Events

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) (more…)

By: Mimi Montgomery

Photo by Caroline Angelo

MONDAY, JAN. 22

RESTAURANT WEEK: It’s that time of year again – restaurant week is here in D.C. Today until Jan. 28, you can hit up a long list of local restaurants for pre-fixe menus at discounted prices. With $22 lunch and brunch, and dinner for $35, there’s no reason not to make multiple reservations. (Locations vary, times vary, $22 – $35)

KING OF AMERICANA: Charles Phoenix has been on Cake Wars, Storage Wars, Martha Stewart, and NPR, and is a purveyor of all things mid-century Americana. He has a passion for collecting vintage slide photography, and his show “Addicted to Americana” celebrates all things gloriously retro. (Union Stage, 7:30 p.m., $25 – $35)

GIRL POWER: Following the anniversary of the Women’s March, today’s book talk at The Wharf’s Politics and Prose is timely: Rebecca Roberts will discuss her book “Suffragists in Washington, D.C.,” which highlights suffragist Alice Paul’s and the National Woman’s Party’s battle for equal rights. (Politics and Prose at The Wharf, 7 – 8 p.m., FREE)

MORE: MØ (9:30 Club, 7 p.m. $35), Kokedamas with Succulents (The Lemon Collective, 7 – 8:30 p.m., $50), Rise & Rhyme (Busboys and Poets, 9:30 – 11 a.m., $5), A Lecture by Playwright Timberlake Wertenbaker (Georgetown University, 5 – 6:30 p.m., FREE)

Photo by Laurie Shaull

TUESDAY, JAN. 23

SPY STORIES: Author Joseph A. Williams will be at the Spy Museum to discuss his book, “The Sunken Gold: A Story of World War 1, Espionage, and the Greatest Treasure Salvage in History.” It follows the story of the HMS Laurentic, a British ship carrying 44 tons of gold sunk during World War I, and the divers sent to recover it. (International Spy Museum, 6:30 – 9 p.m., $8 – $10) (more…)

By: Mimi Montgomery

Photo by Mr.TinDC

FRIDAY, JAN. 19

WINTER BREWS: It’s supposed to be warmer this weekend, but it’s still the time for winter festivities. Get cozy at Drink the District’s Suds ‘n’ Snowflakes event today and tomorrow. With over 50 kinds of beer, cider, and wine, you may not even need the fire pits to keep you warm. There will be live music, too, and dancing is encouraged. (The Park View, Friday 6 – 9 p.m., Saturday 2 – 9 p.m., $25 – $50)

NASTY WOMEN: The first Nasty Women International Exhibition hosted in DC is tonight. The works, all made and curated by women, embody the creator’s interpretation of intersectional feminism (and they’re for sale, too). From poverty to refugee rights to health, women have the power to affect all kinds of issues, and these pieces represent that. (DC Arts Center, 7 – 9 p.m., FREE)

JEFFERSON’S GARDEN Ford’s Theatre is giving away 600 free tickets to the first performance of its new play, “Jefferson’s Garden.” The period piece follows a Quaker pacifist and a slave as it examines the contradictions between our Founding Fathers’ ideals and the limited freedoms of the time. Tickets will only be available until 10 a.m. today, so hurry (the whole show runs through Feb. 8, though). (Ford’s Theatre, 7:30 – 10 p.m., FREE)

THE BRUERY: Celebrate the grand opening of The Bruery at Union Market today. The new location is the first East Coast outpost of the California brewery, and they’ll be giving away t-shirts and beer to the first 100 shoppers. The man behind it all, Patrick Rue, will be on-site to meet customers, as well. (The Bruery Store at Union Market, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., FREE)

MORE: Sips by the Southwest (DCanter, 8 – 9 p.m., $39), Tanglefoot Pop-Up Dinner (Mess Hall, 7 – 10 p.m., $95), Latvian Architecture Exhibition (CUArch – School of Architecture + Planning, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., FREE), Iranian Film Festival: Disappearance (Freer|Sackler Galleries, 7 – 9 p.m., FREE), This Is All Just Temporary (Anacostia Arts Center, 7:30 – 9 p.m., $10 suggested fee), Evening at the Embassy of Bulgaria (Embassy of Bulgaria, 7 – 9:30 p.m., $54), Improv Pop-Up (Colony Club, 8 – 9 p.m., FREE), A Night of Soul and Jazz with the Nicole Sparks Trio (Takoma Park Community Center Auditorium, 7 – 9 p.m., FREE)

