With Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the inauguration of the new president, this long weekend is sure to be one for the history books. If you’re looking for ways to honor MLK or to celebrate the inauguration — or if you’re just looking for some family-friendly entertainment to take advantage of the day off — there’s no shortage of exciting weekend events in NoVA and DC.
See George Washington’s Inaugural Suit Coat
January 17–February 3, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Don’t miss the opportunity to view George Washington’s suit coat he wore to his first inauguration in New York in 1789. The suit included a frock coat, waistcoat, and breeches. Museum curators will be available to share information about the suit and other presidential items. Donald W. Reynolds Museum & Education Center: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Alexandria, $15–$28, free for 5 and under
Soup, Sip & Savor Wine Pairing
January 17–19, 1–5 p.m.
Warm up with a cozy flight of soups paired with Morais wines for a delicious afternoon feast. Pairings are offered on a walk-in basis only; no reservation is required. Morais Vineyards: 11409 Marsh Rd., Bealeton, free
The Good, the Bad and the Improv
January 17–18, 8 p.m.
Join Fredericksburg’s only improv team for a hilarious night of improvisational comedy and audience participation games. This double feature event allows the audience to create a one act play in relation to the evening’s theme after the first half of the show, which the team will then act out in full length. Stage Door Productions: 810 Caroline St., Fredericksburg, $15
2025 MLK Holiday DC Annual Peace Walk & Parade
January 18, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Every year, Washington, DC, celebrates the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. with a parade. This year, the festivities will take place indoors, at the Entertainment & Sports Arena. Expect parade performances, a student essay contest, and a health and wellness fair. Registration is required. Entertainment & Sports Arena: 1100 Oak Dr. SE, Washington, DC
Art Extravaganza 2025
January 18, 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Let your creativity run wild with over 15 hands-on stations at this interactive art experience. Kids can use paint, markers, glue, and more to design their own art during one of two sessions. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Rowser Building: 1739 Richmond Hwy., Stafford, $11–$13
Discover the Orchestra: Safari!
January 18, 4–5 p.m.
The Loudoun Symphony Orchestra presents a musical safari featuring selections from The Carnival of the Animals, Jaws, and Jurassic Park. Arrive early at 3 p.m. to try musical instruments at the Instrument Petting Zoo, face painting, and craft making. Woodgrove High School: 36811 Allder School Rd., Purcellville, $20 for adults, $5 for children
MLK Day of Service
January 18, 8:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
Participate in a multitude of family-friendly service projects to honor Martin Luther King Jr. at Washington-Liberty High School and other locations around Arlington. Help clean up Four Mile Run and a local Arlington park to maintain a clean and beautiful community. The first 750 people to check in at 8:30 a.m. will receive a free MLK Day of Service t-shirt. Washington-Liberty High School: 1301 N. Stafford St., Arlington, free
NoVA Wine Expo
January 18, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Browse some of the finest Virginia wines and specialty wines during the NoVA Wine Expo. Select wineries, cideries, and breweries will provide information about their products and offer wines to sample and purchase. Samples are included with admission. Dulles Expo Center: 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly, $40–$75
RISE Project
January 18, 7 p.m.
Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy with this neoclassical ballet inspired by his “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech. The event is presented by Collage Dance Collective. The Alden Theatre: 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, $15–$28
2025 Winter Conway Robinson 5K & 10K
January 18, 7:30–10:30 a.m.
Support the Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation by running a 5K or 10K race along the trail route at Conway Robinson State Forest Park. Runners receive a finisher’s coin and an event shirt. Walkers are also welcome to attend. There is no on-site race registration for this event. Conway Robinson State Forest: 12814 Lee Hwy., Gainesville, $35–$50
Your Hobby Place Winter Bash
January 18–19
Enjoy a weekend full of games, prizes, and special events while trying out new hobbies. All attendees receive one free spin on the prize wheel, with additional spins for each event they participate in. From card and board games to miniatures, there’s something for the whole family to explore. Your Hobby Place: 4276 Plank Rd., Fredericksburg, free
Brunch with Moana
January 19, 11 a.m.
Meet a Disney princess while enjoying a magical brunch in Occoquan’s Historic District. See live performances featuring songs from both Moana movies, participate in craft time, and enjoy dancing and photo opportunities. The brunch buffet includes scrambled eggs, bacon, pancakes, buttermilk biscuits, fruit, coffee, and more. Madigan’s Waterfront: 201 Mill St., Occoquan, $34, free for 2 and under
“Bubbles Around the World” Brasserie Brunch
January 19, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Chef Jacques presents a scrumptious brunch menu with sparkling wine pairings from different regions around the world, provided by Winebow’s Abbey Fox. The meal includes a bread course, an appetizer, choice of entrée, and a dessert. Enjoy classic lobster bisque, filet mignon benedict, a Grand Marnier souffle, and more. L’Auberge Chez Francois: 332 Springvale Rd., Great Falls, $126
Paint & Sip
January 19, 1–3 p.m.
Paint your own colorful masterpiece on a 16-by-20-inch canvas while tasting delicious wine. Artist Carol Erickson will provide step-by-step instruction from start to finish. All supplies are included. Two Twisted Posts Winery: 12944 Harpers Ferry Rd., Purcellville, $45
John Holiday
January 19, 3 p.m.
Prepare for an afternoon of vocal fireworks as countertenor John Holiday returns to The Barns with pianist Jeanne-Minette Cilliers for a genre-blending set of classics. The Barns at Wolf Trap: 1635 Trap Rd., Vienna, starting at $51
Pizza Decorating for Kids
January 19–20, 5–10 p.m.
Delight in the art of authentic pizza making at Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse. Kids receive pizza dough, San Marzano tomato sauce, cheese, pepperoni, and their own Davio’s apron. While their pizza is baking, children receive a mini pizza dough ball to play with. Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse: 1902 Reston Metro Plz., Reston, $25
MLK Service and Learning Day
January 20, 10:30–11:30 a.m.
Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day by learning about this American activist and the importance of community service. Rotate through stations to participate in a service project and hear about the Civil Rights Movement. Children must be at least 4 years old to attend. Frying Pan Farm Park: 2739 West Ox Rd., free
Inauguration Day
Planning to head into DC for the inauguration? The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies has information on how to attend the ceremony if you have a ticket. If you don’t, you can view the ceremonies from the National Mall west of Fourth Street — be ready for security checks, road closures, and a modified Metro schedule. Read up on what to know if you’re attending (plus a few ideas for a weekend away if you’d rather get out of town.) Plus, see how to keep yourself safe during the inauguration. Washington, DC
Feature image of The RISE Project by Mohammed Al-Taher
