This week is full of opportunities for reflection and celebration. From performances honoring Chinese Lunar New Year to free wellness classes, 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 º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ Informer Calendar.
Thursday, Jan. 30
VisArts Exhibition – Hedieh Ilchi: Tell me how to weave my world from these dark filaments
Noon – 4 p.m. | Free
VisArts Gibbs Street Gallery, 155 Gibbs St Rockville, MD 20850
, a member of VisArts’s 2024 Gibbs Street Residency, is an Iranian American artist whose creative practice is a navigation of her multifaceted experiences as an immigrant.
In these hybridized paintings, Ilchi examines how the confluence of the disparate metaphorical languages of abstraction, ornamentation and the sublime can reflect the harmonies and tensions caused by the meeting of different cultures and traditions–on a personal, sociopolitical and environmental scale.
Each painting provides a space where her two disparate histories come together to reflect on cultural traditions and notions of belonging. The exhibition is on display from Jan. 30 to March 9.
National Ballet of China: Chinese New Year (A Ballet in Two Acts)
7:30 p.m. |
Kennedy Center, 2700 F St NW, º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½, D.C., 20566
With its dazzling hybrid of western ballet and Chinese culture, National Ballet of China has won a distinguished reputation for performing cherished works and original creations. The renowned company returns to thrill audiences with its luminous fusion of traditions, telling the story of a family’s Chinese New Year celebration—set to Tchaikovsky’s treasured Nutcracker score.
Brought to life by vibrant characters and radiant choreography, this colorful, fresh tale tells the story of a young Chinese girl celebrating the New Year as she embarks on a mystical journey through a world of festive Chinese customs.
Friday, Jan. 31
All levels Afro-dance class (º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ D.C.) by Thelma
7 p.m. |
Studio will be emailed, º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½, D.C., 20016
Launched in April 2017, (MFK) is an online publication celebrating African American artists in the DMV area. The team hosts events and dance classes to build community and awareness about Afro dance culture, including .
Madeforkobina continues to host various Afro-based workshops and events, create Afro dance projects, and perform.
7 – 11 p.m. | Free
Eckington Hall, 1611 Eckington Place NE Suite 170, º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½, D.C., 20002
Eckington Flea Night Market is a weekly, Friday night market taking place inside of Eckington Hall in Northeast, D.C., featuring a variety of local makers selling a plethora of goods, from vinyl records, jewelry, vintage and contemporary clothing and other cool finds.
Food by Cajun chef will be for sale and there will be a full bar.
Saturday, Feb. 1
11 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free
Western Market, 2000 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½, D.C., 20006
Join the Wellness Market on Feb. 1 and Feb. 2 for a day filled with health and wellness activities. Located at the charming Western Market, this event is perfect for anyone looking to explore a variety of wellness products and services.
At the market, discover new ways to improve your well-being and connect with like-minded individuals, featuring free heart health screenings, as well as free yoga, tai chi, and meditation classes, plus more than 20 vendors to shop from.
From organic foods to yoga classes, don’t miss out on this opportunity to prioritize health and wellness.
The Poppaw Queen: Healing Justice Forum
3 – 7:30 p.m. | Free
Creative Suitland Arts Center, 4719 Silver Hill Road, Hillcrest Heights, MD 20746
Join Creative Suitland Arts Center for “The Poppaw Queen: Healing Justice Forum,†an event inspired by the award-winning documentary, “The Poppaw Queen.â€
The forum will feature a dynamic blend of insightful guest speakers, captivating live musical and poetry performances, and exclusive clips from the film. Discussions will explore critical topics such as healing for descendants of enslaved individuals, acknowledging the deep connections between Indigenous and African communities, and forging pathways toward reparations.
Designed to bring communities together, this event encourages reflection on the past while building a brighter, more equitable future for all–a unique space for learning, healing, and collective action.
Sunday, Feb. 2
2 p.m. | Free
D.C. Chinatown, 7th & H Street NW, º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½, D.C., 20001
The Annual Lunar New Year Parade has been hosted by the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association for over 60 years in º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½, D.C.’s Chinatown. This year, they are celebrating the Year of the Snake, the sixth animal in the Chinese Zodiac.
Participants will include lion and dragon dance troupes, musical bands from diverse generational and cultural organizations, kung fu schools, beauty pageant representatives, members of the U.S. military from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as local high school bands and more.
The parade will culminate in a firecracker show accompanied by lion dance performances.
7 p.m. |
Union Stage, 740 Water Street SW, º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½, D.C., 20024
The music of L.A.-based Sudanese American artist (they/them) explores the inner self and the world at large. With their long-awaited full-length debut – a collection of R&B-infused electronic indie-pop songs titled “I SHOULD CALL THEMâ€â€“ they portray the spiritual power, resilience, and joy of love.
Saleh shapes their most vulnerable work to date, an apocalyptic narrative informed by environmental anxieties and their experiences as a lover, holding personal truth and hope amid chaos.Â
Sonically, the album ushers in a new era for the artist whose boundless sound continues to expand.