Photo by slightlyworn

SATURDAY, JAN. 20

WOMEN’S MARCH 2.0: Another Women’s March on Washington will take place today, just in time for the one-year anniversary of last year’s huge turnout. There will be several speakers at a pre-march rally, and participants are asked to meet at the Reflecting Pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial. Whatever your political opinion, it’s sure to be a powerful, inspiring gathering. (Reflecting Pool on National Mall, 11 a.m., FREE) (more…)

By: Mimi Montgomery

Photo by Brandon Kopp

TUESDAY, JAN. 16

HAMLET: To be, or not to be – that’s the question at Shakespeare Theatre Company’s opening night of Hamlet. Will the Danish prince succumb to the wishes of his father’s ghosts? Find out yourself: See the classic tale by William Shakespeare on the stage through Feb. 25. (Shakespeare Theatre Company, 7:30 p.m., $44 – $102)

LEARN ASL: Head to Bloomingdale’s Big Bear Cafe for an American Sign Language class. The event will focus on learning to sign terms used in coffee shops and when interacting with folks out in public. There will be food and drink specials available for the class, and all are welcome. (Big Bear Cafe, 6 – 8 p.m., FREE)

BOOK TALK: Author Ed Yong will be at Kramerbooks to discuss his New York Times-bestseller “I Contain Multitudes.” The book looks at the microbes that live within us, and how the microbiome defines our organs, immune systems, behavior, genes, and more. It’s a look into a microscopic world that you may have never known existed. (Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe, 6:30 – 8 p.m., FREE)

MORE: Burning Man for Beginners (GlowHouse, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m., FREE, RSVP required), Judex (Suns Cinema, 8 – 10 p.m., $5), Sauf Haus Open Mic feat. Johnny Grave (Sauf Haus Bier Hall & Garden, 7:30 – 10 p.m., FREE), January Distiller Dinner (Brookland’s Finest Bar & Kitchen, 5 – 10:30 p.m., FREE), The Emotional Labor Union: #metoo (The Lemon Collective, 7 – 8:30 p.m., $25)

Photo by Miki J.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 17

ARTISTIC SELFIES: It’s National Selfie Day, so you might as well try to get some impressive backdrops for your pics. Take an art walk through the National Portrait Gallery and stop along the way to let the famous portraits photobomb your selfies. Whoever snaps the best one gets a prize! (National Portrait Gallery, 5:45 – 7 p.m., FREE, registration required)

SPANISH FOOD CULTURE: (more…)

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: (more…)

By: Mimi Montgomery

Photo by Eric P.

MONDAY, JAN. 8

CELLO, THERE: Check out renowned cellist Astrid Schween tonight at Dumbarton Oaks. The soloist, chamber artist, teacher, and member of the Juilliard String Quartet will be playing works by Debussy, Beethoven, and Rachmaninoff, and will be accompanied by a pianist. (Dumbarton Oaks, 8 p.m., $54)

JEWISH KING LEAR: Jacob Gordin’s “The Jewish King Lear” transports the Shakespearean drama to 19th-century Russia, but still touches on the seminal topics of family, duty, and tradition even in a new environment. Shakespeare Theatre Company and Theater J’s Yiddish Theater Lab partnered together to bring the play to life, and it’s considered one of the best from the “Golden Age” of Yiddish theater. (Lansburgh Theatre, 7:30 p.m., FREE)

CAMPY HORROR: The Washington Psychotronic Film Society will be screening a series of films tonight at Smoke & Barrel. On the docket are “The Gift of Winter” and “Witch’s Night Out,” two animated shorts, as well as “My Mom’s A Werewolf,” about…well, a mom that becomes a werewolf. The event is described as “mature subject matter for immature adults,” so go in with a sense of adventure. (Smoke & Barrel, 7 p.m., FREE)

MORE: Rise & Rhyme (Busboys and Poets, 9:30 – 11 a.m., $5), Curling & Cocktails (The Wharf, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m., FREE)

Photo by Eric P.

TUESDAY, JAN. 9

TRAVEL TALKS: Travelling on your New Year’s Resolutions list? Seasoned travellers Mike and Anne Howard are the authors of National Geographic’s “Ultimate Journeys for Two,” and will be speaking at the the Smithsonian Associates tonight. They’ll fill you in on the best times to travel to certain places, how to score the lowest prices, and give you all the inside scoops on travelling off the beaten path. (Smithsonian Associates, 6:45 p.m., $30 member, $45 non-member) (more…)

By: Mimi Montgomery

Photo by Mr.TinDC

FRIDAY, JAN. 5

CREEPY CRAWLIES: Starting today, the Rock Creek Park Nature Center will host a Creature Feature event each Friday in January. Bring the kiddos by to learn about the park’s animal kingdom, including – yes – some one-on-on time with turtles and snakes. It’s all in the name of science. (Rock Creek Park Nature Center & Planetarium, 4 – 4:30 p.m., FREE)

