February might be the shortest month of the year, but it is packed with activities in the Northern Virginia area. Whether the groundhog sees his shadow on February 2 or not, we’ve got great ideas regardless of the weather. Are you looking for some new traditions that you and/or your family are sure to “love?” FOCUS on NoVA Real Estate® has you covered. Below, please find a list of our favorite activities taking place in February.
By Kirstin Hawthorne
FOCUS on Holidays & Celebrations
Chocolate Lovers Festival — City of Fairfax
Willy Wonka has nothing on this annual tradition! The Chocolate Lovers Festival is the perfect way to celebrate your love of chocolate. For three days, you can indulge in chocolate-inspired fun, complete with activities and events for people of all ages! You won’t want to miss the Taste of Chocolate at Old Town Hall or the search for a Golden Ticket! If you are lucky enough to find a chocolate bars (hidden throughout downtown) with a lucky Golden Ticket you will take home a chocolate prize. The festival is free, but some activities may have a nominal fee. This year’s festival will be held Friday, February 3 from 6 PM – 8 PM, Saturday, February 4 from 10 AM – 4 PM; and Sunday, February 5 from 12 PM – 4 PM.
February 3 – 5 | Time Varies by Day | Old Town Fairfax
Mardi Gras on Barracks Row — 8th Street, Washington DC
If your New Year’s Resolution was to “laissez les bons temps rouler” (the French Cajun phrase for “let the good times roll”) you should make your way down to Barracks Row in DC. You’ll find yourself shouting “throw me something mister,” as you watch these amazing sidewalk parades. Enjoy live music, authentic New Orleans food, and special activities. Join the fun by wearing the official colors of Mardi Gras: green, purple, and gold, which represent faith, justice and power, respectively. This event is free, but some businesses/events might require a ticket or RSVP so check out the link above and enjoy an afternoon of food and festivities! Parade times are Friday, Feb 17th at 6:00 PM and Saturday, Feb 18th at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM.
February 17 – 21 | Time Varies by Day | 8th Street SE, Washington, DC
George Washington Birthday Celebration Parade — Old Towne Alexandria
This highly anticipated event is one of the oldest and biggest parades honoring George Washington in the nation. The parade, which marks the 291st birthday of our first President, follows a one-mile route across Old Towne and has more than 2,500 participants including bands, drum corps, first responders, city officials, community organizations and a special appearance from George and Martha Washington themselves. Parade starts at 1:00 PM. Traditionally, the parade begins at Gibbon and Fairfax Streets and then winds around City Hall with the reviewing stand at King and Royal Streets. Check back closer to the event to get specifics on the parade map.
February 20 | 1:00 – 3:00 PM | Old Towne, Alexandria
FOCUS on Arts & Entertainment
Women Playing Hamlet — Workhouse Arts Center
In the mood for a funny take on the classic Shakespearian play Hamlet? Look no further than the Lorton Workhouse Arts Center where this adaptation follows the journey of a young woman who has landed the role of Hamlet. Her hilarious trials and tribulations to overcome a mean acting coach, ageism, and gender stereotypes are sure to find you laughing in your seat. Don’t ask yourself whether “to be or not to be” in the audience.”
February 3 – 5| 2:00 or 9:00 PM | Lorton Arts Center | 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton VA
Carrie Underwood Concert — Capital One Arena
Carrie Underwood hits the stage at Capital One Arena with this breathtaking two-hour show that combines country, gospel, pop, and rock. The Denim & Rhinestones Tour features her latest songs, as well as her favorites. This go-round, she teams up with special guest Jimmie Allen for what will undoubtedly be her best concert series yet!
February 15 | 7:30 PM | Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC
Capital Remodel & Garden Show — Dulles Expo Center
The Capital Remodel & Garden Show is a dynamic venue filled with home products and services. Are you looking to refresh your home? You won’t want to miss this awesome event. Speak with industry specialists, see the latest trends and designs, and listen to unique presentations from local and national home experts. You will even have a chance to see Trading Spaces veteran designer, Vern Yip and WETA’s If You Lived Here hosts Christine Louise and John Begeny. Admission is nominal and there are several days in which you can receive free admission.
