The Good Week | April 16, 2026

Last week, The Good Week stopped by the Artists & Makers Studios Open Studios event and was reminded how much is happening around here when you know where to look. Walking through working studios, seeing artists in process, and being able to ask questions in real time feels very different from just hearing about it. Grateful to the artists who opened their spaces and shared their work. We shared a few moments from the weekend on Instagram.

This week continues in that spirit—surfacing what’s out there and opening the door to try something new, learn something, or spend time in the community.

Consider this your heads-up before the spots fill: Montgomery College just opened registration for its noncredit classes this summer. There’s a surprisingly fun mix—everything from croissants with a Michelin-starred pastry chef to cake decorating and improv. No blue books required.

And if something caught your eye this week, hit reply. We read every note.

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Art, music, performances, and a few reasons to spend the evening out.

This spring concert showcases the guzheng, a traditional Chinese string instrument known for its layered, flowing sound. The program blends classical and contemporary pieces, including traditional compositions, folk arrangements, and ensemble performances featuring piano, violin, and percussion.

Performed by members of the Washington Guzheng Society, the concert reflects both the instrument’s history and its modern interpretations.
👉 Learn more

This multi-comic lineup brings together women at different stages of their comedy careers, from first-time performers to seasoned headliners. The set moves across styles and perspectives, with a mix of personal storytelling, observational humor, and off-the-cuff moments.

Headliner DLo, a Baltimore-based comic with 10+ years on stage, closes out the night. Doors open at 6 pm. Tickets $17.25.
👉 Get tickets

This stage adaptation of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time follows Christopher, a 15-year-old with a unique way of seeing the world, as he sets out to solve the mystery of a neighbor’s dog. What begins as an investigation becomes a larger journey that challenges how he navigates everyday life.

Performed by Rockville Little Theatre, the production blends mystery with a character-driven story that has been widely adapted for the stage. Tickets $24.
👉 Get tickets

This intimate solo acoustic show brings Jason Mraz back to a stripped-down format, with just guitar, vocals, and storytelling. The set spans more than 20 years, mixing well-known songs with deeper cuts in a more conversational setting.

A two-time Grammy Award winner known for songs like I’m Yours and Lucky, Mraz built his career on a blend of pop, folk, and laid-back acoustic sound, with an emphasis on songwriting and connection with audiences. $28+
👉 Get tickets

Food experiences, tastings, and classes that make the week revolve around something delicious.

This hands-on class with Chef Tisha Djissenou focuses on bold, Caribbean flavors, with participants preparing Jamaican chicken wings with a homemade sauce alongside red beans and rice. The session is fully interactive, with step-by-step guidance in a professional kitchen.

The evening ends with a shared meal, giving you a chance to sit down and enjoy what you’ve made. $55.
👉 Register

Hands-on classes and social activities where you can learn something new or step a little outside your comfort zone.

This open-air dance night pairs live music with a beginner two-step lesson to get the evening started. Kiti Gartner & the Drifting Valentines perform a mix of western swing, rockabilly, and old country, drawing on 1940s–60s sounds from Nashville, Sun Records, and Bakersfield. The schedule begins with a free lesson from 7:30–8 pm, followed by live music and open dancing through 10:30 pm. $22+
👉 Get tickets

This hands-on workshop combines two projects in one session: a custom resin cutting board and a set of hand-painted wine glasses. You’ll be guided through the resin pouring process and have time to experiment with color and design across both pieces.

The format leans social, with a mix of crafting and conversation, and you leave with finished pieces that are both functional and personal.
👉 Register

Traveling photographer Troy R. Bennett, a Maine-based photojournalist whose work has appeared in regional and national publications, brings his tintype pop-up to Glen Echo. He uses the wet plate collodion process introduced in 1851, a method that requires each metal plate to be coated, exposed, and developed on the spot using a portable darkroom.

The result is a one-of-a-kind portrait with a distinctly vintage feel. You’ll hold still for a few seconds during the exposure, and subtle imperfections and tonal shifts are part of what give each piece its character. Sessions take about 20 minutes. $75+
👉 Learn more

The DMV Shuffle Circle brings its community meetup to Rockville for an afternoon of shuffle dancing (Melbourne Shuffle). Dancers spend three hours learning, practicing, and building confidence in a style centered on fast footwork and rhythm.

Beginners and experienced dancers share the space and learn from each other in real time. Founded in 2015, the group has built a following across the D.C. area with an accessible, community-focused approach. Free to attend. No sign-up required.
👉 Learn more [Visit Montgomery]

Move your body, get outside, and stay active this week.

A 45-minute sculpt class kicks off this fitness-and-retail event, designed to build strength and get you moving. Open to all levels, the session is followed by a private shopping window at Fabletics.

Participants receive 25% off, a free gift with purchase, and dedicated time to browse and try on styles. Space is limited to 20 spots. Bring a yoga mat, water, and plan to stay after class.
👉 Reserve a spot

This outdoor HIIT class is part of the BE Well pop-up series from Bethesda Row, in partnership with Equinox. The session delivers a high-energy, full-body workout in a group setting on Bethesda Lane.

Mats are provided for ticketed attendees. The first 20 people to check in receive a free small gelato or coffee from Dolcezza. Bring water and a towel. $5.
👉 Reserve your spot

Earlier picks still ahead — and still worth catching.

🌍 International Night — Apr 17, 6 pm — cultural performances in Rockville

🎤 Who’s With Me? — W. Kamau Bell — Apr 17, 7:30 pm — stand-up at Strathmore

🎩 Magic Duel Comedy Show — Apr 18, 5 & 8 pm — interactive magic show in Bethesda

🎭 Broadway in Bethesda Gala with Megan Hilty — Apr 18 — gala performance in Bethesda

🎤 BTS World Tour ‘ARIRANG’—Live Viewing — Apr 18, 4 pm — concert broadcast in Bethesda

📚 Fiction Book Club: Megan Howell on Softie — Apr 19, 2–3 pm — author discussion in Bethesda

🔩 Radical Etching on Steel — Apr 21–22, 9:30 am–5:30 pm — metals workshop in Kensington

📚 Plot Twisted: A Crafty Book Club — Apr 22, 6–8 pm — book club + craft activity

🎵 Bernard/Ebb Songwriting Awards Concert — Apr 24, 7:30 pm — live music competition in North Bethesda

🥃 Whiskey 101 Tasting Class — Apr 26, 6–8 pm — guided whiskey tasting in North Bethesda

🎶 Renée Fleming: Voice of Nature — The Anthropocene — May 27, 8 pm — multimedia performance at Strathmore

If you stop by any of this week’s spots, let them know you heard about it in The Good Week.

If something landed well—or if we missed a place you think deserves attention—tell us at [email protected].

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See you next week.

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