Things to Do in the DMV in February

Love and patriotism are alive and well in the DMV this February, with events and festivities that warm the heart and feed the soul.

 

Feb. 1 – 26

 

Alexandria, VA

 

As the adopted hometown of George Washington, the City of Alexandria celebrates his birthday every year throughout the month of February with events like the Cherry Challenge Restaurant Contest where each participating restaurant creates its own cherry cocktail, appetizer, entree and/or dessert. Washington-themed tours, ceremonies, balls, and galas educate and entertain guests. The George Washington Birthday Parade marches a mile-long route through the streets of Alexandria on Monday, February 20 beginning at 1 p.m.

 

Feb. 1 – 11

 

Morven Park

41580 Sunday Morning Lane

Leesburg, VA

 

Set in the beautiful woodland on the Morven Park grounds, this nighttime woodland trail experience is filled with wizarding wonders – all brought to life by award-winning theatrical designers. This 60-90 minute interactive walk through the woods allows guests of all ages to cast spells, meet magical creatures, and enjoy a selection of Harry Potter-inspired food and drinks.

 

Feb. 1 (ongoing exhibit)

 

National Portrait Gallery
8th and G Streets, NW
Washington, DC

 

This exhibit features five dynamic duos who made their mark on U.S. history during tumultuous times. Also on display and similarly themed, is “Family Ties: Daguerreotype Portraits,” which reflects familial relations documented by early cameras.

 

Feb. 3 – 5

 

City of Fairfax, VA

Check the event schedule for exact locations.

 

Search for the GOLDEN TICKET in historic downtown Fairfax City during the Chocolate Lovers Festival! Three of the limited-edition chocolate bars that are scattered throughout the city will include golden tickets for chocolate lovers gift baskets. But everyone who attends the festival will be a winner as they will be surrounded by the finest chocolate confections in the region: cakes, candies, brownies, fudge — so much sweetness!

 

Feb. 3 – 5

 

Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center

2371 Carl D. Silver Parkway

Fredericksburg, VA

 

Get inspired for your upcoming landscaping projects, home improvements, updated decor, and more.

 

Feb. 4

 

National Museum of African American History & Culture

Concourse, Oprah Winfrey Theater (and online streaming)

1400 Constitution Ave. NW

Washington, DC

 

Genealogist Bernice A. Bennett tells the stories of African American families who became landowners through the Homestead Act of 1862. She explores how these families navigated the process and what this legacy means for their descendents. Make sure to catch the NMAAHC’s many February exhibitions including “Spirit in the Dark,” the story of religion in Black America, and “A Changing America: 1968 and Beyond,” which explores contemporary Black life.

 

Feb. 4

 

Downtown Frederick, MD

 

Experience a winter wonderland in Downtown Frederick. The city will be transformed by  hundreds of unique ice sculptures.

 

Feb. 10

 

Selections from Brian Lander’s Portraits of Remarkable Black Women: Part II

 

National Portrait Gallery

8th and G Streets, NW

Washington, DC

 

Pulitzer-Prize winning photographer Brian Lanker’s subjects include women who have made significant contributions to the arts, activism, literature, politics, sports, and more. This installation includes Althea Gibson, Odetta, Cicely Tyson, and Oprah Winfrey.

 

Feb. 15 – 19

 

American Ballet Theatre

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

2700 F St. NW

Washington, DC

 

Enjoy the beauty of Renaissance Italy as you experience the most iconic story of star-crossed lovers. The American Ballet Theatre’s and The Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra present this lavish production through Sergei Prokofiev’s music, Kenneth MacMillan’s choreography and Nicholas Georgiadis’ colossal sets and lavish costumes.

 

Feb. 17 – 19

 

Hilton Hotel and Executive Meeting Center

1750 Rockville Pike

Rockville, MD

 

Enjoy three days of jazz on four different stages including concerts, master classes, interviews with artists, dancing, and jam sessions.

 

Feb. 24 – 25

 

Hilton Alexandria Mark Center

5000 Seminary Road

Alexandria, VA

 

Attend the free Black Health Fair and Relationship Seminar on Friday, Feb. 24 at 4 p.m. The Black Health Fair includes dozens of health organizations who will provide lifesaving information, perform on-the-spot prescreening, and/or set up health appointments. The Relationship Seminar features professional relationship experts to empower guests with information on how to keep their relationships healthy and positive.

 

The keynote speaker for the 2023 Virginia Black History Month Gala is veteran actor, singer, and producer Leon Robinson who played the lead role in the 2000 film “Little Richard.”