Today, Punxsutawney Phil AND Potomac Phil saw their respective shadows–– this means we will have an early spring, although it also looks like we will have snow in mid-February. But let’s not count the snow days before they’re hatched: what is there TO DO?
It’s Black History Month across the land. Celebrate the rich Black history and significant monuments, milestones, boundary stones and other markers around town with Black History Sites: Washington DC, an excellent tool put together by the DC Historic Preservation office and the Office of Planning. With 300 different places listed, you can read about one a day and celebrate ten months of Black History instead of just one.
For starters, why not watch “Groundhog Day” at the Miracle Theater? It’s a classic for today.
Tomorrow, march on down to East City Books for a very special Saturday Storytime as author Dinah Johnson will be reading “Ida B. Wells Marches for the Vote.” The event is free, but you must RSVP here.
Is virtual still more your speed? Join ECB on Tuesday, February 6 for a virtual discussion on “Greta & Valdin,” a book by Rebecca K. Reilly. Click here for more info and to RSVP.
On February 8, the girlgenius Songwriter Showcase at Songbyrd DC highlights and uplifts queer femme artists from DC. The evening will feature several artists, including Devon Williams, Veronica Faison and more. The night’s proceeds will go to the DC Abortion Fund. For more information and tickets, go here. Need a preview? Listen to these tracks: Devon’s Bandcamp, Veronica’s Bandcamp.
Interested in community safety? Unsure as to what the police can and cannot do? MPD organizes their Community Engagement Academy three times a year and the next cohort is starting soon. Interested? Fill out the card here.
The Oscars aren’t until March 10, but you can watch Oscar-nominated movies at the Angelika Pop-Up (Poor Things, Anatomy of a Fall, American Fiction, Oppenheimer). Is a place a pop-up if it’s been around in the same spot for over 10 years? Asking for a friend.
Have a story to tell? Apply to be a part of Capital Fringe! Want to share what makes a Capitol Hill Home unique? Send in your photos to Capitol Hill Restoration Society‘s Capitol Hill Home contest! Want to communicate through art? Apply to Artomatic or, if you can, She:DC! Want to celebrate the Cherry Blossom Festival from your porch? Register your Petal Porch!
SKATING RINKS
It may seem laughable to think about skating when it’s 70 degrees out, but our area boasts several ice skating rinks so you can live your best icy life. Most rinks open around this time of year and stay open through February. Check the websites for additional info:
District Wharf
Canal Park
Sculpture Garden
WEEKLY FUN
Every Tuesday through Thursday, from noon until 8 p.m., the 1908 Lounge pops up at Union Station. The bar serves cocktails, beer and wine and offers a fun atmosphere for locals and commuters alike.
The Library of Congress is open late on Thursdays for Live! at the Library. These events are free but require timed passes. You can also sign up for a recording of the performance (more info here) and watch at home with your favorite alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage.
At ReLume, you can make something beautiful and have fun while doing it! From candles to seasonal decorations to starting a new hobby, you can do it all there. Make a holiday wreath this Sunday! More info here.
Want to get your square dance on with the DC Rawhides? They are yee-hawing their way into our hearts on select Friday and Saturday evenings, 7-11 p.m., at Eastern Market’s North Hall. Click here for more info.
Mr. Henry’s is THE place to listen to jazz on the Hill. They have performances Wednesday through Saturday, but we have a soft spot for Saturday Showcase. Tickets and more info on all the performers past and future here.
A Sunday tradition, the Flea Market at Eastern Market is your one-stop shop for wonderful art, clothing, cosmetics and more. Follow them on Instagram here.
Labyrinth has great events almost every night of the week, except for Monday. If you’re looking to demo board games or enjoy some of your favorites with old and new friends, check out their event calendar. Guess what? Labyrinth is open Mondays during the busy holiday season!
On Monday evenings, Trivia Kings takes over Barrel for trivia night. For more info, click here. (They also host trivia nights all over town.)
