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A guide to fun things to do in D.C. this weekend.

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Hello, January — aka the month where everyone is trying to do healthy stuff on the weekends. 

Why it matters: Let's just decide not to think about all the indulging we did in December, okay? New year, new us!

State of play: Here are some wellness-focused events around Washington to help you continue easing into 2026:

🧘 Reset your vibes with a sound bath and guided meditation led by a local sound healer Thursday night at Eaton. ($34)

🖼️ Check out some art while you shavasana Saturday morning during a yoga class hosted in a gallery at the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington. (Ticket prices vary.)

✂️ Get crafty with your 2026 manifestations during a vision board workshop at Shop Made in D.C.'s Georgetown location on Saturday afternoon. ($49)

🎶 If you like your wellness with a side of hip hop, check out Trap Yoga on Sunday morning at The Morrow Hotel near Union Market. (Ticket prices vary.)

🐶 Downward dogs will literally be happening during puppy yoga at Alexandria's Old Town Books on Sunday morning, hosted with Homeward Trails Animal Rescue. ($43)

🍸 Booze Free in D.C. is co-hosting a dry January bingo event at Metrobar on Sunday midday, where you can sip mocktails while you try to win big. ($11)

🇫🇷 Join the Alliance Française on Friday evening to celebrate Epiphany by nomming on some Galettes des Rois — aka King Cake! Dupont Circle bakery Un Je Ne Sais Quoi will be on hand serving up the treat. (Ticket prices vary.)

🤣 Already in need of some 2026 levity? Check out a free comedy show at the Kennedy Center on Friday night featuring three funny folks, including a local who's been dubbed the "Traumedian." (Free, reservations required)

🏀 Ball is life: You can catch basketball games at Capital One Arena on Friday and Saturday. The Wizards hosts the New Orleans Pelicans Friday evening, and then the Georgetown Hoyas face off against Seton Hall Saturday night. (Ticket prices vary.)

🍽️ Celebrate Zora Neale Hurston's birthday on Saturday with a special dinner at the Anacostia Busboys & Poets location featuring Southern dishes inspired by Hurston's hometown of Eatonville, Florida. ($53)

🌱 Need to get the kiddos out of the house? Take 'em to a kid-friendly terrarium-building workshop Sunday afternoon at PlantHouse in Alexandria. ($38)

Your D.C. Weekend: Wellness events, King Cake and tons of basketball

Illustration of a woman stretching on a yoga mat shaped like a plus

Hello, January — aka the month where everyone is trying to do healthy stuff on the weekends. Why it matters: Let&#x27;s just decide not to think about all the indulging we did in December, okay? New year, new us!

Things to Do

The new East Wing addition is slated to be two stories, and rise to the same height as the White House, according to plans the architect for President Trump's ballroom revealed Thursday.  

The glowup could now also include adding a second-story addition to the existing West Wing colonnade so the two wings are symmetrical. 

The big picture: Many locals and historic preservationists were horrified when the East Wing was demolished last year without many of the traditional greenlights — which Trump's administration has said it didn't need.

The project has ballooned in scope since it was first announced, and is currently estimated to cost $400 million.

Meanwhile, the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) — one of the groups with final say over the project — is now stacked with Trump loyalists.

Driving the news: Shalom Baranes, the president's architect, clarified Thursday that the 90,000-square-foot figure that has been associated with the ballroom project will actually play out across two floors.

 Upstairs: a 22,000-square-foot ballroom for 1,000 seated guests.

Downstairs: a commercial kitchen, an office area for the First Lady and a rebuilt movie theater. The lower level will also have an entrance and a grand staircase visitors can use to access the ballroom.

Baranes outlined the plans during an informational presentation to the NCPC — the first part of the project's review process.

Friction point: D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson, who sits on the commission, told Baranes during the meeting he was worried the addition could be "overwhelming" to the existing structure.

