This is one of the biggest holiday weekends of the year, as celebrations of Mardi Gras, Valentine’s Day and Presidents’ Day overlap and blur. (Sadly, no one organized our dream soiree with a brass band performing for singles dressed as Babe-raham Lincoln and other sexy presidents.) We have separate lists for the area’s best Mardi Gras parties, Black History Month events, Lunar New Year celebrations, and Valentine’s Day activities for singles and couples. While some events from those roundups are featured in this week’s column, not all of them are, so we encourage you to check those other stories.
Thursday, Feb. 12
Book Lovers’ Night Out at Old Town Books
The romance section is open late at Old Town Books for its after-hours Valentine’s celebration. Its adults-only party includes themed bites and nonalcoholic drinks, plus a DIY bookmark bar and opportunities to chat with booksellers for personalized recommendations. Dedicated bookworms can purchase literary-themed flash tattoos from a local artist; another body artist offers titanium-grade piercings on-site. 7 to 9 p.m. $22.
BSO Lunar New Year Celebration at Strathmore
The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra celebrates the Year of the Horse with a mix of symphonic, folk and contemporary music from across East Asia, led by the BSO’s Jiannan Cheng and featuring pianist Yekwon Sunwoo. A pre-concert party in the Music Center at Strathmore celebrates the Lunar New Year with traditional music and dance from local youth groups representing China, Korea, Vietnam and other Asian countries. Pre-concert activities begin at 5:30 p.m.; the concert begins at 7:30. $29-$68.
U Street Black History Month Centennial Celebration at Ben’s Next Door
When you think of U Street, you probably think of Ben’s Chili Bowl. Whether you uplift its role in the community or think chili-smothered half smokes are just a tourist trap, there’s no denying its central place on D.C.’s legendary Black Broadway. While Ben’s is undergoing renovations, the U Street Main Street organization is hosting its Black History Month celebration at Ben’s Next Door. Kids can show up as early as 2 p.m. for games and coloring, while the adult portion of the day, beginning at 5 p.m., includes DJs, trivia, a Spades tournament and raffle, alongside happy hour specials. 2 to 10 p.m. Free.
Adrian Loving Presents: ‘Disco! Music Image Dance Sound Salon’ at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
You may have heard DJ Adrian Loving spinning at D.C. hot spots like La Betty, Cana or Eighteenth Street Lounge, but his encyclopedic knowledge of music doesn’t end when the vinyl stops. Loving has written a book, “Fade To Grey: Androgyny, Style & Art in 80s Dance Music” and contributed to the recent “Disco! Music Image Dance.” He’ll discuss his process, including research and preservation of histories, and disco’s cultural and social importance during a talk at D.C.’s main public library. Disco-related books, music and artifacts from the library’s collections will also be on display. 7 to 8:30 p.m. Free; registration requested.
Valentine Cheeses class at Cheestique
Heart-shaped triple cream cheese and rose-covered goat cheese are on the menu for a Valentine Cheeses tasting at Del Ray restaurant and cheese shop Cheesetique. Sign up for the hour-long online class and either pick up your cheese kit in person or have it delivered. You and your date can sample five delectable cheeses as Cheesetique owner Jill Erber gives you the rundown during an interactive Zoom discussion. A sangiovese from Santa Barbara is an optional add-on to make it a wine and cheese night. 7 p.m. $55-$114.98.
Dende at Pearl Street Warehouse
For those raised on silk-shirt R&B about begging for love in the rain — not the too-cool-for-school crooners who turn their noses up at romance — check out Dende, a Houston-based artist who sings for the yearners. His Def Jam debut, “I Am, Because You Are …,” is full of promises to buy his paramour flowers and treat them better: “I live for slow jams that I can hold you to,” he sings. “I live for moments made just for me and you.” Dende is joined by DMV talent Melan, whose 2025 album “Soulflower” has the heady rush of new love but doesn’t get lost in the haze thanks to her ear for beats. 8 p.m. $16-$35.
Friday, Feb. 13
Africa, With Love at National Museum of African Art
For this free after-hours party, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art brings Afro-funk band Chopteeth to the museum for a musical performance. Tour the galleries, buy a drink at the bar, and make your own art at a crafting station. 6 to 9 p.m. Free; reservation required.
Loverfest at Whitlow’s on U Street
There are two parties at Whitlow’s on Valentine’s Day Eve, depending on your relationship status. “Honoring friendship in all its forms” is the theme of the Galentine’s Day Loverfest on one floor, featuring Taylor Swift cover band Fearless Eras, which has performed at the State Theatre and headlined the “Life of a Showgirl” album release party at Problem Child. (9:30 p.m. Free.) Singles can show up early for the ticketed Cuffing Season happy hour, which features colored wristbands — green if you’re available, red for a wingman or wingwoman — and themed cocktails. (Feb. 13 from 6 to 9 p.m. $10.)
