WASHINGTON — When you have time off, the same thought seems to pass: How should you spend it?
Sure, there’s always the local movie theater, favorite nearby restaurants and the same bars in the area. But living in the D.C. region means there’s a never-ending list of new and fun things to do that won’t break the bank. Whether you’re interested in new exhibits at museums, marches, shows or indie film screenings, click through to see what awaits your January!
When: 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Where: The Wharf at 690 Water St. SW, D.C.
How much: Free Never played the Canadian game called “curling?” Don’t be intimidated. This event welcomes beginners. The only stipulations: You must be eight years or older, bring your own tennis shoes, and sign up online. Still not up for the game? No problem. There’s winter cocktail-tasting near the rink for those who’d rather sip than play. Can’t make it this Monday? The event is recurring every Monday in January! Photo: In this Wednesday, March 1, 2017 photo, a curling stone sits on the ice during a media demonstration the day before the opening ceremonies of the USA Curling Nationals in Everett, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
AP Photo/Ted S. Warren
When: 8:00 p.m.
Where: Union Stage at 740 Water St. SW, D.C.
How much: $12+ per ticket The event, hosted by Uptown Art House, says guests will experience “the art of American television with experimental live soundtracking in real-time.” Performers include The Void House Band scoring “The Twilight Zone,” Uptown Renaissance scoring “Dr. Who,” and Zack Be scoring “Twin Peaks.” Don’t miss this all-ages event! Buy tickets in advance here. (Courtesy Youtube)
Courtesy Youtube
When: 5:45 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Where: National Portrait Gallery on 8th St. NW, D.C.
How much: Free Did you know there was a “National Museum Selfie Day?” The Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery did. And they’re celebrating the original selfie — the portrait — with an art walk around the gallery. Join in and shamelessly take selfies for your Instagram. You may even win a prize if you take the best selfie! Photo: Gilbert Stuart’s 1796 oil on canvas portrait of George Washington on display at Washington’s National Portrait Gallery. (AP Photo)
AP Photo
When: 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Where: Warner Theater at 513 13th St. NW, D.C.
How much: $34+ per ticket NPR Politics, in partnership with WMAU, is bringing its Politics podcast to a live audience. Co-hosts Scott Detrow, congressional reporter, and Tamara Keith, White House correspondent, will be joined by other members of the NPR Politics team. Get your ticket here or read more about the event here. (Courtesy NPR)
Courtesy NPR
When: 10:30 p.m. – 3 a.m.
Where: U Street Music Hall at 1115 U St. NW, D.C.
How much: $10 per ticket How much do you love Fleetwood Mac? Admit it, “Landslide” still makes us all feel particularly vulnerable. But two DJs — Roxanne Roll and Smooth Sailing, who make up Fleetmac Wood (no, you’re not reading that wrong) — have remixed and recreated your favorite songs for a night of fun. Curious? Listen here. Then snag your ticket here. (Courtesy Miranda McDonald)
Courtesy Miranda McDonald
When: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: National Museum of Women in the Arts at 1250 New York Ave. NW, D.C.
How much: Free Remember the Women’s March in January 2017? Well, organizers from the Virginia chapter (called “March Forward Virginia”) are hoping to gather a crowd for another one in 2018, starting at the Lincoln Memorial. In support, the National Museum of Women in the Arts has waived its fee for the day. They are also offering hot beverages after the march. Champion women artists by checking out their current exhibits, “Magnetic Fields” and “Hung Liu in Print.” Photo: Women’s March on Washington participant takes a photo of artwork in NMWA’s galleries. (Courtesy Emily Haight, NMWA)
Courtesy Emily Haight, NMWA
When: 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Where: Sixth & I at 600 I St. NW, D.C.
How much: $8+ per ticket Can’t make the 2018 Women’s March or the Free Community Day at the National Museum of Women in the Arts? That’s okay. Sixth & I is hosting an event exactly one year from the original Women’s March. Speakers include Ilyse Hogue, President of NARAL Pro-Choice America and Fatima Goss Graves, President and CEO of the National Women’s Law Center, as well as other musicians, spoken-word artists and storytellers. Get your ticket here. Photo: Emily Phonelath blows bubbles while in the crowd of the Women’s March on Washington in D.C. on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017. (Aileen Devlin /The Daily Press via AP)
Aileen Devlin /The Daily Press via AP
When: 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Where: East City Bookshop at 645 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, D.C.
