The Eastside Tavern hosts a kick-off show featuring Hott Lunch, Catacombz and Enemy Airship. Doors at 8pm. Show at 10pm. $5 cover.

The Cafe Berlin busker showcases begin with charmed performances by Cindy Woolf, Bramble and Les Trois Coups. Doors and 8pm. Show at 9pm. Suggested donation of $4-6.

Mojo’s hosts a showcase featuring: Bassdrum of Death, Jerusalem and the Starbaskets, and Ming Donkey One-Man Band. Doors at 8pm. Show at 10pm. Free for Super Circle and Silver Circle passholders, $5 for other passholders, $8 general admission.

Berlin Theater brings together festival favorites Pearl and the Beard, Toughcats and Malone to warm up your Friday evening. Doors and 8pm. Show at 9pm. Suggested donation of $4-6.

Stomp out a day’s documentaries at Mojo’s. This show features Believers, Why Are We Building Such a Big Ship?, Dark Dark Dark and Cassie Morgan. Doors at 8pm. Show at 9pm. Free for Super Circle and Silver Circle passholders, $5 for other passholders, $8 general admission

On Saturday night at Cafe Berlin, we will welcome back Run On Sentence and introduce festival newcomers Nick Jaina and Busman’s Holiday. Doors and 8pm. Show at 9pm. Suggested donation of $4-6.