Things to Do

Where & When: What To Do This Weekend

Sticking around town this Thanksgiving weekend? We've got the ways to keep yourself entertained.

Thursday, November 22: It’s Thanksgiving Day, and you might be busy gorging yourself with stuffing, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes . . . . But take a moment to remember those who aren’t so fortunate. Helping Washington’s disadvantaged is made easy by a variety of organizations. Donating even a small amount of time or money can make a big difference to those who are hungry. Read here for our list of organizations who help Washington’s needy.

If you’d like to spend at least part of Thanksgiving helping both a worthy cause and your waistline, join the Thanksgiving Turkey Trot 5K at West Potomac Park this morning at 8:30 AM. Your $20 registration goes to So Others Might Eat, an organization that helps the poor and homeless in DC. The starting line is on Ohio Drive between Independence Avenue and West Basin Drive. Call 202-797-8806 for more information.

It’s a tradition—Taint, the dance night that caters to the indie- and electronic-music-loving queer community (but welcomes anybody) takes place tonight in a special Thanksgiving Turkey Taint edition at DC9 (1940 Ninth St., NW; 202-483-5000). 9 PM; $5.

Not going away for Thanksgiving but looking for a bar to catch some football? Check out our guide to where to watch your favorite NFL team.

Friday, November 23: It’s “black Friday,” and you know what that means: shopping and sale madness. Check out our weekly roundup of sales and shopping events and sign up for Shop Around, our new shopping and fashion newsletter that announces sales and trunk shows every week.

In the mood for some music? Head to the Birchmere (3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria) to catch the Seldom Scene and Dry Branch Fire Squad—catchy bluegrass at its best. 7:30 PM; $29.50. Tickets available here.

Saturday, November 24: Canadian crooners (and twins) Tegan and Sara play Lisner Auditorium (730 21st St., NW) this evening. Their layered folk-rock is always complemented by a fun and chatty live show. Northern State opens. 8 PM; $25. Purchase tickets here.

Sunday, November 25: Head to Mount Vernon to see George Washington’s historic estate by candlelight (November 23 through December 9). The tour includes a trip to the mansion’s third floor, an area open to the public only on holidays. Free cider, cookies, and caroling are also part of the evening. 5 to 8 PM; $15; $10 under age 12. Hurry, though—November 23 and 24 are already sold out. Purchase tickets here.

It’s a given that Washington gets quieter on major holidays, as people head back home to other parts of the country. Why not take advantage of the relative emptiness and hit some of the art shows that are otherwise normally packed? Try the Edward Hopper show, Ansel Adams, and more. Here are some of our recommendations for fall exhibitions that aren’t to be missed.