D.C.’s version of the African Diaspora International Film Festival, returning for its seventh year, seems far too short for an event concerned with global African culture. But its curation may make up for its small slate. Tonight’s kickoff film, African Independence, takes a broad view, talking to African leaders about the continent’s myriad struggles for independence. Saturday’s Otomo looks at racism overseas, dramatizing the story of a West African refugee living in Stuttgart who assaulted a subway employee and rapidly became a hunted man. The African Cypher, a D.C. premiere, follows a South African street dancer with a checkered past who’s found a fanbase in the streets of Soweto. Read more >>> The films screen through Sunday at the Goethe Institut, 812 7th St. NW. $10–$20. (212) 864-1760. See a schedule at nyadiff.org. (Caroline Jones)

EAT THIS

This Sunday, District Doughnut is setting up a pop-up shop at Petworth’s Qualia Coffee. From 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. try single-origin coffees roasted in house paired with doughnut varieties such as apple streusel, orange chocolate, and dulce de leche. Qualia Coffee, 3917 Georgia Ave. NW. (202) 248-6423. qualiacoffee.com. (Dan Singer)

OH AND ALSO

Tonight: D.C. bands will rally outside the Russian Embassy and perform in solidarity with the still-imprisoned members of band Pussy Riot. Among those scheduled to perform: power-punk group G.U.T.S., Tereu Tereu member (and Washington City Paper contributor) Ryan Little‘s solo project, and Jail Solidarity. 6 p.m. outside 2650 Wisconsin Ave. NW. Free, obviously.

Tonight: Indie pop rockers Alex Vans and the Hideaway perform at Tropicalia with folk-punk quartet Norman Rockwell. 8 p.m. at 2001 14th St. NW. $10.

Tonight and Saturday: Comedian Andy Kindler, known for his work on Letterman, Bob’s Burgers, and the version of himself he plays on Maron, entertains the masses at the Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse. 10 p.m. at 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington. $20.

Tonight: Check out the vehemently local Identity Crisis Comedy Showcase at Black Cat, featuring nine of D.C.’s funniest performers. 9 p.m. at 1811 14th St. NW. $10.

Tonight: Stop by the Wonderland Ballroom for another You, Me, Them, Everybody show. While you’re there, donate a few bucks to help D.C.’s self-proclaimed “general enthusiast” Pat Walsh fix his teeth. 7:30 p.m. at 1101 Kenyon St. NW. $5 suggested donation.

Saturday: According to lore, former President Jimmy Carter once invited Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson to the White House while they were making a stop in D.C. And while Nelson obliged, he left Waylon behind—reportedly because the artist was too high to meet with the president. Perhaps the real mystery in this story, recounted by author Michael Streissguth in his new history, Outlaw, is how Nelson wound up the sober guy. The book recounts the tales of Jennings, Nelson, and Kris Kristofferson—the country-music legends who, with Johnny Cash, would go on to form The Highwaymen and foment an alternative to the Nashville formula. Read more >>> Michael Streissguth discusses his book at 3 p.m. (with music at 2 p.m.) at Joe’s Record Paradise, 8216 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring. Free. (301) 585-3269.  joesrecordparadise.com.

Saturday: The much-anticipated Trillectro Music Festival returns with special guest Wale and performances by Nadastrom, Salva, Shy Glizzy, and many others. Check Arts Desk after the festival for dispatches from the fairgrounds. Noon at Half Street Fairgrounds, 1299 Half St. SE. $49.

Saturday: Synthwave group Technophobia plays at the Black Cat Backstage with Lenorable. Incidentally, both bands have been featured in City Paper‘s One Track Mind column, so give ’em a listen. 9 p.m. at 1811 14th St. NW. $8.

Saturday: Beer! Beer! Beer! Drink tons of it at Saturday’s NoMa Beer Fest, when seven local brewers stop by the neighborhood to ply you with their sudsy sleep juice. 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 1250 First St. NE. More details on the NoMa BID’s website.

Sunday: How will they do the helicopter scene in that tiny theater? This is the question anyone who has belted Broadway power ballads in the shower has been asking ever since Signature Theatre announced it would produce Miss Saigon as its mainstage fall musical. Read more >>> The musical runs August 15 to Sept. 22 at Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington. $29–$69. (703) 820-9771. signature-theatre.org.

Sunday: Close out the weekend with a bit of jazz in Silver Spring when the Elijah Jamal Balbed Trio performs at the Purple Coconut Gallery. 2 p.m. at 7910 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring. Free.

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