A very good listener, ready for story time.

⭐ I Started Looking—and Found So Much More

When I started pulling together The Good Week, I didn’t realize just how much was already happening around here in the Potomac + Bethesda area. I’d dipped my toe in with things like piano and tap dancing, but once I started really looking, it felt like the iceberg just kept getting bigger—in the best way.

I grew up in Potomac and have always loved introducing friends from elsewhere to everything there is to do close to home. This newsletter is an extension of that—sharing the classes, performances, gatherings, and small joys that make our corner of the world such a good place to spend time, especially in the middle of our deep freeze.

This week’s picks lean into movement, connection, and moments that feel warming in more ways than one.

The Good Week is shaped by this community, too. If there’s something you’d love to see more of—or an event you think belongs here—we’d love to hear from you. Reach out anytime at [email protected]. Did you attend anything from a previous issue? We’d love to hear how it went!

THIS WEEK’S TOP PICKS

This week’s Top Picks highlight three events that stand out for their energy, heart, and sense of place—good reminders that even in the coldest weeks, there’s a lot happening close to home. Details and dates below.

A quick note before we dive in: our first pick filled up quickly just before publication, but we’re still leading with it because the exhibition itself is open—and truly worth your time.

🖼️ Opening Celebration: Ya no son pilares (They Are No Longer Pillars)
A thoughtful, immersive exhibition opening that pairs art, music, and conversation—an invitation to engage with history, memory, and community through a powerful new body of work. This one filled up fast—but don’t skip it. While the opening celebration is sold out, the exhibition runs through March 15 and is absolutely worth your time.

💄 A Night of Drag, Drinks & Big Energy
A joy-forward night of drag, laughter, and bold performances—equal parts celebration, release, and midwinter pick-me-up.

🐾 Read to a Dog
A quiet, comforting hour at the library where you can read aloud, slow down, and share a calm moment with a very good listener who just happens to have four legs.

💗 Still planning something for Valentine’s or Galentine’s?
Last week’s roundup goes deeper on ideas—from creative nights out to cozy plans with friends. We’ve kept it live if you want to browse the full list in one place.

🎭 SEE

Art, music, and gatherings that light up January.

🖼️ Opening Celebration: Ya no son pilares (They Are No Longer Pillars)

Fri, Jan 30, 7–9 PM | VisArts, Rockville [Opening Reception Sold Out, Exhibition Open Through March 15]

Mark the opening of a powerful new exhibition by Chilean-American artist and ethnographic researcher Diego Borgsdorf Fuenzalida, whose installation-driven work explores memory, political violence, and the afterlives of infrastructure in post-dictatorship Chile. The opening celebration brings together new exhibitions, music, drinks, and bites—an inviting entry point into a deeply considered and timely body of work. Free.
Visit the Exhibition

💄 A Night of Drag, Drinks & Big Energy

Sat, Feb 7, 7–10 PM | Clear Skies Meadery, Rockville

Glitter, glamor, and big laughs are on tap as drag hostess extraordinaire Glitter Douglas returns to Clear Skies with a lineup of some of the Mid-Atlantic’s most dynamic performers. Expect bold looks, joyful energy, drink specials, and wood-fired pizza from El Jefe—no cover, just good vibes and generous tipping for the queens.
Mead the Queens [Visit Montgomery]

🎭 Play In A Day

Sat, Feb 28, 8 PM | Imagination Stage, Bethesda

Watch theater happen at lightning speed as six professional D.C.-area companies write, rehearse, and perform brand-new plays—all in just 24 hours. Fueled by shared themes, surprise props, and creative adrenaline, this one-night-only showcase delivers ten-minute original works that are fresh, unpredictable, and thrilling to see come to life. $20
Get your tickets now [Bethesda Urban Partnership]

🍷 TASTE

🎨 Art & Lunch: Gallery Tour + Mexican Fare

Wed, Feb 11, 11:00 AM (gallery tour) and/or 12:30 PM (lunch) | VisArts & Plaza Oaxaca, Rockville

Spend a midweek morning with neighbors exploring the galleries at VisArts, then head to Plaza Oaxaca for a relaxed Mexican lunch—or join for either part. Hosted by Rockville Town Center Village, this easygoing outing is all about art, conversation, and community connection.
RSVP by Feb 4

💖 A Pizza My Heart: Valentine’s Wine & Pizza Pairing

Sat, Feb 14, 5–9 PM | Silver Branch Brewing, Rockville

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a cozy, flavor-forward evening pairing chef-crafted pizzas with wines from Mazzaroth Vineyard. Come with a sweetheart or fly solo—this guided tasting includes wine (or beer, if that’s more your style), thoughtful pairings, and plenty of pizza love. Two seating options available: 5–7 PM or 7–9 PM. $55
Get a “pizza” this action

