Our end-of-the-week picks for Feb. 7-9
We've gathered up some fun things to do in DC this holiday weekend. You can also read what else is going on during the week and throughout the month.
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Friday
The Washington, DC Auto Show
Cars have always held a special allure, captivating the American imagination from the early days of the Model T. Witness the evolution of the vehicle firsthand by attending the Washington, DC Auto Show, which takes place at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Even if you don't consider yourself a devoted car enthusiast, there are still plenty of reasons to check out the city's largest annual indoor event.
Tickets
Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mt. Vernon Place NW, Washington, DC 20001
Anacostia Community Museum
A Bold and Beautiful Vision: A Century of Black Arts Education in Washington, DC, 1900-2000
The Anacostia Community Museum sheds light on fascinating local history with an exhibit featuring captivating original artworks, rare video footage and can't-miss artifacts including Alma Thomas’s paintbrushes and watercolor paint set, an early 20th-century lifelike marionette that William Buckner made with his local high school students, original Elizabeth Catlett prints that once hung in the halls of her DC high school and Sam Gilliam pieces from his tenure as a teacher at McKinley Technical High School. Experience the influence, power and creativity of the Black artist-educators who empowered generations of DC students.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian's Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Place SE, Washington, DC 20020
Arena Stage
The Bedwetter: The Musical
You'll likely recognize comedian Sarah Silverman's signature wit from her stint on SNL or Comedy Central, her voice acting on Bob's Burgers, one of her many stand up specials or even her bestselling comedic memoir The Bedwetter. In 2022, the latter was adapted for the stage by a Tony-nominated director (Anna Kauffman) and a Grammy- and Emmy-winning composer (Adam Schlesinger) – and now, you're in luck: lively "stories of courage, redemption and pee" take over Arena Stage’s Kreeger Theater for a limited time this spring.
Tickets
Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Ari Shapiro
A lifetime of poignant stories, told to Ari Shapiro as the host of NPR's "All Things Considered," are distilled into one spectacular solo cabaret act. By channeling the content of his New York Times best-selling memoir The Best Strangers in the World, Shapiro wants everyone to feel a little more connected – and a little more human.
More Info
Wolf Trap, 1635 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182
Sam Morril
One of the brightest stars in stand-up comedy is New York City native Sam Morril, whose self-deprecating style and outstanding crowd work has turned him into an Instagram favorite. Proof of the comedian’s success is his booking at Warner Theatre, one of DC’s most historic venues and often host to some of the biggest names in stand-up.
7 p.m. | Tickets
Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Washington Wizards Friday Night Concert Series
Stick around after the Wizards' game against the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Friday Night Concert Series. Performances can be enjoyed for free with the purchase of a game ticket. The series begins with two of the city's legendary go-go bands, Backyard Band and Junkyard Band.
Tickets
Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Saturday
Hold On, Change is Coming
Zenith Gallery celebrates Black History Month with a display of artists who use their work to honor their Blackness in a variety of mediums and styles. Each artist in Hold On, Change is Coming produces pieces that are profoundly unique, meaningful and well-executed, each established with work displayed in prestigious collections and at museums both domestically and internationally.
Hours: Wednesday – Saturday, 12-6 p.m. (or by appointment)
Zenith Gallery, 1429 Iris Street NW, Washington, DC 20012
Twilight Zone: Hidden Wonders of the Ocean
ARTECHOUSE and the Woods Holde Oceanographic Institution have collaborated to highlight an awe-inspiring nightly migration of ocean twilight zone creatures and their intricate connections to the planet’s health, including their contributions to the regulation of the earth’s climate. The groundbreaking exhibition offers a 24-minute cinematic journey with immersive 270-degree projections that span from floor to wall, complemented by six interactive installations and six XR activations. Use the code 'AEF10' for discounted tickets.
Tickets
ARTECHOUSE, 1238 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20002
Atlas Performing Arts Center
AJAX
DC’s Scena Theatre presents a modern reimagining of the famous tragedy by Sophocles at the Atlas Performing Arts Center. The production is reset in today’s Middle East, illustrating how ancient Greece’s Trojan War has themes and lessons that are hauntingly similar to contemporary wars in the region. The play examines the wider impacts of war and the personal costs of conflict, powerfully showcasing the plight of the American soldier.
Tickets
Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
Job
This psychological thriller explores the dark side of corporate work, social media and technology. An Off-Broadway sensation and New York Times Critic’s Pick, Job is sure so leave the audience feeling haunted, pensive and on the edge of your seat.
Tickets
Signature Theatre, 200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
Guac
The Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company hosts a one-man tour-de-force theatrical performance from Manuel Oliver, the father of Parkland shooting victim Joaquin Oliver. Totally fearless and remarkably funny, the father-turned-activist speaks to his undying love for his son and how his family has navigated an unspeakable and uniquely American tragedy.
Tickets
Woolly Mammoth Theatre, 641 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Sunday
National Museum of African American History and Culture
In Slavery's Wake
The National Museum of African American History and Culture's new exhibit offers a dynamic mix of history, art and media. Visitors can observe connections between Black freedom-makers across time and join in a global conversation on the continued impacts of slavery and colonialism. The multi-lingual experience features 100 objects, 250 images and 10 multi-media interactives and films.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily | Reserve Timed Passes
Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture, 1400 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
Broadway Center Stage: Schmigadoon!
Don't miss your chance to see the world premiere of the Emmy Award®–winning hit show Schmigadoon!, based on AppleTV's whimsical, musical comedy series. When New York couple Josh and Melissa venture out to the mountains, they hope to save their relationship. Instead, they find themselves trapped in the 1940s-era singing town of Schmigadoon.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Hand to God
The Keegan Theatre stages a Tony-nominated comedy that manages to combine irreverence with contemplations of faith, morality and family ties. After the passing of his father, Jason – who lives in the quiet, religious town of Cypress, Tx. – discovers an outlet for his anxiety at the Christian Puppet Ministry. His complicated relationships with his pastor, the school bully, the girl next door and his mother are thrown into upheaval when Jason’s puppet, Tyrone, shockingly comes to life.
Tickets
Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
Places to Stay
Need some inspiration for a place to stay in between events? Washington, DC is filled with a multitude of hotels to fit your needs. Whether you are looking for that specialty boutique hotel or booking at your favorite hotel brand, Washington, DC's booking engine has it all. Find your stay today!
Do you know where you’ll be dining pre- or post-event? From pop-up restaurants to award-winning hot spots to laid-back food halls, our DC food guide is perfect for helping you plan a more memorable experience.
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