HUNGRY HISTORY: Travel back in time with the National Museum of American History’s event Cooking Up History: Forgotten Foods. You’ll learn all about the origins and traditions of long-time dishes as you follow a recipe from the museum’s Archives Center with food historian Ashley Rose Young. While you’ll be making antebellum and Colonial-era grub, make sure to eat before, as there aren’t any food tastings at the event. (National Museum of American History, 2 – 3 p.m., FREE)

ART WALK: It’s the first weekend of the month, which means it’s time for the First Friday Dupont Art Walk. Bundle up and head to Dupont Circle to check out its galleries: Hillyer Art Space, Studio Gallery, and Q Street Fine Art have new exhibits, and word on the street is that R Space Collection will have a fire going, too. (Dupont Circle, 6 – 8 p.m., FREE)

LOCAL TUNES: The week of NSO In Your Neighborhood continues, and the National Symphony Orchestra is providing plenty of free performances and activities throughout the city this weekend. Catch a violinist playing alongside a hip-hop artist, a program of music inspired by Shakespeare’s work, espionage-themed classical tunes at the Spy Museum, and much more. (Locations and times vary, FREE)

MORE: Park View + Petworth First Friday (Georgia Avenue NW, 6 – 9 p.m., FREE), Taking the Pulse of the Ocean in a Changing World (The John Wesley Powell Auditorium, 8 – 10 p.m., FREE), Wintry Mix (DC Arts Center, 7:30 – 8:45 p.m., $12 – $15), Jokes at Judy’s (U Streat, 9:30 – 11 p.m., donation requested)

Photo by Brandon Kopp

SATURDAY, JAN. 6

MUSEUM MADNESS: Need a cold weather indoor activity? A scavenger hunt of the Smithsonian museums is the perfect option. Traverse the National Mall as you duck in and out of the museums, crossing items off your list by snapping photos of artifacts and answering questions. Each found item gets your team a point, and the one with the most at the end wins. Let the games begin! (Meet at Ollie’s Trolley Restaurant, 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., $20) (more…)

By: Mimi Montgomery

Photo by ep_jhu

TUESDAY, JAN. 2

CELLO AND CHILL: Check out musician Wes Swing’s performance of cello-folk tonight at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage. The Virginia-based singer and cellist draws on the classical, folk, and alternative rock genres and pairs them with electronic influences to create a one-of-a-kind sound. (Millennium Stage, 6 p.m., FREE)

KEEP RUNNING: For those with fitness goals to tackle come 2018, this one’s for you: The Georgetown lululemon will be hosting its M Street Miles event throughout the month. Using the Strava app, participants will complete the #4080challenge by running either 40 km or 80 km in two weeks. An ambassador will lead the group on either a 3 or 5-mile run along the C&O Canal, and by the end of the two weeks, you’ll have hit your mark. (Georgetown lululemon, 6:30 – 8 p.m., FREE, registration required)

DISTILLER DINNER: Every Tuesday in January, the restaurant Brookland’s Finest Bar & Kitchen will be hosting a January Distiller Dinner. The space will host the St. Michael’s, MD-based Gray Wolf Craft Distilling for a three-course dinner paired with their gin and vodka cocktails. Come for one or all four – either way, it’s sure to be tasty. (Brookland’s Finest Bar & Kitchen, 5 p.m., FREE)

STORY TIME: Grab the kiddos and bring them to the Museum of the American Indian for story time. For many Native American communities, winter is the time for passing down oral histories: Participate yourself with a reading of the traditional creation story “Coyote and the Sky: How the Sun, Moon, and Stars Began.” Children (and you!) will learn about Pueblo communities and create a constellation project post-reading. (Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, 11:15 a.m., FREE)

MORE: The Illusionists (Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater, 8 – 11 p.m., $69 – $175) , The Penthouse Basement’s Free Monthly Improv Showcase (The Pinch, 7 – 8:45 p.m., FREE), Salsa and Bachata Tuesdays (Grand Central, 8 p.m. – 1:30 a.m., FREE)

Photo by Mark Andre

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 3

JAPANESE CINEMA: Join the Freer and Sackler Galleries for a screening of the Japanese film “Ugetsu” as part of its Japanese Classics series. The 1953 piece by famed director Kenji Mizoguchi is a blend of the otherworldly and reality, and is based on tales by Akinari Ueda and Guy de Maupassant. It’s a reflection on love and loss in a beautiful format. (Smithsonian’s Freer and Sackler Galleries, 2 – 4 p.m., FREE) (more…)

