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It’s time to make your reservations for Winter Restaurant Week! Dining deals start on Monday, so take advantage of a brunch or lunch discount if you have some extra free time on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
One of the most fitting ways to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day is by celebrating it as a day on, not off. Whether you want to connect with your community, help a neighbor or support local artists, we have ideas for honoring Dr. King’s legacy below.
- Weekend weather: It’s cold and Storm Team4 is on snowflake watch! Here’s the forecast.
Weekend highlights
Free pick
The Ford’s Theatre Legacy Commissions: A First Look
Fri. and Sat., Ford’s Theatre
🔗 Details
There’s plenty of theater to enjoy in D.C. right now, but this showcase at Ford’s Theatre offers something fresh and free.
Head to the historic theater to watch stage readings of three different historical dramas in development: “Springs,” about a Japanese immigrant in World War II and beyond; “Providence Spring,” about Clara Barton’s mission to find missing Union soldiers and “Young John Lewis: Prodigy of Protest,” about the Congressman’s early life.
Audience members are invited to mingle with writers and other theatergoers at a post-show gathering 7 p.m. Saturday.
Remember, these are stage readings with minimal production; the showcase is recommended for audiences aged 12 and up.
Travel & Adventure Show
Sat. and Sun., Washington Convention Center, $16+
🔗 Details
Spark your wanderlust and get travel advice from pros, including Rick Steves, as “America’s favorite travel show” returns to D.C. Explore more than 350 destinations for your next adventure and stop by talks on exploring Europe, traveling solo, wellness travel and more.
Free options
Say It Loud!
Sat., BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown, Maryland, $0-$28.45
🔗 Details
Come together in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a full day of art and activism, including live music and movie screenings.
Free activities include daytime concerts, DJ sets and screenings of John Lewis documentary “Good Trouble” plus Lauryn Hill and Bob Marley concert films. Visit the record fair and artisans market and a talk by Nigerian artist VILLAGER.
Two magnetic tribute shows will close out the night: The Jogo Project’s paying homage to Parliament Funkadelic ($25 or pay what you can) and Pink Palish will perform hits from the divas of R&B ($25).
Free pick
Birding 101 Workshop
Sun., 10 a.m., National Arboretum
🔗 Details
New year, new bird watching hobby? Wet your beak with tips on taking great pictures, documenting your discoveries and contributing as a community scientist. It’s hosted by the DC Bird Alliance and open to nature enthusiasts of all levels.
Professional Women’s Hockey League Takeover Tour
Sun., 2 p.m., Capital One Arena, $30.34+
🔗 Details
The first Professional Women’s Hockey League game in the District pits the Montréal Victoire against the New York Sirens at Capital One Arena.
Call it a homecoming for Hayley Scamurra, the Montréal forward and daughter of former Caps’ player Peter Scamurra who has coached local youth. It’s a rare chance to watch her play in person ahead of her return to the Olympics.
Hockey fans can also go watch the PWHL teams practice at MedStar Capitals Iceplex for free on Saturday before the players drop the puck at that night’s Caps game.
MLK Day Peace Walk and Parade
Mon., Jan. 18 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Anacostia, free but registration required
🔗 Details
The 21st annual Peace Walk and Parade is back outdoors this year. The event begins with a rally at 9:30 a.m., followed by a walk through Anacostia.
You’ll also find opportunities to volunteer, as well as a health and wellness fair.
Concerts this weekend
Bed Maker, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Rhizome, $10-$20
D.C. quartet keeps Dischord’s classic (post-)punk sound alive. Sounds like a band straight out of the ‘90s local indie scene. Details.
Bishop Allen and Mates of State, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, The Atlantis, $32.50
If Pixies were twee, they’d sound something like Bishop Allen. The indie pop-rock band’s prime was the ‘00s, but they are touring for the first time in a decade. Opening is husband and wife duo Mates of State, who also made their mark around the turn of the century with their positive vibe indie pop. Details.
Atmosphere, 6 p.m. Sunday, 9:30 Club, $60
Prolific hip hop duo has been making consistently great records since the early ‘00s. Rapper Slug’s narrative lyrics are highly relatable. Producer Ant’s old-soulful beats are haunting, bumping or both. Openers include Sage Francis, another independent rapper who owned the ‘00s underground with literate lyrics; and the legend Kool Keith, aka Dr. Octagon — the abstract rapper who started with Ultramagnetic MCs in the ‘80s. Details.
More to do in D.C.
Theater – “Octet”: Jan. 14 to Feb. 22, Studio Theatre, $55+
Concert – Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble: Thurs., The Atlantis, $45.30
Third Thursdays (extended hours) at The Phillips Collection: Thurs., Dupont, free
Time by Luxmuralis light installation: Jan. 15 -25, National Cathedral in Northwest, $25
NSO Concert – “The Rite of Spring,” Trifonov plays Brahms: Thurs., Fri. and Sat., The Kennedy Center
“Stomp”: Fri. to Sun., National Theatre, $67.70
The Ford’s Theatre Legacy Commissions: A First Look: Fri. and Sat., Ford’s Theatre, free
Travel & Adventure Show: Sat. and Sun., Washington Convention Center, $16+
Exhibit – “At the Vanguard”: Jan. 16 to July 19, National Museum of African American History and Culture, free
Exhibit – “Peter Campus: There Somewhere”: Jan. 17 to May 3, The Phillips Collection
The Hip Hop R&B Bar Crawl: Sat., multiple venues in U Street Corridor, $12.94
Concert – Backyard Band at THRōW Social: Sat., 10 p.m., Northeast, $41.54+
Birding 101 Workshop: Sun., 10 a.m., National Arboretum, free
PWHL Takeover Tour: Sun., 2 p.m., Capital One Arena, $30.34+
MLK Day of Service at Oxon Run Park: Mon., 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Southeast D.C., free (donations accepted)
More to do in Maryland
Comedy – Martin Lawrence: Thurs. and Fri., MGM National Harbor, $94+
Annual Black History Month Exhibition: Jan. 14 to March 1, Montpelier Arts Center in Laurel, free
MixxFest 2026 dance fitness party: Sat., 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., District Heights Municipal Center, $30
Dinosaur Park Open House: Sat., noon to 4 p.m., Dinosaur Park in Laurel, free
“A Black Girl and Her Braids” storytime with author Jaylene Clark Owens: Sat., 11:30 a.m., MahoganyBooks in National Harbor, $0-$24.25
Say It Loud! Play It Loud! A Celebration of the Life of Martin Luther King, Jr.: Sat., BlackRock Center for the Arts, $0-$28.45
Trap Paint & Sip: Sat., 4926 Marlboro Pike in Capitol Heights, $44.52
Skiing by Candlelight with free s’mores and hot cocoa: Sat., 5-8 p.m., New Germany State Park, free
More to do in Virginia
Craft Beer & Fine Cheese Pairing: Thurs., 6 p.m., Fair Winds Brewing Company in Lorton, $44.52
Music Bingo at Punch Bowl Social: Sat., 1 p.m., Arlington, free
Reston Community Orchestra’s Tribute to Dr. King: Sat., 4 p.m., Reston Community Center, $6-$26
“The President’s Own” United States Marine Band Sousa Season Opener: Sun., 2 p.m., Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center at Northern Virginia Community College (Alexandria Campus), free
Jazz in January: An Evening of Duke Ellington: Sat., 5:30 and 7 p.m., Alexandria, $23.18+
Fairfax Record Riot: Sun., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Arlington-Fairfax Elks Lodge, $4-$25
Workhouse Sunday Wellness Series: Sundays into March, Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, $36
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