Hey Reader hope you enjoyed the snow while it was pretty!

With the snow turning to ice and (maybe?) more on the way, there's no denying winter is here.

President Carter lies in the Capitol Rotunda through Thursday morning, with the procession to the National Cathedral for his funeral on Thursday.

This plus the vote certification on 1/6 has meant lots of road closures, but most are reopened now. For the funeral on Thursday 1/9, you'll see roads closed to all traffic (in red) and those that are local traffic only (green):

This will pale in comparison to what we'll likely see for the protest rally on Saturday 1/18, Trump rally on Sunday 1/19, and inauguration on Monday 1/20 (and the protests that go along with it). Closures haven't been announced yet, but doing anything between the White House and Capitol will be...very difficult.

Somewhat overshadowed that weekend is MLK Day of Service, which is a great way to help your local community. I am trying to put together a list of different ways to volunteer for it, and have listed some in this issue. If you know of any opportunities, please reply and let me know or fill out this form!

Valerie

Historic Photo of the Week

Each week, The Washington Bee published its newsletter to a primarily Black audience. The printing press and headquarters is shown here around 1899 at 1109 I Street NW. The newspaper ran from 1882-1922, shortly after the death of its long-time editor, William Calvin Chase.

ICYMI

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Things to Do in DC: Next 4 Weeks

I'm continuing with highlighting more events that are put on regularly to help you not only meet new people but have a regular space for you to hang out.

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

This Week

Wednesday

• Enjoy a puppy yoga session with cute rescue puppies today, but bring your old yoga mat as they’re not yet potty trained. Today 1/8 and next Wednesday 1/15. $50.
• Puzzle lovers can compete for a fun puzzle showdown by racing to finish first at Aslin Beer Company. Wednesday 1/8. $20+.

Thursday

• Celebrate the centennial of James Baldwin and come for performances, music, readings, and a panel discussion inspired by his spirit to confront injustice and inspire change. Thursday 1/9. $10 suggested donation.
• ​Join this conversation on the influence of climate change on weeds and invasive plants as director and botanist Dr. Susan Pell discusses this with local experts and changemakers. Thursday 1/9. Free.
• ​Play trivia night during Dry January (booze-free and dry) at Metrobar DC. Mocktails and beverages available. Thursday 1/9. Free.

Friday

• ​Watch 5 ballet dancers bring the story of Sleeping Beauty to life through traditional ballet and a glow-in-the-dark show. Friday 1/10. $48+.*
• ​Rebel with a Clause is a new film and documentary created by a grammar expert featuring fun and myth-busting grammar habits on Friday 1/10. $10.
• Need to send a special message to someone? Send a goat gram instead - to someone or yourself, delivered by two sweet Nigerian dwarf goats starting this Friday 1/10 until next Monday 1/13. $150.

Saturday

• ​Arrange florals and design your vision board at this creative and intentional workshop. Saturday 1/11. $100.
• Design your very own hand-painted personal cup with hot chocolates to sip while you work. Mugs, paints, and brushes available. Saturday 1/11. $15.
• If you’re multilingual and love meeting new people, DC Language and Cultural Exchange Club lets you share the language you want to speak and the one you want to learn at this language exchange meetup. Find your conversation partner at the end! Saturday 1/11. Free.
• Come hungry and join the Asian Food & Culture Group in tasting matcha, hojicha, and bingsoos at Soricha Tea & Theater, then head to A&J Chinese Restaurant for more. Saturday 1/11. Free to join.
• If you’re looking to meet new autistic friends, bring your favorite board game or use one of the games from Spectrum Friends at the Cleveland Library. Saturday 1/11. Free.
• There’s a sip and paint tea party for beginner painters who just want to paint with a fun, pre-drawn canvas. Wine also available! Saturday 1/11. $30+.

Sunday

• Don’t miss the world premiere of a multi-generational caregiver support group’s story. The Caregiver Interview Project will run Thursday 1/9 until Sunday 2/2. Pay what you can.
• Check out the Winter Lantern Festival lights display in Tysons with live acrobats before it closes. Now through Sunday 1/12. $28+.*
• Get your early bird tickets for the whole weekend of Mindful Drinking Fest. Expect a community of mindful drinkers and healthy non-alcoholic cocktails to enjoy, perfect for Dry January. Friday 1/10-Sunday 1/12. $50.
• No vision board yet? Journal, paint, collage and go home with one at this relaxing boarding retreat. Sunday 1/12. $60.
• Don’t know what to manifest this year? This vision board workshop will inspire your manifestations through self-discovery. Sunday 1/12. $25.

In 2024, I hosted 19 social events where readers got to meet each other. As I'm planning 2025, what is your preferred activity?

I'm looking to do the first one on Sunday, January 26!

