Make the most of your weekend with these thrilling comedy shows, musical showcases, and community events happening in Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, the weekend of January 26 to January 28.
Jim Gaffigan: Barely Alive Tour
Through January 28
Jim Gaffigan, who doesn’t rely on crudeness in his comedy, plays five shows over four days at DAR Constitution Hall. This time with the Barely Alive Tour, Gaffigan brings his distinct comedic style and all new material to DC for laughter not to be missed. 1776 D St. NW, Washington, DC, starting at $37
tick, tick… BOOM!
January 26–February 4
This musical is making waves at the Kennedy Center. A semi-autobiographical tale, tick, tick… BOOM! draws inspiration from playwright Jonathan Larson’s artistic journey as he wrote RENT. This performance is directed by Emmy and Tony Award–winner Neil Patrick Harris. The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC, $59–$349
Shen Yun
January 26—February 4
Experience an art form five millennia in the making: classical Chinese dancing. Prepare to be dazzled as this renowned dance troupe deftly weaves traditional Chinese themes of optimism and spirituality into a genuinely breathtaking artistic experience. The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC, $85–$290
Cabin Fever Film Festival
January 27, 10–12 p.m.
Get out of the house and get rid of your cabin fever at this film festival in Purcellville. Now in its seventh year, the theme for this year’s Cabin Fever Film Festival is “Connections.” Films made by Loudoun County residents are slated to begin on Saturday morning, with award ceremonies immediately following film screenings. Franklin Park Arts Center: 36441 Blueridge View Ln., Purcellville, $5
Ice Fest 2024
January 27, 12–4 p.m.
Be sure to pack an extra jacket for this family-friendly ice-carving event. Four carvers will be competing for bragging rights at this year’s festival. While you wait for the chilly masterpieces to unfold, check out face painting and games for the kids, ice skating, or ice curling. Sculptures will be immediately transported from the event after everything wraps up, so remember to arrive early. 1602 Village Market Blvd. SE, Leesburg, free
Nashville Emerging Artists Night
January 27
You don’t have to go all the way to Tennessee to hear the future of country music. Six aspiring artists take the stage, including The Voice contestant Connor Christian, singer-songwriter Allison Park, and James Madison University alumna Maddie Lenhart. The Barns: 1635 Trap Rd., Vienna, starting at $27
Falls Church Restaurant Week
Through January 28
Falls Church’s first Restaurant Week wraps up this weekend. Participating restaurants include three from our 50 Best Restaurants list. Restaurants are offering lunch and dinner specials to increase awareness about the diverse culinary experiences across NoVA. Various restaurants in Falls Church
Winter in My Village
Through January 31
Every year in the heart of winter, internationally acclaimed painter and sculptor Yuri Gorbachev returns to the Byrne Gallery in Middleburg for a new exhibition. Gorbachev — whose vibrant colors and folk themes resemble Gzhel-style ceramic art on canvas— returns with the whimsical Winter in My Village exhibition, highlighting themes of childhood wonder and winter’s beauty. 7 W. Washington St., Middleburg, free
Monster Jam
January 27–28, 1 p.m.
Watch the Grave Digger, El Toro Loco, and Blue Thunder jump, rev, crush, and tumble through an obstacle course of monstrous proportions. Each monster truck weighs 12,000 pounds and burns through a staggering three gallons of methanol fuel every minute. But producing 1500 horsepower means that these trucks will be loud, so don’t forget to pack your ear protection. Capital One Arena: 601 F St. NW, Washington, DC, starting at $27
Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra
January 27, 8 p.m.
Mardi Gras arrives early this year with the Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra’s performance of Carnival Celebrations: Music from New Orleans to Rio to the Islands. Throw on your finest Fat Tuesday attire and get ready for a night of unforgettable jazz on The Big Easy. Hylton Performing Arts Center: 10960 George Mason Cir., Manassas, $29–$48, half-price for children through Grade 12
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with Isata Kanneh-Mason
January 28, 2 p.m.
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is back for a night of Russian and French classical music, with special guest pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason. Kanneh-Mason, the orchestra’s 2022-2023 artist-in-residence, will perform a selection of Debussy, Prokofiev, and Rimsky-Korsakov. George Mason Center for the Arts: 4373 Mason Pond Dr., Fairfax, $50–$85, half-price for children through Grade 12
Amber Liu
January 28, 7 p.m.
After achieving wide recognition as part of the K-pop girl group f(x), Amber Liu found even greater success in a solo career, releasing five albums in seven years. Liu bills alongside opener Marielle Kraft, a Nashville-based indie artist. 9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, Washington, DC, $30
Feature image, stock.adobe.com
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