By Maura Stevens

Kinky Boots
The award winning musical makes a short stop at Capital One Hall in Tyson’s. Two shows at 12:00 noon and 6:00 PM.February 1, 2026
Capital One Hall, 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons, Virginia 22102

34th Annual Chocolate Lovers Festival
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.
February 6 from 5 PM – 8 PM,
February 7 from 10 AM – 5 PM
February 8 from 12 PM – 4 PM
Old Town Hall, 10415 North St., Fairfax City VA 22030

National Building Museum – Great Movies in the Great Hall
Enjoy the February showing of Disney’s Cinderella in the Great Hall. Bring your own food, blanket, or lawn chair for a fun family move night. Drinks and light snacks (including beer and wine) will be available for purchase. Evening begins at 6:30 PM with an interactive dance activity led by The Washington Ballet. Movie begins at 7:00 PM.
February 6, 2026
National Building Museum, 401 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20001

George Washington Birthday Parade
This highly anticipated event is one of the oldest and biggest parades honoring George Washington in the nation. The parade 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 14 , 2026 2 2:00 – 4:00 PM
Old Towne, Alexandria

Exhibit: The Two Georges: Parallel Lives in an Age of Revolution
The Library of Congress brings together letters, ledgers, diaries, maps, drawings of two iconic figures of the Revolutionary War: George Washington and King George III. Although the two never met, visitors can envision where they would clash and where they would compromise in this stirring exhibit that features items from a wide range of collections, including the Royal Archives at Windsor Castle, London’s Science Museum and George Washington’s Mount Vernon.
Through March 21, 2026
Library of Congress, 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20540

Mardi Gras at the Wharf
Celebrate Mardi Gras at the Wharf with the Mardi Gras parade.  The parade includes the mardi gras king and queen, jugglers, stilt walkers, love bands and numerous floats. The parade begins at 3:30 followed by live music on the wharf and fireworks at 6:30. There will also be Mardi Gras Activity Stations on Recreation Pier with face painting, Mardi Gras mask making and crafts beginning at 3:00pm.
February 15, 2026 3:30-7:00 PM
The Wharf, 760 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC

MUSIC ROUNDUP

Dar Williams
Dar Williams comes to town as a stop on her Hummingbird Highway 2026 WOrld Tour.  The album was released in September and is filled with classic Williams characters that come to life through her songs.
February 7, 2026 @7:30
The Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22305

Nine Inch Nails
Led by lead singer and founder Trent Reznor, Nine Inch Nails stops by the Capital One arena for its Peel It back Tour. February 11 @8:00 PM.
Capital One Arena, 601 F Street NW , Washington, D.C. 2000

Love Notes
Internationally renowned pianist Thomas Pandolfi performs two rarely heard pieces by French composer Paul Ladmirault — Valse Triste and Épousailles —elegant, lyrical works that offer a captivating romantic spirit. The program also features Strauss’s Overture to Die Fledermaus and selections from Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty, performed side-by-side with the gifted musicians of the William & Mary Symphony Orchestra.
February 14, 2026 @ 7:00 PM
Capital One Hall, 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons, VA

The Nashville Nights Band
The band brings it 90s Ultimate COuntry Experience concert to the State Theater.  This show is designed for folks that love country music – especially in the 1990s decade with songs from artists such as Alan Jackson, Toby Keith, Garth Brooks and many more.
February 14, 2026 @ 7:30 PM
The State Theater,  220 N Washington St, Falls Church, VA

Celebrate Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner.  Still looking to plan a romantic evening out?  Check out our list of favorite restaurants that strike the  perfect romantic tone for an evening with that special someone.

Want to stay in and enjoy some fun Valentine’s Day-themed foods?  Here’s a list of nationwide chains that are offering something “lovely” for this special day!

  • Baskin Robbins – heart-shaped cakes
  • California Pizza Kitchen – heart-shaped pizza
  • Chick-fil-A – 30-count nuggets in a heart-shaped tin
  • Dunkin Donuts – heart-shaped donuts and donuts with heart sprinkles
  • Krispy Kreme – Valentine’s themed flavors and decorations
  • Papa John’s – heart-shaped pizza

COMEDY SHOWS

Chelsea Handler – High and Mighty Tour
Chelsea Handler makes a stop at Dar Constitution Hall for her High and Mighty Tour.
February 13, 2026@ 8:00 PM
Dar Constitution Hall, 18 th & C Streets N.W., Washington, DC

