Party featuring an open bar from 9 to 10:30 pm and dance-your-face-off fun all night. Cover is $7. Cake is also playing three sold out shows at the 9:30 Club this weekend, so if you don’t have tickets, you can try hanging around outside to catch scalpers or the after-party.

Saturday. On Saturday night, Black Cat has your whole evening covered. Start at their free Hellmouth Happy Hour at 7 pm, where they’ll show an episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer (ya know, the Twilight precursor) and offer drink specials until 8:30 pm. Then stick around for the Saturday Night Dance Party with DJ Jackie O, beginning at 9:30 pm. $5 tickets are available at the door.

Sunday. Close out the weekend by checking out (another) DC International FilmFest flick. The festival ends on Sunday so make sure to make it beforehand.

What are YOU doing this weekend? What did I miss? Let me know what’s on your radar! Comment below, email me at Laura(AT)borderstan.com , or on Twitter @Lmhhabs. Happy weekend-ing!