Please note that the recent increase in COVID cases has caused some in-person events to be cancelled or altered this weekend. Events are subject to change as we receive more data about the District’s case numbers. 

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31

OUTDOOR EXHIBIT: On New Year’s Eve, head to the National Mall to catch the outdoor exhibit by the Smithsonian. “HABITAT” is a series of 15 outdoor exhibits across different museum grounds over the Mall, including “Sign of the Dragonfly” at the Enid A. Haupt Garden and “Monarchs on the Move” by outside the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. (The National Mall; self-guided; FREE)

CHIKO AT HOME: Start the new year on a full stomach (from the comfort of your home). This Friday, ChiKo is offering an order-in tasting menu for two. Guests can expect fare including mini fried chicken dumplings, lobster, and either slow cooked beef short ribs or spicy shrimp noodles. Please note that ChiKo’s regular a la carte menu will still be available. (To-go; times vary on location; $90 per pair)

BEUCHERTS SALOON: Beuchert’s Saloon has cancelled their original NYE party — but there’s still a way to be festive (and socially distant). The Southeast restaurant is shifting gears by offering to-go packages — complete with caviar buckets and dry-aged duck breast. (To-go; prices vary)

ALL ABOARD: On Friday, Metrobar DC is hosting multiple New Year’s Eve parties. Starting at 4 p.m., the joint is hosting a “Family New Year’s Party” complete with festive cocktails and kid-friendly games. Then starting at 8 p.m., they’re … err, switching tracks … and hosting the “Midnight Train to New Year’s Party.” (Metrobar DC; afternoon event 4 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Midnight event 8 p.m.-1 a.m.; afternoon event FREE, midnight event $10+ )

COMEDY NIGHT: Spend your New Year’s Eve with Brent Gill and Rahmein Mostafavi. On Friday, the comedians will be at Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, Va., for two shows (so you can make it no matter your New Year’s bedtime). Please note: proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required for admission. (Workhouse Arts Center; 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. shows; $30+)

BAR CRAWL: This weekend, Barcrawlerz is hosting a crawl through Sudhouse DC, Desperados, Deja Vu Lounge, Bar Pilar, and Cafe Saint-Ex. The event starts at Sudhouse, and specials will be available at all participating bars.There are two options for the crawl: you can join the crew on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. (Crawl begins at Sudhouse DC; starts 6 p.m. Friday, 4 p.m. Saturday; $25+)

MORE: White Ford Bronco: DC’s All ’90s Band (9:30 Club; 9 p.m. doors; $55); Proper New Year’s Eve Party at Duke’s Grocery with Rock Creek Kings! (Duke’s Grocery; 9 p.m. doors; $95); New Year’s Gala at The Andrew Mellon Auditorium DC (Andrew W Mellon Auditorium; 9 p.m.-2 a.m.; $199+)

SATURDAY, JANUARY 1

FIRST DAY HIKE: Start your new year with a hike. On Jan. 1, state parks across the country host guided hikes to encourage folks to start the year outdoors. This year, join in on the fun by heading to Black Hill Regional Park in Montgomery County for a 2-3 mile hike with other community members. (Meet at Black Hill Visitor Center; 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.; FREE)

SUNDAY, JANUARY 2

MEDITATION WORKSHOP: This weekend, tune in to a virtual meditation workshop. “Guided meditations, individual reflections and shared ritual invite us to remember and release the past while setting intentions for the year to come,” according to the event, which will be led by Dr. Terri Lynn Simpson and hosted by the National Cathedral. (Virtual; 3 p.m.; FREE)

THE BLUES: On Sunday, Jammin Java in Northern Virginia is hosting a show to kick off the new year. The event is headlined by “Hot Buttered Elvis” (an Elvis-inspired four-person group) and will include Alpha Dog Blues (a trio featuring harmonica, bass, drums, and vocals) and Monster Madhouse (a District mainstay for over a decade). Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test is required. (Jammin Java; 6:30 p.m. doors, 7:30 p.m. show; $12+)

FOWL GAMES: End your weekend by getting to know your local avian population at Huntley Meadows Park. The “​​Birding for Beginners” course is hosted by Fairfax County and teaches participants basic identification and birding skills. The event is open for anyone over the age of 12 — but please note children 12 to 16 years old need to be accompanied by an adult. (Huntley Meadows Park; 8 a.m.-11 a.m.; $18)

MORE: Greenhouse Growing Tour (Plants Alive!; noon-1 p.m.; $0 – $5)