From tap-dancing legends to haunted horror plays, the nation's capital delivers a weekend packed with culture, sports, and spectacle.
Look, we get it—January in DC can feel like a test of endurance. Gray skies, bundled-up commutes, and the faint memory of holiday cheer fading fast. But here's the thing: this weekend absolutely refuses to be boring. You've got Savion Glover reimagining a Rodgers and Hart classic, Detroit techno royalty taking over Flash, two NBA games at Capital One Arena, and a live-action Paranormal Activity experience that promises to keep you up all night (in a good way? maybe?).
Whether you're chasing high art at the Kennedy Center, looking for laughs in the U Street corridor, or finally checking out that auto show you keep driving past, there's something happening in every pocket of the District. Plus, AllEvents has you covered with ticket links and details for everything below—because nobody wants to miss out because they were still researching showtimes.
How this list works: We've curated these picks based on timeliness (opening nights, limited runs, special events), cultural significance, and the kind of variety that makes DC such a dynamic place to spend a weekend. From world premieres to final weekends, from tap-dancing legends to Detroit techno pioneers, this guide reflects the city's range—and its remarkably good taste.
What it is: A bold reimagining of Rodgers and Hart's 1940 musical Pal Joey, co-directed by tap legend Savion Glover and Tony Goldwyn, set in a 1940s Chicago jazz club.
Why go: Opening night at Arena Stage is always an event, but this production has serious buzz. Glover's choreography meets a reimagined book that puts jazz, tap, and the glamorous-seedy world of nightclub singers front and center. The Kreeger Theater transforms into an intimate club atmosphere that'll make you forget you're watching a show that's 85 years old.
Who it's for: Theater lovers, musical theater obsessives, anyone who's ever wanted to see what happens when a Tony-winning tap choreographer gets to direct.
Need-to-know: Opening night is Friday, January 30 at 8 PM. Runs through March 15. Arena Stage is at the Mead Center for American Theater in Southwest DC. Shows also Saturday at 8 PM and Sunday at 2 PM.
What it is: The legendary dance company's nine-day DC residency, featuring world premieres by choreographers Matthew Neenan and Jamar Roberts alongside Ailey's signature Revelations.
Why go: Ailey hasn't performed at Warner Theatre before—this is a new venue partnership after years at the Kennedy Center—so there's a fresh energy to the whole run. And if you've never seen Revelations live, this is your year. The company's power, precision, and emotional depth are something that simply doesn't translate on video.
Who it's for: Dance lovers, first-timers curious about modern dance, anyone who needs to feel something this weekend.
Need-to-know: Multiple performances Friday through Sunday. Saturday evening is College Night with discounted tickets. The residency runs through February 8.
What it is: The Emmy-nominated comedian and Black-ish star brings his stand-up show to National Harbor for two nights.
Why go: Cole's comedy walks the line between observational brilliance and absurdist chaos—he's the guy who made "cold-blooded" a catchphrase and turned simple premises into gut-punch punchlines. His Netflix specials have racked up millions of views, but live is where he really shines.
Who it's for: Comedy fans who appreciate a comedian who can make a 10-minute bit about literally anything feel profound.
Need-to-know: Friday and Saturday at 8 PM. MGM National Harbor is about 15 minutes from downtown DC—easy Uber or if you're feeling fancy, take the water taxi from The Wharf.
What it is: The Emmy-winning creator and star of Hulu's Ramy brings his current stand-up tour to the historic Lincoln Theatre.
Why go: Youssef's comedy explores faith, family, identity, and the specific chaos of being a first-generation Egyptian-American Muslim with disarming honesty and killer timing. His TV work has earned him critical acclaim, but stand-up is his first love.
Who it's for: Fans of smart, personal comedy that makes you think while you laugh.
Need-to-know: Saturday, January 31 at the Lincoln Theatre on U Street. Tickets are moving—this venue is intimate and the show has serious buzz.
What it is: Gianandrea Noseda conducts the National Symphony Orchestra in Brahms' rarely performed Double Concerto for violin and cello, paired with Scriabin's "Divine Poem" symphony.
