Radar: To Do in D.C. 1.26-1.29

January has been a dark, gloomy month, but D.C. has really pulled through with events to brighten all our days. For this weekend, you’ll find shiny cars, a big-screen film festival, a tournament on the ice and glistening Lunar New Year festivities, among other brilliant options. Note: Most descriptions are courtesy of event hosts and edited for clarity.

If you’re interested in a laugh, consult Funny Ha-Ha: Must-See Comedy Shows in January.

If you’re interested in Lunar New Year events, check out Where to Celebrate Lunar New Year in D.C.

If you’re interested in fine art, peruse 5 Art Shows To Enjoy This January.

Through 1.29

Washington Auto Show at Walter E. Convention Center
The annual Washington Auto Show has its final opening of the year this weekend. Whether you’re in search of a new whip or if you’re just interested in vehicles, this events has hundreds of options to gaze at and explore. $6-$15. 12 p.m. 801 Mt Vernon Pl. NW, DC; washingtonautoshow.com // @washautoshow

1.26

Architecture & Design Film Festival DC 2023: Opening Night at National Building Museum
From Thursday to Sunday, The National Building Museum is hosting this year’s Architecture & Design Film Festival featuring 16 films that explore design and its impact on environment and culture. On opening night, you can watch documentary “Alice Street” and enjoy an open bar with hors d’oeuvres. For the rest of the jam-packed weekend, there will be a range of activities, like local vintage pop ups and Go-Go Brunch with D.C. go-go band TOB. Opening night: $25+. All Access Pass: $70+. Various times. 401 F St. NW, DC; nbm.org // @nationalbuildingmuseum

“Please Bring Chips x Shababi Chicken: At Our Table” at 1320 by Please Bring Chips
Local pop-up concept Shabibi Chicken is collaborating with Please Bring Chips, serving their signature Palestinian-inspired rotisserie chicken and cocktails. $113.64. 5:30 p.m. 1320 H St. NE, DC; pleasebringchips.com // @pleasebringchips 

1.27

A Sky of Shattered Glass Reflected by the Shining Sun Opening Reception at Culture House
Stephanie Mercedes‘ latest exhibit is somehow both soothing and disturbing. The installations incorporate audio, visual and motor elements to explore the many facets of vulnerability, especially pertaining to the queer identity. Right around the corner from the Rubell Museum, it’s a must-stop when exploring what contemporary art has to offer. Visitors will have a chance to meet the artist and explore the exhibit at the opening reception. Free. 6-9 p.m. 700 Delaware Ave. SW, DC; culturehousedc.org // @culturehousedc

1.27-1.28

Greensky Bluegrass at The Anthem
Even if you don’t know bluegrass well, the Kalamazoo quintet, Greensky Blugrass, will initiate you with their heart-wrenching lyrics and fast-paced banjoing on tracks like “Past My Prime.” Performing in 17 cities on their North-American tour this winter, the band has designated both Saturday and Sunday for performances at The Anthem. $45+. 7 p.m. 901 Wharf St. SW, DC; theanthemdc.com // @theanthemdc

“haus of bambi”: An Intimate Night with Bamabi and Molasses at Dance Place
Robert Woofter, Dance Place’s Artist in Residence, brings conversations of gender and relationships to the stage with “haus of bambi.” Watch an immersive dance performance that examines queer love, friendship and life with Bambi and Molasses. $25. 7 p.m. 3225 8th St. NE, DC; danceplace.org // @danceplacedc

1.28

“Hungry Human Hippos” at The Wharf
Want to connect with your inner child this winter season? Grab a friend and head to The Wharf to compete in DC Fray’s annual Hungry Human Hippos on Ice tournament. Teams of four to eight will collect as much food (bouncy balls) as they can for a chance to win some prizes. $34.50. 1 p.m. 760 Maine Ave. SW, DC; dcfray.com // @dcfray

In-Person Lunar New Year Family Day at Smithsonian American Art Museum
Explore Chinese and Korean traditions through food, crafts and dance performances at Smithsonian American Art Museum’s annual celebration of the Lunar New Year. Everyone in the family can join this warm welcome into the Year of the Rabbit. Free. 11:30 a.m. 600 7th St. NW, DC; americanart.si.edu // @americanart

1.29

Gagsters & Dragsters Drag Brunch at DC Improv 
Featuring D.C.-based drag kings and queens, DC Improv is hosting a drag brunch. If you’re in need of a laugh with friends over drinks and food, this event is for you. $20-$30. 1:30 pm. 1140 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; dcimprov.com // @dcimprov

The Rabbit & Friends Give Back: A Charity Dinner at Moon Rabbit
As we’ve entered the Year of The Rabbit, you can celebrate the Lunar New Year for a good cause at contemporary Vietnamese restaurant, Moon Rabbit. Headed by Chef Kevin Tien, Moon Rabbit is hosting a special charity dinner in support of #ChefsStoppingAAPIHate with some proceeds benefiting the #SupportChinatowns initiative. $200. 6:30 p.m. 801 Wharf St. SW, DC; moonrabbitdc.com // @moonrabbitdc

Save The Date

1.31

Union Stage Presents: Dry Cleaning at Howard Theatre
Hailing all the way from South London, the post-punk quartet Dry Cleaning is stopping in D.C. on their North American tour for their newest album “Stumpwork.” Dry Cleaning’s openers include SPIRIT OF THE BEEHIVE and Nourished by Time. $25-$50. 8 p.m. 620 T St. NW, DC; thehowardtheatre.com // @howardtheatre

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District Fray staff