Start With One Thing This January

Art, music, and gatherings that light up January.

Strathmore’s Artists in Residence (AIR) program is where emerging musicians take bold creative risks — and percussionist Michael McSweeney is one to watch. Known for blending Afro‑Cuban, West African, and Latin jazz traditions, McSweeney and his band Costas Colectivo trace the roots of modern salsa in a high‑energy performance. Additional workshops later in January extend the experience. Concerts $36; workshops free or pay what you can.
→ Get concert tickets

Donizetti’s The Elixir of Love takes the stage at Rockville’s F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre. This Victorian-inspired production leans into wit, character, and storytelling as much as the music, setting the action on an English countryside estate filled with mistaken love and eccentric townsfolk. If you enjoy musical theater and want something melodic, theatrical, and genuinely fun, this is an approachable entry point into opera. $30.50.
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Two violins drive the sound, backed by a DJ and live drums. Brothers Malcolm and Umoja blend reggae classics, American pop, and original tracks into a rhythm‑forward performance built for the stage. Winners of the Emerging Artist Award at the International Reggae and World Music Awards, Sons of Mystro bring a fresh, Caribbean‑infused energy to contemporary violin. Montgomery College’s Guest Artist Series continues its tradition of bringing extraordinary performances close to home.
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Good flavor, better company.

Clear Skies Meadery turns Wednesday nights into an easy mix of board games, conversation, and house-made mead. The growing game shelf, built in part by regulars, makes it simple to join a table or start one yourself. Mead here ranges from lightly sweet to dry, and it’s easy to sip while you play. Bring a favorite game or grab one from the shelf and settle into a relaxed, social evening that requires very little planning.
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Sur La Table’s North Bethesda kitchen hosts this classic French date-night cooking class. In small groups with a chef instructor, you’ll prepare crusted steak with béarnaise, a spinach and beet salad, green beans with lemon and capers, and pear tarte tatin. The focus is on core techniques you can use again at home, keeping the evening hands-on and engaging. Weeknight sessions are easier to book than weekends, which tend to sell out. $99.
→ Book your seat

Fresh ways to move, connect, and set a new rhythm for the year ahead.

Slow, continuous movement defines this beginner Tai Chi series rooted in Chinese tradition. The class introduces a core set of movements at a steady pace, supporting balance, focus, and coordination. It’s a low-impact option for adults new to Tai Chi or returning after time away, with clear physical and mental benefits. $310.
→ Register for series

After the pace of the holiday season, this meditation park offers a quiet place to slow down. Wooded trails and consecrated stupas form a peaceful landscape arranged as a mandala of five colors and directions. Visitors can walk, pause, or reflect at their own pace, with no schedule to follow. Free, donations accepted.
→ Plan your visit

Spotlighting some local dance opportunities that bring joy, energy, and community to your week.

Classes run weekly in Glen Echo’s Hall of Mirrors, a space that’s hosted community dancing for decades. DanceFit: Line Dancing blends easy‑to‑learn steps with upbeat rhythms, turning Saturday mornings into a joyful workout that feels more like a party than a class. Early bird $13.
→ Register

Dance Unity’s winter session invites adults to reconnect with movement through jazz, ballet, tap, hip hop, and modern foundations. Classes begin with fundamentals and build gradually, making them accessible whether you’re returning after years away or starting fresh. The atmosphere is welcoming yet focused, with adults learning side by side and rediscovering the artistry of rhythm and form. We joined the adult tap class and found it joyful, energizing, and fun. $176-$264; drop-in also available.
→ View class options

Live music and spoken calls guide this weekly English Country Dance, sponsored by the Folk Song Society of Greater Washington. The evening offers elegant, accessible dancing in a relaxed setting, with an informal introduction for newcomers at the start. No partner or special attire required. The springy wood floor and friendly crowd make it easy to settle in, whether you’re new or returning after time away. Free for first-time attendees.
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Sat, Jan 15, 7 PM | Hammer & Stain, Rockville

With the new year here, this guided workshop offers a thoughtful way to pause and consider how you want the year to unfold. Using provided images, words, and materials, you’ll create a personalized collage and mount it on canvas to take home. The format is hands-on and approachable, with light guidance, no prior experience required, and a complimentary drink included. $35.
→ Reserve your spot

This Potomac chamber music reading party centers on shared playing rather than polished performance. Musicians of all levels come together to sight-read masterworks in a relaxed, social setting. January’s featured piece is Brahms’ String Sextet No. 2, followed by smaller ensemble breakouts. No preparation is required, parts and refreshments are provided, and doubling parts is welcome. It’s free, space is limited, and the emphasis stays on making music together.
→ Reserve your spot

Spend a day immersed in color, texture, and creativity at Glen Echo Park. Led by Maverick Mosaics, you’ll learn the fundamentals of mosaic jewelry making — from working with glass, stone, and decorative elements to designing and completing your own pendants. You’ll leave with finished mosaic pendants and the satisfaction of crafting something by hand. $160, plus a materials fee.
→ View workshop details

Rockville Little Theatre is casting its next mainstage production. The Tony Award–winning play welcomes performers across many ages, making it a strong fit for former thespians ready to step back onstage or try something new. Accents are not required for auditions, though the production will use British accents—channel your inner Emma Thompson if it helps. As thespians know, theater is a natural way to connect through shared creative work. Volunteer opportunities are also available behind the scenes.
→ View audition details

Ever wanted to make something for yourself—a hat that fits, a scarf you’ll reach for, or a project you can bring along to Filicori while catching up with a friend over coffee? These private beginner knitting lessons focus on getting you comfortable with the basics quickly. You’ll learn to knit and purl in a focused session designed for novices, with the option to come solo or bring a friend.
→ Book a lesson

Simple pleasures to reset, restore, and lift your week.

Potomac Area Neighbors Club has connected residents through shared activities since 1966. The group hosts monthly lunches, dinners with speakers, happy hours, outings, and workshops, along with smaller interest-based groups around dining, books, theater, and games. It’s a welcoming way to get involved locally and meet people across generations. An upcoming option includes Rummikub in early January, with details online.
→ Join the club

This hands-on workshop introduces zines—small, self-published booklets that can hold anything from collage and sketches to poetry, quotes, and reflections. Meadowside staff will walk you through the basics, offer a few nature-inspired prompts, and then open the space for independent creation. All experience levels are welcome. The session ends with an optional share, and there may be opportunities for participants to display their work at the nature center in the coming months. Free.
→ Register now

At Locust Grove, tucked just off Democracy Boulevard, feeders draw chickadees, cardinals, and woodpeckers all winter. Join naturalists to observe and record birds at local feeders, contributing to a national community science project that tracks species and seasonal patterns. No experience needed — drop in once or return regularly. A simple, satisfying way to spend time outdoors while supporting real research.
→ Join a session

You’ll claim two uninterrupted hours to write at Chevy Chase Library. This shared work session is designed for writers who focus better with a set block of time and others doing the same thing. There are no prompts, discussions, or expectations beyond showing up and working. Bring a notebook or laptop and settle in. Free, quiet, and effective, it’s an easy way to make progress on whatever you’re writing midweek.
→ Add to calendar

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

If you’re looking for hands‑on work with a clear impact, Habitat for Humanity ReStore offers a meaningful way to contribute. ReStores sell donated furniture, appliances, home goods, and building materials at deep discounts, keeping usable items out of landfills while funding affordable housing projects. Volunteers help process donations, organize merchandise, set up displays, and assist customers. You can sign up on your own or volunteer as part of a small group, making it a strong option for friends, coworkers, or community groups.
→ Sign up to volunteer