12 Of Our Favorite Events in D.C. This Weekend

By: Mimi Montgomery

Photo by Victoria Pickering

FRIDAY, JAN. 26

RAWR: It’s not Jurassic Park, but it’s close: Discover the Dinosaurs and its Time Trek Laboratory are in D.C. this weekend. Travel back to the prehistoric days with hands-on exhibits that include a family game show, a moving dinosaur skeleton, and the chance to cuddle with a baby dino. (D.C. Armory, Friday: 2 – 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., $17.75)

MURDER MYSTERIES: It’s the last weekend to check out “Murder Is Her Hobby” at the Renwick. If you’ve been stuck in one of the insane lines at the exhibit, this event may be a little more fun: The museum will stay open until midnight tonight, and guests can listen to a DJ, go on a scavenger hunt, craft their own souvenirs, and check out the mini murder scenes one last time Snacks and drinks will be available, too. (The Renwick Gallery, 5:30 p.m. – 12 midnight, FREE)

COWORK FO’ FREE: Anybody too poor to afford a coworking space? *author raises both her hands* Forget about WeWorks – come to Colony Club today to meet up with other work-from-home-ers. Bring your laptop, get a couple of hours of work done, and stave off loneliness all at the same time. (Colony Club, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., FREE)

GET LIT(ERARY): You’ve probably heard of A Little Life – the 2016 hit novel was called one of the best books of the year by The New York Times and Washington Post. Tonight and Saturday, Petworth Citizen Reading Room is creating a menu of cocktails based on the novel for its #GetLit menu. Upshur Street Books is next-door, so grab a copy of the novel post-cocktail. (Petworth Citizen Reading Room, 7 p.m. – 12 midnight, FREE)

MORE: Spy Fest: A Kidspy Family Festival (International Spy Museum, 6 – 9 p.m., $14), CHIKO After Dark Series (CHIKO, 9:30 – 12 midnight, $50), Pajama Jammie Jam Slam (Busboys and Poets, 8:30 p.m., $5), Animezing: The Girl Who Lept Through Time (Embassy of Japan, 6:30 – 9 p.m., FREE, registration required), Old Fashioned Friday (The Wydown, 7- 11 p.m., FREE), The Alternate Routes: The Oddsmakers Tour (Union Stage, doors 6:30, $18 – $30)

Photo by Nikoo’s Photos

SATURDAY, JAN. 27

SHHHH: It’s like the Amtrak quiet car, except in the National Portrait Gallery: Head to the museum today for its silent reading party. Folks will bring their favorite books, magazines, or tablets, sit amongst themselves, and read in silence. What a novel idea (pun intended). (National Portrait Gallery, 1 – 4 p.m., FREE)

EAST OF THE RIVER: Learn about gardening in Anacostia at today’s Gardeners East of the River event. The conversation will cover the history of gardening in the area, as well as its connection to local culture and families, and there’ll be a discussion about the importance of incorporating local gardens into the community, too. (Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum, 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., FREE, registration required)

THE MAGIC FLUTE: Film The Magic Flute reimagines Mozart’s famous opera, and it’ll screen at the Hirshhorn today. The piece switches characters’ genders, replaces vocals with woodwinds, and uses a youth orchestra to push the boundaries of what we consider art. (Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, 2 – 4 p.m., FREE)

WINTER SIDEWALK SALE: If you haven’t been to awesomely-wonky Adams Morgan vintage store MEEPS, now’s the time to go. It’s hosting a sidewalk sale, and you can pick from records, craft supplies, posters, art, and home decor. You can fill a bag with as much clothing as you’d like for $5, so go stock up on those old-school tees. (MEEPS, 12 noon – 6 p.m., FREE)

MORE: Sketch Showcase (Dojo Comedy, 6 – 7 p.m., $10), Yoga Garden (The Midlands, 10 – 11 a.m., $15), Jon Cleary & The Monster Gentlemen (The Hamilton, 8 p.m., $15 – $25.50), Monster Jam (Capital One Arena, 2 p.m., $40 – $116), New Music Happy Hour (The Wonderland Ballroom, 5:30 – 7 p.m., FREE), Babel On Chapbook Release Party + Reading (Colony Club, 6 – 8 p.m., FREE)

Photo by Joel Richard

SUNDAY, JAN. 28

FIRE AND FURY: Okay, someone had to do it: There will be a dramatic reading of Michael Wolff’s “Fire and Fury” tonight. Prepare to laugh: Called “Farts and Fury,” the timely event will be interspersed with reenactments from the book and stand-up by local comedy troupes. (The Bier Baron Tavern, 7:30 – 9 p.m., $7)

BOOM BOOM: La Boum Brunch is an infamous affair in D.C. Named after the French slang term for “house party,” the affair is a boozy, raucous event with a buffet, DJ, and plenty of dancing on the tables. The party is moving to a new location just in time for its seventh anniversary. Come celebrate its birthday in the most appropriate fashion – by brunching and drinking. (Abigail, 12 – 4 p.m., $45)

JAPANESE NEW YEAR: Happy Japanese New Year! Come celebrate with a cultural festival complete with calligraphy and origami demonstrations, tons of Japanese food, magic shows and music performances, a karate workshop, and a Shinto ceremony. (Washington Marriott Wardman Park, 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., $8 – $10)

UNVEILED: Even if you’re not engaged, Washingtonian Bride & Groom’s Unveiled event is still pretty fun. The 10th annual showcase features the best in local wedding planners, and you can sample designs by florists, caterers, photographers, hair and makeup stylists, entertainers, and more. There’ll be several panels too, with topics from budgeting to trends, so bring a notepad. (Mandarin Oriental, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., $65)

MORE: Benjamin Clementine (Sixth & I, 8 p.m., $25), Jesuit Heritage Week (Locations and times vary), D.C. Music Industry Open House (Union Stage, 7 – 10 p.m., FREE)