Things to Do

What to Do This Week: December 17 to 20

Black Cat’s rock-and-roll garage sale, the Story League challenge, and Fado’s ugly sweater party.

Stock up on vinyl at Black Cat’s garage sale Wednesday. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.

Monday, December 17

ART: Remember as a kid, when you didn’t know what to get your mom for the holidays you
made her a card or something? Pull the same stunt all these years later—everyone likes
a homemade gift. At ArtJamz’s
Shake Shack Super Jam, you’ll get two hours of studio time (including access to paints, markers, and other
things that make marks on canvas), a large canvas, two drinks, and a Shake Shack custard
to wash it all down. Tickets ($35) are available through Eventbrite. 6:30 PM.

Tuesday, December 18

POLITICS, PARTY: We know this city isn’t loaded with Republicans, so you gotta stick together.
DC Young Republicans is hosting a holiday party: Dress all festive and stuff, and you might find yourself
with new job opportunities down the line as long as you take it kinda easy on the
eggnog (which could be tough with an open bar). Tickets ($30) are available online.
7 PM.

BEER: If that’s not really your thing, head to
Meridian Pint for $2 off Goose Island drafts, including the Christmas ale and the whiskey-barrel
aged Bourbon County Stout, all night. 5 PM.

Wednesday, December 19

SHOPPING: If you missed the NPR swag sale this past weekend and need to save face around your
hipster friends, you might wanna check out
Black Cat’s Rock-N-Shop rock-and-roll garage sale. You’ll find rare vinyl, cassettes, T-shirts, and who knows
what else. DJ Joshua will be playing rock music all night to get you in the mood.
Free. 8 PM.

STORYTELLING: The winners of the various
Story League challenges face off in a winner-take-all battle Wednesday at Busboys & Poets. While
some of the other storytelling nights are a bit hit-or-miss, all of Wednesday’s contestants
know what they’re doing, so come ready to laugh or maybe even cry a bit (the stories
aren’t always lighthearted). This week’s theme focuses on crazy neighbors, something
at least I can relate to (thanks for calling the cops on our party, guys!). Tickets
($15) are available online. 9 PM.

Thursday, December 20

SWEATERS: If you’re making the
ugly-sweater-party rounds this December or somehow missed all the ones last week, add this one to your
list. Fado gets in on the action Thursday—people who donate $10 to Bread for the City
will get drink specials all night. 5 PM.

Know of something cool going on around town? E-mail Jason Koebler at jasontpkoebler@gmail.com,
or find him on Twitter @jason_koebler