FRIDAY JANUARY 29
SMITHSONIAN CONVERSATION: Spend your Friday lunch (virtually) with the Archives of American Art. This Friday, the Smithsonian research center will be holding a conversation about the newly acquired records from “Art in General” — the renowned artist-founded non-profit in New York. The discussion will focus on the impact the non-profit has had on the art world, and it will include the opportunity to ask questions about art collecting and Smithsonian’s research. (12:00 – 12:30 p.m., FREE)
PIANO RECITAL: On Friday, Washington Performing Arts is premiering A Brief (and Modern) History of Piano Études featuring pianist Jenny Lin. An étude, by the event organizers’ definition, is “a work balancing artistic expression with technical instruction. The show will be available for streaming starting this Friday at 8 p.m. through Thursday, February 4th. (8 p.m., $20)
IMPROV: This Friday, DC Improv is continuing their virtual “5 for 5” series, where patrons pay $5 to watch a show featuring five stand up comedians. This Friday’s lineup includes Josie Marcellino, Tommy Taylor Jr., Jamel Johnson, Ross Benoit, and Wil Sylvince. Please note that audience members must be 18 or older to attend. (7:45 PM; $5)
RUPAUL & BREW: Start your weekend off with Red Bear Brewing Co. and RuPaul’s Drag Race. On Friday, the local brewery is hosting a RuPaul viewing at their location on M Street NE. The event begins with a rerun of last week’s episode at 7:00 p.m. so that new viewers can feel caught up before the new episode premiers at 8:00 p.m. (7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.; Prices vary).
SATURDAY JANUARY 30
FEDWICH: On Saturday, choose to indulge with Federalist Pig’s pop-up at Kramerbooks. Affectionately known as “Fedwich,” the collaboration features new sandwich recipes that are not available at the Federalist Pig’s primary location on Columbia Road. The best part? There’s even an option to order books with your grub delivery. (1517 Connecticut Ave, NW, Washington, D.C.; Prices vary)
CALLBOX TOUR: Have you ever wondered about the callboxes you’ve seen around the city? They used to be part of downtown Washington’s emergency services – but with the advent of cellphones, they’ve found new uses. On Saturday, join A Tour Of Her Own on a walking tour as they highlight eight of the boxes that have been turned into art installations about significant women in our city’s history. (3:00 – 4:00 p.m., $15 – $30)
OUTDOOR STORYTIME: Storytime, but make it socially distanced. This weekend, head to the Rose Park Sports Courts for storytime and other learning activities — ideal for students ages five to eight years old. There is no mandatory fee to participate, but please note there is an optional sliding fee scale for those who are able to contribute. (Rose Park Sports Courts. 26th and O Streets NW, Washington, D.C.; 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.; $0 – $20).
SUNDAY JANUARY 31
BOOK CLUB: On Sunday evening, Lit on H Street Book Club is gathering to discuss The Secret Lives of Church Ladies — a short story collection by Deesha Philyaw about Black women, their role and experience in the church, and their own sexuality. The event is hosted by local bookstore Solid State Books (who are closed for in-store browsing but open online). (6:00 – 7:00 p.m.; FREE)
DEER DETERRENT: It might be exciting to see deer if you’re hiking in Rock Creek Park — but our local wildlife might be less welcome when they are destroying your garden. Luckily, there are local experts to help keep your plants safe. On Sunday, the Fairfax County Parks Department is hosting a virtual workshop to help gardeners protect their home gardens (without having to put up fencing). (1:30 p.m., $10)
CUPCAKES: This Sunday is the last day to sample Georgetown Cupcake’s “Inauguration Dozen.” Their confectionary curation is specially made to celebrate this month’s Presidential Inauguration — and each cupcake is decorated with the U.S. flag, the Presidential Eagle, the U.S. map, and White House fondant discs. Please note that in-store service is not available. (3301 M Street NW, Washington, D.C.; $36.00 / dozen)
