Things I'm Talking About

• First, apologies for the delay this week. I was traveling for work and got delayed. BUT, you can always view the events listing on the web, which are updated consistently on Wednesdays.
• I still will not shut up about Heated Rivalry.
  • It seems like I'm not alone though, because the three (3) Club 90s HR dance parties at 930 Club sold out so quickly that they announced one at The Anthem in March*. They're selling the VIP tickets for all levels, and they're selling out, so I think this will sell out too. Get your tickets while you can.
  • Howard Theatre is doing a Heated Rivalry rave.
  • DC9 is doing a Heated Rivalry dance party (and it's only $5)
  • Spark Social is hosting a viewing party of episodes 5 & 6 (the best ones) on Monday (and it's free).
• It's MLK weekend! If you want to give back (or are feeling a bit despondent), looks for MLK Day of Service opportunities this weekend.
• For those with kids, the DPR summer camp lottery is coming up. If you want to learn more, you can attend an info/training session.
• International Spy Museum's free
• ​Art in Bloom tickets are now on sale! This sells out every year, and approaches floral arrangements in creative ways in a gilded age mansion.
• 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 is 2026 going for you so far? You responded:

• Good (27.9%)
• Okay (27.9%)
• Great! (23.3%)
• Fine (20.9%)

The Rent the Runway DC Market is back now through February 8, bringing designer styles up to 90% off—from Ulla Johnson to Reformation and everything in between. Stop by 1140 Connecticut Ave NW to shop pre-loved pieces that turn heads and save dollars.

✨ Open Monday-Saturday 11 am-7 pm, Sunday 12 pm - 7 pm.

​
​👉 Get directions and plan your spree »​

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: Shanghai Lounge

"Shanghai Lounge in glover park needs a tried and true! some of the best szechuan food in the city and run by the sweetest people" Sarah

Locations: 1734 Wisconsin Ave NW #2313
​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.

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• 🎭 Get a sneak peek at three new historical plays in development at Ford's Theatre's free two-day festival. You'll see stage readings of works exploring lesser-known civil rights heroes, plus there's a meet-and-greet with the playwrights on Saturday night. Friday 1/16.-1/17 Free.
• 🖌️ Learn to screenprint and make your own tote bag at this artist-led workshop and happy hour with JD Deardourff at MoCA Arlington. You'll pull prints, sip complimentary drinks, and leave with something cool you made yourself. Friday 1/16. Free.
• 🌐 This MLK Shabbat service honors Dr. King and Rabbi Heschel with soul-lifting music from the Covenant Baptist UCC choir and inspiring words from interfaith partners. Stay after for challah and dessert! Friday 1/16. Free.
• 🕺 Black Techno Matters kicks off their 2026 tour with Future Drum Circle, a supergroup mixing live musicians with drum machines for some seriously cool sonic exploration. Friday 1/16. $20.
• 📜 Learn about the Filipino farm workers who helped spark the famous 1965 Delano Grape Strike at this History Film Forum screening and panel discussion at the National Museum of American History. After the film, you'll get to check out the new Filipino American Stories exhibition. Friday 1/16. Free.
• 🖌️ Start the year with some creative energy at this vision board workshop at Lowery's Dial where you'll cut, paste, and dream up your 2026 goals. All supplies and snacks are included, so just bring yourself and get ready to manifest! Friday 1/16. $45.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Meet new people at this chill singles hangout at Whino, just a quick walk from Ballston Metro. Easy parking at the mall for just $1! Friday 1/16. Free.
• 🖌️ Bring your knitting project and settle in for Stitching Stories, a chill knitting circle at the Old Stone House where you can chat about colonial fiber arts while working on whatever you're making. All skill levels welcome, and no need to sign up ahead of time. Friday 1/16. Free.
• 🤓 Skip the per-game fees and grab a Winter Pass for unlimited bowling at Pinstripes through the end of February. For $70, you can bowl as much as you want without doing math every time you want to hang out with friends. Friday 1/16-2/28. $70.
• 📜 Learn about the Filipino farm workers who helped spark the famous Delano Grape Strike through this documentary screening followed by a panel discussion with the filmmaker. You'll also get exclusive access to the new Filipino American Stories exhibition afterward. Friday 1/16. Free, tickets required.