On Wednesday evenings, make it trivia! Two Girls Trivia runs a quiz at Fight Club starting at 7 p.m. For more information and quiz hints, check out their Twitter, @twogirlstrivia.
as you are on Barracks Row has great events happening almost every day of the week: from crafting on Wednesdays to karaoke on Thursdays and Sundays to Saturday dance parties, this queer-safe space welcomes everyone. Check out their calendar of events here.
Every Thursday and Friday, Kelly’s Irish Times has comedy! The Batting Cage Comedy show starts at 8 p.m. and is free on Thursdays. More info here.
OFF-HILL
On February 3, welcome the Hillwood Estate back from their winter cleaning by participating in their Candlemas celebrations, called La Chandeleur. There will be crêpes! More info and tickets here.
The Smithsonian has a beautiful exhibit at the Kogod Courtyard, between the American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery. The Future of Orchids examines the beauty of orchids and their fragility. Sculpture by Phaan Howng. blends and For more information, click here.
The National Building Museum’s newest long-term installation, Building Stories, is a beautiful, interactive trip for children’s book lovers of all ages. Explore the architecture of what makes a good children’s book, revisit some of your old favorites and find a new compelling story to fall in love with. The exhibit will be at the museum for 10 years, but there will be programming with the DC Public Library and a constant curation of new children’s literature titles. Make sure you grab a passport and explore! More info and tickets here.(Check out our recent peek on Instagram here.)
Mondays can be tough days, but Songbyrd has Music Trivia this and every Monday up in Union Market district to gladden hearts and fuel your competitive spirit. The best part? It’s ALL AGES! Enjoy it with friends or as a family. More info here.
The Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center has FREE performances that you can also catch on their livestream. For more info click here.
PLAN AHEAD
On Saturday, February 10, meet at 11 a.m. at Stanton Park for a clean-up. This is the first in what will hopefully become a tradition, organized by neighbor Rebekah Calano. Trash bags and gloves will be provided, but if you want to bring a trash grabber, by all means (we hear you can get pretty great ones at all our local hardware shops). Have any questions? Email recalano@gmail.com for more information.
Mardi Gras is fast approaching, and what better place to celebrate debauchery and good times than the Wharf? The celebration gets underway on Saturday, February 10 (Samedi Gras?) from 3-7 p.m.. Enjoy a parade, live music and a fireworks show. You can find the whole line-up and a spot to RSVP here.
Hate Valentine’s Day? Then get yourself to the Miracle Theatre and watch “An Affair to Remember” and cry over other people’s thwarted tales of love and loss. Please make sure to follow it up at home with a viewing of “Sleepless in Seattle,” you lovelorn puppy.
The annual Cupid’s Undie Run, to benefit the Children’s Tumor Foundation, will kick off on February 17. Don your cutest underwear and pray that the weather is as nice as this weekend’s as you raise money to support those who suffer from neurofibromatosis (NF). Click here to sign up or learn more, or if you want to donate and skip the “running in your chonies” part, you can do that too.
It’s a leap year, so why not do something fun on that one extra day? “Dish! The Storytelling Cocktail Hour” comes back to the Hill Center on Thursday, February 29. Get tickets here.
The Washington Bach Consort’s Noontime Cantatas are free lunchtime performances with talented musicians who celebrate the art and genius of Bach. The first concert this year will happen on Monday, March 4 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. More information here. The concerts are free but if you enjoy them, consider donating here.
The Embassy Chef Challenge, a night of culinary delights and sportsmanship, will take place March 7 at Union Station. Taste dishes expertly made by local embassy chefs and vote for your favorites. For more information and tickets, click here.
Opening Day isn’t until April 1, but you can start planning your game day early because the special ticket event calendar is here! From Pups in the Park to Alumni nights, get the group or fam together and have fun rooting for the Nats. Click here to learn more and purchase. (Psst– the freebies list is here.)
Psst: The Mystics kick off their season on May 14.