It's inauguration weekend. Here are 26 ways to enjoy D.C. anyway.
Attend a protest, a day of service, or just make crafts and cry.
It’s true that President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration will take place in D.C. on Monday, and his supporters will descend upon our city this weekend. It’s also true that there are plenty of ways District residents can spend the next few days drowning out the noise — if they so choose. Whether it’s volunteering for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, attending a protest, vibing to live music, or laughing with loved ones, we’ve rounded up a list of activities to keep you busy and in community with like-minded people.
JOIN COUNTERPROGRAMMING
Step away from your doom scrolling and join organizers fighting for a better future.
The People’s March
Thousands are expected to attend the People’s March, which organizers are calling “a day of joyful resistance, community building, and powerful action.” Attendees are encouraged to meet at a kick-off location — Farragut Square, McPherson Square, or Franklin Park — before culminating at the Lincoln Memorial. (Saturday, January 18, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.; Various Start Locations, Ends at Lincoln Memorial; FREE)
MLK Day Rally and March
Rev. Al Sharpton and the National Action Network are culminating a week of MLK events across the country with a rally and march in the District. Participants will meet at McPherson Square at 10 a.m. and walk to Metropolitan AME Church (1518 M Street NW), where the rally will commence at Noon. (Monday, January 20 at 10 a.m.; McPherson Square; FREE)
Anti-Inauguration Ball
The Black Cat is hosting an Anti-Inauguration Ball to celebrate shared community and the District’s tradition of protest. The evening will feature Everyday Everybody, a Nikki Giovanni tribute from Words Beats & Life, and DJs Dredd, Baby Alcatraz, and Underdog. (Monday, January 20, doors at 7 p.m.; Black Cat; $25 - $35)
CELEBRATE MLK DAY
Embody Martin Luther King Jr.’s spirit of service, or celebrate his legacy in other ways across the city.
Kenilworth Park Clean-up
The Student Conservation Association is hosting an MLK Day of Service clean-up of Kenilworth Park and Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. Volunteers are encouraged to wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, and layers for cold weather. Please note that attendees under the age of 14 require a parent or legal guardian. (Saturday, January 18, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.; Kenilworth Park and Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens; FREE)
Coat Drive and Park Cleanup in Anacostia
Soul Trak Outdoors, Anacostia AMP, and Martha's Table are partnering up for a coat drive and park clean up at the Anacostia Neighborhood Library. Warm clothing (gloves, scarves, hats) will be distributed to those in need throughout the event. (Saturday, January 18, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.; Anacostia Neighborhood Library; $10 Donation for Volunteers)
20th Annual MLK Holiday DC Peace Walk & Parade
The 20th Annual MLK Holiday DC Peace Walk & Parade will take place indoors at the Entertainment and Sports Arena in Congress Heights. The march will start at Cypress Street SE and feature a celebration including performances, student essay competition awards, and a health and wellness fair. (Saturday, January 19, 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 pm.; Entertainment and Sports Arena; FREE)
Blanket & Toiletry Drive
The Maya Angelou Learning Center and Thursday Network are co-hosting a blanket and toiletry drive, with the goal of delivering 2,000 packages to people in need across the region. Volunteers are invited to bring winter clothes to donate and/or volunteer to pack boxes. (Saturday, January 18, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.; Maya Angelou Public Charter School; FREE)
Messages to Dr. King: Plate Art with Rain Young
Local artist and arts educator Rain Young will host a workshop where participants can paint messages of hope and unity on oversized plastic plates. All ages and skill levels are welcome. (Saturday, January 18, 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.; Anacostia Community Museum; FREE)
Collaborative Convo at metrobar
Metrobar DC is marking Martin Luther King Jr. Day by hosting the Edgewood Brookland Family Support Collaborative, which will discuss their work and impact in Ward 5 and across the District. The event will also feature local Black-owned businesses including Corner Water, Bailiwick, Liquid Intrusion, Soul Mega, Old Line, and District Flames. (Monday, January 20, 12 p.m. - 9 p.m.; metrobar DC; FREE)
MLK Day Chamber Music Concert
The DC Chamber Musicians are marking Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a concert featuring Black composers, including the premiere of Kyle Simmons’ String Quartet in D minor. (Sunday, January 19, 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.; Calvary Lutheran Church; $9.85 - $12.51, FREE for children under 13)
Annual Musical Salute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Join the Reston Community Orchestra for their annual concert, featuring songs by Duke Ellington, George Walker, Scott Joplin, and William Grant Still. (Saturday, January 18, 4 p.m.; Reston Community Center Hunters Woods; $18 - $25, FREE for youth, military, and first responders)
LAUGH IRL
Have a case of the blues? We heard that laughter is the best medicine, second to actual medicine.
