Residents of the DMV region never lack weekend activity options. If you haven’t filled out your itinerary yet, check out these enticing events, activities, shows and more! From family-friendly fun at the museum to adult-centered nights at the beer fest — there’s plenty to do around the region in the new year.
Shows, Activities, Events & More in Maryland This Weekend
The Old Line State has plenty to do this weekend, from a little friendly competition at Family Trivia Night to free fossil identification at First Fossil Friday at the Calvert Marine Museum. You can also delve into Italian cooking or participate in a puzzle exchange at the Annapolis Library!
First Fossil Friday
Where? 14200 Solomons Island Road, Solomons
When? January 3rd
Love all things paleontology? Brush up on your fossil-studying skills at First Fossil Friday at the Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons. From 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM this Friday, fossil hunters of all ages can bring their super cool finds from Calvert Cliffs and other local areas to be identified at the museum. This service is provided for free, though admission fees will still apply to gain access to museum exhibits. Other fun weekend activities at the museum include Saturday’s “Pop-In with Poppie,” which features a visit from Poppie the Virginia Opossum from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM. Join the Poppie paparazzi in the museum lobby to learn fun possum facts.
Family Storytime at Wheaton Library
Where? 11701 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring
When? January 3rd
Wheaton Library is hosting a family-friendly storytime from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM this Friday. This will be a 25-30-minute program that’s thoughtfully designed to delight children of all ages. The program is filled with diverse stories and activities that promote and develop language skills and imagination. Tickets will be handed out at the information desk starting at 10:15 AM. Space is limited and attendees should arrive early to ensure their spot. While you’re waiting for story time, check out the wide array of books on the shelves at the library. Parents may even be interested in the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten challenge — which helps to promote early literacy.
Emilia-Romagna: The Heart of Italian Cuisine
Where? 14624 Solomons Island Road South, Solomons
When? January 4th
No Thyme to Cook is excited to invite eager home chefs to learn all about Italian cuisine this weekend from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Saturday. Embark on what’s sure to be a flavorful journey through Italy’s beautiful culinary landscape with this expanded 6-part cooking class series. Emilia-Romagna is often regarded as the gastronomic heart of Italy and is renowned for its rich culinary traditions and exceptional local ingredients. The region is located in northern Italy and produces some of the country’s most iconic and beloved dishes. During the class, participants will learn how to make tagliatelle al ragù, tortellini in brodo, and panpepato for dessert! Demonstrations will be taught by a chef instructor and everyone in the class will be able to enjoy the menu items.
Family Trivia Night
Where? 1611 North Market Street, Frederick
When? January 4th
Family Trivia Night at Rose Hill Manor Park is perfect for an evening outing with the kids. Get the family hyped to test their trivia history knowledge and compete against other participants. This is fun for all ages and registration can be made for a team of up to 8 players. The game will be hosted from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM this Saturday and is organized by the Frederick County Parks and Recreation Department. Families can register here. There is onsite parking at Rose Hill Manor Park.
Puzzle Exchange
Where? 1410 West Street, Annapolis
When? January 4th
Searching for a new puzzle to work on at home? Then the Puzzle Exchange at the Annapolis Library is perfect for you! From 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM this Saturday, swing by the library and bring any puzzles that you’re looking to swap out with fellow puzzle enthusiasts. You can either take home your new goodies or work on putting them together by yourself or with new friends during the event. This is a great way to save some money on buying brand-new puzzles while clearing out some of your old ones. No registration is required for this event.
Creative Knitters Guild
Where? 4201 Knowles Avenue, Kensington
When? January 4th
The Creative Knitters Guild was founded in 1992 and is designed for knitters of all levels, ranging from beginners to masters of the craft. Guest speakers are often arranged for each meeting, providing an abundance of value for members of all levels. This inclusive group of people includes dyers, spinners, crocheters, and more. The group typically meets on the first Saturday of the month. Whether you’re looking to pick up a hobby in the new year or you want to find a group of like-minded, creative people to knit with in 2025 — the Creative Knitters Guild is a great option. The meeting will be hosted at the Kensington Park Library from 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM this Saturday.
Damn Near Beer Fest
Where? 3300 Clipper Mill Road Suite 400, Baltimore
When? January 5th
True Chesapeake is presenting its Damn Near Beer Fest this Sunday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Kick off your Dry January at the beer fest, where you’ll be able to sample 30+ NA beers for free. There will be free venue parking onsite and since you are imbibing nonalcoholic options, you won’t need to worry about a designated driver! A few of the samples you’ll be able to try include Stella Artois, Corona, Athletic Brewing Co., Guinness, and more. True Chesapeake is a restaurant rooted in the bounty of the Chesapeake Bay. The company is proud to be Maryland’s first oyster farm to open a restaurant and the company also offers off-site catering services for weddings, corporate events, and more.
Anne Arundel County Farmers Market
Where? Riva Road & Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis
When? January 5th
The Anne Arundel County Farmers Market is proudly celebrating 42 years! Across over four decades in the community, the farmers market has constantly changed its seasonal variety and also expanded event offerings to include more family-friendly celebrations. This Saturday and Sunday, check out the bounty of winter goods at the farmers market from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Sunday. The Wednesday and Saturday markets are closed for the season. Vendors may fluctuate, though you can expect to find a variety of farmers selling produce, meat, homemade treats, and more. A few of the recurring vendors include Cedar Run Farm, Blades Orchard, Nice Farms Creamery, Prickly Pear Produce, Brenda’s Butter, and more.
