Here are 10 solid reasons to leave home even though it’s the 90th week of January, everything is wet, and half the town is shut down. Your options include a rabbinical sex talk and wolves, so buckle up.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 22
BLINDED WITH SCIENCE: Join Rui Diogo, Howard University’s associate professor of anatomy, for Profs and Pints: Bugs, Drugs, Evolution, and Medicine, an evening of drinks and science. Professor Diogo’s lecture will cover evolutionary medicine, why some people are more prone to diseases and injuries than others, poop treatments (don’t Google this), the potential for superhumans, viruses, and much more that will leave you unable to touch a Metro handrail for a week. (La Pop, 6:30 p.m., $12-$15)
SACRED SEX: Hear a panel of rabbis talk about what makes for good, bad, and downright sacred sex at Let’s Talk About Sex. Led by Talmudic haiku writer Rabbi Avi Strausberg, you’re sure to learn something new about spirituality and schtupping. (Sixth & I Historic Synagogue, 7 p.m., $18)
IMPROV YOUR LIFE: Improv class is a great excuse to say all the bananas stuff your social filter usually keeps you from saying out loud for fear of being cast out of society. Feeling frustrated? Sad? A little crazy? This free introductory class is the perfect place to let it out. Having a stranger “yes, and …” your wildest thoughts is basically therapy. (Atlas Performing Arts Center, 7 p.m., FREE)
MORE: Mick Jenkins with Special Guest Kari Faux (Sixth and I Historic Synagogue, 8 p.m., $25), Gordon Sterling Presents The Gypsy Sally’s Jam (Gypsy Sally’s, 8 p.m., FREE), Dark Thoughts, The Smarthearts, The Max Levine Ensemble (Comet Ping Pong, 9 p.m., $10)
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23
ALL ABOUT WELLNESS: If you’re looking for a late-January boost to your New Year’s health goals, check out New Year, New Flow, focusing on yoga, nutrition, and herbs for detoxification and renewal. This is also a great chance to talk about going to the Apothékary, which is as close to being a Hogwarts students as most of us will ever get. (The Apothékary inside Epic Yoga, 6:30-8:30 p.m., $10)
MEET YOUR MEAT: If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to butcher a whole animal without looking like a future serial killer, now’s your chance! Mess Hall is hosting Some Disassembly Required, a be-your-own-butcher class where you’ll enjoy craft beer and barbecue while learning everything you ever wanted to know about meat. (Mess Hall, 6:30-9:30 p.m., $55-$120)
GROAN: Pun DMV, D.C.’s premier pun competition, includes the Freestyle, where contestants register in advance and prepare short, pun-filled speeches, and the Tournament, where participants sign up the night of the show to face off in a battle of puns. Both contest winners will go home with gouda prizes, so you cheddar not show up with cheesy material. (DC Improv, 7:30 p.m., $6)
WATCH, OR DO NOT WATCH: See Return of the Jedi accompanied by The National Symphony Orchestra playing John Williams’ famous score. Themed cocktails and popcorn will be available. Gold bikinis optional. (The Kennedy Center, Tuesday 7 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday 8 p.m., $34-$119)
MORE: Take Flight Whiskey Tasting (The Watergate Hotel, 5 p.m.-7:30 p.m., $75), Leo Suarez, Sarah Hughes/Luke Stewart, Nik Francis Trio (Rhizome DC, 8 p.m.-11 p.m., $10), Profs & Pints: Hamilton’s History Remix (Bier Baron Tavern, 6 p.m., $12-$15),
THURSDAY, JANUARY 24
DRINK AND GAB: Local podcast DC Diary is once again hosting a happy hour where musing, ranting, and actual human connection are encouraged. Hang out, grab a drink, and take a turn in the mobile recording booth to opine on the themes of the evening: self-care and food. You just might hear yourself on the next episode. (Emissary, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., free entry with RSVP)
THE GREAT OUTDOORS: The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay hosts the Wild & Scenic Film Festival, a fundraiser featuring movies about nature, community activism, adventure, conservation, water, energy and climate change, wildlife, environmental justice, agriculture, and indigenous cultures. Come at 6 p.m. for happy hour and raffle prizes. The ticket price include one stainless steel customized Kleen Kanteen cup guaranteed to add eco-chic pizazz to any beverage. (Landmark E Street Cinema, 6 p.m.-9:30 p.m., $30)
DISCO FEVER: The Library of Congress has already received its funding for the year, which means the third installation of its Fraudway Films series, celebrating the most bizarre and spectacular Hollywood takes on Broadway musicals, is proceeding as scheduled. This week’s film is Staying Alive, Sylvester Stallone’s follow-up to beloved musical film Saturday Night Fever. (Mary Pickford Theater at the Library of Congress, 7 p.m.-9 p.m., FREE with registration)
MORE: The Steel Wheels (The Soundry, 7:30 p.m., $15-$25), Three Sistahs (MetroStage, 8 p.m., $55, through Feb. 24), In3Gaming: SuperSmashBrosUltimate Tournament, DC College League (Inclusive Innovation Incubator, 7 p.m.-10 p.m., FREE) Super Diamond (9:30 Club, 7 p.m. doors, $25)
