In this issue, I've included activities to help you meet new friends, dry January suggestions, goal setting workshops, MLK Jr Day of Service opportunities, and much more.
If there's something you'd like to see more of, let me know!
Valerie
Historic Photo of the Week
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You've probably never seen the Noyes Armillary Sphere, which was once a part of Washington DC's landscapes at Malcom X/Meridian Hill Park.
However, it suffered damage in the late 1960s and was removed for repairs, but its whereabouts remain unknown.
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! β
See through the ending of the greatest love story ever told at & Julietand find out what would happen if Juliet didnβt end it all over Romeo. Now until Sunday 1/5. $45.
Friday
βDesign your terrarium with handcrafted driftwood and glass vases made in Bali. Enjoy wine and beer after. Friday 1/3. $25+.
If you need help planning for the year ahead, try the art of card reading and cosmic guidance with Michelle Elizabeth from Fire and Bloom. Friday 1/3.
DC Code and Coffee invites all the dev-curious, aspiring, and professional developers for a code and coffeesession on Saturday 1/4. Free.
Dancers from leading ballet companies, acclaimed poets, and a jazz ensemble will perform an In the Roundshow at the Arena Stage. Also, get a chance to have a free chat with artists before the show! Saturday 1/4. $50+.
βCelebrate Veganuary with the Vegan Society of DC and try their botanical bar plus vegan trivia with prizes. Saturday 1/4. Free, but purchase encouraged.
Join thisJAM session of Journaling, Affirmations, and Mindfulness and develop your personal mantra for 2025. Saturday 1/4. $30+.
Need some buddies for a hike? Hikers from the Saturday Morning Hikes and Coffee group will walk around C&O Canal and Billy Goat C then head to Starbucks. Saturday 1/4. Free.
Love trying new restaurants? Join foodies from the Food & Wine Lovers Travel for a dinner at Caneβs and enjoy Trinidad cuisine. Saturday 1/4. Free.
The Winter Wonderland Festival features ice skating plus face painting and winter family photos. Saturday 1/4. Free.
Sunday
Enjoy frost fair activities at Folger Shakespeare Library as they set up free history pop-up talks, press demos, and holiday activities for kids and adults. Runs now until Sunday 1/5. Free.
βChristmas Bird Countis the longest running community science bird project where bird lovers help gather data on bird populations. Counts take place on one day between Thursday 12/14 and Sunday 1/5.
βThe Season's Greeningsholiday display is back with model trains, holiday decorations, and DC landmarks built using plants from Conservatory. Open now until Sunday 1/5, except on 12/25.
The DC Holiday Hunt is a scavenger hunt throughout DC neighborhoods for the holidays. Win prizes as you explore & support local businesses. 11/29-1/5. Free.
Check out the Winter Lantern Festival lights display in Tysons with live acrobats before it closes. Now through Sunday 1/12. $28+.*
Next Week
Join Blind Wine Tasting DC as theytaste and guess two wine flights at Maxwell Park. Perfect for both wine newbies and pros. Monday 1/6. $20 per flight.
Listen and learn about the roots of tea in this film series from Kanopy documentaries. Free tea bag samples. Monday 1/6. Free.
DC Gaming Group is hosting aDungeons & Dragonssocial and creative event perfect for all levels. Tuesday 1/7. Free.
What's your new goal this 2025? Share your resolutions and the exciting things you're bringing into your life next year with the Thinkers and Drinkers International community. Tuesday 1/7. Free.
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.
βJoin 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.
Donβt miss the world premiere of a multi-generational caregiver support groupβs story. The Caregiver Interview Project will run Thursday 1/9 until Sunday 2/2. Pay what you can.
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.
βWatch 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+.*
βRebel 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.
Join community day at the Smithsonian Gallery for a special service project creating literacy packets for pre-readers across DC. Saturday 1/11. Free.
No vision board yet? Journal, paint, collage and go home with one at this relaxing boarding retreat. Sunday 1/12. $60.
Donβt know what to manifest this year? This vision board workshopwill inspire your manifestations through self-discovery. Sunday 1/12. $25.
Further Out
Congressional Cemeteryβs book club will meet and read The Science of Murder by Agatha Christie. Tuesday 1/14. Free with a $5 suggested donation.
Volunteer at this MLK service cleanup day to help restore the Anacostia River and wear clothes you donβt mind getting dirty. 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.
Join thewalk and parade this MLK day on Saturday 1/18. Free.
βHelp 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+.
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.
βMeet the cute pandas Bro Li and Qing Bao on their public debut at the National Zoo. Friday 1/24. Free.
Watch mechanical trucks compete at the ultimate Monster Truck race show. Friday 1/24 to Sunday 1/26. $20+.
Listen to Brooke Shields as she shares her thoughts onaging as a woman with Dr. Sharon Malone. Monday 1/27. $45.
Enjoy 3-course menus as 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.
Potterheads will love this Hogwarts-themed festival featuring cosplay contests and a sorting hat ceremony. Donβt forget to dress in your house colors and robes! Saturday 2/1. $18 early bird price.
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.
βKelsea Ballerini is coming to DC for a live concert along with Maisie Peters and Marynn Taylor. Saturday 2/15. $55+.
βGo ice skating at this rooftop bar in Baltimore with an option to rent a cabana with s'mores. Available now until Sunday 3/16/25. $35 for 90 minutes of ice skating.
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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. Events are featured based on if I find them interesting and think others will too, not based on whether they are in an affiliate program or not.
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