11 things to do around D.C. this weekend

This weekend, snow bunnies will be rooting for an extension of the city’s winter wonderland vibes while others (like me) will be praying that the relatively low likelihood for a significant second storm means we might finally leave the house. 

Either way, the weekend offers lots of opportunities to get cozy (secret venue jazz show, anyone?) and to build some IRL community (mindful drinkers unite) after too many days of mandatory telework. 

THURSDAY JANUARY 9

Handmade Empanada Cooking Class
Who doesn’t want more empanadas in their life – especially if it means learning to make your own? Chefs will guide participants through each step, from crafting pastry dough to stuffing them with savory beef and vegetarian fillings. Drinks will be available for purchase at La Cosecha before you chow down on your creations. No experience or ingredients needed beforehand. (Galería at La Cosecha; 6:30-8:30 p.m.; $65)

Velvet Vibes: Jazz Meets R&B
Sofar Sounds organizes intimate concerts in creatively curated locations from “iconic city landmarks to private backyards.” This week’s Columbia Heights edition will feature three jazz and R&B artists. Adding a speakeasy vibe, the venue isn’t announced until the day before, but there will be drinks and food available for purchase. (Location TBD; 7:30 p.m.; $28)

Profs & Pints DC: The Remaking of Modern Syria
Assad’s fall sent shockwaves around the world. Learn about the complex history behind today’s conflict, including fierce resistance to colonial rule and protest movements, from Daniel Neep, lecturer on Middle East politics at George Washington University and author of two books on Syria. (Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital; $13.50 advance, $17 at door, $15 for students at door; 6:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m.)

Barrels & Bites Jack Daniel's Event
Wash down a chef-curated dinner of ribs, wings, salmon, and other barbecue delights with a tasting flight of Jack Daniels-inspired cocktails. Cap off your night with live music, starting at 8 p.m. (Pork Barrel BBQ in Alexandria; 6-9 p.m.; FREE)

FRIDAY JANUARY 10

Work Sucks Comedy Show
Celebrate the immortal words of Blink-182 and commiserate with your fellow working stiffs at this potentially cathartic (or possibly traumatic) event. Share your grimmest professional tales and then watch a star lineup of local comedians turn your woes into comedy gold. There will be happy hour drink specials, including $6 beers. (Astro Beer Hall; 9-11 p.m.; $10)

Mindful Drinking Fest
Whether you’re practicing dry January, sober year-round, or just trying to reduce the stranglehold that alcohol has on your social life, gather at the self-described largest gathering of mindful drinkers nationwide (1,500 participants expected!) at Union Market this weekend. Taste over 120 booze-free drinks, from craft beers to mocktails, catch a morning yoga class, and dance your way through a series of afterparties. (Union Market; Friday at 4 p.m. - Sunday at 4:30 p.m.; $75-100)

SATURDAY JANUARY 11

Book Launch: Yvonne Clark and her Engineering Spark
Inspire the next generation to pursue careers in science and math with this children’s book launch event, featuring the true story of a problem-solving kid who grew up to become one of the first Black female engineers at NASA. There will be educational programming from a D.C. dancer and choreographer for kiddos seven and older. (Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe; 2-4 p.m.; FREE)

Dance Sanctuaries, Curated by The Lion’s Den
Learn dances that encompass iconic scenes in three American cities –  Beat Ya Feet from D.C.’s go-go scene, Krump from hip hop in Los Angeles, and Baltimore Club, born from the city’s house and hip hop genres – from three different instructors over a series of one hour classes. Don’t miss the drumming workshop and exhibition by legendary dancer and percussionist, and D.C. native, Malik Dope. Free tickets were available Monday but walkups will be accommodated, space permitting. (The Kennedy Center’s Studio K; 10:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.; FREE)

Craig Robinson at DC Improv
Before his breakout role in "The Office," Craig Robinson was a Chicago public school teacher. Today, he’s headlining comedy shows across the country as well as touring with his band  “The Nasty Delicious.” Watch him combine both his loves – stand up and music – in this live show any day this weekend. (DC Improv Comedy Club & Restaurant; Thursday-Sunday at 7 p.m and 9:30 p.m.; $55-75)

SUNDAY JANUARY 12

Buy Nothing Exchange at the Trinidad Farmer’s Market
Achieve your new year’s resolutions to declutter and buy less by dropping off items you don’t need and picking up those you do (for free!) at this weekend’s farmers market. While you’re there, sample an array of organic produce, local pastries, fresh squeezed juice, and fair trade coffee. (Joseph Cole Community Center Parking Lot; 9 a.m.- 1 p.m.; FREE)

Gordon Parks: Camera Portraits from the Corcoran Collection
Catch the last weekend of this exhibit on iconic American photographer Gordon Parks, renowned for capturing the likenesses of Americans after World War II, from portraits of famous people like Muhammad Ali and Leonard Bernstein, to average Americans experiencing the Civil Rights Movement and navigating race relations. (National Gallery of Art, West Building, Ground Floor; 10:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.; FREE)