Whether you call the DMV home or you’re just passing through, you won’t want to miss this weekend’s lineup of great events, activities, shows, and more. Catch live concerts, family-friendly story times, chili cook-offs, career fairs, and even a chocolate festival this weekend!
Shows, Activities, Events & More in Maryland This Weekend
Maryland has something for everyone this weekend, from a Judah & The Lion concert to The Maryland Thespian Festival. If you’re a new parent, you won’t want to skip the Howard County Child Care Festival where you can meet with an array of child care options and programs.
Lunar New Year Storytime
Where? 2250 Annapolis Mall Road, Annapolis
When? January 24th
Make a trip to the mall to celebrate the Lunar New Year with an exciting storytime. Friday’s event will be held at Discoveries: the Library at the Mall from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM in the programming room. The program is designed for preschool ages 0 to 5. Traditional clothing is encouraged while participants learn about celebrations all over the world that are set to begin on January 29th and continue until February 12th. Learn about the significance of these dates with a story, songs, and even a craft! No reservation is required.
The Maryland Thespian Festival
Where? 8000 York Road, Towson
When? January 24th & 25th
The Maryland Thespian Festival will be hosted at Towson University on Friday and Saturday. The festival brings together 40 high schools from across the state for a two-day festival designed to honor student achievement in theatre. The event will be packed with over 300 workshops led by industry leaders, over 15 one-act performances, individual event competitions, and college auditions. This is the prime opportunity to take center stage, develop your craft, and meet peers! From Broadway Bootcamp to vocal masterclasses, puppetry 101, and stage combat — there’s something that will interest everyone. Maryland Thespians is pleased to offer senior thespians with a declared theatre major and at least a 3.0 GPA the opportunity to audition for collegiate scholarships in areas such as Acting, Musical Theatre, Technical Theatre, and Theatre Service.
Mully’s Chili Cookoff
Where? 141 Schooner Lane, Prince Frederick
When? January 25th
Come taste some of the soon-to-be award-winning chili at Mully’s Chili Cook Off this Saturday at the brewery. The second annual cookout will be held in the taproom and free tickets are required to bring a chili — but none are needed to just come out and enjoy the food! Attendees are encouraged to submit their votes for categories such as best-named chili, spiciest chili, best chili made using beer, and best chili overall. Winners can snag a Mully’s gift card and other goodies. The “best overall” category winner will receive the coveted Mully’s Mug Club Membership. Entrants must have their chili available by 3:00 PM when tasting begins. Event organizers ask that chili cooks bring enough for at least 30 tasters, which roughly translates to a gallon of chili. There will be bowls, spoons, and napkins available, and plenty of craft beer to go around.
Golden Mile International Festival & Market
Where? 1301 West Patrick Street, Frederick
When? January 25th
The Golden Mile International Festival and Market is scheduled from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM this Saturday at Warehouse Cinemas Frederick. Join the excitement for food, vendors, music and more as visitors celebrate the cultural diversity of Frederick’s Golden Mile. This is a free event and a great way for businesses and residents to connect. There will be demonstrations, information, and even crafts for the family. Warehouse Cinemas features elevated food and beverage options, as well as state of the art projection and sound systems.
Howard County Child Care Fair
Where? 6610 Cradlerock Way, Columbia
When? January 25th
Saturday’s Howard County Child Care Fare is being presented by the Office of Children and Families and is a great opportunity for families to connect with early childhood programs, such as care centers, infant resources, summer camps, preschools, co-op nursery schools, and much more. The fair will be held from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the East Columbia 50+ Center. There will be free venue parking at this “one-stop shopping” experience for child care. Parents and caregivers will have the chance to speak directly with representatives from the many childcare programs throughout the county. Admission is free but registration is requested, which can be helpful in the event of inclement weather!
Sunday Brunch NYC Style
Where? 14624 Solomons Island Road South, Solomons
When? January 26th
No Thyme to Cook is hosting a Sunday Brunch NYC Style course this Sunday from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Late mornings have never tasted so good! Enjoy a lazy Sunday around the table with a delicious selection of culinary goodies for breakfast and lunch. The chef instructor will do a quick demo at the beginning, after which attendees will be able to relax with family and friends and enjoy a Sunday brunch. Courses will feature bagels and lox, veggie omelets, home fries, bacon, sausage, and a classic NY-style cheesecake with a strawberry topping. Tickets are priced at $57. Participants must be ages 18 and older. Younger children must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Judah & The Lion with Badflower
Where? 8656 Colesville Road, Silver Spring
When? January 26th
Judah & The Lion is an American folk band hailing from Nashville. The band’s unique sound blends folk instruments with catchy pop melodies and hooks. Some of the band’s top songs feature titles such as “Take It All Back,” “Why Did You Run?” And “Only Want The Best.” Badflower is an American alternative rock band from Los Angeles. This show is a general admission — standing-room-only event, with reserved seating available on the balcony. The show is open to all ages and support acts are subject to change without notice. Doors open at 5:00 PM and the show will begin at 6:00 PM.
Shows, Activities, Events & More in Washington D.C. This Weekend
The capital city is welcoming Monster Jam for an exciting three-day event at the Capital One Arena this weekend. Other fun city events include a career fair, a comedy show with Damon Darling, and a performance by the American Patchwork Quartet.
