Best Music
1. Hong Kong Dance Company: An exploration of Chinese culture with “Qingming Riverside,” dances inspired by the enormous silk tapestry depicting life during the Northern Song Dynasty.
Where: Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater, 2700 F St. NW
When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Info: $10 to $180; 202-467-4600; 800-444-1324; kennedy-center.org
2. JACK Quartet: The Discovery Series presents the classical quartet with clarinetist/composer Derek Bermel playing the world premiere of his Wolf Trap Foundation commission, “A Short History of the Universe,” other works by Ligeti and Brahms.
Where: Barns of Wolf Trap, 1635 Trap Road, Vienna
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Info: $35; 877-965-3872; wolftrap.org
3. Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder: The country bluegrass master of multiple instruments.
Where: Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Info: $39.50; 703-549-7500; birchmere.com
4. An Evening with Tommy Emmanuel: The Australian guitarist famous for his unique fingerstyle technique.
Where: Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday
Info: $45; 703-549-7500; birchmere.com
5. Gerald Albright: The jazz saxophonist and renowned session musician shines as soloist throughout the weekend.
Where: Blues Alley, 1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW
When: 8 and 10 p.m. Thursday to Sunday
Info: $43; 202-337-4141; bluesalley.com
Best Galleries
1. The Points That Bring Us from Here to There: This exhibit of Michael Dax Iacovone and Kathryn Zazenski’s work combines two different strains of map-based art. Iacovone creates through formulas and systems, while Zazenski presents “memory maps” derived from her experiences living in Finland and China as well as D.C.
Where: Honfleur Gallery, 1241 Good Hope Road SE
When: Through Feb. 22
Info: Free; 202-580-5972; honfleurgallery.com
2. The Soul of the City: This collection of street photography from the collective InstantDC reveals familiar elements of D.C. from unfamiliar and revelatory angles.
Where: The Gallery at Vivid Solutions, 2208 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE
When: Through Feb. 22
Info: Free; 202-758-0339; vividsolutionsdc.com/gallery
3. Joshua Wade Smith: Here Nor There: This exploration of photos, video and sculpture inspired by artist Joshua Wade Smith’s two-day walk from Baltimore to D.C., following train tracks. It documents the shifting perspectives and emotions he experienced while covering this distance on foot.
Where: Hamiltonian Gallery, 1353 U St. NW
When: Through Feb. 9
Info: Free; 202-332-1116; /hamiltoniangallery.com
4. Steven Cushner: The Shaped Paintings, 1991-1993: This revisitation of a prolific period in the life of painter Steven Cushner considers his series of paintings wherein the contours of the canvases conformed to the demands of imagery.
Where: Hemphill, 1515 14th St. NW
When: Through March 9
Info: Free; 202-234-5601; hemphillfinearts.com
5. Love of Nature: Chinese Watercolor Paintings by Irene Tsai: Working with ink and watercolor on rice paper, Irene Tsai offers quiet, faithful depictions of plants and animals of symbolic significance in Chinese culture: lotus, cranes, bamboo and pine.
Where: Waverly Street Gallery, 4600 East-West Highway, Bethesda
When: Through Feb. 2
Info: Free; 301-951-9441; waverlystreetgallery.com
Best Family
1. Come see the Great Cats at the National Zoo: The lions and tigers are on exhibit every day.
Where: The National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily
Info: Free; 202-633-2614; nationalzoo.si.edu
2. Bear Storytime: Celebrate A.A Milne’s birthday with us and hear some of the classic tales of Winnie the Pooh and friends. You’ll also learn about their real-life counterparts. For more info, call 703-228-6535. For children 2 and up.
Where: Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington
When: 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Friday
Info: Free; registration necessary: 703-228-4747; program No. 622923-B
3. See, Hear, Sketch: Rabbits in the Snow: Explore the cold-weather habits and special winter coat of the Eastern Cottontail, and learn how to draw a rabbit in the snow. Art supplies provided, but feel free to bring your own sketchbook and pencil. For more info, call 703-228-6535. For kids ages 5 to 9.
