TUESDAY, JANUARY 19
FOR THOSE LOST: Head to the National Cathedral grounds to honor the 400,000 U.S. lives lost during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Bourbon Bell will ring 400 times during the COVID-19 Bell Toll, each ring to honor 1000 who have died. Remember to wear your face mask and practice social distancing, or watch virtually if you’d like. (5:30 p.m., FREE)
PRESIDENT: The highest office in the land is on everyone’s mind this week, so why not pay a visit to beloved, fictional Commander-In-Chief Josiah Bartlet, aka Martin Sheen? Join this Smithsonian Associates event, Mr. President: An Evening with Martin Sheen, to hear from the man whose five-decade career has captivated so many. He’ll be in conversation with White House correspondent Ken Walsh. (6:30 p.m., $25 for non-members, $20 for members)
FLOWERS POWER: Check out this special online event from Planet Word, How Words Saved Halim Flowers’ Life to hear from D.C. native Halim Flowers. The poet, artist, writer, activist, entrepreneur, new dad, and returning citizen who was sent to prison age 16, will share how he views the world through a new lens. (6:30 p.m., FREE)
MORE: Gardens as Sources of Resilience (Smithsonian Gardens, Ongoing, FREE), Bartender Wellness Guardian: Amy Dunki (Focus on Health, All Day, FREE)
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20
TOAST TO JOE: Mayor Bowser has requested that District residents stay home for the inauguration, but celebrating indoors is still on the table. Order and pick up this “Boozy New Deal” Inauguration Kit from Jack Rose Saloon, which has eight cocktails including mint juleps and brandy alexanders. If you’d like to occupy yourself whilst you imbibe, check out this ANXO Paint & Sip Kit. Drink cider and commemorate the occasion by creating a masterpiece. (Inaguration Kit, $75; ANXO Kit $60)
DEL BOCA VISTA: Travel via screen to the palm tree-lined fantasyland of The Villages, America’s largest retirement community, in the documentary Some Kind of Heaven. Follow a group of residents (and one interloper) who can’t seem to find happiness behind the gates of the pre-packaged community. Stream via the Avalon and support an independent theater while you’re at it. (Ongoing, $12)
NATURE STEWARD: If you’re in the market to do a good deed and looking to get outside, consider becoming a Montgomery Country Trail Steward. Volunteers will perform quarterly trail inspections, handle light maintenance, and check on the grounds after major storms. Stewardships are in six-months increments. (Ongoing, FREE)
MORE: RBG: Rise to Vote 5K(Run 2 B Fit, 1 p.m., $25), Inauguration Day Celebration Live|Virtual National Mall Memorials Tour (Street Art Musuem Tours, 5 p.m., $15)
THURSDAY, JANUARY 21
MOVIE MADNESS: If you miss going to the move theater, or are looking for a unique spot to host a small gathering, check out the Arlington Draft House. Food and beverage options are available, and the rental price includes popcorn and soda. Face masks are required except when eating. (Various times available, $399)
SCENIC VIA SCREEN: It’s awfully cold outside, so experience the wonder of nature from the comfort of your own home with the Wild & Scenic Film Festival. Get inspired during the festival’s 50th anniversary, which will feature stories about conservation, activism, and adventure. (All Day, $25)
ROAD TRIP: If you’re feeling the need to get out of town, Luray Caverns is open with a new step-free entrance. Take a socially distant self-guided tour and absorb the geological grandeur. Remember your face mask! (9 a.m. to 5 p.m., $30 for adults $15 for children ages 6 to 12)
MORE: LIVE Drawn to Figures: First Ladies (National Portrait Gallery, 11 a.m., FREE), Happy Hour Yoga (National Landing, 5:30 p.m., FREE)