Next Week

• Bring your yarn, fabric, or needlepoint supplies and join crafters for a chill Sunday of crafting, swapping, and conversation. If you’re short on yarn, you can ask for extras. Monday 1/13. Free.
• Come to this guided tea tasting session where you can taste samples of white, green, oolong, and black teas while learning the basics. Tuesday 1/14. Free.
• Congressional Cemetery’s book club will meet and read The Science of Murder by Agatha Christie. Tuesday 1/14. Free with a $5 suggested donation.
• Connect, chat, and drink with fellow nerds at the happy hour event the DC-MD-VA D&D Group is hosting. Perfect for finding new friends for your next game. Thursday 1/16. Free.
• Enjoy hip hop hits, played on string instruments for some Bridgerton vibes. Hits and medleys from different artists. Friday 1/17. $47+.*
• 🤝 Volunteer at this MLK service cleanup day to help restore the Anacostia River and wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Saturday 1/18. Free.
• Toast to a fresh start at this manifestation dinner with fellow ladies from the Brown Girls Social Club. Ticket includes manifestation supplies and a personal journal. Cost of dinner not included. Saturday 1/18. $30.
• 🤝 If you like helping nature this MLK Day, volunteer for a large clean-up at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens and help remove trash or invasive plants to keep its natural space alive. Saturday 1/18. Free.
• 🤝 Volunteer to help assemble and deliver 2,000 care packages at this blanket and toiletry drive for MLK day. Saturday 1/18. Free.
• Love birdwatching or just interested? Come prepared for a nature bird walk with layers, water, snacks, and binoculars to explore one of DC’s top birding hotspots. Join the waitlist for Saturday 1/18. Free.
• 🤝 Arlington’s MLK Day of Service features a volunteer fair, photo booth, and tshirts for the first 750 arrivals. They send out emails for participation details by January 16. Saturday 1/18. Free.
• Learn handcrafting step-by-step and make your own chunky crocheted bag with this 2 hour crafting workshop. Saturday 1/18. $60.
• 🤝 Celebrate MLK Day with Casey Trees and mulch trees planted last year by their volunteers. There’s a short on-site training session. Tasks include weeding, watering, and caring for the young trees at Anacostia Park. Saturday 1/18. Donation.
• Join the MLK Peace Walk and Parade this MLK day on Saturday 1/18. Free.
• 🤝 Help improve the trail near National Landing by removing invasive plants growing near it. Saturday 1/18. Free.
• Have fun without drinking at Booze Free Bingo at Metrobar (fun fact, I won the full card round last year!). This was a packed event last year so get your tickets now. Sunday 1/19. $9.
• Escape the political buzz for a lively afternoon celebrating the Feast of St. Vincent, the patron saint of wine. Wine, unlimited food crafted by local chefs and live Jazz all day. Sunday 1/19. $72+.*

Further Out

• Try delicious mocktails at The Square's Dry January Party. Sample non-alcoholic brands and get a goodie bag worth $50. Thursday 1/23. $19.
• ​Meet the cute pandas Bro Li and Qing Bao on their public debut at the National Zoo. Friday 1/24. Free.
• ​Learn how to preserve your historic DC home with this virtual presentation from DC Preservation League about common materials, common failures to look for, and preservation treatments. Friday 1/24 at noon. Free.
• Watch The Grave Dinner and other monster trucks compete at the ultimate Monster Truck race show. Friday 1/24 to Sunday 1/26. $20+.
• Paint with your hand and battle for debate with your mouth at this paint and debate session at DuPont Underground. Perfect for anyone into both arts and debates! Saturday 1/25. $20.
• If you want a little sneak peak of your future, come find the Magick Aunties at Atlas Ivy City for some advice and tarot readings in life and love. Sunday 1/26. Price not stated.
• The very popular DC House History Workshop from DC Preservation League is happening at MLK Library in the People's Archive. Reserve your spot before it fills up, because it always does! Monday 1/27 at 5:30 PM. Free.
• Listen to Brooke Shields as she shares her thoughts on aging as a woman with Dr. Sharon Malone. Monday 1/27. $45.
• Enjoy 3-course menus as DC's Winter Restaurant Week returns Monday 1/27 to Sunday 2/2. Price starts at $25.
• Former TEDx speakers are coming to MLK Library to share storytelling tips and advice on how to be a TEDx speaker panel. Tuesday 1/28. Free.
• Looking for someone to try new restaurants with during restaurant week? Join ladies from Wonderful Women Without Kids and head to the Amazonia rooftop restaurant for Peruvian food cuisine. Friday 1/31. $55 for a multi-course meal.
• Potterheads will love this Hogwarts-themed festival featuring cosplay contests and a sorting hat ceremony. Don’t forget to dress in your house colors and robes! Saturday 2/1. $18 early bird price.
• February's Phillips After 5 is focused on love: appreciate art while joining a singles happy hour and listening to Cinema Hearts. Thursday 2/6. $20.
• Floral fans can get a live floral arrangement demo plus time to play with a variety of flowers. Bring flowers and a vase, then join the flower potluck to swap and share. Saturday 2/8. $45.
• If you need help with your Valentine's card, you can join the Valentine card making session with the Arboretum on Wednesday 2/12. Free.
• If you want an irreverent celebration of love, check out A Date With John Waters on Valentine's Day in his home town of Baltimore. Friday 2/14. $56+.
• ​Eat sweet strawberries and make hearts day cards for your loved ones on Friday 2/14. Free.
• Learn to make Argentinian empanadas at La Cosecha. Learn to make empanadas filled with ground beef, vegetables, and eggs in this hands-on class. Thursday 2/20 & 2/27. $69.*
• Chefs from local restaurants will have a chili cook-off at Lower Georgia Ave and you can taste & judge their best dishes for the People's Choice Award. Last year had ~10 different restaurants to taste (and I was a judge!). Sunday 2/23. Free (with VIP option).*
• ​Awesome Con 2025 is coming to Washington DC and they're bringing special celebrity guests, comic con panels, screenings, and exclusive exhibits for fans of anime, comics, movies, and games! Friday 4/4. $20

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.