The Best Things to Do in the DC Area This Week (January 21-26)

Looking for exciting events and activities in the Washington, D.C. area this week? From adorable pandas to electrifying musicals and vibrant cultural celebrations, there's something for everyone. This comprehensive guide highlights the top things to do from January 21st to 26th, ensuring you make the most of your time in the nation's capital.

Top Picks This Week:

Meet the New Pandas at the National Zoo: The National Zoo's newest panda cubs, Bao Li and Qing Bao, are finally ready for their public debut! Visit their newly renovated habitat on the Asia Trail and witness these adorable creatures firsthand. Opens Friday, Free (entry pass required), National Zoo.
Experience Upscale Gaming at Flight Club: Get ready for a unique social experience at Flight Club, the latest gaming hotspot in Mount Vernon Square. Enjoy tech-infused darts, delicious tacos, flatbreads, and creative cocktails in a vibrant atmosphere. Opens Friday, $15+ to play, Downtown.
Celebrate Lunar New Year at the Kennedy Center: Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Lunar New Year at the Kennedy Center. Enjoy captivating lion dance performances and a special jazz concert featuring Chinese American composer Stephanie Chou. Saturday, Free, Kennedy Center.
Rock Out with "Tina the Musical": Experience the electrifying story of rock-and-roll icon Tina Turner in this acclaimed Broadway musical. Featuring a powerful soundtrack and stunning performances, "Tina the Musical" is a must-see. Friday-Sunday, $69+, National Theatre, Downtown.
Feel the Thrill of Monster Jam: Witness the raw power of giant trucks at Monster Jam! See legendary vehicles like Grave Digger, El Toro Loco, and Sparkle Smash perform incredible stunts at Capital One Arena. Friday-Sunday, $20+, Capital One Arena.

More Exciting Events and Activities:

Arts and Culture:

Retro Movie Night: Catch a screening of "Death Becomes Her" at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. Tuesday, $9, Brentwood, Arlington.
Author Talk: Join Rebecca Yarros for a discussion of her latest book, "Onyx Storm," at East City Bookshop. Tuesday, $15 (waitlist tickets available), Capitol Hill.
Puzzle Challenge: Test your puzzle skills at Aslin Beer Co. Wednesday, $20+, Alexandria.
Art Talk: Explore themes of abstraction at the National Gallery of Art. Thursday, Free (registration required), National Gallery of Art.
Puzzle Swap: Celebrate National Puzzle Day with a puzzle swap at Eastern Market. Saturday, Free, Eastern Market.
Smithsonian Discussions: Attend discussions with Civil Rights attorney Fred Gray and artist Michael Shane Neal at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery. Sunday, Free (registration required), Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery.
Clothing Swap: Find new treasures at the Happy Daze clothing swap at Union Market. Sunday, Free, Union Market.

Community and Heritage:

Presidential Lecture: Learn about the evolution of the US presidency. Tuesday, $16, Penn Quarter.
Ida B. Wells Quarter Presentation: Learn about the new American quarter honoring civil rights activist Ida B. Wells at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Thursday, Free (registration required).
MLK Day of Action: Teens and young adults can participate in writing workshops in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery. Sunday, Free.

Theater and Shows:

Dropout Improv: Enjoy a night of laughter with Dropout Improv at the Warner Theatre. Tuesday, $305+.
Nick Swardson: Catch comedian Nick Swardson's stand-up show at the Warner Theatre. Friday, $53+.
"Guac" at Woolly Mammoth Theatre: See the one-man show about a father turned activist. Saturday through February 16, $30, Penn Quarter.

Music and Concerts:

Music Class with Hasan Imam Hamdani: Take a free guitar class. Wednesday, Free, Bethesda.
Yamato Concert: Experience the energy of Japanese Taiko drums. Thursday, $28+, Bethesda.
Opera on Tap: Enjoy live music from nine artists. Thursday, Free, Columbia Heights.
Union Stage's Club XCX: Don't miss this popular event. Friday, $15+, Wharf.
Warren G: Celebrate the 30th anniversary of "Regulate." Friday, $35+, Howard Theatre, Shaw.
Prince Tribute: Enjoy a live music tribute to the iconic artist. Friday, $20, Northwest DC.
ABBA Dance Party: Groove to disco tunes. Saturday, $35, U Street Corridor.
Blind Pilot: See the band's comeback performance. Sunday, $30, Shaw.

Bites and Beverages:

Tasty Tuesday at Spirits & Spice: Enjoy whiskey tastings. Tuesday, $15, Dupont.
Lunar New Year Dinner at Chang Chang's: Enjoy a communal-seated dinner. Sunday, $88, Northwest DC.
Evening at the Embassy of Armenia: Experience Armenian cuisine, wine, and culture. Wednesday, $65, Kalorama.

Get Involved:

Capitol Cleanup: Volunteer to clean up the Capitol. Saturday, Free, Union Square.

Things to Do with Kids:

Jurassic Quest: Explore dinosaurs and fossils. Friday-Sunday, $22+, Chantilly.

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