With 2026 in full swing, the capital region is brimming with wintertime fun around every corner. Whether you’re looking for showstopping theater, live music, family activities, or cultural diversions, here’s a roundup of the top events happening this January — from DC to Maryland to Virginia!

Want more of DC’s best? Check out the Lifestyle section of our blog for everything from the coolest places in DC to grab a cocktail to the latest after-school programs for kids.

Washington, DC

The Bedwetter
Jan 31–Mar 16 | Arena Stage
Sarah Silverman brings her brutally honest childhood memoir to the stage in this sharp, musical comedy co-written with the late Adam Schlesinger—equal parts cringe, heart, and humor.

The Many Lives of Anne Frank
Jan 29 | Politics and Prose (Connecticut Ave)
Author and critic Ruth Franklin reframes Anne Frank’s story, exploring how her legacy has been shaped, interpreted, and mythologized over time.

Community Day at the National Museum of Women in the Arts
Jan 5 & 8 | Downtown
Free admission, hands-on activities, and a perfect excuse to finally spend an afternoon inside this recently reopened DC favorite.

Monster Jam
Jan 24–26 | Capital One Arena
Oversized trucks. Massive stunts. Pure spectacle. This high-octane event is loud, ridiculous, and wildly fun.

The Art of the Brick: LEGO® Exhibition
Opens Jan 30 | Brentwood
Jaw-dropping LEGO sculptures transform childhood nostalgia into impressive large-scale art.

Washington, DC Auto Show
Jan 31–Feb 9 | Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Browse the latest vehicles, future-forward concepts, and luxury models all under one roof.

MLK Holiday DC Peace Walk & Parade
Jan 18 | Congress Heights
A community-focused celebration featuring wellness events, performances, and a powerful message of unity.

Ida B. Wells Quarter Talk
Jan 23 | National Museum of African American History & Culture
Learn about the newest American quarter honoring civil rights icon Ida B. Wells (free with registration).

Lunar New Year Celebration
Jan 25 | Kennedy Center
Ring in the Lunar New Year with lion dances, live music, and a jazz performance led by composer Stephanie Chou.

A First Look: Ford’s Theatre Legacy Commissions
Jan 10–11 | Penn Quarter
Two days of staged readings spotlighting bold new work by BIPOC playwrights.

TINA – The Tina Turner Musical
Jan 24–26 | National Theatre
The electrifying Broadway hit chronicles Tina Turner’s rise to global superstardom—expect powerhouse vocals and nonstop energy.

Guac
Jan 25–Feb 16 | Woolly Mammoth Theatre
A one-man show blending humor and heart, following a father’s unexpected journey into activism.

The Reading Room Festival
Jan 30–Feb 2 | Capitol Hill
A deep dive into Shakespeare through readings, panels, and workshops for theater lovers and literature buffs alike.

Broadway Center Stage: Schmigadoon!
Jan 31–Feb 9 | Kennedy Center
A musical comedy send-up of classic Broadway tropes, following two doctors stuck in a genre-hopping fantasy world.

Gay Men’s Chorus Open Mic Night
Jan 8 | H Street Corridor
Sing, cheer, or just enjoy the good vibes at this inclusive, feel-good community event.

Craig Robinson
Jan 9–12 | DC Improv
The actor-comedian brings his laid-back charm and sharp wit to the DC Improv stage.

Dropout Improv Live
Jan 21 | Warner Theatre
Fast-paced, unscripted comedy from the internet’s favorite improv crew—expect chaos in the best way.

Nick Swardson
Jan 24 | Warner Theatre
The comedian known for his offbeat humor hits DC for a one-night standup set.

National Ballet of China: The Nutcracker
Jan 29–Feb 2 | Kennedy Center
A stunning two-act performance blending classical ballet with Chinese artistry.

Hit Like a Girl
Jan 8 | DC9 Nightclub
Catch this emo-indie band live for an intimate, high-energy show.

Sapphic Factory: Queer Joy Party
Jan 11 | Shaw
Dance it out to Chappell Roan, Phoebe Bridgers, Fletcher, and more at this unapologetically joyful queer party.

Mo Lowda & The Humble
Jan 17 | 9:30 Club
Indie rock with heart, hooks, and plenty of crowd energy.

Club XCX
Jan 24 | Union Stage
A hyperpop-fueled dance night that you don’t want to miss — get tickets early before it sells out.

Warren G – Regulate 30th Anniversary
Jan 24 | Howard Theatre
The hip-hop legend celebrates three decades of a genre-defining album.

Blind Pilot
Jan 26 | Shaw
After an eight-year hiatus, the indie folk favorites return with new music and old favorites.

Jamie xx
Jan 30 | The Anthem
The British producer brings his atmospheric, dance-forward sound to one of DC’s biggest stages.

Mindful Drinking Fest
Jan 10–12 | Union Market
Non-alcoholic drinks, yoga, and dance parties kick off the year with a wellness-first mindset.

Winter Restaurant Week
Jan 27–Feb 2 | Multiple DC Locations
Score tasty meals dished out with the hottest deals at some of DC’s best restaurants.

Kung Fu Panda Screening
Jan 11 | Smithsonian American Art Museum
A free, family-friendly movie screening perfect for a cozy winter afternoon (registration required).

Maryland

Yamato: Japanese Taiko Drum Performance
Jan 23 | Bethesda
Feel the thunder of traditional Japanese taiko drums in this high-energy cultural performance.

Mosh Madness Benefit Concert
Jan 11 | Takoma Park
Indie bands battle it out on a basketball court to raise funds for a good cause.

Frederick Collectible & Art Expo
Jan 10 | Cafe 611
Browse vintage finds, vinyl, art, and local gems at this laid-back community pop-up.

Out on the Town: Winter Formal
Jan 10 | Rock Creek Recreation Center
Dress up, dance, and mingle at this inclusive winter social event for adults.

Master Gardeners Workshop: “What a Mess!”
Jan 17 | UMD Extension Office
Learn practical winter pruning and plant-care tips from Frederick County Master Gardeners (free).

Sailing Through the Winter Solstice
Through mid-March | Carroll Creek Park
Whimsical, artist-designed illuminated boats line Carroll Creek for an easy, scenic stroll any winter evening.

Boomtown Screening
Jan 24 | Weinberg Center for the Arts
Catch a local film screening inside one of Frederick’s most beloved historic venues.

Virginia

Come From Away
Jan 31–Feb 2 | Tysons
The Tony Award–winning musical tells the moving true story of strangers brought together after 9/11.

Chanté Moore
Jan 23–24 | Alexandria
The Grammy-nominated soul vocalist delivers powerhouse vocals and timeless R&B hits.

Jurassic Quest
Jan 24–26 | Chantilly
A kid-approved adventure featuring life-size dinosaurs, fossils, and hands-on activities.

Curious about more than just local events and happenings? For all your DMV real estate needs, we’re here to help! Get in touch with us by filling out the form on this page, calling us at 202.280.2060, or emailing connect@jennsmira.com.

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