By: Mimi Montgomery

Photo by Dave Bloom

MONDAY, DEC. 18

HOLD MY BEER, PROFESSOR: Take a class without the homework at tonight’s Profs and Pints event. Professor Philippa Rappoport of George Washington University is an expert on Slavic folklore, and she’ll be at Bier Baron tonight to discuss Snegurochka, aka the Snow Maiden of Russian holiday lore. You’ll learn about how the story arose from the intersections of several cultures and religions all over a few frosty pints. (Bier Baron, 6 p.m., $10)

FISHY: The Feast of the Seven Fishes is an Italian-American tradition celebrated on Christmas Eve. It originates from the Roman Catholic tradition of abstaining from meat and dairy products before religious holidays. Iron Gate will host its own each evening from tonight until Dec. 23, so be sure to check it out. There’ll be tangier oysters, bay scallop crudo, lobster cappellacci, monkfish, and more. (Iron Gate, 5:30 p.m., $65 per guest)

FA LA LA: Warm up those vocal cords and head to the intersection of 14th and U Streets for some caroling. Lyric sheets will be available to print beforehand for those wanting extra practice time, and all participants are invited to hang out after at Busboys and Poets. If you’re feeling the spirit, consider bringing a donation for Bread for the City, too. (Reeves Center Municipal Building, 7 – 9 p.m., FREE)

MORE: Library of Congress Pop-Up Concert (Library of Congress – Thomas Jefferson Building, 12:15 – 12:45 p.m., FREE)

Photo by Erin

TUESDAY, DEC. 19

STORY TIME: This Hanukkah, celebrate by coming together for an evening of epic storytelling. My So-Called Jewish Life is a Story District event that features several local speakers, all of whom will tell personal tales about Hanukkah, growing up Jewish, and more. Funny, thought-provoking, and moving, all the stories will remind us of the real reason for the season. (Sixth & I, 7:30 p.m., $20 in advance, $25 day of) (more…)

By: Mimi Montgomery

Photo by Erin

FRIDAY, DEC. 15

HAPPY VINO-DAYS: Drink the District Wine Festival is back this weekend with its holiday celebration. Sip and holiday shop to your heart’s content: A general admission ticket includes unlimited sampling of over 100 wines, a chance to shop locally-made holiday gifts, cooking demonstrations, and live music. (The Park View, multiple time sessions, $30 – $99)

SANTA BABIES: Dust off those Santa hats and head to the Wunder Garten for its Night of a 1000 Santas costume party. Lose yourself amidst a crowd of furry, red jackets as you sip holiday drinks, dance to a DJ, and snack. Elves and Grinches are welcome to attend, too. (Wunder Garten at NoMa, 7 – 11 p.m., FREE)

ART BELOW GROUND: Dupont Underground will host its Underground After Hours event tonight to celebrate its newest exhibit, a collection of the digital artist Brian Dailey’s work. Listen to tunes from DJ Amen Ra while you sip on a Red Devil, a tequila and cranberry cocktail made on-site by Firefly restaurant’s bartender. Go to the restaurant beforehand, too, for a bite to eat: All After Hours guests can get an appetizer, entree, and glass of house wine for $35. (Dupont Underground, 7 – 10 p.m., $18 on Ticketfly, $20 at door)

GUESTWORKER: Head to the Anacostia Community Museum tonight for a screening of “The Guestworker.” The documentary chronicles the life of Candelario, a seasonal farm worker who has traveled between Mexico and the U.S. for 40 years providing for his family. Post-screening, two staffers from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service will host a discussion about government visas and the guest worker program. (Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum, 11 a.m. – 12 noon, FREE, registration required)

BOOK IT: A Creative D.C. will host Duende District for a three-day pop-up this weekend. A bookstore focusing on works by authors of color, Duende District will be selling some of its favorite titles on-site for all the bibliophiles on your holiday shopping list. If you can’t make it to this one, Duende District has a permanent pop-up at the Anacostia Arts Center, too. (A Creative DC: Brookland, Friday 12 noon – 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 8 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., FREE)

MORE: Lucky Buns Live Music: Sean Chyun (Lucky Buns, 10:30 p.m. – 3 a.m., FREE), Wharf Ice Skating Rink with DJ (The Wharf, 8 – 10 p.m., $8 – $10), General Shaw’s Chicken Comedy Showcase by Capital Laughs (Shaw’s Tavern, 8 – 10 p.m., $10), Third Annual Gingerbread House Making Party (Ventnor Sports Cafe, 7 – 11 p.m., FREE), Sharam (U Street Music Hall, 10:30 p.m. – 3 a.m., $10), Create Alignment: Uncover Your Purpose and Design Your Life (The Lemon Collective D.C., 6 – 8:30 p.m., $110)

Photo by Eric P.

SATURDAY, DEC. 16 (more…)