DC Arts & Culture Career Development Fair
Where? 1101 6th Street SW
When? January 24th
The DC Arts & Culture Career Development Fair is a great way to explore job opportunities and network with industry professionals. This Friday, Arena Stage is hosting the fair from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM in D.C. for those seeking to explore different career options. Attendees can connect with representatives from leading arts organizations in the DMV area to learn about apprenticeship, fellowship, and internship programs that can help kick-start a career. There will be a panel discussion from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM titled “Navigating Your Next Steps: Interview Skills and the Power of Mentorship.” Confirmed vendors at this year’s fair include Americans for the Arts, GALA Hispanic Theater, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, Theatre Washington, and many more. Arena Stage serves a diverse audience of more than 300,000 and has an impact on the lives of over 10,000 students annually through its work in community engagement!
Monster Jam
Where? 601 F Street NW
When? January 24th-26th
Monster Jam is coming to Washington’s Capital One Arena this weekend. Featured competitors at this year’s Monster Jam include Grave Digger, El Toro Loco, Megalodon, Monster Mutt Dalmatian, Raminator, and many more. Friday’s kickoff event begins at 7:00 PM, with doors open an hour earlier. Saturday and Sunday both feature pit parties at 10:30 AM, so make sure to grab your tickets to get up close and personal with the monstrous trucks! Fans will have the chance to meet their favorite drivers and crews, get autographs, take photos, and enjoy other family-friendly activities. Pit Party Passes can be purchased together with your regular ticket order or separately if you’ve already secured your tickets. There is also an exclusive opportunity to meet and mingle with the drivers after the event. Space is limited.
American Patchwork Quartet
Where? Constitution Avenue NW
When? January 26th
Enjoy roots music with the American Patchwork Quartet and Grégoire Maret on harmonica this Sunday as part of the 82nd Concert Series. Audiences will enjoy a performance from the renowned quartet in a special trio presentation. Celebrate the immigrant soul of American roots music through reimagined timeless songs from the nation’s past. Led by Grammy-winning guitarist and vocalist Clay Ross, the trio seamlessly infuses American folk classics with jazz sophistication, country twang, West African hypnotics, and East Asian ornamentation. There will be two concerts — one at 1:00 PM and the second at 3:00 PM, each lasting approximately an hour. The program will be announced from the stage.
Damon Darling
Where? 1523 22nd Street NW
When? January 26th
Darling has performed all over the country with some of the biggest names in comedy. He’s now headlining his own national “Gotta Dollar Tour,” which is coming to The Comedy Loft of DC this weekend. Doors open at 5:00 PM and the show begins at 6:00 PM. Darling’s ability to mix jokes with true life stories and experiences will keep the crowd on their toes. There is a 2-item per-person minimum in the showroom, which can be met with any combination of food items or beverages. General admission seating is on a first come first served basis. If you’re arriving with a group, the venue encourages you to arrive at least 30 minutes to an hour prior to show time.
Shows, Activities, Events & More in Northern Virginia This Weekend
Northern Virginia has a diverse lineup this weekend, from Jurassic Quest in Chantilly to the ever-popular annual McLean Chocolate Festival. You can even stretch your legs at the 2025 Winter City Views 5K/10K event in Arlington!
Jurassic Quest
Where? 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly
When? January 24th-26th
Jurassic Quest is coming to the Dulles Expo Center this weekend. Get ready to make “pter-iffic” memories with your family while playing with precious baby dinosaurs, excavating fossils, and even training a raptor! Jurassic Quest is the world’s largest, most popular Dino event and has unique and exciting experiences for the whole family. Check out the herd of life-size dinosaurs including your favorites like Apatosaurus, Spinosaurus, and of course, T.rex! Guests ages 11 and older are eligible for general admission and younger guests have the option between Kids Ultimate Admission or the Kids Dino-Mite Experience. Make sure you grab your tickets now — before they go extinct!
2025 Winter City Views 5K & 10K
Where? George Washington Memorial Parkway, Arlington
When? January 25th
This Saturday, come on out for the 2025 Winter City Views 5K & 10K alongside the Potomac River. Participants will enjoy views of the Washington Monument across the way while they traverse the route. The race is scheduled from 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM, with the 10K set for 7:45 AM and the 5K at 8:00 AM. Walkers and strollers are welcome to attend as well. Awards will be handed out to the top 3 men and women overall during the awards ceremony post-race. There will also be awards to the 1st and 2nd place males and females in age categories all the way from 19 and under to 70+.
McLean Chocolate Festival
Where? 1234 Ingleside Avenue, McLean
When? January 26th
2025 marks the 13th annual McLean Chocolate Festival. This Sunday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the McLean Community Center, taste specialties from area chocolatiers and enjoy a fun experience for the whole family. There will be live entertainment at the festival, as well as demonstrations and a children’s game room. Admission is priced at $3, which includes a tote bag! Children under the age of 4 are admitted for free. This year’s vendor lineup includes Cameron’s Coffee and Chocolates, Artisan Confections, Mother Clusters, Pacari Chocolate and more.
We Hope You Enjoy Your Weekend!
The DMV region is buzzing this weekend with activities and things to do. Whether you want to race in a 5K or indulge in a decadent Sunday brunch — there is plenty to do all the way from Frederick, MD, Washington D.C., Arlington, VA, and more. Circle back next week to view an updated list of things to do around the area so you don’t miss out on anything exciting!