Why go: Scriabin's Third Symphony is one of those pieces that genuine classical music heads whisper about reverently—cosmic, overwhelming, transcendent. Pair it with Brahms' gorgeous Double Concerto and you've got a program that rewards serious listeners without being inaccessible.
Who it's for: Classical music enthusiasts, Kennedy Center regulars, anyone ready for an evening of big orchestral sound.
Need-to-know: Friday (11:30 AM coffee concert and 8 PM evening) and Saturday at 8 PM at the Concert Hall.
What it is: The Winter Tour 2026 brings two beloved emo-adjacent bands together for a nostalgia-drenched night of mid-2000s bangers.
Why go: If you spent any time on the Warped Tour circuit or had strong feelings about Commit This to Memory and ...Is a Real Boy, this show is essentially a time machine back to your peak MySpace years. Both bands have aged into their material with genuine affection for what made them matter in the first place.
Who it's for: Elder millennials, anyone who remembers when "emo" wasn't a bad word, scene kids who grew up but didn't move on.
Need-to-know: Sunday, February 1 at 7:30 PM. Sincere Engineer opens. The Fillmore Silver Spring is accessible via Metro (Silver Spring station).
What it is: The Tony Award-winning musical with music by Cyndi Lauper returns to the touring circuit, telling the true story of a struggling English shoe factory saved by an unlikely partnership with a drag performer.
Why go: This show won Best Musical and Best Score for good reason—Lauper's songs are infectious, the message about acceptance and reinvention lands without being preachy, and the boots themselves are simply spectacular.
Who it's for: Broadway fans, anyone who missed it the first time around, parents looking for a show that'll entertain teens and adults alike.
Need-to-know: Saturday at 2 PM and 8 PM, Sunday at 1 PM and 7 PM at Capital One Hall in Tysons. Easily accessible from the Tysons Corner Metro station.
What it is: The touring production of the stage adaptation of the beloved 1985 film (itself based on the board game), featuring physical comedy, murder mystery mayhem, and hopefully more than one ending.
Why go: If you've quoted "flames on the side of my face" or debated whether it was Colonel Mustard in the study, this show is designed specifically for you. The stage version leans into the absurdist comedy of the source material with committed slapstick.
Who it's for: Fans of the movie, murder mystery enthusiasts, anyone who appreciates a show that doesn't take itself remotely seriously.
Need-to-know: Final weekend—runs through Sunday, February 1. Multiple showtimes at the National Theatre on Pennsylvania Avenue.
What it is: Friday night NBA basketball at Capital One Arena as the Wizards host LeBron's Lakers.
Why go: Look, we're not going to pretend the Wizards are contenders, but watching LeBron James play live—in what might be his final season—is a bucket list item. And honestly? Wizards games are genuinely fun, the arena energy is solid, and the Lakers always draw a crowd.
Who it's for: Basketball fans, Lakers faithful, anyone who wants to say they saw LeBron in person.
Need-to-know: Friday, January 30 at 7 PM at Capital One Arena. Metro accessible via Gallery Place-Chinatown.
What it is: A world premiere play set in the universe of the Paranormal Activity horror franchise, following a couple who moves from Chicago to London and discovers their new flat has a terrifying history.
Why go: STC producing a horror play based on a found-footage film franchise is exactly the kind of unexpected programming that makes DC theater interesting. The production promises immersive scares and the kind of atmospheric dread the films delivered at their best.
Who it's for: Horror fans, theater adventurers, anyone curious what happens when prestige theater meets jump scares.
Need-to-know: Running January 28 – February 7 at Harman Hall. This is a limited run and tickets are going fast.
What it is: Detroit techno pioneer Stacey Pullen brings his signature sound to DC's premier techno club for a proper late-night session.
Why go: Pullen is second-wave Detroit techno royalty—the Blackflag Records boss has been shaping the sound for decades, and his sets are deep, hypnotic journeys through electronic music history. Flash's sound system is built for exactly this kind of night.
Who it's for: Techno heads, electronic music purists, anyone who wants to dance until 4 AM.
