Events to Peep for the Weekend - 11.3 - 11.5

On Friday, go back in time with "The Very Last Days of the First Colored Circus," a stage play written by Steven A. Butler, Jr., set in rural Maryland in 1927, which focuses on a group of black circus performers who struggle to be respected both as artists and as human beings. Featuring authentic vaudeville-inspired performances from the 1920s, this new musical pays tribute to a group of brave actors seeking the freedom to pursue their craft. 8 p.m. Tickets: $45-$55. Anacostia Playhouse. 2020 Shannon Place, SE, Washington, DC 20020. restorationstage.com

Acclaimed South African two-time Grammy nominated songwriter, guitarist, and producer, Jonathan Butler, hits the Blues Alley stage on Friday night, performing hits from his 25-year recording career in pop, R&B, smooth jazz and adult formats. 8 p.m. Tickets: $50. Blues Alley. 1073 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20007. www.bluesalley.com

On Saturday, warm up the fall day with North Capitol’s Second Annual Chili Challenge, featuring chili entries from eight local restaurants including Boundary Stone DC, DCity Smokehouse, and Old Engine 12. The day will also include games, a hot pepper eating contest, beer, wine, and a DJ spinning the latest hits. 1-4 p.m. Tickets: $15 adv/$20 day of. All proceeds go to North Capitol Main Street. 1600 N. Capitol Street, NW, Washington, DC 20002. Purchase tickets here.

Icons recognize icons on Saturday night as comedy legend Paul Mooney and funny lady Marsha Warfield pay tribute to the late great activist Dick Gregory in a one-night only performance at the Howard Theatre. The Howard Theater. 620 T Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $49.50-$89.50. www.thehowardtheatre.com

Raise a glass to District Winery on Sunday and celebrate the restaurant's new brunch menu, featuring crab beignets,“Canele” French toast, and wild mushroom tartine. While there, stop by the restaurant's tasting bar where tastings includes five carefully selected wines and rotates regularly. Bottles to go are also available for purchase. Brunch: 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. District Winery. 385 Water Street, SE, Washington, DC 20003. www.districtwinery.com

On Sunday, take it back to the old skool and celebrate all things hip hop at the Words Beats & Life Festival: Top Notch B-boy & B-girl Competition and Fine Lines Paint Jam, featuring b-boys and b-girls from around the country defying the laws of gravity and competing for cash prizes, while legendary DJ’s spin the hottest tracks. In addition, watch as 30 D.C.-based artists create live works of art, complete with music from DJ Vico Vibez. This year’s Fine Lines Paint Jam will draw inspiration from the classic Hip Hop film Wild Style. Free. 12 p.m.-8 p.m. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. 2700 F Street, NW, Washington, DC 20566. www.kennedy-center.org

Looking Ahead: "Wind up" your Thursday night at Echostage for the go-go Blend Show featuring Rare Essence, Back Yard Band, Junkyard Band, and the Uncalled 4 Band coming together to make your midweek funky. 10 p.m. Tickets: $36-$49. Echostage. 2135 Queens Chapel Road, NE, Washington, DC, 20018. www.echostage.com

Life's short. Be entertained.