The 30 best things to do in D.C. this weekend and next week

50 First Jokes at Hotbed

What started as a tradition in a Brooklyn comedy club more than a decade ago has expanded to kick off comedy seasons in cities across the United States. This show joins 50 established comedians and newcomers to share the first joke they’ve written in the new year. Hotbed describes it as “fun, fast and loose.” 8 p.m. $10.

Bun’d Up pop-up at Hill East Burger

Hill East Burger is known for its Texas-style smoked burgers — Tim Carman said the storefront near Potomac Avenue Metro “may be as close as you get to Texas in Washington” — but the cozy restaurant is gaining renown for its kitchen collaborations. In recent months, chefs Marcelle Afram of Shababi Chicken, Ben Plyraharn of Urai and Will Fung of China Chilcano have taken over Hill East Burger, offering special menus for a few days at a time. This week brings Scott Chung of Bun’d Up, which offers versions of Taiwanese gua bao at Union Market and Pentagon Row. Through Friday, look for a KBBQ smash burger with gochujang mayo on a bao bun, or a Korean fried chicken sandwich covered with slaw and pickles. Reservations are available, but walk-ins are welcome. Show up before 6:30 p.m. for $1 Miller High Life. Through Friday from 5 to 11 p.m. Sandwiches $12-$15.

Premier Drams and Sams at the Imperial

What started as a one-off event in mid-December at the Imperial has become a regular happy hour. Premier Dams and Sams showcases rare bourbons exclusively bottled for sister bar Jack Rose, including offerings from Blanton’s and New Riff, as $5 small tasting pours (“drams”), alongside $10 Old-Fashioneds and Manhattans. Pair the drinks with $10 sandwiches, such as a smashed wagyu burger with caramelized onion, or pickle-brined fried chicken in hot mayo. 5 to 8 p.m. $5-$10.

Deborah Bond’s ‘Echoes of the ’80s’ at Blues Alley

Deborah Bond has been part of D.C.’s R&B and neo-soul scene for two decades, and her combination of smoky, jazz-influenced vocals and expressive phrasing has made her a favorite across genres. This show at Blues Alley is billed as “Deborah Bond performing her favorite ’80s songs,” which is an intriguing concept. Will we hear the Jets’ “You Got It All,” as teased on her social media? Something originally by Sade, whom Bond cites as a major influence? No matter the source material, expect the songs to be handled with panache and soul. 7 and 9 p.m. $35.

Darude at Soundcheck

It’s been almost 25 years since Finnish DJ and producer Darude unleashed “Sandstorm” on an unsuspecting world — a song that’s become a fixture at sporting events and late-night clubs, and even soundtracked Finland’s celebration of 100 years of independence. And while Darude remains best known for that one track, ensuing years have seen dozens of remixes as well as four albums, including “Together,” a collection of 12 progressive house and trance tracks bristling with rolling synth chords, bubbling piano, soaring vocals, and clearly telegraphed breaks and drops — the kind of music made to be heard thundering out of club speakers and onto a darkened dance floor. Put your headphones away and head for Soundcheck, the subterranean K Street club, for the real Darude experience. 10 p.m. $30.

Live at Lost Gen at Lost Generation

Eckington’s Lost Generation Brewing has been a welcome addition to the D.C. beer scene, thanks to its outstanding lagers — the dark, roasty Grave Shift belongs in a “Best of D.C.” six-pack — and airy, welcoming taproom, which has played host to doggy costume contests, retro movie nights and packed trivia games. Here’s the next step: Starting this week, Lost Generation offers live music on Friday and Saturday nights. Friday is given over to Emma G, a singer-songwriter known for her positive, empowering tunes with pop-rock vibes. (She won the 2022 Wammie Award for best pop artist.) Saturday brings Abe Mamet, one of the rare French horn players on D.C.’s jazz scene, and his trio. Sets run from 8 to 11 p.m. both nights, and there’s no cover charge, which leaves more to spend on another pint. Friday and Saturday from 8 to 11 p.m. Free.