Laugh Kings Comedy Jam
Unwind at the DC Comedy Clubhouse for a comedy showcase hosted by Chris Harrison. Food, drinks, and hookah will be available for purchase. (Friday, January 17, doors at 7 p.m.; DC Comedy Clubhouse; $20)
Tony Woods & Friends
Avoid the Sunday scaries at DC Improv, where “hometown hero” Tony Woods is hosting a standup show featuring a line-up of his funniest friends. (Sunday, January 19, 7 p.m.; DC Improv; $25+)
Demetrius Fields
Comedian and TikTok star Demetrius Fields is visiting the District for a standup show at the Comedy Loft. Please note that general admission seating is first-come-first-serve – so if you want to sit with your friends, get there early. (Sunday, January 19, 7 p.m.; The Comedy Loft of DC; $25+)
TUNE OUT THE NOISE
You get to choose what you listen to this weekend. Try getting up close and personal with your favorite band or artist.
René Ibañez & Cubano Groove
Grab your friends (and your dancing shoes) and enjoy some salsa and Latin Jazz with René Ibañez and his band. (Sunday, January 19, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.; Takoma Station Tavern; $20)
Go-Go Concert
Treat yourself to a night of Go-Go Music featuring Rare Essence and EU feat. Sugar Bear and DCVybe. Please note that this event is 21+. (Sunday, January 19 at 8:30 p.m.; Howard Theatre; $55)
Robert Person at Blues Alley
Vocalist and District native Robert Person will be showcasing his famous tenor voice with two shows at Blues Alley. (Monday, January 20, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.; Blues Alley; $35)
GET CRAFTY
Learn a new skill and channel your energy into something positive.
Craft and Cry at The Potter’s House
Release some stress by working on a new or blossoming project at a cozy cafe. Whether you’re knitting, painting, gluing, or crocheting, do it in a calming space over coffee with friends or like-minded strangers. (Sunday, January 19, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.; The Potter’s House; FREE)
Big Bold Collage Blooms
Artist Jennifer Wilkin Penick is leading a workshop in floral collages at the Shop Made in DC location in Georgetown. Attendees will leave with a series of 5x7” designs that can be used for framing or cards. (Sunday, January 19, 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.; Shop Made in DC, Georgetown; $50)
Bead Embroidery Class
Express yourself by learning the art of beading with instructor Amy Castine. Students will learn the basics of embroidery stitching and create their own flying pig pin or pendant. (Sunday, January 19, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.; Del Ray Artisans; $65 – $75)
BREATHE AND UNWIND
Disconnect from current events and get in tune with your mind and body.
Breathwork for Stress
To kick off the new year — and to quell any pent-up anger you might be harboring this Inauguration weekend — Yoga Heights is hosting a breathwork class to help participants “move through all of the energy blocks, let go of what's not serving you, and leave feeling more balanced and open.” (Saturday, January 18; 2 p.m.; Yoga Heights - George Ave. location; $30)
Yoga at Lost Boy Cider
Lost Boy Cider in Alexandria is hosting a one-hour vinyasa yoga class. Attendees’ tickets include a post-practice drink and donations to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change. (Monday, January 20, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.; Lost Boy Cider; $25)
KEEP THE KIDS BUSY
Distract yourself with these activities while having some construction fun with the kids.
Paper Dreams
Catch Imagination Stage’s “Paper Dreams,” a non-verbal show for children and adults of all ages. The show follows the adventures of two friends who live in a wastepaper basket. (Saturday, January 18 & Sunday, January 19, 10 a.m. & 11:30 p.m.; Imagination Stage; $21 with $5 lap fees)
Right Proper ft. Kids’ Music
It’s that time of the month: head to Right Proper’s monthly Kids’ Music Time at their Brookland location. While the kiddos expend their energy dancing to Mr. Rob & Friends, parents and guardians can get caffeinated with coffee from Steam Valve Espresso or sip on beer from the brewery. (Sunday, January 19, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.; Right Proper Brookland; FREE)
Terrarium Building
Head to the Atlas Brew Works Ivy City Brewery & Taproom to build your own terrarium. This kid-friendly class teaches students to learn about the environment that different plants (succulents, air plants, small plants, moss) need to thrive. (Sunday, January 19, 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.; Atlas Brew Works Ivy City Brewery & Taproom; $30)
Cookology Culinary School
Young chefs are invited to a kid’s cooking class, where participants will learn about Martin Luther King Junior through his favorite dishes. Attendees will prepare steak, macaroni & cheese, and peach cobbler. (Monday, January 20, 1:30 - 5 p.m.; Cookology Culinary School; $125)
