As we turn the page on a new year, there are plenty of things to look forward to across the region. From comedy shows to cocktail lessons, when you start filling out your 2022 calendar, make sure to add some of these must-attend January events.
January 1
Comedy Laugh Fest
Kick off 2022 with a night full of laughs featuring Cedric the Entertainer, D.L. Hughley, Eddie Griffin, and other top comedians in the business. EagleBank Arena: 4500 Patriot Cir., Fairfax; $75–$250
January 1
John Oliver
The scathingly funny host of HBO’s Last Week Tonight ditches the set for the stage, delivering his best jokes to you live. The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC; $79.50–$99.50
January 4–16
The Prom
Step back to your time in high school and relive the time of prom—the angst, the joy, the agony, the ecstasy. This lighthearted musical follows four actors who spot a chance to improve their own images by helping a teen reinstate her school’s prom after it was canceled because she wanted to bring a girl as her date. The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC; $49–$139
January 7, 14, 21 & 28
The Art of the Cocktail
If you’re looking to pick up a new skill in the new year, consider taking up mixology. Combining history and drinks, the six-week series features cocktail lessons with old and new recipes, plus stories behind the tasty drinks and their creators. Catoctin Creek Distillery: 120 W. Main St., Purcellville; $15
January 8 & 9
The Big Flea Market
The presents are unwrapped, but the shopping spree continues at the largest antiques flea market in the Mid-Atlantic. Whether you’re on the hunt for rare antiques or vintage clothing and accessories, with more than 600 booths to browse, you’re sure to find exactly what you never even knew you were looking for. Dulles Expo Center: 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly; $10
January 8–February 28
Ice & Lights: The Winter Village At Cameron Run
The holiday season may be over, but there’s still time for seasonal fun. Even though the lights are off until next season, you can grab a pair of skates for a twirl around the rink. Cameron Run Regional Park: 4001 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria; $14
January 9
Fortune Feimster
The comedian of Sweet & Salty fame is headlining Capital One Hall. Other than her Netflix hit, you might have caught the comedic actor on Chelsea Lately, The Mindy Project, or in Barb And Star Go to Vista Del Mar. Capital One Hall: 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons Corner, $29.50–$73
January 15–17
2022 Reston Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration
Spend the weekend honoring the life of Dr. King with an exuberant celebration. From the musical tribute and community lunch to the kids’ activities and art exhibit, the 37th annual observance will pay tribute to the late, great Civil Rights leader. Reston Community Center: 2310 Colts Neck Rd., Reston; free–$20
January 17
An Evening with Travis Tritt
It’s always a great day to be alive when Travis Tritt comes into town. The country music star recently released his newest album, Set In Stone, so snag a pair of tickets for a night of recent records and classic hits. The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria; $95
January 20
Masters of Hawaiian Music
Close your eyes and transport yourself to an Oahu beach with the sounds of the Pacific. Musicians George Kahumoku Jr., Led Kaapana, and Herb Ohta Jr. will join forces to provide the audience with a little slice of Hawaii right in NoVA. The Barns: 1635 Trap Rd., Vienna; $27–$32
January 21–23
Home Remodeling Show
Summer may seem like an eternity away, but it’s never too early to get started on your home improvement projects. Whether you’re looking to renovate your master bath or update your entire outdoor living space, the show will give you access to the best home experts across the state. Dulles Expo Center: 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly; $3–$9
January 21–23
Jurassic Quest
If you ever wondered what it would be like to visit a real-life Jurassic Park, this is your chance. With over 100 life-size dinosaurs, take a step back to when these now-extinct creatures roamed the Earth. You’ll find special fossil digs, interactive shows, and baby dinos. Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center: 2371 Carl D. Silver Pkwy., Fredericksburg; $19–$36
January 21–February 6
Shoah
Based on the nine-hour documentary of the same name, the condensed play version takes theatergoers through key moments in the Holocaust. The drama includes material from interviews with Holocaust survirors, former Nazi members, and residents near the camps, showing the magnitude of one of history’s most infamous periods. Fauquier Community Center: 4225 Aiken Dr., Warrenton; $16–$18
January 22
Chinese Teas in Celebration of the Lunar New Year
Before you ring in the Year of the Tiger, learn about China’s tea culture with a special taste test. The country is known as the birthplace of tea; here, you’ll be able to sample its delicacy to see how the same plant can produce such different styles. Colvin Run Mill Historic Site: 10017 Colvin Run Rd., Great Falls; $40
January 26 & 27
An Evening With Branford Marsalis
Start off 2022 with the soothing sounds of the saxophone. Featured in movie scores and collaborations with Grammy winners, Marsalis and his quartet will present an incredible night of jazz. The Barns: 1635 Trap Rd., Vienna; $68–$80
January 29
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Celebrate the 75th anniversary with a night of live classical music. Featuring renowned cellist Kian Soltani, the night will include a variety of 20th-century classics, including Four Sea Interludes, Symphonic Dances, and Cello Concerto. George Mason University’s Center for the Arts: 4400 University Dr., Fairfax; $45–$75
Through January 23
Her Story: A Century of Women Writers
When it comes to writing stories, these women are in a league of their own. From Pulitzer Prize winners Marilynne Robinson and Alice Walker to Nobel Prize winner Toni Morrison, the 24 portraits from this collection represent some of the best and most-awarded authors of the last 100 years. National Portrait Gallery: 8th and G St. NW, Washington, DC; free
Through February 28
Winter Igloos At Farm Brew Live
Head over to Farm Brew Live for a different take on happy hour—from the warmth of an igloo. The light-up spheres include food and drinks, and have room for up to eight friends. Farm Brew Live: 9901 Discovery Blvd., Manassas; $50–$100 food and beverage minimum
Through July 24
We the People: Portraits of Veterans in America
Veterans are all around us, whether we realize it or not. From window washers to firefighters, the exhibit by Artist Mary Whyte asks you to recognize those of all ages and backgrounds who have bravely served their country. National Museum of the Marine Corps: 18900 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Triangle; free
This story originally ran in our January issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to our monthly magazine.