National Symphony Orchestra on the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage

The National Symphony Orchestra has a busy month ahead, including concerts featuring violinists Gil Shaham and Hilary Hahn, pianist Seong-Jin Cho, and Broadway star Audra McDonald before it heads off on a nine-city European tour. But first, you can hear a trio of musicians from the orchestra play chamber music for free. The program on the Millennium Stage on Friday evening, with Joel Fuller on violin, Mahoko Eguchi on viola and Paul DeNola on bass, includes works by Haydn and Glière and a pair of works by the Argentine composer Andrés Martín: “Three Tangos” for viola and bass and “Marcas de Pasión” for violin, viola and bass. The limited number of advance tickets for the concert have been claimed, but more will be available at the Hall of States box office at 4:30 p.m., and additional seating and standing room is available on a first-come, first-served basis. 6 p.m. Free.

Bombs Away comedy show at the Saloon

The U Street nonprofit bar, whose proceeds go to building schools around the world, is hosting a comedy show with a twist: Comedians perform their set, but are kicked off the stage when a joke doesn’t land. The audience decides who stays on the stage and who leaves partway through. 8 p.m. $5.

‘Mean Girls’ All Pink Party at Metrobar

The movie musical adaptation of “Mean Girls” is ushering in a revival of the 2004 hit. Watch it on indoor TVs at Metrobar (across the street from Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, if you feel inclined to watch the new release). Expect pink drink specials. 7 to 11 p.m. Free.

9th Wonder’s birthday party at Wild Days

The Eaton hotel’s rooftop bar has become a home away from home for True School, the family of DJs led by the lauded DJ and producer 9th Wonder of Little Brother fame, dedicated to spinning classic hip-hop and R&B. Recent parties have celebrated the 50th anniversary of hip-hop and Howard Homecoming, but this weekend is more personal: It’s 9th Wonder’s birthday. DJs Cuzzin B, Face, Mark Infinit and Jay Clipp are all on board. 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. $30.

The Nighthawks and Bob Margolin at the American Legion in Cheverly

“Steady Rollin’” Bob Margolin is a legend in the blues world — the guitarist in Muddy Waters’ band in the 1970s, he recorded multiple albums with the Father of the Chicago Blues, and performed on film with Waters in the Band’s “The Last Waltz.” In 1978, Margolin made a guest appearance on “Jacks and Kings,” an album by a popular D.C. bar band called the Nighthawks. Margolin and the Nighthawks have shared stages in the decades since, but this weekend brings a chance to hear them in the intimate setting of the American Legion Hall in Cheverly. Doors open at 6:30 with a $15 pulled pork supper before the music begins. 8 p.m. $25.

Walk the Plank at Atlas Brew Works

D.C. punk stalwarts Walk the Plank sound as ferocious as ever on forthcoming EP “Loathe,” with growled attacks on the ills of everything from social media to the gun violence crisis. At their record release party, they’ll be joined by another band of straight-ahead D.C. punks, Supreme Commander, who are playing their first show in four years. 8 p.m. $12.

Literary Cocktails at Baan Siam

Chantal Tseng’s Literary Cocktails is our kind of book club. Each month, the veteran mixologist creates cocktails inspired by a book, then invites readers to join her for an evening of sipping and chatting. (Don’t worry: Just like your regular book club, you don’t have to have read the book, though it helps.) Tseng most recently hosted the long-running series at the Gibson, but since that cocktail institution closed at the end of 2023, she’s moving the series to Baan Siam in Mount Vernon Square, and kicking it off with “The Call of the Wild,” Jack London’s classic novel of the Yukon. Tickets for either of the two seatings cover three drinks and snacks. 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. $55.

