Events to Peep for the Weekend - 12.29 - 12.31 - (New Year's Eve Weekend Edition)

Before you "let 2017 go," have a "golden time" with legendary soul band Maze featuring Frankie Beverly when they hit the stage at the MGM National Harbor on Friday night for a one-night-only show. 8 p.m. Tickets: $194-$653. The Theatre. MGM National Harbor. 101 MGM National Avenue, Oxon Hill, MD 20745. www.mgmnationalharbor.com

If you "know you got soul," head to the Howard Theatre on Friday night to experience hip hop at its best when legendary MC, Rakim, takes the stage and blows up the mic. Opening act: Tray Chaney. 9 p.m. Tickets: $26-$55. The Howard Theatre. 620 T Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001. www.thehowardtheatre.com. NOTE: This event has been rescheduled to Saturday, January 6th. 

In celebration of the culmination of Kwanzaa, join the Matthews Memorial Baptist Church on Saturday for its Unity Breakfast fellowship with family and friends. 9-11 a.m. Free. Matthews Memorial Baptist Church. 2616 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20020. More information can be found here.

On Saturday, comedian Finesse Mitchell continues his weekend long set at the Improv (culminating in a special NYE show) to make sure everyone laughs their way out of 2017 and into a fun-filled new year.  7:30 & 9:45 p.m. Tickets: $20. DC Improv. 1140 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036. www.dcimprov.com

It's the last Sunday of the year to brunch with friends. Toast out the old and welcome the new when you indulge at Via Umbria's New Year's Eve Brunch. Join fellow foodies around the communal chef's table for a memorable selection of fresh pastries, delicious sides and a main course of your choosing. Follow your meal with a delectable dessert, while the bottomless Mimosas, Bloody Marys and signature Aperol Spritz keeps the party going. 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Tickets:$38.50. Via Umbria. 1525 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20007. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

Before you belt out a nostalgic "Auld Langs Syne" at midnight on Sunday, make sure to first party hard at the 7th Annual New Years Eve Casino Night by Social Architects featuring 20 bars and 11 rooms of entertainment on five levels with eight DJ's spinning Hip- Hop, R&B, Top 40, Salsa, House, Disco & Old School. The night will also feature casino games; a live Jazz & R&B Band; and a countdown on the big screen live from Times Square. DJ Kid Capri will spin in the main room. 8 p.m. - 3 a.m. Tickets: $85-$250. Hyatt Regency Hotel. 2799 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Arlington, VA 22202. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.

Looking Ahead: If you've got any energy left to party some more after New Year's Eve, join DC's own Wale on Monday as he kicks off the first night of 2018 on the Fillmore stage to perform of all of his hits from "Lotus Flower Bomb" to "The Matrimony." 8 p.m. Tickets: $35. The Fillmore. 8656 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910. www.fillmoresilverspring.com

Life's short. Be entertained...and have a safe and Happy New Year! WPT will return on January 11th. 

Events to Peep for the Weekend - 12.22 - 12.24 (Holiday Edition)

Kickoff your long holiday weekend on Friday with Step Afrika for their Magical Musical Holiday Step Show, as the internationally-known dance company celebrates the season with clapping, stomping and all around fun for all ages featuring their furry friends from the Arctic Kingdom, and a special dance party with DJ Frosty the Snowman! 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $18-$45. Atlas Performing Arts Center. 1333 H Street, NE, Washington DC 20002. www.stepafrika.org

Clocking out of the office on Friday until 2018? Kick your last happy hour of 2017 up a notch at the Miracle on 7th Street, third annual holiday PUB (pop-up bar) from Drink Company. Specialty cocktails include the "I Sleigh, All Day", the "Nog Shot", and the "Whobilation." 1839 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001. www.popupbardc.com

With the family in town, gather them up on Saturday night for some laughs courtesy of funny man Guy Torry, holding down a weekend-long set at the Baltimore Comedy Factory. 7, 9:30, and 11:30 p.m. Tickets: $22. Baltimore Comedy Factory. 5625 O'Donnell Street, Baltimore, MD 21224. www-baltimorecomedy-com.

Feel like grooving instead? Well, get ready to "jam the night away" on Saturday when R&B crooner Freddie Jackson hits the Birchmere stage performing all of his hits from "You Are My Lady" to "Rock Me Tonight." 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $50. The Birchmere. 3701 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria VA 22305. www.birchmere.com

Before Santa's favorite reindeer prepares to hit the skies with the big guy, take the kids to meet him on Sunday! Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and his friends, Clarice and Bumble, will join your for a delicious breakfast, which will include games and Sing-A-Long to favorite music from the beloved television special. 8 a.m.-11 a.m. Tickets: $26.99 Children (4-11) | $39.99 Adults. Pienza Restaurant - Lower Atrium Level. Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. 201 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, Maryland 20745. More information and tickets can be found here.

