Whether you’re looking to pick up a new hobby, take in more concerts, or explore the art world, these are the best events and activities around Northern Virginia and DC to add to your January calendar.
January 6, 13, 20 & 27
The Art of the Cocktail
As we head into the new year, skip your usual drink and try something different with a little help from Catoctin Creek. This year, each class will focus on a certain color, using all-natural ingredients to create the perfect Instagram-worthy cocktail. Catoctin Creek Distillery: 120 W. Main St., Purcellville, $39
January 6–8
Jurassic Quest
If you’ve ever dreamed of Jurassic Park coming to life, this is the next best thing. During the three-day event, guests can dig for fossils, meet baby dinosaurs, and check out real dinosaur remains. The animatronic dinosaurs are created with accurate details and size, so be sure to keep an eye out for any carnivores. Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center: 2371 Carl D. Silver Pkwy., Fredericksburg, $19–$36
January 6–28
Putting a Face to a Name
There are certain fictional characters that you can instantly picture with the drop of a name. The artists in this exhibit are reimagining classic book, movie, and TV characters, from Superman to the Great Pumpkin, and putting a new face and design to those household names. Del Ray Artisans Gallery: 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, free
January 7 & 8
The Big Flea Antiques Market
New year, new flea market finds. The largest antiques flea market in the mid-Atlantic is set to have plenty of rare finds and decorative collectibles, from jewelry and purses to furniture and home décor. Dulles Expo Center: 4320 Chantilly Shopping Ctr., Chantilly, $10
January 11–February 1
Heart’s Desire Theme Exhibit
February may get all the attention when it comes to love, but this art exhibit is set to change that. With a theme of Heart’s Desire, the pieces in this exhibit will explore longing, hope, fantasy, and romance. The Art League: 105 N. Union St., Alexandria, theartleague.org, free
January 11–March 5
Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville
The winter cold might be settling over NoVA, but things are heating up in Margaritaville. Follow part-time bartender and singer Tully as a tourist steals his heart and makes him question everything. With original songs and Jimmy Buffett classics, the musical is sure to take you to warmer places. Riverside Center for the Performing Arts: 95 Riverside Pkwy., Fredericksburg, $55–$75
January 14
America
A classic rock playlist isn’t complete without America. The Grammy Award–winning band is hitting the road to celebrate its 50th anniversary. So dust off your old vinyl records and brush up on classics like “A Horse with No Name” and “Sister Golden Hair.” Capital One Hall: 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons, $69.75–$239
January 14
Perfect Pairings of Wine & Music
Music and wine are basically a match made in heaven. Join the Loudoun Woodwind Quintet and Creek’s Edge Winery for an afternoon of Brahms, Mozart, and Beethoven and your choice of red or white wine. Creek’s Edge Winery: 41255 Annas Ln., Lovettsville, $50
January 14–February 4
Sister Act
The beloved comedy flick is hitting the stage. After witnessing a murder and entering the witness protection program, Deloris Van Cartier ends up in a convent and completely changes the church and its choir forever. The Little Theatre of Alexandria: 600 Wolfe St., Alexandria, $29–$34
January 15
Kenny Lattimore
The R&B singer and Washington, DC, native is bringing his extensive catalog to The Birchmere. With a career that spans over three decades, fans are sure to hear chart-topping ballads like “For You,” “Never Too Busy,” and “Stay on Your Mind.” The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, $59.50
January 16
Wallis Bird
The Irish singer is heading stateside for a high-energy performance of her latest album, Hands. The artist’s seventh studio album uses up-tempo beats and instrumental sections to reflect on her own life and battles with trust, self-improvement, and alcohol abuse. Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E., Vienna, $13–$15
January 17–22
Cats
The tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony-winning musical is making a stop in the nation’s capital. The latest production will bring a new love to the record-breaking musical based on the 1939 poetry collection by T.S. Eliot. The National Theatre: 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC, $55–$125
January 19–21
The Del McCoury Band
When it comes to traditional bluegrass, many consider Del McCoury one of its most distinguished practitioners. Now touring with his sons, McCoury continues to grow the bluegrass community with classic songs like “This Train Is Bound for Glory” and “Sweet Appalachia.” Wolf Trap: 1635 Trap Rd., Vienna, $47–$57
January 24 & 25
NSO Pops: Ben Rector & Cody Fry
Two incredible performers are coming together with the National Symphony Orchestra for an unforgettable night of music. The Nashville-based singers and longtime friends are combining piano-driven pop and orchestration for a one-of-a-kind sound. The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC, $29–$159
Through January 27
So Ready for Laughter: The Legacy of Bob Hope
For 50 years, Bob Hope performed countless USO shows in front of 11 million service members, cementing his status as an iconic figure in the military community. This traveling exhibit takes museumgoers into his performances, with endless artifacts, unpublished photographs, and videos. National Museum of the United States Army: 1775 Liberty Dr., Fort Belvoir, free
January 28 & 29
Monster Jam Arena Championship Series
Car lovers of all ages will want a ticket to this Monster Jam rally. Get ready for hours of fun watching impossible stunts, behind-the-scenes interviews, and eye-popping tricks around every corner. Capital One Arena: 601 F St. NW, Washington, DC, $25–$78
January 29
Silkroad Ensemble
The newest program by the Grammy Award–winning group Uplifted Voices is set to bring the sounds and rhythms of indigenous North America to the world. Founded by cellist Yo-Yo Ma, the ensemble will also shine a light on previously under-recognized voices from across the globe, including Japan, Armenia, and Ireland. Center for the Arts at George Mason University: 4373 Mason Pond Dr., Fairfax, $33–$55
Through January 15, 2024
Block by Block: Naming Washington
In such a historic city, there’s a story behind every building, neighborhood, and street name. From Thomas Jefferson to Malcolm X, this exhibit puts a face and biography to those most familiar names. National Portrait Gallery: Eighth and G Streets NW, Washington, DC, free
Feature image courtesy Jurassic Quest
This story originally ran in our January issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to our monthly magazine.