Friends of the Soldiers Home Mid-Winter Gala Fundraiser at City-State

The Armed Forces Retirement Home — a.k.a. the Soldiers' Home — is the residence of hundreds of retired military members, but it can seem separated from Petworth and the neighborhoods around it. The Friends of the Soldiers Home is a volunteer organization that hosts events to help community members meet and interact with the home’s residents, through festivals and events, such as monthly trivia nights. Join the Friends for a fundraiser at City-State Brewing, with live music and a chance to learn more about the organization’s mission. A $15 donation includes your first drink, and City-State is donating a portion of drink purchases to the Friends of the Soldiers Home. 5 to 10 p.m. Donations requested.

The Hip-Hop Bar Crawl on U Street

The latest edition of this holiday weekend staple finds seven DJs spinning at seven U Street bars between 2 and 10 p.m., with bar crawlers bouncing between locations for themed musical sets like DJ Harvey Dent’s New York-centric “Battle of the Five Boroughs” at District Alley between 3 and 6 p.m., or P-Drama’s “Hip-Hop R&B Collabos” at Alice from 5 to 8 p.m. (Not feeling the music at the current bar? Move on to the next.) Each location has its own drink specials, including $5 shots. 2 to 10 p.m. $20.

Trashcan Cinema at Comet Ping Pong

Celebrating “the schlocky world of cinematic failures,” this screening is for those who enjoy films that are so bad they’re — well, worth watching for free on a Sunday night at Comet, at any rate. If the teaser “Delta Burke on a murder spree” doesn’t lure you in, we don’t know what will. Doors open at 6, with an hour-long “pre-roll” compilation before the main feature. 6:30 p.m. Free.

Patrice Rushen at the Birchmere

Across her half-century-long career, Patrice Rushen has lived many lives. Along with being a post-bop jazz pianist who eventually broke barriers as a music director for the Grammys and Janet Jackson’s tour in support of her iconic album “Janet,” she’s best known as an R&B singer-songwriter whose songs span soul, disco and funk and have lived as both as slinky originals and sample sources for hits in the intervening years. 7:30 p.m. $55.

Black Techno Matters at location TBA

While so much of what happens on dance floors is ephemeral, D.C.-born collective Black Techno Matters is looking to use the power of archiving to empower DJs, producers and the community at large. The group will celebrate the release of a USB containing 130 songs from 16 Black artists with discussions by founder B_X_R_N_X_R_D and BLVKSITE and a party featuring a handful of local talents. 7 p.m. $22.85-$34.30.

Think Pink at Shakers

Spend a guilt-free Sunday night before a holiday celebrating some of the pinkest pop culture moments of late. The new(ish) bar by the owners of the Dirty Goose has a soundtrack featuring songs from “Barbie,” Nicki Minaj’s “Pink Friday 2” and “Mean Girls,” the movie musical releasing on Friday, by, fans will note, DJ Glen Coco. 9 p.m. Free.

Booze-Free Bingo at Metrobar

Metrobar’s menu of zero-proof cocktails was named the best in D.C. by City Paper readers in 2022, and the beer garden near the Rhode Island Avenue station, which has a full-size Metro car at its heart, features nonalcoholic cocktails including the Shirley Horn (made with fig-balsamic grenadine and citrus) and pineapple-thyme lemonade this month. Booze Free in D.C. hosts an afternoon of Dry January games and drinks. 1 p.m. $5.

Adamare at Union Stage

Made up of six D.C. public school faculty members, Adamare infuses soul, jazz and rock. The band’s first EP, “Lost Tradition,” released in June, traverses a rich stylistic landscape. Adamare’s sound is uniquely Claire Tucker — the culture coach at E.L. Haynes Public Charter School, who happens to be in possession of gripping, gorgeous vocals that unify a hodgepodge of styles. 7:30 p.m. $20-$40.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

The life and legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. are celebrated across the region with parades, family activities, concerts, cultural events and acts of service. Here are a few ways to get involved on Monday.

