FRIDAY JANUARY 14

MLK SHABBAT: On Friday, join Turner Memorial AME Church and Sixth & I for a service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., his vision, and his work. The public is invited to join in person (vaccination and mask required) or virtually. Turner Memorial’s praise team and Sixth & I musicians will lead the group in song, and Rabbi Aaron Potek and Reverend Doctor D.K. Kearney will speak. (Sixth & I OR Virtual; 7 p.m.; $8 in-person, FREE virtual)

SPACY: This Friday, celebrate the Orthodox New Year with sPACy Tea & Cocktail Lounge on 18th street. Food and drink specials will be available, including traditional Russian dumplings, Georgian mulled wine, and uzvar, a Ukrainian winter punch made with dried fruits and spices. The night will also feature live Eastern European Outlaw Folk music” by Tomáš Drgon. ( sPACy Tea & Cocktail Lounge; 7:00 p.m. onwards; FREE entry, menu prices vary)

MORE: Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play (Kentlands Mansion & Arts Barn; 8:00 p.m.; $22)

SATURDAY JANUARY 15

ICE CREAM FLIGHT: This Saturday, treat yourself to ice cream. Starting this week, Ice Cream Jubilee is bringing back their Lunar New Year-inspired tasting flights with flavors including Red Bean Almond Cookie, Citrus Sichuan Peppercorn, and Thai Iced Tea. The flights will be available at the Ice Cream Jubilees at Navy Yard, 14th Street, and Ballston. (Ice Cream Jubilee Locations in Navy Yard, 14th Street, and Ballston; hours vary; $19 per flight). 

DRAG BRUNCH: This weekend, you’re invited to All Set Restaurant & Bar’s drag brunch. The Silver Spring spot is hosting Queen Citrine, Logan Stone, Vagenesis & Venus Valhalla. The brunch menu will include lobster rolls and chicken & biscuits. (All Set Restaurant & Bar; doors at 11:45, show show 12 p.m.; $10 reservation fee)

MORE: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service River Cleanup at Roaches Run! (Roaches Run; 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.; FREE); Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service River Cleanup at Turkey Run! (Turkey Run Loop Road; 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.; FREE); Winter Wildlife with NoVa Parks (The Nature Center at Potomac Overlook; 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.; $7 per participant 7 years old and up)

SUNDAY JANUARY 16

ZOO PHOTOGRAPHY: Start your Sunday at the Smithsonian National Zoo with pet and wildlife photographer Julie Gould. She’ll lead a tour of the outdoor exhibits, where participants will learn, according to organizers, “how to read the light, be taught how to anticipate the best action, and learn how to create the best possible images at each exhibit.” (The National Zoo; 7:45 a.m. – 10 a.m.; $99)

FUTURE MUSEUM: This Sunday is “FUTURES We Dream Family Day” at the Smithsonian’s Arts & Industries Building. The family-friendly event is being organized to “celebrate the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream with a day full of hope, justice-seeking and collaboration.” Guests can learn about the Smithsonians’ “changemaking and reckoning” through a story wall, join guided tours on social justice, and attend drop-in workshops. (Smithsonian Arts + Industries Building; 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.; FREE)

JIGS & SWIGS: This isn’t your usual form of exercise: on Sunday, get your endorphins by attending an Irish dance-inspired workout. Organizers promise it’s suitable for dancers of all experience levels. The event is held at Atlas Brew Works, so it’s easy to finish your workout with a drink. (Atlas Brew Works; 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.; $25)

MORE: The Afro-Semitic Experience (Cafritz Hall, Edlavitch DCJCC; $17; 2 p.m.); Sunday Music Salon: Beguiling Brahms (Kentlands Mansion & Arts Barn; 3 p.m.; $20); Mic Check With Gray West (The Comedy Loft Of DC; 6 p.m. doors, 7 p.m. show; $15); Underground Comedy at Wonderland Ballroom (Wonderland Ballroom; 8 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.; FREE)

MONDAY JANUARY 17

VOLUNTEER: Spend your Martin Luther King Jr. Day volunteering in your local community. Local organizations including Anacostia Riverkeeper and the Pope Branch Park Restoration Alliance, So Others Might Eat (SOME), and Casey Trees are recruiting volunteers on Monday — and throughout the year. Explore a round-up of ways to volunteer here. (Times & Locations Vary; FREE)

POETRY AND DR. KING: On Monday, Folger Shakespeare Library is hosting “Not Just Another Day Off,” a virtual reading of new poetry and famous historical speeches from leaders including Angela Davis, Frederick Douglass, James Baldwin, Malcolm X, and of course, Dr. King. The event will feature poet John Murillo and is directed by Deidra LaWan Starnes. (Virtual; On-Demand; FREE)

VISIT THE MEMORIAL: On Monday, visit the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial either in person or virtually. If you visit the memorial in person, head over to the Lincoln Memorial, to view the location where Dr. King gave his “I Have A Dream” speech. Alternatively, you can visit the memorial virtually through Washington.org’s interactive 360-degree experience. (The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial OR Virtual; FREE)

PEACE WALK: On Monday, honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. day with the organizers behind the 41st Annual MLK Holiday DC. In lieu of a parade (canceled due to the ongoing pandemic), participants are invited to join a Community Clean-Up in Shepherd Park, a Peace Walk starting at the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge, and a Wellness Fair at Minnesota Avenue & Good Hope Road, SE. (Locations Vary; Events begin at 10:00 a.m.; FREE)