In 2012, director, writer, producer, and sometimes-actor John Waters packed a bag and went hitchin’. Waters had set his sights on San Francisco, by way of his hometown of Baltimore, a nearly 3,000-mile journey. His favorite method for flagging down cars? Holding a sign that read, simply, “I’m Not Psycho.” Whether it had to do with the sign or the man holding it, the technique was effective, and along the way, he met enough kind strangers to get him to the West Coast and fill an entire book: Carsick: John Waters Hitchhikes Across America. In its pages, you’ll find anecdotes about the time he met indie band Here We Go Magic, rode with an 81-year-old farmer who thought Waters was a hobo, and was treated so well by a handsome young Republican in a Corvette that he ended up giving the guy a personal tour of his San Francisco home. During his visit to Sixth & I Historic Synagogue, Waters will discuss his journey and inscribe copies with his beautiful name. But no need to save room in your car—at this point, Waters probably has his own ride. John Waters speaks at 7 p.m. at Sixth & I Historic Synagogue, 600 I St. NW. $30–$40. (202) 408-3100. sixthandi.org.