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.

Events to Peep for the Weekend - 11.10 - 11.12

Head to Silver Spring on Friday and go back in time to experience the life of young crooner Frankie Lymon brought to stage in "Fool in Love: The Frankie Lymon Story." 8 p.m. Tickets: $40. Live Garra Theatre in residence at Silver Spring Black Box Theatre. 8641 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910. www.silverspringblackbox.com

Prefer a little more modern day theater? Then head to the Warner Theater on Friday for the battle of the sexes, movie-to-stage adaptation of Je'Caryous Johnson's "Two Can Play That Game," featuring the movie's original lead actress, Vivica Fox, as well as Columbus Short, Vivian Green, Carl Payne, and Ronreaco Lee. 8 p.m. Tickets: $59-$70. 513 13th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004. www.warnertheatredc.com

Funnyman Bill Bellamy from the big screen, small screen, and stage is back at the Improv on Saturday to wind down your weekend with a night full of jokes and laughter. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $27. DC Improv. 1140 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036. www.dcimprov.com

Soul songstress Conya Doss heads to Bethesda on Saturday night to bring you all of her hits from "Don't Change" to "Ain't Givin Up." Opening the show will be special guest Teri Tobin. 8 p.m. Tickets: $35. Bethesda Blues and Jazz Supper Club. 17719 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814. www.bethesdabluesjazz.com

With fall season in full swing, its time to trade in rooftop brunches for something more cozy. Head inside to to Hazel on Sunday and enjoy a selection of dim sum items including koji berry muffins, pulled pork donburi, zucchini bread, and fried chicken, OR try the entire dim sum menu for $99. Brunch time: 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. Hazel. 808 V Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001. www.hazelrestaurant.com

With the holiday season fast approaching, head to the National Harbor on Sunday for the annual tree lighting & fireworks show. A day full of activities include card making, a holiday movie, the Radio King Orchestra and, of course, a visit from Santa! 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Free. National Harbor. 165 Waterfront Street National Harbor, MD 20745. www.nationalharbor.com

Looking Ahead: Musiq Soulchild kicks off your work week when he heads to the Howard Theater stage on Monday to bring you over a decades plus worth of hits from "Love" to "Dontchange" to "B.U.D.D.Y." 8 p.m. Tickets: $39-$79. The Howard Theatre. 620 T Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001. www.thehowardtheatre.com



Life's short. Be entertained.

Events to Peep for the Weekend - 11.3 - 11.5

On Friday, go back in time with "The Very Last Days of the First Colored Circus," a stage play written by Steven A. Butler, Jr., set in rural Maryland in 1927, which focuses on a group of black circus performers who struggle to be respected both as artists and as human beings. Featuring authentic vaudeville-inspired performances from the 1920s, this new musical pays tribute to a group of brave actors seeking the freedom to pursue their craft. 8 p.m. Tickets: $45-$55. Anacostia Playhouse. 2020 Shannon Place, SE, Washington, DC 20020. restorationstage.com

Acclaimed South African two-time Grammy nominated songwriter, guitarist, and producer, Jonathan Butler, hits the Blues Alley stage on Friday night, performing hits from his 25-year recording career in pop, R&B, smooth jazz and adult formats. 8 p.m. Tickets: $50. Blues Alley. 1073 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20007. www.bluesalley.com

On Saturday, warm up the fall day with North Capitol’s Second Annual Chili Challenge, featuring chili entries from eight local restaurants including Boundary Stone DC, DCity Smokehouse, and Old Engine 12. The day will also include games, a hot pepper eating contest, beer, wine, and a DJ spinning the latest hits. 1-4 p.m. Tickets: $15 adv/$20 day of. All proceeds go to North Capitol Main Street. 1600 N. Capitol Street, NW, Washington, DC 20002. Purchase tickets here.

Icons recognize icons on Saturday night as comedy legend Paul Mooney and funny lady Marsha Warfield pay tribute to the late great activist Dick Gregory in a one-night only performance at the Howard Theatre. The Howard Theater. 620 T Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $49.50-$89.50. www.thehowardtheatre.com

Raise a glass to District Winery on Sunday and celebrate the restaurant's new brunch menu, featuring crab beignets,“Canele” French toast, and wild mushroom tartine. While there, stop by the restaurant's tasting bar where tastings includes five carefully selected wines and rotates regularly. Bottles to go are also available for purchase. Brunch: 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. District Winery. 385 Water Street, SE, Washington, DC 20003. www.districtwinery.com

On Sunday, take it back to the old skool and celebrate all things hip hop at the Words Beats & Life Festival: Top Notch B-boy & B-girl Competition and Fine Lines Paint Jam, featuring b-boys and b-girls from around the country defying the laws of gravity and competing for cash prizes, while legendary DJ’s spin the hottest tracks. In addition, watch as 30 D.C.-based artists create live works of art, complete with music from DJ Vico Vibez. This year’s Fine Lines Paint Jam will draw inspiration from the classic Hip Hop film Wild Style. Free. 12 p.m.-8 p.m. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. 2700 F Street, NW, Washington, DC 20566. www.kennedy-center.org

Looking Ahead: "Wind up" your Thursday night at Echostage for the go-go Blend Show featuring Rare Essence, Back Yard Band, Junkyard Band, and the Uncalled 4 Band coming together to make your midweek funky. 10 p.m. Tickets: $36-$49. Echostage. 2135 Queens Chapel Road, NE, Washington, DC, 20018. www.echostage.com

Life's short. Be entertained.