Bar Japonais © Nina Palazzolo
Things to do the week of Jan. 27-30 2025
We've gathered up some things to do across the nation's capital, including museum exhibits, concerts, only-in-DC events and much more. Don't miss our things to do this weekend and things to do this month as well.
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Monday
Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week – Jan. 27 – Feb. 2
Washington, DC's Winter Restaurant Week returns every January with the promise of high-quality dining, excellent deals and relief to the winter blues. Savor every last bite while taking advantage of special menus and pricing, including to-go options and cocktail and wine pairings, courtesy of the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington and 200+ participating eateries.
OSGEMEOS: Endless Story
Gustavo and Otavio Pandolfo are the identical twin brothers that comprise OSGEMEOS, which is Portuguese for “the twins.” The Hirshhorn Museum presents the first U.S. survey and the largest American exhibition of work by the duo to date. In total, the full-floor exhibit features roughly 1,000 artworks, photos and archival materials that detail OSGEMEOS’ unique artistic voice that combines heritage, urban art, graffiti and magical elements.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, Independence Avenue & 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20560
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
Tuesday
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
Pictures of Belonging: Miki Hayakawa, Hisako Hibi and Miné Okubo
The Smithsonian American Art Museum honors three of the most important female American artists of Japanese descent in the years leading up to World War II. Across eight decades, the careers of Miki Hayakawa, Hisako Hibi and Miné Okubo helped shape modern American art. This exhibit examines the three trailblazers like never before, tracing their artistic evolution before, during and after the internment and displacement of Japanese Americans during World War II.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th & G Streets NW, Washington, DC, 20004
The Shape of Power: Stories of Race and American Sculpture
The Smithsonian American Museum’s new exhibit examines sculpture’s role in understanding and constructing race in the United States. Across 82 sculptures created between 1792 and 2023 by 70 different artists, visitors can observe historical and modern works that inspire conversation and reflections on how power, identity and race are intertwined.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th & G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
Wednesday
Celebrate Lunar New Year in the District
Locations all over the city ring in the Year of the Snake with colorful celebrations, including performances, educational talks, special tours and hands-on activities. Be sure to check out the festive Downtown Parade (Feb. 2), events at the Smithsonian's free National Museum of Asian Art and the Smithsonian American Art Museum (Feb. 1), the National Ballet of China at the Kennedy Center and more.
More Info
The Anderson Brothers present Duke Ellington at 125
It’s not often that you can watch a musical duo perform who just so happen to be identical twins and Grammy®-winning Juilliard graduates. Peter and Will Anderson, along with their quintet, will play the works of DC legend Duke Ellington, including “Caravan,” “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore,” “It Don’t Mean a Thing,” and “Mood Indigo” during this special performance at the Kennedy Center.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Job
Head to Signature Theatre to experience the haunting show that is Job, a psychological thriller that 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 to have you on the edge of your seat.
Tickets
Signature Theatre, 200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
Thursday
The Reading Room Festival
Folger Theatre celebrates a new year with a showcase of new plays, all inspired by and in conversation with Shakespeare. In-depth readings of four new plays will be followed by conversations with playwrights, directors, scholars and press members. Receptions featuring live music will conclude the evenings, allowing for gathering and celebrating. Multiple ticket options are available.
Tickets
Folger Theatre, 201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
National Ballet of China: Chinese New Year (A Ballet in Two Acts)
With its acclaimed combination of western ballet and Chinese culture, the National Ballet of China is world-renowned and will return to the Kennedy Center to thrill DC audiences with this new ballet set to Tchaikovsky’s treasured Nutcracker score. A young Chinese girl celebrates the New Year and goes on a mystical journey through a world of festive Chinese customs and folklore.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
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
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
Jamie xx
Rising to prominence as part of the dynamic British musical trio known as The xx, Jamie xx has captivated listeners around the world as a composer, performer and producer. The artist recently released his second LP, In Waves, a highly anticipated follow-up to the widely acclaimed mastery of his solo debut, 2015’s In Colour. See Jamie in all his splendor as a DJ/live performer at The Anthem.
7 p.m. | Tickets
The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
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