Your D.C. Weekend: Panda party, Monster Jam, ABBA disco
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Giant panda Bao Li enjoys D.C. snow. Photo: Courtesy of Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
D.C.'s new pandas debut Friday — and the Smithsonian National Zoo is throwing a panda party to celebrate.
Why it matters: Adorable 3-year-olds Bao Li and Qing Bao are natural-born stars for the zoo and city, and a huge driver of D.C.'s "panda-conomy."
State of play: Free zoo entry passes are available online, required for all admissions (8am-3pm, daily). Visitors can head to the revamped Asia Trail to see the bears in their new habitat, which boasts fresh attractions for pandas and humans alike (and soon: a fancy new Panda Cam).
- The District of Panda Party starts Saturday and runs through Feb. 9. Look for family-friendly activities like a "Kung Fu Panda" film festival and Lunar New Year celebration (full schedule TBA).
Between the lines: It's panda-monium outside the zoo, too. Drink panda-rita cocktails and take beary cute selfies at The Bamboo Bar, a new panda-themed pop-up at Duke's Counter near the zoo's main entrance. Neighbor Baked by Yael sells bear-themed sweets and treats for lil' cubs.
- There're also over-the-top panda packages at local hotels (hello, staycation), and a commemorative SmarTrip card.
Pro tip: If you're taking Metro, skip the lengthy uphill walk from the Woodley Park-Zoo stop and disembark at Cleveland Park Metro station instead. The zoo also has parking passes.
- And if you're daunted by the cold, brave ahead — the pandas love playing in the snow!
More fun things to do:
🍾 Downtown food hall The Square hosts a Dry January Party at 5:30pm Thursday with N/A drink and products, a tarot reader and mingling music. $15 tickets include a goodie bag.
🤣 Comic Nick Swardson ("Reno 911!") brings his standup tour to Warner Theatre, Friday. Doors open at 7:30, tickets start at $53.
🎤 "TINA: The Tina Turner Musical" returns to The National Theatre (Fri-Sun) featuring the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll's best songs and triumphant story written by Pulitzer Prize winner Katori Hall. Tickets vary matinee/evening.
🛻 Monster Jam and its massive trucks roar into Capital One Arena (Fri-Sun). Ticket prices vary by time.
🪩 Get your ABBA Dance Party on Saturday at the 9:30 Club, and dress your disco best. Doors open at 9pm, $35 tickets.
🧩 Swap puzzles Saturday at Eastern Market (12-4pm) in honor of National Puzzle Day. Free
🛍️ Post Holiday Market comes to Doubles in Park View on Sunday (1-5pm) featuring local artists curated by ArteparaVivir Design, fueled by craft coffee, natty wines and pizza. Free
Future fun: Make reservations for Winter Restaurant Week, starting Monday (here's our guide to what's new and hot).
- Also for foodies: Chiko's Lunar New Year kicks off Wednesday at The Shell on Barracks Row, a collab with talents like Helen Nguyen (Saigon Social, NYC), Steve Chu (Ekiben, Baltimore), and Rosie Nguyen (Rose Ave Bakery). Tickets are $90.