Lunar New Year, Black History Month, and Apothecary Tours: The Best Things to Do in the DC Area, 1/31-2/6 – Washingtonian

REACH Winter Lanterns display. Photograph courtesy of Kennedy Center.

Hello Neighbor,

Happy Lunar New Year! Wishing you and your loved ones a year of good luck and fortune! Besides the events highlighted in the newsletter below, here is an article about other ways to celebrate Lunar New Year.

For your convenience, this newsletter includes emojis to help you during these unprecedented times:

1. Happy Lunar New Year. There are a plethora of celebrations and meals to take part in. For families, consider joining in the reading of the book I Am Golden (Wed, , /, Dupont Circle) or stopping by the The REACH Winter Lanterns (ongoing, , , Kennedy Center), or grabbing a Lunar New Year ice-cream tasting flight (ongoing, $15, ).

2. Celebrating Black History Month. Join conversations with Black authors discussing how the history of American slavery is interpreted and memorialized (Tues, , ), the redemptive strength of Black joy (Thurs, , ), and one of Americas few Black master falconers (Sun, , ). The National Museum of African History and Culture is hosting a panel discussion on the triumphs and challenges of Black education (Fri, , ). For the month of February, Serenata will be hosting a variety of tastings from Black-owned spirits, wine and beer brands (starts Tues, $, /, Union Market) and cocktail classes (starts Tues, $85, ). Head to DC9 for a Big Bad Bombshell Bash for a drag show celebrating Queer Black excellence (Wed, $15, /, Shaw).

3. Learn how to cook something.

4. Take a tour of an apothecary. The Apothecary Museum in Old Town Alexandria hosts guided tours of the preserved Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Shop, which dates back to the 18th century (various dates, $8, , Alexandria).

5. Golden girl. Wunder Garten is hosting a Betty White (Sat, , /, Union Market) tribute dance party.

6. A yakitori-sake tasting. Toki Underground is hosting a special dinner with items such as charred eggplant in dashi; cabbage salad with nori, sesame, and bonito; yakitori (chicken and vegetable skewers); and three sake pairings (Sun, $100, /, H St.).

Thanks for reading and let me know what you think of this newsletter,

Jade Womack (@clockoutdc)

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Jade Womack is an energy economist by day, and an events blogger by night. She started her blog, Clockout DC, when she was moonlighting as a bartender in 2019. She grew up in Arlington, and currently lives in Adams Morgan with her dog.

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Lunar New Year, Black History Month, and Apothecary Tours: The Best Things to Do in the DC Area, 1/31-2/6 - Washingtonian