13 things to do around D.C. this weekend
Valentine's Day celebrations are starting early around D.C. Plus, more Lunar New Year festivities, museum tours, art walks, and shows at Wolf Trap.
Bleak weeks in D.C. call for good weekends. Here's a guide to help you make this one as festive as possible, with lots of museums for quiet reflection and dance parties for getting out of your head.
National Symphony Orchestra In Your Neighborhood 2025: Uptown
This February, the Kennedy Center's National Symphony Orchestra is collaborating with communities in Ward 4 and Takoma Park, Maryland to amplify joy, unity, and shared humanity through music and the arts. (Thursday, Feb. 13 - Wednesday, Feb. 19; Takoma | Sixteenth St | Shepherd Park | Petworth | Brightwood | Crestwood; FREE.)
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6
I <3 Art at the Phillips Collection
Love is in the air at this Phillips After 5 event, featuring music by local band Cinema Hearts and DJ Pae Me, Valentine's-themed cocktails and mocktails, friendship bracelet stations and spotlight talks on romantic artwork from the collection. (There's also a separate ticketed singles happy hour, though it's already waitlist only.) (Phillips Collection; 5 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.; $20, free for members)
Bold & Beautiful: After Dark
It's the first "After Dark" event of the year at the Anacostia Community Museum. Celebrate the exhibition A Bold and Beautiful Vision: A Century of Black Art Education in Washington, DC, 1900-2000 with a music performance by Jerome Baker III, poetry readings, and s'mores plus a chocolate fountain from A Chocolate Chick Company. (Anacostia Community Museum; 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.; Free)
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7
Tchaikovsky: Iolanta
The Russian Chamber of Art Society presents an abridged concert version of Tchaikovsky's final opera. Followed by a reception with wine, hors d'oeuvres, and desserts. Tickets and ID are required to enter. (Embassy of France; 7:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.; $65)
Dupont Circle Art Walk
It's the first Friday of the month, and that means it's Dupont Circle Art Walk. Per usual, enjoy a self-guided walk through art galleries, embassies, and more. You can visit one or try to hit all 12 locations. (Various locations; 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.; Free)
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8
Cheers and Beers: Black Brewers Tasting Party
metrobar is teaming up with Black Brew Movement and DC Beer for a tasting featuring Black brewers in the D.C. area. Tickets get you a tasting glass to take home, plus 12 pours and a chat with the brewery teams. (metrobar; 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.; $32)
Daft Disko: Disco House Party at Union Stage
Exactly what it sounds like. Music from Daft Punk, Stardust, Breakbot, Mylo, Cassius, and more. (Union Stage; 10 p.m.; $20)
Family Valentine's Day at the Library of Congress
This family celebration features stations to make Victorian-style Valentine's cards inspired by some of the Library's collections. Per usual at family events, staff experts will be around to chat. (Jefferson Building; 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.; Free, but reservations required)
Community Love Day, Common Good City Farm
More celebrations of love, this time at Common Good City Farm. The event features perfume oil making with Moi Essentials and a stamp making station. Come with donations for the community pantry and fridge, and also get things you might need. Accepted items include produce, bread, milk, eggs, and boxed or canned pantry goods. (300 v St NW; 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.; Free)
Lunar New Year Celebration at Twin Lakes Golf Course
The celebration will feature live performances and food from local food trucks. (Twin Lakes Golf Course; 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.; Free, but registration required)
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9
Mt. Pleasant Library Temporary Closure "Party"
Bid a temporary adieu to the Mt. Pleasant Library this Sunday. The library is closing from February through June for renovations, and to celebrate with the community, they'll offer breakfast and other freebies. (Also, it's a good opportunity to return books if you need to do that...) (Mt. Pleasant Library; 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.; Free)
NGA Exhibition Tour – Spirit & Strength: Modern Art From Haiti
This exhibition features 21 works recently gifted to the National Gallery of Art. In the tour you'll learn about Haitian artists like Hector Hyppolite, Andre Pierre, Philome Obin, and more. (NGA; 1 p.m. - 1:50 p.m.; Free)
World Tour at the Botanical Gardens
This virtual tour from naturalist and botanical horticulturalist Keith Tomlinson features D.C.'s Botanical Garden. Tomlinson has featured gardens from around the on these online visits. (Zoom; 4 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.; $30 for non-members, $25 for members)
Scena Theatre: AJAX
This modern reimagining of the famous tragedy by Sophocles is presented by D.C.'s Scena Theatre and set in today's Middle East. Feb. 9 is the play's closing night – tickets are available throughout the week and weekend. (Atlas Performing Arts Center; Various times; $50 for adults)