On Sunday, spend your Christmas Eve delighting in the beautiful sounds of The Choral Arts Society of Washington as they present Christmas with Choral Arts: an evening of enchanting Christmas music that will fill you with the joy of the season. This performance features holiday carols, seasonal classics, and sing-alongs for the whole family to enjoy. 1 p.m. Tickets: $29-$69. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. 2700 F Street, NW, Washington, DC 20566. www.kennedy-center.org

Looking Ahead: On Thursday, the 2-1-5th's illest hip hop band, The Roots, heads to the Fillmore for its annual December show along with legendary DC go-go band, Junkyard. 8 p.m. Tickets: $70. 8656 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910. www.fillmoresilverspring.com


Life's short. Be entertained. 

Events to Peep for the Weekend - 12.15 - 12.17

For those heading to that galaxy far far away on Friday for the release of Star Wars: The Last Jedi, head to the limited-time only Dark Side pop-up bar for pre- or post-movie libations, and enjoy an intergalactic burlesque show featuring performers from many different planets, a DJ spinning the latest hits, trivia, and a cocktail menu featuring six custom cocktails from different parts of the galaxy that are sure to give you the feels. The Dark Side Bar. 816 H Street, NE, 2nd Floor, Washington, DC 20002. www.thedarksidebar.com

Calling all the grown and sexy folk. Get a little naughty on Friday before Santa checks his list, and have the time of your life at "Good Diction"--a pop erotica production filled with top-40 music, thrilling games, exhilarating performances, and engaging conversation, creating a fun-filled ladies night out. 7 p.m. Tickets: $30-$60. The Howard Theatre.  620 T Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001. www.thehowardtheatre.com

It's not Christmas until that first...or 50th showing of A Christmas Story. On Saturday, bundle up the kids, pack the hot chocolate, and view it on the National Harbor's jumbo tron under the twinkling lights of the Harbor Christmas tree. Free. 2-4 p.m. National Harbor. 165 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, MD 20745. www.nationalharbor.com

Hold on to your seats on Saturday night when no-holds-barred funny man, Corey Holcomb, heads to Charm City to tear down the stage for his weekend-long comedy set. Baltimore Comedy Factory. 5625 O'Donnell Street, Baltimore, MD 21224. www.baltimorecomedy.com

Enjoy a little taste of Mexico on Sunday when you head to Del Campo for its bottomless $45 per-person banquet brunch featuring bottomless mimosas, a carving station with smoked beef brisket, Peruvian chicken and roast pork shoulder, as well as an antipasto bar with smoked bacon and raclette omelette. Brunch time: 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Del Campo. 777 I Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001. www.delcampodc.com

On Sunday night, jazz up your holiday season during guitarist Norman Brown’s Joyous Christmas concert featuring Bobby Caldwell & Marion Meadows. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $49. Birchmere Music Hall. 3701 Mt. Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22305. www.birchmere.com

Looking Ahead: Head back to the Howard Theatre for a turnt up Tuesday, when rapper Dave East lands on its stage performing hits from his 2017 albums Karma and Paranoia: A True Story. 8 p.m. Tickets: $25-$50. The Howard Theatre.  620 T Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001. www.thehowardtheatre.com

Life's short. Be entertained. 

Events to Peep for the Weekend - 12.8 - 12.10

The countdown to Christmas has begun! Celebrate the season at Blues Alley on Friday night courtesy of famed jazz pianist Marcus Johnson's "Holiday Jam." 8 & 10 p.m. Tickets: $35. Blues Alley. 1073 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20007. www.bluesalley.com

On Friday, show up and show out at the Kennedy Center's "In the Beginning Dance Party: Holiday Jam and Silent Disco" featuring Hip Hop icons DJ Scratch and DJ Hollywood on the 1s and 2s to keep the beats flowing. Free. 7 p.m. John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. 2700 F Street, NW, Washington, DC 20566. www.kennedy-center.org

Prepare your taste buds for the 12th Annual MetroCooking DC Show on Saturday where you'll enjoy cooking demos and book signings with top celebrity chefs; sample from over 50 local restaurants in the Grand Tasting Pavilion; wash down your fare with a local brew from the Beer, Wine and Spirits Garden; and learn new techniques and tips in the Taste Talk Workshops. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tickets: $21. Walter E. Washington Convention Center. 801 Mt Vernon Place, NW, Washington, DC 20001. www.metrocookingdc.com

In keeping the holiday season soulful, head to The Anthem on Saturday night for Fantasia's "Christmas After Midnight" show for an electric performance of all of her hits including some holiday jams too. Opening artist will be Demetria McKinney. 8 p.m. Tickets: $64-$84. The Anthem. 901 Wharf Street, SW, Washington, DC, 20024. ww.theanthemdc.com

