The DMV promises a fun-filled and action-packed weekend of events and performances, including Shakespearean homages, holiday renditions, and cultural celebrations of artistry and music.
To keep up with all the fun, don’t forget to check out the Washington Informer Calendar, and remember, there’s always something happening in the DMV to keep your spirit — and social life — lit.
Thursday, Dec. 19
6:30 p.m. | Free
Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 E Capitol St SE, Washington, D.C., 20003
Join the Folger Shakespeare Library on Dec. 19 to discuss objects on display in its various galleries, as part of the month-long winter festival, Folger Frost Fair.
Offering deeper insights into the Folger’s extensive collection, including the world’s largest collection of Shakespeare‘s First Folios, Folger Gallery Talks invite visitors through the galleries with the Folger’s experienced staff members.
Other free activities of the month-long fair include: Folger history pop-ups, festive photo station, book nook, holiday seek-and-find, and printing press demonstrations, with the latter taking place on multiple dates, including Dec. 19 from 2 to 4 p.m.
Enjoy festive decorations, holiday music, free activities, and more until Jan. 5.
7:30 p.m. | $120.75
Kennedy Center, 2700 F St NW, Washington, D.C., 20566
Created by the Emmy Award-winning writer from “Schitt’s Creek,” this hilarious new musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told.
“& Juliet,” asks: What would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo? Get whisked away on a fabulous journey as she ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love-her way.
Friday, Dec. 20
Noon – 8 p.m. | Free
F Street NW (Between 7th and 9th streets NW)
Presented by The DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID), D.C.’s biggest holiday market marks its 20th year in Penn Quarter, and is one of the many highly-anticipated local Christmas-time activities.
The expanded market features over 100 vendors selling everything from kids and pets items to gourmet gifts and decor.
Visitors can also grab tacos, s’mores and hot cocktails from pop-up chalet bars.
Open through Monday, Dec. 23.
The JoGo Project With Bongo District
8 p.m. | $20+
Pearl Street Warehouse, 33 Pearl St SW, Washington, D.C., 20024
The JoGo Project is a WAMMIE Award-winning Jazz/Go-Go Fusion band from Washington, D.C., created by saxophonist Elijah Jamal Balbed in 2014 – who played with Godfather of Go-Go Chuck Brown for the last year of his life.
After Brown’s passing, Balbed started The JoGo Project to continue the legacy of go-go music, but also to have a band that focuses on the musical elements of go-go, as well as writing original music.
Saturday, Dec. 21
7 p.m. – 10 p.m. | $140+
The Autoshop, 416 Morse St NE, Washington, D.C., 20002
“THROUGHLINE: VOL. II” is a multidisciplinary art exhibition highlighting emerging artists from intersectional mediums. The one-of-a-kind multisensory art exhibition honors a selection of women change agents through a range of creative outlets from photography and paintings to music and food creation.
With this volume centering 16 trailblazing women of the nation’s capital, each iteration of “THROUGHLINE” is a love letter to the city – a special way of not only highlighting incredible women and amplifying artists, but also tipping a hat to the city as a beacon to be celebrated.
The exhibit is on display until Sunday, Dec. 22.
A John Legend Christmas at Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland
8 p.m. | $193.27+
The HALL at Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland, 7002 Arundel Mills, Circle #7777, Hanover, MD, 21076
Performing alongside a four-piece-band, John Legend will deliver holiday classics from his hit album, “A Legendary Christmas,” including “This Christmas,” “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” “Silver Bells,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire).”
The evening will also feature Legend’s signature storytelling, providing audiences with an intimate experience as he reflects on his career, life, and the stories behind the music.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 22
7:30 p.m. | $50+
The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C., 20004
Just like the original, in “The Hip Hop Nutcracker,” Maria-Clara and the Nutcracker Prince go on a dream adventure battling a gang of mice, visiting the land of sweets and learning the lessons of the holiday season.
Innovative digital graffiti and visuals transform the landscape of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s beloved story from traditional 19th century Germany, to the vibrant, diverse sights and sounds of contemporary New York City.
Directed and choreographed by Tony and Olivier Award-nominated Jennifer Weber, this contemporary dance spectacle is a re-mixed and re-imagined version of the classic, smashing hip-hop dance and Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s timeless music together into a heart-stirring and inspirational holiday event.
8 p.m. | $86.25+
Kennedy Center, 2700 F St NW, Washington, D.C., 20566
After a shipwreck in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, a 16-year-old boy named Pi survives on a lifeboat with four companions — a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan, and a Royal Bengal tiger.
Based on the novel that sold more than 15 million copies and became a worldwide phenomenon, “Life of Pi” is an epic story of perseverance and hope, told with jaw-dropping visuals, world-class puppetry, and exquisite stagecraft that speaks to every generation.