Whether your New Year’s resolution was to step up your fitness game, socialize more, or explore local art, Northern Virginia and DC have an event for you. Get out of the house and soothe your winter blues at these exciting weekend events from January 8 to 11.
Salsa and Bachata Class
January 8, 7–10 p.m.
Looking to learn a new skill, make new friends, and get in a quick workout? Stop by this beginner-friendly salsa and bachata lesson taught by local experts. This low-pressure class doesn’t require experience or a dancing partner. Eavesdrop Brewery: 7223 Centreville Rd., Ste. 115, Manassas, $9.31
McLean Art Society’s Snow Days
January 9, 5–7 p.m.
Sip on wine and refreshments, enjoy live music, and browse over 150 original artworks at the opening reception of the McLean Art Gallery’s monthly show. Support over 40 local artists and examine the details of the special winter-themed Snow Days exhibit. McLean Art Gallery: 6224 Old Dominion Dr., McLean, free
International Saxophone Symposium
January 9–10
This two-day event highlights the influence of the saxophone in jazz and classical music through performances and lectures. With a performance from the United States Navy Band Commodores and jazz saxophonist and composer Walter Smith III, this musical event both informs and demonstrates the saxophone’s soulful impact. Center for the Arts at George Mason University: 4373 Mason Pond Dr., Fairfax, free
Soar Together at Air and Space
January 10
Bring the whole family to this space and technology event with hands-on activities and demonstrations. Meet local experts and learn about the technology surrounding space exploration before browsing two hangers of aviation and space artifacts. Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center: 14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy., Chantilly, free admission, $15 parking
Wildlife Winter Warm-Up
January 10, 2–3:30 p.m.
Explore and learn about local wildlife and how they survive during the chilly winter months while staying warm and roasting marshmallows by a campfire. This family-friendly educational event also features DIY crafts like bird feeders and polar bear mittens. Potomac Overlook Regional Park: 2845 N. Marcey Rd., Arlington, $12
The Jazz Room
January 10, 9 p.m.
Celebrate the rich history of jazz music in New Orleans with live performances of both iconic classics and improvisations from the saxophone and trumpet. Enjoy the blending of genres like blues, funk, rock, and more with songs from celebrated artists Louis Armstrong and Irving Mills. The Howard Theater: 620 T St. NW, Washington, DC, starting at $29
Life-Size Monopoly Pop-Up
January 10–12
Walk through this life-sized Monopoly board inspired by Atlantic City as your own game piece at this interactive pop-up. Guests can roll the oversized dice to win prizes like branded merchandise and the grand-prize getaway to Atlantic City. Union Station: 50 Massachusetts Ave. NE, Washington, DC, free
Yoga with Cats
January 11, 11 a.m.–noon
Connect with your mind and body in the company of furry friends at this Alexandria cat café and wine bar. The yoga class will be led by Soma Yoga Healing Center instructors, and all cats at the café are adoptable through Canines and Kitties Rescue and Marlee’s Misfits. Mount Purrnon Cat Café and Wine Bar: 109 S. Alfred St., Alexandria, $30
The Happy Pop-Up
January 11, 2 p.m.
Learn techniques on meditation and mindfulness at the kickoff of this new weekly wellness series. Led by chief happiness curator Chianti Lomax and head coach of The Everyday Athlete Michael Louis, this series welcomes beginners looking to practice creative techniques and movements for relaxation. Workhouse Arts Center: 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton, $35
Women Artists from Antwerp to Amsterdam, 1600–1750
Through January 11
Explore works from more than 40 artists including Anna Maria de Koker and Clara Peeters at the closing weekend of this exhibition. The exhibition features several mediums from paintings, prints, sculptures, embroidery and more. National Museum of Women in the Arts: 1250 New York Ave. NW, Washington, DC, $16
Shen Yun
Through January 18
Journey through 5,000 years of Chinese history at this performance with traditional dance, orchestral work, and scenographic effects. Detailed costumes and vibrant backdrops make this production an immersive experience, giving the audience a glimpse into pre-communism China. The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St., Washington, DC, $85–$290
