Atlas Performing Arts Center
Our end-of-the-week picks for Jan. 24-26
We've gathered up some fun things to do in DC this holiday weekend. You can also read what else is going on during the week and throughout the month.
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Friday
AJAX
DC’s Scena Theatre presents a modern reimagining of the famous tragedy by Sophocles at the Atlas Performing Arts Center. The production is reset in today’s Middle East, illustrating how ancient Greece’s Trojan War has themes and lessons that are hauntingly similar to contemporary wars in the region. The play examines the wider impacts of war and the personal costs of conflict, powerfully showcasing the plight of the American soldier.
Tickets
Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
Nick Swardson
A true stand-up comic legend, Nick Swardson has also become a fixture on television and in films thanks to memorable roles in Reno 911! on Comedy Central and a variety of successful Happy Madison productions (he’s very close friends with fellow icon Adam Sandler). Swardson’s brand of hilarity will be on full display during this show at the historic Warner Theatre.
7:30 p.m. | Tickets
Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Warren G
West Coast hip-hop gave us seemingly endless gems in the 1990s, but Warren G’s “Regulate” is right near the top. His brand of G-funk has resonated through multiple generations and now, the smooth-talking rapper honors the 30th anniversary of his classic album with a tour. Howard Theatre is the ideal venue for such a celebration.
8 p.m. | Tickets
The Howard Theatre, 620 T Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
TINA: The Tina Turner Musical
A triumphant musical about the Queen of Rock n’ Roll returns to the National Theatre in DC. Tina Turner’s story includes overcoming domestic violence and a mountain of prejudice to become the best-selling solo performer in music history. Her best songs are featured throughout, and the acclaimed play was written by Pulitzer Prize winner Katori Hall.
Tickets
The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Saturday
Twilight Zone: Hidden Wonders of the Ocean
ARTECHOUSE and the Woods Holde Oceanographic Institution have collaborated to highlight an awe-inspiring nightly migration of ocean twilight zone creatures and their intricate connections to the planet’s health, including their contributions to the regulation of the earth’s climate. The groundbreaking exhibition offers a 24-minute cinematic journey with immersive 270-degree projections that span from floor to wall, complemented by six interactive installations and six XR activations. Use the code 'AEF10' for discounted tickets.
Tickets
ARTECHOUSE, 1238 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20002
Lunar New Year Celebration: Stephanie Chou
Join the Kennedy Center to celebrate the Lunar New Year with a musical performance from Stephanie Chou, a Chinese American composer, saxophonist and singer who masterfully blends Western jazz and pop with her heritage to create dazzling cross-cultural music. She’ll be joined by her quintet during this free show at Millennium Stage, which will also feature lion-dancing and other Lunar New Year festivities.
Register
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566
Monster Jam at Capital One Arena
Roaring back to Penn Quarter is Monster Jam, two days packed with monster truck freestyle stunts, top-notch competitions and races. The family-friendly event is a chance to see some of the best drivers in the world. Be sure to check out the Pit Party, where fans get the chance to meet the drivers.
Tickets
601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Guac
The Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company hosts a one-man tour-de-force theatrical performance from Manuel Oliver, the father of Parkland shooting victim Joaquin Oliver. Totally fearless and remarkably funny, the father-turned-activist speaks to his undying love for his son and how his family has navigated an unspeakable and uniquely American tragedy.
Tickets
Woolly Mammoth Theatre, 641 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Sunday
National Museum of African American History and Culture
In Slavery's Wake
The National Museum of African American History and Culture's new exhibit offers a dynamic mix of history, art and media. Visitors can observe connections between Black freedom-makers across time and join in a global conversation on the continued impacts of slavery and colonialism. The multi-lingual experience features 100 objects, 250 images and 10 multi-media interactives and films.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily | Reserve Timed Passes
Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture, 1400 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
Anacostia Community Museum
A Bold and Beautiful Vision: A Century of Black Arts Education in Washington, DC, 1900-2000 – Through March 2
The Anacostia Community Museum sheds light on fascinating local history with an exhibit featuring captivating original artworks, rare video footage and can't-miss artifacts including Alma Thomas’s paintbrushes and watercolor paint set, an early 20th-century lifelike marionette that William Buckner made with his local high school students, original Elizabeth Catlett prints that once hung in the halls of her DC high school and Sam Gilliam pieces from his tenure as a teacher at McKinley Technical High School. Experience the influence, power and creativity of the Black artist-educators who empowered generations of DC students.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian's Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Place SE, Washington, DC 20020
The ‘70s Lens: Reimagining Documentary Photography
Across a wondrous collection of roughly 100 works by more than 80 artists, the National Gallery of Art gives visitors a chance to explore the dramatic shift in documentary photography that played out during the turmoil-filled decade of the 1970s. As Americans faced the Watergate scandal, inflation, energy crises and a host of other developments, documentary photographers shifted their collective perspective, leading to brilliant images that depict vibrant communities, suburban sprawl, conceptual art, nature and much more.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC
Blind Pilot
To celebrate their first album in eight years, Blind Pilot’s tour is taking their signature indie folk sound across the country. The Portland-based band attracts audiences with rock melodies that explore love, loss and self-discovery, particularly some favorites from "3 Rounds and a Sound," delivered with the heartfelt energy that defines their live shows.
Tickets
9:30 Club, 815 V Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
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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