Happy MLK Weekend! As the nation celebrates the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ‘s birthday and the District prepares to hold the inauguration of the 47th President of the United States, check out a handful of the many events happening in the DMV this weekend.
To keep up with all the fun, don’t forget to check out the Washington Informer Calendar.
Keep your outlook vibrant and remember, there’s always something happening in the DMV to keep your spirit — and social life — lit.
Thursday, Jan. 16
7:30 p.m. | $19.57
DC9 Nightclub, 1940 9th St NW, Washington, D.C., 20001
“Why Don’t We Duet” returns with 18 more of D.C.’s coolest singer/songwriters teaming up as duos to each write and perform a new song to raise money for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) who protects the civil rights and freedoms of all people nationwide, including prominent issues such as speech and religion, women’s rights, right to due process and privacy, and much more.
Lineup includes members of: Boy Meets Pearl, Fake Radio, IlyAIMY, Liability, Lud Roes, Seamstresses, Talking to Shadows, The Dusty Stars and The Sweater Set.
Friday, Jan. 17
MLK Holiday DC Community Service Project
2 – 4 p.m. | Free
Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE and Malcom X Avenue SE
For the 2025 holiday observance, MLK Holiday DC is planning a cleanup in and around Shepherd Parkway at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE and Malcolm X Avenue SE (in the park, roughly across the street from the Popeye’s).
Participants will clean the park and nearby streets, getting ready for the annual Peace Walk that takes place the following morning.
Trash bags and tools to grab the trash will be provided. Guests should plan to dress to keep warm and bring gloves.
DC Comedy Chaos: New Year Edition
7:30 p.m. | $5+
Atlas Brew Works Ivy City Brewery & Taproom, 2052 West Virginia Ave NE #102, Washington, D.C., 20002
Looking for something fun in the New Year? Trying to beat seasonal depression? Come laugh and see how well comedians are keeping their new year’s resolutions! It’s only been a couple weeks–surely they’ve still kept them?!
Come to the best comedy show in D.C., featuring a lineup of the best comedians from the nation’s capital and all around the East Coast.
While this show is fun and whimsical, the show may (and very likely will) contain content not fit for children. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
General admission is $10; 2 for 1 ticket special available.
Saturday, Jan. 18
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | $28.52
Kentland Community Center, 2413 Pinebrook Rd, Hyattsville, MD 20785
Year eight and it’s gonna be great! Come get live with the 3 LIVE CREW of MIXXEDFIT as they host the 8th annual “MIXXFEST” Dance Fitness Event.
The purpose of this event is to kick off the new year right and showcase some of the hottest dance fitness formats that are in the DMV area. Each instructor provides a different mix–from hip-hop to caribbean to go-go to bounce. There is surely something for everyone!
2025 MLK Holiday DC Annual Parade
11 a.m. | Free registration
Entertainment & Sports Arena, 1100 Oak Drive Southeast Washington, D.C., 20032
Join the 20th Annual MLK Holiday DC Peace Walk & Parade, celebrating the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy with this year’s theme: “Commit to the Noble Struggle for Equal Rights.”
For more than 40 years, this historic event has honored Dr. King’s vision, starting in 1979 with radio host Ralph Waldo “Petey” Greene, Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, and Councilmember Wilhelmina J. Rolark. Held on one of the first streets named for Dr. King, the parade began six years before his birthday became a federal holiday.
This year’s celebration will take place indoors at the Entertainment and Sports Arena in Congress Heights, Southeast D.C., following the peace walk & rally that begins at Shepherd Park at 9:30 a.m.
Participants will march into the arena from Cypress Street, leading into a day full of activities.
Sunday, Jan. 19
10 a.m. | $19.50
Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814
This charming and dreamy dance-based performance imagines two friends who live inside a wastepaper basket. Together they discover what imaginative ideas might unfold from a crumpled piece of paper–can mistakes inspire our greatest ideas?
Because the show is non-verbal, it can be enjoyed by all people of any age. DC Theatre Arts called Paper Dreams: “an enchanting production that…educates and entertains and sparks inquiry into the creative process for young and old alike.”
For Early Childhood shows, a regular ticket is required for all audience members 1 year and older. For infants under 1 year, a $5 lap pass can be purchased over the phone or in person on the day of the show.
The show will be on display until Feb. 16.
7:30 p.m. | Free with tickets
Kennedy Center Concert Hall, 2700 F St NW, Washington, D.C., 20566
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and Georgetown University celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a free, ticketed musical tribute entitled “Let Freedom Ring Celebration.”
This year, the annual showcase – part of the arts center’s Millennium Stage performance series – will feature musical performances by: Christopher Jackson; Esperanza Spalding; Chelsey Green; Lew Sid; along with the NEWorks Voices of America and NEWorks House Band, led by music producer Nolan Williams Jr.
The event is hosted by Taye Diggs.
The ticket giveaway begins Jan. 19 at 5:30 p.m. at the Hall of Nations and will be limited to two tickets per person.