Reserve a pass to spend the afternoon at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, where you’ll find activities and performances under the banner of “The People’s Holiday: The Many Dreams of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” On the second level, visitors can contribute to a service project by decorating journals for children in foster care, or make a star to honor someone doing good in their community. Kids (or anyone crafty) can make a button inspired by King, and a community talkback board displays dreams for the future contributed by museum-goers. In the museum’s Heritage Hall, Duke Ellington School of the Arts students share their original Afrofuturism-inspired play, “The Many Futures of Dr. King,” while the Sweet Home Cafe sells slices of chocolate bourbon pecan pie in honor of King’s 95th birthday. (11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free; registration required.)

The Kennedy Center’s “Let Freedom Ring” concert, organized with Georgetown University, is a musical tribute starring pop singer and actress Jordin Sparks; award-winning jazz vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant; and composer Nolan Williams Jr., who will premiere “Rise Up and Fight,” a song written to mark the 60th anniversary of the 1964 Mississippi Freedom Summer. While the performance in the Concert Hall is free, tickets are required. A maximum of two tickets per person will be given away in the Hall of Nations beginning at 4:30 p.m. (6 p.m. Free.)

A fixture since 2008, the Folger Theatre’s “Not Just Another Day Off: A Poetic Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” finds poets and actors reading original works and delivering stirring speeches written by King, Frederick Douglass and other notables, as well as live music. The event takes places in the recently reopened Folger Theatre on Capitol Hill; in-person tickets are sold out, but it will also be live-streamed on YouTube. (11 a.m. Free.)

D.C.’s 19th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Walk and Parade kicks off with a peace rally at 9 a.m. Monday at Shepherd Park, at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X avenues SE, followed by the walk at 10:45 a.m. The day includes the parade honoring King, which begins at 11 a.m. at the R.I.S.E. center at St. Elizabeth’s East and features marching bands, cheerleaders and community groups; a health and wellness fair; and a community cleanup. (The full schedule of events and locations is on mlkholidaydc.org. Free.)

Bring the kids to “It Starts With Me! A Beyond the Book Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King” at D.C.’s Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, which features music and spoken word performances, story time, and family activities. (1 to 4 p.m. Free.)

Leesburg’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. March and Celebration begins at the Loudoun County Courthouse and proceeds to the Douglass Community Center, featuring local organizations and marching bands. A ceremony at the community center includes speakers, musical performances and refreshments. (10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; parade begins at 10:30 a.m. Free.)

The Josiah Henson Museum and Park in North Bethesda was once a plantation owned by Isaac Riley. The Rev. Josiah Henson was enslaved there until 1830, when he escaped to Canada. His autobiography inspired the influential anti-slavery novel “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.” The park is normally closed during the week but is opening for special hours on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. (10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $4-$5; free for children 5 and younger.)

Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week

Sick of cooking after the holidays? Plan a fun meal out at a discount when Winter Restaurant Week returns, bringing deals on multicourse meals to restaurants across D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia. Brunch and lunch menus are offered at $25 or $35 per person, while dinner menus run $40, $55 or $65 for on-premise dining. This marks the first time Xiquet, chef Danny Lledó’s luxurious take on Spanish dining, joins Restaurant Week, as does Méli, a standout Greek destination in Adams Morgan with its own membership club. This is a good time to check out other buzzy restaurants, like Shaw bistro Petite Cerise or chef Kevin Tien’s Moon Rabbit, formerly a standout on the Wharf but now appearing at its new Northeast Washington pop-up. The week kicks off with select restaurants offering brunch on Monday in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Browse the official Restaurant Week website for menus and schedules. Through Jan. 21. $25-$35 for brunch and lunch; $40-$65 for dinner.

Off the Beaten Path: A Guided Tour of Lesser-Known Mezcals at Fountain Inn

Mezcal’s popularity was steadily increasing before the pandemic, and the smoky agave spirit continues to broaden its appeal. But beyond the sea of bars pouring Ilegal or Del Maguey, there are many smaller mezcal producers offering delicious and singular flavors. The team at Georgetown’s Fountain Inn cocktail bar introduces casual sippers to independent mezcal brands during this tasting, serving tasters along with tacos. 7:30 to 10 p.m. $50.