This Weekend

Halloween is less than two weeks away, so roll out the freaks and pumpkins.

This evening, the Washington Science Fiction Association opens its sixth annual Capclave literary science fiction convention at the Hilton Silver Spring (8727 Colesville Rd near Spring Street). Lectures include how-to's in terrascaping the universe, creating non-human characters and building a spacefaring civilization. The weirdness runs through Sunday afternoon.

For a touch of the tacky, AFI Silver Theatre (8633 Colesville Rd at Georgia Avenue) presents "Flesh for Frankenstein," Andy Warhol's dreadful yet deliciously campy take on reanimating the dead. The 1973 trash classic (trashic?) screens tonight and tomorrow night.

After the freakfest, stagger over to Boy Scout Troop 209's pumpkin patch at the Woodside United Methodist Church (8900 Georgia Ave at Ballard Street). The pumpkin patch operates this weekend and next, so score some gourd while you can.