Need-to-know: Saturday, January 31. Doors at 10 PM at Flash on Florida Avenue. 21+. Advance tickets recommended.
What it is: Chicago electronic trio Levity brings their high-energy show to The Anthem, with support from EAZYBAKED and more.
Why go: Levity has built a reputation for genre-blurring bass music and visually spectacular shows. The Anthem is the perfect venue for this kind of production—big sound, big lights, big energy.
Who it's for: EDM fans, bass music enthusiasts, anyone who wants a big Saturday night experience.
Need-to-know: Saturday, January 31. Doors at 6 PM, show at 7 PM. The Anthem is at The Wharf.
What it is: The "Queen of Comedy" brings her legendary stage presence to DC's most iconic comedy club for a full weekend of shows.
Why go: Givens is a comedy institution—Def Comedy Jam regular, The Hughleys, The Parkers, and decades of stand-up that's influenced an entire generation of comics. Her delivery is unmistakable and her timing is impeccable.
Who it's for: Comedy lovers, fans of the '90s comedy boom, anyone who appreciates a veteran working at the top of their game.
Need-to-know: Friday through Sunday at the DC Improv. Multiple showtimes—check AllEvents for availability. 18+ shows.
What it is: The annual celebration of all things automotive at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, featuring new models, concept cars, and interactive exhibits.
Why go: It's the final weekend to check out the latest from every major manufacturer—great for car enthusiasts and families alike. Plus, it's a genuinely fun indoor activity when January weather is being uncooperative.
Who it's for: Car enthusiasts, families looking for a weekend activity, anyone who enjoys sitting in cars they can't afford.
Need-to-know: Through Sunday, February 1 at the Convention Center. Easily accessible via Metro (Mount Vernon Square station).
What it is: The National Portrait Gallery's triennial competition showcasing the best in contemporary American portraiture—just opened last week.
Why go: This is the freshest major museum exhibition in town, featuring cutting-edge portrait work across all media. The Outwin consistently surprises with the diversity and innovation of its selections, and seeing it now means beating the crowds.
Who it's for: Art lovers, photography enthusiasts, anyone who thinks they know what a portrait can be.
Need-to-know: Free admission. Open daily 11:30 AM – 7 PM at the National Portrait Gallery. Also check out "At the Vanguard" at the nearby NMAAHC, showcasing five HBCUs' stories through the Smithsonian collections.
6LACK at Throw Social DC – The R&B artist performs Saturday night at this Northeast DC venue. Doors at 9 PM, expect a vibe-heavy late-night set.
D.C. Thumakda Bollywood Party – Saturday night Bollywood dance party with DJ Axar. A genuinely fun time if you're looking for something different.
Maryland Terrapins vs. Purdue Boilermakers – Big Ten basketball doubleheader in College Park—Saturday and Sunday games if you're craving college hoops.
Washington Capitals vs. New York Islanders – Sunday hockey at Capital One Arena. It's also near the Wizards vs. Kings game (6 PM tip), so plan your Chinatown afternoon accordingly.
Sangjaru at Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art – Korean folk fusion band performs Saturday. A rare chance to catch something genuinely unique.
Best way to get around this weekend? Metro is your friend—most major venues are accessible via the system. Uber/Lyft work but expect surge pricing around arena events and late-night club closings.
What if the weather is terrible? The Auto Show, museums (Portrait Gallery, NMAAHC), and the Smithsonian Asian Art performance are all indoor options. The theater shows obviously don't care about weather.
Where should I eat before a Kennedy Center show? The Wharf is nearby with plenty of options. Or hit the KC's own restaurants—they've improved dramatically.
Can I do multiple things in one day? Absolutely. A matinee of Kinky Boots or Clue followed by dinner and the Wizards game is totally doable. Just plan your Metro transfers.
The bottom line: Washington doesn't slow down just because it's January. From opening nights to final weekends, from tap-dancing legends to Detroit techno pioneers, this weekend has range. Find your thing on AllEvents, layer up, and get out there—the capital's waiting.
