February may be the shortest month – even with an extra day this year – but there are so many great reasons to get together with family and friends. From Black History Month and the Lunar New Year to Valentine’s Day and Super Bowl LVIII, check out our highlights for February events in the DMV and don’t worry about the groundhog’s prediction.

ARTS, FOOD, DRINK & FUN

Photo courtesy of Strathmore

Hansel and Gretel | through February 18

The Puppet Co. Playhouse at Glen Echo Park, 7300 Macarthur Blvd, Glen Echo, MD

This classic German fairy tale about two kids who get lost in the woods and encounter a witch, performed using marionettes, is sure to charm all ages.

Tickets $15

The Victorian Ladies’ Detective Collective | February 1 – 25

Washington Stage Guild, 900 Mass Ave NW, Washington, DC

In 1893, a serial killer terrorizes actresses in London and the police have been unable to stop the Battersea Butcher. Three women who live in Mrs. Hunter’s Lodgin House for Ladies take up the task but without modern forensics or cooperation from the authorities.

Tickets

Chocolate Lovers Festival | February 2 – 4

Downtown Fairfax, Multiple Locations

A favorite annual event, the Chocolate Lovers Festival in the City of Fairfax is held the first weekend in February with fun – and delicious – events for the whole family. Check their website for more information and tickets.

Salamander Uncorked: Black-Owned Wineries & Black Winemakers | February 8, 5:30 – 7:30 PM

Harrimans Virginia Piedmont Grill, Salamander Middleburg Resort & Spa, VA

Sommelier, Catherine Watkins, presents five wines and petite appetizers each month at this casual and interactive wine-tasting event.

Tickets $50

Ballet Hispánico | February 8, 8 PM

The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Ln, North Bethesda, MD

For over 50 years, Ballet Hispánico has been bringing communities together, using innovative dance performances, transformative dance training, and community engagement experiences to celebrate and explore Latino cultures.

Tickets $28-$60

Loudoun Symphony Presents Truth and Transcendence | February 10 & 11

St. David’s Episcopal Church, Ashburn, VA & Independence High School, Ashburn, VA

Immerse yourself in an unforgettable musical journey where the essence of history intertwines with nature, and each note captures the power and resilience of the human spirit. Guest performers include soloist Dr. Jie Hyue Kim and the Melicenko Family from Ukraine.

Tickets: February 10 | February 11

Tempestuous Elements | February 16 – March 17

Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St SW, Washington, DC

Tempestuous Elements reveals the struggle of educational luminary Anna Julia Cooper as she fights for her students’ rights to an advanced curriculum as principal of DC’s historic M Street School.

Tickets

Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival | February 16 – 18

Hilton Hotel, 1750 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD

The Year of the Big Band – 3 days and 3 nights of real jazz on 5 stages running simultaneously plus masterclasses, live interviews, line and swing dancing, midnight and youth jam sessions.

Ticket Prices Vary

George Washington’s Birthday at Mount Vernon Estate | February 19 & February 22

Mount Vernon Estate, Alexandria, VA

Celebrate the United States’ first president at his beloved Mount Vernon Estate on Presidents Day and his birthday for free! Mansion tour tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

LUNAR NEW YEAR

Photo courtesy of dcparade.com

Lunar New Year Family Festival | February 10, 11 AM – 4 PM

National Postal Museum, 2 Mass Ave NE, Washington, DC

Celebrate the year of the dragon at the National Postal Museum’s Lunar New Year Family Festival! The event will offer fun for all ages with activity stations, crafts, book readings, and lion dance performances. Presented in collaboration with the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center.

Free Admission

Lunar New Year Family Celebration | February 10, 11:30 AM – 3 PM

Smithsonian American Art Museum, G St NW & 8th St NW, Washington, DC

Join SAAM for their annual celebration showcasing the ways different Asian cultures ring in the Lunar New Year. Enjoy dance and music performances, crafts, traditional Chinese and Korean art demonstrations, photo booths, face painting (for children 12 and under, while supplies last), family-friendly activities, and the showstopping lion dance.

Free Admission | Registration Encouraged

Lunar New Year Celebration | February 10, 12:30 – 4:30 PM

Westfield Montgomery, 7101 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda, MD

Westfield Montgomery in partnership with the Chinese Culture and Community Service Center invites you to celebrate the Year of the Dragon as they bring you a thrilling dragon lion dance, live performances, traditional dances, and the annual parade through the center.

Free Admission

DC Chinese Lunar New Year Parade | February 11, 2 PM

Chinatown, NW Washington, DC

In the lunar calendar, it will be the year 4722 and the streets of DC’s Chinatown will be filled with revelers to celebrate the Year of the Dragon. Come early and grab a bite to eat before you enjoy this dynamic parade culminating in a firecracker show in the middle of H Street.

VALENTINE’S DAY

Galentine’s Day Sip, Paint & Karaoke | February 10, 12:30 – 3 PM

Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant, 1403 Research Blvd, Rockville, MD

Gather your besties for an afternoon of art, laughter, and epic karaoke battles.

Tickets $25-$85

Valentine’s Day Chocolate & Wine Pairing at Kalero Vineyard | February 11, 2 PM

Kalero Vineyard, 36140 Charlestown Pk, Purcellville, VA

For the second year, this popular event will feature chocolates from Conche Chocolates & Cake Studio paired with special wines.

Tickets $40

Cupid’s Queer Comedy Special | February 11, 6 – 7:30 PM

Silver Spring Black Box Theater, 8641 Colesville Rd, Silver Spring, MD

Live, love, and laugh with Improbable Comedy and Comedy Bonfyre at their “Cupid Comedy Special.” The show is part of SPRUNG! Comedy Festival and features Dylan Adler (Comedy Central) headlining along with Ginny Hogan, Paul Mooney, and host Kenny Rooster.

Tickets $25-$100