The Good Week | February 26, 2026

There’s real range right now — comedy that gives back, art with global roots, line dancing, night hikes, hands-on classes, and thoughtful conversations. A reminder that there isn’t just one way to spend your time well — if you know where to look.

We put this together to make that easier. Our hope is simple: that you find one thing that makes your week feel a little fuller here in and around Potomac and Bethesda.

That’s why we created The Good Week — to uncover more of the fun (and meaning) in our own backyard. If you’ve tried something because of this newsletter, we’d truly love to hear about it. Just reply or reach us at [email protected].

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Three to prioritize — community art, late-night laughs, and a little line dancing.

🎨 Global Rhythms — A meaningful, community-rooted exhibition featuring art from former USAID staff.

😂 Jeff Applebaum (Benefitting MC Live) — A sharp, feel-good comedy night where your ticket supports local disability inclusion.

🤠 Country Line Dancing at ON St. Elmo — Easy steps, good music, and a room full of people ready to move.

Big stages, small galleries, sharp comedy, and thoughtful talks.

Part dazzling magic act, part personal story, this world premiere reunites master illusionist Dendy with playwright/director Aaron Posner for a one-man show exploring the history of magic — and the life behind it. Expect audience interaction, sharp storytelling, and sleight of hand that keeps you leaning forward. Part of the Bonnie Hammerschlag National Capital New Play Festival, with a post-show discussion on Mar 1 featuring the creative team.
→ Get tickets

If you like your Sunday outings with a side of substance, this one’s worth stepping into. Maryland House of Delegates member Emily Shetty will offer an informal briefing on issues impacting women in the state legislature, followed by an open Q&A. It’s designed to be conversational — a chance to ask questions, hear directly from an elected official, and engage with what’s happening at the state level in a more personal setting. Coffee and refreshments provided. No reservations required.
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Two violins, a DJ, and a drummer — and suddenly reggae, pop, and classical collide in the best way. Sons of Mystro are known for blending reggae classics and American pop hits with original compositions, all driven by their high-energy string sound. Winners of the Emerging Artist Award at the International Reggae and World Music Awards, they bring a genre-bending performance that feels equal parts concert and experience. $20
→ Get tickets

Comedian Jeff Applebaum brings three nights of stand-up to Give a Hoot Comedy Club, with proceeds supporting MC Live and its partner nonprofits, Makom and Matan, which focus on disability inclusion and support in the community. A veteran of The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, America’s Got Talent, and a Dry Bar Comedy special, Applebaum’s style leans sharp, quick, and observational. A comedy night out with a built-in reason to feel good about your ticket. $22.25
→ Get tickets

The first of two shows, Global Rhythms is a multi-media exhibition featuring paintings, photography, and poetry by 40 USAID staff, implementing partners, and their families and friends. The work reflects on the human impact of global partnerships — lives saved, communities strengthened, and connections built across cultures. The March reception offers a chance to meet participating artists and view the exhibition in conversation with the community. A second showing will follow in April. Free and open to the public.
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Strathmore Artist in Residence Chris Hon is a DC-based keyboardist whose work spans jazz, R&B, neo-soul, pop, and electronic music. Trained in jazz performance, he blends acoustic piano with layered synth textures to create a sound that feels both rooted and forward-looking. On March 11, Soul and Sound Design brings that hybrid style to the stage; on March 18, a free workshop breaks down how synthesizers shape sound from the ground up. $36
→ Get tickets / Register

Dinner plans handled — from hands-on pizza nights to a guided deep dive into island wines.

An interactive pizza-making class where you’ll learn to stretch dough, layer toppings, and bake your own pie from scratch. The evening starts with a complimentary glass of wine and warm focaccia before moving into guided instruction with the chef. After baking, you’ll sit down to enjoy what you made — and can order additional food or drinks if you’d like. $28.52
→ Reserve your spot

Sicily, Sardinia, Lipari — this four-course dinner spotlights Italy’s island wines. Each course is paired with small-production bottles, with insight into how volcanic soils and sea air shape their character. The menu runs from antipasti and crab scampi tagliatelle to slow-roasted pork and ricotta zeppole. A guided tasting woven into a full dinner. $162
→ Reserve your seat

Earlier picks still ahead — and still worth catching.

🍺 Small-Batch Beer Night with Elder Pine — Thu, Feb 26, 7–9 pm — a guided tasting of six rotating releases from one of Maryland’s most respected craft breweries at Whelan’s in Potomac.

🎨 Klimt Paint & Sip Night — Thu, Feb 26, 6–8 pm — a gold-accented community paint night at Girls Who Paint in Kensington inspired by Gustav Klimt’s “Portrait of Adele.”

📘 Black Hill Bookworms: An Immense World — Thu, Feb 26, 6–7:30 pm — A welcoming book club discussion of Ed Yong’s exploration of animal senses at Black Hill Discovery Center. Free.

🌕 Moonlight Hike: C&O Canal Towpath, Great Falls — Fri, Feb 27, 8:15–10:15 pm — a 4-mile guided moonlight hike along the C&O Canal starting at Old Anglers Inn in Potomac.

🎭 Play in a Day— Sat, Feb 28, 8 pm — six professional theater companies write, rehearse, and perform brand-new plays in just 24 hours at Imagination Stage, Bethesda.

🧘‍♀️ Brewery Yoga at Silver Branch — Sat, Feb 28, 10 am — an all-levels morning yoga flow followed by a well-earned drink at Silver Branch Rockville Beerworks.

🌳 Trees in Winter Hike — Sat, Feb 28, 10 am–12 pm — a guided walk at Carderock focused on identifying trees by bark, buds, and winter shape.

🍽️ Bethesda Restaurant Week — Through Sun, Mar 1 — ten days of $10, $20, and $35 prix-fixe menus across Bethesda.

🎬 Stand By Me — 40 Years Later — Sat, Mar 14, 7:30 pm — a big-screen screening at Strathmore followed by a live reunion and conversation with Corey Feldman, Jerry O’Connell, and Wil Wheaton.

🎭 Bonnie Hammerschlag National Capital New Play Festival — Through Mar 15 — developmental readings and a world premiere at Round House Theatre in Bethesda.

🎠 Glen Echo Park in Bloom: Gala in the Park — Sat, May 16, 6 pm — an evening gala in the Spanish Ballroom with dinner, live music, swing dancing, and a spin on the 1921 Dentzel carousel.

📚 Plot Twisted: A Crafty Book Club — Wed, Apr 22, 6–8 pm — a book club at District DabbleLab in Bethesda that pairs discussion with a hands-on creative project inspired by the month’s read.

🕰️ First-Time Fusers Workshop — Sat–Sun, Apr 11–12 — a two-day immersive introduction to fused glass techniques at Glen Echo Park.

🎤 Who’s With Me? — W. Kamau Bell — Fri, Apr 17, 7:30 pm — a sharp, funny new hour from the Emmy Award–winning comedian at Strathmore. $28–$75.

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].

And if you know someone who’d appreciate a little local intel on Thursdays, forward this along.

See you next week.

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We double-check details, but plans change — confirm before you head out. All outings, reservations, and purchases are at your discretion; The Good Week isn’t responsible for any changes, cancellations, or experiences once you arrive.

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