15 things to do around D.C. this long weekend
Valentine's celebrations, a film fest, a free go-go concert, and more.
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The federal government isn’t giving us much (anything?) to root for these days, but we can still celebrate President’s Day for what it is: a Monday off! This long weekend, there are plenty of lovey-dovey V-Day events to remind you that all we really have is each other.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13
“The Genius of Polyamory” salon at Cleveland Park Library
Yep, you read that correctly. The Cleveland Park Library is hosting the first of three polyamory workshops tonight, led by sex activist and coach Dr. Jaime Grant. Author of “Polyamory for Dummies,” Grant will guide participants through reflective exercises about desire, sex, and non-monogamy. (Cleveland Park Library; 5 - 7 p.m.; Free)
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.)
Book talk: Bye Bye I Love You
Linguist and author Michael Erard is visiting Planet Word for a chat on our first and last words and the surprising connections between them. Erard’s new book, “Bye Bye I Love You: The Story of Our First and Last Words,” will be available for purchase. The talk will be followed by a signing and light refreshments. (Planet Word Museum; 6 p.m., doors 5:30 p.m.; $10)
D.C. Independent Film Forum
Cinephiles, put on your little wire-rim glasses! The annual DCIFF kicked off on Wednesday and will run screenings and seminars through Monday, Feb. 17. Thursday’s offerings include a screening of “A Good Wolf,” a feature-length documentary about a land debate in Alaska, followed by a panel discussion with the film’s executive director Megan Draheim. Make it a double feature and catch “The Other You”— a film about a woman who discovers a door to a new life. (Various locations, times, and prices)
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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14
Date night at Lost City Books
Deploy everything you learned at the library’s polyamory teach-in at this Valentine’s Party hosted by the indie darling of Adams Morgan, Lost City Books (kidding.) They’ll have wine, desserts, live jazz, couples’ tarot readings (terrifying?), and a “tête-à-tête” with Marisa Franco, author of “Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make – and Keep – Friends.” Lost City instructs guests (whether you’re bringing a crush, a pal, a polycule, or just yourself) to wear “whatever makes you feel hot.” (Lost City Books; 8 - 11 p.m; $75)
Sucker for Love at Lincoln Theatre
Feeling unlucky in love? Nothing quite like hearing from folks who might’ve had it way worse to put your pain in perspective. “Sucker for Love,” Story District’s storytelling show, returns to Lincoln Theatre with eight performances about the highs and lows of love and the odd, hilarious, and memorable stuff that happens in between. (Lincoln Theatre; doors 6:30 p.m., show at 8 p.m.; $39.50)
Africa, With Love
The National Museum of African Art is keeping its doors open a little later in the spirit of love. From 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., you’ll find snacks and drinks, games and writing prompts, and musical performances. (The performances will be at 6:30 and 7:45 p.m.) Or you can simply browse the museum until closing. (National Museum of African Art. 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Free, but Registration required)
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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15
How to become a Black writer
Author, journalist, and activist Marita Golden will be in conversation with author E. Ethelbert Miller about her new book, “How to Become a Black Writer: Creating and Honoring Black Stories That Matter.” Part autobiography, part guide, Golden blends details of her own journey as a Black writer with instructions and lessons to help readers find their voice. (Politics and Prose - Connecticut Avenue; 5 - 6 p.m.; Free.)
The Love Birds at Folger Shakespeare Library
This concert blends medieval music with readings from Geoffrey Chaucer’s “A Parlement of Foules,” the 14th-century poem that contains the first reference to St. Valentine as the patron saint of love. Composed by Guggenheim fellow Juri Seo, Fowels of Every Kinde is a four-movement work that captures Chaucer’s wit and charm. D.C. actor Holy Twyford will perform the readings. (Folger Theatre; 4 p.m. or 7 p.m.’ $20-40)
You Should Meet My Friend at Fantom Comics
Still not done loving on your pals after V-Day? Head to Fantom Comics to sing their praises. Participants get 3 - 7 minutes to introduce their friend to a crowd, talk about what makes them so great, and highlight some of their best qualities. And then everyone gets to meet and hang out with everyone else’s friends — a dream! Fill out this form to RSVP (either as a presenter or audience member.) (BYOB; Fantom Comics; 7 p.m.; Free)
What about love? at BloomBars
Inspired by bell hooks’ All About Love, BloomBars invites people to celebrate love in community with a series of art installations and social mixers. The evening will feature letter writing, mini love confessionals, and games. Light snacks and beverages will be provided. (BloomBars; 7 - 10 p.m.; suggested donation $10-20)
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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16
Record fair at The Line
Local vinyl curator Mezzanine Vinyl is bringing together the D.C.-area’s best independent record stores for a day-long sale at The Line Hotel in Adams Morgan. Shoppers can browse collections from more than 15 local sellers. (The Line Hotel; 1 - 8 p.m.; Free. Cash bar)
Family Dance Workshop with the American Ballet Theatre
Get the kids moving with artists from the American Ballet Theatre. Designed for kids 10 and under, the 45-minute session will focus on movement and music, incorporating some ballet basics. Children must be accompanied by an adult. (Millennium Stage at The Kennedy Center; 11 a.m.; Free)
DJ Set at Suns Cinema
Stay out late this holiday weekend because that may be all the time this federal government gives! Suns Cinema is hosting three DJs: Maria Chavez, an abstract turntablist whose work is rooted in embodied listening; Maria, also an abstract turntablist and the only one in the world to perform with the rare RAKE needle; and Valentina, a DJ and local organizer who’s been creating space for local musicians for over a decade. (Suns Cinema; 9 p.m.; $15)
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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17
Go-go anniversary concert at Howard Theatre
Celebrate the 5th anniversary of the bill that made go-go the “official” music of D.C. with a free concert at Howard Theatre. For the first time in 25 years, EU, the Junkyard Band, the Backyard Bard, and Northeast Groovers will reunite on stage. The show, sponsored by the D.C. Public Library, will also feature performances from Pock3t, a youth go-go ban, DJ Remin, and DJ Big John. (Howard Theatre; doors 1 p.m., show from 1:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.; Free)
Capital Orchestra Festival At the Kennedy Center
Suck all of the (free) artistic experiences you can out of the Kennedy Center before Trump attempts to turn it into a shrine for bad AI art and Kid Rock concerts. On Monday afternoon, five orchestras from across the U.S. will perform works by Beethoven, Mozart, John Williams, and more. (The Kennedy Center Concert Hall; 2 p.m. — approx 145-minute run-time with intermission; free with registration)