Kat Williams
Actor and comedian Williams brings his Golden Age Tour to Capital One Arena for one night of stand up comedy.
February 15, 2026 @ 7:00 PM
Capital One Arena,  601 F St NW, Washington, DC

Trevor Noah
Trevor Noah, comedian, emmy winner and former host of The Daily Show comes to the Warner Theater for a 4 night stint.
Feb 16-19
Warner Theater, 513 13th St NW, Washington, DC 

Margaret Cho
Cho brings her Oligarchy tour to the Warner theater.  The tour brings Cho back to her roots as a political comedian.  February 20, 2026 @ 8:00 PM
Warner Theater, 513 13th St NW, Washington, DC 

Justin Williams
Williams, creator of Netflix’ Magic for Humans Show, brings his One for the Ages tour to the DMV.  The shows is an interactive, laugh-filled, sleight-of-mind experience that’s smart, silly, and astonishing. Appropriate for all ages.February 21 @ 6:00PM- 9:00 PM, February 22, 2026 @ 2:00 PM-5:00 PM
Capital One Hall, 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons, VA

The Second City
The legendary Chicago improvisational theater troupe makes a 4 day stop at The Barns at Wolftrap with its Laugh Harder Not Smarter show. The show features improvised comedy, audience interaction, and of-the-moment sketches and songs from The Second City’s talented cast.
February 25th-28th.
The Barns at Wolftrap, 1635 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 

Jim Gaffigan
Gaffigan makes a stop at The Anthem on his Everything is Wonderful tour. Known for finding humor in the mundane,
February 27, 2026 @ 7:00 PM
The Anthem, 901 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC

GET ACTIVE OUTSIDE

POLAR PLUNGES

Polar Bear Plunge
Do you have the courage to take the plunge while raising money for the Chesapeake Climate Action Network? This annual chilly tradition – in it’s 21st year – challenges participants to “take the plunge” at National Harbor all f or a good cause. Not feeling brave? Would be plungers can donate on line and do a virtual plunge.
February 27, 2026 @ 11:50AM-12:10 PM
National Harbor Capital Canopy

Camp Sunshine 2026 Virginia Polar Dip — Reston, VA
Was your New Year’s resolution to try new things and support a local charity? 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

ICE SKATING

Ready to take a whirl on an outdoor skating rink?  Visit some of the local outdoor rinks for an afternoon or evening of winter fun

  1. National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden Ice Rink
    Purchase skating passes in person at the rink.  Fees covers two back to back 45 minute skating sessions that begin in the hour. Skate rentals available for $7.00 and lockers available on a first come first serve basis.
  2. Washington Harbour Ice Rink at Georgetown
    Centrally located between 3000 and 3050 K St. NW, Washington DC, 20007 . Skaters can purchase a 90 minute session. Skate rentals available for $7.00 and skate pebsgien can be rented for $10.00. The facility allows for private ice rental int he daytime and the evening by the hour. See website for more information.
  3.  Canal Park in Capitol Riverfront
    Skating is offered daily at the figure eight shaped rink at Canal Park.  Fee covers a 90 minute skating session with skate rentals available for $7.00. They also offer group skating lessons on the weekend. Check the website for more information.
  1. The Wharf
    The Wharf Ice Rink is open daily and offers public skating. Admission fee allows you to skate all day as long as you are wearing your admission band. The Wharf Ice Rink is located at 970 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024 on Transit Pier at The Wharf. Purchase admission and rent skates ($5) at the Skate Shop, located on Transit Pier next to the Water Taxi ticket office. Rink can be rented for private events,  See website for more information. The Wharf does not accept cash
  2. Winter Skate at the National Building Museum
    Looking to skate indoors?  Head over to the National Building Museum which offers a unique indoor skating experience in the Museum’s Great Hall. Daytime admission includes a 45 minute skating session, skate rental and access to museum exhibits.  Evening admission includes 2 hour skating sessions and skate rental.
  3. Reston Town Center
    The Pavilion at reston Town Centers becomes a skating rink in the winter.  After your shopping dis one – take a whirl around the pavilion.  Admission covers 90 minutes of skating. Skates can be rented for $8. The skating rink offers private and semi private skating lessons and can also be rented out for private events.
  4.  Westport Outdoor Skating (formerly Pentagon Row Outdoor Skating)
    This outdoor rink is 7,200 square feet – making it the the largest outdoor rink in the area.  Tickets can be purchased on line or at the rink.  Admission covers 2 hours of skating.  Stake rentals available. Group and private skating lessons are available. Rink also hosts birthday parties. See website for more information.

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