Anti-Valentine’s Day & the Shredding of Grievances at Dacha
The beer garden’s Shaw location has a suggestion for the resigned singles, the recently heartbroken and the divorced-and-proud crowd this Valentine’s: “Don’t air your grievances. Destroy them.” It will stretch a giant roll of paper across its picnic tables and offer markers to scribble out your frustrations. At 9 p.m., the paper goes through the shredder. RSVPs aren’t required, but those who register on Eventbrite get a free Jell-O shot on their way in. 7 p.m. Free.
Venus: A Galentine’s Dance Party at Black Cat
Skye Marinda, the District’s favorite resident witch, hosts a Galentine’s celebration of the divine feminine. Guests are invited to wear “whatever brings out your inner Venus,” which might mean pink, roses, pearls or crowns. Miranda offers love-themed tarot readings; DJs Dianamatic and $et take the stage to set the mood; and dancers Yooji and May Day take the pole for performances. Note that this event is 18+. 8 p.m. $13.
The Cottage: A ‘Heated Rivalry’ Dance Party and Drag Show at Songbyrd
Nearly every D.C. venue (from cozy DC9 to the cavernous Anthem) has hosted or plans to host a dance party in honor of “Heated Rivalry.” Most feature TikTok fan edits set to pop songs on a big screen. But what sets Songbyrd’s party apart is its other form of entertainment — drag kings. Expect house, pop and disco, plus Shane-and-Ilya inspired costumes and performances at a midnight show hosted by drag mainstay Brooke N. Hymen. 11 p.m. $19.
Girl Scout cookies and beer at Port City Brewing
Girl Scout cookies are hot commodities at local breweries: Right Proper hosted a beer-and-cookie tasting last week, and on Friday night, Port City is pairing five styles of cookies with five of its brews at its Alexandria taproom. A welcome drink is included in the ticket price. Doors at 6:30 p.m. for the welcome drink; tasting begins at 7. $24.
Slay Them! Drag competition at City-State
The latest edition of local drag sensation Desiree Dik’s Slay Them drag competition finds seven queens taking the stage at City-State in hopes of taking home the crown. Bonus: The bar is staying open later than usual. 8 to 11 p.m. Free.
Saturday, Feb. 14
George Washington Birthday Parade in Old Town Alexandria
On Presidents’ Day weekend, it’s the first president who gets most of the attention. The main attraction is the George Washington Birthday Parade, which has been celebrated in the streets of Old Town Alexandria since 1801. Marching bands, floats, Revolutionary War reenactors, and fife and drum corps fill St. Asaph and Pitt streets on Saturday afternoon, with “General and Mrs. Washington” as honored guests. The day also includes a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the American Revolution, and special hours at some historic sites. Parade from 2 to 4 p.m.; other event times vary. Free.
‘Happy Birthday, George Washington’ at the Library of Congress
“Happy Birthday, George Washington” is the theme at the Library of Congress’ monthly Family Day, which includes tours of its “The Two Georges” exhibit, craft activities and talks with Library staff. 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Free; Timed tickets required for Library entry.
Frederick Douglass 208th Birthday Celebration at Capital Turnaround
Frederick Douglass’s annual birthday party is too big for his historic Cedar Hill home, so the celebration is once again held at the Capital Turnaround theater across from the Navy Yard. Hear Douglass’s speeches recited by the student winners of the annual Frederick Douglass Oratorical Contest and traditional African American songs from the Jubilee Voices ensemble, and play a game of Black History Month Jeopardy. Author Jeffrey Rosen, the CEO emeritus of the National Constitution Center, provides the keynote address, comparing Douglass and Abraham Lincoln to a second generation of Founding Fathers. 1 to 2:30 p.m. Free.
250th Festival: Celebrating Our Story at the National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery begins its celebrations of America’s 250th anniversary with a festival celebrating the faces in the museum’s collection. The Washington Ballet is performing a work inspired by “American Winners: Athletes and Entertainers Who Shaped the Nation,” and hosting an interactive workshop. D.C. artist MasPaz is leading a screen-printing workshop, while mixed-media artist Donna Castellanos leads art-making activities. Look for live music, gallery tours, story times and games for all ages. 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free.