• 🌲 Watch thousands of crows gather in such massive numbers they actually show up on radar at this winter crow watch in Shirlington. You'll get binoculars and scopes to watch the noisy social hour before they roost for the night. Saturday 1/17. Donation.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Planning your next adventure just got easier at the Washington DC Travel and Adventure Show where you can meet travel experts, catch Rick Steves and Samantha Brown live on stage, and score exclusive deals. Perfect for anyone with wanderlust or a specific trip in mind. Saturday 1/17-1/18. $16+.
• 🍱 Japanese Sando Pop Up is back after selling out in just over an hour last month, so you'll want to get there early for these epic sandwiches made by chefs Timothy Yu and Eddie Evans. Saturday 1/17. Price varies.
• 🖌️ Skip the intimidating New Year's resolutions and make cute punch cards for your 2025 goals instead. Think "take 10 walks, get a sweet treat" but way more fun to track! Saturday 1/17. Free.
• 🧠 Learn to read the 56 Minor Arcana tarot cards and decode their symbolism, numerology, and color meanings with Tarot Girl Era founder Phim Her. You'll get hands-on practice whether you bring your own deck or not. Saturday 1/17. $30.
• 🖼️ Art After Dark at Haven- Velvet Frequency combines live artistry with layered visuals in a moody, intimate setting perfect for getting up close with creativity. You'll experience texture, sound, and art all mixed together featuring works by local artists. Saturday 1/17. $13.
• 🌲 Start your year right with a guided bird walk through Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, one of DC's best-kept nature secrets. You'll explore wetlands and spot winter birds with fellow nature lovers in this peaceful corner of the city. Saturday 1/17. Free.
• 🖌️ Learn cross-stitch at Old Town Books while making a bookstore-themed kit from Junebug & Darlin. Perfect for beginners who want to pick up a relaxing new hobby with other crafty folks. Saturday 1/17. $43.
• 🍾 DC's biggest free cosplay party is celebrating 3 years with console games, runway shows, DJ sets, and prizes for best costume. Doors open at 10pm and you'll want to get there early since this thing goes until 3am. Saturday 1/17. Free.
• 🤸 MixxFest 2026 is back for year 9 with top DMV instructors mixing up everything from hip hop to Caribbean to go-go in one epic dance fitness party. Plus health vendors and all proceeds support youth housing programs. Saturday 1/17. $29.

• 🤸 Picture yourself lying back surrounded by glowing Tiffany stained glass windows while crystal bowls and chimes wash over you in this sound bath at MoCA Arlington. Just bring a yoga mat and blanket for this super relaxing afternoon experience. Sunday 1/18. $25.
• 🤸 Picture this: a sound bath with crystal bowls and gongs inside the stunning Memorial Hall of the George Washington Masonic Temple. The acoustics in this architectural gem will make the healing sounds even more magical. Sunday 1/18. $55.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Women's professional hockey takes over Capital One Arena when Montreal faces off against New York in this fast-paced PWHL matchup. You'll be sitting with other sports fans in a group block, so it's perfect whether you're a hockey newbie or a longtime fan. Sunday 1/18. $35.
• 🧑‍🍳 Learn to make pupusas from scratch at this hands-on Salvadoran cooking workshop where you'll master the masa, stuff classic fillings, and eat what you create. This is your sign if you want to try something new. Sunday 1/18. $30.
• 🎭 UNBANNED Film Screening & Panel brings together educators, artists, and advocates to discuss banned books and creative freedom at the historic Miracle Theatre. You'll catch an expert panel followed by the award-winning documentary "Banned Together," plus browse books from BOL Coop Bookstore. Sunday 1/18. Donation.
• 🕺 A tribute to Cat Janice featuring her band plus Elizabeth II, Cathy DiToro, and 7 Deadlies at Union Stage. All proceeds go to causes Cat supported, making this a meaningful way to celebrate her musical legacy. Sunday 1/18. $21.
• 🤸 Start your Sunday with a sober dance party that'll get you higher than any drink thanks to heat, bass, and pure endorphins. Sunday 1/18. $39+.
• 🕺 Local DC artists are bringing poetry and jazz together at Mt. Pleasant Library for an afternoon that feels like stepping into a cozy coffeehouse scene. Join if you're 13+ and love live music and spoken word. Sunday 1/18. Free.
• 🍾 Get dressed up but keep your favorite sneakers on for the 4th Annual DMV Sneaker Ball, where formal wear meets fresh kicks for a night of dancing and good times. It's happening during MLK weekend with music, drinks, and bottle service until 3am. Sunday 1/18/2026. $29.
• 🧠 Design your year with intention at this vision board workshop in a gorgeous design studio where you can map out your goals for home, career, and life. All materials provided, just bring your dreams and an open mind. Sunday 1/18. Free.

Monday

• 🕺 Celebrate the 40th anniversary of the iconic MLK mural with a special musical performance by the Seasons of Love Ensemble, plus remarks from the family of artist Don Miller who created this powerful piece of public art. It's a meaningful way to honor Dr. King's legacy through music and reflection. Monday 1/19. Free.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Grab your tissues and head to Spark Social's Heated Rivalry watch party for episodes 5 & 6 at a DC LGBTQ+ community space. Monday 1/19. Free.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Walk with the Bowser Administration in the MLK Day Holiday Parade and connect with folks from all eight wards in this 40+ year tradition that honors Dr. King's legacy. Monday 1/19. Free.
• 🍲 Metropolitan Washington Winter Restaurant Week is back with hundreds of restaurants offering special 3-course menus to help you shake off those winter blues. Monday 1/19-1/25. $25+.
• 🤝 Roll up your sleeves for this MLK Day of Service project where you'll help clear invasive plants at Long Branch Nature Center so local wildlife can thrive. Perfect way to honor Dr. King's legacy while getting your hands dirty for a good cause. Monday 1/19. Free.
• 🤝 Help put together care packages for people in need at the 26th Annual MLK Day of Service Blanket & Toiletry Drive with family-friendly volunteer stations. You'll be assembling blankets, toiletries, and encouraging notes with a goal of reaching 2,500 people across the DC area. Monday 1/19. Free.

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* 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.