The Good Week | February 5, 2026

Art, music, and gatherings that light up January.

Photographer Jenny Nordstrom turns doors, arches, and architectural details from her travels—spanning Morocco, Mexico, and Scotland—into richly layered, painterly images that celebrate color, curiosity, and the beauty of everyday places. The First Friday opening invites you to meet the artist, explore her vibrant work up close, and wander a building full of open studios and fellow makers for an evening that feels both global and deeply local. Free to attend.
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Emmy Award–winning comedian, filmmaker, and United Shades of America host W. Kamau Bell brings a sharp, funny new hour shaped by big questions, cultural insight, and a generous dose of silliness for chaotic times. Thoughtful without being heavy and personal without losing bite, Who’s With Me? invites audiences to laugh, reflect, and feel a little less alone in the moment. $28–$75.
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Skip the Valentine’s Day crowds and spend a relaxed Sunday cooking (and tasting) your way through a menu designed to feel indulgent without being intimidating. This intimate, hands-on class highlights classic aphrodisiac ingredients—oysters, asparagus, strawberries, and chocolate—guided by Chef Tony in a warm, confidence-building setting you’ll actually want to recreate at home. Each guest leaves with recipes, inspiration, and a playful chocolate bath bomb to extend the experience. $90 per person + tax & gratuity.
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Fresh ways to move, connect, and set a new rhythm for the year ahead.

Curious about snowshoeing but not sure where to start? This beginner-friendly presentation led by experienced REI staff covers the essentials—from choosing the right gear to understanding where and how to snowshoe safely. Designed as a low-pressure introduction, it’s a great way to explore a new winter activity, ask questions, and decide if snowshoeing might be your next cold-weather adventure. Free (registration required; limited spots).
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Learn mahjong the fun, confidence-building way with Allison of Morah Mahjong, a lifelong game lover and seasoned educator who’s known for making even complex rules feel approachable. This beginner-friendly evening blends clear instruction with plenty of guided play—plus a pint of beer—to create a relaxed, social introduction to the game (and its modern, elevated vibe). Come curious, leave knowing how to play—and probably wanting a regular game night of your own. $75 per person; includes one beer and all materials.
→ Register

Kick off your weekend with a lively, old-school bingo night that’s big on prizes and even bigger on community. Open to everyone (no membership required), this welcoming evening blends classic bingo play with food and drinks, door prizes, pull-tabs, and a guaranteed final jackpot of $300 or more. Come early to grab dinner, stay late to shout “BINGO,” and enjoy a fun, low-pressure night whether you’re a seasoned player or brand new to the game. $30.
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Consider this your excuse to lean into a daytime play break—with cocktails. Lucky Strike’s launch party at their new Westbard location offers a free game of bowling, a complimentary arcade card, and snacks to keep things light, plus a full bar for lingering over strikes, gutter balls, and good company. Come for the novelty, stay for the grown-up sips, retro fun, and easygoing social energy. Free with RSVP; one free bowling game.
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Unleash your inner artist in this welcoming, hands-on creative studio that blends art-making with a gentle exploration of art history. Each weekly session introduces a new project using materials like paint, pastel, collage, and mixed media, alongside simple discussions of artists, movements, and techniques. Designed for adults who want to stay curious and creative—no prior art experience required, just a willingness to experiment and enjoy the process. $119.
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Trade the usual dinner reservation for a date night that gets you out of your chairs and onto the dance floor. This salsa & bachata experience gives couples a guided, low-pressure way to move together, enjoy the music, and share a relaxed evening in a softly lit studio. The one-hour class includes a complimentary glass of wine per person (21+; non-alcoholic option available), with chocolate bundles and additional drinks available.
$105 per couple.
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Trade the prix-fixe dinner for a cozy, creative night out where art, conversation, and a good drink set the pace. This guided paint-and-sip evening is designed for couples and friends alike—no experience required, just a willingness to unwind, sip something you love, and leave with a finished canvas (and a few roses along the way). $50 per person.
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Simple pleasures to reset, restore, and lift your week.

Join a welcoming group of curious readers for an in-person discussion of An Immense World by Ed Yong, a fascinating exploration of how animals perceive the world in ways humans can’t. This monthly book club centers science, nature, and environmental storytelling—and invites participants to slow down, think deeply, and share ideas in good company (snacks encouraged). Registration required. Free.
→ Register

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

Volunteer with Shady Grove Medical Center and support patients, families, and staff across hospital departments. Volunteers welcome visitors, assist on nursing units, help with clerical work, and keep things running smoothly in shared spaces like the gift shop. The program runs on a seasonal schedule, and openings fill quickly.

Pre-registration for the next volunteer cycle opens March 1, 2026, with additional opportunities throughout the year.
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