Love, Friendship, and Ways to Come Together

Art, music, and gatherings that light up January.

Experience a brand-new play right here in Rockville with Back to the Drawing Board, a world-premiere comedy by Emmy Award–winning writer Ken Levine (Cheers, MASH, Frasier). The story follows a would-be New Yorker cartoonist whose long pursuit of success and love doesn’t land as planned, brought to life by a leadership team with national credentials—including director Stan Levin, Maryland State Arts Council Playwright in Residence John Morogiello, and Vice President Rebecca A. Herron, a Helen Hayes Award–nominated performer—offering rare access to top-tier talent on an intimate local stage.
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Step into a thoughtful, low-pressure poetry gathering at Kensington Row Bookshop, where writers and listeners come together to share work that’s still finding its shape. Hosted by MuseVerse Circle, this monthly session centers unfinished poems, close listening, and reflection—offering a welcoming space for poets and poetry lovers alike to spend an afternoon with language, curiosity, and community.
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Turn Valentine’s Day into something genuinely fun at the Comedy Magic Show: The Magic Duel, where two award-winning magicians face off in a fast-paced, interactive battle of wit and illusion at Hyatt Regency Bethesda. With sharp banter, audience participation, and mind-bending tricks from Mark Phillips and Meadow Perry, the night feels lively and unexpected—an easy win for date night, friends, or anyone who prefers laughter and surprise over the usual Valentine routine. $101.82+
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Sun, Mar 15, 11 am–4 pm | Bethesda N. Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, N. Bethesda

Spend an afternoon tasting your way through the region at the MoCo Eats Showcase, where more than 100 restaurants, breweries, wineries, distilleries, and artisan makers come together under one roof at Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center. With food and drink tastings, live cooking demos, and a chance to meet the chefs and makers shaping Montgomery County’s food scene, it’s an easy way to discover new favorites and plan return visits—especially since past showcases have sold out.
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Fresh ways to move, connect, and set a new rhythm for the year ahead.

Try something sharp—literally—at Rockville Fencing Academy, where beginners can step into fencing without pressure or prior experience. Learn the basics of foil fencing in a welcoming club setting that balances movement with strategy, offering a full-body workout that’s as mentally engaging as it is physical. It’s an easy way to test-drive a sport that rewards focus, confidence, and a little competitive spark. $75+
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Rally your friends for a feel-good day on the courts at Pearl & Rose’s Pickleball Palooza, where connection matters as much as the score at Dill Dinkers. Designed for women ages 45–65 and welcoming all skill levels, the day blends optional clinics, a social tournament, and plenty of time to cheer and connect—bringing girlfriends, good vibes, and community together for a cause, with proceeds benefiting So What Else?. $45+
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January's made for trying new things. Here are a few ways to use your hands, curiosity, or a little courage.

Fast-paced and high-energy, this weekly trivia night blends game-show momentum with a broad mix of questions—from blockbuster movies and sports stats to pop culture deep cuts and timely surprises. Teams rack up points in live-hosted rounds, with the leaderboard always in view and weekly rewards on the line. Settle in with food and drinks, bring your smartest (or loudest) friends, and play for bragging rights that last until next Tuesday.
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Earlybirds Club flips the idea of a night out into something joyful, welcoming, and refreshingly early. Expect a high-energy, nostalgia-fueled dance party packed with hits from the ’80s, ’90s, and 2000s—pop, hip-hop, R&B, new wave, and house—designed for movement, release, and pure fun. Come as you are, dance hard, and still make it home in time for a full night’s sleep.

Thanks to Melissa from Bethesda for the tip on this one. Know an event we should feature? Email us at [email protected]
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This Galentine’s Day brunch at Pinstripes puts a playful spin on the classic weekend outing with pink pours, local pop-up shops, and a live DJ setting the mood. Designed as a one-day celebration for friends, the event pairs bubbles and beats with a brunch menu that includes vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
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Uncork your creativity at this festive paint-and-sip evening designed for Valentine’s, Galentine’s, or a well-earned night out. Settle in for a guided painting session with all materials provided, plus a playful spread of seasonal bites and drinks to keep things relaxed and social. The menu leans fun and indulgent, with heart-shaped chicken and waffles, a painter’s palette-style charcuterie board, and chocolate-dipped strawberries rounding out the night. No painting experience needed—just show up ready to sip, paint, and unwind. $95
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This elevated craft night centers on transforming vegan leather jewelry boxes into beautifully personalized keepsakes. Designed as a refined Galentine’s escape, the evening blends creative freedom with thoughtfully curated materials, light bites, and sips in a relaxed, social setting. It’s an opportunity to celebrate friendship, self-love, or simply enjoy a stylish night of making something meaningful. No experience needed—just come ready to craft, sip, and unwind. $85
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Create a collaborative painting with your pARTner during this relaxed, creative evening for two. Share brushes, laughs, and a little romance—plus enjoy a light dinner and drinks included as you paint side by side.
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Celebrate friendship, fun, and all things Galentine’s at this creative, hands-on workshop designed for a girls’ night, bestie date, or a little self-love. You’ll make three custom minis—a scented candle, a personalized room spray, and a charm bracelet you hand-select and design—with all materials provided and a drink included. No experience needed—just show up ready to create, sip, and enjoy the evening. $55
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Sip, design, and celebrate Galentine’s with a hands-on nail art night hosted at Hammer & Stain. Create a custom set of reusable press-on nails using provided tips, polish, charms, and glitters, then take them home with instructions for rewearing. With guided techniques, no experience required, and your first glass of wine included, it’s an easy, creative way to spend the evening with friends. $55.
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This cozy, beginner-friendly craft night invites guests to create a glowing mosaic heart just in time for Valentine’s Day. Participants will design a 5-inch mosaic heart on a wooden stand using pre-cut glass tiles, then add LED fairy lights so it shines from within. All materials are provided, and step-by-step guidance keeps the experience relaxed and social. No experience needed—just come ready to craft, sip, and enjoy a creative night out at a local meadery. Drinks and snacks are available for purchase on site. $42
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Clear Skies brings back its Valentine’s Day karaoke night with love songs, heartbreak anthems, and prizes for crowd favorites. Hosted by KJ Smilez, the evening welcomes singers and cheerleaders alike—plus the Palmetto Bay Cuisine food truck will be on site for bites while you belt it out.
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Simple pleasures to reset, restore, and lift your week.

Montgomery County’s largest LGBTQIA+ vendor market returns with an afternoon built around discovery, creativity, and community. Browse a rotating lineup of about 20 LGBTQIA+–owned businesses featuring handmade goods, art, and unexpected finds. Each month brings a new mix of vendors, along with food, entertainment, and a lively atmosphere that rewards both a quick browse and a longer stay.
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Slow down and take in the quiet beauty of winter on this guided stroll through the farm park and surrounding fields. Led at an easy, relaxed pace, the walk explores familiar paths that feel entirely different this time of year, with time to notice the landscape, the light, and the season itself. $7.
→ Register

Ways to give back, support local causes, and make the week a little brighter for someone else.

Spend a morning giving back along the Potomac at this hands-on stewardship event at C&O Canal National Historical Park. Volunteers will help remove invasive plants like English ivy and Japanese honeysuckle, along with light trash cleanup, to support the health of this well-loved stretch of the canal. All tools and materials are provided.
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