February 24 -26 | 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (except Sunday ends at 6:00 PM) | Dulles Expo Center, 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly, VA
Into The Woods — Kennedy Center
Enjoy this Broadway sensation that combines several of Grimm’s fairy tales and explores the consequences of the characters’ wishes. The storyline follows a baker and his wife and their desire to reverse the curse of a witch and have a child. Three days before the rise of the blue moon, the characters go into the woods to try and find the items needed to break the spell. A great production encapsulating the old adage, “be careful what you wish for.”
February 23 – March 19 | 1:30 or 7:30 PM | The Kennedy Center | 2700 F St., NW, Washington, DC
FOCUS on Family
NMAAHC Kids Learning Together series, scheduled throughout Black History Month, offer virtual programs inspired by children’s programming that feature Black professionals answering questions and meaningful activities led by museum educators. Celebrate Disney Encanto’s Antonio and meet a Black veterinarian who will teach children about animal behavior; Celebrate The Incredibles’ Frozone by meeting a Black figure skater and listen as he talks about skating; Celebrate Princess Tiana by meeting a Black chef who shares his love of cooking and tradition; Celebrate Doc McStuffins by getting to know a Black doctor who talks about being a pediatrician. Registration is required and supply lists for accompanying activities will be sent prior to each session.
February 4 – 21 | 11:00 AM – Noon | National Museum of African American History & Culture | Online via Zoom
Nature DIY Valentines —Ellanor C. Lawrence Park
Using materials found in nature, your little ones can use their creativity to make unique Valentines for friends and family. All materials will be provided, but registration is required in advance. When you are done with the crafts, if the weather is nice, take the opportunity to explore the trails, see the historic kitchen garden, and walk around the ponds. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, or even if it does, go see the live reptiles and amphibians and partake in the hands-on activities available in the Walney Visitor Center.
February 11 | 3:00 – 4:00 PM | Ellanor C. Lawrence Park| 5040 Walney Road, Chantilly, VA
Family Fun Sensational Seeds —Green Spring Gardens
Hoping to turn your brown thumb green? Wondering what to plant in your spring garden? This awesome program for kids ages 5-99 features Green Spring staff showcasing their extensive seed collection; demonstrating how to learn about seeds by dissecting them; and seeing how the seeds grow into plants. You even get to plant some seeds to grow at home and then transplant into your own garden in the spring. All attendees must register and there is a small fee to cover supplies.
February 25| 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM| Green Spring Gardens | 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA
FOCUS Feature for Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day Succulent & Terrarium Workshops — Alexandria, VA
Do you think Valentine’s Day “sucs” … er, is less than equitable? Grab your gal pals, family or kids and enjoy this event tailored to different groups and which is guaranteed to be a good time for those “plant-onic” relationships. Guests will create a 6” terrarium featuring Valentine’s décor. You can select your plants and accoutrements to make it uniquely yours. The PlantHouse staff will be there to help you as much or as little as you like and to offer plant care tips.
February 4 – 14 | Time Varies by Event | PlantHouse Alexandria | 921 North Saint Asaph Street, Alexandria, VA
FOCUS Feature for Charity
Camp Sunshine 2023 Virginia Polar Dip — Reston, VA
Was your New Year’s resolution to try new things? To support local charities? To learn to love the cold? Well, if so, come out and support Camp Sunshine and their annual Polar Dip. Camp Sunshine is a retreat for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. If you’d like to be “Freezin’ for a Reason” and check off another box on your bucket list, grab your swim suit, a towel, and some friends and “jump” in to support this worthy cause. Hypothermia not your cup of tea? Participate in the “Chicken Dip” where you only stick your toes in! Register today and your friends will think you are one “cool” cat!
February 11 | 2:00 PM | Reston Community Center | Lake Anne Village Center, Reston, VA
