An awesome fan-fiction mashup could gather all your favorite characters in one world, but only an awesome convention can attempt to replicate that in real life. If you’re the type to spin long and complicated yarns about fictional people, you might as well hoof it to D.C.’s Awesome Con to meet the humans who play them. Each day of the convention, festival-goers can partake in activities like sci-fi speed dating, video game rooms, tabletop gaming, and panel discussions on geeky subjects like aliens and zombies. On Saturday, the celebration of all things nerd culminates with a performance by Andrew W.K. at the Black Cat, and on Sunday, the “Party Hard” rocker discusses the merits of “positive partying” at a motivational seminar. Read more >>> Awesome Con runs April 18 to 20 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place NW. $30–$200. (240) 346-0399. awesomecondc.com. (Tim Regan)
EAT THIS
Get a taste of homemade marshmallow Peeps at Georgetown bowling and bocce restaurant Pinstripes on Sunday. The Easter brunch includes Nutella creme and bananas foster waffles, omelettes, prime rib, seafood, and a chocolate fountain. Brunch is from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and tickets are $30 for adults. The restaurant will also hide 1,500 Easter eggs containing everything from candy to coupons for complimentary brunch. Join the hunt at 11 a.m. Pinstripes, 1064 Wisconsin Ave. NW. (202) 625-6500. pinstripes.com. (Quinn Kelley)
OH AND ALSO
Friday: In conjunction with the National Gallery of Art’s exhibition of works by photographer Garry Winogrand, American University screens Jamel Shabazz Street Photographer, a documentary about the pioneering hip-hop photographer. 7 p.m. at 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW. Free.
Friday: Jazz and hip-hop artist Carolyn Malachi performs and discusses her music with Washington Post pop critic Chris Richards as part of the Hill Center’s “District S0unds” series. 7 p.m. at 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. $15.
Friday and Saturday: MOVEIUS Contemporary Ballet premieres a new piece by choreographer Emery LeCrone and presents other works by Constantine Baecher and Shelley Siller at the Montgomery College Cultural Arts Center. 8 p.m. Friday and 7:30 p.m. Saturday at 7995 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring. $10.
Saturday: Heavy-metal heavyweight Pentagram made a name for itself in D.C.’s metal scene in the ’70s and ’80s with wailing guitar riffs and a sound that drips with doom. For the first time in 10 years, the band born in Alexandria will return to the District for a show at American University. Local bands Satan’s Satyrs, Coke Bust, and Unholy Thoughts will open the show with heavy riffs, mosh-worthy fits, and a throwback to quality punk. Read more >>> Pentagram performs with Satan Satyrs, Coke Bust, and Unholy Thoughts at 8 p.m. at the MGC Tavern at American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW. $21. (202) 885-3900. american.edu. (Jordan-Marie Smith)
Saturday: Local groups Mundy and D A T E S join Berlin-based performer Mary Ocher for a show at Comet Ping Pong. Find more details on Facebook. 10 p.m. at 5037 Connecticut Ave. NW. $10.
Saturday: Performance troupe Jarman (all this maddening beauty) presents a new work inspired by the work of filmmaker Derek Jarman at Atlas Performing Arts Center. 8 p.m. at 1333 H St. NE. $10–$20.
Sunday: It’s Easter! The Coathangers’ latest album, Suck This Shirt, begins with a riff-filled barnburner called “Follow Me,” which sounds like something Jesus would say, right? If you’re not into the Son of God and Easter is just another Sunday, well, at least the Coathangers’ “Zombie” will make a terrifically grim joke. Read more >>> The Coathangers perform with Chain & the Gang and Audacity at 9 p.m. at Comet Ping Pong, 5037 Connecticut Ave. NW. $12. (202) 364-0404. cometpingpong.com. (Alan Zilberman)
Sunday: Local favorites America Hearts close the weekend with a show at Arlington’s Galaxy Hut featuring The Good Graces. 9 p.m. at 2711 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. $5.
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