Things I'm Talking About

• Snow removal after the big storm has been slow in DC, even downtown. While the city has its snow plow tracker, it's a little unclear what it means because a street that is marked as having been serviced 4-8 hours ago on the plow tracker looks like this 2 hours ago.
• A rail cracked on the metro, and WMATA posted a cool video of setting it on fire to clear the snow.
• A vigil for Alex Pretti will be held tonight (Wed Jan 28) at 5:30 PM at VA Headquarters at 810 Vermont Ave NW
• Philip Glass joins the list of artists who have cancelled shows at the Kennedy Center. Reminds me of Koyaanisqatsi (Life Out of Balance).
• Amazon is closing all Amazon Go and Amazon Fresh stores Feb 1.
• Check out the Michelin-starred restaurants participating in Restaurant Week.

Valerie

Give your opinion, and check back next week for the results.

Last week, I asked: How much snow will we get this weekend? You responded:

• 6-12" (32.7%)
• Over 12" (20%)
• 3-6" (18.2%)
• 1-3" (18.2%)
• None. It’s going to rain or something because the forecasts are never right. (10.9%)

5-8" were recorded across DC by NOAA

Tried & True features your favorite go-to restaurants that have been around for a while and serve you consistently good food.

This Week's Feature: Taberna del Alabardero

"I’ve been a regular at @alabarderodc for ~13 years — keep going back for the wonderfully authentic and delicious 🇪🇸 food, and staff who’ve become like family :) …Actually started going in ‘99 with my mom, then later on as an adult — fantastic Happy Hour 😂🍷" Bea

Editor's Note: We did our anniversary here a few years ago, and they had the table covered in rose petals and a sweet card for us and some champagne because I marked it was an anniversary during the reservation. Very sweet staff.

Locations: 1776 I St NW Entrance on 18th Street NW
​Website​

😋 What is your favorite tried and true restaurant?

Where do you find yourself going back time and time again? Reply and let me know to be featured and share the love for a local DC restaurant.

✨ Premium subscribers: Events calendar is here!

Now you can search and filter events by category, date, and my top recommendations, as well as see it in an easier to read list view or on a calendar. Choose between a monthly or weekly view.

And it's mobile friendly! Go check out all the events.

Our premium subscribers get the full event list (250+!), weekly updates, and VIP access to exclusive Not Bored in DC events.

Looking for something specific? Check out these options:

• ​Ways to disconnect in DC​
• ​Museum parties & happy hours​
• ​DC gym membership prices​
• ​Hidden gem theaters​
• ​Mosaics classes
• ​Pottery & ceramics classes​
• ​Knitting & crochet classes​
• ​Photography classes​

• 🤝 Join a vigil for Alex Pretti, the Minneapolis VA nurse who was killed this weekend. Wednesday 1/28. Free.
• 🧠 Learn how to keep your plants thriving through winter at this hands-on gardening workshop where you'll make a small plant display and take home an air plant. Plus there are healthy mocktails and snacks while you learn low-maintenance growing tips. Wednesday 1/28. Free.
• 🍲 Cook and share dishes from Olia Hercules' HOME FOOD cookbook with fellow food lovers at this monthly cookbook club. Everyone brings a dish they've made from the book, then you all feast together and swap cooking stories. Wednesday 1/28. $15.
• 🤝 Help sort through boxes of DC punk history at the People's Archive and make music history more discoverable for everyone. No experience needed, just bring your enthusiasm for organizing and maybe learn some cool punk trivia along the way. Wednesday 1/28. Free.
• 🧠 Kick off your New Year goals with a month-long series of free workshops at The Yards covering everything from vision board making to heated yoga to bullet journaling. Each session comes with perks like complimentary wine or smoothies, plus you can sip specialty mocktails at participating restaurants all month long. Wednesday 1/28. Free.
• 🍲 Learn about champagne and sparkling wines from around the world while tasting five different bottles paired with artisan cheeses at The Pembroke. The wine director will walk you through everything from French Champagne to California sparkling wine, plus you'll meet other wine lovers. Wednesday 1/28. $79.
• 🤸 Yoga with Danya at the GW Cancer Prevention and Wellness Center welcomes everyone, especially beginners who want to try something new in a supportive space. It's happening at their new Congress Heights location, so you can check out the fresh digs while getting your zen on. Wednesday 1/28. Free.