How much: Free Book clubs are alluring, but the pressure to finish a book by a designated day feels more like work than leisure. That’s why East City Bookshop has put together an enticing once-a-month, short story club. This month, they’re focused on “Semplica-Girl Diaries” by George Saunders. It can be bought through the bookshop, but can also be read online here. (Courtesy East City Bookshop)
Courtesy East City Bookshop
When: 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Where: Suns Cinema at 3107 Mount Pleasant St. NW, D.C.
How much: $5 per ticket Suns Cinema is a small, quirky spot in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood of Northwest D.C. The little theater has a little bar as well, and typically hosts indie films or foreign films far from your typical Blockbuster. The furniture is vintage and limited, so remember to buy your ticket in advance here. (Courtesy East City Bookshop)
When: 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Where: 19 Dupont Circle NW, D.C.
How much: $28 per ticket In 1949, a subterranean trolley system was built beneath Dupont to help traffic and congestion. Thirteen years later, the system was closed due to a decline in riders. For decades, the tunnels were forgotten until the organization Dupont Underground transformed them “into an art space and a gathering place,” according to the event page. In partnership with Atlas Obscura, Dupont Underground opens the underground trolley system for a tour of part of the tunnels. For more information, check out the event page here. Get your ticket here. (Courtesy Victoria Pickering)
Courtesy Victoria Pickering
When: 7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Where: The French Embassy at 4101 Reservoir Road NW, D.C.
How much: Free The International Shorts Film Festival will present 10 short films from France, Germany, Poland and China at the La Maison Française Theater in the French Embassy. Some stipulations: You must be 18 or older, have a government-issued ID to enter, and have a reservation (which you can make here). But the event is free and will be followed with a Q&A with the festival’s director! To see what films will be playing, check out the event page here. Photo: Inside the French Embassy (Courtesy Embassy of France)
Courtesy Embassy of France
When: 8:30 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Where: MilkBoy ArtHouse at 7416 Baltimore Avenue, College Park, Maryland
How much: $10 per ticket Amy Winehouse will always be remembered, but not always with a 15-piece orchestra. Remember Jones will perform the entirety of Amy Winehouse’s album, “Back to Black,” with an orchestra. What better way to honor a legend? Get your ticket here. Photo: This box set cover image released by Universal Republic shows “Back to Black,” by Amy Winehouse. (Universal Republic via AP)
Universal Republic via AP
When: 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: The White House at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, D.C.
How much: Free Four groups are hosting an event that, according to the Facebook page, will be located outside the White House, in an effort to show support for Muslims and refugees. Those groups are: Veterans for American Ideals, Justice for Muslims Collective, We Are All America and CWS Immigration and Refugee Program. While there is little information on the event page — like whether or not its a march — with over 100 people marked “going,” and over 900 “interested,” there seems to be a lot of buzz. Photo: In this Oct. 18, 2017, file photo, protesters gather at a rally in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)
AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File
When: 9 p.m.
Where: Republic at 6939 Laurel Ave, Takoma Park, Maryland
How much: Free Your office gig probably wasn’t your dream job. So use your Sunday evening to fulfill that creative side and get the juices flowing at Republic’s recurring Open Mic Night! Poets, musicians, or really anyone interested in live entertainment is welcome to join in. If you’re not ready to get on stage just yet, you’re also welcome to sit back and watch local talent shine. (Courtesy Republic)
Courtesy Republic
When: 8 p.m.
Where: Freddie’s Beach Bar at 555 23 Street S, Arlington, Virginia
How much: Free Start out the work week by joining Freddie’s Beach Bar, a LGBTQ (and “straight-friendly”) restaurant and bar, for their recurring Drag Bingo night! With free entry and half-off burgers, it’s bound to be a good night. And the fabulous spot also boasts karaoke after bingo finishes. What more could you ask for from a manic Monday? (Courtesy Republic)
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When: 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Where: Declaration at 804 V St. NW, D.C.
How much: See below It’s around 5 o’clock and you realize it’s only Tuesday. Time for a drink to unwind, so you can make it to glorious, glorious Friday. But where should you go? Why not stop by Declaration? The cocktails will be $8, house wine at $7, beer at $6, and grub at a measly $5. And your money will be going to a great cause: City Wildlife, which helps wildlife in cities that are harmed due to urban environment. You can have your after-work drink, guilt-free. (Courtesy Republic)
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: DC Improv at 1140 Connecticut Ave. NW, D.C.
How much: $6 per ticket Pun DMV is DC Improv’s pun-based competition. Each contestant gives a two-minute, pun-filled speech, then 16 are placed in a “tournament,” where they must make up puns on the spot. Sadly, this Pun DMV roster is filled, but that doesn’t mean you can’t stop by and watch. Get your tickets here. (Courtesy Republic)