Mortified at the Black Cat
The most cringe-inducing Valentine’s Day in town? Let us introduce you to the annual “Mortified D.C.: Doomed Valentine’s” night, which finds adults mining their old unsent love letters, teenage diary entries, emails from exes and ghosted text messages to tell true — and very embarrassing — stories about love. Previous editions have been car-crash-comedy gold, with tales of first kisses and being stood up on a big date. You’ll also find yourself sympathizing and perhaps blushing along with the storytellers onstage, and possibly thinking back to the overwrought poems you wrote to your high school crush. 7 p.m. $18-$29.90.
Red Light Special at Everyday People
Hopefully the lights are turned down really low at Everyday People on Valentine’s Day, because the early-evening “Red Light Special” promises to be a destination for couples seeking smooth and sultry slow jams. Look for DJs D-Skillz and Champ Lifestyle to spin throwbacks like D’Angelo’s “Untitled,” Art of Noise’s “Moments in Love” and Prince’s “Adore,” as well as the TLC slow-burner that inspired the party’s name. 4 to 8 p.m. Free.
Valen-Zine at Doubles
Since they proliferated at the height of the District’s punk scene, zines have been an analog way to showcase passion. Show your love — for your partner, friends or the DIY art form — with the help of D.C. Zine Fest, which is hosting a zine craft and swap at the Park View coffee shop/ping-pong palace. They’ll set up on the back patio with materials to make your own one-sheet and Victorian puzzle purses. Bring your favorite zines to share in a communal reading. 1 to 3 p.m. Free.
Valentine’s Day Tarot Masterclass at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
Lost in love and looking for answers? You might find them at the downtown library’s tarot reading workshop. The first installment of a series on tarot basics, this session focuses on asking the right questions to refine your love life. In the first hour, expect an in-depth master class from a local reader. The second half of the workshop gives you an opportunity to try your own hand at reading. The instructor also offers paid readings at an additional cost. Limited loaners are available, so bring your own tarot deck if you have one. 2 to 4 p.m. $25.
Black Ink Open House at Pyramid Atlantic
Black screenprinters and printmakers take center stage at Pyramid Atlantic’s annual Black Ink open house. Visit the Hyattsville art studio to see Hadiya Williams’ exhibit “OFFLINE: Tracing the Source,” then hear the printmaker discuss her process alongside curator Anika Hobbs. Throughout the day, there are printmaking, screen printing, bookbinding and papermaking demonstrations, as well as a chance to visit individual artists’ studios. Noon to 4 p.m. Free.
“From Rhythm to Resistance: A Celebration of Caribbean-American Heritage” at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
Live music bookends a discussion about Caribbean American history and social justice as part of the D.C. Library’s Black History Month celebrations. Mike’s Music Machine’s steel pan performance is followed by a panel of local scholars exploring the impact of Caribbean culture on America’s journey toward equality. The afternoon wraps with Image Band bringing the sound and vibe of Trinidad’s Carnival. Noon to 2:30 p.m. Free.
Red Derby Disco Honky-Tonk
The Red Derby calls its annual Disco Honky-Tonk party a Valentine’s Day event, but you don’t need a date to have a great time dancing to ABBA and Dolly. Get to the 14th Street bar between 5 and 7 p.m. for $7 espresso martinis. 5 p.m. Free.
Sunday, Feb. 15
Mardi Gras at the Wharf
D.C.’s biggest public Mardi Gras celebration features marching bands, stilt walkers, street performers and festively decorated floats parading from one end of the Wharf development to the other, beginning at 3:30 p.m. (Look for guests including the Racing Presidents and other sports mascots.) Once the last participants cross the finish line, you’ll find bands playing brass music, jazz and go-go on outdoor stages at both ends of Wharf Street. A kids zone at the southern end hosts family activities, including mask making and face painting, and there are multiple outdoor bar areas for adults. Festive vibes continue at bars and restaurants around the Wharf, with hurricanes and rum cocktails at Tiki TNT; a Mardi Gras Jam at Pearl Street Warehouse, beginning at 1 p.m.; and parties on rooftops, including at Whiskey Charlie. The party ends with fireworks shot from a barge at 6:30. 3 to 7 p.m. Free.
Mardi Gras on H Street
An outdoor stage near 12th and H streets NE is the centerpiece of the nightlife corridor’s annual family-friendly party, with live music by groups including the Eastern High School marching band and the U.S. Army Blues band, line dancing, a moon bounce, and face painting. The Atlas Performing Arts Center is also getting into the act, including a free performance of the Goodlife Theatre’s “Recycling Pirates” musical puppet show and ticketed performances of Constellation Theatre Company’s “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors.” Stop into bars and restaurants for additional entertainment: The Johnny Graves Quartet is popping up at Gallery O on H, while the Henceforth brewpub has live music. Sunday from noon to 7:30 p.m. Most events free.