Shows, Activities, Events & More in Washington D.C. This Weekend
Washington D.C. is a lively place to be throughout the year. Enjoy the offering this weekend around town that includes a Capitals NHL game, a raucous comedy walk, and even a Broadway performance of Life of Pi.
Bluegrass and $3 Beer Festival
Where? 740 Water Street SW
When? January 3rd & 4th
This free bluegrass and $3 beer night will feature Rock Creek Revival and The Remington Rounders on Union Stage on Friday and BILGEWATER and Big Thicket on Saturday. This is an all-ages event, so bring the whole family out to enjoy the music or enjoy an adult’s night out with cheap beer and great music. Doors open at 5:00 PM and the performances are slated to begin an hour later. There is a free RSVP option to secure your spot at the event.
Capitals vs Rangers: Youth Hockey Day
Where? 601 F Street NW
When? January 4th
This weekend, grab tickets to the Washington Capitals game to celebrate Youth Hockey Day! The Capitals will take on the New York Rangers at the Capital One Arena, with tickets starting at just $59. All ticket purchases through the special offer will include a Capitals youth hockey water bottle, which can be picked up at the game. The game is scheduled for 12:00 PM, giving families the opportunity to enjoy an earlier game and be home with plenty of time for dinner! The game is sure to be a fun-filled, action-packed Capitals matchup with local youth hockey players accompanying the NHL players for arrivals and announcing the starting lineup, as well as more in-game activations!
Comedy Walk
Where? 1701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
When? January 4th & 5th
Laugh your way through D.C. as you check out the top monuments on this one-and-a-half-hour comedy walking tour. Whether you love all things history, comedy, or both — this is a great way to explore the city and see things in a new light. Participants will view the White House, the National Mall, the Washington Monument, the Martin Luther King Monument, and the Lincoln Memorial while they enjoy the rousing commentary from a professional stand-up comedian. Tickets are priced at $25 and the walk is scheduled from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM on both Saturday and Sunday. This is a recurring event, so catch it next weekend as well.
Life of Pi
Where? 2700 F Street NW
When? Through January 5th
Life of Pi at The Kennedy Center is based on the novel that sold more than 15 million copies, becoming a worldwide phenomenon. The epic story of perseverance and hope speaks to every generation and “gives new life to Broadway,” per The Today Show. Follow the story of a 16-year-old boy named Pi as he survives on a lifeboat after a shipwreck in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, accompanied by four companions — a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan, and a Royal Bengal tiger. Life of Pi will be performed through this weekend, so catch it before it’s gone! The approximate runtime is labeled as 2 hours and 30 minutes and ticket prices range from $59 to $189. Friday’s 8:00 PM performance will be sign language interpreted for those deaf and hard of hearing in the audience.
Shows, Activities, Events & More in Northern Virginia This Weekend
NoVA has you covered this weekend, whether you’re passionate about sports memorabilia or cars! You can also learn more about Chickadees while you sip on hot cocoa with a group of friendly bird enthusiasts.
NoVA Sports Card Show
Where? 43-1 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington
When? January 4th
This Saturday, head to the Cooperative Plaza Conference Center for a day filled with buying, selling, and trading your favorite sports cards, memorabilia, TCG, and collectibles. From 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, take advantage of free admission at one of the DMV’s premiere card shows, with early admission starting at 9:30 PM ($5). Regular admission tickets are free. This is an all-ages event and there will be paid venue parking options. The event is hosted by Fire Sports Cards and there will be tons of door prizes and over 50 restaurants within walking distance of the venue, making this the ideal location for an afternoon of fun, camaraderie, and all things sports.
Chocolate with Chickadees
Where? 2845 Marcey Road, Arlington
When? January 5th
This Sunday’s Chocolate with Chickadees event is one you won’t want to miss. From 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, enjoy hot cocoa to help you stay warm at the Potomac Overlook’s bird observation station. Participants will learn about the behavior of these tiny birds and watch as they fly to nearby bird feeders. Hot cocoa will be provided but organizers request that guests bring their own mugs. This event is priced at $8 and designed for ages 7+. There are limited openings remaining, so grab your spot ASAP! Guests will meet at the nature center on Sunday morning.
Vienna Cars and Coffee
Where? 260 Cedar Lane, Vienna
When? January 5th
Vienna Cars and Coffee is a dedicated group of locals who love cars and who gather on the first and third Sundays from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM at the Cedar Park Shopping Center in Vienna. The center has multiple shops that offer breakfast and coffee options. This is an ongoing event designed to build relationships and increase support within the local community. The group additionally collects food and donations for local charities in an effort to drive away food insecurity.
We Hope You Enjoy Your Weekend!
With so many events and activities occurring from Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia — residents and tourists of all ages have an abundance of opportunity to get out and explore the wonderful DMV region. Make the most of the new year and take advantage of the first weekend in 2025!