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
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.
The Victorian Ladies’ Detective Collective | February 1 – 25
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.
Chocolate Lovers Festival | February 2 – 4
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
Sommelier, Catherine Watkins, presents five wines and petite appetizers each month at this casual and interactive wine-tasting event.
Ballet Hispánico | February 8, 8 PM
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.
Loudoun Symphony Presents Truth and Transcendence | February 10 & 11
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
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.
Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival | February 16 – 18
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.
George Washington’s Birthday at Mount Vernon Estate | February 19 & February 22
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
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
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 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
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
Gather your besties for an afternoon of art, laughter, and epic karaoke battles.
Valentine’s Day Chocolate & Wine Pairing at Kalero Vineyard | February 11, 2 PM
For the second year, this popular event will feature chocolates from Conche Chocolates & Cake Studio paired with special wines.
Cupid’s Queer Comedy Special | February 11, 6 – 7:30 PM
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.
Valentine’s Day Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides | February 12 – 14
Enjoy a journey along the magical, twinkling streets of Reston Town Center. Proceeds benefit local charities Kids R First and Cornerstones.
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