Mardi Gras Fiesta at Republic Cantina
For most of the year, Republic Cantina is a place where Tex-pats can get their fill of sizzling smoked brisket enchiladas or queso compuesto, washed down with spicy margaritas and a soundtrack of Waylon and Willie. But when Mardi Gras rolls around, the cozy restaurant changes tack: Shrimp po’ boys, fried okra, Hurricanes served in commemorative plastic cups, and a brass band parading through the dining room. No reservations are accepted, so get there early. 2 to 6 p.m. Free.
‘Living the Dream … Singing the Dream’ at the Music Center at Strathmore
After many years at the Kennedy Center, this annual tribute to Martin Luther King Jr., presented by Washington Performing Arts and Choral Arts, has moved north to Strathmore. “We Are One: A Global Song for Justice and Unity” is the theme for the performance, featuring the Washington Performing Arts Men, Women and Children of the Gospel Choirs and the Choral Arts Symphonic Chorus. 7 p.m. $28.75-$86.25.
Kolsch Service at Lost Generation
By the time you read this, Europe’s largest party will be underway in the German city of Cologne, where the week-long Karneval attracts millions for street parties and parades, many of whom will be imbibing kolsch, the city’s easy-drinking golden beer. The beer comes with its own culture of service: Blue-aproned waiters, known as kobes, circle the room, carrying trays of full beers, and plop down a slim, cylindrical 6.8-ounce glass, known as a stange, in front of anyone who’s glass has been emptied. With each delivery, the kobes draws another tick on a beer mat to track the table’s consumption. They keep circling the crowd, refreshing beers until a coaster is placed atop the stange. Why are you hearing all this? Because Lost Generation is bringing a taste of Cologne to Eckington on Sunday to celebrate its new kolsch, Beauty In A Glance. Just like in Cologne, Lost Generation’s servers will keep handing you fresh glasses of kolsch — $3 each! — until you say “when” by turning over your coaster. Noon to 6 p.m. Free; $3 per beer.
Presidents’ Day tour at the National Museum of Health and Medicine
The National Museum of Health and Medicine is one of our favorite off-the-beaten path museums. Where else can you find a giant colon, a swollen leg with elephantiasis, and gruesome Civil War-era amputation kits under the same roof? The museum, run by the U.S. Army, has ties to several presidents: The bullet that killed Abraham Lincoln, is on display alongside skull fragments, and another case holds a section of James Garfield’s vertebrae. A special docent-led tour, held only a few times a year, serves as an introduction to the collections at the Silver Spring museum. 2 p.m. Free.
Petworth Peanuts Book Exchange and Carnivale at Hook Hall
Petworth Peanuts, a nonprofit group for families in the greater Petworth area, is hosting a community carnivale and book exchange with more than 1,000 children’s books and puzzles available to take home free. There’s entertainment from singer Mr. Rob, a magician, tap dancers, and a balloon artist; a soft play area, including a bounce house; a costume contest; plenty of games; and a chance for parents to socialize. 2 to 6 p.m. Free; $5 donation per family suggested.
Crush Valen-wine’s at Lulu’s Winegarden
Who doesn’t love sampling wine while snacking on breakfast tacos? Bring your partner, a date or a gaggle of friends to Lulu’s for a Valentine’s-themed edition of its Crush wine tastings. Around 25 different wines — including “bubbles, pink wines and silky whites” — are available at tasting stations in the Shaw bar’s back garden, along with bottomless tacos. If you find a wine you love, to-go bottles are available for purchase. Two sessions: Noon to 1:30 p.m. or 2 to 3:30 p.m. $72.60.
Monday, Feb. 16
Presidents’ Day at Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon, George Washington’s home and plantation, opens its doors to the public with no charge on Presidents’ Day, and the busy schedule features Revolutionary War military drills and cannon firing; a meet-and-greet with an actor portraying Washington; tours of the recently reopened mansion; a ceremony at Washington’s tomb; and a concert by the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps. Children can also make a birthday card and play 18th-century games. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free.
Lincoln’s Life, Death and Legacy at President Lincoln’s Cottage
Abraham Lincoln, whose birthday was Thursday, also gets his due on Presidents’ Day, thanks to a guided tour organized by President Lincoln’s Cottage. “Lincoln’s Life, Death and Legacy” explores Lincoln as both a president and a citizen, visiting the cottage where he worked on the Emancipation Proclamation; Ford’s Theatre, where he was assassinated; and the Lincoln Memorial, where he is remembered. Tickets include transportation between all three sites. 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. $75.