🍷 Wood & Wine: Wooden Wreaths at Oakley Cabin

Sat, Mar 21, 4–7 PM | Oakley Cabin African American Museum and Park, Brookeville (Olney)

Spend a cozy early spring evening creating a one-of-a-kind wooden wreath with guidance from celebrated local artist AnnA Fogg. Set inside the historic Oakley Cabin, the night includes cider and beer by the hearth, a rustic spread of meats, cheeses, and roasted vegetables, and a handmade artisan mug to take home. No art experience required—just come ready to sip, make, and linger. $50
Wine not? Registration opens Feb 6

🚶‍♀️ DO

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

🧘‍♀️ Brewery Yoga at Silver Branch

Sat, Feb 28, 10 AM | Silver Branch Rockville Beerworks, Rockville

Start your Saturday with an all-levels yoga flow led by Lara Lattman of Table 2 Mat, set inside a laid-back taproom. After class, stick around to sip a craft beer or non-alcoholic option and ease into the weekend with fellow yogis—no prior experience needed, just bring your mat. $25
Learn more

🎨 TRY: New Things to Try While It’s Cold Out

Cozy classes, creative projects, and fresh skills—ways to use your hands, curiosity, or a little courage.

From casual sit-and-stitch to guided project time—bring what you’re working on.

🧶 Sunday Safari: Project Studio Time

Sundays, Feb 1, 8 & 22, 1–3 PM | WoolWinders Yarn Shop, Rockville

Pick your project, grab your needles, and settle in. Sunday Safari is part class, part creative hang—an instructor-led, small-group setup that gives you steady momentum, fresh ideas, and friendly accountability over the course of the month. Come for the yarn wisdom, stay for the camaraderie (and the satisfaction of actually finishing something). $90
Learn more

Vision Board Charm Bracelets

Sun, Feb 1, 3:30–5:30 PM | Locally Crafted, Gaithersburg (Rio)

Set intentions for the year ahead in this thoughtful, hands-on workshop that turns reflection into wearable art. Through guided journaling, visualization, and jewelry-making, you’ll create a custom charm bracelet that captures your goals and aspirations—something meaningful you can carry with you every day. All materials are provided, and no prior crafting experience is needed. $80
Charm your way into 2026

BIPOC Writers Hangout

Sun, Feb 1, 3–4:30 PM | The Writer’s Center, Bethesda

Calling all BIPOC writers in the area—come spend a relaxed Sunday afternoon connecting with fellow writers, swapping stories, and celebrating the written word. This informal, welcoming gathering is free and open to the public; bring a drink or appetizer to share and feel free to invite a friend.
Register

🪵 Make a Live Edge Charcuterie Board

Mon, Feb 2, 6–9 PM | Woodcraft, Rockville

Slow down and get hands-on in this all-levels woodworking class where you’ll learn to cut and shape wood, sand smooth edges, and apply a food-safe finish. You’ll leave with a one-of-a-kind live edge board—perfect for cheese, appetizers, or elevating your next gathering. $125
Learn more

♟️ Rockville Chess Club

Mon, Feb 2 (Weekly), 6:30–9 PM | Rockville Science Center, Rockville

Pull up a chair for casual Monday-night chess with a friendly, welcoming group of players. Whether you’re brushing up on fundamentals or thinking about tournaments and ratings, this is an easy place to play, learn, and meet other people who enjoy the game. Chess sets are available (first come, first served), and the vibe is social, not stuffy.
Learn more

🕰️ First-Time Fusers Workshop

Sat-Sun, Apr 11–12, 10:00 AM–3:00 PM | Glen Echo Park, Glen Echo

This two-day, hands-on workshop introduces the fundamentals of fused glass through a mix of demonstrations and guided practice. You’ll learn to design, cut, and fire glass while completing three projects using fusing, slumping, and draping techniques, along with kiln firing basics and how artists use time and temperature. Supplies are included, and participants receive a complimentary two-hour Open Studio voucher upon completion. Registration opens Feb 4. $325 ($322 members)
Learn more

🧺 A Life in Basketry + Tapestry Necklace Workshop

Sat, Feb 14, 10:30 AM (talk) and 1–5 PM (workshop) | St. James Episcopal Church, Potomac

Spend the day immersed in the woven form with master basket maker Anne Bowers. The morning program traces her decades-long life in basketry—studio practice, travel, teaching, and craft—followed by an optional afternoon mini workshop where you’ll create a delicate, one-of-a-kind tapestry necklace using cane, fiber, and metallic thread. Come for the talk, stay to make something beautiful. $115 (Nonmembers)
Learn more

