Planning your week or weekend in the Washington DC area? Look no further! This comprehensive guide is packed with exciting events, from MLK Day celebrations to theater performances, concerts, and family-friendly activities. Whether you're a local or a visitor, there's something for everyone.
Honoring Martin Luther King Jr.: A Week of Celebration and Service
This week is particularly significant as we commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Several impactful events are planned, offering opportunities for reflection, community engagement, and celebration.
- MLK Holiday DC Peace Walk & Parade: Join the DC community for a 40+ year tradition honoring Dr. King. The event begins with a peace rally and assembly at Shepherd Park at 9:30 AM, followed by a procession to the Entertainment & Sports Arena at 10:30 AM. An indoor parade and a health and wellness fair will follow (Saturday, Free, Congress Heights). This is a powerful way to participate in the legacy of peace and unity.
- Let Freedom Ring Celebration: This highly anticipated musical tribute, headlined by singers Christopher Jackson and Esperanza Spalding and hosted by actor Taye Diggs, is a must-see. Tickets are released the day of the performance, so be sure to check for availability (Sunday, Free, Kennedy Center).
- MLK Shabbat: Sixth & I will host an MLK Shabbat, offering a space for reflection and community through music and prayer (Friday, Free, Penn Quarter).
- Conversation with Martin Luther King III and Arndrea Waters King: Engage in a meaningful conversation with Martin Luther King III and Arndrea Waters King at the MLK Memorial Library (Tuesday, Free, MLK Library).
- MLK Day of Service Volunteering: Give back to the community on MLK Day of Service by helping prepare hygiene and household baskets for family shelters and local community houses (January 20, Free, Alexandria).
- Blues Alley MLK Concerts: Georgetown's Blues Alley will host two concerts in honor of King, featuring DC tenor vocalist Robert E. Person (January 20, $35, Georgetown).
Arts and Culture: Immerse Yourself in Creativity and History
DC's vibrant arts and culture scene offers a diverse range of experiences.
- "What the Constitution Means to Me" Play: Ahead of Inauguration Day, Round House Theatre presents a modern take on this thought-provoking play, exploring democracy through the lens of past generations and today (Wednesday through February 16, $50+, Bethesda).
- NMWA Nights at National Museum of Women in the Arts: Enjoy a museum party with exhibitions, drinks, music by DJ Geena Marie, and creative activities like zine and button making. There's also an opportunity to donate hygiene products to Support the Girls (Wednesday, $25, Downtown).
- "Paris 1874: The Impressionist Moment" Exhibition: Catch this popular exhibition at the National Gallery of Art before it closes. Join interpretation manager Jennifer Riddell for a guided exploration (Wednesday, Free, National Gallery of Art).
- Crochet Amigurumi Workshop: Unleash your creativity at this hands-on workshop at Del Ray Artisans Gallery (Wednesday, $80, Alexandria).
- Italian Cuisine Book Talk: Foodies will enjoy this book talk with local author Anna Vocino (Wednesday, $30, Mount Pleasant).
- Landscape Painting at Phillips@THEARC: Explore your artistic side with a landscape painting session (Wednesday, Free, Anacostia).
- "Flight Behavior" Book Discussion: Join fellow ecology enthusiasts for a discussion at the library (Monday, Free, Cleveland Park).
Entertainment and Shows: From Comedy to Concerts
- Rock the Rink at The Wharf: Show your Washington Capitals spirit at this themed skate night with a DJ, giveaways, and a broadcast of the Caps’ away game. Wear Capitals gear for $5 off admission (Thursday, February 22, $19+ adults, $15+ under 12, Wharf).
- DC Improv: Enjoy a date night with a comedy show, desserts, and drinks (Wednesday, $99, Downtown).
- The Cheeky Martini: Experience live jazz and burlesque at Eighteenth Street Lounge (Wednesday, $15+, Logan Circle).
- PostClassical Ensemble’s "Amazing Grace: Fire and Light": Experience a powerful performance at the Kennedy Center's Terrace Theater (Monday, $45+, Kennedy Center).
- L’Impératrice: Catch the French nu-disco group at the Anthem (Thursday, $35+, Wharf).
- Mexican Classical Music Concert: Enjoy performances by Carlos Miguel Prieto and Jorge Federico Osorio (Thursday-Saturday, $17+, Kennedy Center).
- Mo Lowda & The Humble: See the indie rock band at the 9:30 Club (Friday, $25, Shaw).
- A Wicked Party: Dance and sing to theater songs at Union Stage (Saturday, $15+, Wharf).
- Charli x Sabrina x Chappell Dance Party: Dance the night away at Black Cat (Saturday, $10, Shaw).
- Go-Go Concert: Experience the iconic DC sound with Rare Essence, EU feat. Sugar Bear, and DCVybe at the Howard Theatre (Sunday, $55, U Street Corridor).
Community and Engaging Activities
- "How the Metro Made Washington" Lecture: Learn about the impact of the Metro system on the city (Monday, $16, Fairfax).
- "Democracy at Legal Guardrails for Trump 2.0" Lecture: Discuss the legal aspects of democracy (Tuesday, $16, Penn Social).
- Anacostia River Cleanup: Participate in a weekend cleanup with Anacostia Riverkeeper and Pope Branch Park Restoration Alliance (Saturday, Free, Anacostia).
Games, Trivia, and More
- Bingo at Kingfisher: Enjoy a casual bingo night (Monday, One-drink minimum, Northwest DC).
- Drag Bingo at Red Bear Brewing Co.: Play bingo with host Desiree Dik (Tuesday, Free, NoMa).
- Music Bingo at Piece Out Del Ray: Enjoy music bingo with DJ Thunderbunny (Wednesday, $15, Alexandria).
- Board Game Night at Labyrinth: Play new and classic board games (Thursday, Free, Eastern Market).
For the Kids
- "Paper Dreams" at Imagination Stage: Young children will enjoy this live dance adventure (Through February 16, $22, Bethesda).
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