The other side: Baranes said his team made the decision when it joined the project last year that it wouldn't pursue plans to expand its existing scope, and that their goal is "a thoughtful middle ground" that maintains "the visual primacy of the White House."

He noted that the new East Wing will be set back 10.5 feet from the White House's main facade on Pennsylvania Avenue. 

The addition will be painted white to match the existing structure, Baranes said.

State of play: Excavation and foundation work on the project has started. 

Between the lines: Reviews with architects and engineers showed significant structural damage and deterioration in the East Wing, meaning it was most cost-efficient to tear it down and rebuild rather than renovate, White House official Josh Fisher said at the meeting.

The administration "took great steps" to preserve historic aspects, like parts of the original colonnade and elements of the movie theater, Fisher said. 

What's next: Team Trump wants to get the sign-off process done quicker than what's standard for these types of projects — which can usually drag out to months or years.

Some officials have said construction could start above ground as soon as April, and that the ballroom will be finished before Trump's term is over.

Baranes and administration members will give a similar presentation before the Commission of Fine Arts later this month.

The NCPC will vote on the project in March.

National

East Wing expansion plans revealed as Trump team pushes for fast-track approval

The White House's plans now also include a two-story West Wing colonnade.

Man in suit holding microphone and pointer presenting architectural drawings labeled East Wing Modernization on a white board against dark background.

Architect Shalom Baranes shows elevation drawings for a new $400 million ballroom at the White House to members of the National Capital Planning Commission. Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

The new East Wing addition is slated to be two stories, and rise to the same height as the White House, according to plans the architect for President Trump&#x27;s ballroom revealed Thursday. <ul><li>The glowup could now also include adding a second-story addition to the existing West Wing colonnade so the two wings are symmetrical. </li></ul>

2024 will be an election year like no other, as President Biden seeks re-election amid economic uncertainty, two wars and questions about his age. His likely foe, former President Trump, faces felony charges and vows revenge on his political enemies. Meanwhile, Americans generally are dissatisfied with those choices and are divided over immigration, race, education and more.

Politics & Policy

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Politics

It's a new year for D.C. — time to check in on some real estate projects happening around town.

Why it matters: The DMV's skyline is constantly evolving, with future developments always in the pipeline — think Therme, or a new Southwest neighborhood  — but it can take years to see progress.

State of play: Here are some local projects gaining traction this year:

Modern arena with wave-like glass roof and large red Washington Capitals logo screens, surrounded by city streets with cars, buses, and crowds on sidewalks under a clear blue sky.

The Caps' and Wizards' arena revamp is underway. Rendering: Courtesy Monumental Sports & Entertainment

The arena will enter the middle portion of its multi-phase, $800 million renovation in 2026, a Monumental Sports spokesperson tells Axios.

Expect to see four tiers of luxe new suites open at the arena later this year, plus a business and conference center, Monumental's new offices (next door to the arena), a new entrance at 7th and F streets, and a new premium entrance on 6th Street.

Also: Work will begin on a refresh of the building's facade, with a design inspired by the nearby Portrait Gallery, a new main entry, and visual displays. ETA: 2027.

The arena's full reno is still on track to wrap up by the 2027-2028 season, per the spokesperson.

Aerial view of a large river with two bridges crossing it: a busy highway bridge and a pedestrian bridge with green parks and pathways on either side, surrounded by urban buildings and trees.

Aerial view of the 11th Street Bridge Park. Rendering: Courtesy OMA+OLIN

Following delays, construction is slated to finally kick off on the park this summer — a project 13 years in the making, park director Scott Kratz tells Axios.

The X-shaped park will stretch over the Anacostia River, linking the Anacostia and Navy Yard neighborhoods, with an amphitheater, environmental education center, café, playspace, gathering spots, trails, urban gardens, and canoe and kayak launches.

A render of a space-agey Bezos Learning Center, circular and in silver tones, with landscaping out front. 

