MONDAY, JANUARY 11
LITTLE FALLS: Ground yourself in nature by heading to Little Falls Stream Valley Park for a first hike of 2021. Enter via the Massachusetts Ave. entrance and if you’d like to enhance the experience, follow the QR codes laid out along the five-mile path for directions, tips, and fun local facts. (Through Jan. 18, FREE)
SO METAL: If you want to learn a new skill this year, check out this virtual Maker Talk from the D.C. Public Library to hear all about blacksmithing. Artisan Bennett Marschner will show how to forge a bottle opener and discuss the craft of creating chain mail. (6 p.m., FREE)
CAT LOVERS UNITE: In need of some good news? At about 8 p.m., the Million Cat Challenge is on track to save its three millionth cat via participating shelters across the U.S.. To celebrate the achievement, join other cat lovers the country over aiming to set the record for the world’s largest online toast. Grab a beverage of your choice, politely ask your cat to move out of the way, accept your cat will be in the way, and then raise a glass! (8 p.m., FREE)
MORE: Prayers for Our Nation (National Cathedral, 5 p.m., FREE), Koa Beck — White Feminism: From the Suffragettes to Influencers and Who They Leave Behind – with Ruby Hamad and Melissa Gira Grant (Politics & Prose Live!, 6 p.m., FREE, book purchase available starting at $28)
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TUESDAY, JANUARY 12
TAKE IT IN STRIDE: Parents of young kiddos looking for a reason to leave the house can sign up for a Stroller Strides class at Union Market to get out and get moving. Clock an hour of cardio, strength, and core work — babywearing modifications available — and then cool off with a refreshment or snack at your favorite Union Market eatery. (Union Market, 9:30 a.m., $25)
LOVE YA: Young Adult fiction fans won’t want to miss this virtual event from Mahogany Books featuring bestselling authors Angie Thomas and Nic Stone. Thomas will be discussing her new release, Concrete Rose, the prequel to her blockbuster The Hate U Give. The first 100 to purchase the book from Mahogany will receive Concrete Rose-themed shoelaces, too. (7 p.m., $24, includes book and shipping)
GO FISH: Entertain your littles with some fish-themed fun by booking a visit to the Glen Echo Park Aquarium. See eels, horseshoe crabs, catfish, and more at the boat-shaped attraction. Be sure to schedule your visit ahead of time, and be ready to social distance from other visitors. (Glen Echo Park Aquarium, open 10 a.m.-5 p.m., $7 per person)
MORE:Virtual Sci-Fi Collaborative Writing Meetup (Syllble Studio, 6 p.m., FREE),Eat Well, Be Well: Whole Food as Everyday Medicine (Smithsonian Associates, 6:45 p.m., $20), (Virtual) January Supper Club (Taiwanese American Professionals: DC, 7 p.m., FREE)
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13
FOLLOW THAT BIRD: Local bird watchers were recently delighted by the appearance of the rare painted bunting at Great Falls. Prepare for the next exciting spotting by attending this virtual Naturalist Hour with wildlife photographer Shawn Weber. Learn to capture beautiful bird photos while the creatures are in flight and stationary, and get ready to wow your Instagram followers with your skills. (7 p.m., $15)
LEND A HAND: If the world’s chaos has got you down, consider helping out during a shift at the Capital Area Food Bank. Sign up for a three-hour time slot and get ready to sort and pack donations for those in need. Be sure to bring your face mask. (Capital Area Food Bank, open 9 a.m.-8 p.m., FREE)
MORE: Prints & Photographs Division Virtual Orientation (Research Orientations To The Library Of Congress, 3 p.m., FREE), The 16th Annual Korean American Day Celebration (Korean American Foundation-Greater Washington, 5 p.m., FREE)
THURSDAY, JANUARY 14
BELOVED COMMUNITY: Take a late lunch to enjoy Anacostia Community Museum’s #TakeTimeThursday featuring spoken word artist Joseph Green. He’ll entertain with his interpretation of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s philosophy of a “Better Community” during this 30-minute virtual performance. (2:30 p.m., FREE)
PLANT PLAN: Baby, it sure is cold outside, but you can still plan for warmer days ahead. Check out this virtual event from the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy, Winter Planning for Your Garden. Learn about timing, what to plant to benefit local wildlife, and more. Bring your questions, too. (7 p.m., FREE)
LIGHTS, CAMERA, WRITE: Is 2021 the year you finally commit your screenplay to the page? Check out this virtual eight-session class from The Writer’s Center where you’ll learn about three-act structure, plot, dialogue, and more. Writer, director, and producer Timothy Tau will also lead attendees through beginning a career in the entertainment industry, including securing representation and networking. (7 p.m., $400 for eight sessions)
MORE: DC Paid Family Leave Webinar (D.C. DOES, Office of Paid Family Leave, 1:30 p.m., FREE), NoMa FIT with NUBOXX – HIIT/Boxing (NoMa BID, 6:30 p.m., FREE)