Where: Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington
When: 2:30 to 4 p.m. Sunday
Info: $5; registration required: 703-228-4747; program No. 622923-J
4. Winter Night Sky: When I Wish Upon a Star: Discover the brightest stars, planets and constellations in this month’s night sky. Hear their stories in the only planetarium in the National Park System.For ages 5 to adult.
Where: Rock Creek Park Nature Center/Planetarium, 5200 Glover Road NW
When: 1 p.m. Saturday
Info: Free; 202-895-6070; nps.gov/rocr
5. Flying Squirrel Lore & More: Flying squirrels are found throughout the wooded neighborhoods of Arlington but are seldom seen. Come learn about these engaging nocturnal acrobats. After an indoor presentation, you’ll tiptoe outside to see these little pixies glide in for an evening meal. These creatures are truly one of the natural wonders of Arlington. For more info, call 703-228-6535. For families — children must be accompanied by an adult.
Where: Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington
When: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday
Info: $5; registration required: 703-228-4747; program No. 622953-F
Best Brainfood
1. Stage discussion: Talkback with “Boged” playwrights Boaz Goan and Nir Erez.
Where: Georgetown University’s Davis Performing Arts Center, 37 and O streets NW
When: 10 p.m. Saturday, 9:30 p.m. Sunday and Monday
Info: Free; 202-777-3210; theaterj.org
2. Fabulous! Portraits by Michele Mattei: This selection of portraits features women who have devoted their lives to the arts.
Where: National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Ave. NW
When: Through Jan. 22
Info: $10, seniors 65+ and students $8, 18 and under and members free; 202-783-5000; nmwa.org
3. “The Rape of Lucrece”: Taffety Punk Theatre Company’s loud coalescence of actors, dancers and musicians bends Shakespeare’s epic poem to their will. No reservations necessary.
Where: Forum of Sidney Harman Hall, 610 F St. NW
When: 5:30 p.m. Wednesday
Info: Free; 202-355-9441; taffetypunk.com
4. Video Wall + Dome Theatre Entrance: Korean-born artist Si Jae Byun addresses the relationship of nature and architecture in a series of works at Artisphere that juxtapose images and structures associated with the construction of a city apartment with those of nature and the human body.
Where: Artisphere, 1101 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
When: Through March 3
Info: Free; 703-875-1100; artisphere.com
Best Gatherings
1. Washington Jewish Film Festival: Films from 15 countries make up the 23rd installment of the annual festival.
Where: Various locations around D.C.
When: Through Sunday
Info: Most screenings $11; 800-494-8497; washingtondcjcc.org
2. “Queen of America”: Luis Alberto Urrea introduced readers to the magical Teresita, Saint of Cabora, in “The Hummingbird’s Daughter.” This sequel follows her as she makes an epic journey through 19th-century North and South America, playing a leading role in the Mexican Revolution and falling in love.
Where: Politics and Prose Bookstore, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW
When: 6 p.m. Saturday
Info: Free; 202-364-1919; politics-prose.org
3. “Grapes Into Wine”: Vintner Gabriele Rausse, “Father of the Modern Virginia Wine Industry” and consultant to many Virginia wine producers, will share with you a little of the history of wine production in Virginia, beginning with Thomas Jefferson, and take you through the winemaking process from vine to bottle.
Where: Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria
When: 1:30 to 3 p.m. Sunday
Info: $10; 703-642-5173; fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring
4. President Lincoln’s Signature Cottage Tour: This Signature Cottage Tour is an innovative small group tour in which a professional guide uses “historical voices” and images through multimedia technology to bring the stories of Lincoln and his family to life.
Where: Upshur Street and Rock Creek Church Road NW
When: Daily; first tour at 10 a.m., last tour at 3 p.m.
Info: $5 to $12; 202-829-0436; lincolncottage.org
5. Kayhan Kalhor and Erdal Erzincan: Iranian musician Kalhor, a virtuoso on the kamancheh (Persian spiked fiddle), performs with Turkish folk musician, composer and singer Erzincan. Tickets distributed in the States Gallery/Roof Terrace Level, two per person in line, starting at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Theater Lab, Kennedy Center, 270 F St. NW
When: 5:30 p.m. Monday
Info: Free, but tickets required; 202-467-4600; 800-444-1324; kennedy-center.org
Best Outdoors
1. Adventures in Snow Tubing: If you like to sled, you’ll love snow tubing. Following basic instruction from experts, get ready for the adventure of your life in the best terrain in the Northeast. Lunch included.