Lundi Gras party at St. Vincent Wine
Lundi Gras — literally “Fat Monday” — is New Orleans’ warmup for the main event. At the New Orleans-inspired wine garden in Park View, Lundi Gras has become the focal point, with jazz trumpeter Joe Brotherton and his trio performing in the heated backyard tent as well as on the second floor’s stage. Tickets include a hurricane spritz cocktail, beads and entry into a raffle; a special New Orleans menu can be purchased a la carte. Note that table reservations are good for two hours. 5 to 10 p.m. stvincentwine.com. $20.
Chinatown’s Midnight Madness
At one of Chinatown’s earlier Lunar New Year celebrations, the Hung Ci Lion Dance Troupe dances through the streets before ending its route at Anthem Row. Spectators are invited to feed the lions with red envelopes; businesses receive red envelopes and lettuce to symbolize spreading wealth and warding off negative spirits. 11:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Free.
Tuesday, Feb. 17
Bayou Gras Mardi Pardi at Bayou Bakery
Chef David Guas is a native of New Orleans and loves sharing the city’s culture through his cookbooks and his Arlington restaurant, Bayou Bakery. The cafe is open with a special menu from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. but really kicks into gear afterward. The District Brass Band performs while guests tuck into an all-you-can-eat spread with crawfish Monica, gumbo, gulf shrimp jambalaya, red beans and rice, and signature muff-a-lotta sandwiches, plus plenty of king cakes and desserts. An add-on option includes an open bar with frozen daiquiris, hurricanes, the Nola paloma and Abita beer. There’s a special menu for kids younger than 12, too. 5 to 9 p.m. bayoubakeryva.com. $55 all-you-can-eat, $85 all-you-can-eat-and-drink; $25 children’s ticket.
Paczki Day at Ivy and Coney
The beginning of Lent isn’t all king cakes and beignets. In Polish-speaking communities in the Midwest, Fat Tuesday is for paczki, a puffy powdered doughnut filled with rich cream or fruited jelly — a last indulgence before weeks of fasting. At Ivy and Coney, the Shaw bar that celebrates its owners’ hometowns of Detroit and Chicago, boxes of paczki are brought in from Silver Spring’s Woodmoor Pastry Shop. Buy a beer and get a free doughnut — one per customer. (Be warned: D.C.’s transplanted Midwesterners show up early and line up for a taste of home.) The kitchen also makes pierogies for the occasion, and they’re sold a la carte. 5 p.m. Free.
Mardi Gras Celebration at Mr. Henry’s
The Bob Schwartz Quintet performs “carnival” tunes by King Oliver, Louis Armstrong, Fats Waller, Duke Ellington and other jazz greats during this annual show at the venerable Mr. Henry’s. Tickets include a buffet with crawfish, gumbo, shrimp and grits, and other dishes; a tarot card reader; and “beads for all.” 6 to 10 p.m. $49.
Margo Price at 9:30 Club
For about a week in September, it seemed like Margo Price might have been the last musical guest on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” following a suspension the late-night host received over a politically charged monologue. Although Kimmel soon returned, Price’s performance was prophetic: The outlaw country star performed “Don’t Let the Bastards Get You Down,” updating the song’s final lyric to “Keep all them fascists underground.” 7 p.m. $40.30.
Say She She at the Atlantis
Say She She is a Brooklyn-born trio with a tongue-twister moniker and a smooth sound indebted to classic soul and disco-funk a la Nile Rodgers and Chic. Expect three-part harmonies, wah-wah guitar, walking bass lines and four-on-the-floor grooves built for dancing. 6:30 p.m. $36.50.
Wednesday, Feb. 18
Year of the Red Fire Horse Lunar New Year Celebration at McLean Community Center
The McLean Community Center welcomes out-of-town troupe Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company for a Lunar New Year production that fuses ceremonial dance with contemporary movement. Expect a traditional dragon and lion dance as well as a new work called “Carousel,” inspired by 2026’s zodiac sign. 7 p.m. $25-$35.
‘National Parks Cookbook’ talk at Bold Fork Books
In their new cookbook, authors Nina Elder and Melissa Knific bring 100 recipes inspired by the lodges, restaurants and ingredients of the country’s 63 national parks — think popovers from Acadia and chili from Grand Teton’s. Their talk at Bold Fork Books is moderated by The Post’s own travel reporter Natalie Compton. 7 p.m. $8 admission; $37 admission and signed cookbook.
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