Put a little Mediterranean flair in your Sunday brunch when you head to Zaytinya for tapas and culinary delights such as menemen, duck shakshuka, and their house falafel burger. Pair your brunch with a mimosa, bloody Mary, or their authentic Turkish coffee. Brunch time: 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Zaytinya. 701 9th Street NW, Washington DC 20001. www.zaytinya.com

Nothing says 90s like a soulful boy band. So head to the Fillmore on Sunday night and re-live the magic with Atlanta's own Jagged Edge, performing all of the hits we loved from "Let's Get Married" to "He Can't Love You" to "Where the Party At." 7 p.m. Tickets: $30. The Fillmore. 8656 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910. www.fillmoresilverspring.com

Looking Ahead: Gather the family on Wednesday night and head to the Strathmore for The Hip Hop Nutcracker,which reimagines Tchaikovsky’s classic score through explosive hip-hop choreography. A dozen all-star dancers, an on-stage DJ, and an electric violinist bring the traditional Nutcracker story to life in contemporary New York City. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $28-$58. The Music Center at Strathmore.  5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD 20852. www.strathmore.org

Life's short. Be entertained. 

Events to Peep for the Weekend - 12.1 - 12.3

Bundle up on Friday and head to The Park at CityCenter to view a life-size, modern, igloo made of 36,000 pounds of ice blocks. Styled with plush interiors by Joseph Ireland of JD Ireland Interior Architecture + Design, this one-of-a-kind, frozen structure will allow Washingtonians to fulfill their subzero living dreams for one weekend. Free. Time: 4 p.m.-8 p.m. CityCenterDC. 825 10th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001. www.citycenterdc.com

After you come in from the cold on Friday, head to the Improv and warm up with some laughter courtesy of MTV funnyman and Hip Hop Squares regular Lil Duval. "Shoulders!" 7 p.m. Tickets: $27. DC Improv. 1140 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036. www.dcimprov.com

Make a joyful noise on Saturday and celebrate the reason for the season at Evangel Cathedral's 2017 Christmas Celebration-the most spectacular, dramatic, Broadway-style musical production on the east coast, featuring song, dance, live animals, and starring gospel sensation Tye Tribbett for Saturday's show! 2 p.m. & 4 p.m. Tickets: $45-$65. Evangel Cathedral. 13901 Central Avenue, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774. www.evangelchristmascelebration.com

Head to the basement on Saturday night and experience the return of pure hip hop from two-time Grammy nominee and super producer 9th Wonder protege, Rapsody, spittin' tracks from her new album "Laila's Wisdom." 8 p.m. Tickets: $15/$18. Songbyrd. 2477 18th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009.  www.songbyrddc.com

Didn't get to celebrate National French Toast Day on Tuesday? No worries. The classic breakfast staple is a specialty at Medium Rare's brunch in addition to its other delights including their famous eggs Benedict and steak & eggs. Enjoy the $24.95 all-inclusive brunch on Sunday, which includes bottomless mimosas, blood Marys, or screwdrivers, and begins with fresh oven hot rustic bread and your choice of vanilla yogurt parfait with dried fruit and granola, farm fresh fruit salad, or our mixed green salad. Cheers! Brunch time: 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Medium Rare. 515 8th Street, SE, Washington, DC 20003. www.mediumrarerestaurant.com

Calling all my chocolate lovers! On Sunday, head north for the 3rd Annual Annapolis Chocolate Binge Festival featuring 20 local and regional chocolatiers to shop from. The event also includes a smores bonfire, gingerbread moonbounce, live music, and other surprises, including a visit from Santa! 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Tickets: $5-$10. Annapolis Arts District. West Street and Calvert Street, Annapolis, MD 21401. Click here for tickets.

Looking Ahead: On Thursday, head to the Birchmere and kickoff the holiday season with four-time, platinum album seller Aaron Neville for the Virginia show of his "Holiday & Hits Tour." 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $89. The Birchmere. 3701 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22305. www.birchmere.com

Life's short. Be entertained.

Events to Peep for the Weekend - 11.23 - 11.26 (Thanksgiving Edition)

She's baaack! After the last Thanksgiving dish has been washed and the final guest leaves, settle into the new Netflix series and remake of Spike Lee's first joint, "She's Gotta Have It," which follows the liberating, sexual adventures of one Ms. Nola Darling.

