It’s almost the weekend and if I were you, I would make sure that I had enough toilet paper and milk on hand. I’m just yanking your chain– unless you’re planning to get food poisoning, you probably have enough toilet paper for the few inches of snow that we’re going to get. Trust me on this one.
Heads-up: I have made few friends complaining over the years about the March for Life, which leaves a trail of waste and idling buses and weaponizes Catholic youth as soldiers “for life,” which is an extremely reductive way of teaching children about a sad, complex and harrowing topic such as abortion. So, you know, the March for Life is happening tomorrow, so heads-up. Click here for traffic closures.
Movie suggestion for this weekend? Spotlight (2015) is a great film that’s not just endured the test of time (11 years already?!); it also helps you have faith in journalism and in standing up to corruption.
Incidentally, many of the events happening this weekend could be canceled at any moment because of the threat of inclement weather. Keep an eye on the Capital Weather Gang reporting.
But if you’re able and willing to get out, the Miracle Theater is always a fun place to go and they are celebrating romance this whole month! Check out their upcoming lineup here.
Want to try something new and take it slow? Why not give St. Mark’s Yoga a whirl? Their Sunday Hatha Yoga 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!
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.
Feeling like staying home? The United States Botanic Garden has an online lecture on carnivorous plants that you won’t want to miss. RSVP to get your zoom link 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.
Neighborhood Valentines
This is something I’ve done on and off over the years: a Valentines exchange! You’ll receive a secret Valentine to get something for (under $10), whom you’ll meet in person on Monday, February 16 at a location TBD! Sign up here.
OFF-HILL
Are you angry about what’s happening in Minneapolis and want to feel like you’re doing something or want to meet like-minded folks who are also angry? Then the picket line at Target on January 24, hosted by Free DC, is the place for you. Learn more here.
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
Need something to look forward to? Check out when your favorite baseball teams report for spring training here.
Want to learn more about the works of Shakespeare in a more accessible form? East City Books has a special conversation with Dr. Farah Karim-Cooper, author of “All The World’s Your Stage” on January 29. Get your copy and pick it up at the conversation so you can get it signed! Get your tickets and book 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 Stuart-Hobson Middle School on January 31–– more info here!
There will be a special story time at Solid State Books on Saturday, January 31, with author Kim Singleton and illustrator Kim Holt. They will be sharing their book, “I Love My People,” a joyous celebration of Black culture through the eyes of a child. RSVP here.
The National Gallery of Art has their first Gallery Night of the year coming up! Click here for more info and don’t forget to sign up for the upcoming February 12 lottery on February 2.
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.
Can you believe Books from Birth is celebrating 10 years? Help the DC Public Library celebrate on February 4 with a special 6:30 p.m. reading time with Reading Rainbow’s Mychael Threets. More info and RSVP here. By the way, DCPL is enforcing a new Code of Conduct starting February 1 that you should check out here.
Hey, did you also binge every single season of Love is Blind? Do you love getting your nails done? Then this special Nailsaloon event where you get your nails did with Taylor from the DC season of Love is Blind on February 5 is for you! More info and tickets here.
Speaking of binging, two words: Murder. Bimbo. “Murder Bimbo” is a book about a sex worker turned assassin and it sounds awesome. Learn more about the author in a special hybrid event at East City Books. RSVP here.
Help keep Kingman Island beautiful and learn about invasive species with a special Invasive Plant Management workshop on February 7. They provide the gloves and tools, you provide your labor and enthusiasm. Don’t forget the sunscreen and water! More info and RSVP here. This volunteer opportunity repeats the first Saturday of every month.
Looking to work those deep-down kinks? There is a really cool-sounding myofascial release yoga session at Bright Bear Yoga on February 8. More info and tickets 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.
Want to celebrate Valentine’s Day with pop songs…. from the 15th Century? You know you do, you romance-loving nerds! Check out the Folger’s Love Songs of the 15th Century concert and for the extra-nerdy ones, check out this virtual lecture on Wednesday, February 11.
Laissez les bons temps rouler at the Wharf: Mardi Gras at the Wharf is happening on Sunday, February 15! The fun begins at 3 p.m. and the parade kicks off at 3:30. Learn more here. Petition to call this one Dimanche Gras?
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!
Also on February 21, run in your chonies for a good cause. Cupid’s Undie Run is back to raise awareness and funds for Neurofibromatosis (NF), a disease that causes tumors to grow on nerve endings. Learn more, gather a team and sign up here.
ALSO on February 21, it’s the DC United season opener! Nab your tickets here.
Are you looking for a book club? Check out Solid State Books’ XOXO club, which meets the third Thursday of every month. Learn more here.
The Lunar New Year of the FIRE HORSE (so metal) starts on February 17 and the Chinatown Parade will happen on Sunday, February 22. More info here!
Looking for an earlier celebration? Why, Rosslyn, Virginia, is celebrating on February 19 and you are invited. Check it out here.
The Washington Bach Consort’s Noontime Cantata series is back at St. Mark’s Capitol Hill on March 2 at 12:10 p.m. For more information on the program, click here.
The DC Environmental Film Festival is coming back with an important theme: “Against the Current” in March of 2026 To learn about DCEFF and their mission, click here.
The Washington Spirit’s season opener is March 13. GET YOUR TICKETS!
And hey, get pumped for the United Football League season, which starts in late March. Check out the schedule here and GO DEFENDERS!