Where: 13805 Blairs Valley Road, Mercersburg, Pa.
When: 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday
Info: $50; thingstododc.com
2. Twilight Horseback Trail Ride and Bonfire: Leave modern development and traffic behind and travel back to the days of the Colonies on a horseback trail ride through the unspoiled rolling hills and streams of Patapsco Valley State Park in southwestern Carroll County. After an hour ride, you’ll have a big bonfire, coffee, hot chocolate and s’mores. Alcohol will not be served, but you can bring your own.
Where: Misty Manor Riding Stable, 7621 Rolling Road, Marriottsville
When: 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Info: $60; thingstododc.com
3. Winter Tree ID: The leaves are all gone, and the buds are starting to grow, but you can still identify what tree it is without the easy leaf to show you clues. Learn to identify the trees of Arlington parks by their bark and shape. Wear cold-weather clothes, as you will be outside the whole time. For adults and youth 14 and above.
Where: Meet at Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington
When: 11 a.m. To 12:30 p.m. Saturday
Info: $5; registration required: 703-228-4747; program No. 622943-K
4. Remove Invasive Plants: Help improve wildlife habitat. Join us at our monthly work parties to remove destructive invasive plants and make a real difference. We are starting to see the return of wildflowers and young trees in areas once covered in ivy. No registration required. For adults, families and teens.
Where: Gulf Branch Nature Center, 3608 Military Road, Arlington
When: 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday
Info: Free; 703-228-4747
5. Great Falls Overlook: This easy walk provides stunning views of the river’s power. Walk down the towpath a short way and you see a section of the channel narrow and you begin to see the water really move. You make a turn off the towpath onto a boardwalk and you start to hear it: a constant rumble in the distance. The first bridge is across a gorge where the water roars through a chute cut 20 feet deep. When you reach the overlook itself, you see the bulk of the Potomac River pouring in great torrents through the gorge. With a sharp eye, you will see the occasional kayaker.
Where: Potomac
When: Any day
Info: Free; C & O Canal Historic Preservation: 301-739-4200; localhikes.com
Best Theater
1. “There is Nothing Like a Dame”: Emily Skinner, one of Broadway’s most beloved performers, returns to Signature for a special cabaret performance.
Where: ARK, Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington
When: Through Saturday
Info: $35; 703-573-7328; signature-theatre.org
2. “The Birthday Party”: One of Harold Pinter’s most acclaimed works, “The Birthday Party” is a black-as-night comedy that asks the simple, terrifying question “Do you really know who you are?”
Where: D.C. Arts Center, 2438 18th St. NW
When: Through Sunday
Info: $10 to $12; 202-462-7833; dcartscenter.org
3. “The Show-Off”: George Kelly’s 1924 classic has defied time and conventional wisdom by being that rarity, a comedy that is as funny now was when it was first performed almost a century ago. An ambitious and audacious young faker somehow manages to transform the lives of those around him.
Where: American Century Theater, Gunston Theatre II, 2700 South Lang St., Arlington
When: Friday through Feb. 2
Info: $32 to $40; 703-998-4555; americancentury.org
4. “Contractions”: Inspired by real-life “love clauses” that dictate the nature and extent of office relationships, “Contractions” is a satire by award-winning British playwright Mike Bartlett. The show finds Emma and her manager in a series of cordial but increasingly tense conversations about the differences between “sexual” and “romantic” in a world ruled by binding contracts and shrinking privacy.
Where: Studio Theatre, 1501 14th St. NW
When: Through Jan. 27
Info: $30 to $35; 202-332-3300; studiotheatre.org
5. “An Iliad”: By Denis O’Hare and Lisa Peterson. In this updated version of “The Iliad,” the storyteller grapples with the mythology, brutality and humanity of Homer’s epic poem. An intimate look at rage, grief and the heroism and horror of a seemingly endless war.
Where: Studio Theatre, 1501 14th St. NW
When: Through Jan. 20
Info: $39 to $61; 202-332-3300; studiotheatre.org
