The first week of 2021 has been trying for many residents, especially in light of the attack on the U.S. Capitol. We hope that this weekend can provide as much rest for our neighbors as possible.

FRIDAY JANUARY 8

KIDS & THE ZOO: Do you ever wonder how animals meet their spouses? On Friday, join the National Zoo & Population Ecologist Kate Rodriguez-Clark to learn how scientists like her play “matchmaker” for different animal and plant species. The event is part of the zoo’s monthly family-friendly series about careers in the arts and sciences.  (10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m., FREE)

MEDITATION: On Friday, the Smithsonian’s Museum of Asian Art is holding one of their regular online meditation and mindfulness sessions. Tune in to center yourself with local teachers Aparna Sadananda and Philip Bender, and attempt to gain some inner peace. (12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m., FREE)

POLITICS & PROSE: Engage with Politics & Prose from the comfort of your home. On Friday, the bookstore is hosting author Peter Ho Davies to discuss his new book, A Lie Someone Told You About Yourself, a novel about the consequences of deciding whether or not to have children. He will be joined by fellow Elizabeth McCracken, author of  Thunderstruck & Other Stories. (6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., FREE)

SWEAT & SIP: It might just be the best of both worlds: a workout followed by a happy hour. On Friday, Orange Theory Fitness West End is hosting a free event to bring the West End fitness community together, even in a time of social distancing. The instructors will be hosting a HITT workout for 40 minutes, followed by a BYOB virtual happy hour. (6:00 p.m., FREE)

SATURDAY JANUARY 9

YOGA: Start the new year with stretch. At 10:30 a.m., join the United States Botanic Garden & WithLoveDC for an introductory-level yoga course. The Garden’s yoga classes usually occur inside the conservancy or in one of their outdoor gardens, but in the era of social distancing, the class is going online. Register online, but don’t wait — space is limited to the first 500 registrants. (10:30 a.m – 11:30 a.m., FREE)

ICE SKATING AWAY: On Saturday, head to Cameron Run in Alexandria, put on some blades, and skate your worries away. This year, NOVA Parks has set up a socially distant system to ensure that park-goers who want to ice skate can do so in a socially distant environment. Sign up for timed tickets, bring your mask, and get ready to hit the ice. (Cameron Run Regional Park, 4001 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 11 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., $15+)

MANDALA WORKSHOP: This weekend, join the Gandhi Memorial Center for a free, virtual course on creating mandalas. Mandalas are a geometric pattern and symbol present in traditions including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Shintoism. Participants will learn some basic mandala patterns and are encouraged to tune in with their own materials. (10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., FREE)

SUNDAY JANUARY 10

HOT SAUCE: Is it hot in here, or is it just your homemade sauce? Every year, Cultivate the City makes its own sauces from homegrown pepper varieties — and on Sunday, the organization is keying you in on its secrets. Sign up for this hot sauce blending class to get a brief tour of H Street Farms to harvest fresh peppers and learn how to make spicy creations (without killing your taste buds). (H Street Farms – W.S. Jenks and Sons, 910 Bladensburg Road NE, Washington, DC, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., $30)

ANTIQUE SHOW: On Sunday, tune in to the last day of the Washington Winter Show, the second-oldest charitable antique show in the United States, which is now happening online. Participants can expect goods from more than 40 dealers and Q&A sessions with experts throughout the day. (11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., FREE)

VALHALLA NW: Put on your warmest Viking gear and head to Valhalla — also known as Hook Hall — in Park View to visit its “Viking Village.” The outdoor experience features fire pits, warm drinks, and most importantly, socially distant seats for your pod. For those who want to reserve their spot, online bookings are available. (Hook Hall, 3400 Georgia Avenue Northwest Washington, DC, 3 p.m. – 10 p.m., Prices Vary)

This post has been updated to replace a photo.