All good things … Thursday marks the beginning of the last homestead of the year for Hill Country‘s Backyard Barbecue series at the National Building Museum.

It’s cruel, I know. But just like outdoor pools closing (something I never had to worry about growing up in Arizona) at the end of summer, so will come to a close Hill Country’s outdoor celebration of live music and smoked meat on the lawn of the museum on Fifth Street Northwest, between F and G streets.

If you ever found yourself walking or biking past the downtown spot throughout the summer series, it was nearly impossible to resist going in.

Tonight’s hootenanny music starts at 5:30 p.m., with the Harikaraoke Band performing its live-band karaoke and the Hill Country folks serving up their regular menu plus the $10 Pitmaster Special of brisket plus salad.

On Friday, Jonny Grave & the Tombstones (Perfect band for Friday the 13th!) will play. The Pitmaster special, again $10, is whole hog plus a side.

Then on Saturday, it’s farewell, my lovely. Lots of beer, lots of barbecue and Crushed Out will be playing.

For all three events, doors open at noon and the music starts at 5:30 p.m. and ends at 8:30 p.m. And even though the Backyard series is ending, Hill Country is definitely not going anywhere. So if you crave smoked meat and tunes, you can head indoor at their D.C. mothership at 410 Seventh St. NW.