Our end-of-the-week picks for Jan. 9-11, 2026
We've gathered up some fun things to do in DC this weekend. You can also read what else is going on during the week and throughout the month.
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Friday
Shen Yun 2026
The Kennedy Center annually hosts this journey through five thousand years of Chinese culture. Classical dance informs the theatrical experience, which also includes visual effects, original orchestral works and stories that will transport you to the distant past.
Tickets
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
National Museum of American History
How Can You Forget Me: Filipino American Stories
A new exhibit at the National Museum of American History, presented by the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, explores California’s “Little Manila,” a community of Filipinos that thrived from the 1910s to the 1970s. Through more than 50 artifacts found in preserved steamer trunks (three of which are on display in the gallery), visitors can gain insight into what was once the largest population of Filipinos living outside of their home country.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
Women Artists from Antwerp to Amsterdam, 1600-1750 – Final Weekend
More than 40 Dutch and Flemish women artists are showcased in an exhibit at the National Museum of Women in the Arts. Pieces include paintings, lace, prints, paper cuttings, embroidery and sculpture, all of which deepens understanding of the Dutch and Flemish visual culture of the period. Artists displayed include Gesina ter Borch, Maria Faydherbe, Anna Maria de Koker, Judith Leyster and Magdalena van de Passe.
Hours & Admission
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
Enjoy free admission at the National Law Enforcement Museum and explore nearly 1,000 artifacts spanning 300 years of American law enforcement. Catch a live K-9 demonstration, dive into immersive exhibits and visit the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial just across the street.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Law Enforcement Museum, 444 E Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Ice skate in DC
Lace up some skates and triple axel 'round the District at popular ice skating rinks at the National Building Museum, the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden, Washington Harbour in Georgetown, Canal Park in Capitol Riverfront and The Wharf. Make sure to read our detailed breakdown of each spot.
Saturday
Out of Many: Reframing an American Art Collection
The Phillips Collection presents both well-known and understudied artists in a dynamic new exhibit meant to examine the complexity of American art as the country turns 250 years old. Visitors can experience how artists have depicted landscapes, cultures, stories and people from the early 20th century to the present.
Hours & Admission
The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Photo by Kate Capshaw
Portrait of a Nation: 2025 Honorees
In honor of recent recipients of the Portrait of a Nation Award, the National Portrait Gallery showcases an exhibit dedicated to stunning work. The award elevates “extraordinary individuals who have made transformative contributions to the United States and its people.” This year’s group of honorees includes Jamie Dimon, business leader, by photographer Jason Alden; Temple Grandin, professor, inventor and groundbreaking researcher of animal science, by artist David Lenz; Joy Harjo, renowned poet, performer and writer of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and 23rd U.S. poet laureate, by artist Joel Daniel Phillips; and Steven Spielberg, Academy Award-winning director, producer and writer, by artist Kate Capshaw.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001
The People's House
Home, History, Holidays: Celebrating White House Traditions
The People’s House hosts a temporary exhibit to celebrate the holiday traditions of the White House. Interact with stories and content showcasing the White House’s legendary decorations, the tradition of Menorah lightings and other seasonal cheer. All ages are welcome to join in this holiday exploration.
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission (donations suggested)
The People’s House, 1700 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006
Black Masala
DC-based brass band Black Masala is a hit everywhere they go, combining music from New Orleans, Belgrade, Paris and Cotonou into an eclectic mix that makes people move and groove. At Pearl Street Warehouse, they’ll be joined by Eastern Standard Time, which features jazz, reggae and soul musicians from DC as well.
8 p.m. | Tickets
Pearl Street Warehouse, 33 Pearl Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Sunday
National Building Museum
Winter Skate Spectacular
Don’t fret! The National Building Museum will bring back its indoor ice-skating rink this year. Sponsored by the DowntownDC Business Improvement District and Events DC, the Winter Skate Spectacular will offer daytime and after-hours skate sessions this year. Visitors can also enjoy The Wave, a 55-by-180-foot recycled aluminum space frame suspended in the Great Hall.
Tickets & More Information
National Building Museum, 401 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Grandma Moses: A Good Day's Work
Anna Mary Robertson Moses, who was dubbed “Grandma Moses” by the press, lived through the American Civil War, two world wars and the civil rights era. In the 1940s, she emerged as a central figure thanks to her unique tapestries of American life. The Smithsonian American Art Museum introduces her essential work to new generations with an in-depth exhibit.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
Signature Theatre Company
Fiddler on the Roof
The welcoming environs of Signature Theatre are the perfect setting for a beautiful staging of this iconic musical. Fiddler on the Roof concerns Jewish milkman Tevye and his community in Czarist Russia as they deal with rising anti-Semitism and a world quickly changing around them. Legendary songs include “Sunrise, Sunset” “If I Were a Rich Man” and “Matchmaker”.
Tickets
Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
Places to Stay
Need some inspiration for a place to stay in between events? Washington, DC is filled with a multitude of hotels to fit your needs. Whether you are looking for that specialty boutique hotel or booking at your favorite hotel brand, Washington, DC's booking engine has it all. Find your stay today!
Do you know where you’ll be dining pre- or post-event? From pop-up restaurants to award-winning hot spots to laid-back food halls, our DC food guide is perfect for helping you plan a more memorable experience.
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