• 🖌️ Paint a cute snowman while sipping hot chocolate at this cozy winter art session. All supplies and beginner-friendly instruction included, so you can just show up and get creative. Thursday 1/29. Free.
• 🍲 Sip champagne with an actual knight from France's Confrérie des Sacres at Cork & Fork, where you'll taste exceptional bubbly and hear stories about centuries-old champagne traditions. Perfect for anyone who wants to feel fancy on a weeknight! Thursday 1/29. $115.
• 🕺 This comedy show promises big swings and hilarious misses from comics who are funny but flawed enough to make you look totally cool by comparison. Plus Kelly's Irish Times sells onion rings, which honestly might be the real draw here. Thursday 1/29. Free.
• 🖼️ Meet photographer Astrid Riecken at this opening reception where she'll chat about her moody DC collages that turn the city into a noir film set complete with jazz clubs and neon lights. There's an artist talk at 7pm plus light refreshments to keep you fueled. Thursday 1/29. Free.
• 🤓 Celebrate National Puzzle Day with fellow puzzle lovers at this cozy library hangout where you can work on puzzles together or fly solo. Bring your own to swap or tackle one of theirs! Thursday 1/29. Free.
• 🧠 Kick off your New Year goals with a month-long series of free workshops at The Yards covering everything from bullet journaling to heated yoga to grocery store tours. Each session comes with perks like complimentary wine or smoothies, plus you can sip specialty mocktails at participating restaurants all month long. Thursday 1/29. Free.

• 🕺 Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is bringing their incredible dancers to the Warner Theatre for 11 performances, including their legendary piece Revelations that'll give you chills. This will sell out. Friday 1/30-2/8. $75+*
• 🤸 Pickleball After Dark Social Play brings the fun to Friday night with courts, paddles, and plenty of socializing at Kraken Kourts. Get the chance to meet new people and getting your game on! Friday 1/30. $25.
• 🖌️ Bring your knitting needles and current project to this relaxed stitching circle at the Old Stone House where you can chat about colonial fiber arts while working on whatever you're making. It's not a class, just a chill space for knitters of all skill levels to hang out and share stories. Friday 1/30. Free.
• 🛍️ Lucky Girl Market brings 30+ vendors selling Y2K finds, vintage pieces, and handmade jewelry to Hook Hall for a day-to-night shopping party. Early bird tickets get you in at 3pm with snacks and drinks included, or show up after 5pm for free entry. Friday 1/30. $10 early; $0 after 5pm.

• 🍾 Get ready for a Heated Rivalry Dance Party at DC9 where the dance floor meets the sweetest love story. Saturday 1/31. $5+.
• 🧑‍🍳 Learn to fold, fill, and cook your own Chinese dumplings with Little Tiger Dumplings at this hands-on class. You'll make 12 dumplings, get a boba tea, and take home extra wrappers to keep the dumpling party going. Saturday 1/31. $39.
• 🏞️ Chase nine waterfalls through Whiteoak Canyon and Cedar Run on this epic 8.5-mile winter hike that might feature frozen falls if you're lucky. It's a challenging trek with stream crossings and steep terrain, but the payoff is some of Shenandoah's most spectacular cascades. Saturday 1/31. $20.
• 🧠 Create a vision board for 2026 where you'll cut out inspiring images and quotes to map out your goals for the year ahead. It's like making a collage of your dreams, and all supplies are provided! Saturday 1/31. Free.
• 🍾 Get ready to perreo because Benito Bowl is bringing the ultimate Bad Bunny party to Public Bar with DJ Enemy spinning all the hits and deep cuts. Themed drinks, decorations, and a night of dancing await! Saturday 1/31. $14.
• 🌲 Bring your extra seeds and swap them for new varieties at this community seed exchange at Mount Rainier Nature Center. Join to diversify your garden and connect with fellow plant lovers before spring planting season kicks off. Saturday 1/31. Free.
• 🖌️ Create your own printing blocks and layer patterns in this hands-on printmaking workshop where you'll carve, print, and experiment with visual designs. Perfect whether you're looking to try something totally new or get those creative juices flowing again. Saturday 1/31. $25.
• 🍲 Donutpalooza brings sweet and savory donuts together for a fun swap where you bring homemade donuts and leave with a box full of everyone else's creations. Plus you get a free drink from Kayu and can compete for the best donut prize! Saturday 1/31. $35.
• 🖌️ Spend a weekend getting your hands dirty with porcelain learning pinching, coiling, and carving techniques from Julie Wiggins, who studied traditional methods in China. You'll create multiple pieces and explore your creative voice through drawing exercises and hands-on projects. Saturday 1/31-2/1. $300 both days.