Head to the Warner Theatre on Friday night and feel "the fire" of R&B soul diva Chaka Khan performing all of her classic hits from "I Feel For You" to "I'm Every Woman." 8 p.m. Tickets: $69-$90. Warner Theatre. 513 13th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004.www.warnertheatredc.com

Check out Mint Condition front man Stokely Williams when he brings his solo talents to the Howard Theatre on Friday night, performing his new hit "Level" plus classic Mint Condition jams. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $37-$72. Howard Theatre. 620 T Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001. www.howardtheatre.com

The holiday season is officially here and nothing says festive family fun like ice skating. Head to the rink in the National Gallery of Art's Sculpture Garden on Saturday and show off your fancy figure 8 moves while surrounded by large-scale sculptures by contemporary artists including Louise Bourgeois, Sol LeWitt, and Roy Lichtenstein. Hours: 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. Tickets: $9 for adults/$8 for children. $3.50 for skate rentals. Gallery and Sculpture Garden. Entrances at Constitution Avenue near 7th Street and Madison Drive near 9th Street. More info can be found here.

Get your praise and groove going on Saturday night when Ledisi and Kirk Franklin's "The Rebel, The Soul, & The Saint Tour" stops in D.C. delivering the best in gospel and R&B entertainment. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $59-$130. DAR Constitution Hall. 1776 D Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20006. www.dar.org/constitution-hall

By Sunday, no one will want to hear the word turkey. So mix things up when you head to Guajillo for a sumptuous Mexican brunch featuring huevos rancheros, enfrijoladas, and chilaquiles. Brunch Hours: 11:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Guajillo. 1727 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22209. www.guajillomexican.com

On Sunday night, what better way to burn off all of those Thanksgiving calories than with laughter. Head to the DC Improv and "cut up" with funnyman Donnell Rawlings from the Dave Chappelle show. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $27. DC Improv. 1140 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036. www.dcimprov.com

Looking Ahead: Throw your diamonds up on Wednesday when Jigga Man--Jay Z--makes his stop in DC for his 4:44 tour featuring Vic Mensa. 8 p.m. Tickets: $50-$379. Capital One Arena. 601 F Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004. www.ticketmaster.com


Life's short. Be entertained...and have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

Events to Peep for the Weekend - 11.17 - 11.19

Calling the "young, gifted, and black"...and those who love a good production. Check out "Nina Simone: Four Women," on Friday where through storytelling and song, the stage play will reveal how the iconic chanteuse found her true voice — and how the “High Priestess of Soul” helped define the sound of the Civil Rights Movement. 8 p.m. Tickets: $71-$91. Arena Stage.  1101 6th Street, SW, Washington, DC 20024. www.arenastage.org

Looking for theater with more edge? Then head northwest to the Woolly Mammoth Theater on Friday instead for Felonious Munk's production of "Nothing to Lose (But Our Chains)" which tells of the thought-provoking standup comic's colorful life story from six years in a state prison to a six-figure job in corporate America to a new life as an activist and satirist. 8 p.m. Tickets: $20-$89. Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company. 641 D Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004. www.woollymammoth.net

On Saturday, bundle up the kids and head to Gaylord National's ICE! 2017, a winter wonderland created entirely of 5,000 blocks of ice, weighing 2 millions pounds, hand-sculpted by 40 international artisans, and kept at a chilling nine degrees Fahrenheit. The attraction is fully interactive, allowing guests to roam inside, around and on-top of holiday scenes. Just don't forget the hats and gloves! Open daily; hours vary. Tickets: $28. Kids 3-11: $20. Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. 201 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, MD, 20745. www.christmasonthepotomac.com

Get lifted on Saturday night as the original queen of neosoul, Erykah Badu, heads to the brand new waterfront Anthem theater to bring you dope vibes and all of her classic funky jams from "On and On" to "Call Tyrone." 8 p.m. Tickets: $76-$126. 901 Wharf Street, SW, Washington, DC 20024. www.theanthemdc.com

After a turnt up night, can't decide on eggs or pizza for breakfast on Sunday morning? No need to choose. Head to Graffiato for a wide variety of pizza pies such as "Porky's Revenge" made with tomato, mozzarella, soppressata, pepperoni, and sausage or choose from classic breakfast staples such as chicken & waffles and steak & eggs. Bottomless options available. Brunch Hours: 11:30-3 p.m. Graffiato. 707 6th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001. www.graffiatobymic.com

On Sunday night, the historic Twins Jazz club will feature Jeff Cosgrove and the Noah Preminger Quartet, bringing the best in tenor saxophone and percussion. Full dinner menu available. 8 p.m. Tickets: $10. Twins Jazz. 1344 U Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009. www.twinsjazz.com

Looking Ahead: Head to the Kennedy Center on Monday night for The Bridge Concert Series: Pioneering Emcees, Vol. 1, where the trailblazing artists who laid the foundation for Hip Hop culture will be celebrated in a concert featuring its early pioneers MC Sha-Rock, Queen Lisa Lee, Spoonie Gee, Kurtis Blow, Kool Moe Dee, Whodini, and more. Hosted by Roxanne Shante and Grandmaster Caz, with music by Kool DJ Red Alert. 8 p.m. Tickets: $19-$69. John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. 2700 F Street, NW, Washington, DC 20566. www.kennedy-center.org

Life's short. Be entertained.