Around the World, Close to Home

Art, music, and gatherings that light up January.

A relaxed Sunday morning with a cultural twist and a great opportunity to practice your French. French journalist and documentary filmmaker Arthur Genre presents his book La France Made in USA, exploring how American icons, from McDonald’s to rock ’n’ roll, have shaped everyday life in France. Expect thoughtful storytelling, cultural insight, and audience Q&A, followed by a book signing and time to linger over coffee and pastries. Presented in French. RSVP required. $12.51
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Spend your Sunday afternoon immersed in art and conversation at this artist talk connected to Ch/Art’s Finding Joy exhibition. Ch/Art is a volunteer-run nonprofit building access to the visual arts through exhibitions, talks, and hands-on opportunities. Featured artists Renee Sandell, Kanika Sircar, and Sally O’Connell share insights into their creative process, with time for audience participation. Bring a thin-tip black permanent marker if you’d like to join in.
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This powerful documentary revisits the 1960 civil rights protests that ended racial segregation at the privately owned Glen Echo Amusement Park. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Ilana Trachtman, who grew up in Rockville, the film blends archival footage and personal accounts to tell a pivotal local story with national impact. Two free screenings are offered; each runs approximately 90 minutes. A Glen Echo Park Civil Rights & History Tour led by a National Park Service ranger takes place at 10 AM, ahead of the first screening. Free screening, but RSVP required.
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Celebrate Black History Month with a moving performance by Jubilee Voices, part of Washington Revels. Founded in 2010, the ensemble brings African American history to life through a cappella music, spoken word, and movement, weaving storytelling and tradition into a dynamic concert experience. Doors open at 10 AM if you’d like to explore the museum beforehand. Parking is available at Wall Local Park, with an accessible Ride-On shuttle provided. $15.
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Chef, restaurateur, and international bestselling cookbook author Yotam Ottolenghi brings his signature warmth to Crowd Pleaser, a live evening blending cooking, storytelling, and audience interaction. Moving between a cooking station and an armchair, he reflects on the quiet pressures of feeding others, from picky eaters to expectations, including his own. With personal stories, audience questions, and practical kitchen wisdom, Ottolenghi celebrates cooking as connection, not perfection. Thoughtful, funny, and reassuring, this is a celebration of cooking as connection—not perfection. $28–$78
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From an intimate guided wine tasting to a festive aperitivo with conversation, the Italian Cultural Society of Washington, DC offers thoughtful, welcoming ways to experience Italian food, wine, and culture close to home.

Start the year with a guided journey through the wines of Umbria, led by certified sommelier and personal chef Alessandro Monzi. A native of Amelia, Italy, Monzi brings deep expertise shaped by nearly two decades working in top private clubs, restaurants, and estates across Washington, DC, Italy, London, and beyond. Expect thoughtful pours, context-rich stories, and insights into winemaking and food pairings that go well beyond the glass. This is an intimate tasting with limited spots remaining. $115
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Celebrate Carnival the Italian way with an evening aperitivo inspired by Italy’s festive traditions. Hosted by the Italian Cultural Society, this relaxed gathering invites guests to sip Spritz, enjoy light bites, and practice conversational Italian alongside native instructors and members of the local Italian cultural community. Beginners are warmly welcome, and conversation flows easily—no pressure, just participation. Carnival masks encouraged for anyone feeling festive. $35
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Fresh ways to move, connect, and set a new rhythm for the year ahead.

If your running routine could use a reset, this welcoming REI session offers practical ideas without the pressure. Designed for adults at different starting points, the class covers local places to run, basic gear, safety tips, and easy ways to mix trail and road miles. Expect useful guidance, local resources, and a supportive group setting that makes getting back out there feel manageable. Space is limited to 20 participants.
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Creative detours that use your hands, curiosity, or a little courage.

Dance the night away in the historic Spanish Ballroom with live music from the Daryl Davis Band. Chicago-born and DC-based, Daryl Davis is an international recording artist, band leader, and author whose musical career includes performing with legends like Chuck Berry and Elvis Presley’s Jordanaires. The evening opens with a beginner-friendly swing dance lesson (included), followed by open dancing to live music—an easy, joyful way to move, listen, and spend a winter Saturday night. Beginner lesson included. $20 advance | $30 day-of
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A weekly folk dance evening with a welcoming, all-levels vibe. The night begins with a beginner/intermediate lesson from 7:30–8:30 PM, followed by open request dancing from 8:30–10:00 PM. Expect dances from Bulgaria, Macedonia, Romania, Albania, Greece, Turkey, Armenia, Croatia, Serbia, and more, set to great music and guided by an experienced community of dancers. No partner or prior experience needed. Dress comfortably. $10
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Practice conversational Spanish in a welcoming, relaxed group setting at Rockville Memorial Library. This in-person conversation group is designed for people with some prior Spanish knowledge who want a chance to speak, listen, and build confidence—no textbooks, no formal instruction. Think friendly conversation, shared learning, and an easy way to keep your language skills active.
Free, registration required.
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Spend a few hours crafting a one-of-a-kind mosaic lamp in this beginner-friendly Turkish art workshop. With step-by-step guidance, you’ll choose your own project—from candle holders to moon lamps—and design a piece that’s entirely your own. No experience is needed, and the atmosphere is as inviting as it is creative, complete with Turkish coffee and music that make the experience feel immersive and unhurried. A satisfying, hands-on way to make something beautiful and take it home with you. $99+
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Perfect timing for Valentine’s Day weekend, this workshop invites hopeless romantics and aspiring writers to sharpen their craft. Golden Angel, a USA Today bestselling author, shares practical techniques for writing romance scenes that linger with readers long after the final page. From priming the audience to crafting strong hooks and satisfying endings, the session breaks down what works, what doesn’t, and why. You’ll also have time to polish a scene and read it aloud in a supportive setting. All levels welcome. $60/$75 members/nonmembers.
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Simple pleasures to reset, restore, and lift your week.

Join this in-person book discussion exploring Hula by Jasmin ʻIolani Hakes, a novel that traces the tumultuous history of Hawaiʻi through three generations of a Hawaiian family. Through story and conversation, the group will reflect on themes of culture, identity, and belonging in the context of colonization and legacy. A thoughtful, midweek pause for readers who enjoy digging a little deeper together. Free
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Ways to give back, support local causes, and make the week a little brighter for someone else.

Join the City of Rockville and Rockville’s Human Rights Commission for a thoughtful, community-centered Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration focused on justice, equity, and action. This free morning event features multiple presentation tracks exploring equitable governance, restorative practices, systems change, and civic leadership—alongside space for reflection, conversation, and recommitment to shared values. A continental breakfast will be available while supplies last. Free
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