Bar Japonais © Nina Palazzolo
Our end-of-the-week picks for Jan. 31 - Feb. 2
We've gathered up some fun things to do in DC this holiday weekend. You can also read what else is going on during the week and throughout the month.
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Friday
Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week
Washington, DC's Winter Restaurant Week returns every January with the promise of high-quality dining, excellent deals and relief to the winter blues. Savor every last bite while taking advantage of special menus and pricing, including to-go options and cocktail and wine pairings, courtesy of the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington and 200+ participating eateries. The promotion runs through this Sunday.
The Washington, DC Auto Show
Cars have always held a special allure, captivating the American imagination from the early days of the Model T. Witness the evolution of the vehicle firsthand by attending the Washington, DC Auto Show, which takes place at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Even if you don't consider yourself a devoted car enthusiast, there are still plenty of reasons to check out the city's largest annual indoor event.
Tickets
Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mt. Vernon Place NW, Washington, DC 20001
National Ballet of China: Chinese New Year (A Ballet in Two Acts)
With its acclaimed combination of western ballet and Chinese culture, the National Ballet of China is world-renowned and will return to the Kennedy Center to thrill DC audiences with this new ballet set to Tchaikovsky’s treasured Nutcracker score. A young Chinese girl celebrates the New Year and goes on a mystical journey through a world of festive Chinese customs and folklore.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Nashville Emerging Artists Night
Rising stars from "Music City" bring a taste of the vibrant Tennessee music scene to the DC area: Randall Fowler, a rock-turned-country storyteller; genre-blending artist Jimmy Woods; country-pop performers and former American Idol contestants Emily Brooke and Tristan McIntosh; heartfelt singer-songwriter Emily Ortego; and CMA Festival standout Landon Wall.
Tickets
Wolf Trap, 1635 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182
Saturday
Lunar New Year Market
Head to the National Museum of Asian Art to celebrate the Year of the Snake. The early evening market at the Smithsonian Arts + Industries Building includes hands-on activities, lion dances, food, artisans, makers, family-friendly entertainment and much more. Over at the museum, tours and talks will also be held throughout the night. Admission is free but registration in advance is recommended.
More Information
The Reading Room Festival
Folger Theatre celebrates a new year with a showcase of new plays, all inspired by and in conversation with Shakespeare. In-depth readings of four new plays will be followed by conversations with playwrights, directors, scholars and press members. Receptions featuring live music will conclude the evenings, allowing for gathering and celebrating. Multiple ticket options are available.
Tickets
Folger Theatre, 201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Atlas Performing Arts Center
AJAX
DC’s Scena Theatre presents a modern reimagining of the famous tragedy by Sophocles at the Atlas Performing Arts Center. The production is reset in today’s Middle East, illustrating how ancient Greece’s Trojan War has themes and lessons that are hauntingly similar to contemporary wars in the region. The play examines the wider impacts of war and the personal costs of conflict, powerfully showcasing the plight of the American soldier.
Tickets
Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
Job
Opening this January at Signature Theatre is Job, a psychological thriller that explores the dark side of corporate work, social media and technology. An Off-Broadway sensation and New York Times Critic’s Pick, the show is sure so leave the audience feeling haunted, pensive and on the edge of your seat.
Tickets
Signature Theatre, 200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
Guac
The Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company hosts a one-man tour-de-force theatrical performance from Manuel Oliver, the father of Parkland shooting victim Joaquin Oliver. Totally fearless and remarkably funny, the father-turned-activist speaks to his undying love for his son and how his family has navigated an unspeakable and uniquely American tragedy.
Tickets
Woolly Mammoth Theatre, 641 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Kathy Griffin
Comedian Kathy Griffin returns with her My Life on the PTSD-List tour, promising plenty of auto-biographical laughs at the Warner Theatre. While you may know her from one of her 23 televised specials, her two Emmys, her Grammy or her two New York Times-bestselling titles, you certainly haven't heard the whole story.
Tickets
Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Sunday
Twilight Zone: Hidden Wonders of the Ocean
ARTECHOUSE and the Woods Holde Oceanographic Institution have collaborated to highlight an awe-inspiring nightly migration of ocean twilight zone creatures and their intricate connections to the planet’s health, including their contributions to the regulation of the earth’s climate. The groundbreaking exhibition offers a 24-minute cinematic journey with immersive 270-degree projections that span from floor to wall, complemented by six interactive installations and six XR activations. Use the code 'AEF10' for discounted tickets.
Tickets
ARTECHOUSE, 1238 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20002
National Museum of African American History and Culture
In Slavery's Wake
The National Museum of African American History and Culture's new exhibit offers a dynamic mix of history, art and media. Visitors can observe connections between Black freedom-makers across time and join in a global conversation on the continued impacts of slavery and colonialism. The multi-lingual experience features 100 objects, 250 images and 10 multi-media interactives and films.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily | Reserve Timed Passes
Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture, 1400 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
Broadway Center Stage: Schmigadoon!
Don't miss your chance to see the world premiere of the Emmy Award®–winning hit show Schmigadoon!, based on AppleTV's whimsical, musical comedy series. When New York couple Josh and Melissa venture out to the mountains, they hope to save their relationship. Instead, they find themselves trapped in the 1940s-era singing town of Schmigadoon.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Hand to God
The Keegan Theatre stages a Tony-nominated comedy that manages to combine irreverence with contemplations of faith, morality and family ties. After the passing of his father, Jason – who lives in the quiet, religious town of Cypress, Tx. – discovers an outlet for his anxiety at the Christian Puppet Ministry. His complicated relationships with his pastor, the school bully, the girl next door and his mother are thrown into upheaval when Jason’s puppet, Tyrone, shockingly comes to life.
Tickets
Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
Places to Stay
Need some inspiration for a place to stay in between events? Washington, DC is filled with a multitude of hotels to fit your needs. Whether you are looking for that specialty boutique hotel or booking at your favorite hotel brand, Washington, DC's booking engine has it all. Find your stay today!
Do you know where you’ll be dining pre- or post-event? From pop-up restaurants to award-winning hot spots to laid-back food halls, our DC food guide is perfect for helping you plan a more memorable experience.
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