• 🕺 Sangjaru brings Korean folk fusion to Baltimore mixing traditional Korean instruments with gypsy swing, funk, and rock for something totally unique. The Guardian calls it "thunderous, sawed traditional instruments" meets "spry talking heads-style bass-funk." Sunday 2/1. $35.
• 🎭 This documentary screening reveals the hidden stories of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe through stunning artwork, plus you get to chat with filmmaker Fred Kuwornu afterward. Perfect for anyone curious about the history that didn't make it into most textbooks. Sunday 2/1. $20.
• 🖌️ Learn to embroider a sweet Valentine's Day piece at this hands-on workshop with local maker Miri Artyukhina from Capital Stitch Co. Perfect for beginners who want to make something special to keep or gift! Sunday 2/1. $20.
• 🧠 Can you believe it's almost planting season? Learn how to root and grow your own raspberry canes in this hands-on workshop that covers everything from dividing canes to pruning tips. You'll take home a rooted raspberry plant ready for your garden! Sunday 2/1. $10.
• 📖 Author Lonnae O'Neal shares the fascinating story behind her book Bibb Country, where planting lettuce seeds in her backyard led to uncovering generations of family secrets tied to enslavement, emancipation, and the Kentucky Bibb family. This Black History Month event explores how food connects to freedom and identity in ways you might never expect. Sunday 2/1. Free.
• 🤸 After Glow combines a HIIT workout, sauna and cold plunge therapy, plus a singles mixer for people who want to meet others while doing something good for their body. You'll sweat together, brave the cold plunge, then hang out over coffee and local vendor treats. Sunday 2/1. $35+.
• 🛍️ Planning a wedding and want to see all your options in one place? Check out the Great Bridal Expo where you can meet vendors, sample catering, and score some giveaways while a live orchestra plays. Sunday 2/1. Free.
• 📜 Check out this cool self-guided discovery experience where you'll hunt for labels around the library showing everyday items invented by African American innovators. Learn how many things you use daily wouldn't exist without their genius! Sunday 2/1. Free.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Bundle up for a winter hot girl stroll through Malcom X/Meridian Hill Park followed by cozy coffee at Creative Grounds. This is for meeting new friends and getting some fresh air even when it's chilly outside. Sunday 2/1. Free.
• 🕺 Drag (the Roof Down) Brunch at Roofers Union brings fierce queens serving face, flips, and flair while you sip $22 bottomless mimosas and bloody marys. Hosted by the fabulous Orpheus Rose, this is brunch with lots of entertainment value. Sunday 2/1. Free.

🤫 Psst! I couldn't fit everything in this issue. See 90 events happening this weekend and next week!

Click the Login link below the form and use the email you're subscribed with.

⚡ More events. More access. Zero FOMO.

Our premium subscribers get the full event list (250+!), weekly updates, and VIP access to exclusive Not Bored in DC events.

​👉 Upgrade to Premium here​

Know of something cool happening? Submit an event for consideration!

* Items marked with an asterisks contain affiliate links (for which I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you) or sponsored. Events are featured based on if I find them interesting and think others will too, regardless if they are affiliate or sponsored.