MONDAY, JANUARY 3
FIGHT! The Washington D.C. Snowball Fight Association is doing … well, exactly what its name implies: celebrating this snow day with a giant snowball fight. The Battle of Snomicron kicks off this afternoon outside the Smithsonian Castle. Organizers are encouraging mask-wearing and social distancing while you do battle. (Smithsonian Castle, 3:30 p.m.-dusk, FREE)
ESSAY CONTEST: Some schools may be out, but that doesn’t mean kids can’t write or create something new today. The D.C. Public Library is asking kids ages 5-19 to write a poem or essay inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, and share their vision for a better world. The winning pieces in various age groups will be displayed at the Petworth Neighborhood Library. Entrants must submit their work by Jan. 20 in person at the library or via email. Good luck! (Through Jan. 20, FREE)
TUESDAY, JANUARY 4
FASHION SHOW: Head to Queen’s English for a fashion show exploring Asian fashion and its modernization. Designer MJ will debut her Summer 2022 collection titled Fountain of Youth. An afterparty will follow the show at 8:40 p.m. (Queen’s English, 7 p.m., FREE)
OPEN MIC COMEDY: Test your comedy chops at the Spaghetti on the Beach open mic comedy night at Hamilton’s Bar and Grill. Enjoy talented local comics and nationally touring stand up talent trying out new material. (Hamilton’s Bar and Grill, 7 p.m., FREE)
MORE: Karaoke Tuesdays (The Green Room, 7 p.m., FREE)
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 5
HISTORY LUNCHEON: Join the White House Historical Association for a virtual honorary program celebrating American war hero Stephen Decatur’s birthday. The day features a discussion with a Navy SEAL-turned-NASA astronaut, and will be streamed live on Facebook. (11:45 a.m., FREE)
SPECIAL EXHIBITS: The National Academy of Sciences building is currently closed to the public, but this week you can explore the building’s special exhibitions with timed entry tickets. Check out the special exhibitions on view, including artwork inspired by the James Webb Space Telescope, and an exhibit about women in STEM. (National Academy of Sciences Building, 11 a.m., FREE)
HAPPY HOUR YOGA: Get out from behind your desk and join a wellness yoga class at Eaton DC. Enjoy the opportunity to breathe mindfully and move your body, guided by instructor Sydnea. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test from within the previous 72 hours is required for participation. (Eaton DC, 6 p.m., $25)
MORE: Sketch Book Club (National Gallery of Art, 5 p.m., FREE), Salsa con Candela (Public Bar Live, 7 p.m., FREE)
THURSDAY, JANUARY 6
COMEDY SHOW: Each month, production company Improbable Comedy invites local female comics for a special standup show. The MOTHER of All Comedy Shows is recommended for patrons 18 and up. (Busboys and Poets Takoma, 8 p.m., $10)
MAGAZINE LAUNCH: Looking to begin the year with a creative community? Head to Big Bear Cafe for the pre-launch party for a new literary publication, Struggle Magazine. The party will include food, drink, ceramics for sale, a first look at the first issue, and the debut of a short play. (Proof of COVID-19 vaccination and booster, or a negative test from within the last 48 hours required.) (Big Bear Cafe, 6 p.m., $15)
FAMILY DRAMA: In Natasha Gordon’s debut play now at Round House Theatre, a family gathers for Nine Night, a Jamaican tradition celebrating the life of their recently departed family matriarch. Nine Night follows the family drama that ensues. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required for entry, and attendees must wear masks throughout the show. A virtual version of the play will be available Jan. 20-30. (Round House Theatre, through Jan. 30, $41+)
MORE: The Minimalists – Love People Use Things Tour (Sixth & I, 7 p.m., $30), BSO Presents Beethoven Symphony No. 7 (Music Center at Strathmore, 8 p.m., $35), Disney Pixar Movie Trivia at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema DC (7 p.m., FREE)