🧶 Community Sit & Stitch

Wed, Feb 4 (weekly), 7–9 PM | Second Story Knits, Bethesda

Bring your current project (or the one you’ve been meaning to start) and settle in for a relaxed evening of knitting, crocheting, and good company. This open, welcoming weekly hang is less about perfection and more about showing up, stitching together, and maybe finally untangling that yarn situation. Free.
Learn more

🌿FEEL GOOD

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

🐾 Read to a Therapy Dog

Tues, Feb 3, 1–2 PM | Connie Morella Library, Bethesda

Settle in for a calming, low-pressure reading experience with a gentle therapy dog as your audience. This relaxed library program is designed to promote ease, confidence, and connection—whether you’re looking to unwind, practice reading aloud, or simply enjoy a quiet moment with a very good boy (or girl) at your side. Bring your own book or choose one from the library’s display.
Learn more

🌿 Chakra Meditation

Wed, Feb 4, 6:30–7:30 PM | Rockville Memorial Library, Rockville

Take a midweek pause and join a gentle, grounding group meditation focused on balancing the chakras. Open to both beginners and experienced meditators, this twice-monthly circle offers simple practices that are easy to continue at home. Meditation is often easier—and deeper—in community, making this a supportive space to reset, restore, and care for your overall well-being. Free.
Learn more

💛DO GOOD

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

💛 Friendly Caller / Visitor

Ongoing | Community Reach of Montgomery County, Virtual or In Person

Offer something simple—and deeply meaningful—as a Friendly Caller with Reach. Volunteers make regular phone calls (or occasional visits) to senior clients, providing a caring voice, checking in on well-being, and helping reduce isolation. Schedules are flexible and set together, and just a small time commitment can make a real difference. Bilingual Spanish and Mandarin speakers especially encouraged.
Learn more & volunteer

🌅STILL TIME

Earlier picks still ahead — and still worth catching, including Galentine’s and Valentine’s fun. 💗

🤺 Try FencingOngoing — a beginner-friendly introduction to foil fencing that blends movement, strategy, and confidence-building at Rockville Fencing Academy.

🌿 Winter Walks — Wed, Feb 4 — a slow, guided winter stroll designed for reflection and seasonal appreciation at Agricultural History Farm Park, Derwood.

💗🥂 Pinstripes in Pink — Fri, Feb 7 — a Galentine’s brunch with pink pours, pop-ups, a live DJ, and a flexible brunch menu at Pinstripes, North Bethesda.

🌱 Rileys Lock Invasive Species Removal — Sat, Feb 7 — a hands-on volunteer morning restoring the canal landscape along the Potomac at C&O Canal National Historical Park.

💗🎨 Valentine’s Sip & Paint — Wed, Feb 11 — a relaxed, guided paint-and-sip evening with seasonal bites and drinks at Summer House, North Bethesda.

💗👜 Ladies Who Lab — Wed, Feb 11 — an elevated Galentine’s craft night creating personalized vegan leather jewelry boxes at District Dabble, Bethesda.

💗🎨 Valentine’s Couples Paint Night — Thu, Feb 13 — a collaborative paint-and-dine experience for two at Girls Who Paint, Kensington.

💗💅 Manis & Merlot — Thu, Feb 13 — a hands-on nail art workshop creating reusable press-on nails with a glass of wine included at Hammer & Stain, Rockville.

💗🛠️ Galentine’s Day Minis — Fri, Feb 13 — a creative Galentine’s workshop making a candle, room spray, and charm bracelet at Hammer & Stain, Rockville.

💗🪟 Make Your Own Mosaic Heart – Craft & Sip — Fri, Feb 13 — a beginner-friendly mosaic workshop creating a glowing glass heart at Clear Skies Meadery, Rockville.

💗🎤 Sing Your Heart Out: Karaoke Night — Fri, Feb 14 — a Valentine’s karaoke night with love songs, prizes, and a food truck at Clear Skies Meadery, Rockville.

💗🎩 Valentine’s Day Comedy Magic Show: The Magic Duel — Sat, Feb 14 — a fast-paced, interactive showdown between two award-winning magicians at Hyatt Regency Bethesda.

🎾 Pickleball Palooza: Play, Connect, Give Back — Sun, Feb 22 — a social, all-levels pickleball event blending play, connection, and giving back at Dill Dinkers, North Bethesda.

🪩 Earlybirds Club: The Dance Party That Ends Early — Sat, Mar 14 — a high-energy, nostalgia-fueled dance party designed to get you home happy and well-rested at The Fillmore Silver Spring.

🍽️ MoCo Eats Showcase — Sun, Mar 15 — a county-wide tasting event featuring 100+ restaurants, breweries, wineries, and makers at Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center.

🌟THAT’S THE WEEK

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.

✉️ Got this from a friend? Sign up here.

🔍FINE PRINT

If you’re a local business interested in advertising or sponsoring a future issue, reach out to [email protected].

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.

View past issues of The Good Week.

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