The Bezos Learning Center at Air and Space, looking northwest from Independence Ave. Rendering: Courtesy National Capital Planning Commission July 2025 presentation 

Above-ground construction on the National Air and Space Museum's learning center is expected to kick off in March, a museum spokesperson tells Axios. It's funded in part by a $200 million donation from Jeff Bezos.

The 2.5-acre center — which will sit on the National Mall next to the museum on its former food court site — will have a spiraling galaxy-inspired design, with a 700-person restaurant, space to host school groups and events, and an outdoor Astronomy Park and Learning Courtyard.

Aerial view of a modern stadium with a wavy glass roof, surrounded by buildings with green rooftops and trees, set against a clear blue sky with crowds around the stadium entrance.

Rendering: Courtesy Washington Commanders and HKS

Initial utilities construction on the Stadium District — aka the portion of the RFK campus housing the future Commanders stadium — will begin this year, a spokesperson for Mayor Muriel Bowser's office tells Axios.

The plan: Have this area up and running by 2030.

Yes, but: Other neighborhoods slated for development on the campus will likely be delayed, thanks to zoning issues.

And while the team has started the design process for the new stadium, Trump World has weighed in with its thoughts: Make it Colosseum-esque.

Urban scene with people walking, biking, and sitting in a courtyard between two modern apartment buildings with balconies, greenery, and a clear blue sky.

The Bridge District is adjacent to Anacostia Park at the foot of the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge. Image: Courtesy Redbrick LMD

The second phase of the Ward 8 neighborhood is expected to open at the end of this year, a spokesperson says.

Expect more retail (exact deets TBD) and housing — including a residential building that would be D.C.'s largest made of timber — with green spaces and areas for outdoor dining.

D.C. developments to watch in 2026

We have updates on 11th Street Bridge Park, Bezos Learning Center and more.

Illustration of The Washington Monument stylized as a crane against a golden background. 

It&#x27;s a new year for D.C. — time to check in on some real estate projects happening around town.Why it matters: The DMV&#x27;s skyline is constantly evolving, with future developments always in the pipeline — think <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Therme" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/03/20/therme-wellness-saunas-thermal-baths-waterslides-renderings" data-vars-content-id="1fe03bad-c81f-4d19-8861-065f86b5198d" data-vars-headline="D.C. developments to watch in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/03/20/therme-wellness-saunas-thermal-baths-waterslides-renderings" target="_self">Therme</a>, or a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Southwest neighborhood" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/02/03/federal-offices-national-mall-wharf-residential" data-vars-content-id="1fe03bad-c81f-4d19-8861-065f86b5198d" data-vars-headline="D.C. developments to watch in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/02/03/federal-offices-national-mall-wharf-residential" target="_self">Southwest neighborhood</a> — but it can take years to see progress.

If you're experiencing "Heated Rivalry" withdrawals after binging the hit show, fear not — you can party with fellow fans at themed events here in D.C.

Why it matters: The mega pop culture sensation — which follows two professional male hockey players as they fall in love — has broken the internet, meaning the "gay hockey smut" genre is now something your parents are genuinely inquiring about in the fam group chat.

State of play: Cue up the t.A.T.u: Naturally, D.C. event locations are capitalizing on the hottie hockey hook-up show.

The 14th Street LGBTQ+ hangout space Spark Social is hosting a series of viewing parties for the show this month with all-night happy hour. Check out epis three and four on Monday, with the fifth and sixth streaming on Jan. 19. 

The Howard Theatre is hosting a "Heated Rivalry Rave" on Feb. 6, where you can channel the iconic "Ilya and Shane stare broodingly at each other from across the club" scene while dancing to your fave queer pop anthems. 

And while a Heated Rivalry dance party also scheduled for next month at the 9:30 Club is currently sold out, there will be one hosted March 6 at sister venue The Anthem.

