It’s the first To Do List of the year and my silly fingers insist on typing “lust” instead of “list”–– is my subconscious trying to tell me something? Just in case, let’s make sure we include events that get you all excited to do them, shall we?
AROUND THE HILL
It’s Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend of service, so make sure you spend some time giving back to your community. This portal can help guide you to make the most of this special holiday.
Need some kid-friendly options? Check out our friend Kid Friendly DC’s post on MLK, Jr. Day activities.
On Friday at The Fridge (yes, it really is back!) catch a performance by QP Knockout and Friends. More info here.
On Saturday, join Hill Family Biking for a bike ride and ice skating at Canal Park. This ride will also feature free hot chocolate and other treats from La Dînette. Learn more and sign up here.
Have DCPS kiddos who are transitioning to other schools (middle? high school?) Then you’re going to need to sign up for the school lottery at some point. More info here.
On Tuesday, January 20, why not walk out of work to protest fascism? Join Free DC and your friends and neighbors on a special walk-out at Pershing Park, starting at 1 p.m. More info here.
Want to try something new and take it slow? Why not give St. Mark’s Yoga a whirl? Their Sunday evening Yoga Nidra class could be a great place for you to start. Learn more here.
Our friends at Relume have a whole new, beautiful space for you to explore your creativity or learn about something new! Click here to look at their January and February offerings, and do something fun and creative this year. (Disclaimer: I teach at Relume. See “Plan Ahead.”)
And over at Labyrinth, why not give Mah Jong a try on Wednesdays? Learn how to play or bring your A game! The event is all ages. More info here.
Also, it’s Winter Restaurant Week! Try a new one or go for a special menu from one of your favorites! Check out more information here.
Don’t forget: Every Thursday, the Library of Congress stays open until 8 p.m. and invites everyone to their Live! At the Library of Congress events. Check out the full list here and make your plan. Don’t forget to RSVP!
OFF-HILL
At the Martin Luther King, Jr. Public Library, the DC Public Library in collaboration with Nikole Hannah-Jones and The New York Times Magazine, is opening a new exhibit tomorrow through March 15: Freedom and Resistance is an exhibit inspired by The 1619 Project, and it feels timelier than ever. Learn more here.
Did you know there is something called the Garage Racing and that they have National Championships? It’s true, and National Landing (The Land of 10,000 parking garages?) is the stage upon which this scene is set. Catch all the action on February 21. Click here to learn more.
Here’s a possible Valentine’s Day idea for you: How about Bourbon in a cozy bar? At the Fountain Inn in Georgetown, taste a flight of locally-made Virgina Bourbons, served with expertly paired small bites. You can book directly through Resy.
PLAN AHEAD
On January 23, go to the Hill Center for another one of their great Global Sounds concert series. This time, Stephen Ulrich and Big Lazy take the stage. For more info and tickets, click here.
Want to do something crazy and unheard-of on Saturday, January 24? Take The Reset Pledge and promise (pinky promise!) that you will step away from the screen with your family– for a few hours, at least. Learn more here and sign up!
Also on January 24, at 6:30 p.m., St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Navajoland Initiative will present the film “Sugarcane,” about the abuse suffered by First Nations children in Canadian boarding schools. The film will be followed by a short discussion with a representative of our local Piscataway nation and others. RSVP here.
Is your New Year’s resolution to learn the difference between a roux and a velouté? Then this foundational sauce class with Chef Wendi James on January 26 is for you. Sign up here.
On January 30, ride your bike to ice skating with Hill Family Biking. This event is geared toward the tween set but all are welcome and there will be free pizza at the end. What’s better than that? More info here.
And on Saturday, January 31, learn how to tango at Tango Pastry! No need to have prior experience– just bring yourself and a good attitude and have fun! More info and tickets here.
If you’d rather play with a furry partner, why not give Puppy Yoga a try at Bright Bear Yoga? On January 31, go do down dog with the dogs, dawg! Pooches & Poses is the class for you. Learn more and sign up here.
Looking for summer camp information and going a little banana nuts? Good thing the DC Camp Fair is here to help. It’ll be at J.O. Wilson on January 31–– more info here!
On February 5, learn how to make a beautiful plant arrangement and make a card to go with it or just for yourself! All skill levels welcome! More info and sign-ups here.
The Library of Congress starts off a great slate of America 250 family programming by wishing a Happy Birthday to our first President, George Washington (obv), on February 14. Learn more and RSVP here.
Valentine’s Day can leave you feeling a little drained. Interested in becoming your best friend? My tarot class at Relume helps you learn how to communicate with your subconscious mind. Click here to sign up!
And I know March 2026 feels far, but it’ll be here sooner than you think and, along with it, the DC Environmental Film Festival will come back with an important theme: “Against the Current.” To learn about DCEFF and their mission, click here.