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

By: Mimi Montgomery

Photo by m01229

FRIDAY, JAN. 12

COMICS GALORE: Only in Washington would a comic book event intermingle with politics. The weekend-long DC in D.C. event will see D.C. comic book writers and artists speak with politicians, entertainment figures, business leaders, professors and more about the intersection of comics, popular culture, government, and society. The weekend will include the world premiere screening of the upcoming series “Black Lightning” and the movie “Batman: Gotham By Gaslight,” as well. (Newseum, times and ticket prices vary)

THE ROOM: Tonight and tomorrow, E Street Cinema will be showing the cult classic “The Room” for its CinEinsomnia event. The film has recently found its way into the mainstream with the release of James Franco and Seth Rogen’s “The Disaster Artist,” which follows director and star Tommy Wiseau as he creates the film. “The Room” evades a comprehensive description, but let’s just say it’s so bad, it’s incredibly entertaining. (Landmark’s E Street Cinema, 11:59 p.m., $9.50 – $10)

TAT IT UP: The 2019 D.C. Tattoo Expo takes place this weekend. Of course, there’ll be plenty of opportunities for event goers to get as many tattoos and piercings as they’d like, but there will also be a live tattooing competition, tattoo art contests, music, and demonstrations by famous artists. Don’t tell your mom. (Crystal Gateway Marriott, times vary, $30)

FRIDAY, BLOODY FRIDAY: It’s a three-day weekend, so what better time to throw back some brunch cocktails? Play the mixologist at tonight’s Bloody Mary cocktail class hosted at the St. Regis. You’ll learn how to create variations on the morning classic, as well as enjoy some finger food. (St. Regis bar, 4 p.m., $85)

MORE: Brewer v. Brewer Dinner (Art and Soul, 7 – 9:30 p.m., $80), Literary Cocktails: Turtles All The Way Down (Petworth Citizen, 7 p.m., FREE), Iranian Film Festival: Blockage (Freer|Sackler Gallery, 7 – 9 p.m., FREE), Bluegrass & Beer Night fear. Bearcat Wildcat (Union Stage, 7:30 p.m., FREE), Evening at the Embassy of Saudi Arabia (Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, 7 – 9:30 p.m., $50), Walk The Moon and Company of Thieves (The Anthem, 8 – 11 p.m., $51 – $63), The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Landmark’s E Street Cinema, 11:59 p.m., $9.50 – $10)

Photo by Betsy Law

SATURDAY, JAN. 13

UNCANNY FANTASTIC: Local artist JD Deardourff recently opened his “Uncanny Fantastic” exhibit at the SPACE4: Mobile Art Gallery, and CulturalDC is hosting a kick-off event today. The travelling art gallery, currently stationed at Union Market, will showcase Deardourff’s colorful prints through Feb. 23. The artist, who also released a comic book series, will host free screen printing workshops for the public throughout the exhibition. (Union Market, 4 – 6 p.m., FREE)

MAGIC MEN:

This town isn’t big enough for the two of them – magicians Brian Curry and Mark Phillips, that is. The two magic-makers will be facing off in an on-stage duel tonight to determine who is D.C.’s favorite magician. During the show, the two will accept audience requests for the type of tricks they’ll perform, and viewers will vote to see who ends up with the “Golden Wand.” (The Mayflower Hotel, 5 – 6:30 p.m., $50 – $70)

CLEAN UP: Do some good this long weekend by volunteering at Rock Creek Park. The space needs help clearing out invasive plants and picking up trash. There’s shifts available today and Monday, too, so you can double up on the philanthropy. (Rock Creek Park, times and locations vary, FREE)

FRENCH DANCE OFF: The French Embassy is ringing in the new year with a dance soiree. Learn how to dance the Viennese Waltz, tango, and salsa while sampling French wine and desserts. Make sure to come hungry – word is treats like eclairs, cream puffs, chocolate mousse, and double chocolate cake will be on the menu. (Embassy of France, 7- 10:30 p.m., $35)

MORE: Pop-Up LinkedIn Headshot Photoshoot (Central Properties, 6 – 8 p.m., $10), Family Event: Daring Detective (DAR Museum, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., FREE), D.C. Divas Player Tryout (14522 Lee Road, Chantilly, VA, 10:30 a.m., FREE), Opening Reception: Antonio McAfee + Rachel Guardiola (Hamiltonian, 7 – 9 p.m., FREE), The Disco Biscuits (The Anthem, 6 p.m., $40 – $95), Dimitri Max with Joe L. and Team Zapata (U Street Music Hall, 10 p.m. – 3 a.m., $10), Private Architecture Tour (National Building Museum, 10 a.m. – 12 noon, $11)

Photo by Peter Hershey

SUNDAY, JAN. 14

DORJEE MOMO POP-UP: Chef Dorjee of the pop-up restaurant Dorjee Momo will be serving his food tonight at Big Bear Cafe. The Tibetan chef and former Buddhist monk will cook the vegan Himalayan food he plans to offer at his upcoming residency: Later this month, he’ll be taking over the Eastern Market Bullfrog Bagels at night, giving his creative dishes a home. (Big Bear Cafe, 6 – 11 p.m., $78)

EAST RIVER JAZZ BRUNCH: Starting today, the Anacostia Arts Center will host an afternoon of jazz the second Sunday of each month. East River Jazz, a nonprofit cultural preservation project, will provide the music, and guests are encourage to make it a brunch event by stopping in at the Arts Center Cafe. (Anacostia Arts Center, 3 p.m., FREE)

MISS MANNERS: Etiquette coach Maggie Oldham will be hosting a series of classes at The Watergate Hotel, starting with today’s “Manners and Mimosas.” Learn the ins-and-outs of appropriate dining etiquette over a pre-fixe brunch (complete with champagne). Oldham has appeared on CBS and Fox News, as well as in USA Today and Real Simple, so get your time in with the nationally-known coach while you can. (The Watergate Hotel, 11 – 1 p.m., $90)

BEYOND THE MONUMENTS: If you have out-of-town guests over the long weekend, or if you just want to play tourist for the day, don’t stick to the usual sightseeing checklist. The Secrets of Washington, D.C. Walking Tour takes you through the lesser-known parts of our nation’s capital. A treehouse on the Mall, tunnels beneath the White House, and other Washington secrets will be divulged while you explore. (Meet at Smithsonian Metro Station, $20, 12 noon – 2 p.m.)

MORE: Wine & Dessert Pairing Class (Malmaison, 5 – 7 p.m., $40), MLK Sunday with the Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, Jr. (Washington National Cathedral, 11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., FREE), Yoga at the National Building Museum + Museum Tour (National Building Museum, 10 a.m. – 12 noon, $20), Washington Wedding Experience (Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., $10 – $15), The Art of Solo Travel: Learn the Basics (Teaism Penn Quarter, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., FREE)