Fun local fact: The author of the "Game Changers" series — the books the show is based on — was apparently inspired by the rivalry between Capitals player Alexander Ovechkin and Pittsburgh Penguins player Sidney Crosby when dreaming up the plot. 

💭 Mimi's thought bubble: As someone who goes to sporting events solely for the chicken tendies, I'm not saying that I would be way more into D.C. hockey if all the hottie Caps players occasionally stopped to give each other little smoochies on the ice ... but I'm not saying that I wouldn't be way, way more into it. 

D.C. Heated Rivalry events are spicing things up off-ice

Two ice hockey players, one in blue jersey number 24 and the other in white jersey number 8 with captain C, face off as a referee prepares to drop the puck on ice rink.

If you&#x27;re experiencing &quot;Heated Rivalry&quot; withdrawals after binging the hit <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="show" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/08/new-movies-tv-hbo-netflix-peacock-the-pitt" data-vars-content-id="246cfe1b-474d-435c-bb6d-158be2a27bca" data-vars-headline="D.C. Heated Rivalry events are spicing things up off-ice" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/08/new-movies-tv-hbo-netflix-peacock-the-pitt" target="_self">show</a>, fear not — you can party with fellow fans at themed events here in D.C.Why it matters: The mega pop culture sensation — which follows two professional male hockey players as they fall in love — has broken the internet, meaning the &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="gay hockey smut" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thecut.com/article/heated-rivalry-series-show-book-women-explained.html" data-vars-content-id="246cfe1b-474d-435c-bb6d-158be2a27bca" data-vars-headline="D.C. Heated Rivalry events are spicing things up off-ice" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thecut.com/article/heated-rivalry-series-show-book-women-explained.html" target="_blank">gay hockey smut</a>&quot; genre is now something your parents are genuinely inquiring about in the fam group chat.

It's every parent's worst nightmare, and every kid's dream come true: A slime factory might be coming to Northern Virginia.

The big picture: The possible new gooey addition to Tysons Corner Center comes amid plans for the shopping mecca to get a $100 million facelift.

State of play: The Sloomoo Institute — an interactive slime play group with locations across the country — has filed plans with Fairfax County to open a two-story location at the mall's former Paul Mitchell beauty school space, Washington Business Journal reports.

Activities at other locations include "Sloomoo Falls," where guests get poncho-ed up and slimed; the "Sloobratory," where slime scholars go to learn; and "Lake Sloomoo," where you can walk on slime.

The spots are also available to book for birthday parties, field trips and corporate events.

Between the lines: Sloomoo's slime is made with Elmer's Glue, borax, lotion, fragrances and pigments, and — this one's for you, Mom and Dad — can be removed from most clothes with hot water and vinegar.

What we're watching: TBD on approvals — and an opening date.

Northern Virginia might be getting a slime factory

The Sloomoo Institute wants to open a Tysons location.

Three people raising their arms and playing with a big pink pile of slime. 

The Sloomoo Institute's opening in Los Angeles in 2024. Photo: Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Sloomoo Institute

It&#x27;s every parent&#x27;s worst nightmare, and every kid&#x27;s dream come true: A slime factory might be coming to Northern Virginia.The big picture: The possible new gooey addition to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tysons Corner Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/06/06/tysons-corner-mall-100-million-makeover" data-vars-content-id="d2a75468-f57e-4c70-b12b-f3905f676ab6" data-vars-headline="Northern Virginia might be getting a slime factory" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/06/06/tysons-corner-mall-100-million-makeover" target="_self">Tysons Corner Center</a> comes amid plans for the shopping mecca to get a $100 million facelift.

Mimi Montgomery

Featured stories

D.C. developments to watch in 2026

Northern Virginia might be getting a slime factory

D.C. Heated Rivalry events are spicing things up off-ice

East Wing expansion plans revealed as Trump team pushes for fast-track approval

Your D.C. Weekend: Wellness events, King Cake and tons of basketball