Shockingly, there are nighttime activities besides clubbing during welcome week. Take advantage of what the District has to offer before schedules fill up and classes take over. Nobody starts doing homework until after Labor Day anyway, and this way, you don’t have to fight your way to the front of the line at Midtown.

A Burlesque Tribute to Harry Potter
If gathering Dumbledore’s Army for a Burlesque show sounds as good to you as it does to us, you will want to mark this on your calendar: “Pastius Revelio: A Burlesque Tribute to Harry Potter.” The company promises to “do the weird stuff,” so bring your wands and robes (yes, there’s a costume contest, too) and get ready for a show to remember.
Where? Bier Baron Tavern at 1523 22 St. NW
When? Saturday, Aug. 31; Doors open at 8:30 p.m., and the show starts at 10:30 p.m.
Age limit? 21+
How much? Tickets are $10 advance, $12 day of show.

Karaoke and Sushi
Stay after a late dinner at this H Street Corridor staple (with some of the best sushi in the District) or pop in later to have some laughs with friends as you attempt Backstreet Boys and Tina Turner hits.
Where? Sticky Rice D.C. at 1224 H St. NE
When? 10 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Age limit? 21+
How much? Free

Stand-up shows
Get your laughs at the same spot where Ellen DeGeneres and Dave Chappelle got their start: the D.C. Improv Club. Comic Jake Johannsen – known for his routines on Late Night with Conan O’Brien, David Letterman and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno – will perform at the Club a few times during the first weekend back.
Where? D.C. Improv at 1140 Connecticut Ave. NW
When? Aug. 28 through Sept. 1; Shows start at 8 p.m. with additional times at 10:30 on weekends
Age limit? 18+
How much? Tickets range from $17 and $20

Outdoor movie night
D.C. has a plethora of open-air film festivals, with a few stellar options this week. Catch “Good Will Hunting” at 7 p.m. on Friday at Strawberry Park, which is within walking distance of the Dunn Loring-Merrifield Metro Station on the Orange Line. Or if you’re in the mood for a throwback, try a showing of “Grease” at 8 p.m. on Friday in Rosslyn’s Gateway Park, two blocks from the Rosslyn Metro station at 1300 Lee Highway.

Washington Nationals game
The Nationals may be slumping and nearly out of the playoff chase, but with half-price student tickets for games every Sunday through Wednesday, it’s cheaper to root for the home team. During Welcome Week, the Nationals play the Miami Marlins from Tuesday to Thursday and then the New York Mets from Friday to Sunday.
Where? Nationals Park – Take the Green Line to Navy Yard
When? Games start at 7:05 p.m. and the Sunday game starts at 1:35 p.m.
How much? Tickets range from $9 to $15.

Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage
Most students don’t realize they can walk into a show at the Kennedy Center every night without getting a ticket ahead. Highlights during GW’s Welcome Week include “The Best of Craigslist,” a cabaret play adapted from 37 actual Craigslist posts on Monday, and a poetry slam on Friday. While there, hit up the Kennedy Center’s rooftop for one of the best views of D.C.
Where? Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW
When? Shows start at 6 p.m.
How much? Free