D.C. weekend events: MLK Day, Reggaefest and more

💐 1. MLK Day events around D.C.

Over 60 years since Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech in Washington, the city continues to gather and remember his message.

• Here are six events happening this holiday weekend:

🎉 19th Annual Peace Walk & Parade: Participate in a peace rally at 9am and a parade, 11am–2pm Monday beginning at the RISE Demonstration Center in Southeast. Free.

• The route is about 2 miles. View full map and directions.

🎤 Let Freedom Ring Celebration: Listen to performances by Jordin Sparks, Nolan Willams Jr. and other artists, 6pm Monday at the Kennedy Center. Free.

• Tickets for this event will be available starting at 4:30pm Monday.

🙏 6th Annual Prayer Breakfast: Celebrate the Legacy of MLK Jr. with a multicultural breakfast, 9am–noon Saturday at Matthews Memorial Baptist Church in Southeast. Tickets are $30.

• There will be a keynote speech from local Minister Calique Barnes and performances from local acts.

🕍 MLK Shabbat: Vision of Freedom and Justice: Commemorate the work of MLK Jr. and Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel in this interfaith service with music from the Covenant Baptist choir and Sixth & I musicians, 7pm Friday at Sixth & I. Free.

• Doors open at 6pm and there will be challah and dessert served after the service.

☮️ Peace, Truth & Justice Poetry Slam: Enjoy a poetry slam competition, 7pm Saturday at Busboys and Poets Anacostia. Tickets are $5 in advance online and $8 at the door.

• The competition will be judged by the audience and the winner will receive a $150 cash prize.

❤️‍🩹 Give Warmth D.C.: Serve unhoused people in need, 9:30am–1pm Saturday at the MLK Library. Free. View sponsorship options and donation lists.

• Volunteers will distribute toiletries and essentials for winter.

2. 🇺🇲 Family Day at the DAR Museum

• Enjoy interactive displays and hands-on activities that explore the history of the American home 200 years ago, 10am–2pm Saturday at the Daughters of the American Revolution Museum. Free.

3. 👯 DSTRKT Cabaret

• Watch a burlesque show while enjoying food, drinks, hookah and a photo booth, 4–9pm Saturday at Sax Restaurant & Lounge. $10.

4. 🎶 Reggaefest

• Dance to Afrobeats, soca, amapiano, dancehall and reggae music, 10pm–3am Saturday at The Howard Theatre. Tickets start at $20.
• This event is for ages 21+.

5. 🔮 New Year's Tarot and Sake

• Try four traditional sakes from local sake and cocktail company Kiko while getting a tarot card reading from local reader Skye Marinda, 5:30–7pm Friday at PLNTR. Free.
• There will be nonalcoholic options.

6. 👚 January Clothing Swap

• Clean out your closet and get some new pieces at 1pm Sunday at Hook Hall. Tickets are $5.
• Bring gently used clothes, accessories and shoes for any season and any gender. View full details on acceptable items.