Sept. 6-11 in nightlife: Virgin Mobile FreeFest, The National, Incubus, new Heavy Seas seasonal

Virgin Mobile FreeFest is finally here. And unlike last year, when only High Zero conflicted with the festival, there are a ton of other things happening on Saturday. We'll have a blog post later this week on alternatives to Virgin FreeFest for Saturday. Below is what's happening elsewhere this week: besides FreeFest, Merriweather has a couple of other solid shows; so does the Ottobar; Heavy Seas will release a new seasonal beer this week; the Wham City Comedy night returns; and Metro Gallery hosts a concert photography exhibit that will feature a performance by Secret Mountains.

On Tuesday

, The National will perform at Merriweather Post Pavilion -

. Incidentally,

's the band performing "Holy Holy" on a swing set. We

the National last week. 5 p.m. Tickets start at $30.

On Wednesday

, Vivian Girls perform at the Ottobar,

Erin McKeown.7 p.m. Free. And: The Wham City Comedy night returns to the

with a preview of this year's

. 8 p.m. $5.

On Thursday

, Twin Shadow returns to the Ottobar. He last played the venue in February. 8 p.m. $12. Also: Posh Cavern holds a moombahton showcase at

. 10 p.m. No cover before 11 p.m. $5 after.

Great Pumpkin and (the Bourbon barrel-aged) Great'er Pumpkin at

in Fells. 6 p.m. No cover.

On Friday

, it's the opening night of IRL, a new exhibit of concert photography at Metro Gallery. Secret Mountains, Soft Cat and Arches will be on hand to perform. 7 p.m. No cover listed.

On Saturday

, it's Virgin Mobile FreeFest. Doors open at 11 a.m. at Merriweather Post Pavilion. Paid tickets are still available. We have a

of the performances. Later this week, expect a post with alternatives to the festival.

On Sunday

, Merriweather hosts another big show, Incubus with opener Young the Giant. 6 p.m. Tickets start at $40.