FRIDAY, JAN. 12
MID-ATLANTIC LEATHER WEEKEND: Whether you’re a leather expert or just a little leather curious, the Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend has something for you. Hosted annually in D.C. by the Centaur Motorcycle Club, MAL is a queer staple, bringing people from all over together to celebrate the leather community. (Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill; Friday through Monday; $20+)
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE: Take a journey across four decades with Love, Love, Love, Mike Bartlett’s 2010 drama that comes to Studio Theatre this month. The ‘60s are in full swing when Ken and Sandra fall in love as teenagers, but they eventually trade their free love principles for middle-class comfort in this biting look at baby boomers. (Studio Theatre; through Feb. 18; $75)
MORE: New Years Tarot and Sake (PLNTR; 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m.; $70), Ampl!fy: The Evolution Issue (Joe’s Movement Emporium; 7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $5+), Manifesting Intentions: A Women’s Circle Gathering (Adose Wellness; 7 p.m.-9 p.m.; $45), Bombs Away! (Saloon; 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; FREE+), Live at Lost Gen with Emma G (Lost Generation Brewing Company; 8 p.m.-11 p.m.; FREE), Shabbat Stand-Up (Shaw’s Tavern; 8 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; FREE)
SATURDAY, JAN. 13
MERMAID OF THE BLUE SEA: Based on The Little Mermaid, The Mermaid of the Blue Sea infuses Hans Christian Andersen’s classic story with traditional Okinawan folk dances and martial arts. See the Japanese musical this Saturday at George Washington’s Lisner Auditorium. (George Washington University; 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.; $40)
WEST AFRICAN DANCE COMPANY: To celebrate its 40th anniversary, KanKouran West African Dance Company is putting on Niou Bolo Moye Dolle: The Power of Coming Together. The energetic performance will be preceded by a workshop presented by the dance company at 1 p.m. on Saturday. (Dance Place; Saturday 7 p.m.; Sunday 4 p.m.; $30)
JESSIE’S GIRL: Party like it’s 1985 this weekend with Jessie’s Girl, an ‘80s-inspired band bringing all your favorite music from the decade to the Fillmore this Saturday. (Fillmore Silver Spring; 8 p.m.; $35.25+)
MORE: DC Queer Bike Ride (Lafayette Square; 12 p.m.; FREE), Native Seed Winter Sowing Workshop (Rhizome; 12 p.m.-2 p.m.; $5+), March on Washington for Gaza (Freedom Plaza; 1 p.m.; FREE), Moon Time: A Table Read (National Gallery of Art; 2 p.m.; FREE), Trauma Sponges: Dispatches from the Scarred Heart of Emergency Response author Jeremy Norton in conversation with Michele Harper (Politics and Prose Connecticut Ave.; 3 p.m.; FREE), Nature’s Dialogue II Opening Reception (River Farm; 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.; FREE), How to Read Like a Parasite book launch (People’s Book; 6 p.m.; FREE), Funny Arabs (Union Stage; 8 p.m.; $25+), Junior Marvin & the Legendary Wailers (The Hamilton; 8 p.m.; $20), Walk The Plank (Pie Shop; 8 p.m.; $12)
SUNDAY, JAN. 14
ROCK THE RINK: While the Washington Capitals hit the ice for an away game against the New York Rangers this weekend, you can hit the ice at the Wharf for Rock the Rink, an ice skating event for hockey fans. Wear your Caps merch, and you’ll get $5 off admission. (The Wharf Ice Rink; 12 p.m.-4 p.m.; $13+)
BOOZE FREE BINGO: Dry January doesn’t have to keep you away from the bar. This Sunday, metrobar and Booze Free in DC are teaming up for an afternoon of Booze Free Bingo, part of the group’s Dry January celebration. (metrobar DC; 1 p.m.; $5)
THE REBELLIOUS LIFE OF ROSA PARKS: This MLK weekend, MLK Library invites you to celebrate another civil rights movement icon. The library will be screening the 2022 documentary The Rebellious Life Of Mrs. Rosa Parks, paired with a live panel conversation moderated by executive producer Soledad O’Brien. (Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library; 1:30 p.m.; FREE)
MORE: Make Your Own Candle (Bark Social Alexandria; 11 a.m.; $15), The R&B Club Discusses: The Music of Babyface (Songbyrd Music House; 12 p.m.-3 p.m.; $15+), Happy Daze Clothing Swap (Hook Hall; 1 p.m.; $5), Hip Hop and R&B Bar Crawl (U Street; 2 p.m.-10 p.m.; $20), Wilmington 10 – U.S.A. 10,000 screening (National Gallery of Art; 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m.; FREE), PRJC Monthly Trad Jazz Jam (Alfio’s La Trattoria; 2:30 p.m.-5 p.m.; $15+), Poetry in the Sky Opening Reception (Riverworks Art Center; 4 p.m.-6 p.m.; FREE), ADAMARE (Union Stage; 7:30 p.m.; $20)
MONDAY, JAN. 15
MARTIN LUTHER KING MARCH: The Martin Luther King March and Celebration returns to Leesburg, Virginia for its 33rd year this Monday. Preceded by a canned food drive, the march kicks off at 10:30 a.m., with keynote speakers taking the stage at noon. (Loudoun County Courthouse; 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; FREE)
MLK PEACE WALK AND PARADE: If you’re looking for a way to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy in D.C., you can join the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace Walk and Parade, which starts at Anacostia’s R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center at 11 a.m. (R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center; 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; FREE)
FIGHTING FASCISM, FIGHTING JIM CROW: During World War II, Black soldiers would serve their country abroad, but still be treated like second-class citizens when they returned home. This hypocrisy inspired Black newspapers to launch the “Double V” campaign, seeking victory over both fascism and Jim Crow. Learn more about the Double V campaign at this Monday’s Profs & Pints. (Penn Social; 6 p.m.; $14.31)
LET FREEDOM RING CELEBRATION: The Kennedy Center is honoring Dr. King’s legacy with the Let Freedom Ring Celebration, a free, ticketed musical tribute featuring Jordin Sparks, Nolan Williams Jr. and more. Ticket giveaway will start on Monday at 4:30 p.m. in the Hall of Nations. (Kennedy Center; 6 p.m.; FREE)
MORE: Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Menu (National Museum of African American History and Culture; Friday-Monday; prices vary), Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration (Woodridge Neighborhood Library; 1 p.m.-3 p.m.; FREE)
